All posts by Kevin

Are New York Jets Super Bowl Contenders With Ryan Fitzpatrick Back?

The drama is finally over. The New York Jets have their quarterback back, as the team and veteran gunslinger Ryan Fitzpatrick have agreed to a one-year, $12 million deal. The two sides were at a stalemate for the entire off-season, with the Jets looking for as much bang for their buck as they could get and Fitzpatrick demanding he be treated like a high-level NFL passer.

Drama Over

Fitzpatrick and Gang Green ultimately compromised, with Fitzpatrick earning solid starter money over the next season, but giving up security that could have come with a long-term deal. Fitzpatrick opted to “bet” on himself, suggesting he believes his strong 2015 showing was no fluke, and that he could be in for similar production in 2016.

The Jets will certainly hope that is the case, as Fitzpatrick was borderline elite in his first season with the team last year, piling on a career-high 31 touchdowns and over 3,900 passing yards en route to a 10-6 finish. Fitzpatrick did flame out to close the season, however, as New York lost in week 17 with a shot at the playoffs on the line.

Repeat Production?

One reason the Jets didn’t want to invest heavily in Fitzpatrick is because of the young talent they’re grooming under center. The team drafted Bryce Petty out of Baylor last year and further invested in the position by drafting Christian Hackenberg out of Penn State in this year’s NFL Draft.

Neither quarterback is close to running a quality offense, however, so New York’s hardball seemed to be counter intuitive in the end.

Of course, even with New York’s options appearing limited, there are serious questions surrounding Fitzpatrick’s past history and whether or not he can continue to improve inside New York’s offense. He certainly won’t be without a plethora of options, as Brandon Marshall and Eric Decker thrived around him in the passing game last year, while the Jets’ ground attack arguably improved with the addition of former Chicago Bears star rusher, Matt Forte.

On paper, bringing back Fitzpatrick was the missing piece to a team that was on the brink of post-season play in 2015 and could now be ready to take the next step.

Whether or not Fitzpatrick is the guy to help them get there, of course, is highly debatable. As solid as Fitzpatrick has been during his 11-year pro career, he’s never lifted a team enough to reach the playoffs.

New York’s 2016 Odds

The Jets did the right thing by brining Fitzpatrick back – for a couple of reasons. For one, they didn’t have a better option on their roster. As mediocre as Fitzpatrick can be at times, he brings some upside to the offense that Geno Smith and New York’s two younger passers simply don’t. He knows the offense the best, Marshall and Decker rally around him and if he’d played a little better in the season finale, he could have gotten the Jets to the playoffs.

Truth be told, Fitzpatrick had arguably the best season of any Jets quarterback ever. His touchdowns went for the most in franchise history, while his passing yardage went for second best, all-time.

Stats alone won’t get the job done, but Fitzpatrick played well for much of the year and overall ran the offense very well. Because of that, there is no reason to think the Jets can’t be as good – if not better – with him back in the saddle. Vegas seems to agree, with Bovada giving the Jets decent Super Bowl odds (+5000). Those odds could even increase with Fitzpatrick back.

New York could also be in contention to snag the AFC East division title, as Tom Brady will start 2016 with a four-game ban and the Patriots could be vulnerable.

Whether the Jets make the playoffs or give the Super Bowl a go or not, they made a move they absolutely had to. Fitzpatrick is back and the Jets remain on the radar for their division title and a playoff spot. If Forte can be a big addition and the defense can be as good as it was a year ago, a deep playoff run isn’t out of the question.

Why the New York Jets Should Take a Chance on Nick Foles

The Los Angeles Rams finally pulled the plug on failed experiment Nick Foles, announcing on Wednesday that they would be releasing the quarterback they once traded for. Foles was initially traded for in return for former #1 overall pick Sam Bradford, but flamed out in just one season with the Rams.

Botched Deal

Foles had already lost his starting job before the end of his lone season with the team in 2015, but was made extra expendable with the selection of California product Jared Goff with the first pick of the 2016 NFL Draft. The Rams opted to wait on cutting Foles loose in an effort to drum up trade interest, but found no willing takers.

The move makes good sense for the Rams based on the health of the position, but it’s still a costly one. Los Angeles traded for Foles thinking they were getting a stable and competent upgrade over the often injured Bradford, but instead got an inaccurate, erratic turnover machine. Foles lasted just 11 games as the starter in 2015, putting up a weak 56% completion rate and just seven touchdowns against 12 turnovers.

Still Some Value

While Foles clearly didn’t work out with the Rams, there is still an argument he has value in the NFL. Still just 27 years old, Foles has a penchant for the deep ball and when he has time to throw, has displayed sound pocket ability.

More importantly, Foles exhibited the ability to make big plays down the field while with the Philadelphia Eagles, when he accounted for 40 touchdowns and nearly 5,000 yards as the starter for most of the 2013 and 2014 seasons. There are doubts that Foles can regain that magic, but the size and arm talent exists for the right system and coaching staff to still pry good production out of the former Arizona quarterback.

Interested Parties

The quarterback market has dried up quickly in the past few months, largely due to many quarterback-needy teams swinging trades or drafting fresh talent in this year’s draft. Still, several teams could use a suitable backup, a position Foles could definitely fulfill at a high level at this stage in his career.

It’s worth wondering if Foles has the consistency and decision-making to turn his career around as a weekly NFL starter, but two teams could be desperate enough to find out.

The New York Jets and Denver Broncos are both still without a steady starter, as the Jets are still playing hardball with Ryan Fitzpatrick and Denver lost Peyton Manning (retirement) and Brock Osweiler (free agency) this offseason.

It’s debatable if Foles is an improvement over Geno Smith or Mark Sanchez at this point, but both teams would at least be bringing in a talented and experienced arm to push their current starters. For New York, such a move would likely nix the need to pay an aging Fitzpatrick, as well.

The same goes for Denver, who did draft the talented Paxton Lynch to be the future of the franchise under center, but Sanchez and a middling Trevor Siemian don’t exactly promote a ton of confidence in the Broncos’ offense.

Foles might not, either, but he may offer both teams the upside they currently lack, while also coming at a solid discount.

