Jordan Stephenson – South Bureau Chief
NFL trades can be made official March 16. Also, free agency begins at 4 p.m. that same day as well. There was no shortage of important league altering news, starting with two MVP caliber QBs.
Since the Packers lost to the 49ers in the divisional playoff game, there was contagious uncertainty on what Aaron Rogers would do next season.
He had three options, either retire, ask for a trade, or sign a deserving extension after becoming a back-to-back MVP.
He waited until March 8 to inform the Packers of his decision, which was coincidently the same day the deadline to franchise tag All-Pro Packers receiver, Davante Adams.
So, on March 8, Rogers announced on Twitter that he’ll be returning to the Packers.
Also, that both sides are working on a new contract that would lower his salary cap figure, while also giving him contractual clarity throughout his 40s.
Also, later that day the Packers franchise tagged Adams as expected, which gives them until July 15 to negotiate a well deserved long-term contract.
On that same day, a breaking news trade, and one of the biggest trades in NFL history involving Russel Wilson surfaced.
The Seahawks traded Russel Wilson and a fourth-round pick to the Broncos for Drew Lock, Noah Fant, Shelby Harris, two first round picks, 2 second round picks, and a fifth-round pick.
This trade sent shockwaves around the NFL. Also, it solidified the Qb battles in the AFC and the AFC West division. This trade was in the works for about two weeks prior to the trade taking place.
So that means that both teams kept this trade in house, so that it could get completed as quickly as possible.
It’s shocking that this trade took place because the Broncos were rumored to be trading for Rogers all offseason, especially since they signed his former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett as their new head coach.
On the same day the Seahawks traded Wilson, they decided to release All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner; also, both were drafted on the same day in 2012, 10 years ago. These players were the last players who were apart of their championship runs.
The next day the Colts traded Carson Wentz to the newly named Washington Commanders for two third round picks. This was a little bit shocking since the Colts acquired Wentz last year. To bolster their team and especially their defense, the Chargers acquired All-pro defender Khalil Mack from the Bears, for a 2nd and 6th round pick.
A trade that took place this weekend was the Cowboys trading Amari Cooper to the Browns, for a 5th and a 6th round pick.
On Friday, a grand jury didn’t indict Deshaun Watson, which means he won’t face criminal charges, after 22 women filed lawsuits against him.
The Saints, Panthers, etc will meet with Watson, to eventually try to acquire him. On Sunday night, Tom Brady announced on Twitter and Instagram, that he’ll be returning the Buccaneers for his 23rd season, after announcing his retirement 40 days ago.
Stepj39@mail.Broward.edu