The legal tampering window is upon us and the free agent money is flying fast. But who were some of the winners prior to the window open? Ross Tucker talked about some of the moves from the weekend on Monday’s edition of the Ross Tucker Podcast.
The Seahawks were working the phonelines and making moves over the weekend, hosting something of a fire sale. First, they traded quarterback Geno Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders after failing to agree on an extension. Tucker speculated that the Seahawks would not have made this move to part ways with Smith if they did not have a plan to acquire Sam Darnold, which proved prophetic as reports emerged later on Monday that, indeed, Seattle was signing Darnold to a three-year deal worth over $100 million. As for the Seahawks’ former quarterback, Tucker believes that the Raiders picking up Smith is HUGE, as he is top half of the league quarterback.
The Silver and Black were not the only team to make a splash, as the Pittsburgh Steelers acquired wide receiver DK Metcalf and signed him to a new five-year $150 million deal. Ross thought the move was made to entice one of the remaining free-agent quarterbacks like Darnold or Justin Fields to sign with the franchise. He thinks Metcalf benefited from the Steelers’ desire to sign one of those quarterbacks. Ultimately, that didn’t happen, as Darnold agreed to terms with Seattle and Justin Fields looks New York-bound with the Jets, but it remains to be seen how Metcalf fits with George Pickens and who will be throwing them the football, although rumors suggest it could be Aaron Rodgers.
Meanwhile, the Buffalo Bills backed up a Brink’s truck for Josh Allen, signing the signal caller to a $330 million contract extension with a league-record $250 million guaranteed. Tucker says that the Bills realize that with the salary cap going up, it is wise to lock up key players now, especially given the size of the contracts to come at the quarterback position. He noted that the Bills’ deal with Allen is excellent at $55 million a year. Although even in this new money era of free agency, the guaranteed amount at $250 million is MASSIVE, it is still 10 percent less than what Dak Prescott is earning. Tucker affirmed that Allen, the reigning league MVP, is worth EVERY PENNY.
In perhaps the biggest shocker of the weekend, the Cleveland Browns signed Myles Garrett to a new deal worth $40 million per year with $123.5 guaranteed, making him the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL. Garrett had made lots of noise about wanting out of Cleveland and Tucker points out that this is the second time in the past few years that the Browns have had to SIGNIFICANTLY overpay to either get or retain a star player. With Garrett’s new deal done, Tucker asked: What are the Bengals and Cowboys doing? Now they are in a bind because they have to pay Ja’Marr Chase and Micah Parsons, respectively, way more money than they would have had their contract situations been finalized before the new deals for Garrett and Maxx Crosby. Unfortunately for Cowboys and Bengals fans, their front offices DO NOT appear to know what they are doing and there’s no logic as to why.
Check out the full video or podcast below. And make sure to tune into the Ross Tucker Podcast on DraftKings Network! See more about how to watch DraftKings Network here.
SHOW BREAKDOWN
Terron Armstead discusses his NFL Future, DK Metcalf traded, & Josh Allen’s new deal
- Ross is joined by Miami Dolphins left tackles Terron Armstead to discuss his future in the NFL, the 2024 season, and so much more! Afterward, Ross & Jack break down all of the big news from the weekend including the Seahawks trading DK Metcalf & Geno Smith, the Bills signing Josh Allen to a historic deal, Davante Adams heading to the Rams, and every other contract!
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