With the 2020 NFL season starting tomorrow night, here are 10 weekly observations from the week that was.
Nuk gets Paid
Before playing a single snap for his new team, the Arizona Cardinals, DeAndre Hopkins became the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history. While football fans were getting hyped for the season to get underway, with the reigning Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs hosting Hopkins’ former team, the Houston Texans, the wide receiver himself was negotiating his own new deal. Coincidence?
Hunt Scopes out his Own Payday
Not to be outdone, moments later the Cleveland Browns announced that they signed running back Kareem Hunt to a two-year extension worth $13.25 million.
Flash Gordon is Back, Again
Often suspended wide receiver Josh Gordon is back in Seattle. He was suspended to end last season but got acclimated into Seattle’s offense before he was suspended.
Speaking of Josh’s
Josh McCown, the 41-year-old journeyman quarterback was signed by the Philadelphia Eagles as their “emergency” quarterback. His unofficial attempt to outlast Tom Brady in the NFL wages on.
Just When You Think it’s Over…
All offseason, one of the biggest storylines was where edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney would sign. As the season inched closer the number of rumored possibilities changed week to week. It took until cut down day, but he finally decided to take his talents to Nashville, not without pleading from both Tennessee Titans and New Orleans Saints players, the last two teams involved, to help him decide.
Speaking of Clowney…
One team that was a latecomer to the Clowney Sweepstakes was the Jacksonville Jaguars. But it wasn’t to have him on their defense, it was to sign and trade him to the Baltimore Ravens. An attempt to add to their own draft capital, but also a last-ditch effort to keep him from signing with a division rival.
In Mitch they Still Trust
The Chicago Bears traded for Nick Foles in the offseason. Many assumed Mitchell Trubisky‘s time under center was over. But when the team announced opening week starters, Trubisky, who was drafted ahead of two quarterbacks who just got big paydays (Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson), was listed as the starting quarterback.
No Quarterback Controversy in Las Vegas, for Now
The Las Vegas Raiders jumped on former Titans quarterback Marcus Mariota, the second free agency began. Which led to speculation that Derek Carr‘s days as the starter were possibly numbered. Many haven’t believed Carr is a “Gruden guy” since Jon Gruden returned to coaching. While Mariota will start the season on injured reserve, there’s still a chance he can be in the midst of a quarterback controversy for the second time in as many seasons, only to come out on the winning end this time.
The Magical Season for Florida Teams
Tampa Bay’s roster is completely revamped after adding Brady, Leonard Fournette, and Rob Gronkowski, oh my. Gardner Minshew Magic continues in Jacksonville, planned this time. Meanwhile, Miami is riding with Fitz-Magic himself, Ryan Fitzpatrick, at least to start the season.
A.P. Lands on his Feet
After being released by Washington, veteran running back Adrian Peterson was quickly signed. He’s back where it all began, well sort of. While yes he’s back in the NFC North, this time he’s a Detriot Lion as opposed to a Minnesota Viking. Which is quite fitting as he continues to inch closer to Barry Sanders on the all-time rushing list.
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