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Report: Packers Among Teams Interested in $87.5 Million Trade

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The Green Bay Packers have had a relatively quiet all-around offseason thus far. Brian Gutekunst has made a few additions, but nothing game-changing.After seeing players like Romeo Doubs, Elgton Jenkins, Quay Walker, Malik Willis, Nate Hobbs, Rashan Gary, and Rasheed Walker leave town, there are many questions left to be answered. However, there is still […] The post Report: Packers Among Teams Interested in $87.5 Million Trade appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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Every NFL Team’s Oldest Starting Quarterback In Their History

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Oldest Starting Quarterback: Longevity in the NFL, especially at quarterback, is a rare and remarkable feat. The position demands not only elite talent but also physical durability, mental sharpness, and the ability to adapt as the game evolves. While most quarterbacks fade before their late 30s, a select few have defied time, taking the field well into their 40s and continuing to lead their teams. From Tom Brady’s legendary run with the Buccaneers to Brett Favre’s ironman streak and Vinny Testaverde’s unexpected late-career starts, the league has seen veterans step under center long after most players have retired. Each NFL franchise has its own story of a quarterback who pushed the limits of age and endurance. Here’s a look at every NFL team’s oldest starting quarterback in history — the men who proved that age is just a number when it comes to competing at the highest level. Who are the oldest starting quarterbacks for each NFL team? Arizona Cardinals: Kurt Warner, 38Nov. 6, 2005; Tempe, AZ, USA; Quarterback (13) Kurt Warner of the Arizona Cardinals against the Seattle Seahawks at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports Copyright © 2005 Mark J. Rebilas At 38, Kurt Warner looked more like a Marvel hero than a retiree-in-waiting. In 2010, he led the lowly Cardinals to a 10-5 record and even shredded the Packers for five touchdowns in a playoff thriller, proving age hadn’t dulled that quick release and brilliant offensive mind for a quarterback. Unfortunately, they were upended soon thereafter by the New Orleans Saints, putting an anticlimactic end to Warner’s movie-like career. Atlanta Falcons: Steve DeBerg, 44 In 1998, the Falcons called a 44-year-old who’d been retired for years. DeBerg dusted off the playbook, started one game as a quarterback, and instantly set the franchise age record.  DeBerg cemented himself as the model -glass-in-case-of-emergency quarterback every coach dreams of by completing 30 of 59 passes for 369 yards and three touchdowns to just one interception across his eight appearances. However, it is worth noting that his lone start against the Jets did not go particularly well, with the Falcons losing 28-3. New York is limiting him to nine completions for 117 yards and a pick. Baltimore Ravens: Randall Cunningham, 38 Cunningham started twice for the Ravens in 2001 at age 38, backing up Elvis Grbac. He wasn’t the MVP version anymore, but he still had the same graceful deep ball and the Baltimore Ravens trusted the veteran NFL quarterback to steady a defending champion roster. And with good reason, as the vet led them to two victories in the process. Buffalo Bills: Derek Anderson, 35Oct 29, 2018; Orchard Park, NY, USA; Buffalo Bills quarterback Derek Anderson (3) goes off the field with trainers after getting hurt during the second half against the New England Patriots at New Era Field. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports In 2018, the Bills phoned a 35-year-old Anderson after Josh Allen’s injury. The rust showed in a big way with four interceptions in two starts, but he still claims the record as Buffalo’s oldest starter.  Although it does serve as a reminder that sometimes “veteran presence” is just a polite way of saying “we’re out of options.” Carolina Panthers: Vinny Testaverde, 44November 18, 2007; Green Bay, WI, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Vinny Testaverde (16) throws a pass during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Photo By Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports Copyright (c) 2007 Jeff Hanisch Signed off the couch in 2007, Vinny Testaverde won a game four days later. At 44, he became the oldest to start—and win—for this NFL team as quarterback. Decades in, the arm still worked, and the legend of Vinny Testaverde, Football Nomad, grew another chapter. Chicago Bears: Todd Collins, 39Aug 28, 2010; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Todd Collins (10) warms up prior to a preseason game against the Arizona Cardinals at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports In 2010, the Chicago Bears turned to 39-year-old Todd Collins. He threw four picks in one of the ugliest wins you’ll ever see, but technically and historically, that mess made him the oldest quarterback ever to start for Chicago. And even if it was ugly as it gets with just 10 completions for 67 yards and five interceptions—a win is a win at that age! Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Flacco, 40 Cincinnati Bengals quarterback Joe Flacco (16) runs off before a field goal attempt in the fourth quarter of the NFL Week 7 game between the Cincinnati Bengals and the Pittsburgh Steelers at Paycor Stadium in downtown Cincinnati on Thursday, Oct. 16, 2025. The Bengals won, 33-31. Leave it to Joe Flacco to stroll into Cincinnati at 40 years old, fresh off reviving Cleveland the year before, and lead Cincinnati to a couple of good wins. Now he’s the oldest QB ever to start for the Bengals and maybe the first guy to age gracefully while playing for two AFC North rivals. Cleveland Browns: Joe Flacco, 39Jun 12, 2025; Berea, OH, USA; Cleveland Browns quarterback Joe Flacco (15) walks off the field during mini camp at CrossCountry Mortgage Campus. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-Imagn Images In case you missed it, a year earlier, Cleveland signed Flacco and everyone laughed after his misfortunes with the Jets… until he started throwing dimes through snowstorms. He turned 39 the next week, but that brief playoff run made him the Browns’ oldest—and arguably most surprising—hero in decades, as he provided a brief respite for a quarterback-starved NFL franchise. Dallas Cowboys: Vinny Testaverde, 41 In 2004, the Cowboys dusted off Vinny Testaverde for another spin. At forty-one, he threw for more than 3,500 yards as well as more interceptions than touchdowns in a bridge year that felt like it lasted five seasons.  Dallas fans didn’t get glory, but they got a gritty showing from Testaverde each week as he was determined to prove that he still had something left in the tank—even if it wasn’t his peak form. Denver Broncos: Peyton Manning, 39Dec 30 2012; Denver, CO, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning (18) during the first quarter against the Kansas City Chiefs at Sports Authority Field. The Broncos defeated the Chiefs 38-3Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports Peyton’s last year in Denver was a far cry from the record-breaking campaigns he put up in the preceding years.The arm was cooked, but the brain was still running at Mach 5.  Manning still managed to lead his team to one more Super Bowl win, relying on a dominant defense and a couple of timely throws to guide them through the season. Credit to one of the greatest to do it—he smiled through the pain and rode off with one more Lombardi. Not a bad final act at all! Detroit Lions: Dave Krieg, 36Jan 31, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Seattle Seahawks former quarterback Dave Krieg at the Seattle Seahawks 12Fest fan rally in the Desert at Chase Field prior to Super Bowl XLIX. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports In 1994, 36-year-old Dave Krieg took over after Scott Mitchell’s injury and quietly went 5 and 2 with a 14-to-3 touchdown-to-pick ratio. He was calm, efficient, and suddenly made Detroit look organized—something Lions fans hadn’t seen in years.  The oldest QB ever to start for the franchise, and arguably one of its most underrated. This showing allowed Krieg to cash in on a couple more years of contracts around the NFL as an older quarterback, too, so while it may have hurt his body, I’m sure his bank account thanked him. Green Bay Packers: Aaron Rodgers, 39Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers runs for yardage against the New Orleans Saints on October 26, 2014, at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans, La. The Saints won 44-23. His final start in green and gold came late in 2022, just before the trade drama began. Rodgers was thirty-nine and still whipping lasers through the cold Wisconsin air.  Though he followed the Packers’ sad tradition in which every franchise icon eventually finishes somewhere else, he managed to become their oldest starter ever before leaving town. Houston Texans: Case Keenum, 35Aug 24, 2024; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans quarterback Case Keenum (18) looks for an open receiver during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports When rookie phenom C.J. Stroud missed time in 2023, Keenum—at thirty-five—stepped in and went 1-1. He’s been everywhere, but Houston’s where it all started, and where he set the Texans’ “oldest starter” record. That’s poetic enough for a Hall of Fame-caliber backup’s final dance. Indianapolis Colts: Matt Hasselbeck, 40Dec 6, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Indianapolis Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck (8) scrambles with the ball against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the first quarter at Heinz Field. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports Hasselbeck looked like an accountant but played like a prizefighter in 2015, going 5-3 as a forty-year-old fill-in. He looked like he could barely move his neck, yet still read opposing defenses with the best of them.  Oldest starter in Colts history—and proof that mental competence can win games. Jacksonville Jaguars: Todd Bouman, 38Jan 2, 2011; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Todd Bouman (4) prepares for a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports In 2010, the Jags called Todd Bouman, who was literally coaching high-schoolers at the time. At thirty-eight, he delivered 222 yards and two scores in an emergency start. Jacksonville didn’t win, but the man hadn’t thrown a pass in years—that’s movie-script stuff for an older NFL quarterback. Kansas City Chiefs: Warren Moon, 44 In 2000, the Chiefs handed the ball to a forty-four-year-old Warren Moon. One start, but that was all he needed for this record.  