Even though the sports world as we know it has come to a pause, we’re still getting plenty of excitement from the NFL. The 2020 league year along with the free agency period began at 4:00 PM EST on March 18, 2020. The rumors have been flying as fans across the league anxiously wait for their team to make a move. There have been plenty of trades and free-agent signings already, but here are five in particular that have shaken up the NFL.
Tom Brady to Tampa Bay
This should be no surprise. 20 years and six Super Bowls later, Brady ended his time with the New England Patriots and has decided to take his talents down south to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. There has been speculation for months about Brady’s future, whether it was retirement, staying in New England, or going to another team.
On the morning of March 17, 2020, Brady publicly announced his decision to part ways with the Patriots, and then the rumors began. The following day Ian Rapoport reported that Brady and the Bucs agreed to a $30 million per year deal. The deal is still pending a physical, but that’s mainly due to the difficulty of Brady being able to get one and meet with the team because of guidelines set by the league for the coronavirus. Regardless, 42-year old Tom Brady is no longer a Patriot.
Stefon Diggs to Buffalo
It was no secret that Diggs wanted out of Minnesota. Diggs sent NFL fans into a frenzy on Monday after tweeting “it’s time for a new beginning”. Later that night, Diggs was traded to the Buffalo Bills. Along with Diggs, the Vikings gave Buffalo a 2020 seventh-round pick. In return, Buffalo sent their 2020 first, fifth and sixth-round picks and a 2021 fourth-round pick.
This trade was definitely a surprise after Minnesota made it clear that they did not want to trade Diggs. Clearly all it took was the right offer. Minnesota’s large return for this trade makes the next trade look poorly executed.
DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona
Every layer of this trade has its own story. Houston sent stud receiver DeAndre Hopkins and a 2020 fourth-round pick to Arizona. In return, receiving running back David Johnson along with a 2020 second-round pick and a 2021 fourth-round pick. This trade left fans across the league, (including myself), stunned. Seeing Deshaun Watson’s best weapon being shipped away for an extremely minimal return was incredibly unexpected. The only explanation for this is Bill O’Brien, who is functioning as both head coach and general manager for the Houston Texans. O’Brien was named the general manager this past January, and his lack of experience in this position looks to be the cause of this trade blunder.
Michael Irvin reported that O’Brien felt that Hopkins had too much influence in the locker room and compared him to Aaron Hernandez in a private meeting. Hopkins quickly came out with a statement saying that this was blown way out of proportion and that he has the “utmost respect” for his former coach. Nonetheless, this trade was extremely messy.
Darius Slay to Philadelphia
The Eagles were in desperate need of a cornerback, and Darius Slay was in desperate need of a trade out of Detroit. Slay was active on Twitter Wednesday night, responding to the Lions signing of Desmond Trufant, saying, “Hope that speeds up my trade process!!”
The Eagles have been remotely quiet so far with their only signing being nose tackle Javon Hargrave on Monday night. By signing Slay, the Eagles add some serious strength to their secondary. Philadelphia made Slay the highest-paid cornerback on Thursday morning with a three-year $50 million contract with $30 million guaranteed. Detroit received Philadelphia’s third and fifth-round picks for this deal. Slay has led the league in passes defended since his rookie year. Despite his hamstring injury last season, he is a consistent headache for opposing offenses.
Todd Gurley Released
It’s no secret that the Rams are struggling with managing their salary cap. In 2017 Gurley was the highest-paid running back in the league and in NFL history with a $60 million extension. He was one of the best running backs in the entire NFL. Now just a few years later, he has been released by the Rams.
The timing of this was no accident. The release saves the Rams from having to pay Gurley the $10.5 million on his contract that was due. It was rumored that the Rams were exploring trade options for Gurley, but couldn’t find any takers. Gurley is tied with Marshall Faulk for the most rushing touchdowns in Rams history with 58, bringing his total to an NFL-best 70 touchdowns. Gurley and his immense talent have already found a new home. He’s coming back to Georgia. The Atlanta Falcons announced they signed the running back to a one-year deal.
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