The world waits for the next domino to fall in what is expected to be the most unprecedented offseason for quarterback movement in the history of the NFL. Which QB will find a new home next after Philip Rivers retired and Matthew Stafford was traded to Los Angeles for Jared Goff? Why hasn’t Carson Wentz been moved after reports surfaced that a deal was imminent? Has Russell Wilson entered the fray after publicly criticizing his front office? And will Deshaun Watson get stuck in Houston?
That’s just scratching the surface of the QB carousel, but the rest of the league still turns with free agency and the draft looming. Let’s take a look at three of the top transactions from around the league this week.
TEXANS’ PRESIDENT RESIGNS
The overhaul in Houston continued this week with the resignation of president Jamey Rootes. The upheaval began with the in-season firing of the head coach and general manager, Bill O’Brien, replaced over the last month by new GM Nick Caserio and head coach David Culley. Last week, the club dismissed its director of football administration, VP of football operations, and equipment manager as well.
Watson went public with his displeasure over the team’s direction and has requested a trade, though, at present, the organization doesn’t seem willing to fulfill that demand. Rootes’ input on the new hirings was not accounted for, and he felt similarly to the franchise quarterback.
Rootes had spent more than 20 years with the Texans before stepping away on Wednesday.
BEARS HIRE FORMER PACKERS’ DC
The Chicago Bears hired Mike Pettine as a senior defensive assistant on Wednesday after Pettine spent three years as the defensive coordinator of the Green Bay Packers. The 54-year old let his contract expire at the end of this past regular season and was replaced by Joe Barry in Green Bay.
The Bears promoted Sean Desai to become their new DC this offseason after Chuck Pagano decided to retire. Desai had been the teams’ safeties coach, and reports were that head coach Matt Nagy wanted to surround him with an experienced coach to help with the promotion.
Besides occupying the top defensive post for the Packers, Pettine has also had stints as a DC with the Jets and Bills, as well as a short stop as the head coach of the Cleveland Browns.
BRONCOS CUT BOUYE
One year after trading for the veteran cornerback, the Denver Broncos released AJ Bouye on Wednesday, freeing up $11.7 million in cap space. Denver acquired Bouye in exchange for a fourth-round draft pick from the Jaguars last offseason, but thanks to a shoulder injury and a suspension, the 29-year old only played in seven games.
Bouye’s suspension stemmed from violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs, forcing him to miss the final four games of the regular season. He’ll still have to miss the first two games of the 2021 campaign for whichever team decides to sign him.
The decision to cut Bouye gives the Broncos $31 million of cap room this offseason as they attempt to rebuild a contender. Decisions still loom on high-profile players like Von Miller, Kareem Jackson, and QB Drew Lock.
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