Written by Benedetto Vitale: Twitter (@TalksVitale)

The NFL offseason is officially under way, as all 32 franchises are making offers to free agents. The NFL draft is around the corner as well, so teams are competing to improve their rosters for next year. However, the free agent pool and the draft aren’t the only way teams can improve. There are plenty of trade rumors swirling around the rumor mill right now, and there is potential for multiple trades to happen soon.

The Denver Broncos could be in the market for a new quarterback, as Drew Lock hasn’t been the most reliable player the last two years. Additionally, the New York Giants should be searching to upgrade their wide receiver room. Considering the free agent market, their best bet could be a trade. Also look for the Tennessee Titans to potentially make a move on a cornerback, as they’re restructuring the defense completely. The Jacksonville Jaguars have a young core, but they’ll want a veteran pass catcher to help Trevor Lawrence’s development. Lastly, the Chicago Bears could still be on the move for a quarterback, even after signing Andy Dalton.

Here are five trades that need to happen before the NFL draft.

Deshaun Watson to the Denver Broncos

It’s no secret Deshaun Watson is displeased with the Houston Texans. He’s been demanding a trade since the beginning of the offseason, but Houston is standing firm on keeping him. With Watson finishing with 4,823 passing yards, 33 touchdowns, and a 70.2% completion percentage, it’s no wonder the Texans aren’t eager in trading him. 

The front office recently signed Tyrod Taylor to a one-year deal. Houston seems to have acquired their insurance plan, but this could also mean a trade happens soon. The Denver Broncos should be all over a potential trade for the superstar quarterback. 

The Broncos have been poking around for quarterbacks this offseason and Watson has been linked to them from the beginning. There is reason to believe the Broncos become a legitimate playoff team with Watson under center. With Courtland Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, and Noah Fant running routes, Watson will have plenty of weapons to play with. Additionally, the Broncos have a better offensive line as well, which bodes well for Watson. 

Allen Robinson to the New York Giants

Another player unhappy with their current situation is Allen Robinson. The Chicago Bears gave him the franchise tag, but Robinson refuses to sign it. He’s been a superstar throughout his career and last year he proved that once again. Robinson ended the 2020 season with 102 receptions, 1,250 receiving yards, and six touchdowns. 

Robinson has been sending cryptic tweets the last few weeks and he clearly wants out of Chicago. He’s a fantastic wide receiver who has never had a great quarterback throwing him the ball and is looking for a new place to call home. The New York Giants are in need of a receiver and could be a great landing spot for the six-year veteran. 

Daniel Jones isn’t an elite quarterback, but he still has some potential to become a great one. Allen Robinson would open up the passing game in New York, making the offense much more explosive than it’s been for years. Jones would finally have a true WR1 out wide, giving the Giants a much better chance at winning the NFC East. 

Stephon Gilmore to the Tennessee Titans

Stephon Gilmore had a bit of a down year for the New England Patriots, but that was more due to injury than anything else. He finished with 37 total tackles, three pass deflections, and one interception. The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year has been rumored to be available via trade this offseason. 

The Tennessee Titans would be a perfect match for Gilmore. He’d be entering a defense that would allow him to play in a scheme that fits his style, and with the recent release of Adoree’ Jackson, Tennessee is in a need of a top cornerback to be competitive. 

Gilmore is 30 years old and might not reach that elite level of play we witnessed in 2019. However, he can still provide solid production in the secondary, which is something the Titans missed last year. He’d be a nice immediate improvement while the Titans likely draft a prospect as well. 

Zach Ertz to the Jacksonville Jaguars

With the recent news of the Philadelphia Eagles giving Zach Ertz permission to seek a trade, the long-time Eagles’ tight end is likely playing for a new team next year. 2020 was a terrible year for Ertz, as he battled injuries throughout the season. He finished with just 36 receptions, 335 yards, and one touchdown. 

Dallas Goedert seems ready to take over as the starter in Philadelphia, so Ertz’s departure makes sense. The Jacksonville Jaguars are attempting to build a solid offense for their future quarterback, and securing a veteran tight end would go a long way. Ertz may not be the same tight end he used to be, but he’d be a solid veteran for Jacksonville. 

Sam Darnold to the Chicago Bears

It’s still unclear whether the New York Jets plan to keep Sam Darnold or not, but there are plenty of teams showing interest in him. Darnold hasn’t been consistent through his career, but not all of it is his fault either. He finished last season with 2,208 passing yards, nine touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. 

The Chicago Bears recently signed Andy Dalton but considering he’s an aging veteran, it would be smart to bring in a younger quarterback as well. It could be a nice opportunity for Darnold, as he’d be on a new team and given a chance to compete for the starting spot. Chicago is out on Mitchell Trubisky and a rookie might not be the right answer. Darnold would be a nice answer for a potential starting quarterback next year, and the future. 