There is also the possibility Foles has accepted his regression in the league and at this point wouldn’t mind taking a comfortable backup position with the right club. After all, if Foles can sit and learn a new system and rediscover his former magic, he could soon be an injury away from seeing the field on a good team. Teams like the Green Bay Packers, Pittsburgh Steelers and New York Giants could be appealing to Foles, should they show interest.

Nick Foles Prediction

Ultimately, Foles is still in his prime, not that far removed from quality production and personally probably still feels he’s a starter in the NFL. Whether or not that is true, some team is bound to give him a shot to compete for a top backup gig or even start. The Broncos and Jets are front and center to give that opportunity and at the very worst, Foles’ release puts serious pressure on Ryan Fitzpatrick to make a decision.

If the Jets act fast, they can save money and grab a guy in Foles that can come in and compete with Geno Smith and youngsters Christian Hackenberg and Bryce Petty right away. He may not be the answer under center, but it could be the right move for the Jets at the right time.

Why the Cleveland Browns Shouldn’t Trade Josh McCown

The Cleveland Browns are increasingly in a better situation as the 2016 NFL season inches closer. Not only was star wide receiver Josh Gordon reinstated by the league this week, but the team also brought in four rookie wide receivers, signed Robert Griffin III and drafted Cody Kessler as a potential long-term option under center.

The maturation of the offense hasn’t been amazing, but the progress has been slow and steady under new head coach Hue Jackson’s watch. It also, unfortuately, has left solid journeyman passer Josh McCown with the impression that he’s out of a job.

End of the Line?

Despite faring quite well with the Browns in 2015, McCown couldn’t stay healthy and ultimately lost his job to a now released Johnny Manziel and eventually RG3. The big question for McCown, who can arguably still play at a fairly high level, is where does he go from here?

The arrival of two new quarterbacks may suggest McCown is on the outs with Cleveland, while a new head coach and management probably pushes that notion over the edge. It is possibly only a matter of time before McCown is cut loose or dealt, and it may simply come down to what the Browns feel they can get for him via a trade.

That could indeed be the writing on the wall, but reports earlier from camp suggested McCown “was the best quarterback” for Cleveland. Despite being 37 years old, McCown still exhibits strong mobility and above average arm strength, while there is little doubt he has better awareness in the pocket than the man trying to take his job – RG3.

Major Asset

There is a strong argument for Cleveland keeping McCown, as he’s at worst a great mind in the quarterback room, as well as a strong insurance policy on the bench. At best, he’s a quality starter that could help the Browns win games again in 2016, much like he did in spots in 2015. Cleveland wasn’t an overly successful team in terms of getting wins with him at the helm, but McCown mastered Cleveland’s offense and had the Browns in just about every game he appeared in.

The same may not be able to be said about Robert Griffin III, who has looked inconsistent at best since joining the Browns. RG3 has always been an erratic player, while his injury history could also be troubling for the Browns. If the Browns don’t feel confident in rolling with Austin Davis or rookie Cody Kessler in the event RG3 gets hurt or falters, keeping McCown certainly has its perks.

Possible Suitors

As much of a luxury as McCown looks to be on paper, he also might cost too much for the Browns to keep as a backup. Due to count over $4 million against the books in 2016, McCown could be on the move merely due to financial reasons.

If McCown ends up getting dealt, the Browns are looking at one of two realistic trade partners: the Denver Broncos and new York Jets.

The Broncos and Jets are both potential playoff teams with strong supporting casts in place, so there is an argument trading for a stable veteran like McCown could potentially put either one of them over the top. Both are currently heading into 2016 without last year’s stater, too, as Ryan Fitzpatrick continues to hold out from the Jets and Denver lost both Peyton Manning (retirement) and Brock Osweiler (free agency).

The Jets are arguably in the worse spot, as they have Geno Smith as their main backup plan, and don’t seem particularly excited about turning to him or youngsters, Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg. Their ideal situation would be to finish a deal to bring Fitzpatrick, or burn that bridge by trading for McCown.

The same goes for Denver, who are coming off a Super Bowl win and feel they have the defense, coaching and supporting offensive pieces to shoot for a repeat. Quarterback is their lone glaring issue, with Mark Sanchez looking like the only option under center at the moment. Rookie Paxton Lynch doesn’t seem ready and Trevor Siemian, though generating praise, has never been regarded as a prospect worth shoving into a big role.

Suffice to say, both New York and Denver should be giving Cleveland a call.

What Should Browns Do?

Signing Robert Griffin III probably looked like a fun, splashy move on paper, but Hue Jackson and co. probably learned quickly what the Washington Redskins found out: RG3 isn’t an NFL starter. He simply lacks the pocket presence, awareness and consistency to get the job done.

RG3 looked like a good get on paper, but Cleveland made a mistake here and instead should be moving forward with McCown as the starter with Davis and Kessler working to improve behind him. Ideally, Kessler is the future and in a season or two, he’d get his chance. For now, however, the Browns would be foolish to trade McCown, who was their best quarterback in 2015 and still is going into 2016.

2016 Fantasy Football: Is Josh Gordon Worth the Risk?

With the news breaking on Monday that Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Josh Gordon had been reinstated by the NFL, many wondered what it meant. How soon could Gordon rejoin the Browns, what would Cleveland’s intentions be with him, and of course, what did this news mean for Gordon’s 2016 fantasy football outlook?

Gordon’s Return

Per reports, Roger Goodell approved Gordon’s reinstatement, which allows him to practice and play in preseason games, but will suspend the star receiver for the first four games of the 2016 NFL season. Gordon will, however, be able to practice and maintain communication with the Browns throughout his suspension, while he will also be at risk of being suspended should he fail another drug test.

Cleveland’s Plans

While exciting news, it’s unclear how the Browns regard Gordon’s NFL return. The team has an entirely new regime running the show and just this past NFL Draft added four new wide receivers. The passing game has been completely remodeled, with Johnny Manziel and Brian Hartline released, Travis Benjamin now in San Diego and Robert Griffin III assuming the starting role under center.

