If you missed yesterday’s free agency preview podcast, check it out…
According to Adam Schefter, the new league is set to begin as planned this week. The ‘legal tampering’ period of free agency will start on Monday.
We’re already seeing deals being agreed. The Titans have re-signed Ryan Tannehill and the Colts Anthony Castonzo. Bradley Roby is reportedly returning to the Texans.
We’ve also seen Calais Campbell traded to the Ravens in principal.
The price? A fifth round pick.
We need to talk about this trade.
Why so cheap? Why didn’t the Seahawks go for him?
Let’s get into it.
Why only a fifth rounder?
Trade suggestions or proposals are always dismissed as unrealistic until the point they occur. Then everyone acts surprised. Campbell for a fifth. Clowney for a third. Diggs for a fifth.
Unexpected stuff happens all the time in the NFL.
Campbell has been exceptionally productive in his three years in Jacksonville. He was consistently graded as a top-five defensive lineman by PFF. In 2019 he had 6.5 sacks working the interior to go with 33 pressures and 16 QB knockdowns.
He’s a quality player. The price probably reflects a number of aspects:
1. Jacksonville’s acceptance that they’re in a rebuild
2. His age
3. Their respect for him
4. His desire to go to a certain team
The Jags save $15m with this trade. They move on from a player who turns 34 this year and probably won’t be part of their next core. They also have a lot of respect and admiration for Calais within the organisation and probably worked with him to find an ideal destination rather than trying to milk what they could get.
Not everything is a clinical business decision. Most things are, granted. But not everything. I suspect Campbell instructed the Jaguars of his preference and they worked on a deal. They probably did their due diligence at the combine to get a feel for what was on offer. My guess would be that after gathering all the information, they worked with the player to get him his preferred move.
Why didn’t the Seahawks just offer a higher pick?
For starters, it’s possible Campbell didn’t fancy it. Geographically there might be reasons. He also spent many years playing for the Cardinals. Ending his career with a rival NFC West team might not have been his preference.
The move to Baltimore will carry huge appeal. They were 14-2 last year. They have an exciting young quarterback and a fierce defense. Unlike the Seahawks, they don’t play in the toughest division in football.
They also use a scheme that Campbell is familiar with from his Cardinals days.
There’s every chance he had his heart set on a move to Baltimore and there’s nothing anyone could’ve done to change that. Especially if the Jags were motivated to move him to the team he wanted to go to.
There’s also something else to consider.
The Seahawks have cap space to spend but they don’t have a bottomless pit. The key is going to be to prioritise where they use their money.
Pete Carroll has already specifically named Jadeveon Clowney as a ‘huge priority’. Keeping Clowney will not be cheap. If you trade for Campbell, it limits your ability to get that done.
He also spoke very clearly about the LEO and the five technique positions. They want a premier pass rusher and a dynamic defensive end partner. Presumably that means Clowney and one other. That is do-able in free agency with their cap space and the expected massive cap increases in future seasons due to the passing of the new CBA.
It’s very difficult, however, to sign two players to fill those positions while also spending $20m guaranteed on Calais Campbell.
They’ve also spoken of their desire to keep Jarran Reed (a point re-emphasised by Jeremy Fowler earlier). Once again — they are big on culture, familiarity and fit.
At the moment they’re probably just not in a position to make this trade and guarantee they can do the other things they want to do. I don’t think you’re likely to see any moves until they know where they stand with Clowney. That could happen by the end of today for all we know. But clearly they aren’t there yet.
The news of this trade will disappoint many Seahawks fans. We’re all well aware of Campbell’s talent after the years he had in Arizona. Carroll and Schneider have been searching for their version of Calais for years too. Now that he was available for such a cheap price — people will wonder why they didn’t make this move.
Heck — I’m pretty sure this is the only website that even considered it a possibility that he’d be available. Like anyone else, I found this news deflating.
Yet when you take a step back and consider his possible preference, the likelihood of the Jaguars organisation to do him a solid and Seattle’s need to prioritise the five technique (Clowney) and LEO positions — it likely meant this simply wasn’t to be.
Make no mistake though — now is the time for the Seahawks. They have to be pro-active and aggressive this off-season. In free agency and the draft. The defense in particular needs a major talent injection. They deserve an opportunity to show their hand and reveal what their plan of action is for the 2020 season.
And we’ll have every opportunity to analyse and judge that plan in the coming days.
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The low trade compensation leads me to believe it was something not unlike you described – Campbell picking the team he wanted to go to and Jax honoring that request.
That said, “losing” a shot at Campbell doesn’t mean the Hawks still won’t be bold this offseason. I still think they’re about to make some very interesting moves.
Agreed.
I would have loved Campbell especially at that price but you do have to take a step back and realize he will be 34 next season. This is a you g man’s game and players cliff’s can come fast.
One of the guys on your podcast made a really good point about Jarran Reed. He said he thought the Seahawks might take advantage of his down year to sign him him to a long term deal because he will be cheaper than if he had a good year like last and they do really like him.
One of the things about Reed is that we have seen his upside and its pretty damn high for a DT.
Can’t wait until tomorrow. I want some announcements early and often. Have to get this DL sorted out ASAP. Fowler, Clowney kick them down and give us a shot to take the division. Like Yannick a lot but not if they’re going to have to move that first pick.
I felt the same way. Deflated at the though of seeing a key piece go down cheaply to another team. Then the realization that the Seahawks are in every conversation and if they could have done this, they would have. I do think the concept of “keeping our own” can be short-sighted and unnecessarily restrictive. I think there is peril in waiting for Clowney as the rest of the free agents sign. They do need to be aggressive this year and be willing to cut bait on Clowney and Reed if they don’t get agreements soon. Otherwise, they’re left to fill the ranks with mid tier players again. Let’s hope the Seahawks strike quickly and well this off season.
Let me be clear on this though — the Clowney thing almost certainly isn’t going to drag on. They’re not going to miss out on a swathe of talent waiting for him. For all we know it might be done today. Or they might know it won’t be happening. They’re not going to need to ‘cut bait’ there.
Absolutely. If they are going to get their guys they will have to be aggressive because options are limited. They have probably already given him an offer and told him to shop it and get back to us quick.
Rob,
Do you think the Seahawks can ‘inject’ enough talent without making some difficult cuts (Britt, Wright, McDougald, etc.)?
