As the NFL gets set to kick off the 2019 Draft this weekend, it’s important to note which veteran players have changed teams and how that impacts the needs on any given team’s roster.
Teams are constantly trying to improve their roster to win games.
The players are more complicated: Some are looking for the money, some are looking for Super bowl rings, and some are clinging for life with the desire to secure a paycheck.
In the league where the gain or loss of one player can make or break a season, let’s take some time to look closer at five of the most notable changes of 2019 so far.
Wide-Receiver Odell Beckham Jr. goes to the Cleveland Browns
Beckham was traded by the New York Giants along with defensive end Olivier Vernon.
The pair were traded in exchange for safety Jabrill Peppers, guard Kevin Zeitler, and two 2019 draft picks.
Giants general manager Dave Gettleman stated several times to reporters that he was not actively looking to trade the star receiver only a month before the trade occurred, according to usatoday.com.
It is still unclear what brought about this change of heart that led to arguably the best receiver in the league being traded.
Beckham will make a great addition to the Browns, giving more weapons to the quarterback and overall first round draft pick Baker Mayfield.
Wide Receiver Antonio Brown goes to the Oakland Raiders
Brown was traded by the Steelers in exchange for two 2019 draft picks.
The receiver will sign a new contract with the Raiders for three years and $50.125 million, with $30.125 guaranteed and a maximum value of $54.125 with incentives, according to NFL Network insider Ian Rapoport.
Brown told ESPN insider Jeff Darlington that he was not “angry” with the Steelers, but he wanted to be traded.
This came after talk filled the media with Brown’s frustrations with the organization.
Browns’ talents will be much needed in Oakland, especially after the controversial trade of wide receiver Amari Cooper in 2018.
Back Mark Ingram goes to the Baltimore Ravens
Ingram signed a three-year, $15 million deal with the Ravens, according to Rapoport, after failing to agree on a new contract with the New Orlean Saints.
The Saints were in a position to play hardball with Ingram since Alvin Kamara, the running back who evenly shared touches with Ingram during the 2018 season, was already secured on the Saints roster.
Ingram had eight productive seasons as running back for the New Orlean Saints.
The Ravens expect for Ingram to continue that productivity and thrive in the its run-happy offense in Baltimore.
Running Back Le’Veon Bell goes to the New York Jets
Bell signed a four-year contract with the Jets worth $52.5 million that includes $25 million guaranteed, according to Rapoport.
This deal comes after Bell opted to sit out the entire 2018 season after being given the franchise tag twice in consecutive years by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
The Steelers’ final long-term deal offered to Bell consisted of $70 million over five years with $30 million available in the first two seasons of the deal.
Bell did not get the big payday he expected after sitting out a year, but the Jets received arguably one of the best running backs in the league — who will also have the freshest legs.
Nick Foles goes to the Jacksonville Jaguars
Foles signed a four-year, $88 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars and can make up to $102 million with incentives according to Rapoport.
The move comes with little surprise to the football world.
The Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles, who was cut after Foles signed with the team, had a terrible year under center.
Foles on the other hand, was productive while he played but was plagued with injuries that have held him off the field during the bulk of the postseason games for the last two years for the Eagles.
The Jaguars’ success with Foles will be dependent upon the talented quarterback’s health.
Talent does not win games on the bench.
by Michael Chester
CougarBuzz 