The post Top 5 Trades That Need to Happen Before the NFL Draft appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written by Benedetto Vitale: Twitter (@TalksVitale)

The Minnesota Vikings enter the NFL offseason searching for ways to improve the team. They finished with a 7-9 record, ending the year in third place in the NFC North. The Green Bay Packers are the kings of the north for now, but the Vikings aren’t too far away from fighting for the throne. 

The offense was much more efficient than the defense. For the Vikings to improve, they’ll need to find some solid players to improve the defense, while potentially finding another wide receiver to put the offense over the top. Kirk Cousins hasn’t been terrible, but finding another receiver to line up with Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen could be what this team needs to thrive. 

Minnesota had one of the worst defenses in the league. They allowed 4,141 yards and 30 touchdowns through the air alone, ranking them in the bottom portion of the NFL. They couldn’t stop the run either, as they allowed 2,151 yards and 19 touchdowns. Opposing offenses did whatever they wanted, which prevented the Vikings from winning games. They have to bring in high-quality defenders if they want a chance to win the NFC North. Here are three dream targets for the Minnesota Vikings. 

Bud Dupree Could Fix the Vikings Pass Rush

Bud Dupree has been a prolific pass rusher throughout his career, and 2020 was no exception. Despite tearing an ACL and missing time, Dupree still managed 31 total tackles, eight sacks, and two forced fumbles in an 11 game span. 

He enters the offseason as one of the top edge rushers available in free agency. His abilities would provide the Vikings the help they need to improve their pass rush next year.  He’s a stellar player, and Matthew Marczi seems to agree, saying, “Bud Dupree isn’t a player who has ever made a Pro Bowl. At the same time, he is certainly one of the more productive edge rushers hitting the open market, particularly over the span of the last two seasons.” 

The injury is a reason for concern, but in this day and age, torn ACLs aren’t as serious as they used to be. Considering the Vikings only managed a measly 23 sacks, which Dupree can help increase immediately. 

Signing Will Fuller Elevates the Offense to a Whole New Level

The Vikings’ offense was the bright spot during the 2020 season. Dalvin Cook did Dalvin Cook things, and the emergence of Justin Jefferson provided Minnesota a boost in the passing game not many were expecting. The defense needs help, but signing a receiver like Will Fuller would elevate the offense towards the top of the league. He finished with 53 receptions, 879 yards, and eight touchdowns, all of which are career-highs for Fuller. 

Chet Gresham with Draft Kings Nation recognized Fuller’s achievements last season, stating, “Fuller was easily having his healthiest and most productive season in 2020 when he was popped for PED usage and missed the last five games and the first game of the 2021 season to suspension.”

Fuller is a speedy receiver that provides a deep field threat. He’s the type of player that could open up the offense even more so and potentially create larger run lanes for Dalvin Cook. His speed is essential and would force opposing defenses to play deep, allowing for other targets to get open underneath in the secondary. This would be a luxury acquisition for the Vikings, as signing Fuller would make the offense even better overall.

Jayon Brown Provides Elite Linebacker Play for Minnesota

Focusing on the defensive side of the ball once again, the Vikings would benefit from signing an inside linebacker. Jayon Brown enters free agency as one of the best linebackers available and could give Minnesota some versatility in the position. Before suffering from a season-ending injury, Brown finished with 76 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and one interception. 

The Tennessee Titans would likely prefer keeping Brown on the roster, but Justin Melo with SB Nation brings up a solid point as to why they possibly let him walk. He explains, “The main argument as to why they should let Brown walk comes in the form of who would take his place: David Long, Jr., another Day 3 draft pick by Jon Robinson. Long did an excellent job replacing Brown down the stretch in 2020.”

For that reason, Brown should be available and would be an excellent signing for the Vikings. He’s a tackle machine and plays well in coverage. It took him a few years to become accoladed as a starter, but once he earned the role, Brown played as a consistent inside linebacker. He’d provide Minnesota solid play within the front-seven.

The post Top 3 Dream Free Agency Targets for the Minnesota Vikings appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written by Benedetto Vitale: Twitter (@TalksVitale)

After filling in for an injured Dak Prescott, Andy Dalton stepped in as the starting quarterback for the Dallas Cowboys. He started nine of the 11 games he played in, finishing with 2,179 yards through the air along with 14 touchdowns. His 64.9% completion percentage has some thinking Dalton has the potential to be a starter next year. 

The Red Rifle stepped up in a big way, even though the Cowboys wound up missing the playoffs completely. He at least kept the ball moving through the air and proved to the league he’s still capable of playing football. 

There are a few teams that stick out as potential landing spots for the former Cincinnati Bengal. However, with a deep rookie quarterback class in the NFL draft, Dalton may have to consider being a backup for the time being, with the possibility of starting down the road. Here are three destinations Andy Dalton could be playing for next year. 

Andy Dalton Heads to Washington?

The Washington Football Team makes the most sense for Andy Dalton to sign with during the offseason. It’s unclear as to what this franchise is going to do with the QB position after signing Taylor Heinicke to a two-year extension.