Thanks and stay safe/sane.
Yes, probably. But it depends how aggressive they wish to be.
Rob how do you see the Hawks going about free agency this year in the first couple of days? If they don’t sign Clowney and/or Reed right off the bat will they take the wait and see approach or go hard for other FA’s?
I put some thoughts down here https://seahawksdraftblog.com/monday-notes-free-agency-thoughts-predictions
Dude is 34, I’m not bummed at all, I want young players, we have a short SB window, maybe 4 or 5 years for RW’s prime.
Why doesn’t that argument favor getting older players we don’t need to develop as much, instead of young players?
Older players, in most cases, cost a lot more money.
Obligatory Clint Dempsey shoutout!! Favorite player, hood af, swag out the a**! He got 🔥 bars, too. Don’t tread, b*****
I loved him at spurs, scored so many big goals.
Creative and Tenacious. One of a kind for an American
Never got into Grey’s Anatomy.
🙂
Rob, ban this sucker.
OK, he’s McDreamy. LOL.
the extension given to Campbell, which was probably discussed at the combine, was not something the Seahawks wanted to do is my guess. I also think they already know exactly who they are going to sign on the DL. As Rob has mentioned, that is the #1 Priority. I think we will see deals announced tomorrow and Tuesday as to who they are bringing in. After those deals are done, they will turn the the other pieces that are needed outside of the DL.
Not surprised about the Campbell situation at all. 34 years old for a big man is pretty old…and 20 million in guarantees? No thanks.
Russ has a solid 4-5 years of prime play and I would hope we are looking for younger players especially at the pass rush positions. Many of us have turned from Yannick in the past week or so but I’m still on the train. Sign Clowney and get Yannick and fill in the rest. I’m good.
Sanity finally gets on the scoresheet!
Good, I’m glad.
Thanks for the extra post today. I was happy with the podcast and enjoyed it every minute. Thanks Rob, and thank God for the tampering starting Monday.
What are you doing still on your device?! Hurry now go rush the TP aisle before it’s too late!
I’m too busy giving Sean Payton an information enema.
I was raised by wolves. I use leaves.
3 Sea Shells
Never, ever, ever, use snow! I learned just how sensitive that area was.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNDWjUQZMwc&t=44s
Yes.Talk sense to me baby!
What might not have been mentioned is that the NFL is at an advantage here. This virus hit during the other sports and may leave the NFL untouched. Just like the stupid hand sanitizers, the competition is being killed while the BAMF is not hurt at all.
Adrian Killens – RB, UCF. Procise replacement and KR/PR?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyqSiJx1VDM
Pair him and Bronson Rechsteiner for our Lightning and Thunder combo with late round picks maybe. James Robinson from Illinois State is another option. Some fun tape on RB’s that could be day 3 guys.
Killins is so explosive. He’s probably lighter than his listed weight, so not sure if the Seahawks will be interested, but on returns alone he’s a reason to spend a day 3 pick.
Good points here. I’m sure Campbell’s preference was a factor. As I’m sure was the close relationship between Caldwell and DeCosta.
I’m just nursing some strong disappointment as someone who’s wanted Campbell in a Seahawks uni for, oh I don’t know, at least the last 5 years or so. And to think he could’ve been had for a Day 3 pick…
Yes, he’s 34. Yes, his guaranteed amount is high relative to his age. But still, he’s one of the best DT/DEs in football and I think he’d have made a difference on SEA’s DL.
I’m more convinced than ever that SEA will resign Clowney. And becoming more and more convinced they’ll resign Reed. Also QJeff.
I didn’t comment on the post about 5 DL prospects to watch in the draft, but I will now:
I like Okwara, but not if he has to be taken at 27. If he can be had after a trade down then ok. Otherwise, I hope they trade down from 27 and take Raekwon Davis in mid R2 and and one of Zuniga or Weaver in late R2 or early R3.
To be fair I wanted Campbell when the Jags got him….when he was about 30. I don’t see paying a 34 year old 20 million in guarantees. Unless he is a QB. Really glad we didn’t take the bait.
Okwara at 27 would be completely fine with me. He is literally the only draftee at our most position of need that would possibly be able to make an impact early…Maybe Zuniga.
R. Davis I am not on board with. If we draft him AND he has an immediate impact my jaw will drop and I’ll eat crow.
It’d depend on how you personally define ‘immediate impact’.
Because for me his game is tailor made for immediate impact. I suspect you’re just focusing on sack production, which is the mistake everyone makes with Davis.
Nope. Unlike ‘everyone else’ I’m not just focusing on sack production. That’s the mistake people make about Clowney….and Davis ain’t no Clowney.
So you’re just offering a negative review without any details whatsoever.
Great. Well done.
I spent several hours yesterday watching game tape of most of the defensive lineman projected to go in the first 3 rounds. It was very disappointing. Outside of Matos and Okwara, I didn’t see anyone I could get excited about the Seahawks taking in the first 3 rounds. Concerning Davis, even though he measures similar to Campbell I don’t see it on tape like I do with Campbell. On tape Davis just seems very slow.
Thanks for what you do.
The question is though, do we want to sign all the same guys we had last year as they were part of the problem.
Do we want them to sign their best two defensive linemen? Yes.
Clowney and Reed were not the problem. It was the complete lack of talent around them.
If they sign Carroll’s desired ‘premier pass rusher’ and add some talent in the draft, it can be a very different D-line.
Poona has talent.
Yes, we want them to resign Clowney and Reed. Period. Then we want them to add pass rush and interior DL help through FA and the draft to help them.
Rob. I love that your take is always reasoned and well thought out. Some are far too reactionary. You always hit the perfect tone. I agree with your long stated premise that the Seahawks will be aggressive and imaginative. Would have liked Campbell, but I’m sure they have a plan. This will be an exciting time for the Hawks, when everything else is somewhat constrained.
Last years draft the obvious focus was on toughness and physicality (they like to use the words grit and competitiveness too but that’s hard to gage from the tape). BAMFs or Dogs you could call them.
Blair, Collier and Metcalf all are really tough guys in their own ways. Maybe the toughest dudes who were in range at their positions last year.
Who are the toughest/most physical guys in this draft class? These are the top guys at some positions that came to mind for me.
