Today is my son, Derek Andrew Ettinger’s, 1st birthday!! And my 3rd wedding anniversary.
I was right about Antonio Brown.
I was right about the NCAA.
And I will be right about Dak Prescott.
That is all.
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Is the Cleveland Browns hype for real?!
Will Pittsburgh thrive without Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell??
Is Mitchell Trubisky the real deal??
Is there a team worse than the Bengals??
All these answers and more in today’s episode!!
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Matt Ryan is a rich man.
Sorry, wait, what I meant to say is, Matt Ryan is an INSANELY RICH MAN!!
Allow your eyes to read, process, and remember what I’m about to say. The second your child is born, put a football in his/her hand. While positions are limited for NFL QBs, the income potential is off the charts….
Duh!
As of Thursday, Matt Ryan became the highest paid player in NFL history. He signed a 5-year, $150 million contract extension, including an unprecedented $100 million in guaranteed money. Ryan surpassed Kirk Cousins ($28 million), Jimmy Garoppolo ($27.5 million), and Matthew Stafford ($27 million) for the highest annual payday in the NFL.
Ryan has been a top-10 QB since he entered the NFL in 2008, completing at least 61% of his passes every year except 2009. He also hasn’t missed a start since December of 2009.
“Matt is getting what he has earned, and we all know the marketplace for a great quarterback,” Atlanta Falcons owner, Arthur Blank, said Thursday. “League revenues are up, club revenues, new stadiums and the players are the heart of the game. They’re the ones on the field, and they certainly deserve their fair share.”
With this extension, Blank made good on his promise from 2016. Blank told ESPN Ryan would be “compensated well” when the time came. Ryan won the 2016 NFL MVP and led the Falcons to their 1st Super Bowl appearance since 1998.
Ryan, who turns 33 on May 17th, will try to return to the promised land while his window of opportunity is still open. QBs have proven they can play at a high level into their ‘late 30s’, so Ryan will attempt to put the 1st Lombardi Trophy in the Falcons’ trophy case.
Oh, you want my opinion????
Obviously NFL QBs are wildly overpaid, but the market is what it is.
Simply: You’re worth what someone is willing to pay you.
In today’s NFL, when you possess a top-10 QB, you hold on for dear life. You use your kung-fu, death grip to keep him under center for as long as possible, for without a QB, well, you’d be the Cleveland Browns….
What do you think of Matt Ryan’s contract extension?? Is it necessary, a mistake, or both?? Post the RIGHT answer in the comment section below.
You can find me on the Radio as well. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’m on live, every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. Each show is also broadcast on Facebook Live via: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you LOVE my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! NOW GO TELL ALL OF YOUR FRIENDS!!
So I sat here for approximately 10 minutes, staring at a blank screen, trying to think of the most creative way to describe the (unofficial) start to the NFL’s free agency. And then, I realized I should just tell it like it is….
The NFL is wild. The NFL is insane. The amount of players that change teams every year is astronomical. Redskins become Vikings, Patriots become Dolphins, Browns become Jets, and Cats and Dogs are living together. It’s madness I tell you. MADNESS!!
Monday, March 12th, marked the unofficial start to free agency. The official start to free agency is Wednesday, March 14th at 4:00 P.M. EST. The league calls this the “legal tampering” period. While Monday created some buzz, the NFL world didn’t tilt on its axis until Tuesday. As usual, we’ve made a list to attempt to organize the insanity (today, let’s go most important to least important):
1.) Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
While this is the biggest story of free agency, it’s not surprising. Not even a little bit. It was rumored the New York Jets and Minnesota Vikings were finalists in the Kirk Cousins’ sweepstakes. That made this equation rather simple; Money Vs. Winning. What will it be?? We know where Carmelo Anthony stands on the matter. Anyone who thought Cousins would choose the Jets doesn’t understand football, or the Jets.
