In the aftermath of the coronavirus shutting down the entire sports world, the NFL has stepped up and basically announced it now has the virus. Sports news was at a minimum for a few days, driving sports enthusiasts around the country crazy, so the NFL took one for the team, traveled to China, Italy, or Seattle to contract the virus, and is now providing a frenzy of sports news for everyone. The thing is though, so much of this news is stunning. It’s not the normal NFL offseason so far. Just like every few hours we’re getting a wild coronavirus update, we’ve been getting a wild NFL update for the last 24 hours.

Ryan Tannehill Contract

This one isn’t the craziest thing, but at the same time it’s newsworthy enough to be discussed. Ryan Tannehill, the forgotten quarterback of the pitiful Miami Dolphins is now getting paid big time. He had a sensational year last year after coming to the Titans, which absolutely nobody expected. Can he do it again? Maybe, but I feel like that’s asking for a lot. The Titans certainly believe so, though. The four-year deal for $118 million with $62 million guaranteed is quite the payday. Especially for Ryan Tannehill.

Cardinals-Texans Trade

What in the world was this? The Texans trading one of the best receivers in the game in DeAndre Hopkins for David Johnson, a running back who annually drives his “I’ve got a feeling this is his year” fantasy owners absolutely nuts because he either sucks or is hurt? The Texans are also eating the rest of David Johnson’s contract, which just makes things worse. It’s like the Texans are saying they are tired of making the playoffs every year just to get beat, so they want to save themselves that hassle by not even making the playoffs to begin with. This one is just stupid.

Bears Sign Jimmy Graham

You know the saying, “One man’s trash is another man’s…trash. The Bears signed Jimmy Graham to a 2-year $16 million deal, with $9 million guaranteed on Monday, which makes zero Bears fans excited. Don’t get me wrong, Jimmy Graham was once a great tight end, but that was at the same time Billie Eilish was playing with blocks in elementary school. If Jimmy Graham hasn’t been productive with Aaron Rodgers the last few years, how will he ever do ANYTHING in this Bears offense?

Tom Brady Not Returning to New England

On Tuesday morning, the country woke up to the news Tom Brady had declared he would not be returning to the Patriots. He gave his thank-you’s and fond memories in a “Forever a Patriot” social media post and is out the door. Count me as one of the people that stood firm in the stance that he would be back in Patriots uniform next season and would end up retiring a Patriot. This news was very shocking, I don’t care what you say. I mean, we’re talking about the best quarterback of all-time. To me, there’s got to be some things going on behind the scenes that made him just up and say he will not be coming back. Was it Belichick’s fault? Someone else’s? Contract issues? There’s more to it than what’s on the surface because why would he not want to retire a Patriot? But now the question is where will he go. Tampa Bay? That would be a horrendous decision. The only people that could even fathom that are the 15 Buccaneers fans who grew up playing Madden video games and started franchise modes with the Bucs, choosing Brady in the draft. Maybe he’ll go to the Chargers. That makes a little more sense. Retire out in Los Angeles like LeBron wanted to do. Warm weather, beaches, exciting city, etc. He still wouldn’t win out there though. Perhaps some other team will step up and pursue him now, but we’ll have to wait and see.

Panthers Give Newton Permission to Seek Trade

The Carolina Panthers are very interested in…wait for it…Teddy Bridgewater. That makes me laugh just typing that. Therefore, they’ve given Cam Newton permission to seek a trade. So, either Cam is gone or he’s coming back to a team that prefers a back-up quarterback in Bridgewater. Sure, Bridgewater had a good stretch last season when Brees was injured. But look at all the weapons he had around him. Look at the stellar coaching situation he had. Outside of McCaffrey, what would he have in Carolina? A brand new coach, a terrible offensive line, no receiving threats…it would be a nightmare for both sides.

This offseason madness is just getting started. I for one hope it continues to be just as wild as it has been in the last 24-30 hours because we have no other sports news to keep us entertained. The NFL has really stepped up, but I’m afraid it has the rapidly-spreading coronavirus. They better quarantine themselves.

Garett

The NFL Should Be Quarantined