Washington has been involved with trade rumors surrounding Deshaun Watson, but a trade doesn’t seem likely for this franchise. It’s also speculated they draft a rookie this year as well, however, they need another wide receiver to really put this offense over the top. Considering they gave Heinicke a two-year deal, might mean coaching staff likes him enough to give him a shot. It’s possible Washington signs, Dalton, as a veteran backup/potential starter. 

According to Mike Fanelli’s article, he seems to agree with the idea of Washington signing Dalton this offseason. “Fans might not like this, but if Washington strikes out on the trade market for a quarterback, Dalton is a solid backup plan. He has starting experience and played well as the starter in Dallas last season.” It’s a situation that makes sense for this franchise, as they have a chance to build a solid roster around the QB position for next year. 

The Dallas Cowboys Keep the Red Rifle?

Considering Dalton played decently enough filling in for Prescott might mean the franchise decides to keep the Red Rifle around for one more year. Especially considering the uncertainty surrounding Prescott’s contract situation, bringing back Dalton would be a smart move, giving the Cowboys some insurance in case things go south with Prescott. 

Gino Terrell liked what he saw in Dalton last year, writing a piece in his article claiming, “Despite a slow start, Dalton has looked impressive behind center ever since he led the Cowboys to a clutch victory over the Vikings in Week 11.” As I mentioned before, this last season was a great way for Dalton to prove to the league he can still play. 

Furthermore, Dalton is already familiar with the playbook and has built chemistry with the team as well. He’s a veteran guy that can get the job when his number is called. Whether he resumes his backup role or becomes the starter due to a Dak Prescott departure, Dalton can keep Dallas competitive in a weak NFC East division. 

Dalton Gallops to Denver?

Last but not least is the Denver Broncos. Another franchise whose name has been tossed around the NFL rumor mill like a beach ball at a Nickleback concert. Denver might be interested in acquiring Andy Dalton if things don’t work out as planned. 

The recent news of George Paton talking highly of Drew Lock might mean the front office plans to keep Lock for another year. It seemed rather clear Paton likes what he sees, as Chad Jensen provided a quote in his article: “I did a deep drive on Drew,” Paton said on Thursday. “Like I said in my [introductory] press conference, [he’s] very talented. He was inconsistent at times and has a lot to work on, but I’ve spoken with Drew. I see him every day. He’s here early and he’s working.”

This wouldn’t be a terrible situation for Dalton. He’d be coming onto a roster with plenty of talent on offense. Jerry Jeudy and Noah Fant are both young studs, while the return of Courtland Sutton makes the QB job even more enticing. Dalton would likely start the year as the veteran backup, however, if Lock fails to develop, Dalton could take over the Broncos’ reigns.

The post Top 3 Landing Spots for Andy Dalton: Is Washington The Best Fit? appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written by Benedetto Vitale: Twitter (@TalksVitale) 

Jason Verrett enters the 2021 free agency as one of the top corners available. He’s been a consistent defender in pass coverage for the San Francisco 49ers the last two seasons now and aims to receive a nice payday this offseason. He finished last year with 60 total tackles, seven pass deflections, and two interceptions.

He’s played a vital role for this 49ers defense, and now with Richard Sherman likely on his way out, San Francisco may want to consider bringing Verrett back to the team. He’s been solid throughout his career and should be receiving many offers during the free agency period. 

Look for Verrett to sign somewhere he will have the opportunity to play as the top corner on the team. Coming close to winning the Super Bowl in 2019, playing for a championship-caliber franchise is probably high on his list of priorities too. However, if a team makes him the right offer, he could be signing with a young up-and-coming squad. Here are the three best fits for Jason Verrett this offseason. 

Does Jason Verrett Stay in San Francisco?

Staying in San Francisco is the most likely situation for Jason Verrett. He’s already familiar with the defensive scheme, and if he remains on this roster, he will be their top cornerback as well. 

For the 49ers, they’re in a tricky situation, as they’re going to have to choose between Verrett, or another corner on the team this offseason. “With the NFL’s negotiating window set to open on March 15, the two players the 49ers have likely prioritized re-signing are cornerback Jason Verrett and Nickelback K’Waun Williams.”

With that in mind, Verrett comes off as the right choice to make between him and K’Waun Williams. He’s more capable of playing on the outside, making him a much more versatile player on the defense. The 49ers may re-sign Verrett before he hits the open market, if they don’t, he’s likely signing elsewhere. 

Do the Denver Broncos Reel in Verrett?

The Denver Broncos are another franchise in an odd cornerback situation. They just released AJ Bouye not long ago, making Bryce Callahan their top cornerback on the roster. Callahan played well last season, but even so, this organization needs help at the corner position in the worst way possible. 

Luckily for them, they’ll have depth in the position next year. “The entire cornerback room is under contract for next season. However, outside of Bryce Callahan, no one made a lot of plays during the season.” With that said, the Broncos could wait until the NFL draft to find another corner, however, this defense would be much better off signing a veteran like Jason Verrett. 