Players don’t actively CHOOSE to play for the Jets. They sign with the Jets when there is no other viable option (or when the contract is twice as much as the next offer). Kirk Cousins went with the team that provides the best opportunity to win (and he’s also getting paid a few bucks). Cousins will reportedly earn $84 million over the next 3 seasons (fully guaranteed). This is the 1st multiple year, fully guaranteed contract for a QB in NFL history.
2.) Jimmy Graham / Jordy Nelson / Muhammed Wilkerson (Packers)
The 2nd happiest man in the NFL right now is….Jimmy Graham. “They’re going to pay me to play with the best QB in the history of the world?! You’re joking!”
No Jimmy, they’re not joking. Just be happy the Packers enjoy making a splash rather than fixing their offensive line. Get used to hearing, “Rodgers to Graham for the touchdown!!”
The end of an era is upon us in Green Bay. Jordy Nelson was released by the Packers Tuesday. This move will save them $10 million, however, it’s rumored they could bring him back on a cheaper deal.
And the Packers will throw their hat in the ‘draw out Muhammed Wilkerson’s potential’ ring. As a Jets’ fan, all I have to say is, good luck!!
3.) New York Jets
The New York Jets were busy on Tuesday. After swinging and missing on Kirk Cousins, they turned their attention to an oft-injured, 39-year old, train wreck in Josh McCown. The Jets will bring back ol’ man river on a 1-year, $10 million deal. Thankfully, that wasn’t the only QB move they made. Teddy Bridgewater will reportedly join the Jets’ band of misfits under center. Bridgewater, who’s still fighting his way back from a gruesome injury in 2016, will compete for the starting job. He’ll also be on a 1-year deal (reportedly for $5 million). At least this will spark QB competition, while simultaneously incentivizing Bridgewater to earn his next contract.
If the Jets don’t draft a QB with the #6 pick, because of these moves, I’ll lose my mind!!
The Jets will also add RB Isaiah Crowell, CB Trumaine Johnson, and LB Avery Williamson.
Crowell is an average running back with good break away speed. While it wasn’t the Jets’ biggest need, there are worse RBs out there (ahem..New York Giants..Jonathan Stewart..ahem). Williamson is a tackling machine, and should plug in very nicely when the Jets don’t retain Demario Davis. And the prize of the Jets’ offseason, SO FAR, is Trumaine Johnson. He’s the best cornerback available, and CB is a position of need for the Jets.
4.) Danny Amendola (Dolphins) / Malcolm Butler (Titans) / Dion Lewis (Titans)
Nothing makes me happier than watching the Patriots lose good football players. The only problem is, it doesn’t matter. As long as Tom Brady and Bill Belichick are upright, they’ll continue to own the AFC East. Butler will go from being benched in the Super Bowl, to being the Titans’ top CB, and Lewis will join Butler on a Titan’s team that’s trending upward. Amendola choosing to stay in division makes me chuckle….
Honorable Mentions
Drew Brees – Brees was reportedly offered a 2-year, $60 million contract to play for the Arizona Cardinals. He took $50 million to stay with the New Orleans Saints. He’s smart.
Sammy Watkins – How is it that this guy is still getting paid so much?! 3-years, $48 million (Chiefs) for a receiver who will undoubtedly be injured by Week 10 is just stupid.
Sam Bradford – How is it that this guy is still getting paid so much?! Bradford will “play” quarterback for the Arizona Cardinals next year, for $20 million. All I have to say is, HAHA!
With official free agency starting today at 4:00 P.M. EST, stay tuned for the latest news and notes from around the NFL.
Which team has had the best free agency so far?? Tell me in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
I’m the most popular kid at school.
I wasn’t always SO popular, but all the smarter, better looking kids graduated, leaving all the popularity — to me!!
I’m….Kirk Cousins.
Kirk Cousins has been the biggest, offseason storyline in the NFL. Since Washington brought in Alex Smith, it’s all but assured that Cousins will call a new city home in the coming weeks. Free agents can officially sign on the dotted line on March 14th @ 4:00 P.M. EST, so until then, rumors, speculation, and fantasy land will persist.
