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The wide receiver market got a reset this week when Minnesota Vikings WR Justin Jefferson reshaped the narrative around wideout pay with a massive four-year extension worth $140 million. With other star receivers like Dallas’ Ceedee Lamb and San Francisco’s Brandon Aiyuk needing extensions of their own, how do GMs around the league approach their jobs when $35 million a year for a star wide receiver is now the going rate current?
Jason Fitz, Charles Robinson & Nate Tice ask exactly that question and find out what the next few years of roster construction will look like in this brave new world, where teams are expected to overpay for a quarterback, an offensive tackle, a star edge rusher, a blocking corner and now an explosive receiver broad.
Before getting into the Jefferson deal, do they first take a look at the Cleveland Browns, who reportedly signed extensions this offseason to GM Andrew Berry and coach Kevin Stefanski? What will the Browns look like in 2024 with a top-notch front office and coaching situation but still a big question mark surrounding Deshaun Watson’s play?
Later in the show, the guys discuss the recent lifetime bans on NBA and MLB players for betting on games, and how would the NFL react if a similar situation happened in their league? What would an “extinction level” event be like for the NFL if one of its star players was caught up in a similar scandal?
Finally, the guys wrap up the show by weighing in on three offseason minicamp stories, as Atlanta Falcons RB Bijan Robinson professes to be the next Christian McCaffrey, Indianapolis Colts WR Adonai Mitchell is turning heads in camp, and the Los Angeles Chargers coaching staff is hyping WR Quentin Johnston’s year two.
(3:00) – Browns extend HC Stefanski and GM Berry
(17:30) – Justin Jefferson contract and what it means for NFL roster construction
(34:50) – How can the NFL avoid betting scandals?
(52:15) – Buying/selling Minicamp: Bijan Robinson, Adonai Mitchell, Quentin Johnston
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