Franchise Tags:
Trey Smith and Tee Higgins were the only two players to be tagged yesterday. My first reaction is that I don’t know why the Bengals didn’t just sign Higgins to a contract last year similar to Devonta Smith (3 Years $75 million, $51 million guaranteed). Here’s why:
The number that really matters for contracts is guaranteed money. Last year and this year, the Bengals are paying Tee Higgins about $48 million guaranteed, basically the same amount of guaranteed money Devonta Smith is getting over three years. However, instead of paying him via a contract that shows how much they value him and keeps him, Joe Burrow, and the rest of the team and fanbase happy, they instead look cheap and like they don’t care about what’s best for the team.
And now if they do pay him a contract, it will probably cost more than Devonta Smith’s because each year you wait to sign a player, the more they end up costing because players are constantly resetting the market (Another reason they should have signed Ja’Marr Chase to a deal last offseason too.) The Eagles were in a similar situation to the Bengals last offseason and they handled it very well, giving new contracts to Devonta and AJ Brown. The Bengals are doing the opposite.
My second reaction is that this is bad news for the Pats. With all the cap room we have and no impending big contracts for players on our team, we would have been prime contenders to get both Trey Smith and Higgins. Both would be huge for our rebuilding team and young QB. We instantly would have a new Pro Bowl lineman and a WR1. Instead, we have to look elsewhere. This isn’t unusual since most great players don’t make free agency and emphasizes the need to draft and develop well.
Deebo on the Move
I think this was a win-win for both sides. The Niners get Deebo off the books and get something in return. The Commanders get a 2nd or 3rd weapon for their young stud QB. I do think Deebo is and has been overrated, however, I do think he is a major upgrade and big help for Jayden Daniels.
Stafford Staying
Matthew Stafford almost leaving seemed crazy to me. Why would he leave Sean McVay and the Rams for the Raiders or Giants, just to get a little extra money? He has made over $350 million in his career, he is set money wise. The real impact the remainder of his career could have is deciding whether or not he gets in the Hall of Fame. He is a borderline HOF right now, but a couple more quality years, a Pro Bowl or two, and maybe a Super Bowl could help him a lot.
The Raider and Giants are not the place to do that. The Rams nearly beat the Super Bowl Champion Eagles. They are a legitimate contender in the NFC and are his best shot to solidify his legacy. I have to imagine, his side was leaking him moving in order get the Rams serious about a new contract. Regardless, it makes sense for both sides that he returns.
Jets New Look
With Aaron Rodgers and Devontae Adams being cut and Allen Lazard likely to be cut, the Jets are officially putting the Rodgers era behind them. It didn’t go well, but I do want to defend them a little.
The decision to go out and get Rodgers was a good one. It was risky, but it was still smart. The Jets had a talented, young roster and no QB. Based on the past success of Manning, Brady, and Stafford switching teams then winning a Super Bowl, it makes a lot of sense they traded for Rodgers.
The injury occurring four offensive snaps into their first season is just bad luck. This past season did not go well either and they definitely let Rodgers run the building too much like he was an NBA player. However, just because they did not handle having Rodgers on their team well, doesn’t mean the act of getting him wasn’t a smart one. And then bringing in quality veterans like Adams and Lazard that Rodgers is comfortable with was not a bad move either.
Things ultimately did not work out, but in the NFL you need to take big risks and I commend the Jets for doing so.
Thuney Traded
Initially, I think this is an awful trade for the Chiefs and great for the Bears. The Bears get Joe Thuney, an All-Pro lineman, and the Chiefs, whose biggest hole is offensive line, traded away a stud O-lineman and only got a 4th round pick in return.
The Chiefs are an extremely smart team, so I will give them the benefit of the doubt. I understand that they are saving tons of money and may feel they needed to do this to resign Trey Smith, who isn’t as good as Thuney, but is much younger. Also, there could have been some behind the scenes stuff we don’t know about, like Thuney wanting a new, big deal. For all we now, the Chiefs also have something big in the works. Only time will tell, but as of now this trade looks poor.
The Bears keep making big moves to help Caleb Williams and Ben Johnson. I respect the fact they are going all out for their team and offense.
Wheelhouse Blog 