He was already a Hall of Famer in Canada and on his way to Canton, yet still had juice left for Kansas City. His lone start wasn’t a huge success, as he completed just 44% of his passes for 208 yards, one touchdown, and one pick in a loss… but it was still a solid showing all things considered. Las Vegas Raiders: George Blanda, 43Unknown date, USA; FILE PHOTO; Oakland Raiders kicker George Blanda (16) on the sidelines during the 1974 season. Mandatory Credit: Manny Rubio-USA TODAY Sports At 43, he was literally older than some teammates’ fathers, and somehow still running two jobs better than most people do one. The NFL legend, famous for kicking, quarterback, and even a little bit of linebacking in his early days, became the oldest Raider starter ever in 1970—and an excellent reference point for any old-timers who want to argue that they don’t build ’em like they used to! Los Angeles Chargers: Doug Flutie, 42 Doug Flutie started a game in ‘04 for the Chargers at 42 and still managed to scramble around like a kid in the CFL snow. He may be five-foot-nothing, but he balled out for then-San Diego, completing 20 passes for 276 yards and one score in the win. An impressive showing for the journeyman of all journeyman NFL quarterbacks. Los Angeles Rams: Chris Chandler, 39 Chris Chandler may have been the oldest quarterback to start for the Rams, but he was far from the most effective. His ill-fated stint as the Rams’ QB1 in 2004 was one of the most depressing periods we’ve seen… He appeared in five games, started two, and completed just 56.5% of his passes for 463 yards and two touchdowns with a whopping eight interceptions. Miami Dolphins: Earl Morrall, 41Dec 31, 1972; Pittsburgh, PA; USA; FILE PHOTO; Miami Dolphins quarterback (15) Earl Morrall looks to throw during the 1972 AFC Championship Game against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Three Rivers Stadium. Miami defeated Pittsburgh 21-17. Mandatory Credit: Tony Tomsic-USA TODAY NETWORK Morrall was forty-one when he started as a quarterback in 1975—older than most NFL coaches at the time. He’d already saved the Perfect Season three years earlier, so Miami gave him one last curtain call. Oldest Dolphin starter ever, and in classic Earl Morrall fashion, he delivered, winning his lone start over the Patriots in a 10 to 7 overtime thriller. Just 135 yards and a score, but he completed 14 of 17 and got the job done. Not bad for a season veteran in every sense of the expression. Minnesota Vikings: Brett Favre, 41Dec 20, 2010; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre (4) celebrates a touchdown during the first quarter against the Chicago Bears at TCF Bank Stadium. The Bears defeated the Vikings 40-14. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports Favre turned forty-one and kept playing because, of course, he did. This is Brett Favre we are talking about… But the 2010 season was a big disappointment coming off his NFC Championship run with the Vikes. It was ugly, full of hits and interceptions… 19 to be exact—to just 11 touchdowns. More importantly, it saw the Vikings miss the playoffs entirely, with the team going just 5-8 in his 13 starts. A tough end to an otherwise impressive final act with Minnesota. New England Patriots: Tom Brady, 42New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) calls an offensive play in the second quarter at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough, Mass., Thursday, Oct. 4, 2018. Indianapolis Colts Versus New England Patriots At Gillette Stadium In Foxborough Mass Thursday Oct 4 2018 In 2019, Brady started every game for New England at forty-two, proving avocado ice cream might actually work… in fact… it looked like they might end up rattling off another Super Bowl run, though the team faded out toward the end of the season and it came to an underwhelming finish against the Titans in the first round of the playoffs… But the stat line didn’t lie: putting up over 4000 yards and 24 touchdowns to eight interceptions is still productive on a general NFL scale—not adjusted for age. There is a reason why he is the GOAT! Can he still play in 2025? He sure knows how to tease fans, though. New Orleans Saints: Drew Brees, 41Saints quarterback Drew Brees during the NFC Championship playoff football game between the New Orleans Saints and the Los Angeles Rams at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome in New Orleans. Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019. Drew Brees was forty-one in his final season with New Orleans and seemingly held together by tape and heart, but he still put together a relatively impressive final season, completing over 70% of his passes for 2942 yards and 24 touchdowns to just six interceptions. It wasn’t vintage Drew with the explosives and monster stat lines, but 9 and 3 in 12 starts with competent, efficient football was impressive regardless. Please don’t feel too bad for him, though. Brees already had a new job lined up after saying goodbye to the NFL. New York Giants: Eli Manning, 38New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) waves to fans as he leaves the field. The New York Giants lose to the Dallas Cowboys 36-35 on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018, in East Rutherford. Nyg Vs Dal In late 2019, Eli got one last send-off after his controversial mid-season benching.  