In today’s Fact or Fiction — NFL edition — I look at three big recent topics in the NFL and decide whether the statement is indeed FACT or if it’s FICTION.
1. Lamar Jackson deserves a Deshaun Watson kind of deal.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
The league is clearly colluding to avoid another ridiculous guaranteed contact like Watson got with the Browns when it comes to Jackson. But honestly, if he wants money like that, it just makes no sense for any team. Jackson has been injury prone in recent years, he’s a running QB so he’s likely to continue to get hurt, and a case can be made that he quit on his team last year. A contract guaranteeing $200 million or more sets a team back for years and destroys the ability to add talent. Teams are learning a lesson from contracts like the one given to Russell Wilson in Seattle and the one Denver inherited.
2. Aaron Rodgers will move the needle with the NY Jets.
Farrell’s take: FICTION
Rodgers is still very talented. And he could put up MVP stats if he’s motivated. But what can he really bring to the Jets? Maybe a playoff berth and a first round loss? Even that’s iffy as they are in a division with Buffalo and Miami, as well as New England, who is still pushing for a playoff berth. The AFC is absolutely loaded, and solid teams will be left out, and that could be the Jets.
3. Jalen Ramsey still has CB1 ability.
Farrell’s take: FACT
I saw some question whether Ramsey has to move to safety at this stage in his career, and I’ll tell you this — not a chance. The Miami Dolphins acquired Ramsey in a trade, and they are getting one of the top five corners in the NFL. There’s this stat about allowing the second most touchdowns as the nearest defender in the NFL last year, but it doesn’t speak to real defensive back play, which includes poor reads on the part of safeties and taking on a teams top WR each week. He and Xavien Howard form the best CB duo in the NFL, and we will see that.
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