With so many changes and Gordon’s constant poor decision-making in the past, it’s easy to see why a new regime would hesitate to trust Gordon going forward. On top of that, Gordon is set to be a restricted free agent in 2017, which puts Cleveland in an awkward spot. Not only do they have to trust Gordon this year, but they’d quickly have to decide whether he’s worth big money and a long-term investment.

2016 Fantasy Football Value

All of that is certainly interesting and needs to be figured out eventually, but it really doesn’t matter to fantasy football league managers. One way or another, provided he doesn’t fail another drug test or mess up in another way, Josh Gordon is set to return to the fantasy football realm in week five.

There are still red flags to consider, of course. Gordon could be in a weird situation with the Browns, he could mess up again, or he could be in a completely different situation if traded.

Because of all of that, Gordon is an obvious risk and you simply can’t invest a high draft pick on him. He did crush the league in 2013 with over 1,600 receiving yards, but we need to consider his surrounding talent, his current shape and how reliable he is going forward.

All of that mixed together makes Gordon certainly worth drafting, but somewhere in the middle rounds or later.

The good news is there is a steep drop off at wide receiver right around round six or seven in standard 12-man leagues, depending on who you value and how you wide receiver rankings look. Right around round six is where you’ll see guys like Larry Fitzgerald, Eric Decker and Emmanuel Sanders hear their names called. There are still interesting shots worth taking in that range (Tyler Lockett, Kevin White, etc), but an active and dialed in Gordon has to trump them.

That is about the range you’ll want to be targeting Gordon. However, the risk is real and you’ll need to gauge yourself just how much you currently trust in Gordon and how likely you think it is that he stays clean, stays out of any other trouble and also can crush it like he has in the past.

The latter is important, because even that wasn’t the case when he last played in 2014. Still, the idea here is upside, and in the sixth or seventh round, Gordon possesses it in spades. He’s worth the gamble there and just might be one of the top steals in fantasy football drafts when it’s all said and done.

Former Minnesota Vikings Head Coach Dennis Green Dies at 67

In a year where sports legends seem to be going at a record pace, the NFL has lost another talented mind. Dennis Green, formerly the head coach of the Minnesota Vikings and Arizona Cardinals, has died. He was 67 years old.

The man known as “Denny” reportedly died of cardiac arrest in his home on Friday morning. Former agent Ray Anderson confirmed the death.

Big Impact

Green didn’t win Super Bowls during his time in the NFL, but he still had a big, lasting impact. In 13 seasons at the pro level, Green manned a highly successful Minnesota Vikings team that was even elite at times and made the playoffs in 8 of his 10 seasons in Minnesota.

Dennis Green is likely best known for the job he did in 1998, when the Vikings went a staggering 15-1 and scored (at the time) a record 556 points. Led by rookie sensation Randy Moss, a veteran Cris Carter, a resurrected Randall Cunningham and the ground game of Robert Smith, the Vikings were nearly perfect and looked destined for a title before bowing out to the New York Giants in that year’s NFC title game.

Smith reflected on Green’s passing with heavy sadness on Twitter, lamenting the loss of his mother in April and the loss of Green, who he looked at as a father:

Green’s NFL career can’t be captured by just one season, of course.

In addition to his impressive run in the NFL, Green was known for his animated personality at times, while few sports fans will forget his timeless quotes after his Arizona Cardinals blew a game against the Chicago Bears:

Trend Setter

As an African American and a bright offensive mind, Dennis Green left a lasting impact that is still felt in the league today. Not only did he spice things up on the offensive side of the football throughout his career, but he also helped pave the way for black head coaches in the league.

During his two head coaching tenures, African American head coaches were few and far between. Green’s stellar coaching and success at the NFL level only aided in helping the league see that color should never have anything to do with men being appointed jobs – specifically at the head coach spot.

Green did more than just set trends as a black man or offensive genius. He also continued his work beyond the field. Per NFLPA Vice President Troy Vincent, Green remained a key advisor and will be deeply missed. Few can argue that. RIP, Denny.

Does Josh Gordon Have a Chance to Play in 2016?

Cleveland Browns star wide receiver Josh Gordon may have a chance to suit up in 2016.

Past reports regarding more failed drug tests suggested Gordon could be looking at yet another ban, but a reported meeting with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell sparked new optimism that Gordon could play against this season.

Per NFL Network’s Ian Rapopport, Gordon and Goodell met on Wednesday to discuss the troubled receiver’s future. The meeting didn’t include a decision either way from Goodell, while reports suggest Gordon should be able to reapply for reinstatement on August 1st.

Troubled History

The future still remains murky for Josh Gordon, as the league doesn’t always reinstate players despite their attempts to reapply, while Gordon’s multiple failed drug tests will naturally be taken into consideration when the league considers Gordon’s future.

Gordon burst onto the seen as a rookie in 2012 and then stepped up his game and looked like an elite weapon during a massive 2013 campaign. Although Gordon’s star was rising steadily, his career hit a wall when he was suspended two games for substance abuse in 2013 and then another 10 games for the 2014 season. Gordon’s career took a dark turn for the worse again in 2015, when more negative drug tests resulted in a year-long ban.

Gordon looked to be set to return for the 2016 season, but reportedly yet again failed league mandated drug tests and now faces the possibility of further suspension. Gordon’s meeting with the commissioner figures to be a step towards possible reinstatement, but no such action by the league is imminent.

So Much Talent

The story of Josh Gordon is especially troubling, both because of the frequency of his trip-ups with the league, as well as his top shelf talent that is being wasted. Gordon went into the 2012 Supplemental Draft largely due to character concerns, and he didn’t waste much time before making the Browns regret acquiring him.

Most of Gordon’s off the field issues have come following his enormous success, which began during his rookie season, when he caught 50 balls for over 800 yards and five scores. Gordon’s big play ability made him the focal point of the team’s offense the following season, where he would amass 1,646 receiving yards and nine touchdowns off of 87 catches – all in just 14 games.

Gordon’s suspensions began to take a toll on his development, however, as he didn’t appear to be the same player upon returning from a 10-game ban in 2014, when he posted a weak 24-303-0 stat line.

