The NFL negotiations will certainly be part of the off-season due to the financial uncertainties brought about by COVID-19. Hell, we’ve seen a blockbuster that included the Los Angeles Rams acquiring Matthew Stafford for a package including Jared Goff.
While much of the focus has been on the potentially successful NFL business in the future, there are some underestimated moves that teams can make to shape the coming months.
Underestimated NFL negotiations that can shape the 2021 off-season
From some previous choices in the first round in the quarterback to a Super Bowl signal caller, there are some underestimated NFL negotiations that could happen in the coming months. Below, we see five of them.
Related: 25 potential free NFL agents in 2021
Carolina Panthers negotiates Teddy Bridgewater for Indianapolis Colts
We already know that the Colts are on the market as a defender after Philip Rivers’ retirement. They lost the aforementioned Matthew Stafford and are an unlikely destination for Deshaun Watson of division rival Houston Texans.
This leaves a good Colts team in trouble. They were linked to Sam Darnold and Jimmy Garoppolo on business. While both could work, getting someone like Teddy Bridgewater cheaply could make more sense. Of course, he is scheduled to count $ 26 million against the limit in 2021. However, the Colts would only be in danger for about $ 17 million of that.
Bridgewater would also likely come cheap in a deal, assuming that Carolina would find a defender in the NFL’s 2021 Draft. The former first round pick had a total of 20 touchdowns against 11 interceptions in his first full season as a starter since 2015. Indy may also bring some veteran training camp competition.
Read more: Indianapolis Colts quarterback: 5 best options to replace retired Philip Rivers in 2021
Baltimore Ravens negotiate Orlando Brown with Minnesota Vikings
In terms of potential NFL negotiations in this off-season, it looks more and more like Brown will be moved. He is not happy to be demoted to the right to attack in Baltimore and wants to play on the negative side in the future. This is a difficult position to argue, since Brown, 24, is leaving consecutive Pro Bowl seasons.
Against the roof and with Riley Reiff likely to be a victim of the salary cap, the Vikings could make a lot of sense in an exchange for Brown. Specifically, they could attract a Ravens team in need of a wide receiver with Adam Thielen. Minnesota was able to afford to do that after Justin Jefferson showed a great time as a rookie.
Read more: NFL salary limit tracker: What is the position of each team in 2021
Cincinnati Bengals negotiates Giovani Bernard with Green Bay Packers
Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams are scheduled to reach the free agency. Second-round newcomer AJ Dillon did nothing substantial for the Packers in 2020. Even if Green Bay re-signed Jones or Williams, the team would need a third down with a reception capability to help Aaron Rodgers.
That’s where Bernard comes into play. The 30-year-old defender managed a total of 771 yards with a 4.5-yard-per-touch clip for Cincinnati last season. He also picked up 47 of 59 targets, proving his worth as an elite that received threats from the backfield. The acquisition of Bernard would cost a mere $ 3.7 million against the limit in 2021 and a likely final choice.
Related: NFL 2021 mock draft – post-Super Bowl mock draft sends Deshaun Watson to new home
The San Francisco 49ers negotiate Jimmy Garoppolo with the New England Patriots
We read the rumors in an almost endless cycle. Bill Belichick potentially wanting to race back with Garoppolo after he was forced to switch the ex-Patriots’ second-round pick in 2017. From a New England perspective, that makes sense. Garoppolo, 29, knows Josh McDaniels’ offensive system. He would be an immediate upgrade over Cam Newton after a disastrous season with the Patriots.
More high-profile NFL negotiations would likely have to fall if that were to become a reality. First, the 49ers being able to acquire Deshaun Watson. Even so, New England would be able to acquire the Super Bowl quarterback for a low price. Before a 2020 season full of injuries, Garoppolo was responsible for almost 4,000 yards with 27 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2019. These numbers are similar to what we saw from Tom Brady in his final season with the Patriots.
Read more: New England Patriots quarterback options: Switch to the 2021 NFL Draft
New York Jets swaps Sam Darnold for the Chicago Bears
Rumors linked the Bears to a potential Carson Wentz trade. However, it is not yet known how substantial the rumors are given the Eagles’ asking price. We also have no idea whether Mitchell Trubisky will return to the Bears in 2021. He is scheduled to reach the free agency and was replaced a few times last season by Nick Foles.
Perhaps the Bears are looking to buy downtown Darnold as a way to get their quarterback from the future. It can cost less than Wentz in an exchange. It also has many more advantages than its older counterpart at NFC East. A change of scenery could be a good choice for this talented former No. 3.