There has been a lot of QB rumors swirling since the season ended, and some could end with some top QBs on new teams. Deshaun Watson, Jimmy Garoppolo, and Aaron Rodgers are all possible trade candidates. So, where do they all land? Let’s take a look at a few.
- Aaron Rodgers. ESPN’s Dianna Russini reported that Rodgers will inform the Green Bay Packers of his decision soon and that there are multiple teams with offers on the table if he does become available. Rodgers is in the final year of a four year/$154M deal and should look to sign a contract that would make him one of the highest-paid QBs in the league. If he does, the Packers have two options. One: clear out half your roster (already above the cap by $37M), or you let your future HOF QB walk and put all your focus into building around Jordan Love. It’s going to be a big decision that is expected to be made soon.
- Deshaun Watson. Watson, even though he has been the center of attention through two seasons, hasn’t been moved yet. It’s growing more and more likely that a deal could happen this off-season, with the Houston Texans not budging on their return for Watson (at least three first-round picks). Aaron Wilson is reporting that several teams have an interest in acquiring Watson, including the Panthers. Wilson adds that Watson would be willing to waive his no-trade clause to go to Carolina.
- Jimmy Garoppolo. Jimmy G has been the subject of trade rumors since the San Francisco 49ers drafted Trey Lance last year. Earlier this month a report was going around that the 49ers & Garoppolo were working to find a trade partner. With the 49ers only having $2M in cap space, a trade would save the team $25M, per Spotrac. That puts them right back in contention to bolster up their secondary in Free Agency.
- Kirk Cousins. What’s going on here? Vikings reporter Judd Zulgad is reporting that the Carolina Panthers called the Minnesota Vikings about a potential Kirk Cousins trade. New HC Kevin O’Connell mentioned when he was hired that Cousins was a part of Minnesota’s plans. But if Carolina offers them an enticing enough deal, would they pull the trigger? Cousins is in the final year of his two year/$66M contract. The Vikings have -$14M in cap space, and a Cousins trade saves the Vikings $35M in cap. If it actually does happen, the Panthers will have to fork over a decent amount of money, while they only have $15M to spend. The Panthers are clearly desperate to find a QB as they’ve been linked to multiple veterans this off-season (Watson & Cousins).
