March 8, 2022
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The landscape of the NFL changed dramatically on franchise tag day with the re-signing of a four-time MVP and one blockbuster trade.
Russell Wilson To Denver In One of ‘Biggest Trades’ Ever
Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula
On Tuesday, the Broncos reshaped the AFC West landscape, agreeing to a massive trade with the Seahawks for Russell Wilson.
Denver sent Seattle DE Shelby Harris, QB Drew Lock, and TE Noah Fant, along with two first-rounders, two second-rounders, and one fifth-round pick to acquire the nine-time Pro Bowler and a fourth-rounder, according to Ian Rapoport [[link removed]] — who called it “one of the biggest trades in NFL history.”
Wilson joins a division stacked with star QBs Patrick Mahomes, Derek Carr, and Justin Herbert.
Wilson will play out the third season of the four-year, $140 million contract he signed in April 2019. His $24 million 2022 cap hit ranks 24th in the league.Per Jay Glazer [[link removed]], Wilson was willing to waive his no-trade clause.In 2021, Wilson put up 3,113 yards, 25 passing touchdowns against just six interceptions for a 103.1 QB rating — fifth in the NFL — in only 14 games.
Denver hasn’t been able to establish its franchise quarterback since Peyton Manning retired in 2015 — the last time the Broncos made the postseason — cycling through 11 different starters.
They struggled to a 7-10 record last season with Teddy Bridgewater under center, finishing 19th in passing yards per game (211.4) and 23rd in points (19.7).
With a defense that ranked third in points (18.9) and eighth in yards (326.1), a Super Bowl champ like Wilson could be all the team needs.
Aaron Rodgers’ Deal Could Be Highest Ever By AAV
Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports/Design: John Regula
On Tuesday, Aaron Rodgers reportedly agreed to a multiyear contract that will keep him in Green Bay, ending months of speculation.
NFL Network [[link removed]] reported the deal at $200 million over four years ($153M guaranteed), which would make the 38-year-old the highest-paid player by AAV in NFL history — though hours later, Rodgers denied [[link removed]] the accuracy of the terms.
Rodgers’ extension is expected to lower his $46.6M cap hit, providing extra room for Green Bay to build another contender and keep Davante Adams with either a franchise tag or long-term contract.
The Packers are around $26M over the cap, and the reported new terms would free up around $21M.Last offseason, after a short training camp holdout, Rodgers restructured his four-year, $134M contract to make 2023 a voidable year and pave the way for a possible departure.If the $50M per-season number is accurate, it would surpass Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes’ $45M.
Rodgers won his second consecutive and fourth overall MVP in 2021, throwing for 4,115 yards and 37 touchdowns against just four interceptions for the 13-4 Packers.
The return means 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love will remain backup QB.
With a new deal for Adams, the Packers’ third-best Super Bowl odds (+900*) should only improve — although they haven’t made an appearance since 2010.
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How Calvin Ridley Will Cost Himself and the Falcons
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Even if the NFL has embraced legal sports betting, it’s still taking a hard line when players are involved in gambling.
Falcons WR Calvin Ridley has been suspended [[link removed]] for the entire 2022 season after being caught betting on games last year. Under the current CBA, Ridley has three days to appeal the decision.
Assuming the suspension is upheld, Ridley loses $11.1 million in 2022 salary, which would free up cap space — but cost the Falcons their best wideout.
In 2020 — his last full season — he put up 90 receptions for 1,374 yards and nine touchdowns.The Falcons currently have only two receivers under contract next season: second-year players Frank Darby and Austin Trammell.Even with the corresponding cap space, Atlanta still has the 13th-highest total cap ($204.9M) in the league.
Many of Atlanta’s fiscal woes stem from QB Matt Ryan, whose $48.7 million 2022 cap hit is the highest in the NFL, rendering the 36-year-old virtually untradeable.
The Falcons’ best option for replacing Ridley could be the upcoming NFL Draft — where a particularly deep WR pool awaits.
However, Atlanta may have to focus on bolstering its defense first — that unit ranked 30th in points per game (27.0), 26th in yards per game (364.4), and 30th in DVOA [[link removed]].
Making Headlines
Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports/Design: Alex Brooks
MLB: On Day 97 of the lockout, MLB reportedly set a Tuesday deadline for a deal, or more games will be canceled; The Athletic [[link removed]] reported that if a deal is reached Tuesday, a full 162-game season is still feasible.
NFL: According to ESPN [[link removed]], the Carolina Panthers are listening to trade offers for Christian McCaffrey; the 25-year-old is currently the highest-paid RB in the NFL ($16M AAV).
NBA: Nets coach Steve Nash said Ben Simmons will not play against the 76ers on Thursday, but will sit on the bench for the matchup against his former team.
WNBA: ESPN is launching a WNBA fantasy basketball product in early April — a first for any major fantasy site.
Today's Action
NHL
08:08 PM
Lightning (-175) at Jets (+150)
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07:10 PM
Cavaliers (-150) at Pacers (+130)
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NHL
08:08 PM
Senators (+210) at Blues (-265)
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*All times are EST unless otherwise noted.
*Odds/lines subject to change. T&Cs apply. See [[link removed]] for details.
Written by Anthony Puccio [[link removed]], Chris Kuc [[link removed]], Doug Greenberg [[link removed]]
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