Where will Kirk Cousins play next season?? That, is the $150 million question….
New York Jets
The early favorite in the clubhouse is the New York Jets. With nearly $100 million in salary cap space this offseason, the Jets are expected to make a serious run at Cousins. Of course, with nothing but time and money on their hands, fabricated stories become “reality”.
I don’t know which story is my favorite so far….
It could be $60 million guaranteed in the 1st year of the contract. It could be the 1st fully guaranteed contract in NFL history. Or it could be offering Cousins ownership stake in the Jets. Okay I made that last one up, but the direction these stories are heading, it’s not as far fetched as it’d seem.
I like Kirk Cousins. As a Jets’ fan, I want him under center this coming season. However, the Jets MUST be reasonable (hahahahaha). Jimmy Garoppolo is set to make $27.5 million per year, so offer Cousins $28, and negotiate up to your limit — if necessary. That limit should be $30 million.
Cleveland Browns
Kirk Cousins is not deciding, under his own volition, to play for the Cleveland Browns.
Denver Broncos
Many “experts” have tossed the Broncos’ name around as a potential landing spot for Mr. Cousins. Admittedly, being wined and dined by John Elway doesn’t hurt, but Cousins isn’t going to Denver. They’re likely to part ways with their top wide receivers, and they have just $26 million in cap space.
Minnesota Vikings
This is the team to worry about (as a Jets’ fan). The Vikings are literally only a quarterback away from winning a Super Bowl. And with $57 million in cap space (8th most in the NFL), they have a realistic chance here. Be afraid New York. Be very afraid.
Ultimately, I think the Jets are going to make Cousins an offer he can’t refuse:
Will Kirk Cousins be wearing a Jets jersey next season?? If not, where will he play?? Post your prediction in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
I’m a smart guy.
I like to think I have a pretty firm grip on the English language. I’m a fast learner. And I can reason through or understand pretty much everything that happens in the world.
But today, I’m stumped!!
For the life of me, I can’t understand the San Francisco 49ers’ latest decision.
Thursday afternoon, the 49ers signed quarterback, Jimmy Garoppolo, to a 5-year, $137.5 million contract extension ($27.5 million per year). Garoppolo, who was traded to the 49ers (for a 2018 2nd-round pick) by the New England Patriots on October 31st, is now the highest paid player in NFL history. There are varying reports as it pertains to the guaranteed money in the contract. Some have reported $74 million guaranteed, while others have reported $90 million. Either way, that’s a fine pay day!!
Allow me to express my confusion. I happen to like Jimmy Garoppolo. I think he has the potential to be a good quarterback for a decade or more. BUT, I wouldn’t make him THE HIGHEST PAID PLAYER IN NFL HISTORY!!!!
7. Garoppolo has started just 7 games in his career. Granted, he’s won every start, injecting hope into the 49ers franchise, but no one’s confusing him with Joe Montana.
See, this is how the NFL works. Quarterback is the most important position on the field. Without a “franchise quarterback”, you can’t win a Super Bowl. Yes, I know Nick Foles just won a Super Bowl, but check the list of Super Bowl winning quarterbacks since the turn of the century, and you’ll see what I’m talking about. As each top-15 quarterback heads toward free agency, they become the highest paid player in NFL history. First, it was Aaron Rodgers. Then Andrew Luck. Then Derek Carr. Then Matthew Stafford. While each have flaws, one can understand paying them the big bucks. It’s called track record. It’s called having a sample size bigger than 7 games.
Just ask the Seattle Seahawks how Matt Flynn’s contract worked out….
Side Note: If Garoppolo is worth $27.5 million per year, what is Kirk Cousins worth????
Apparently, 49ers’ general manager, John Lynch, doesn’t care for track record:
“We want Jimmy to be a Niner for a long, long time,” Lynch said on January 2nd. “That process is going to take place here. We’re eager to get that done, to have the opportunity. You have our assurances, and the fans do, that we’d like nothing more than to make him (Garoppolo) a Niner for a long, long time.”
