By Jack McNicholas

March 16, 2020

5. Dak Prescott Exclusive Franchise Tag 

This was the smart move by the Cowboys as they are trying to figure out their financials this week during the free agency frenzy. Amari Cooper remains high on the list of priorities but the simple fact is that their are 25 players possibly not returning to the Dallas Roster. The Quarterback who’s had a higher winning percentage since he’s been in the league than almost anyone, Dak is the top priority. This franchise tag is Dallas making sure that Dak does not have the privilege to talk to other teams. It is up to him whether he signs it and make $31.5 million dollars. If not, he will hold out and look for a new deal this summer and have to wait until a deal gets done. Dak wants to be there its just a matter of him wanting 40 million dollars a year. That will not happen for Prescott as I have mentioned in my articles but this was a smart move nonetheless if he wants to go on the one year deal it will be 8.5 million dollars cheaper. The exclusivity tag gives them more space to work with Amari Coopers contract and with Byron Jones going to the Dolphins they will have Cooper on their list next for the big pay day. Keeping Dak is the main point for them and they walk away today as winners. 

4. Browns Spending big on the First Day 

If today taught me anything about what the Cleveland Browns are all about the past tow years. Give Baker Mayfield what he wants. This year on his list was new weapons and pass protection. Every young quarterbacks dream. The Browns and their new head coach Kevin Stephanski helped by putting the missing pieces of this Offense together. Jack Conklin and Tight End Austin Hooper will join Nick Chubb, Jarvis Landry and Odell Beckham on the Browns to help Baker Mayfield show is best game in 2020. This was a great move by the Browns as Hooper was one of the top tight ends in the game last year. A Four Year, $44 million contract with the Browns. Jack Conklin was heard to have many suitors and his new contract will pay him $20 million in the first year of a three year 42 million dollar deal. Conklin will be an anchor on this offensive line as I felt that Cleveland’s two biggest needs for the offense have now been met. 

3. James Bradberry and Blake Martinez to the Giants:

The Giants gave Janoris Jenkins a top their contract just a few years ago. While in the beginning it seemed like the right move eventually did not pan out well for the Giants.=[]

Bradberry is different as he is a cover corner in both the man coverage and zone schemes that the Giants plan to run. He will be the lockdown corner this defense needs. Their secondary was one of the worst in the league last season and this move helps them bolster that defensive backfield. Bradberry isn’t the flashiest player on the field but cornerbacks are best when they move in silence; as Bradberry has remained consistent for Carolina it was exciting to see Dave Gettleman drafted him back in Carolina. The Giants also made another move to fill their linebacker needs. Blake Martinez will join the Giants after being in Green Bay as a full time starter the last three seasons. Posting tackle numbers of 144,144 and 155 over that stretch. This fills a big need for a defense that needs upgrades.

2. Deforrest Buckner to the Colts 

San Fransisco made their way to the Super Bowl last year. With the re-signing of Defensive End Arick Amstead. The San Francisco 49ers defensive line, which is packed with talent. Eventually they won’t be able to pay all of their defensive front. This was a smart move because the Colts have the money to do this and it came at the price of the 13th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft. This give San Fransisco the opportunity to have two first round picks and give the Colts a big body that can also rush the passer. This was the best trade of the day and I would say that the Colts and 49ers had both benefitted from this trade. One of the biggest moves of the day by Colts GM Chris Ballard. This move pushes the Colts up in my books to be potential playoff threats as their defense has been quietly improving and gaining a proper pass rush. For a player like Buckner trading the 13^thpick is worth it here for the Colts and the 49ers get a chance to get a new young pass rusher with the selection. 

1. Deandre Hopkins Traded to the Cardinals for David Johnson

The news broke this morning that Cardinals former star running back David Johnson was traded to the Houston Texans. I was happy for Johnson as he had been a star in Arizona just two seasons ago and was awarded with a large contract extension. Last year things took a turn for the worse when Johnson was limited due to injury. The Cardinals found success in trading for Kenyan Drake as Johnson’s role as the main back started to fade. The trade details had shown that star Texans wide receiver Deandre Hopkins was involved in the Texans acquisition of Johnson. This was the most shocking trade of the day as Hopkins is a franchise favorite in Houston and one of the leaders of that team. With David Johnson on a decline and it seems as though this trade has to be the biggest of the day. The Cardinals have a new weapon for their young Quarterback Kyler Murray. The Cardinals rid themselves of paying for the rest of DJ’s large salary and get to have Hopkins in their offense. What a deal! I am “Just Saying” the Texans and Bill O’Brien better keep the receipts of this trade as he is the GM and Head Coach of this Texans Team without Hopkins. If they are in win now mode this is a weird way of showing it to the fans in Houston.