Rather than relying on Callahan and a potential rookie, the Broncos could hedge their bets and sign Verrett as well. This would give the Broncos a solid 1-2 punch at corner, then potentially take one of the top prospects in the draft with the eighth overall pick. Adding someone like Patrick Surtain along with Jason Verrett suddenly gives Denver a legitimate secondary in this league. 

Will Jason Verrett Join the Jets?

Of the teams on this list, the New York Jets are the least likely to make the playoffs next season. However, this franchise has the cap space to make Verrett a great offer. Additionally, Robert Saleh is the new head coach, who has a history with Verrett in San Francisco. 

The former defensive coordinator for the 49ers, Robert Saleh became the head coach for the Jets this offseason. He’s been a top prospect coach in the NFL for a few years now, and he has finally received his opportunity to shine. The 49ers’ defensive players have spoken highly of Robert Saleh, which bodes well for the future of the Jets. “Several vital members from the 49ers’ 2019 defense, including Nick Bosa, Richard Sherman, and Dee Ford, missed most of this season with injuries, but the team still finished fourth in passing yards allowed and fifth in total yards allowed per game.”

For Saleh, signing Verrett away from the 49ers would be a great move for this franchise. The new head coach is going to want players that are familiar with his scheme and Verrett fits that mold perfectly. This would be an opportunity for Verrett to step up as a leader even more so, helping a young Jets defense attempt to right the ship. 

The post Top 3 Fits for Jason Verrett appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written by Benedetto Vitale (@TalksVitale)

William Jackson is a potential free agent this offseason, and if he hits the market, is arguably the best cornerback available in free agency. Playing for the Cincinnati Bengals throughout his career, Jackson has emerged as an elite corner in the league. In the 2020 season, Jackson finished with 45 total tackles, 11 pass deflections, and one interception. 

During an odd cap year due to Covid-19, the projected cap total is $180 million. This will be something franchises around the league will be paying attention to. With William Jackson being a top corner available in the free agency pool, expect him to receive many offers. 

Here are the top three destinations for William Jackson. 

William Jackson remains as a Bengal?

The best-case scenario for Jackson would be to remain on the Cincinnati Bengals. This franchise would be retaining their top corner, which makes the most sense as the Bengals continue rebuilding their roster. 

Furthermore, he’s already familiar with the Bengals’ defensive scheme. It could be a grave mistake if this franchise lets him go, as their cornerback position would suddenly need to be filled with someone else. 

Chris Roling dives into what the market might look like for all-star corner, “Jackson, still just 28 years old, has shown flashes of elite boundary corner play over the years and teams will surely bid on him in the hopes of unlocking that.” With that said, Cincinnati better prepare to re-sign him, or else he’ll have plenty of suitors making him offers.  

Green Bay Packers sign William Jackson?

Kevin King is possibly on his way out. He did play decent throughout the year but seemed to be one of the reasons why this franchise lost in the playoffs against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Rather than bringing back an inconsistent player, Green Bay should invest in William Jackson. 

For the Packers, cornerback is by far one of their biggest needs. Freddie Boston touches base on just how important it is by stating, “Even if King returns, depth is a concern at corner. But with King potentially leaving in free agency, this is by far the biggest area of need for the Packers this offseason.”

Signing William Jackson could potentially give the Packers the best duo corners in the league. With Jaire Alexander lined up on the opposite side, not much is going to get by the Packers’ secondary. This would be a difficult sign, as Green Bay is strapped for cash. 

William Jackson Flies to Seattle

The final team on this list is the Seattle Seahawks. They finished the season with one of the worst pass defenses in the league, giving up 4,560 yards through the air, the second-most in the league. 

Even with Russell Wilson dominating headlines right now, the front office still needs to focus on improving the rest of the roster. Their passing defense was so poor, that the coaching staff lost faith in the unit as a whole. “Seattle’s 2020 cornerback group played at a poor standard for too much of the season. It led to the Seahawks’ coaching staff visibly lacking confidence in the players to execute their base schemes, resulting in whacky play calls and poor results.”

Signing William Jackson could be exactly what this defense needs. With Jamal Adams playing safety, this secondary should improve immensely if the front office pulls through.

The post Top 3 Fits for William Jackson appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written by Benedetto Vitale: Twitter (@TalksVitale)

After coming back from one of the more serious injuries in NFL history, Alex Smith aims to continue playing next year. He played in eight games, taking over as the starter after Dwayne Haskins failed to meet expectations. Smith finished with 1,582 passing yards, six touchdowns, and a 66.7% completion percentage. 

Smith just okay in the games he played in. It wasn’t anything spectacular to behold. However, he played well enough to where he could still play at least one more season in the NFL. With the Washington Football Team moving on with Taylor Heinicke and possibly another young quarterback, Smith will be searching for a new home next year. 

In an article written by Zach Koons, the author states, “According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Smith isn’t ready to retire just yet and ”˜does want to play somewhere’ next season. He’ll be 37 by the time offseason workouts ramp up this summer, but still hopes to find a role in 2021.”

Although Smith isn’t the QB he used to be, he can still provide excellent veteran leadership for any franchise. There seems to be only one team Smith may earn starting time for, however, everywhere else would use him more as a high-end backup. Here are three top destinations for Alex Smith.