WR: Laviska Shenault
RB: Zack Moss
OG: Logan Sternberg/ Robert Hunt
T: Mekhi Becton*
LB: Malik Harrison
S: Kyle Duggar
DL: Rashard Lawrence
C: Okudah*
*won’t be in range
Who are your favorite Dogs/BAMFs in this draft class?
Per JLC… 49ers closing in on a long term extension with Arik Armstead.
Lock up Clowney ASAP
yep
The Niners have $9m of cap room.
I wonder who they will cut or restructure to make room.
Sherman?
Maybe they will just use creative contract structuring?
$9m gets them their draft class and some room for injuries and performance incentives. In essence they have no cap room without cutting someone.
Unless Armstead will agree to play for food stamps, they’ve got to make a move.
They could move Dee Ford. His salary becomes only guaranteed in April. There is enough time to find a trading partner and I think they like Armstead more as he is more complete. Would free Update 9.5m cap space.
They’ll cut Jerrick McKinnon.
Not a surprise.
After losing the super bowl Shanahan’s first priority should be to keep that dline together. They can find cheaper alternatives at linebacker at corner, (for example if they want to move on from Kwon Alexander or Richard Sherman)
The Campbell trade just ratchets up the game of musical chairs a notch. That twitch of anxiety that we are going to be left standing bereft when the music stops. Are we really going to be players amongst the top tier FA’s on defensive front?
I’m going to want some relief fairly soon in this process. Hope it’s forthcoming.
Ay-yay-yay
It’s Yiddish…take it as joyful or sarcastic. The choice is yours.
I think the hawks have their hearts set on Raekwon Davis and feel confident they can get him with their first pick. They need to get back to snuffing out the run like they did in 2012/13 when Red Bryant played the big 5 tech/2gap. Davis is that guy. Slide him inside on pass downs to take advantage of his length against guards/center. No one else gives you that kind of versatility.
Campbell wants a ring and he probably saw the Ravens as the best chance for that and willing to sign a deal there. Ravens all in on Jackson’s rookie deal.
Still probably in line to trade for Yannick which will cost something too.
Yep.. Calais says so with Josina. He felt Ravens had a better shot at ring…so there is the answer
He is not wrong. AFC is KC and Baltimore then everyone else where NFC is San Fran, New Orleans, LA Rams I think will rebound, Green Bay, Minnesota,
Rob it looks like one or both the linebackers Patrick Queen or Kenneth Murray may drop to 27 any chance the Hawks be interested
new cba has 5th year guaranteed for all first round picks. This makes it even more likely that the Seahawks trade down and out of the first.
That’s if the team picks up the option. It’s still an option, though.
I don’t think either will last to #27.
Isn’t Calais from the east coast? He played at miami. And I’m certain he didn’t want to play against the team that drafted and paid him for all those years.
I think you’ve hit it on the head Rob. CC wanted Baltimore, and a 3-4 defense.
He’s from colorado
I think we are after a LEO this offseason, which Campbell is not, and want to leave money available for Clowney.
From what’s been covered here at SDB and elsewhere, I think that’s a safe assumption. Would’ve still loved Calais, but we definitely need speed at all levels of this defense, especially the front seven.
Yeah it’s just I don’t think we were even in on Campbell at all.
I think the Seahawks think Clowney is better than Campbell.
Love Campbell, the comp is low (trade wise) but it’s the age that has always given me pause. I’m ok with a few “old” guys on the roster, but when you start counting on 3 or more (Olsen, Brown, Campbell) all in one year, all 34-35, that is starting to have the odds stacked against you in terms of getting 14+ games out of each position
I hope they trade down and take Isaiah Wilson because the league is paying some stupid money to RT.
I think Ifedi is a decent player but he will be over paid in open market, might just save that money and spend it else where.
They might have to trade up from our origin 2nd rounder for Davis.
My choice:
RT (Wilson), DT (Davis), and C
Hope they can take care of their DE problems in FA ASAP.
Maybe they kick the tired on Rick Wagner. He was going to make $9 million, I believe. I wonder if he’s going to demand that much, although perhaps he will and dilutes the market for Fant. I think you have to get pass rushers where you can get them and that’s why I’m leaning toward getting Zuniga. Healthy, he’s a disruptive player who still had plenty of upside. Better chance of finding a tackle later than a pass rusher. Trade down, Zuniga, then OT like Niang, etc, then find a way to get either a WR or OLB who can run and cover as well as support the run, (Gay Jr). Even if they keep Clowney and sign someone else, you can never have enough pass rush.
Tomorrow’s going to be fun. If I was an agent, this would be the biggest part of my year. I’d have a case of espresso and energy drinks in my office.
And toilet paper.
https://www.ebay.com/itm/STRAIGHT-OUTTA-TOILET-PAPER-/402152520522?nav=SEARCH
https://twitter.com/MatthewFling/status/1239068876505100288
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xNDWjUQZMwc&t=44s
The bourgie zombies even overran Trader Joe’s. No toilet paper, but escaped with some Joe-Joe’s and 2 bags of cruciferous salad mix. Yay?
What do you think of DL Joseph from Min on a one year deal? Pair him with Clowney and Reed and then a cheaper alternative like Irvin off the edge (another one year deal) and I think we are back to having a top 5 caliber line.
We know they are going D-line – is there anyone else out there that I should be rooting for besides Joseph, Clowney, Reed, and Irvin?
Is that too much money spent on one position?
Thanks and I’m looking forward to some moves on Day 1 tomorrow!
Go Hawks!!
I don’t think that scenario addresses the need for speed around the edge. Bruce isn’t solving that. Reed and Joseph are going to eat up that cap space.
Rob let me ask you question what if the Seahawks decide to go younger on the defense line instead of the free agent market could they say let’s draft R Davis and one of the Florida guys either Greenard or Zuniga with are first two pics.Is that a possibility you think ?
I think they’ll add to the D-line via the draft but they also need — and will add — proven talent.
I doubt Joseph wants a 1 year deal.
Give him 3 years and you can make it smart (backload the contract while frontload the GTD)
Reed’s contract can be backloaded too
If you sign Reed and Joseph I doubt you’d have the money to sign any big name speed EDGE, but you could get Beasley/Ogbah
And you could also get Greenard/Zuniga in R2 or Davis and get an OL in R1
I think it’ll take a lot more than Bruce + Joseph to achieve a top-five caliber line.
Silver linings… going to Baltimore means we probably wont ever have to play against CC again before he retires, unless we meet in the SB that is.