The Giants’ legendary quarterback rallied behind an emotional crowd to get one final win and waved walking off the field as the NFL fans cried, saying goodbye to their signal caller of sixteen years and the oldest starter to get under center in franchise history. New York Jets: Vinny Testaverde, 42New York Jets Vinny Testaverde (16) passes against the Broncos during the BroncoÕs defense during the AFC Championship game at Mile High Stadium in Denver Jan 17, 1999. Denver won the game 23-10 In 2005, Vinny returned… again… for another team! And started at forty-two.  He even threw a touchdown on Monday Night Football, reminding everyone that on any given night, he could still dial it up a little bit… though… he wasn’t exactly writing performance records for the Jets, as he went 1 and 3 in his four starts and threw six interceptions to that lone touchdown. Philadelphia Eagles: Jeff Garcia, 36Jan. 13, 2007; New Orleans, LA, USA; Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jeff Garcia (7) throws a pass against the New Orleans Saints during the 1st quarter of the NFC Divisional Playoff game at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans, Louisiana. Mandatory Credit: G.M. Andrews-USA TODAY Sports © 2007 G.M. Andrews Garcia’s 2006 stretch run was straight out of a Hallmark movie. The Birds signed the 36-year-old off the scrap heap when the rest of the league thought he was done, and he managed to lead Philly to the playoffs. He danced, he flexed, and he set the age record for Philly QBs. Still beloved for that mini-miracle and his 5 and 1 record that came with a playoff win to boot! Pittsburgh Steelers: Aaron Rodgers, 41Sep 14, 2025; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (8) throws a pass while being pressured by Seattle Seahawks linebacker Derick Hall (58) during the second half at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Barry Reeger-Imagn Images Rodgers is spending 2025 in black and gold, rewriting the Steelers’ age record one Zen presser at a time. At 41 and counting, he’s the oldest quarterback starter they’ve ever had—and still throws a prettier deep ball than half the NFL. Will he retire in 2026? Who knows at this point? San Francisco 49ers: Steve Young, 39Jan 1, 1989; San Francisco, CA, USA; FILE PHOTO; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Steve Young (8) on the sideline against the Minnesota Vikings during the 1988 NFC Divisional Playoff game at Candlestick Park. The 49ers defeated the Vikings 34-9. Mandatory Credit: MPS-USA TODAY Sports His 1999 season ended early after a concussion… and sadly, so did his career—as he didn’t want to risk further long-term health risks…  But at 38, Young was still elite.  And the final start closed the book on an era where mobility met arm talent before it was cool. Oldest Niner starter in history, and he left fans wondering what could’ve been had he not been forced out of the action. Seattle Seahawks: Warren Moon, 42 Moon became the oldest starting quarterback in Seahawks history in 1998 at 42. He was solid… but didn’t quite hit the level he did in ‘97 as a 41-year-old when he made the Pro Bowl. Even with his regression, he was one of the more impressive guys on this list, coming up just short of a .500 record with a 4- 6 record, and threw 11 touchdowns in 10 starts. Plus, he still had all of the swagger that made him famous in his younger days, which has to give him some bonus points. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tom Brady, 4520. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers (2021) – 374.7 points The 2022 Bucs were chaotic, but Brady at forty-five was still breaking records just for fun and managed to get his team into the postseason.  The team came up short of its Super Bowl aspirations, but it is hard to knock the GOAT, given all he accomplished at his advanced age in Tampa. Tennessee Titans: Kerry Collins, 38Tennessee Titans quarterback Kerry Collins (5) his set to throws a pass against the Houston Texans at LP Field in Nashville on Sept. 20, 2009. The Titans lost their home opener 34-31. In 2010, Collins started for the Titans at thirty-eight, the final chapter of a quietly durable career. He wasn’t flashy, but he was semi-competent—and for Tennessee fans back then, that was basically a miracle. Though… it did appear to come at the cost of their first round pick, Vince Young’s confidence, as his squabbles with then-coach Jeff Fisher seemed to tank his confidence. Washington Commanders: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 38Aug 28, 2021; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Football Team quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick (14) on the field before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports Week One of 2021, Fitzmagic took his final NFL snap as a quarterback at thirty-eight before a hip injury ended it. A short ride, a lasting record, and another entry on the league’s favorite passport. Must have been a bummer for Washington fans who were pumped to have the popular, NFL folk-hero break up some of the quarterback monotony that the franchise was trapped in before landing Jayden Daniels.