Odds of Reinstatement

The biggest thing working against Josh Gordon is his failed drug tests after spending an entire season away from football. That may show that he has not been taking the proper precautions in living drug free life. For the league, Gordon’s constant infractions suggest he’s not taking his professional football career seriously and there has to be worry that he may never appreciate what is at risk.

Gordon isn’t out with recourse, here, as the diluted sample that put off his reinstatement could still be discarded, should the league decide to give him a break. Gordon’s sit-down with Goodell could easily allow for that to happen, depending on whether or not Gordon can convince the league commissioner that he’s serious about staying clean and working his way back into the league.

From there, Gordon will likely apply for reinstatement and still potentially could find his way back into the league this year. That being said, applying for reinstatement and conversing with Goodell individually and together don’t mean anything. A discussion with Goodell could lead to nothing and Gordon’s application to be reinstated could still very well be denied. And should Gordon’s recent failed drug tests or any future failed drug tests be used against him, Gordon may not be looking at 2016 as his main roadblock; he could be looking at a completely derailed NFL career.

Two harsh realities exist. Not only could Gordon’s own team decide not to activate him (they could also trade him, if reinstated), but the league itself could opt not to believe, trust or hand out another chance to a player who has routinely broken their rules. That has already been the case with the likes of Justin Blackmon and Daryl Washington, while other players such as Ray Rice have seemingly been blackballed by the league for their actions away from the field.

Josh Gordon Prediction

The NFL has been making a name for itself when it comes to making an example of players that break rules. Players that abuse drugs, use steroids or banned substances or commit acts of violence do not usually get the benefit of the doubt – even when they’re not actually convicted of a crime in the court of law.

Johnny Manziel, who hasn’t been convicted of anyhing yet, was suspended four games this year for drug issues. Numerous players have received bans for substance and drug abuse issues this summer already, as well. Due to his lengthy history of failed drug tests and existing suspensions, a 2016 reinstatement still feels like a reach.

For Josh Gordon to be reinstated immediately, the league would have to throw out any of his recent failed drug tests, trust blindly that Gordon is reformed and won’t relapse and in a sense also forget any of his past infractions.

This is all assuming Gordon is close to being allowed back in the league. Even if Goodell throws out the drug tests and does randomly give Gordon another chance, there is the huge elephant in the room: what are the odds Josh Gordon makes good with what would surely be his last chance in the league?

The simple reality is players do not come back from year-long suspensions very often and they surely don’t come back after another suspension after the fact. One way or another, Josh Gordon is on his last legs in the NFL. Whether or not he gets reinstated in August shouldn’t be the concern. The concern is whether or not his next reinstatement will last more than a month. Considering his history, Gordon will have to prove Goodell, the league, the Browns and everyone else that he’s a changed man and that he can be trusted. Judging by things have gone so far, it’s tough to buy it working out.

Mike Trout and 9 Star Athletes That Should Be Traded

It can be tough to make a sacrifice for the better of a franchise. It’s even more difficult when you’re considering trading a player that transcends a sport or seems to be the franchise.

However, as good as one athlete can be, one player never makes a team. The days of one NBA superstar carrying their team to the playoffs are for the most part gone. Even the best NFL quarterbacks can’t do it all on their own. Star MLB hitters and pitchers can put up their own gaudy numbers, but at the end of the day they’re still handcuffed to the rest of their team.

At some point, having a marquee player can’t mean sacrificing the future of a franchise. Eventually, an organization needs to look at themselves and answer the painful question, “Might we be better down the road without this player?”.

A number of teams could be facing that exact dilemma this year or in the near future. Here’s a look at the biggest stars who are the lone bright spot on their respective teams and why it may be a good idea for their team to trade them away while the getting is good.

Mike Trout, OF, Los Angeles Angels

As the Halos stand, they’re a wounded MLB team in the competitive AL West. They don’t have a good enough defense to fend off elite Texas and Seattle offenses in the division, while an anemic offense stifles too often to allow them to keep up with said offenses on the other side.

Mike Trout has done his very best, but the 24-year old can’t do it all on his own. He gets sporadic help from the likes of Kole Calhoun and Albert Pujols, but the Angels have largely missed throughout the rest of their offensive lineup and lack the top shelf defensive pieces to make up for their weak offense.

It’s true that Trout is still very young and he could be a key part of a rebuild. He also could be the reason the Angels get back to a prominent level a lot faster. Trout is an MVP-caliber player and in the right situation, could be the missing link to a World Series title.

So far, though, that hasn’t been the case with the Angels. Despite big numbers and consistent, reliable play, Trout hasn’t been able to push the Halos over the hump. Since coming into the league in 2011, Trout has helped the Angels to the MLB playoffs just once.

That doesn’t mean Trout can’t be part of a turn around that eventually ends with a title. He’s just 24 and arguably is the best overall player in the entire league. The Angels could command a huge haul for him in a trade, however, one that could supply them with key assets, pitching help and some attractive young offensive talent. Of course, nothing is ever guaranteed when it comes to huge trades. The Angels could be sacrificing one of the league’s best players just for a mere chance to get a head start on starting over. Or they could be giving away their best player, only to watch it blow up in their face.

Russell Westbrook, PG, Oklahoma City Thunder

Trout’s name is huge when it comes to trade rumors, largely because he’s come up a few times in the past couple of years and because the MLB trade deadline arrives on August 1st. There might be an even more high profile player that could/should be dealt, however, with the Oklahoma City Thunder unsure of their future with superstar point guard, Russell Westbrook.

With the departure of Kevin Durant this summer, OKC is officially on high alert, knowing that if they don’t plan things just right, they could lose a second mega star for the second consecutive season.

Plan A has to include rebuilding without Durant and focusing on keeping Westbrook happy, dialed in and most of all – loyal. That would require some type of commitment out of Westbrook, who to this point has not appeared open to signing a contract extension prior to the end of the 2016-17 NBA season.

For one, he has to wonder, just like Durant did, if OKC is the place he wants to be. Are the Thunder going to add the right pieces around him in order to compete for NBA championships? Is the draw of going back to Los Angeles (he went to school at UCLA) more tempting and potentially more rewarding?