Currently I think there are 2 likely scenario:
1, Keep the team together and double-dip DL in the draft
Sign Clowney, Reed, Beasley/Ogbah
Sign Ifedi/Fant/Wagner/Conklin
Draft Okwara #27, trade up (with R3) in R2 and draft Davis mid R2
Draft Bryant R2
Draft a WR, RB and nCB, outside CB with the rest of the picks
2, Go big with DL in FA
Re-sign Clowney, Reed. Sign Fowler and Beasley/Ogbah
Let Fant/Ifedi walk
Draft the best OT #27 (Wilson maybe)
Draft Zuniga or Davis (I know totally different players, they’ll prio what is more important and who’s available) in R2
Draft Hunter Bryant in R2 (maybe we’ll need to trade up?)
Draft a WR in R3 (not sure who’ll be available here, but ton of talented WRs and not every team will need one early, so if there’s 25-27 solid WRs we can get a good WR3 here)
Draft an RB in R4
LB or nCB in R4
Rest of the picks can be used for roster padding and developmental prospects
NFL salary cap will increase to $198.2M in 2020
http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000001106260/article/nfl-salary-cap-will-increase-to-1982m-in-2020
This is 10 mil. more than it was previously set at for 2020 because of the new CBA agreement signed yesterday, and should help us sign Clowney and Griffen, Fowler, or Quinn at DE.
They’ll be fine. They have the flexibility to be active and always have.
It’s just a question of what they do. That’s the interesting bit. We get to find out this week.
Thanks for the reassurance, Rob, and all that you do. Fantastic work before, during, and since the combine, and looking forward to listening to your most recent podcast later today. I think this is great news for us signing several players with an extra 10 million just added to the cap.
Just wondering your opinion: If Britt/Fant/Ifedi all leave and these 2 fall to our pick on day 1, who would you prefer – Wilson of GA at RT or Ruiz of Michigan at C?
Ruiz is a top-20 talent IMO so I’d say him.
Center vs. Tackle though is a tough call.
Wow Falcons released Desmond Trufant
I wonder what Desmond would take to come back home. He had some injury issues, so maybe they won’t even pursue. When he was healthy, he was a solid player. They definitely needed to get their cap number down.
Very short arms, not really a fit physically
So they went that route. Wow.
Oh man. That’s like paying your credit card off with another credit card.
Here’s another so called expert here making his case to shut down the NFL’s business.
https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2020/03/16/nfl-must-pull-the-plug-on-free-agency-now/
Florio is nauseating when he gets on his high horse.
Totally agree about Florio. He probably has a huge mirror next to the camera. So that he can see himself when he is talking.
That Packers D is gonna be even better this year… And they can add a WR2 and upgrade over Jimmy at TE… This might be Rodgers last chance to get another ring.
Houston cant really trade Nuk??? JS work your magic PLEASE
I have a hard time believing this is true. If we were able to make this happen I’d be SHOCKED.
I like how PK doesn’t acknowledge how big a hole Houston has dug itself with its trades, “choosing” Clowney over Watt, nor does he say anything about the looming contract for Deshaun Watson. In other words, it’s a plant piece for the Texans to see if anyone’s socks roll up and down.
🤔
Good to see:
https://twitter.com/pennyhendrixx/status/1239355406746451968
Nice! Looks to be moving pretty well, gonna need him back to full speed as early as possible.
So many journalists speaking for us fans today saying FA is tone deaf.
Thank god for our moral guardians in the sports media.
Making sure the plebs are spoken for.
Not sure how it is on your side of the pond, but we here in the states are doubly blessed to have Hollywood tell us what we should think as well
Luckily, the NFL just said the show goes on. So I just ignore all the other comments about how this is in some way “insensitive”, etc. No added public health risk = just keep doing your job. End of story for me.
Great news!!
The player’s union didn’t want to stop the start of the league year, and it has to be approved by both sides. Most people are probably not aware of that.
No sooner clicked submit than an update comes in
NE: Joe Thuney
AZ: Kenyan Drake (transition tag)
That’s 14 tags. That’s a pretty strong number. I think 2012 was the biggest tag year with 19.
Make it 15.
15!
Wow. Forget my comment above about paying off the credit card with another credit card. They’ve decided to pay off their debt by getting a loan from a loan shark. Hope their thumbs and kneecaps will be in good shape in 2021.
Charlie, they took my thumb!
(Extra credit if you know the movie)
Will we franchise Reed? We can’t afford to but maybe a market develops.
If anything this means pretty much nothing. There are 31 teams that probably wouldn’t mind taking Campbell for a fifth. The ravens and jags were in talks, and Campbell probably liked baltimore, no point for the 30 other teams to pout.
With the stupid money being handed out to some of these positions – here’s what I think needs to happen:
Pay for Pass Rush. *Pass rush* – if that means letting Jarran Reed walk, so be it. But we need to spend $ on getting after the QB.
Do not spend on OL – my goodness are some very mediocre players making dumb money.
Position yourself in the draft to get Cesar Ruiz and Isaiah Wilson – listen, I don’t love playing rookie OL, but I can’t stomach the idea of paying a mediocre player $10-12M. I’d much rather rely on a rookie OL than a rookie pass rusher. Not to mention, I think both of these players will be damn good one day.
If this means holding off on drafting a WR, so be it. Find a 3rd WR in Free Agency as it looks like value can be had there.
I don’t love this situation – but I think the idea of paying a lot of money to average to slightly above average players that don’t create sacks is crazy town.
Ruiz probably top20-25 and Wilson is a R1 player. How will we get two R1 picks. Would you trade like next year’s R1 + this years R2 for an R4 and somewhere between #17-24?
Ruiz might be a top 25 talent but he won’t go in top 25 as there is depth at the position this year, and T is more valuable than C. I would take Cleveland first, Wilson second and hope Ruiz last into 2nd then trade up for him. I am pretty sure DE will be taken care of by the Hawks in FA.
I think Ruiz can be had at 27 and we will probably have to trade up from 59 to get Wilson – which I’m increasingly ok with. That would still leave us #64 to target a pass catcher or potentially a LBer who can run a bit (Uche, Gay Jr, etc).
We out here collecting safeties…
He did play a bit in the slot though in GB, so maybe that’s what they are thinking…
We don’t need S four tiers deep.
