So much of the early out-of-season attention has been paid to the quarterback deals that have already been agreed, or are likely to be completed at some point, that it seems to have overshadowed the rest of the trading market.
It’s all Stafford or Goff or Wentz or Wilson or Rodgers or Watson. The whole time. Throw in the second franchise tag dance the Cowboys do with Dak Prescott and the 49ers and Jets potentially fending off their starting lineup – and the Raiders, too, could upgrade them to Russell Wilson – and that’s enough to make you forget about other recent big movies that were not linked to the QB position at all: Khalil Mack, Laremy Tunsil, Jalen Ramsey and Amari Cooper, just to name a few.
The trading market has been very fruitful over the past year, and I would expect that to remain the case as of the quarter.
The Broncos have made a serious decision to take over Von Miller, and while I would certainly execute the team option if I were, it could very well be a precursor to a trade. Chandler Jones could perhaps be used in Arizona, especially if the Cardinals choose to dig deep to retain Haason Reddick after his 2020 breakout season. There is always a demand for pass hunters – especially established ones – and even if they have an injury or possible problems off the field, it will not suppress interest.
It’s hard not to wonder about multiple transactions that also threaten the receiving site. Everyone I talk to expects Allen Robinson and Kenny Golladay to be tagged, which will leave a potential void of top catchers (other extensions could be tagged as well). The Browns do not deliver a vibe about dealing with Odell Beckham Jr. but it does not mean that someone can not make a call that results in an agreement. We’ve definitely seen it before. Brandin Cooks has not been traded for several months … which means he is in arrears, given the nature of his career. The $ 12 million salary is steep, but if I were the Texans, I would do anything to add concepts. Does Michael Gallup have a real future in Dallas, given all the moves they made at the receiver in terms of trade, concepts and contract extensions?
Most GMs consider it a foregone conclusion that the Patriots would trade Stephon Gilmore in the off-season, and I have yet to hear of a contract extension, so it seems like a possibility. I’m been talking about before the deadline about Bradley Roby as a potential brand, despite the fact that he only came to Houston due to the team’s rapid collapse. Once again pay off and add more concept items that are much needed.
The Ravens already gave Pro Bowl permission last month to beat Orlando Brown Jr. The Falcons have to drop salaries and pick up just as badly as the Texans; the perennial Pro Bowl center, Alex Mack, would be a good starting point (I would market Julio Jones if I were them, but I do not get the atmosphere at all).
Will all these guys be done? Of course not.
But a bunch of them can do very well, and that’s a pretty star-studded list. Trade is in the air, the lines of communication have been open for a long time – as the completed deals already say – and it’s not so hard to see that another wave of deals will fall as the league year opens in a few weeks.
Another reason to think that Watson may be tied to the Panthers
I’ve already told you about the length that Mr. David Tepper of Panthers is willing to check in an effort to land Deshaun Watson of Houston. Nothing has changed with that.
However, I picked up another treat that could further facilitate an instant between these teams if / when the Texans face reality and get away from their point of view of not dealing with their quarterback. According to the league’s sources, Jack Easterby, Texas’s executive – whose influence and influence in the organization has only increased over the past six months, despite everything said or written about him – has a very close relationship with the executive. Panthers officer Steven Drummond, who has risen to a great extent in that organization. heights since Carpet took over.
Sources said Drummond was considering opening the president of the Texans team before being quickly promoted again by Tepper – from a senior communications post to senior adviser to the chairman in early February. Both of these young, fast-rising people have the ears of their owners in a way that does not have too much in this industry, and their working relationship is a dynamic way to look at, should the Texans really hold an auction for them star QB (who many in the NFL believe will be done at some point before the draft).
They may be able to get quite creative and help each other at the same time.
Did Brees change his mind about retiring?
Could Drew Brees have thrown a crumb ball to everyone around him? After sending every sign that his retirement was imminent when the Saints season ended, might he have changed his mind? He is certainly entitled to it, but it begs the question – a la Ben Roethlisberger in Pittsburgh – about what his market would be, who would be interested and at what price? Because New Orleans would by no means be a lock to him. There is serious interest in retaining Jameis Winston and the Saints are – to say the least – absolutely intrigued about a possible link with Russell Wilson, because they know it would be a minefield to contractually navigate, given their serious salary tax problems. Eventually Brees’ steam is up and the last few seasons have had trouble getting the ball off the field and holding nothing, and nothing lasts forever. It seems like retirement still makes the most sense, but it’s obviously his call and his career and he has earned the right to try to go as long as he wants.
Wondering about the Dolphins
Still trying to figure out exactly how Dolphins’ offensive coordinator thing is going to work out. Looks more complicated than it needs to be, and is compounded with potential problems.