A Potential Starter for the New England Patriots?

The only team who could potentially use Alex Smith as a starter, the New England Patriots are at the top of the list of top destinations for the 16-year vet. The Patriots had one of the worst offenses in the league this season. They finished 30th in passing yards (3,124), 32nd in passing touchdowns (12), and were in the bottom five in interceptions thrown (14). 

They’re not one of the most desirable destinations in the league anymore after Tom Brady’s departure. It’ll be difficult for the front office to acquire top talent through the free-agent market. For that reason, this franchise will have to nail the NFL draft before returning to relevancy. 

The Patriots may select a rookie in the draft this year, and according to Zack Cox at NESN, finding QB talent in the draft is typically found in the early first round. He states, “Recent history suggests the safest place to find a franchise QB is in the top 12 picks of the draft.”

With that said, it may be a smart move to sign Alex Smith either way. He’s good enough to play competitively and would be a great player to learn behind for any rookie quarterback. However, if Alex Smith is truly searching for playing time, signing a deal with the Patriots is his best bet. 

Could the Denver Broncos Sign Alex Smith?

It was a rough year for Drew Lock, as he dealt with injuries throughout the season. Furthermore, while he was on the field, he struggled through most of his games for the Denver Broncos. The team only finished with 3,673 passing yards, and 21 touchdowns, ranking them at the bottom of the league in both categories. 

There have been numerous reports of Denver’s front office showing interest in trading for Deshaun Watson. The Houston Texans haven’t made any claims they’re selling their superstar quarterback, but it seems the Broncos are favored to get a deal done this offseason. 

It may take quite a bit for the Broncos to pull off that feat. Sayre Bedinger, a writer at Fansided, seems to agree. The author explains, “”¦ Matthew Stafford being traded from the Detroit Lions to the Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff and three picks, as well as Carson Wentz going from the Philadelphia Eagles to the Indianapolis Colts for two picks”¦”

The Broncos are clearly interested in trading for Watson, but at what cost? If the front office doesn’t want to give up a ton of draft capital, they may be searching for a veteran leader to take over in case Lock goes south again. 

For Alex Smith, this would be a similar situation he was in during 2020. He’d come in as the backup behind a young quarterback but have a fair chance of earning legitimate playing time. I like this potential destination for Smith, as he could provide better QB play to help the Broncos improve next year. 

Alex Smith Lands in Philadelphia?

It was a horrendous year for the Philadelphia Eagles as they struggled in nearly every game in 2020. Carson Wentz was recently traded away to the Indianapolis Colts, giving the starting job to Jalen Hurts. The Eagles aim to improve their passing game after finishing with just 3,728 passing yards and 22 touchdowns, making them one of the worst offenses through the air. 

The consensus is that Jalen Hurts jumps in as the starting quarterback of the Eagles. However, there are reports the front office plans to bring in some competition for their young quarterback. In Michael David Smith’s article for Yahoo Sports, he claims, “But the job isn’t being handed to Hurts. Instead, the Eagles plan to bring in competition for Hurts, according to ESPN.”

For that reason, this could be a fantastic landing spot for Alex Smith. It’s not likely he plays in Philadelphia, but this could be a great signing for Jalen Hurts’ development. Smith played a similar style throughout his career but stayed in the pocket more often than not. With Hurts a running QB, Smith can be a great mentor for the young prospect. 

The post Top 3 Fits for Alex Smith in 2021 appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written By Benedetto Vitale – Twitter (@TalksVitale)

With the offseason rumors and trade projections in full force, the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Michael Gallup becomes the next possible trade target in the NFL. Gallup didn’t have the most spectacular 2020 season. He finished with 59 receptions, 843 receiving yards, and five touchdowns. 

He seemed to get lost in the mix of the Cowboys offense after Dak Prescott fell to injury. However, there’s reason to believe he bounces back next year as a legitimate wideout option. Gallup is only 24 years old with plenty of time left in his career. Finding a new home may just be exactly what he needs to bounce back. 

Considering the state of this Cowboys franchise, trading Gallup away seems to make sense. The defense was one of the worst last year and the offensive line has been depleted over the years. The front office should be aiming to strengthen up the rest of the roster by trading away Michael Gallup for a draft pick. 

Dink Kearney, a writer for Fansided tends to agree, stating, “Another reason Dallas should trade Gallup is that he’ll easily fetch a second-round pick or a third-round pick right now. In a pass-happy league, general managers are salivating for talented, acrobatic, big-play receivers like Gallup.” With that said, here are three potential trade destinations for Michael Gallup. 

Gallup to the Green Bay Packers?

The first on the list is the Green Bay Packers. This would be a dream scenario for Gallup and fantasy players alike. The Packers already have one of the best offenses in the league, however, finding another receiver would bode well for their success next year. 

