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Even though Wilson did not get a deal connected to the salary cap, somebody else eventually could. Cousins had tremendous leverage, but his skill level raised some question marks. Now that Wilson has his deal done, Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Cleveland Browns quarterback Baker Mayfield are two early candidates to secure a deal that changes the fundamental structure of a franchise contract.
Mahomes is coming off a monster breakout season in which he led the Chiefs to the AFC Championship Game. He is signed through 2020 and the Chiefs hold his fifth-year option in 2021. Add on two more franchise tags, and his ultimate leverage might not come until after the 2023 season. But, if they two sides want to get something done sooner, maybe he gets a percentage of the cap deal.
How Russell Wilson’s monster deal impacts Patrick Mahomes | Yahoo! Sports
That’s great news for quarterbacks on the high end of the spectrum like Kansas City’s Patrick Mahomes, as Wilson’s megadeal makes the possibility of Mahomes being the first NFL player to crack $200 million a near lock for one simple reason:
If Wilson, who is generally slotted anywhere from being the league’s fifth- to eighth-best quarterback, is worth $140 million total, what’s Mahomes, the reigning league MVP (who is seven years younger than Wilson) worth?
Nick Jacobs: Best offensive tackle fits for Chiefs in 2019 NFL Draft | 41 KSHB
Now might be a good time if general manager Brett Veach wants to find a developmental tackle who could be ready in two to three years when the contracts of the Chiefs’ current starting tackles expire.
Another option, assuming this is possible with the current CBA: Mahomes could sign a long-term deal to ensure he’s in Kansas City for (say ... ) the next decade with the salary tied to a fixed percentage of the salary cap.
This will be a personal decision by Mahomes, and a business decision by the Chiefs. There seems to be too much goodwill and mutual respect for something not to happen. Star quarterbacks simply don’t hit free agency, and Mahomes playing anywhere else is almost unimaginable.
Bink Chiefs Mock 7.0 | 610 Sports Radio
This is my mock 7.0 and my final mock for the draft for the Chiefs. The way this works is I don’t flip-flop a lot with my picks so this has many of the same guys, but the guys I would take.
Former Panthers receiver dismissive of Steven Nelson’s contribution to the Chiefs | Kansas City Star
Former Carolina Panthers receiver Steve Smith Sr. was a guest on “Good Morning Football” on Tuesday morning, and the discussion on the NFL Network show turned to the Chiefs. Specifically, the defense, which didn’t have much success against the Patriots in the AFC championship game.
Smith said: “The defense didn’t show up. They got Tyrann Mathieu, they let go of Eric Berry, they let go of...” He paused and the “Good Morning Football” co-hosts mentioned Justin Houston was released and the Chiefs traded Dee Ford.
But Smith continued: “I’m talking about the back half (of the defense). Steve Nelson, though he didn’t really cover very many people anyway.”
Around the league
Patriots sign Demaryius Thomas to one-year deal | NFL
Thomas was signed by the New England Patriots, the team announced on Tuesday. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports Thomas signed a one-year contract worth up to $6 million.
Cardinals say they haven’t decided on No. 1 pick | ESPN
“We are not done with this process,” Keim said Tuesday during a pre-draft news conference. “There are a number of players in my opinion and our scouts’ opinions and our coaching staff’s opinion that warrant being the first overall selection.”
Kyler Murray no longer taking visit with Redskins | NFL
Previously scheduled to visit the Washington Redskins this week, Murray no longer has plans to make the trip, NFL Network’s Steve Wyche reported, per a source with knowledge of the situation, on Tuesday afternoon.
Look: Chargers Announce Powder Blue Jerseys as Primary Uniforms for 2019 Season | Bleacher Report
The Chargers wore the so-called powder blues from 1960-73 before gradually making the switch to a darker blue color. Although the powder blues haven’t been the Chargers’ primary jerseys for nearly 50 years, they have remained a consistent favorite, with many fans calling on the franchise to make the change permanent.
Joe Flacco wants to be the team’s “understood quarterback” | NBC Sports
“I don’t really care about whether they take a quarterback or not,” Flacco said, via quotes distributed by the team. “Whether it’s 10 or whatnot, the only thing I care about is, like I said, I want this team to be as good as they can with me at quarterback. If we feel like as a team and an organization that we can add value to our team at the 10th pick, then I’m all for getting a guy that can add value to the team with me as the understood quarterback. At the end of the day, it is what it is.”
Bears TE Miller retires 1½ years after leg injury | ESPN
Bears tight end Zach Miller announced his retirement on Tuesday, more than a year and a half after suffering a catastrophic injury in Week 8 of the 2017 regular season that nearly cost him his left leg.
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