While Cousins is, was, and was always going to be free agency’s biggest story, that was just one of the earth-shattering developments happening on Monday and Tuesday. Here were the biggest shakeups before free agency even started.
Before free agency, there were four teams in the running for Cousins: the Vikings, Broncos, Jets, and Cardinals. Now all of those teams have a starting veteran quarterback or are in the process of finalizing one for 2018.
But the nickel back is too rich to keep for a new regime that’s reconstructing the defense, too.
He isn’t solid anymore, is often injured, is recently coming off a 10-game PED suspension and is going into his 10th season at age 31. There’s no upside to keeping him for Romeo Crennel.
Maclin had so much promise as a key receiver for Joe Flacco after signing with Baltimore late in the offseason, but injuries played a part in his limited production. The Ravens should prefer keeping Mike Wallace over him. Maclin is more likely to be cut than to stay at a reduced salary.
They added Mike Glennon later in the day for insurance.
The Jets were the last team in the mix to land a quarterback, signing a one-year a deal with Bridgewater. New York is a good landing spot for Bridgewater, who will have the chance to prove he can get back to form after missing most of the past two seasons rehabbing a knee injury that was so devastating it could have ended his career.
They brought back Josh McCown, too.
The Jets have the No. 6 pick in the 2018 draft. They could still draft their franchise quarterback of the future and let him learn and develop behind Bridgewater for now.
Brees to re-sign with Saints on two-year, $50M deal Triplett: Breaking down Brees, all Saints signings It’s difficult to imagine Brees and the Saints parting ways, especially with the team again competitive and without his heir on the roster.