Gallup is a deep ball threat and would serve as a fantastic WR2 behind Devonte Adams. His abilities as a receiver would bring a different weapon to the Packers’ offense. They were hoping for Marquez Valdes-Scantling to be a solid WR2, but it didn’t seem to pan out. Gallup would step in immediately and fill that void missing in 2020. 

In an article on SB Nation, they mention the Packers current state of receivers, stating, “The Packers currently have no wide receivers under contract for 2022.” This is a problem for the future of this franchise. Trading for Gallup makes sense, as he’s still on his rookie contract, and would become a potential re-sign beyond 2022. Making this an incredibly smart decision for this front office. 

Tampa Bay Buccaneers Trade for Gallup?

Having just come off a Super Bowl victory, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers aim to reload and shoot for a championship again. With an already impressive roster, the Bucs may be able to convince some players to sign cheap one-year deals to improve the roster. However, trading for Michael Gallup could be a power move most of the league doesn’t see coming. 

With Chris Godwin and Antonio Brown hitting the free-agent market, it’s not likely the front office will be able to bring back both of them. Chet Gresham, a writer for Draft Kings explains the likelihood of Godwin re-signing with the Bucs. He claims, “Chris Godwin is entering unrestricted free agency and is viewed as one of the Bucs’ most valued offensive weapons.”

If Tampa Bay re-signs Godwin, then turns around and trades for Gallup, they’d be setting themselves up for years to come. Plus, they’d have another weapon for Tom Brady as well. Additionally, with Gallup’s rookie contract, the Bucs would still be able to afford to sign other players to the roster as well. The Bucs have a chance to put their roster over the top for 2021. 

Gallup Plays for the New England Patriots?

The New England Patriots have one of the worst wide receiver groups in the league. Although, Jakobi Meyers was a bright spot in the second half of the year. Due to their lack of depth, expect to see some new faces on the Patriots next year. 

It’s possible the Patriots draft a quarterback in the first round of the 2021 NFL draft. For that reason, they may miss out on one of the top receivers available. Furthermore, New England isn’t a desirable destination anymore. It’ll be difficult for this franchise to acquire top talent in free agency, which means they should make a move for Michael Gallup in a trade. 

Gallup would immediately become the WR1 for this franchise if a trade comes to fruition. Meyer’s played well, but he may play better with a more talented wide receiver on the field with him. Also, with the likes of Devin Asiasi and Dalton Keene developing next year, acquiring Gallup could prove to be a fantastic pick-up for this franchise. 

Andrew Erickson, a writer for PFF, dives further into New England’s need for a WR. He states, “This is a dire area of need for this team, with former first-round pick N’Keal Harry looking like a bust in his first two seasons and Julian Edelman entering his age-35 season.” Look for the Patriots to possibly make a move this offseason as Bill Belichick aims to get the franchise back on track. 

The post 3 Potential Trade Destinations for Michael Gallup appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written By: Benedetto Vitale – Twitter (TalksVitale)

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are fresh off of a Super Bowl win and the offseason is officially underway. The front office will do its best to maintain the roster that just won the championship, while also reloading the team with new talent. 

Tom Brady’s age is no secret across the NFL world. He’s well into his mid-40s now, making him the oldest player in the league. It sounds like Brady will be playing one more year, as he attempts to secure an eighth Super Bowl title under his belt. 

With that said, the Buccaneers need to consider finding Brady’s heir sooner, rather than later. This would give Tampa Bay a huge advantage in terms of depth. Once Brady leaves, the front office will have to find his replacement. So why not do it this year?

There are three routes the front office could choose to go. First, they could elect a rookie quarterback in the NFL draft this offseason. With a ton of talented QBs this year, it’s possible the Bucs select a stud to replace Brady. Second, they could look towards the free-agent market, possibly giving another NFL quarterback to redeem himself. And lastly, the front office could choose to trade for a QB to sit and learn behind Brady for one year. 

Here are three potential quarterbacks that could be Tom Brady’s heir for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

Does Mac Jones Get Drafted by Tampa Bay?

As we approach the NFL draft, the Tampa Bay front office will have to decide if selecting a QB is the right approach. Mac Jones is projected to go anywhere within the late first-round through the mid-second round. So if the Bucs believe Jones can be that guy, they’re likely to use their first-round pick to select him. 

In Chris Trapasso’s article for CBS Sports, he explains Jones’ current draft stock. He claims, “Could Jones land on a good team late in round one, sit for a season, and ultimately become a successful passer? Yes. But he’s going to need a lot of assets around him.”

With that said, the Buccaneers’ offense would be a perfect situation for the former Alabama quarterback. The offense is loaded with talent, and the offensive line should be much more improved by the time Mac Jones takes over as the starter. Considering how good he was at getting the ball to DeVonta Smith, Jones could thrive throwing deep to Mike Evans in the NFL.

Mitchell Trubisky Signs with the Bucs?

Another route the Bucs front office could go is signing a free agent QB like Mitchell Trubisky. I know he’s not the hottest name, but there’s a possibility he lands with the Buccaneers to learn for a year. This may become the new thing for struggling quarterbacks in the league, as we witnessed Jameis Winston do the same at the New Orleans Saints.

