Posted 5 hours ago | By Seth Trachtman
It was a wild NFL offseason despite the COVID-19 pandemic. With training camp underway, here’s a look at the best and worst moves.
Best: Broncos trade for A.J. Bouye
Denver moved on from Chris Harris Jr., but got an extremely capable replacement in Bouye. The former Texan and Jaguar is coming off a sub-par year, but he’s a strong fit for Vic Fangio’s defense and was had for only a fourth-round pick. He was in need of a change of scenery and has the supporting cast to help him rebound at age 29.
Worst: Bears sign Jimmy Graham
Graham was a bust in two seasons with Green Bay, but the Bears are taking a risk that the five-time Pro Bowler has something left. However, this is more than a flier, as Chicago handed Graham a two-year, $16 million contract after he had only 38 catches last season. The fact the Bears followed up that signing by using a second-round pick on tight end Cole Kmet is even more puzzling.
Best: Browns sign Jack Conklin
For all the criticism Baker Mayfield received last season, the fact was that Cleveland’s offensive line was below average. The Browns fixed that issue in a big way, signing Conklin to a three-year, $42 million contract. Soon after, the Browns used a first-round pick on Jedrick Wills to play left tackle, shoring up both tackle spots. Mayfield now has everything he needs to succeed in his third season.
Worst: Bears sign Robert Quinn
The oft-injured Quinn was able to rehab his value in Dallas last season with 11.5 sacks and 22 quarterback hits, enough to get a massive five-year, $70 million contract with $30 million in guaranteed money from the Bears. Chicago needed help for Khalil Mack, but it should be noted that 2019 was Quinn’s first double-digit sack output since 2014. Pass rushers are at a premium in the NFL, but the Bears are taking on a lot of risk with the 30-year-old’s contract.
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