NFL Rumors: Chase Young trade, Aaron Rodgers contract, Bijan Robinson-Eagles

NFL Rumors: Bijan Robinson telegraphing his way to the Eagles

With Rashaad Penny, Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott already featured in a crowded Philadelphia Eagles backfield, their interested in Texas Longhorns star and likely first-round pick Bijan Robinson is a bit surprising.

Robinson is one of the rare running backs worthy of a first-round pick these days. He’s a revolutionary talent, and could go as high as the top-10. At least, that’s what he hopes.

Bijan has made it clear that he’d love to play with former Oklahoma Sooner and current Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts in recent interviews. In fact, Robinson said if he could play with one current NFL player, it would be Hurts above the rest.

Adding Robinson to an already-electric offense would be an embarrassment of riches for Hurts, a player who took a massive jump last season and should be among the favorites for MVP in 2023. It won’t be easy, however, as Robinson hinted at interest from other top-10 teams, including the Atlanta Falcons.

In order to draft Robinson, Philly may have to trade up, which feels unlikely given the state of their backfield. If anything, the Eagles could trade back and add to Howie Roseman’s war chest of draft picks and assets. But if Robinson is on the board at 10, expect Philadelphia to entertain the idea.

NFL Rumors: Could the Commanders trade Chase Young?

The Washington Commanders have declined Chase Young’s fifth-year option, which is a bit of a surprise given the pure talent the former Pro Bowl defensive lineman has at his disposal. Young is a former top-5 pick and, when healthy, one of the best defensive players in football. The issue has been his health, and Washington doesn’t want to pay a premium for a player who cannot stay on the field.

That fifth-year option would have guaranteed $17.452 million for Young beyond next season. Young played just nine games in 2021 and three games in 2022 while recovering from various injuries. Not picking up the option doesn’t guarantee that Young won’t be back with the Commanders in 2024, but it does open up the possibility. In fact, a player like Young could fetch an intriguing amount on the trade market if Washington were to shop him.

Young definitely has the drive to regain his status as one of the best young defensive players in the league.

“I only had three games, so I told my coaches, ‘I’m about to go work out,'” Young said after the 2022 season. “I don’t have to rest my body like everybody else. So, I’m starting that early.”

It’s unclear what teams, if any, would be interested in trading for Young. At a decreased price point, he may have some suitors as a formidable pass rush is a key part to almost any Super Bowl contender.

NFL Rumors: Jets get a break with Aaron Rodgers contract

It turns out the New York Jets don’t have to take on a massive cap hit after all.

Aaron Rodgers was traded to New York just a few days ago in a deal the Green Bay Packers pretty clearly won given the circumstances. Rodgers let it be known he wanted out, and the Pack didn’t have a leg to stand on. Yet, Green Bay received plenty of draft capital, as FanSided’s Cody Williams pointed out:

"“More importantly, though, the Packers come out of this trade as the winners. They hit that reset button but get to do so with a bevy of draft capital now that includes a Top 13 pick, two second-round picks, and a full overall draft haul otherwise, including, at worst, a second-rounder in next year’s draft. It was a monster deal and one that could pay off hugely for the Pack in the long run, especially as they hope to get Love off on the right foot.”"

Still, a cherry on top of this trade from the Jets perspective is that Rodgers contract won’t come in the form of a cap hit. Instead, it’ll count as a signing bonus paid on arrival, which Woody Johnson can surely afford.

Because of this, New York likely isn’t done adding. Rodgers only has a year or two left in him. It’s Super Bowl or bust for the Jets for a reason.