I’d be surprised if they weren’t looking at every FA who they feel is capable of playing some nickel for them. They know how antiquated playing 3 down LBs in a spread offense NFL is
He may have interest in Seattle but I doubt the interest is mutual
Erik Wagner to the packers for only 2 years and $11 million? That could have been a nice hedge.
For sure, the Packers didnt mess around as that is a good deal for them.
Sounds like Austin Hooper is headed to the Cleveland Browns.
Wonder what that means for Njoku…could be available and on the 5th year rookie option.
Vikings ran a bunch of 2 TE sets last year, and stefanski is now in Cleveland.
Right, but that was with Rudolph and Smith Jr in Minn – two very different TE’s. Njoku and Hooper are both similar right?
Rob spot on again in his intuition:
Wouldn’t mind Dorsett, think he’s a great role player for us at WR3+
👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻
Thought he made a lot of sense as a possible target.
Just got of the phone with…..
They want next to DK and Lockett don’t they?
^speed^
So there’s Ifedi’s ballpark market right there.
Flowers kicked in to guard last year. I think the tackle market will be higher.
Wow. They managed to move (at least part of) his contract. Wonder which direction any draft compensation will go…
nvm… whaaat?
Brock Osweiler trade set the market at $16m for a 2nd round pick. Will be interesting to see what the Cards give up.
I think there was also a late round swap of picks in that deal as well.
Cards got Hopkins as part of the deal
Whoa! Deandre Hopkins coming to AZ in the deal!
Wow. 5/85…
That’s about what I was expecting for Armstead. In fact we should be pleased it’s not higher. If Armstead is worth $17apy Clowney shouldn’t get an offer SEA won’t want to match.
Armstead got paid nicely. Wonder what they’ll do when Buckner comes due. He’s the better player, IMO.
DeAndre Hopkins to Arizona.
Wow.
That’s going to be hard to go up against twice a year
Man I had high hopes all morning for Nuk DK and Lockett… Now we gotta play him twice a year and they still have Kenyan Drake… They will be a playoff team.
The best division in football just got tougher. 2020 will be a bloodbath within the division.
It can never just be easy for Russ and co.
Just saw the news. In what universe a top 3 WR in the league on a reasonable salary can be traded for an expensive RB who has health concerns and not lived up to his contract. What am I missing? Other teams are getting these early Christmas gifts and JC is trying to squeeze every penny out of the Hawks.
On a different note, Titans just gave Tannehill almost $30M a year and Dak is saying $31M a year is not enough. I wonder those who thought Russell’s $35M a year deal was outrageous what do they think now.
Unbelievable. Texans continue gifting other teams. I don’t get it.
This stinks and I can’t believe they gave him up for DJ and a 2. Cap clearing move, obviously. David Johnson absolutely isn’t the same player he was a few years ago. I just can’t explain how strange this is.
Yes, so strange. Just keep the stud wideout and take an rb in the middle rounds.
Houston really needs a GM…. Jesus Christ…
Nuk 2020 salary: $12.5M
David Johnson 2020 salary: $11.25M
WTF is BOB doing….
He’s honestly a moron. So annoyed, but can’t complain too much when we’ve already profited from their stupidity.
Nope. The Clowney heist was just balancing the books after the Duane Brown trade debacle. Yes I’m still salty about that. Cost us an extra draft pick and cap $.
BOB is a decent coach and a horrible GM.
Welp… it’s on. Let’s get going, Johnny! Clowney, Fowler, trade up for Simmons lol. Better bring it in the NFC West!
Seriously, what the heck Houston?
This is insane…How pissed is DeShaun Watson right now? Is this the first move of a full blown fire-sale in Houston?
Why would you do this??? Trade one of your top 2 players at a great age.
Here’s a blueprint for how you wreck a franchise….
* alienate your stud #1 pick defensive lineman and trade him for a 3rd round pick
* pay your broken down wreck of a DE $60m and get about 20 sacks and 32 games in 4 seasons “because he’s a great guy”
* strip your future by trading 2 first round picks for a franchise left tackle, but don’t sign him to an extension
* trade your best offensive weapon for cap relief and a slim upgrade in the draft
Trading your best WR for a highly paid backup RB (last season) is a no-brainer…
That Houston offense is garbage with Hopkins..wonder watson will hold out and get traded at some point
Read as … garbage without Hopkins
Good news is Armstead is the only DL target that is now unavailable. No rumors on Clowney likely means he will give Seattle a heads up before signing elsewhere.
Armstead setting the market at 17 mil won’t hurt our chances, either.
With Houston… I really see no plan or vision. Just baffling move after baffling move. Prove me wrong
I was so excited to draft Houston’s RB in fantasy, but now? Idk if I would draft anyone but Watson… and that’s depending on who they draft at receiver. I don’t get this move at all.. If David Johnson was actually good, it would make more sense, but they just became a much worse team. Will Fuller in a contract year also…
Fuller has missed an average of 5.5 games per season. Hopkins has missed 2 games in his entire 7 year career. Crazy move
If they really wanted a back they could have taken Swift or Taylor. This was about something more. They didn’t save money, they didn’t get better. They got a high second rounder. More to the story here.
TBF i don’t think they had a first or second round pick, so they couldn’t have got one of those guys before this move.
Well now they get to spend that pick on a WR to replace Hopkins, so they’re paying pretty much the same this year, but aren’t tied down long term, downgrading at WR and getting an overpaid, mediocre RB
Quick, Let’s trade a 5th rounder for J.J. Watt before Houston wakes up!
Then trade him for a first? I mean… David Johnson? You get a player who is washed and you aren’t saving cap space? So weird.
Imagine saying last week that Calais and Hopkins would be both be traded and the compensation would be a 5th and a 2nd. You would’ve been quarantined. Rob was right in that you can only expect the unexpected when it comes to trades.
I quarantined. And this STILL makes me sick … lol
…for the poor Texans’ fans.
From NFL.com
“Playing in the best division in Football, Arizona now sports an offense with Murray, Hopkins, Fitzgerald, Kirk, and possibly Drake. That’s some hellish toys Kingsbury can play with.”
UGH!
We could really need a D-Line and a trade-up for Isaiah Simmons now…
I’m going to be very dramatic here…you either gotta score more points or get Simmons. Getting marginally better on both sides won’t do it.
This division is bananas.