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Packers Tagged With ‘Surprising Need’ to Address During Draft

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We are less than three weeks away from the Green Bay Packers hitting the clock on Day 2 of the 2026 NFL Draft.The Packers have seven total selections to work with. They could go multiple different ways with their first pick at No. 52 overall. Some of their top positional needs include edge rusher, cornerback, […] The post Packers Tagged With ‘Surprising Need’ to Address During Draft appeared first on Heavy Sports.

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Packers’ biggest need to address in 2026 NFL Draft after failing to find it in free agency

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The Green Bay Packers appear to be stuck in the NFL’s upper middle class. There is no doubt that the Packers are a good team under head coach Matt LaFleur and general manager Brian Gutekunst, but it is also clear that they are not a great team. While there were no guarantees that the eventual […] The post Packers’ biggest need to address in 2026 NFL Draft after failing to find it in free agency appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Out-of-the-box 2026 NFL Draft move that all 32 teams must make

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Out-of-the-box thinking and roster building has never been more paramount to finding success in the NFL. Recent examples include the Jacksonville Jaguars taking a two-way player second overall in last year’s draft, the Seattle Seahawks handing the keys of their offense to a former draft bust, and the Los Angeles Rams avoiding owning first-round picks […] The post Out-of-the-box 2026 NFL Draft move that all 32 teams must make appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Wild but brilliant move Packers must make in 2026 NFL Draft

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Recent rumors surrounding Green Bay have created a somewhat tumultuous offseason. Pete Dougherty suggested that some locker-room friction may stem from players feeling miscast or overwhelmed by their roles. Meanwhile, speculation about the backup quarterback position continues, with names like Jimmy Garoppolo emerging as potential options after other veteran quarterbacks have been signed, and while […] The post Wild but brilliant move Packers must make in 2026 NFL Draft appeared first on ClutchPoints.

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Trevon Diggs Sends Message After Retirement Decision

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Trevon Diggs and the Green Bay Packers did not have the season they had hoped for. After acquiring Micah Parsons from the Dallas Cowboys for a package including two first-round picks and defensive tackle Kenny Clark, many expected the Packers to be a championship contender. Green Bay did not live ...

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10 Crazy NFL Trades That Almost Happened and Would’ve Changed Everything

