NFL Notes: Free Agent QBs, Los Angeles, Browns, & Jets

Free Agent QBs

According to Albert Breer of NFL Media, next year’s free agent quarterback market could end being quite fascinating for a number of reason.

The 49ers, Redskins and Browns could move on from notable quarterbacks like Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III and Johnny Manziel.

On top of that, Washington will need to decide what to do with Kirk Cousins while Broncos QB Brock Osweiler could be in demand as a free agent next year.

Breer reports that the Redskins and Cousins’ reps have had very preliminary contract discussions, with the team expressing its desire to keep him. However, it’s unlikely that talks will pick up until after the year is out.

Franchising either player would run the Broncos and Redskins around $19.9 million if the salary cap is $155 million.

Los Angeles

Albert Breer writes that with the Chargers, Rams and Raiders a combined 0-8 over the past three weeks, questions are likely to be raised whether they’ll undergo an overhaul during the offseason.

Former Raiders’ executive Amy Trask explained to Breer that the NFL has to get Los Angeles right, and changes within the organization are merited in these types of situations.

“The league as a whole cannot afford to fail when it comes to Los Angeles,” Trask said. “Any owner granted permission to move would be wise to assess their team in every regard — not just coaching, but everything. Do I have the best people? And do I have the right people for L.A. … It’s just an easy time to part with staff — relocating gives you a chance to clean house in an easier way. And it’s a smart time to do it, from a business, legal and HR standpoint.”

For what it’s worth, Breer could see changes coming for the Chargers and Rams, but believes it’s more likely that the Raiders will keep things in place, barring interest from Jon Gruden about returning to Oakland.

Browns

• According to Albert Breer, the Browns saw the video of Johnny Manziel partying in Austin as an “affront” because they gave him a starting job and he responded by doing something just a few days later that fit the narrative about his off-the-field concerns.
• Cleveland hasn’t micromanaged Manziel off the field since he checked out of rehab several months ago.
• In the end, the Browns saw his latest incident as though he didn’t hold up his end of the bargain.

Jets

• Albert Breer writes that DE Muhammad Wilkerson could be an interesting trade chip for the Jets to pursue a quarterback with in April, assuming they use their franchise tag on him next year.
• According to Breer, it’s a “good bet” Jets GM Mike Maccagnan will attempt to acquire more draft picks in the trade market to continue building their roster through the draft.