Disagree. Trade down, get depth, without the first round fifth year problem. Giving up 2-3 picks up get one player is too risky. For me. YMMV
TE Hayden Hurst to Atlanta
Austin Hooper to Browns = Njoku available for cheap?
Good thought.
Shaq Lawson to Miami
OBJ was traded, but the team is unknown?
And Bob Condotta said he’s heard about interest from both teams, Bikings & Seahawks, involving a trade for Stefon Diggs
* Vikings
Diggs to Seattle Vol?
Yeah
Is this a report or a rumor?
Well if Hopkins has established a market for star WRs I’m all for getting Diggs now. LOL c’mon JS get him for a 4th round pick.
“It’s time for a new beginning”
Stefon Diggs on twitter
Been hoping for this for awhile. The perfect fit for Russ. Not getting too excited yet though.
Quick math. OTC has Minn with $15m room. They pick up $10m with the Cousins extension and shell out $11.5m for Harris on the franchise tag. So call it $14m room. And I’m guessing they want to find a way to get Griffen back?
They’re still pretty strapped.
Diggs is a great receiver. Does he want a new deal if he’s traded? How do we balance his touches with Lockett and DK, and still run the ball? That offense would be deadly, but I also don’t want to give up a first for him, and John has a history of paying premium cost in his trades for offensive weapons. For a 2nd? Yes.
Much rather sign a guy like Dorsett or Perriman for the 3rd option then give up a high pick and pay 14mil + per year. Definitely no 1st included please if it does happen.
You will not get a Diggs in the late/early 2nd. 14 mil per year is a steal for this guy. The deal also goes to 2023.
Like I said before, if he wants a new deal is it really a great deal? Most of these star players demand a new contract to complete the deal. If that’s the case, not much of a deal for a team that runs it more than they pass and who already has two established targets.
You wouldn’t have to pay the prorated signing bonus so his cap hits would be:
2020: 11.5
2021: 12
2022: 12
2023: 12
Free to cut at any point.
Good value, but I’m also not convinced they need to go this route given their offensive philosophy and needs on defence.
Atlanta just got Deandre Hopkins for a bag of used jockstraps. No freaking way does JS give up a 1st for Diggs. Maybe not even one of their 2nds.
*Arizona
So where’s the source for this information? You say that but don’t cite anything.
You don’t need a source for an opinion piece.
At no point anywhere in this article is this in anyway suggested to be a ‘report’.
I’m referring to the rumor Vol posted about OBJ and Diggs. Thought I replied to his post directly.
No you are posting separately not replies at the moment.
Is Chris Jones being traded?
I want us to be that team if they do…
If he goes to Arizona…
It’s interesting that after a bit more than three hours into the tampering period, there’s not yet any news connecting the Hawks to any pass rushers. Nobody, nada! It fits with Pete/John’s mode of operation, except we were all hoping they would be very aggressive and dive in quickly trying to fix the pass rush.
I love Steph Diggs, but is adding him really the best use of limited resources? Gets Russ a desired weapon, but at a reasonably high cost, and possibly at the expense of adding some much needed defensive help. Obviously nothing official yet, so this could just be smoke.
I had no expectation or hope they would make a massive move immediately.
They can be aggressive next week for all I care.
Just get it done when it needs to happen.
Barely anything has happened so far.
I suspect quite a few here on the blog held some hope they would announce a key signing (Clowney, or another edge player) early on, but you’re right that it doesn’t matter when it happens so long as it does happen.
So far, not to much action in the def line market, although many/most of the top talent has already been tagged. Looks like JPP is off the board, in addition to Armstead, but that’s about it.
It will be disappointing, however, if we start seeing other teams snag Fowler, Quinn, others, etc.
//checks watch
3 hours from the opening of the legal tampering period to the first “THE SEAHAWKS AREN’T DOING ANYTHING OMG” piece.
I’m proud of this group. Great restraint guys.
I’m referring to the rumor Vol posted about OBJ and Diggs. Thought I replied to his post directly.
No you are posting separately not replies at the moment.
What do you mean? I said Bob Condotta’s name. I didn’t site a source on OBJ because it was a question based on a rumor.
Meaning where are you hearing this rumor? Via Twitter, blog, website etc. Or is it coming from you? I haven’t seen anywhere talking about OBJ. So I’m curious where you are hearing or seeing this.
Yes twitter.
I think there is more to the story with the Houston-Arizona trade…I recall late in the season that Hopkins had a little rift with the coaches. Not sure if it was anything, but O’Brien just doesn’t take anything from any player. This might have been a dumb move from simply a talent view, but who knows if there were some internal problems there?
Also, I agree the Hopkins trade seems crazy at first, and David Thompson has had a miserable last two seasons. However, Thompson was a #1 RB in 2017 and Houston does get a 2nd this year and a 4th next year. Wonder if Thompson gets a restructured deal as well? It will be telling how next season plays out for both players and their new teams…
Personally I think O’Brien has way too much power in Hou and really needs someone on the personell side to be making these decisions!
Sorry, David Johnson…doh!
Just saw this on ESPN:
“Comments after the trade have suggested Hopkins wants a new contract and that there was friction between O’Brien and his star receiver. I don’t doubt either claim to be true, but they miss the point. Even if O’Brien decided that it was time to move on from Hopkins and didn’t want to reward a frustrated player who was clamoring for a new deal, there’s no way O’Brien can settle for a mid-second round pick, let alone simultaneously sending a pick swap to acquire a distressed, underwater contract.”
Best line of the whole article:
“This is a jaw-dropping, mind-bending, inexplicable trade for O’Brien, whose bizarre run as Texans general manager is going to be the subject of a 30 for 30 documentary one day.”
Hahaha!!!
Would Desmond Trufant be an option as a cheap veteran CB to push Flowers?
I’d love to give my Marcus Trufant some new life
My Marcus Trufant *Jersey…
Short arms
What about for the slot then? Can’t be worse than Jamaar Taylor, can he?
NFL Newtwork just said, “Clowney going to his 3rd team in 3 years” then went to commercial…
Well if there’s something to announce, it’s not on twitter.
It’ll be something dumb like, “according to our expert’s latest mock draft…”
Someone said he went to Giants for 87 mil, but who knows yet.
It was just a ‘best fit’ segment to fill time.