Westbrook’s take isn’t known, plus with the NBA CBA, he stands to lose a ton of money if he signed a long-term deal before next summer. Instead, one way or another, he’s going to break the back once he becomes a free agent and the league salary cap rises even higher.

That doesn’t mean Westbrook can’t or won’t stay in Oklahoma City. But it might mean the Thunder can’t take the chance he’ll do what Durant didn’t do.

Because of the uncertainty with the franchise and with Westbrook’s thinking, the Thunder don’t have a choice. Unless they’re privy to information no one else is, they have to deal Westbrook for the best possible offer and start over. That could mean someone like the New York Knicks go all-in on a one-year rental. It could also be someone like the Dallas Mavericks or Boston Celtics. Or maybe a Los Angeles based team (more than likely the Lakers) knows they can get Westbrook to sign long-term and they’re willing to give up assets to make the deal happen.

Adrian Peterson, RB, Minnesota Vikings

Two problems arise when you start thinking about Adrian Peterson trade rumors. For starters, it doesn’t sound like the Minnesota Vikings would ever actually trade him. He also is a guy that seems content where he is, especially after a new deal in 2015 proved just how much he meant to the team. Secondly, it’s tough to gauge the exact value of a 31-year old running back at a position that is constantly devalued by fans and experts, alike.

That being said, the Vikings are being held hostage by an aging entity. Peterson is still a top shelf feature back in the league, but he’s slowly inching past his prime and is arguably one more big injury from being a lost cause. Meanwhile, Minnesota has a very talented young rusher in Jerick McKinnon, who is just chomping at the bit to see increased action.

Minnesota, at the moment, is a fun sleeper to make a run for their first NFL title in league history. Peterson is a big reason why and barring some shocking development, there is no reason the Vikings actually would trade him.

However, shipping off Peterson would accomplish two things: it would open up Minnesota’s offense and make it less about one guy and more about spreading the ball around in a balanced attack. As the offense sits, it’s about giving Peterson the ball and hoping for the best when you don’t.

The other key advantage is whatever the Vikings can get in return for Peterson. At this age and due to his position, it probably wouldn’t be a whole lot. Still, any amount of draft picks or an upgrade at any position where Minnesota lacks strength could be worth it.

It’s not actually going to happen. If it was going to happen, Minnesota would have pulled the trigger when teams like the Dallas Cowboys had serious interest shortly after his child abuse scandal. They didn’t, and now they’re tied down to him more than ever. Peterson was strong again in 2015 and he played a big hand in getting the Vikings back to the playoffs. He’s probably the second reason (after their improved defense) for the high level optimism going into 2016, as well.

An Adrian Peterson trade won’t happen, but for the sake for Minnesota’s future, it probably should.

Kevin Love, PF, Cleveland Cavaliers

The Cleveland Cavaliers might not have just won their first ever NBA title if it weren’t for Kevin Love. Not only did he grab 14 huge rebounds in their game seven win over the Golden State Warriors, but he also played surprisingly excellent defense against Stephen Curry in the waning seconds.

While Love certainly still has value in Cleveland, he shrunk in some of the bigger moments – specifically the NBA Finals – and is now more than ever third in the pecking order behind LeBron James and Kyrie Irving. He is still a valuable player for a team shooting for a repeat title, but it’s worth wondering if he’s more valuable as a trade chip that could bring back even more help.

The Cavs are in an interesting spot, as they just won the title with little help from Love and mostly on the shoulders of James and Irving – who both played at an insane level in three straight games to come back from a 3-1 hole.

Trading Love could get the Cavs assets they otherwise would never get, it could get them a solid backup point guard, extra scoring off the bench or another quality big to help make up for the loss of Love. The reality is the team lost two decent bench guys in Matthew Dellevadova and Timofey Mozgov, and for a team that already lacked bench depth, they could be in a tough spot suddenly.

Love isn’t completely expendable, but depending on what Cleveland could get back for him, he also isn’t untouchable.

Emmanuel Sanders, WR, Denver Broncos

Denver just won a Super Bowl because of their defense, rather than their offense. They also watched as Peyton Manning retired and Brock Osweiler opted to head to Houston. A regressing offense has only gotten worse, yet in just a year’s time, the Broncos will need to decide whether or not Emmanuel Sanders is going to be part of the rebuilding process on that side of the ball.

The team has put a lot of money into their defense in the past few years – the most of which being a massive contract extension for rush linebacker, Von Miller.

Emmanuel Sanders figures to be Denver’s next main focus, but it’s possible the Broncos don’t want to invest a ton of money in the 29-year old receiver. It’s quite arguable they shouldn’t, either.

The most obvious reason for Denver to move on is the money. Sanders is a top shelf #2 receiver, but he wants around $10 million per year. That might be a bit too rich for Denver’s blood, especially when they have talented waiting behind him in Cody Latimer.

None of this necessarily puts Sanders on the trading block right now, but if a deal doesn’t get done and the defending champs come out of the gates slow to start 2016, Emmanuel Sanders trade rumors could quickly become a thing.

The harsh reality is Sanders never found real success until he teamed up with Manning and at 29, it becomes increasingly dangerous to hand him a fat contract. Manning is gone and the Broncos may have to endure some rebuilding in the next couple of years. They already have a ton of money wrapped up in fellow receiver Demaryius Thomas and we’ve seen them be judicious in the past about money (see: Eric Decker and Julius Thomas).

The likely result here is Sanders walks as a free agent after the season. That, or he actually sticks to his guns about wanting to retire a Bronco and gives the team a hometown discount. The other option is a trade – an idea that isn’t too crazy for a solid talent and a team that needs more than one piece to get their offense back on track.

Ricky Rubio, PG, Minnesota Timberwolves

Rubio’s days in Minnesota have to be numbered. The team did just hand him a massive contract extension not too long ago, but with the drafting of Kris Dunn and the presence of Zach Lavine, Rubio has never been more expendable.

Rubio still provides value and is just 25 years old, but the guy cannot shoot and doesn’t have the defensive upside Dunn does. Long-term, Dunn belongs at the one, running Minnesota’s offense and stifling the elite point guards in the NBA. The Timberwolves are already inching back to a playoff appearance, and it surely would be a shame to not have Rubio be a part of that.

