NEWSLETTER
For the first time in 582 days, the Chicago Cubs are playing a regular-season game against an opponent who isn’t in the NL (or AL) Central. That’s pretty wild.
• The Justin Fields stuff is all over the map:
"98 percent" of NFL teams think the 49ers will draft Mac Jones, Michael Lombardi reportshttps://t.co/ySYzAX8PZu pic.twitter.com/JQxz1JBlZV
— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) April 16, 2021
Justin Fields now favored to land with the #49ers at three, as I have been saying all along. But don't read too much into this. My latest, via @ForbesSports and @Forbes https://t.co/APENaofJve
— Vincent Frank (@VincentFrankNFL) April 16, 2021
• I want to believe oddsmakers more than the NFL people Michael Lombardi has spoken with on this matter. Or do I?
• Welcome to the intersection of misdirection, deception, truth, and lies. Here today, we’ll find chatter surrounding the future of Ohio State quarterback prospect Justin Fields. There hasn’t been much of a consensus on Fields in the lead-up to the 2021 NFL Draft. Once the consensus No. 2 prospect behind only Trevor Lawrence coming into the season, Fields is somewhere between QB3 and QB5 depending on whose analysis you read, whose mock drafts you like, and your own personal preference. I imagine the recent change leading to talk of Fields being the third QB off the board is rooted in the wake of the Niners being out in full force at the Ohio State product’s second Pro Day. But that there is still a belief that Mac Jones could be the guy tells you everything thing we need to know about the fluidity of this draft. If I was running San Francisco, I’d probably bypass the quarterback position altogether and draft a defensive lineman. Hey, it worked out well for them the last time! After all, the 49ers went to a Super Bowl three years later
• Here’s how wacky the pre-draft stuff on Fields is: One NFL Mock Draft by retired NFL executive Charley Casserly has Fields falling to 24th. If Fields falls into the 20s and past the Bears, I’ll [redacted, in order to have plausible deniability just in case it gets to that point].
• I think I found a TE prospect I like:
https://twitter.com/DBro_FFB/status/1382893934293229570
• If Denver is looking to unload some receiver talent, I know a place:
From NFL Now on @nflnetwork on a WR to watch for a possible trade in the coming weeks: #Broncos WR DaeSean Hamilton. pic.twitter.com/X5d2280srI
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 15, 2021
• Guh … I don’t like this:
The #Falcons have agreed to terms with WR/returner Cordarrelle Patterson on a one-year, $3 million deal, source says. The four-time All-Pro selection officially headed to Atlanta.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) April 15, 2021
• A $3 million price tag for a player with Cordarrelle Patterson’s résumé is nothing in the grand scheme of things. It’s why I strongly disliked the narrative of “well, now the Bears can take all that money they’re saving by not re-signing Patterson and distribute it elsewhere.” I’m not sure where the Bears will find someone who wears as many hats as Patterson for $3 million. I suppose they can sign multiple $1 million contracts, but is there truly value in volume? Put it this way, at a price tag of $3 million, would you rather have Patterson impacting three different phases of the game or Germain Ifedi at either spot on the right side of the offensive line? Because, if we’re talking value, I’d rather have Patterson at $3 million and roll the dice with a similar player to Ifedi on a more cost-friendly price tag.
• I suppose this is a good time to briefly air my grievances that are from the Bears multiply Ifedi’s salary guarantees after last season’s one-year tryout. Last year, Ifedi was a steal. Getting a lineman who can start at two spots on the line for $887,500 in guarantees is tremendous value. This year, Ifedi can up to $4.25M with $2.25M in guarantees. There wasn’t anything Ifedi did last year to merit a certain starting role and a salary increase of more than $1.36M. Once again, we’re seeing GM Ryan Pace’s questionable asset management on display.
• Retire to follow your dreams of hosting Jeopardy on a full-time basis, sir:
.@aaronrodgers12 reflects on one of the best parts of being a guest host! pic.twitter.com/hV9J3qFEX6
— Jeopardy! (@Jeopardy) April 15, 2021
• On a serious note, keep on keeping on:
“Because of Aaron Rodgers, it’s gonna be OK.”
He’s helped keep afloat or save altogether 80 small businesses and counting in and around his NorCal hometown.
I spoke with a bunch of them about their pandemic stories & what Rodgers’ help has done for them: https://t.co/dfiJmQK222 pic.twitter.com/pn2BDz49jT
— Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 15, 2021
• Much respect:
In his first year in Chicago, Bears quarterback Nick Foles’ foundation has provided over 1 million meals and 500 computers to Chicago public schools.
— Daniel Greenberg (@ChiSportUpdates) April 15, 2021
• Blenders, outdoor gear, projectors and more are your Deals of the Day at Amazon. #ad
• Bring him to me:
Bulls Would Be the Knicks “Top Competitor” in an Offseason Battle for Lonzo Ballhttps://t.co/yZmzkbNnpu pic.twitter.com/W7ECgvdIJo
— Bleacher Nation Bulls (@BN_Bulls) April 15, 2021
• I’d like to see Mike Trout do this…
Pick Ronald Acuña Jr. as your beer pong partner. pic.twitter.com/ONj2UNBKqx
— Baseball is Fun (@flippingbats) April 15, 2021
• I understand what’s going on here (I think). I don’t like it one bit. But mostly, I think it might set a dangerous precedent. At minimum, it’s a slippery slope. To that end, I do not envy MLB. Good luck dealing with that, because it won’t be long before this becomes a larger issue.
David Ross and Ryan Tepera Suspended for That Pitch Behind Brandon Woodruff – https://t.co/3bTNoWzAYP pic.twitter.com/XRWEUQSHLR
— Bleacher Nation Cubs (@BleacherNation) April 15, 2021
