NFL Draft Diamonds

NFL Draft, NFL Trade Rumors, Scouting Reports & More

NFL Preseason Musings Ahead of 2021-2022 Season

Jul 18, 2019; Englewood, CO, USA; Denver Broncos head coach Vic Fangio during drills at the UCHealth Training Center.

The NFL preseason is almost here and teams are scrambling to put together what they hope will be their final rosters. Trades and swaps are going to be seen for several more months to come, but a few players stand out for the questions they bring about their future. As the new NFL season starts to take shape and the league continues to deal with COVID-19, there’s a lot at risk and a lot to be considered.

Justin Houston No Longer a Problem?

Justin Houston has been most firmly associated with the Indianapolis Colts this offseason; however, he had also talked with the Pittsburgh Steelers. That team decided not to take a chance on Houston and went in a different direction. They went after 32-year-old edge protector Melvin Ingram, instead. 

Given Houston’s history and newly discovered capacity to remain healthy, one would have thought he should have had a solid place on the market. The previous Kansas City Chiefs and Indianapolis sack craftsman, who has a 22-sack season on his resume from 2014, should have been offered by every team in the league. Curiously, the Chiefs may soon need the services of an edge rusher, given Frank Clark’s dim status, yet the team gave up on Houston two years ago to bring in Clark. 

The 10-year veteran had 19 sacks in two Colts seasons, playing out a two-year, $23-million contract. His issues with knee problems haven’t kept him off the field too much and he didn’t miss a game as a Colt. Indianapolis utilized its top two draft picks on edge players, Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo, and has previous second-round picks Kemoko Turay, Tyquan Lewis and Ben Banogu on its list. Houston, though, offers more assurance than that group as a pass rusher.

The Ravens struck gold when they signed Houston to a one year deal worth up to 4 million dollars. It was a home run for the Ravens who get an instant standout edge rusher.  

Now that Houston’s gone, the top prospects left are Olivier Vernon and Everson Griffen additionally stay unattached in the first week of training camp. Once they find a new home, sports bettors will be able to create a picture of what to expect and where to place their bets on the NFL, and it’s great that there are so many reputable options now.

Aaron Rodgers Sees Green, But for How Long?

After a roller-coaster offseason, Aaron Rodgers is back with the Green Bay Packers for, possibly, at least one more season. Part of the explanation he gave for his return is that the team will permit him the choice to leave after the 2021 season, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. He’ll be 38 this time a year from now; however, hasn’t given indications of easing down and may have quite recently had his best season.

The Las Vegas Raiders were connected to Rodgers from the get-go; however, a possible trade doesn’t seem to have been discussed. On the off chance that the quarterback returns to the market in a year, there’s no doubt he’ll have a lot of targets. As indicated by Lindsay Jones of The Athletic, the Raiders ought to be among them. 

Derek Carr is dug in as the Raiders’ starting quarterback right now, but another season without a spot in the playoffs could prompt Las Vegas to investigate Rodgers. There’s no shortage of fans that would welcome Rodgers playing for the Raiders. In any case, a major trade can occur in a season. In the event that Carr drives the team to the end of the season and plays well, he’s probably going to get an extension. Ideally, that is the thing that Las Vegas would like, as they’ve effectively put a great deal of time in the quarterback. 

Carr isn’t Rodgers, but, on the other hand, he’s much more youthful and significantly less expensive. Presently, things could get fascinating if the Raiders miss the postseason once more. By adding Rodgers into the current list, the team ought to be able to reach the playoffs. That’s not a slam on Carr; it’s an affirmation of exactly how great Rodgers is. It should be something the Raiders need to consider in the event that he shows interest in the team. 

Davante Adams Could Follow Rodgers

Another fascinating variable concerning Rodgers’ future could be Davante Adams. The All-Pro wide receiver is about to see his contract expire; however, he could hold off on agreeing to an extension so he can see what will occur with his quarterback. It’s possible that Adams could follow Rodgers any place he plays. He’s seemingly the best wide receiver in the NFL, so most teams would relish more than anything the ability to sign him. 

Nonetheless, Adams has additionally said it would be a “fantasy” to play with Carr. The two played school football at Fresno State and are still companions. If Rodgers leaves Green Bay, that could allow the Raiders a great opportunity at landing Adams in free agency.

Leave a Reply