However, Rubio is still an appealing talent and a franchise point guard in the right situation. It’s still possible that remains in Minnesota. However, he is no longer needed with the talent the Wolves have accrued and they could use help elsewhere – namely future assets and their bench depth. Rubio could return a solid haul depending on who triggers a deal, and his three remaining years on his deal would keep him locked in to his next team.

So far, a Ricky Rubio trade hasn’t come to fruition and ownership suggests it won’t.

Keywords being “for now”.

The reality is Rubio’s value hinges to a starting role where he runs the offense, attacks the paint and sets other guys up. Unfortunately, his presence hinders the development of some of the other guys and his shooting hurts the team’s offensive upside. The Timberwolves probably want to make sure Dunn can handle the reigns before making such a big move, but it could ultimately only be a matter of time before a Ricky Rubio deal goes down.

Alshon Jeffery, WR, Chicago Bears

Jeffery is the last big NFL name on our list, as he could soon follow in the footsteps of former teammate, Brandon Marshall. Much like Marshall, the Bears could soon view Jeffery as expendable, especially with 2015 prospect Kevin White poised to enter the team’s starting lineup.

More importantly, Jeffery struggled to stay healthy in 2015 and reports suggest that the team may not see Jeffery as a true #1 receiver. Should they see him as more of a strong number two option, the two sides may never come to an agreement on a new deal. With Jeffery schedule to hit free agency following the 2016 season, that could quickly make him a trade candidate.

The other issue is the Bears don’t seem necessarily close to competing for a playoff spot. They’re at best the third team on paper inside their own division, while they have some intriguing talent that could fill in for Jeffery should a trade make sense.

From here, the Bears will either get Jeffery to agree to the number they want and keep him on a long-term deal, they’ll budge and pay him what he thinks he’s worth or they’ll let him walk in free agency. If they don’t see a deal being met and don’t want to lose their star receiver for nothing, however, a blockbuster NFL trade could be in the cards.

Brook Lopez, C, Brooklyn Nets

There hasn’t been much talk around a Brook Lopez trade, but maybe there should be. The Nets liked Lopez enough to hand him a massive contract, one that doesn’t expire for another two NBA seasons. However, given Lopez’s sketchy injury history and the fact that Brooklyn turned on their commitment to Thaddeus Young (traded to Pacers this summer), Brook Lopez’s future in Brooklyn could still be tenuous.

The Nets have maintained that Lopez is a building block and won’t be traded, but for a team that absolutely is not competing for the playoffs anytime soon, it’s tough to see that sticking for long.

The Nets have a good amount of young talent, but they need more. Jeremy Lin running the show as the starting point guard probably tells us all we need to know, and it’s possible the team simply hasn’t seen the right deal yet for Lopez. It’s also possible they’re biding their time, as the star center does have two more seasons on his current deal.

There is enough here to speculate a looming trade, however. Lopez is 28 and has feet issues and he’s on a non-playoff team that is light years away from making serious noise in an increasingly competitive Eastern Conference. If the Nets are smart, they search for the right deal and unload Lopez before he gets hurt again and becomes a waste on their books.

DeMarcus Cousins, C, Sacramento Kings

Why not save the best for last, right? Few star athletes have been involved in trade rumors more than Boogie, who seems to be on the go about every other week.

It’s tough to go against the notion, either, seeing as Cousins is either hurt, sick, upset or stuck on a losing Kings squad at all times during the year. A lot of the negativity around Boogie is out of his control, but he doesn’t seem to be totally content in his current situation and it would probably benefit the Kings in a big way to find a big deal to ship him out of town.

Cousins isn’t the only Kings player that could be on the move, either. With Rudy Gay trade rumors heating up, it stands to reason that the team could blow their current squad up in an effort to bring in young talent and assets. From there, the Kings could finally focus on rebuilding the right way.

The issue is Sacramento has done everything wrong up until this summer. They finally did the right thing by hiring a sound head coach in David Joerger and then turned around and had an odd draft – one that brought in two center prospects. You know, the position Boogie plays.

The decision-making in Sac-town has been troubling at best and there is no denying that a divorce would probably be best for both sides. Of course, the Kings still value Boogie at a high level and would likelt demand a king’s ransom to make a deal go down. That keeps the DeMarcus Cousins trade rumors from blowing up, but nothing the Kings have said or done to this point at all makes them go away.

Think any of these players will be on the move this year? Think some are locks to stay or have other athletes in mind for our list? Tell us in the comments below!

San Antonio Spurs and 5 Teams That Could Trade For Greg Monroe

NBA rumors continue to fly during the summer, as free agency at a high level has ended and the NBA summer league is almost over. Teams have now moved on to trade talk, with Sacramento Kings forward Rudy Gay and Milwaukee Bucks big man Greg Monroe dominating the headlines.

Monroe Expendable?

Monroe recently became more expendable than ever for Milwaukee, who drafted Thon Maker in the 2016 NBA Draft and then re-signed center Miles Plumlee.

Monroe looked like a poor fit last year in his first season in Mil-town, as he offered solid offense and rebounding, but failed on the defensive end. His inability to defend at a high level has made him rather expendable for a team that doesn’t appear to need his offensive ability in the post.

The fact that the Bucks want to move Moose so badly could expedite a trade, while the San Antonio Spurs have already been linked as a potential suitor. Let’s take a look at the Greg Monroe to Spurs talk as well as his other top potential suitors as we try to nail down his next team for the upcoming 2016-17 NBA season:

San Antonio Spurs

The Spurs, believe it or not, are the only team officially tied to Moose at the moment. The connection isn’t crazy, either, even though the team has added serious beef the last two years with huge signings in LaMarcus Aldridge and Pau Gasol.

That still doesn’t replace the loss of some muscle, as Tim Duncan retired, David West and Boban Marjanovic fled in free agency and Boris Diaw got dealt to the Jazz. Just like that, the Spurs lack depth down low. Moose probably wouldn’t have a shot at starting with such a stacked unit, but he’d be a useful big off the bench.