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Every NFL trade that happens changes the league to some degree… But what about the trades that didn’t happen? The ones that were agreed upon—then blocked—or backed out of. The times that General Managers of teams went to bed thinking they had a deal that was going to change the trajectory of their franchise, only to wake up empty-handed. The ones where one phone call, one owner’s grudge, or one failed physical changed the course of NFL history. These ten trades would have reshaped franchises, altered dynasties, and completely changed the careers of some of the biggest names in football. Let’s break down the craziest NFL trades that never happened—and why they fell apart. Why did these trades fail to push through in the NFL? Brian Burns to the Rams (2022)Dec 24, 2022; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers defensive end Brian Burns (53) walks off the field after the win over the Detroit Lions at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports At the 2022 trade deadline, the Rams offered the Panthers a monster package for edge rusher Brian Burns: two first-round picks and a second-round pick in the NFL Draft, but the Panthers said no to that trade. Scott Fitterer, Carolina’s general manager, saw Burns as a foundational piece. The Panthers had just fired Matt Rhule. They didn’t want to look like they were tanking. They wanted to show the locker room that they were still trying to compete. So they kept Burns. They tried to sign him to a long-term extension. Burns wanted $30 million per year. The two sides couldn’t agree. The Panthers went 2-15 the next season—the worst record in the NFL. Not long after, Burns was demanding a trade, and Carolina’s leverage was gone. The bidding war that never happened. The Panthers finally shipped him to the New York Giants for a second-round pick and a swap of fifth-rounders. Talk about fumbling the bag! Russell Wilson to the Bears (2021)Dec 21, 2021; Inglewood, California, USA; Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) throws the ball during warmups before the game against the Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports Three first-round picks. A third-round pick. Two starters. That’s what the Bears offered the Seahawks for Russell Wilson in March 2021. Ryan Pace, Chicago’s general manager, was all in, putting together one of the most aggressive trade packages in the NFL in recent memory after Wilson had named the Bears as one of four teams he’d waive his no-trade clause for.  Needless to say, Chicago was prepared to mortgage its future. And, man, after seeing how another crazy aggressive trade package for Wilson—the cursed one that Denver put together—played out…  Pace has to be thanking his lucky stars that this deal fell through because the Seahawks were hell-bent on getting one of the stars off of Chicago’s defense as part of the package. Fast forward today, and it looks like it’s all over for Wilson. Raiders Refused to Trade Khalil Mack Across the Bay (2018)Dec 30, 2018; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Chicago Bears linebacker Khalil Mack (52) looks on following the game against the Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brace Hemmelgarn-USA TODAY Sports The 49ers made the best offer, but unfortunately for San Francisco, the Raiders didn’t care. In September 2018, the Oakland Raiders were shopping Khalil Mack, the 2016 Defensive Player of the Year, who had held out all of training camp. More than half the league called. The Bears, Jets, and 49ers all made serious offers. The 49ers went hard. General manager John Lynch believed San Francisco offered more than anyone else. “I don’t want to beat a dead horse, but we tried like heck to acquire Khalil Mack,” Lynch told 95.7 The Game. “I continue to think we offered a better deal than Chicago.” But instead, the Raiders took Chicago’s offer of two first-round picks, a third-round pick, and a sixth-round pick—a move many suspect they made because of the rivalry between the two franchises… they couldn’t stomach the idea of sending a player of his caliber to a rival… so they didn’t! It is a shame too… Chicago had a nice run with Mack, but they never had enough offense to be serious contenders. That 49ers team really could’ve been special with a generational talent added to their D-line! Ben Roethlisberger to the Rams (2010)December 19, 2010; Pittsburgh, PA, USA: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger (7) looks on from the sidelines against the New York Jets during the third quarter at Heinz Field. The Jets won 22-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USPRESSWIRE Believe it or not, the Steelers actually tried to trade Ben Roethlisberger. In 2010, Roethlisberger was suspended for six games following allegations of sexual assault.  It was later reduced to four… but his reputation was in shambles, and Pittsburgh’s front office was growing tired of his off-the-field antics. According to multiple reports, the Steelers approached the St. Louis Rams about a trade for the embattled NFL star. Pittsburgh wanted a high draft pick in exchange for its franchise quarterback. The Rams said no. At the time, it seemed like a reasonable decision. The Rams had the first overall pick in the 2010 draft. They were rebuilding. Sam Bradford was the consensus top quarterback prospect. Why give up a premium pick for a quarterback with serious off-field baggage? Here’s what happened next: Roethlisberger came back from his suspension and led the Steelers to a 12-4 record. They won the AFC Championship and reached Super Bowl XLV. Roethlisberger would go on to play another 11 seasons in Pittsburgh, making more Pro Bowls, winning a lot more games, and cementing his Hall of Fame credentials. As for the Rams, well, Bradford showed flashes but never developed into a franchise quarterback. They