“A calm is starting to finally set in for the last 10-15 minutes after a wild few hours to start the tampering period. What does that mean? Means we’re probably headed for another big-time trade. Keep an eye on Stefon Diggs, Nick Foles, Andy Dalton, and according to a source close to CBS Sports’ Chris Trapasso, a big-name defensive linemen (who could be franchise-tagged Jaguars DE Yannick Ngakoue.”
Shelter says Clowney to Giants
Shefter 4years 87 mil
Might be some jack ass with a fake account sorry
Probably a troll job
Are you referring to this tweet?
https://twitter.com/cardiackembaa/status/1239629628182052865?s=21
That’s not really Adam Schefter 🙄
MY BAD! I should have verified it before posting! At least he’s still a FA!
And the hawks didn’t match it? Man…
It’s not real.
Guess those reports about the Hawks being unwilling to go above the $18-20m mark were correct. A big loss, making significant def line improvement more challenging.
Dude it’s a fake tweet from a fake account. C’mon guys, sharpen up a little bit. 🤦🏻♂️
the fake tweet didn’t even spell Clowney’s name correctly
IKR? SMDH
Good news then! I’ll be sure to sharpen up!!
This has to be fake. Not seeing this anywhere, including Shefter’s timeline.
I’m ok with Clowney moving on. Have been for awhile. Not official yet so we’ll see.
I’m not really okay with it if he goes. Most disruptive player available on the market and he’s been in our lockeroom. Some guys may get more sacks, but he’s a guy who needs constant attention from the offense. Pairs with a Yannick or whoever, this front would be great again.
Happy to see this is not for certain, but the dismay I felt at first re-enforces for me the importance of getting Clowney back!
When I first saw this I thought:
SF locked up Armstead
AZ fleeced HOUSTON
Hawks lost Clowney
Yuck!
Hopefully this just proves inaccurate and the Hawks get home back
The tweet about Clowney is from a fake account. But sadly the astonishing Hopkins trade is true. That trade was an absolute steal and bad for the Hawks.
Smart move by 49ers.
And smart to lock up Armstead before announcing the trade and giving him more leverage.
And SF didn’t have to use the franchise tag. Will be interesting to see what SF does with their 2 first round picks.
Definitely. Sucks to lose a great player but I think Lynch did great work today. I’d rather have Armstead and #13 than Buckner – especially when you see what the colts just paid him.
Just gotta hope the stupid Whiners draft a bust at #13
Clowney should expect to exceed that. Scary.
And Armstead just said, ‘Wait, what?’
Buckner traded to the Colts in exchange for their first round pick (#13).
More draft ammo for San Fran ,
Although I won’t miss Buckner
Colts really in win now mode I guess.. I wonder if SF goes offense or defense.. They better not get Simmons or Andrew Brown..
Kinlaw
Probably so they can get Derrick Brown or Javon Kinkaw
Another name to consider for DT reinforcements, Colts cut 6 foot 8 Margus Hunt.
This is going to be a frustrating draft to watch now that the Cardinals can go for anything at #8 (doesn’t have to be WR anymore) and the Whiners just outside the top 10
I’ve thought all along that the Cards were going to take Kinlaw, even before this trade.
I think 8 is a bit rich for Kinlaw. Also, ARI need an OT in the worst way. I think they’ll go for one of the top OTs in this class.
I think Kinlaw may be headed to SF at #13.
Get 1 of those OT’s to protect Murray.
Have to say, Niners hit us pretty hard. They were going to lose one of their DL’s anyway, they sign the cheaper one and trade the pricey one and set the market on both ends before we can make a move.
They traded their 2nd best lineman for a guy with only one good season (effectively). I’d hold off on calling them smart just yet.
My point was the contract #’s. Clowney will want at least what Buckner signed for with Colts, maybe pricing him out of our range. Same thing with Armsteads contract and all of the other DE’s we are looking at. Plus the #13 overall.
$21M APY is very doable. Rich, but worth it considering the rest of the options out there.
Its a good move for the 49ers. They had to choose between Armstead and Buckner and they chose Armstead. Gives them two first rounders where they had no second, third or fourth. It does weaken there line a little but they still have plenty. Id give the win to SF.
I would give it to the Colts. There is no player in the draft like Buckner who is still only 26 years old. Voted team captain and MVP.
He’s everything that you’re looking for in an interior presence.
I would hope they would go up to 4yr 85 milion, He is the only true game wrecker available without a trade.
People need to stop second guessing the Clowney situation and just sit tight.
There’s a huge difference betweeen Buckner and Armstead. If i was the Niners i would have been ok with paying Buckner and let Armstead leave. However, apparently they felt that they had to find a way to replenish their picks. Siimilar to the Seahawks last year.
Buckner not going to be on the line next year…sweet. This will undoubtedly make their line worse no matter who they draft. Assuming they don’t make a move up from #13 to get D. Brown.
They will lose Sanders and probably draft a WR at #13 who will not be as good as Sanders the first year.
All in all they will be worse next year.
I think its a great trade for the 9ers. They just off loaded a player they couldn’t afford who probably looks better than he really is because of the line he plays on. Now they get the 13th pick in this draft for five years on a great contract for them. Of course they could whiff on that pick but I think they put themselves in a great spot.
Got to say I dont like this move. He just hasnt done enough to warrant the $2.1 million. Could have signed him maybe for less once he hit free agency.
They can always pull the tender if he agrees to sign for less
I disagree. What he provided last year was not worth $2.1m, but I’m of the opinion he still has significant potential upside, and $2.1m is worth one more year to try and unlock it.
Agree. And the Hawks have placed a good value on system/RW familiarity with their WRs in the past as well.
Man, we need some serious speed on D. Nuk w/ AZ will create some many issues on top of the ones we already struggle with. Outside of pass rush, I want to see us get Willie Gay Jr. We need some fresh talent to support BWagz and go sideline to sideline.
Not sure what is up with the Texans but they got fleeced three times now (Tunsil, Clowney, Hopkins)
I’m quite sure what is up with the Texans… His name is Bill O’Brien. Someone needs to take his keys away
If Solomon Thomas can put together a productive 2020 SF will look like geniuses
If a 3rd overall pick finally becomes a factor in his 4th year I wouldn’t call that genius
My god if I read one more tweet from a Seattle journalist saying, ‘Oh dear this isn’t good news if you want Clowney back’.
Just STFU and wait for something to actually report.