San Antonio would reportedly need a third team to step up to help facilitate any deal, but this could be a huge get for them. They’d be able to mask Monroe’s defensive deficiencies behind Gasol and Ridge, yet utilize his solid offense down low in the second unit. A deal is far from done, but it’s clear the Spurs are the leading contender to pull off a trade with the Bucks at the moment.

Los Angeles Lakers

If Moose wants to win, he probably wouldn’t mind a trade to San Antonio. However, it’s arguable the Spurs (and that third team yet to be known) wouldn’t give the Bucks the best deal.

A better deal (and role for Moose) could reside elsewhere, which is why there have long been ties between Greg Monroe and the Los Angeles Lakers. An odd signing of center Timofey Mozgov makes his addition a little less likely, but he could still take over the four spot, where the Lakers have been tested out both Larry Nance Jr. and Julius Randle.

The smart thing for the Lakers to do would be to stand firm and keep grooming those two talents, but if they want to get better quickly, adding Moose and playing Randle off the bench may be the better play. After all, Mozgov can help mask Moose’s defensive issues down low, yet they could still get solid offense and rebounding out of him at the four spot.

It might not be a perfect marriage, but there have been Greg Monroe to Lakers rumors before and they seem relevant again with him on the trading block.

Miami Heat

Again, the Spurs are the only team to be named as an interested franchise yet, so we’re just speculating here. However, Miami could make a ton of sense, as they try to rebuild and remain competitive on the fly.

They could very well be preparing to cut ties with power forward Chris Bosh and already did just that when they let Dwyane Wade sign with the Bulls. Even if Bosh is healthy enough to play (blood clots), they could see about cutting his bloated contract up or moving him.

If they can do that, the door could be opened to landing Moose, who could start at the four or come off the bench behind Bosh (if he’s healthy and stays). Miami doesn’t currently have the cap room to handle such a trade, but like the Spurs, could potentially find a third team to help make something happen.

Miami’s actual interest isn’t clear, but landing Moose would secure any concerns about Bosh and if Bosh returns to full strength, it’d give them a solid guy for their second unit.

New Orleans Pelicans

New Orleans is another option, as the Pelicans have to be ready to move on from Omer Asik and with Moose in town, could rotate him and Anthony Davis as they please at the four and five spots.

The Pelicans don’t really need extra offense, but this is a situation where Moose certainly provides the rebounding Asik would, but is a far more polished offensive option. They’d lose defense with the swap, but The Brow could aid in masking Monroe’s defensive problems.

It’s worth wondering if this is a move that could actually stunt Davis’ growth, but it’s tough to argue against improving the Pellies’ starting five. Their defense would take a hit, but overall trading for Greg Monroe does make New Orleans a little better.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland is another team we need to consider in the Greg Monroe sweepstakes, as they tried hard to sign Pau Gasol this summer. That shows us they may not have complete faith in Mason Plumlee at the five, and/or don’t love the idea of going small forever at power forward.

Moose would at the very worst give them a suitable big to pair with Plumlee, or he’d give them a mild upgrade at center. That would mean extra size and offense down low, while it would also free up the Blazers’ versatility with the rest of their lineup. The likes of Al-Farouq Amini, Meyers Leonard, Moe Harkless, Noah Vonleh, Ed Davis and the recently signed Festus Ezeli could all form a pretty formidable second unit.

It still remains to be determined who steps up and tries to finalize a trade for Greg Monroe, but all five of these teams feel like realistic options. Think it’s for sure the Spurs? Think someone else jumps into the Greg Monroe trade rumor discussion? Tell us what you think in the comments below!

2016 MLB Betting: 3 Underdogs to Consider on Monday Night

Regular MLB slates are back for the start of the new week on Monday night, following a hectic All-Star break and crazy weekend scheduling.

With a little more continuity to look forward to, MLB bettors can sit back and relax as they prepare for MLB betting on Monday. In addition to regular betting, of course, MLB bettors should be looking for some solid upsets to chase. You may have won big if you rolled with some of our proposed upsets last time out – specifically with the Braves shelling Chris Sale.

That was admittedly tough to see coming, but the odds potential was obvious and we liked the potential. Let’s see which other upsets appear to be worth the risk to get the new week started:

Royals Over Indians

There really are not a ton of upset specials to chase tonight, but the Royals over the Indians is good enough to get the conversation going.

These two teams are obviously division rivals, and with the Royals sitting eight games out of first place behind Cleveland, this is a huge series. The good news is they’re at home, where they’re a staggering 29-13 so far in 2016. The Indians do have the elite Corey Kluber on the mound tonight, but he’s not quite as reliable away from home, while the Tribe as a whole does see their play drop off when they play on the road.

None of that guarantees a Royals win, especially with the volatile Edinson Volquez taking the mound. Still, Volquez is at his best in Kansas City and the Royals bats usually come out to play in front of their home crowd. There is nothing locking that in for tonight, but the Royals have an interesting +140 Moneyline compared to Cleveland’s -155. We’ll give the home team a shot at the mild upset in a big game.

Mets Over Cubs

Things get a little more interesting in our second MLB upset bid, with the Mets coming into Chicago. We’ve got an elite pitcher duel between Steven Matz and Jon Lester, both of which have the ability to control a game and even deliver a shutout.

That probably isn’t happening tonight, but there is a bet growing against Lester, seeing as he was absolutely atrocious in his two starts before the MLB All-Star break. It’s possible he just needed some rest and he returns to top form tonight, but it doesn’t help that one of those games was a shelling handed to him by – you guessed it – the Mets.

Chicago (-150) is a tough upset sell considering they’re elite at home (28-15), but the play here is buying their mild slump (4-6 in last 10 games) and Lester’s poor play continuing. If you believe either to hold firm, the Mets (+135) look like a solid try tonight.

Phillies Over Marlins

The top MLB bet for Monday night is without a doubt the Phillies (+185) over the Marlins (-200). It’s a little odd that Miami is such a heavy favorite here, especially considering Aaron Nola has the ability to control games and this one is in Philly, where the Phillies tend to play their best ball.

