New York Jets
NFL Free Agency is well under way and this week has been a full-on frenzy. One of the biggest stories has, of course, been quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The Packers’ QB1 emerged from the darkness wanting to be a New York Jet and wanting his friends there too.
The Packers and the Jets need to come to an agreement on a trade – they will, eventually – while the Jets are getting New York ready for Rodgers. They started by signing wide receiver Allen Lazard to a four-year, $44 million deal.
With Nathaniel Hackett as the Jets’ new offensive coordinator, it should be a very happy reunion for all three, whenever it finally happens.
Free Agent QB Signings
The Las Vegas Raiders and Jimmy Garoppolo made it official on Friday, as the 49ers’ former QB1 (shed a tear) signed a three-year, $72,750,000 contract, with $45 million guaranteed and I’d guess, that feels great, baby. Earlier this week, Sam Darnold joined San Francisco’s quarterback room as the presumptive QB3.
Meanwhile, Jalen Hurts has a new backup, as Marcus Mariota is reportedly going to the Philadelphia Eagles on a one-year deal. Philly’s former backup, Gardner Minshew, is headed to Indianapolis. The Colts released Matt Ryan earlier this week and are expected to draft a quarterback with the fourth overall pick in the NFL draft.
Dallas Cowboys
In a week when they said goodbye to running back Ezekiel Elliott and hello to CB Stephon Gilmore, the Dallas Cowboys made a move Friday to keep their quarterback room consistent. Cooper Rush is returning as QB Dak Prescott’s backup, signing a two-year, $5 million deal.
Rush was 4-1 as the Cowboys’ starter in 2022, and 5-1 overall, when stepping in while Prescott was hurt. He has 1,475 passing yards, eight touchdowns and four interceptions in his career.
I don’t want to rush to judgment (sorry, I had to), but this seems like a good move.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Cincinnati Bengals are dealing with a shake up on their offensive line. Earlier this week, they signed LT Orlando Brown to a four-year, $64.09 million contract that immediately upgrades protection for QB Joe Burrow.
However, as one might expect, their current left tackle, Jonah Williams, doesn’t love the move and, per multiple reports, a trade has been requested.
Williams was Cincinnati’s 2019 first-round draft pick.
NFL Free Agents
It’s been a week of saying hi to new friends and bye to old ones through NFL Free Agency, as players have signed and re-signed. But it’s not over yet and there are still a number of good players available. Below are just a few:
- WR Odell Beckham Jr.
- S C.J. Gardner-Johnson
- TE Dalton Schultz
- DE Yannick Ngakoue
- LB Bobby Wagner
- G Dalton Risner
- LB Drue Tranquill
- CB Rock Ya-Sin
- WR DJ Clark
- G Isaac Seumalo