Luckily for Trubisky, the 2020 season wasn’t the worst by any means. Tommy Garrett, an author for Pro Football Network explains by saying, “While he did end the season on a higher note, it’s uncertain if it was enough to keep him in the Windy City.” Although this is true, there should still be a market for Trubisky this offseason. 

This would be the best-case scenario for Trubisy’s career. He would have the privilege of sitting behind the best QB in football for a year, learning and adapting, and possibly getting his career back on track. 

Furthermore, Trubisky seems to play better when moving around in the backfield, whether that’s from bootlegs, or keeping the play alive with his legs. The Buccaneers offensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich, is a smart OC that could design an offense suitable for Trubisky. Buccaneers fans may not love this idea, but it’d be worth a shot after Brady’s retirement. 

The Buccaneers Trade for Sam Darnold?

The final option for the Bucs replacement for Brady could be Sam Darnold. Another name that’s not too exciting, but hear me out. Most of Darnold’s struggles this year aren’t fully on him. Since being drafted to the New York Jets, the front office hasn’t built a supporting cast around him to help him succeed. 

For Darnold, finding a new home is likely best for his career. Furthermore, he’s only 23 years old, meaning he still has some time to figure it out at the pro level. Playing behind Brady for a year could be detrimental to Darnold’s career, and could rejuvenize him completely. 

Additionally, Darnold comes at a cheap price the Bucs could afford. Adam Wells, a writer for Bleacher Report proclaims, “Darnold is under contract for at least one more season, though the team has until May fourth to decide if it will exercise the fifth-year option on his rookie deal for 2022.” That’s a deal that won’t break the Bucs bank, giving them enough cap space to maintain their talented roster. 

Darnold has shown flashes of brilliancy. Taking a year off and learning may be exactly what he needs. If this trade comes to fruition, there is a possibility the Buccaneers steal Darnold away, then continue to have a legitimate career for them.

The post Top 3 QB Targets for the Buccaneers: Who Will be Tom Brady’s Heir appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written by: Benedetto Vitale – Twitter (@TalksVitale)

The quarterback buzz mill is in full swing and the latest victim is Russell Wilson. Due to recent reports of him voicing frustration about the Seattle Seahawks front office, it’s now speculated by some that Wilson would be open to leaving Seattle. He’s one of the best quarterbacks in the league, as he finished 2020 with 4,212 passing yards and 40 touchdowns. 

The reason why Wilson voiced his opinion is due to the fact the front office has failed to acquire legitimate help on the offensive line. Wilson has been running for his life throughout most of his career. In the last three seasons, he’s been sacked a total of 146 times. 

If the Seahawks do dish Wilson away in a trade, they’re essentially saying they can’t find the help Wilson requires. They’ll put themselves in a much more difficult situation going this route. Instead of finding help on the offensive line, they’ll be hoping to land a QB to replace Wilson. A task easier said than done, but the front office can attempt to find someone via free agency, trade, or the NFL draft. Here are three potential QB replacements for the Seahawks. 

Dak Prescott Signs With Seattle?

One route the Seattle front office could go is signing Dak Prescott. He’s been one of the most under-appreciated quarterbacks in the league. He only played five games this year due to injury, but he went bonkers in that short period. He finished with 1,856 passing yards and nine touchdowns. 

This will be a difficult signing to pull off, as the Dallas Cowboys still have the right to re-sign Prescott to a long-term deal. Matt Johnson, a writer for Sportsnaught explains Prescott’s current contract situation. He states, “If an extension isn’t reached before the July 15 deadline, he’ll either hit free agency as a 28-year-old star quarterback or become the first player to be tagged three times.”

If Wilson leaves Seattle, this would be the best-case scenario for the Seahawks. Prescott is a top QB in the NFL and would allow for the Seahawks to continue playing at a high level without many bumps in the road. His ability to sling it downfield and spread the ball around to his receivers would keep the Seahawks competitive in a tough NFC West division.

The Seahawks Draft Mac Jones

Another direction the Seahawks could go is selecting a quarterback in the NFL draft. They don’t have a first-round selection this year, meaning Seattle may have to trade up to find a prospect to replace Wilson. Mac Jones would be the perfect candidate for the job, as he’s proven capable of playing well with a great cast around him. He finished 2020 at Alabama with 4,500 passing yards and 41 touchdowns. 

Jones has been receiving a lot of hype lately as the NFL draft approaches. He had an impressive senior year, which makes him a possible top QB prospect in the draft this year. With that said, it’s unclear when Jones will be drafted. 

An author for Pro Football Network, Ian Cummings explains Jones’ draft projection. He explains, saying, “For now, I see Jones as a solid mid-round quarterback, who will probably end up being a day two pick. With that being said, I could see an NFL team convincing themselves to pick him late in round one”¦”

This wouldn’t be the worst thing for Seattle. Jones seems ready for the pro level. With a supporting cast of DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, giving Jones a great WR group to work with. 

Seattle Possibly Trades for Sam Darnold?

