The league departed from Cellular, Alabama, virtually as shortly because it descended upon the town just some days in the past in anticipation of Senior Bowl practices. Regardless of this, there was nonetheless loads of buzz circulating across the Renaissance Riverview Plaza Lodge, floor zero for gamers and groups the previous three days.
Baker Mayfield goes to receives a commission
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Final month, eyebrows have been raised once I talked about that Baker Mayfield, a candidate for the league’s Comeback Participant of the Yr Award, was on tempo for a contract that will pay him at the very least $40 million yearly. And whereas many disagreed, the final consensus on the Senior Bowl was that Mayfield goes to receives a commission much more than most anticipate. A number of elements play into this perception, however two stand out after I spoke to a number of individuals.
The primary contains current contracts handed to quarterbacks resembling Daniel Jones and Deshaun Watson. Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract final 12 months. Watson’s contract was 5 years, $230 million, totally assured.
Disregarding a debate about which quarterback is best, Mayfield is coming off an important season, and quarterback contracts general will proceed to rise because the wage cap continues to rise. The prevailing thought from many is that $40 million a 12 months in 2024 is the equal of $34 million a 12 months in the past.
The hiring of Raheem Morris in Atlanta additionally raised Mayfield’s price and gave him leverage. Clearly, Morris and Mayfield are acquainted with each other off the Buccaneers’ playoff look this season after successful the NFC South.
The Falcons are simply one in every of a number of groups within the league determined for a quarterback. And the workforce’s proprietor, Arthur Clean, is prepared to open the checkbook for a veteran quarterback. Ultimately, if the numbers for Mayfield usually are not $40 million yearly, they’ll be shut.
Seattle’s new path
Why did the Seattle Seahawks bypass Dan Quinn in favor of Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike MacDonald? Sources advised me Quinn was an excessive amount of like former head coach Pete Carroll, and the workforce needs to maneuver in a brand new path.
The 53-year-old Quinn coached below Carroll in Seattle on two completely different events, 4 years in complete. In MacDonald, they’re getting a coach 17 years Quinn’s junior who they consider will carry a more energizing strategy.
Have the Jets already made their decide?
There’s chatter that the New York Jets are already concentrating on Oregon State offensive deal with Taliese Fuaga with the tenth decide of the 2024 NFL Draft. Wealthy Cimini of ESPN tweeted, “GM Joe Douglas has an affinity for Oregon State OT Taliese Fuaga, in accordance with buzz in scouting circles. Has been eyeing him for months, I’m advised.”
I’ve had Fuaga as a mid-first-round decide within the three mock drafts I’ve executed this 12 months at Sportskeeda, however the tenth decide of the draft? That appears a bit early for my liking, so I reached out and requested a number of individuals who attended observe Thursday what they thought.
The assumption was unanimous; if the Jets don’t take Fuaga with the tenth decide, he gained’t be obtainable for much longer. Scouts available consider only some offensive tackles possess the mixture of dimension, energy, and athleticism Fuaga brings to the sphere. Couple within the reality the Oregon State senior has proven constant growth in his sport, and it provides as much as a top-15 choice.
A phrase to the smart — the final time the Jets fell in love with a participant throughout the faculty season and made up their minds early within the scouting course of to draft him? None apart from Zach Wilson.