"I want Shedeur out of there so bad" - Jason Kelce fumes over Browns name Joe Flacco as starter

Summary

The conversation delves into the contract disputes surrounding key NFL players, including Trey Hendrickson of the Bengals and Terry McLaurin of the Commanders, highlighting issues of guaranteed money and franchise decisions. The panel discusses the financial challenges faced by teams like Cincinnati, emphasizing the impact on their defense and the difficult choices between paying stars like Hendrickson or securing other key players. In Washington, McLaurin seeks a bigger deal, while the Commanders wrestle with salary cap limitations. The dialogue also touches on Cleveland's quarterback situation, with Joe Flacco starting over young prospects, reflecting broader team-building strategies and financial constraints.

Takeaways

• 😀 Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute with the Cincinnati Bengals revolves around the guaranteed money, not the deal's length or average yearly salary.
• 😀 Hendrickson has made it clear he won’t play under his current contract, as the Bengals struggle with balancing cash flow due to existing player commitments like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Ja'Marr Chase.
• 😀 The Bengals face a tough decision with Hendrickson, as he’s one of the league's top sackers but is set to make far less than top-tier pass rushers like T.J. Watt and Myles Garrett.
• 😀 The Bengals' history of not offering heavy guarantees complicates negotiations, with the team caught between paying its star players and not overspending.
• 😀 Terry McLaurin of the Washington Commanders is also in contract negotiations, seeking a deal that would make him one of the highest-paid receivers, citing better stats than his peers like DK Metcalf.
• 😀 Washington wants McLaurin's deal to align with more conservative contracts for wide receivers like Mike Evans and Courtland Sutton, leading to a standoff.
• 😀 The Commanders’ offensive success relies on McLaurin’s vertical and dynamic play, making his contract situation a critical issue for their offensive future.
• 😀 The Washington Commanders are also exploring the possibility of trading running back Brian Robinson due to a mismatch in offensive schemes.
• 😀 Joe Flacco has been named the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns for Week 1, despite his lack of preseason snaps, due to his experience and stability in comparison to younger quarterbacks on the roster.
• 😀 The Cleveland Browns are evaluating their quarterback options with the possibility of developing a franchise quarterback in the future, but the low investment in players like Dylan Gabriel and Shadour Sanders means there’s flexibility in making a decision later on.
• 😀 Cleveland’s decision to start Flacco was based on comfort and familiarity, as they continue to evaluate their young quarterbacks through the season without risking the stability of their offense in Week 1.

Q & A

What is the main issue with Trey Hendrickson's contract negotiations with the Bengals?

Trey Hendrickson's contract dispute with the Bengals revolves around a disagreement over the guaranteed money in his new deal. While both sides agree on the length and average value of the deal, the Bengals are not offering the level of guaranteed funds Hendrickson expects, causing a holdout.

Why is Trey Hendrickson's contract situation significant for the Bengals?

Trey Hendrickson is one of the Bengals' most impactful defensive players, particularly in terms of pass rushing. Without him, the Bengals' defense would lack a key player, making his holdout a crucial issue as the season opener nears.

How do the Bengals' financial constraints impact their ability to pay Hendrickson?

The Bengals are financially constrained due to large contracts already given to key players like Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins, and Jamar Chase. This leaves limited space to offer Hendrickson the guaranteed money he seeks, which complicates the negotiations.

What is the significance of the guaranteed money in NFL contract negotiations?

Guaranteed money is a major point of contention in contract negotiations, as it represents the portion of the deal that is secured regardless of performance or injury. Players like Hendrickson and McLaren seek higher guarantees due to their demonstrated value, but teams are often reluctant to commit large sums due to salary cap limitations.

What is the primary reason Terry McLaren and the Washington Commanders are at an impasse in negotiations?

Terry McLaren is seeking a contract similar to DK Metcalf's, which averages $33 million per year, due to his superior performance. The Commanders, however, are offering a lower amount, closer to $24 million per year, which has led to a standstill in negotiations.

Why does Terry McLaren believe he deserves a higher contract than the Washington Commanders are offering?

McLaren believes he deserves a higher contract because his performance has exceeded that of others in his draft class, including DK Metcalf, who received a larger contract. McLaren's consistent production and value to the offense make him feel that his contract should reflect his contributions.

How do the Washington Commanders view McLaren's contract demands?

The Commanders value McLaren but feel that his contract demands are too high compared to other wide receivers in the market. They are offering a deal that is more in line with receivers like Mike Evans and Courtland Sutton, both of whom are making $24 million per year.

What challenges do the Commanders face in meeting McLaren's contract demands?

The Commanders are likely facing financial constraints, as they have other players to pay and are trying to maintain a balanced salary structure. McLaren's high contract demands complicate these negotiations, especially as he is entering his third contract at the age of 30.

Why is Joe Flacco's role as the Cleveland Browns' starting quarterback significant?

Joe Flacco's role as the starting quarterback for the Cleveland Browns is significant because it marks a surprising return to the starting position after his previous stints as a backup. Despite being an older quarterback, Flacco's experience and stability are seen as key factors for the Browns heading into the season.

What are the potential implications of the Browns' decision to start Joe Flacco instead of a younger quarterback?

Starting Joe Flacco over younger quarterbacks like Dylan Gabriel or Shadur Sanders could delay the Browns' long-term quarterback evaluation. The decision to go with Flacco suggests the team prioritizes immediate stability over experimenting with a young, unproven quarterback.

How do the Browns' draft picks factor into their quarterback decision?

The Browns have two first-round draft picks for the upcoming year, which gives them flexibility in assessing their quarterback situation. While they chose to start Flacco for now, they may still look to evaluate their young quarterbacks during the season to make a more permanent decision in the future.

What role does the concept of 'standing on business' play in NFL contract negotiations, as discussed in the transcript?

The concept of 'standing on business' refers to players and teams sticking firmly to their negotiating positions. In the case of both McLaren and Hendrickson, this means they are unwilling to compromise on their demands, while the teams also stand firm on their offer. This results in standoffs where neither side wants to concede.