INDIANAPOLIS – Who said there wouldn’t be games in the NFL this time of year?
Sure, the NFL Scouting Combine is mostly about running, jumping, and interviewing, but there’s a lot of “game” going on this week. It’s not one with a scoreboard, but one courtesy of team executives, coaches, agents, and media coming together to make trade proposals, tamper with free agency, call bluffs, and shape the public narrative.
The main focus will be on three quarterbacks who could be the first three picks in the NFL Draft: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels, but there is much more to be determined. This week, we’re introducing five of his stories:
1. Bears trade plan
Are the Bears listening to offers for quarterback Justin Fields? Who is the No. 1 overall pick? For either?
A year after trading away No. 1 and acquiring a ton of assets, the Bears face the same dilemma. Should they keep Fields or trade him and start afresh at quarterback?
Three factors that could lead to the opposite decision: Fields is entering the final year of his contract and is expected to make a decision on his 2025 $25.6 million option by May, and the Bears have 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year C.J. – Might regret trading away Stroud, and this is considered a very good quarterback class, especially when compared to 2025 projections.
2. Caleb and the QB class
Could Williams run the often-speculated but rarely executed Eli Manning power play and try to force a trade to his desired destination? Williams’ camp has denied reports that Williams doesn’t want to play in Chicago and is seeking partial ownership of the franchise, but those leaks are coming from somewhere.
Williams hasn’t always responded well to criticism, ignoring the media after losses, including his last game at USC. A smart scout team would probably have some uncomfortable questions about his family background in preparation for the formal interview.
Daniels’ weigh-in and quarterback Michael Penix Jr.’s medical exam (after four season-ending injuries in his six-year career) will also be closely watched. JJ McCarthy and possibly Drake Maye will have a chance to shine Saturday with some drills in while Williams and Daniels are out.
3. Kirk Cousins, Russell Wilson Futures
Cousins will be a highly sought-after free agent unless the Vikings re-sign him by March 11th. Although he’s getting older, he’s improved from when he received a record-setting three-year, $84 million, fully guaranteed contract in 2018. So what is his price now? Does it need to be completely guaranteed?
Wilson is scheduled to leave the Broncos by March 17, when his 2025 salary of $37 million is fully guaranteed. Is there a trade market or will he be fired?
What is the Broncos quarterback’s plan to ask Wilson to modify his contract or bench him after the dirty pool was exposed? Choosing Sean Payton over Wilson as head coach seems risky in a feud between the two.
4. New New England
The Patriots are typically quiet at the combine for two reasons. First, former head coach and de facto general manager Bill Belichick hasn’t held a press conference here since 2014. Second, they typically draft late in the first round.
Times are changing. The Patriots will pick No. 3, Belichick is out of the league, and scouting director Elliott Wolf will be answering questions.
How big a rebuild is in store for the defunct dynasty? Is the No. 3 pick tradeable, or as a new quarterback, as head coach Jerod Mayo previously hinted? Will it be used?
5. Receiver trends
Regardless of position value, the top three prospects may be receivers: Marvin Harrison Jr., Roman Odunze, and Malik Nabors. It is also a profound lesson.
How will that affect the acquisition of the NFL’s top receivers? The Bengals teamed up with Tee Higgins, but will Calvin Ridley Jr. and Mike Evans become free agents?
The Raiders’ quarterback position is in flux, but is Davante Adams available for trade? Or if the capped Dolphins look elsewhere, could it be Jaylen Waddle?
We should start getting clues today.