cycled through coaches and quarterbacks, going nowhere until Sean McVay arrived in 2017, when the Rams turned things around. Sometimes, the trade you don’t make costs you a decade. Stefon Diggs Chose Buffalo Over the Jets (2020)Dec 28, 2020; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) runs the ball against the New England Patriots in the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Butler II-USA TODAY Sports Stefon Diggs almost became a Jet. By the spring of 2020, Diggs was done in Minnesota. He’d skipped practices. He’d been fined $200,000. And he’d told reporters, “There’s truth to all rumors,” when asked about demanding a trade to a different NFL team. The Vikings were ready to move on. After the season ended, Diggs’s options crystallized. It was Buffalo or the Jets. “After the season, I was like, man, it’s either I go there, or it was like the Jets or somewhere like that,” Diggs said. “I was like, I’m gonna go to Buffalo and see what’s going on.” He picked the Bills, and the trade sent shockwaves through both franchises.  Minnesota used that first-round pick on a receiver out of LSU named Justin Jefferson. In Buffalo, Diggs unlocked Josh Allen. In his first season with the Bills, Diggs led the NFL with 127 catches and 1,535 receiving yards, and Allen’s completion percentage jumped from 58.8% to 69.2%.  And… of course… the Jets, well, they remained the Jets. Bills Wanted Christian McCaffrey (2022)Dec 24, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey (23) walks off the field after defeating the Washington Commanders at Levi’s Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports Before Christian McCaffrey became the centerpiece of San Francisco’s offense, the Buffalo Bills were circling—and, man, we could be looking at a completely different NFL landscape had they been able to pair him with Josh Allen. Back in October of 2022, the Panthers had just fired Matt Rhule. McCaffrey was the most valuable asset on the roster. The Bills desperately needed a dynamic running back. Josh Allen was doing everything himself. Adding McCaffrey seemed like the missing piece. Bills GM Brandon Beane called the Panthers. Multiple times. He stayed in touch throughout the entire process. But he never made a firm offer. “Yes, that was the last draft I was there in Carolina. Know him well,” Beane told reporters. “When you hear he’s on the block, I wouldn’t be doing my due diligence to not look into that. I did speak to the Panthers GM. Never made him an offer, but did stay in touch through the process.” Why didn’t Buffalo pull the trigger? “Ultimately, it was going to be more than we were going to be able to do.” The 49ers didn’t hesitate. They offered second-, third-, and fourth-round picks in 2023, plus a fifth-rounder in 2024. McCaffrey went on to lead the NFL in rushing in 2023, won Offensive Player of the Year, and helped San Francisco reach the big game. The Bills brought in Nyheim Hines instead. And every time McCaffrey torches a defense, Buffalo fans wonder what could have been. Buffalo is fortunate that James Cook developed into a consistent producer; otherwise, they really would’ve been sick over this one… Larry Fitzgerald to the Eagles (2008)January 29, 2008; Tampa FL, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) at the Cardinals press conference at the Hyatt Plaza hotel. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports Larry Fitzgerald should have been an Eagle. In 2008, the Arizona Cardinals were strapped for cash. Fitzgerald was due to make $14.6 million that year and $17.3 million the next. The back end of his rookie contract had the team over a barrel with a gigantic cap number. The Eagles came calling. According to Fitzgerald himself, Philadelphia offered to trade a first-round pick and a third-round pick for the perennial NFL All-Pro receiver. Arizona seriously considered it, but ultimately, the Cardinals signed Fitzgerald to a four-year, $40 million extension with a no-trade clause, keeping their franchise cornerstone in place. Here’s the twist: Later that same season, the Eagles and Cardinals met in the NFC Championship Game. Fitzgerald destroyed Philadelphia. Nine catches, 152 yards, and three touchdowns—en route to the Cardinals winning the contest 32-25 to advance to Super Bowl XLIII. The Eagles suffered their fourth NFC Championship loss of the decade—and got torched by the receiver they almost traded for. Fitzgerald went on to become the second-leading receiver in NFL history. He played his entire 17-year career in Arizona. The Eagles? They spent years searching for a true number-one receiver. One trade rejection turned into one championship game destruction.  Deshaun Watson to the Saints (2022)Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson comes off the field after practice during the NFL football team’s football training camp in Berea on Aug. 4, 2022. Watson File Photo 5 The New Orleans Saints did everything right. It still wasn’t enough. In March 2022, Deshaun Watson was finally available. A grand jury had declined to indict him on criminal charges, and the Texans were ready to deal. Watson had a no-trade clause, so he controlled his destiny. Four teams made serious offers: the Panthers, Falcons, Browns, and Saints. New Orleans went all in. The Saints were the only team to get a second meeting with Watson. Owner Gayle Benson flew in personally. They restructured contracts across the roster to clear cap space. They put together a trade package that would have sent multiple first-round picks to Houston. By Thursday , Watson had eliminated the Panthers and Browns. It was down to two NFC South rivals: the Saints and the Falcons. New Orleans had every reason to feel confident. They had the better roster. They had the more urgent need—Drew Brees had retired, and they’d just gone 9-8 with four different starting quarterbacks. Watson meeting with