This may not be a QB Seahawks fans want to see as a possible option, as Sam Darnold hasn’t done anything to make people believe he can play in this league for a long time. He’s had spurts, but it hasn’t been consistent. In 2020 he was benched for Joe Flacco, but still managed 2,208 passing yards and nine touchdowns. 

It’s still uncertain whether or not Darnold is apart of the New York Jets’ future or not. With a new head coach, he may want to find a new QB he feels is better suitable for the job. In a Sports Illustrated article written by Michael Shapiro, the author explains, “New York isn’t ready to deal Darnold just yet, per Schefter. The Jets reportedly ”˜haven’t made any final and firm quarterback decisions’ and “all options are being explored.”

The upside to Darnold is that he’s still only 23 years old. He’s also never been given a chance in New York as the front office hasn’t built the roster to help him succeed. If he finds himself in Seattle, he’d have the best group around him since his days at USC. Also considering Pete Carroll plans to utilize the run more often next year, this could be a great new start for Sam Darnold.

The post Seahawks QB options if Russell Wilson leaves appeared first on Pro Football Mania.

Written By Benedetto Vitale (Twitter: @TalksVitale)

The tight end position will be an interesting one to watch this offseason. The upcoming draft class is deep and there are some solid veterans in the free agency pool. Jared Cook is likely playing for another team next year, as the New Orleans Saints have a younger TE ready to play along with other holes to fill on the roster. Cook put up 504 receptions and seven touchdowns in 2021.

A bit on the older side, Jared Cook can still be a viable option for any franchise. He’s been solid throughout most of his career and should be a great receiving option in 2021. However, the teams likely to show the most interest are those currently rebuilding, or just on the verge of becoming a playoff team.

With that said, there are three organizations that stick out as solid prospects to acquire Jared Cook. He would be a starter for each franchise on this list and help these teams progress forward in 2021. Here are three potential landing spots for Jared Cook. 

Cook Heads to the Jaguars?

The Jacksonville Jaguars would be an excellent destination for Jared Cook. With a ton of draft capital and money to spend in free agency, the Jaguars are in a great spot to rebuild their organization. It’s already a forgone conclusion Trevor Lawrence is selected with the first pick overall, so they should highly consider signing a veteran tight end.

As I mentioned, there are plenty of talented tight ends available in the draft, however, it would be smarter to bring in a veteran instead. The Jacksonville offense is already rather young, and they’ll likely want to stack up the offensive line to protect Lawrence. Which means, drafting a TE early may not be in the cards for the Jaguars.

Signing Cook would only improve Lawrence’s development in the league. In Michael Phillips article for Fansided, the author explains, “There are not many other assets a young quarterback loves more than a great tight end. It provides a big security blanket and is typically close to the signal-caller on their routes.” 

Additionally, it’s not like the Jags have a history of high-quality tight ends on the franchise. Mercedes Lewis is the best one by far, which means Cook elevates the standards of the position within the franchise. Look for the Jaguars to be busy this offseason, as they’ll be aiming to build the roster around Trevor Lawrence. 

Is the Arizona Desert the Perfect Place for Jared Cook?

The Arizona Cardinals make the list as they’re in an awkward situation with the tight end position. Jess Root, a writer for USA Today, dives further into the sate of the Cardinals TE group. The author explains, “Maxx Williams is under contract but has a history of injuries. They added Ian Bunting to a futures deal but the rest of the tight ends on the roster will be free agents. The position is important but not for statistics. They need to add one or two players at the position.”

With the Cardinals barely missing the playoffs this year, they’re going to be reloading the roster to stay competitive in a tough NFC West division. Jared Cook would immediately become the starting TE and join a prolific offense. 

Additionally, it’s possible Arizona drafts a tight end within the first two rounds. That would make a TE group consisting of Cook, Williams, and an exciting rookie. This would give the Cardinals some much needed flexibility at the position. 

Jared Cook Becomes a Bengal?

Similar to the Jaguars, the Cincinnati Bengals are rebuilding their franchise for the future. The offense is filled with some solid talent that needs further development and they need a veteran leader for that squad. 

AJ Green is gone and likely won’t come back, which means Jared Cook may step in and be a solid TE for Joe Burrow. It is true that CJ Uzomah might be ready for a starting role, but it’s unclear how he returns from his serious injury. Richard Skinner, a writer for Local 12, explains, “Uzomah is entering the final year of his contract and is due $4.75 million in base salary with a dead cap hit of $1.08 million, although the return from injury clouds that a bit.” It is possible the Bengals let Uzomah enter free agency this offseason.

Drew Sample also has some potential to become the starter eventually, but based on what we’ve seen so far, he’s not consistent enough for the job yet. Signing Jared Cook to a two-year deal makes sense for the Bengals. He’d be a great starting TE for the team, Cincinnati would have a solid 1-2 punch in the position, and it would give Sample the time he needs to properly develop.

The post Jared Cook: Top 3 Landing Spots for The 12-Year Veteran appeared first on Pro Football Mania.