In the second volume of the NFL offseason updates series, team updates, trades and free agent news are included. With so much taking place around the league, it is important to stay up to date with each recent event. Here is a breakdown of some of the recent news surrounding the NFL.
Joe Flacco is Traded to Denver
During the 2018 season, the Baltimore Ravens decided to start rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson over Joe Flacco. Since then, the future for the former Superbowl MVP has been unclear. That is until the Denver Broncos traded for the quarterback on February 13.
The trade cannot be processed officially until March 13, which is the date that the new league year begins. Until then, what the Ravens got in return is disclosed information. It is thought to be a fourth-round pick.
Flacco started for nine games in 2018 before going down with a hip injury. In those nine games, the signal caller threw for 2,465 yards, 12 touchdowns and six interceptions.
With Flacco being 34 years old, it would seem that the Broncos are pushing to win now instead of rebuilding. Although drafting a quarterback is not yet out of the picture entirely, trading for Flacco pushes the idea that he will be set as their starter going into 2019.
Texans Have Released Demaryius Thomas
After trading for Demaryius Thomas mid-season of 2018, the Houston Texans have released the wide receiver.
During 2018, Thomas played for the Denver Broncos for eight games before being traded to the Texans for a fourth-round draft pick. The wide receiver then played seven games for the Texans. In these 15 games, Thomas caught a total of 59 passes for 677 yards and scored five touchdowns in the process. In week 16, Demaryius Thomas tore his left Achilles, ending his season.
With wide receiver Will Fuller returning from injury and having DeAndre Hopkins as the starter, it is not a surprise Thomas was released. In addition, the release saves the Texans $14 million in cap space.
If Thomas can make a full recovery during the offseason, he will be a nice asset for any team in need of wide receiver depth.
Jaguars Exercise Option for Calais Campbell
Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Calais Campbell has had his contract option exercised. This ensures that the Pro Bowler will remain with the team throughout 2019.
Campbell was signed to the Jaguars in 2017. Since then, the lineman has been to the Pro Bowl each year. In addition, Campbell has earned the role as a captain on a very talented Jacksonville defense.
In his 2018 campaign, Campbell racked up 72 combined tackles along with 10.5 sacks. With his rate of production, Campbell has proven to be a vital part of the Jaguars defense. Exercising his $12 million dollar option seems to be the right move for the team.
Redskins Not Expected to Franchise Tag HaHa Clinton-Dix
After trading for the safety just before the 2018 trade deadline, the Washington Redskins are expected to let HaHa Clinton-Dix hit the free agent market.
The Green Bay Packers sent Clinton-Dix to Washington, mid-way through the 2018 season, in return for a 2019 fourth-round draft pick. While with the Redskins, Clinton-Dix had a total of 66 combined tackles and no interceptions. This did not seem to be enough for the organization, as they are allowing the safety to test free agency.
Now that the Redskins are not franchise tagging Clinton-Dix and released safety D.J. Swearinger in December of 2018, the team seems to be in shambles at the safety position.
One of the biggest needs for the Redskins this offseason will be secondary depth. It will be interesting to see what the Washington front office decides to do.
Feature Image Credit: NBC Sports
You can like The Game Haus on Facebook and follow us on Twitter for more sports and esports articles from great TGH writers!