Benson twice signaled a serious interest. Then Friday morning happened. Watson’s agent called the Browns—the team Watson had eliminated 24 hours earlier—and said Cleveland was back in play. The Browns offered something no other team would match: a five-year, $230 million contract that was fully guaranteed. The Saints couldn’t compete with that. Neither could Atlanta. The Panthers had already been eliminated because they wouldn’t guarantee years three and four. Watson chose the money. He went to Cleveland, where his future remains uncertain. As a result, Baker Mayfield got sent on the odyssey that has since landed him in Tampa Bay, and while the Saints haven’t made the most of this epic bullet dodged, there is no denying that they ended up in a way better spot than the Browns. Pete Rozelle Blocked John Elway's move to the Raiders (1983)Denver Broncos — John Elway, 1983-1998, 51,475 yards Xxx C10 90 Elway 26 S Fbn Co The Raiders thought they had John Elway. The deal was done. Al Davis had put together a package the Colts couldn’t refuse: three first-round picks and two second-round picks for the number-one overall selection. Ernie Accorsi, Baltimore’s general manager, later confirmed it would have been “the best package ever” for Elway. There was just one problem: Davis needed another first-round pick in the NFL Draft to make the trade work. He went to the Chicago Bears, who had the sixth overall selection. The Raiders offered Howie Long, draft picks, and other assets. The Bears were receptive. The deal was closed. Then the night before the draft, everything fell apart. Bears GM Jim Finks called Raiders director of football operations Steve Ortmayer. “It’s not going to happen,” Finks said. “They’re not going to let it happen.” By “they,” everyone understood he meant the NFL league office—and specifically, Commissioner Pete Rozelle. “We almost had Elway, but Pete Rozelle voided the trade,” Ron Wolf, a former Raiders personnel executive now in the Hall of Fame, said years later. “We had the trade set up with Baltimore, but Pete wouldn’t let it happen.” Rozelle and Davis hated each other. Davis had been AFL commissioner during the merger negotiations in 1966, and Rozelle edged him out for the unified NFL commissioner job. Davis later sued the NFL over his franchise’s move to Los Angeles—and won, collecting $35 million in damages. And as a result… The Broncos acquired Elway for a far inferior package: backup quarterback Mark Herrmann, tackle Chris Hinton, and a first-round pick. Elway went on to win two Super Bowls and become one of the greatest quarterbacks in NFL history. Have to think that Davis was wishing that he didn’t play hardball with Rozelle after that one! Randy Moss and Aaron Rodgers Almost Became Raiders/Packers (2007)Nov. 29, 2007; Irving, TX, USA; Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) reacts as the game ends against the Dallas Cowboys at Texas Stadium. Dallas defeated Green Bay 37-27. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports During the 2007 NFL Draft, the Raiders were shopping Randy Moss. He’d been a disaster in Oakland—just 43 catches the year before—and they wanted out. Two teams were seriously interested: Green Bay and New England. Allegedly, the Raiders floated a trade that would have sent Moss to Green Bay in exchange for Aaron Rodgers. Think about that. Rodgers was a backup entering his third year, an unproven commodity sitting behind Brett Favre. The Packers had Favre committed to playing a few more years. Moss would give him a weapon to chase another Super Bowl. Rodgers might never get a chance in Green Bay anyway. The Raiders held the first overall pick in the 2007 draft. If they’d gotten Rodgers, they could have traded that pick or selected Calvin Johnson at number two. But the two sides couldn’t agree on the additional draft compensation. The Raiders wanted more. The Packers wouldn’t budge. So the trade shifted to a simpler version: Moss for a draft pick… and Green Bay was outbid by New England because they wouldn’t budge from a 5th round pick—which in retrospect is a hilarious and terrible move… though I’m sure once Rodgers led them to a Super Bowl in 2010 they felt a sense of relief too… As per usual, the Raiders ended up down a bad path… instead of Rodgers, the Raiders drafted JaMarcus Russell—arguably the biggest bust in NFL history.

Read more10 Crazy NFL Trades That Almost Happened and Would’ve Changed Everything

NFL rumors: Could Packers be threat to Rams for Jimmy Garoppolo after Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders?

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At this stage of the NFL offseason, most teams have their quarterback plans mostly figured out. However, the Green Bay Packers are still in need of a Jordan Love backup plan. The Packers saw originally QB2 sign with the Miami Dolphins in free agency. Then, potential target Kirk Cousins joined the Las Vegas Raiders. While […] The post NFL rumors: Could Packers be threat to Rams for Jimmy Garoppolo after Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders? appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read moreNFL rumors: Could Packers be threat to Rams for Jimmy Garoppolo after Kirk Cousins signs with Raiders?

Packers 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more

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The Green Bay Packers didn’t go whole hog in free agency, but the next step has arrived. The Packers’ 2026 NFL Draft guide is here to get you ready for the upcoming annual seven-round selection meeting. Ahead of this crucial week, let’s look at the Packers’ draft picks, biggest needs, potential targets, and recent draft […] The post Packers 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more appeared first on ClutchPoints.

Read morePackers 2026 NFL Draft guide: Number of picks, biggest needs, draft history, and more