NFL

NFL mailbag: Trade rumors, DC or Marvel and more

This week in Verderame’s NFL mailbag, we talk about comics, the demise of the AAF, what the Kansas City Chiefs might do in the draft and more.

I have never read a comic book in my life, or seen any of those movies. Basically, I’m the worst person alive to ask this question. However, I did enjoy those old-school Batman cartoons as a kid that Cartoon Network occasionally ran, so whatever he’s a part of, sign me up.

First off, it really sucks to see the Alliance of American Football go down in flames before the end of its first season. It seemed the league really had some momentum, but clearly, the financial backing was nowhere near up to par.

Now, which players are going to make NFL rosters? Impossible to say, but I wouldn’t expect a huge influx. Many of the players who were starring in the AAF were afterthoughts during their time in the NFL, such as Charles Johnson and Trent Richardson. We already saw what they could do at the highest level, and the answer is not much.

As for the XFL, it doesn’t plan to begin operations for a bit yet. I would expect the league to look at every possible avenue to acquire talent, and I’m sure some of the players identified will have played in the AAF.

Short answer: no. Long answer? In my column from Monday, but here goes…

The Houston Texans want to win now, and Jadeveon Clowney being on the roster helps that cause. Clowney is 26 years old and remains one of the best edge players in the league, both because he’s a monster against the run and a threat to sack the quarterback. However, my understanding is that he’s looking for a deal paying out more than $20 million per year. If the Texans balks at that number over a long-term contract, I don’t blame them.

Still, I believe Clowney is in Houston for 2019 unless somebody makes a Godfather offer.

As for DeMarcus Lawrence, the Dallas Cowboys would be insane not to get a deal done. Again, the understanding here is that Lawrence wants $22 million per year. While it’s a large number, Lawrence is an in-his-prime edge rusher who has a tremendous motor to go with elite traits. He’s the kind of guy smart teams pay.

I don’t think either moves, but Lawrence and Clowney are both intriguing until they are signed.

It’s impossible to say whether the Chiefs will go after these specific players, but I do believe they will continue to address the secondary.

Look, Kansas City has already done a nice job shoring up that group. General Manager Brett Veach signed safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Bashaud Breeland, but there’s still room for another boundary corner and a safety to play alongside Honey Badger.

Having three picks in the first two rounds, Kansas City would be wise to use at least one of those selections on the secondary. Considering the class is stacked defensively, the Chiefs should be able to get good value.

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