INDIANAPOLIS — Aaron Rodgers threw the ultimate passes of his highschool football profession in the identical yr that Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud and Anthony Richardson were born.
With Tom Brady retired, Rodgers, 39, is the dean of quarterbacks and can share the highlight on the NFL Scouting Mix this week with three 21-year-old prospects.
Unlike the others, Rodgers isn’t here. However the mix isn’t only for testing scores. It’s the headquarters for free-agent and trade discussions as representatives from all 32 teams plus agents gather. Listed below are five storylines for the week:
1. Rodgers, Lamar Jackson trade talks
Are the Packers able to end the annual drama and trade Rodgers? What has the four-time MVP shared with the team about his intentions — return, retire or play elsewhere — since coming back from his darkness retreat? General manager Brian Gutekunst will field questions Tuesday similtaneously Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, who appears to be battling the Jets as Rodgers’ most definitely destination.
It seems like a Packers-Rodgers split is coming a technique or one other. Possibly the Ravens should follow suit, given the dearth of progress in contract talks with Jackson.
General manager Eric DeCosta shall be asked Wednesday if he’s reversing course to make Jackson available. If not, Jackson, who reportedly is demanding a totally guaranteed contract within the neighborhood of $50 million per yr, will eat $45.2 million of salary cap space on the exclusive franchise tag, to maintain teams from giving up two first-round picks to sign him in a bargain “trade.”
2. How the Bears handle the No. 1 pick
There’s no way the Bears should stand pat.
In the event that they keep third-year quarterback Justin Fields, as indicated, they need to trade the No. 1 pick to a quarterback-needy team eyeing Young. In the event that they are wowed by Young, they need to trade Fields. Either way, they need to receive a bounty and still land a premium prospect since the Texans, Colts, Seahawks, Raiders, Falcons and Panthers all are within the quarterback market, with top-10 picks to sell.
One subplot: With the No. 2 pick, will the Texans get jumped (possibly by the rival Colts)? Or are they willing to pay a premium to maneuver up one spot and secure their top guy? General manager Nick Caserio will try to not tip his hand Wednesday when asked if there’s much separation between the highest quarterbacks.
3. Derek Carr free-agency sweepstakes
Released by the Raiders, Carr is accessible now, which makes his agent, Tim Younger, a sought-after contact.
In a rare move by a free agent, Carr is headed to Indianapolis, where he’ll meet with several teams on the mix, adding a circus-like feel.
Will a team doing its reconnaissance on the mix discover the trade prices for Rodgers, Jackson and the No. 1 pick are too high? If that’s the case, that team could go all-in on Carr now to avoid getting neglected of musical chairs. Carr reportedly is superb waiting until free agency opens, but that looks like wasting leverage. The Jets have to keep an ear to the bottom.
Three-time castoff Carson Wentz also is accessible to sign now, but likely not a starter.
4. Workout warriors climbing draft boards
Young is the one one in every of the highest 4 quarterbacks not expected to throw on the mix, which opens a door for Stroud, Richardson and fellow projected first-rounder Will Levis to steal momentum in Saturday’s throwing session. Much like 2019 No. 1 pick Kyler Murray’s big test being his height (5-foot-10), Young’s big test is his weight. There’s a giant difference in scouting circles between durability at 185 and 200 kilos.
The raw Richardson might be one in every of the largest gainers at any position when his athleticism is displayed. Edge rusher Lukas Van Ness and Keion White, cornerback Kelee Ringo, defensive tackle Mazi Smith, receiver Zay Flowers and running back Devon Achane are just a few who could challenge speed, strength and leaping records. Some lean 325-pound offensive lineman or some chiseled cornerback can have a photograph that goes viral.
5. Other free-agent markets begin to materialize
Franchise-tag season is open through March 7. Each player tagged has a ripple effect because the free-agent market thins.
Running backs Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Miles Sanders, and tight ends Mike Gesicki, Dalton Schultz and Evan Engram might be adversely impacted by the perceived strength of the draft class. NFL Network’s Daniel Jeremiah called it a “deep” class of backs and “best within the last 10 years” for tight ends. On the flip side, veteran wide-receiver prices could rise since it’s not the typically strong receiver draft.
The hyperactive defending NFC champion Eagles are possibly probably the most interesting team to observe, with 10 starters in free agency, quarterback Jalen Hurts due big money and the No. 10 pick within the draft.