Agreed. There’s no way to know what is actually happening. Personally, I think no news could be good news, as both Clowney and the Seahawks could be posturing and then meet in the middle. If he was gonna leave as soon as he got a big offer somewhere else, he might already be gone.
LMAO! Rob is salty today and I like it!
I’m not salty.
I’m just sick and tired of crap on social media.
You have to be on it because that’s where the breaking news comes from.
But every other tweet seems to be one of the Seattle media saying, ‘oooooh not good news for the Seahawks’.
If you’ve got something to report, report it. Otherwise give it a rest.
I have noticed some of the beat writers get so slammed with silly responses and replies by Seahawks twitter fans, they can take to poking the fanbase with a stick for fun. Not saying that is why they’re doing it this time, but it is there.
Those beat writers and Seattle media types don’t know anything any sooner than Schefter, Rapp, etc. they’re all just as bored as we are. I’m still stunned about the Buckner trade.
According to Schefter, Jack Conklin to Cleveland for 3 yrs $42 mill, 30 mill guaranteed. Gets to hit free agency again at 28 with a bigger cap due to gambling revenue.
Brown doing some early good work. Hooper for $11 apy and now Conklin for $14 apy. Good start for them but can they pull there heads out of there arses.
Anyone know what NYJ offered Conklin? I’ve read they offered more than CLE, but how much?
I ask because I don’t understand why Conklin would choose a dumpster fire of a franchise in Cleveland instead of the dumpster fire of a franchise in NY, especially if the NY dumpster fire would pay him more.
And let’s just stipulate that the Jets are the worse franchise. Still it’s not like signing with CLE means he’ll be competing for a division title, let alone a conference or world championship.
Cleveland still has upside with all their talent. The Jets have Adam Gase.
I’d have made the same call.
Maybe it was less about money and more about years? Perhaps Jets wanted him on a 4/5 year deal, while taking a 3 year deal allows for Conklin to hit FA again at 28
Conklin is a Michigan kid, so maybe he wants to be closer to home. Also more assembled offensive talent around him.
Lions give Vaitai 5 years $50 million!!! Tackles ballin’ out of control!
I’ve said it for years… teams are desperate on the OL.
That’s ridiculous lol.
Hasn’t he started like 5 or games combined the past 2 seasons?
Fant is going to be looking at a similar deal I would think.
In the NFL.com list of top 101 players, Vaitai is like #71 while Ifedi and Fant aren’t even listed! Rick Wgner is #88 and Jordan Reed is #101!
A couple of weeks ago Tony Pauline reported this:
“I can also say the Jets are looking at Seattle Seahawks tackle George Fant as another contingency if the Conklin plans don’t shake out [they didn’t]. Fant, a former basketball player, is the best athlete of the three [Vaitai, Conklin and Fant] yet has started just 24 games in the three years he’s been on the field. His athleticism would be a perfect fit for Adam Gase’s offense, which will include wide splits between offensive linemen this season.”
I’ll be disappointed if SEA don’t retain Fant.
I’d like to see QJeff back as well.
Rick Wagner needs to fire his agent. He signed a quick deal with GB for 2 years and $11 million and a backup guy dwarfs his deal.
I don’t think anyone is in the mood for a victory lap or an “I told you so”, but with it being nearly 6pmET on the first day of the legal tampering window, I think we can confidently say the virus concerns haven’t impacted league business one bit.
Will Simmons be available at 13? Would the niners draft him and trade back with their late R1 pick? That would suck
No chance he drops to 13.
They’re going after a WR anyway.
https://twitter.com/adamschefter/status/1239673468532162560?s=21
Graham Glasgo getting 4 years and $44 million from the jets. Does this affect their tackle pursuit?
I read Broncos
Oh my bad. It’s been a long day. Yes, Broncos.
My hope is Clowney is just waiting to announce a new deal with the hawks until midnight from his bedroom via video, saying “Hey, Seattle, we got a deal.”
That would be perfect! JC in a smoking jacket and ascot, with a new hairdo! However he signs is fine by me!
We’ve now entered the ‘pissing and moaning’ stage of Seahawks twitter.
Oh I miss that fun! One of the reason I rarely head over that way and play around here. Much more level headed. Keeps me centered when I kinda wanna freak out!
Hey Rob, thanks for taking the hit for those of us who don’t do twitter. 🙂
The Seahawks open the first day of FA and draft like they open the first half of most games.
That is all.
Rob, as we are in quarantine for 10 days now here in Italy I even more appreciate your gigantic effort for our community in these times.
I hope for your family and your country that your government’s approach for this crisis works out.
I really appreciate as well that the NFL got on with their schedule.
My two cents on FA so far:
There does not seem to be much buzz over the Seahawks free agents.
IMO Ifedi and Fant have colder markets than they expected.
I see them getting not more than 35 and 25 mil for 4-year deals.
As for Clowney. Probably the Seahawks could get him back for 20 mil APY. And I hope they are willing to pay that.
Hope you guys in Italy pull through. I’m praying for you.
I also hope everything else you said comes true.
My thoughts are with you, schuemansky. I think the approach by our government is the correct one and I appreciate their willingness to communicate and explain to us daily, in detail, the latest update and any changes to their plans. I believe we as a world will combat this but I also think we’ll need to work together, push political allegiances to one side and help each other. I’m dismayed somewhat in this country that a lot of people seem to be using the disease as a means for political capital. Let’s just f-ing work together.
Gonna avoid seahawks reddit for the next few days. Any FA or trade that happens involving another team and suddenly Schneider is incompetent and doesnt care about improving the roster.
Will we be getting FaceTime visits this year instead of VMAC visits?
Maybe so
Watching Jalen Reagor against Texas this year, throw that game in the trash, and Texas S Brandon Jones is flashin’ big time.
Lanard Fournette. lmao.
Anyways, besides CEH breaking his ankles on 1 run, Jones can play man. I think I was wrong about my thoughts on him being able to play nickel. Has a nice, clean game. If he’s still on the board sometime day 3, I hope Seattle pulls the trigger on him.
Shoulda said besides CEH breaking his ankles on 1 run, the LSU tape is really impressive and Jones can play.
I think it’s good sign our free agents aren’t gone anywhere yet. Smart to let them test the market and come back with hat in hand so to speak. In the end we will pay fair value and not get ourselves deep into it.
Byron Jonestown the Dolphins. $17/year
Byron Jones
Hollister w/ a 2nd round tender.