NFL free agency has been interesting to say the least. Here are my thoughts on what has transpired around the NFL thus far this week
1. Kirk Cousins can lead the Vikings to a Super Bowl because he has a solid running game to work with and a championship caliber defense. Forget about the guaranteed money. It’s the price of doing business today.
2. I like the Allen Robinson acquisition for the Bears. When healthy, Robinson is a number one receiver. He has terrific size and ball skills. The Bears haven’t had a receiver like this since Mushin Muhammad.
3. Speaking of receivers. The Bears also gave Taylor Gabriel $28 million dollars. What the hell was general manager Ryan Pace thinking?
4. I can’t say I’m surprised Danny Amendola left New England. He took multiple pay cuts the past three years. It’s about time he got paid. He’s earned it.
5. Malcolm Butler leaving the Patriots is a surprise. I am surprised that he got $66 million from the Titans. Butler really struggled last season. He certainly wasn’t a $12 million dollar a year player.
6. I like the Isaiah Crowell signing for the Jets. He will be a nice change of pace with Bilal Powell. Conversely. I don’t like Carlos Hyde signing with the Browns. While he will be the starter, Duke Johnson will cut into his touches. He won’t be “the man” like he was in San Francisco.
7. No. I don’t think Dion Lewis is a five million dollar a year running back but what do I know. The Titans think he is and they paid the man.
8. I am not surprised that offensive lineman set the market in this free agency period. Andrew Norwell and Nate Solder are both very good but it’s debatable if they are $60 million dollar good. This is the new NFL folks. If teams want offensive lineman to stick around and play longer, they are going to need to overpay them.
9. What possessed Andy Reid to give Sammy Watkins a 3 year, $48 million dollar contract? Seriously. You could make the argument that Watkins has been the most overrated player in the league the past four seasons. It makes no sense to me.
10. The Packers signed Jimmy Graham to a three year, $30 million dollar contract but then released Jordy Nelson. Did they really get better??
Bonus Thoughts
The Broncos signing Case Keenum means they are drafting a quarterback. Keemun is the ultimate “bridge” quarterback.
The 49ers gave career back up running back Jerrick McKinnon $30 million dollars to be their starting running back. Kyle Shanahan must see a lot of Devonta Freeman there because McKinnon is not worth that kind of money in my opinion.
Money is being thrown around like Halloween candy. Paul Richardson got $40 million from the Redskins to replace Ryan Grant who originally got $29 million from the Ravens but the offer was pulled after his physical revealed an ankle issue. So two third receivers got paid a combined $69 million in contract. I can’t believe it.
Teddy Bridgewater is not the long term answer in New York but the Jets will pretend he could because they paid him $15 million for one season. The Jets also paid Trumaine Johnson $15 million per season. Johnson could end up the biggest bust signing of all of the free agent signings. He’s not worth $15 million per season. Sorry!
Tyrann Mathieu will sign with the Cowboys. That’s my prediction.
Congrats to Joe Thomas on a legendary career in Cleveland. See you in Canton!