Lynch and head coach/offensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan, are excited to work with their 137.5 million dollar man….
Kyle, John, he’s all yours.
Like, Love, or Hate this contract?? Tell me in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:10 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports.
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Who said the only thing to talk about is the Super Bowl??
As players, coaches, and fans arrive in Minneapolis for Super Bowl LII, teams around the NFL are making their own Super Bowl push….
Dominoes Are Fun
Once the first piece goes, the rest fall into place. Tuesday night, Alex Smith was traded to the Washington Redskins. Instantly, Kirk Cousins’ muddled future in Washington D.C. became a lot clearer.
Redskins Get: QB Alex Smith
Chiefs Get: CB Kendall Fuller and a 3rd round pick
This trade can’t become official until March 14th (start of the NFL year). This secures Patrick Mahomes’ future as the starting quarterback of the Kansas City Chiefs, and assures that Kirk Cousins will don a different jersey next season. The question is: Which one??
Reportedly, Alex Smith (33 years old) will sign a 4-year extension worth $94 million, including $71 million guaranteed. The $94 million part is believable. The $71 million part can’t possibly be accurate. The Redskins would be really, REALLY DUMB to give a 33-year old quarterback that much guaranteed money….
I Want To Be Part Of History
We’re all part of history, just not equally. James Harden’s role in history is slightly different than ours. Harden, without the services of Chris Paul, Trevor Ariza, and Eric Gordon (for nearly 3 quarters), literally put the rest of his team on his back. Okay, not literally, but he scored more than half of his teams points en route to a 114-107 victory over the Orlando Magic. And broke 2 records along the way.
Harden’s 60 points broke the Houston Rockets’ record for most points in a single-game (Calvin Murphy, 57 points). That record stood for 40 years. Harden also became the 1st player in NBA history to record a triple-double with 60 points:
60 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds, 4 steals, and 1 block
Ummmm, holy crap!
The Injury Bug Is Real
Injuries are contagious. In the past week, not 1, not 2, but 3 All-Stars have gone down with significant injuries. First, DeMarcus Cousins’ season ended with a ruptured Achilles. Then, John Wall needed a knee scope, putting him on the shelf for 6-8 weeks. And now, Kevin Love will also miss 6-8 weeks with a fractured left hand.
Today, I plead with the players of the NBA. Be extra careful when you cross the street. Don’t run down the stairs in socks. And don’t go skydiving. For you never know when the injury bug is coming for you.
The Knicks Actually Won A Game?!
It’s hard to believe, but yes, the New York Knicks won a basketball game last night. It’s a lot easier when you’re at home, against the Brooklyn Nets, but as they say, a win is a win.
I attended this game and had a great time!!
If you haven’t been to Madison Square Garden since Patrick Ewing played for the Knicks, make an effort to go. The renovations have improved the fan experience, and concession lines have greatly improved. As for television sets lining each section’s front row, I’ll never understand that. Why would you pay for tickets and then watch the game on TV from your seat?!?!
As for the game, Kristaps Porzingis was on, dropping 28 points while shooting 6 for 8 from 3-point range. Enes Kanter had the quietest 20 point/20 rebound game you’ll ever see. And the Knicks took down the Nets 111-95.
The Knicks have now won 2 games in a row.
“If they win tonight, that’s called a winning streak. It has happened before.”
Were you surprised the Redskins traded for Alex Smith?? Where do you think Kirk Cousins will play next season?? Tell me in the comment section below.
You can now find me on the Radio too. Download the TuneIn Radio App and search OWWR. I’ll be on live every Wednesday from 6:00 P.M. – 8:00 P.M EST. I also broadcast every show on Facebook Live via my DaveTalksSports.com Facebook Page: http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports .
Since you enjoy my writing, follow me on twitter @DaveEttinger2 or like my page on Facebook at http://www.Facebook.com/DaveTalksSports. You can also Subscribe to my YouTube Channel: DaveTalksSports. Thanks for reading!! Now go tell all your friends!!
Dave Talks Sports 