We are just days away from the franchise tag deadline and the start of free agency in the National Football League, the unofficial start to a new season of football. Lots of players could be on the move, but three of the biggest names have already dominated headlines. It seems like every day there is a new headline regarding Lamar Jackson, Derek Carr, or Aaron Rodgers. There is plenty of speculation, but we’re all still waiting for one of them to commit to a team next season.
Lamar Jackson
The rift between the Ravens and Lamar Jackson appears irreconcilable. It’s no secret Jackson would like a long-term, fully guaranteed deal similar to the one Cleveland gave Deshaun Watson. Baltimore has shown no interest in the fully guaranteed part of the deal.
However, the Ravens CHOSE to take care of linebacker Roquan Smith who was acquired midseason and signed to a long-term contract before taking care of their “franchise quarterback”. That was a very telling move that the team might be unhappy with Jackson and possibly ready to move on. If the team decided to franchise tag Jackson, that would use up all of their available cap space, making it impossible for them to improve their roster. However, without Jackson Baltimore is no longer an elite team and won’t be able to compete with Cincinnati and Kansas City.
It’s no secret Miami is ready to win now and would love to find a more dependable quarterback than Tua Tagovailoa that has a similar skill set. Jackson fits that description perfectly. The AFC East is wide open and the Dolphins are stacked at every other position. Miami does not have to decide if they will pick up Tagovailoa’s fifth-year option on his rookie contract until May 1st giving them plenty of time to wait and see how things play out for Jackson. We’ve seen they are all in to win right now and acquiring Jackson could give them the edge in the AFC.
Another thing to note, Lamar Jackson is from Miami so that is another factor that could make him want to play in South Beach.
Final Destination: Miami Dolphins
Derek Carr
For Derek Carr, I believe it comes down to the New York Jets or the New Orleans Saints. According to ESPN’s Dexter Fowler, the Saints are ready to sign the quarterback after meeting at the NFL scouting combine this week. Carr appears to be taking his time maybe seeing where other quarterbacks land before making his decision.
As it stands right now, the NFC South is one of the worst divisions and football with no top team with Tom Brady retiring for real this time.
New Orleans has not been able to find an heir to Drew Brees since he retired. Carr could be that guy. Not to say that he is as talented, but if he is given enough talent around him he is a serviceable quarterback who could get the Saints back into the playoffs. New Orleans still has Alvin Kamara in the backfield and potentially Michael Thomas if he decides to stay. Signing Carr could make Thomas want to stay in New Orleans. When healthy, he is a top receiver in the league. The Saints also have Chris Olave who was a finalist for rookie of the year.
Final Destination: New Orleans Saints
Aaron Rodgers
The man that the entire National Football League is waiting on says his decision will come sooner rather than later about where/if he plays next season. For me, Rodgers staying in Green Bay makes the most sense for both sides. While both sides are remaining coy publicly on the situation, there’s no doubt the Packers want him back.
Both sides have to be willing to make concessions for this team to thrive. The Packers have to show a willingness to go after top free agents and/or draft picks and Rodgers has to be more present with his teammates in the offseason. We’ve seen other players restructure their deals indicating they are all in on Green Bay for next season and want their team’s management to go after top free agents.
The Packers haven’t done much in terms of preparing for life post-Rodgers. Green Bay traded up and drafted QB Jordan Love in the first round of the 2020 draft. Love has yet to see much playing time and still remains an enigma in the NFL. The Packers chose not to play Love this season and continue starting Rodgers despite his multiple injuries and their playoff chances looking extremely low during the middle of the season.
It seems unlikely Rodgers would want to sign with the New York Jets or the Las Vegas Raiders if he is looking to win another title. Both teams play in tougher divisions than the NFC North and both are associated with chaos, not championships. It’s hard to believe he would retire because he is guaranteed almost $60 million if he plays this season based on a contract extension he signed last offseason. It’s also hard to believe there are more than a couple of teams that are willing to give up assets and take on Rodgers’ contract. If Green Bay truly just wants Rodgers out the door the Packers could offer to take on some of his salary if they find a team willing to trade for the former MVP, but that seems very, very unlikely.
It feels like things in the league will fall into place once Rodgers makes his decision.
Final Destination: Green Bay Packers
[…] If they’re willing to part with any top draft picks they could just go after Ravens QB Lamar Jackson to be their franchise QB for the next five, or six years. Jackson is ready to find a new home […]