There is the obvious factor of elite arm Jose Fernandez taking the mound for the visiting Marlins. Fernandez has been largely unstoppable in 2016, marching to a top shelf 11-4 run with a solid 2.52 ERA and a whopping 154 strikeouts.

All of that is awesome, but it’s worth noting that Fernandez’s play drops considerably away from home, where Miami as a whole is just average (25-23) in 2016.

None of this means Fernandez won’t wreck or Miami can’t get the win, but it’s a wide margin for a merely decent Marlins team against a divisional foe on the road. Miami is the safer pick here, but Nola is no slouch necessarily and there is merit in picking the Marlins to defend their turf in this one.

Got a better MLB upset pick for Monday night? Tell us all about it in the comments below!

Nikola Vucevic Trade Rumors: 7 Teams That Could Trade For the Star Center

The Orlando Magic have made huge changes to their roster in the past two seasons. Changes that, at least on the surface, appear to be trending toward a more balanced and defensive approach.

Considering Orlando has been among the worst defensive teams in the league over the past several seasons, it’s an accepted course change. Add in defensive-minded head coach Frank Vogel and defensive enforcers like Serge Ibaka and Bismack Biyombo, and Orlando suddenly feels like a team to fear in the Eastern Conference.

All of the positive changes make for a fuzzy vision when thinking of star center Nikola Vucevic, however. Some reports have stated Biyombo was paid to take over his old starting gig, and others suggest Vucevic’s time in Florida is bound to come to an end.

Vucevic, meanwhile, contests the starting job is still his.

Something has to break here, and considering Vucevic’s defensive woes and the money invested in Ibaka and Biyombo, it’s likely the writing is on the wall.

That should bring a Nikola Vucevic trade soon enough, but where does he go? We take a look at his seven best landing spots:

Boston Celtics

Boston kick starts our list as easily the top trade destination. They just paid a bunch of money to upgrade the center position with Al Horford, but they also just lost fellow big man Jared Sullinger to the Raptors. If they want to solidify their unit, they could swing a trade for Vucevic, who would man the five and push Horford to his old power forward position.

Both guys shoot well, but Horford has the better chance to stretch the floor as a four and is better suited to defend power forwards than Vucevic. There is still the question of Vucevic’s defense, but given Boston’s elite perimeter defense, it’s possible it wouldn’t be as big of an issue in his new location.

Even with this deal, the Celtics could still be on the prowl for a superstar like Russell Westbrook. They’d lose depth and future assets in the process, but a starting unit of Westbrook, Avery Bradley, Jae Crowder, Horford and Vucevic would look pretty daunting on paper.

Houston Rockets

Houston is another player here, especially since they have none of the cares about defense after bringing in guys like Eric Gordon and Ryan Anderson. Clint Capela is an interesting prospect, but he offers very little offensively. Vucevic is a well-rounded offensive player and could fit Mike D’Atoni’s system just fine.

The Rockets already can’t defend, so adding a strong offensive player makes them even nastier on that end and Vucevic’s defensive limitations won’t matter as much here.

Portland Trail Blazers

Portland could be a real player in Nikola Vucevic trade rumors, as they have been looking for a big center upgrade for a while now. Losing LaMarcus Aldridge was big last year and they were in talks with Pau Gasol before the Spaniard fled Chicago for the Spurs.

Perhaps they’ll take a long look at acquiring Vucevic, who would be an easy upgrade over Mason Plumlee. Perhaps Plumlee is part of the deal, one in which the Blazers would get a reliable inside scorer to pair with Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum’s elite outside attack.

New York Knicks

The Knicks did just invest in big man Joakim Noah, but Vucevic looks like a far wise acquisition on paper. It’s doubtful they would swap the two (Orlando wouldn’t be interested in that), but they could consider sending Kyle O’Quinn and future picks in a deal.

They don’t have a ton of assets, though, so they’d probably have to get a third team involved to make something happen, while guys like Cleanthony Early and Lance Thomas could also factor into the equation.

New Orleans Pelicans

It’s unclear if the Pellies want to see more or less of Anthony Davis at the five spot, but with Ryan Anderson leaving in free agency, it seems he’s destined to spend most of his time at power forward. If that is indeed going to be the case, the Pelicans need to think about how things look with either Omer Asik or Alexis Ajinca seeing big minutes at center.

They can’t love the idea of either situation, which could open the door to a big center upgrade. Asik and Ajinca could then be marked men in Nikola Vucevic trade rumors, while guys like Norris Cole and Dante Cunningham could be thrown into talks. The Magic could also try to pry versatile rookie Cheick Diallo from New Orleans to complete a deal.

Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks are another interesting spot, as rookie Thon Maker probably won’t be ready to make a huge impact in year one and the team badly wants to move on from Greg Monroe.

Moose and Vucevic are both bad defenders, but Vucevic is a far better shooter and overall scorer, and would give Milwaukee a very sound scorer on the block. He’d open up Milwaukee’s offense in a big way and could also be hidden due to their other strong defensive pieces. It’s a move to consider, but the Magic probably wouldn’t be overly interested in taking on Moose, which could make a Bucks/Magic trade requiring a third team.

Dallas Mavericks

Dallas did just trade for Andrew Bogut, but he’s aging and constantly banged up, so if they can get their hands on a younger, more long-term option at center, they might want to jump on it.

Bogut is a decent find, but he’s better suited as a backup. Vucevic would have the starting gig he wants and in Dallas he’d be the second option at worst. Dallas doesn’t have a ton of appealing assets to unload, but an energy guy like Quincy Acy, Justin Anderson and/or future picks could be dangled.

Nikola Vucevic Prediction

The odds aren’t great that Nikola Vucevic gets moved this year. He has quality coaching and an improving team around him, plus he is such a strong offensive force that getting rid of him would be counter intuitive. It’s also debatable that Biyombo isn’t a great starting option.

Vucevic may not be long for the Magic, but it sounds like Orlando is either going to see if he can improve defensively or if a time share between him and Biyombo can work out. For now, we don’t see Vucevic being dealt, but if he is, don’t be shocked if the Celtics lead the way in trade rumors.

Got a better option for Vucevic or agree he stays put? Let us know in the comments below!