Von Miller EDGE, Denver Broncos
Former Suber Bowl MVP Von Miller may be leaving the team he has called home for his entire career. Miller enters the final year of his massive $115 million contract he signed in 2016, but here's the kicker: 2021 is a team option year. Von Miller is due $18 million if his option is picked up by the Broncos. With a young Denver team rebuilding and legal troubles stemming from an alleged domestic issue, this superstar may be on the outside looking in. With his heir apparent drafted in 2018, Bradley Chubb looks like a solid starter for the Broncos and no longer needs Miller to help out. Hypothetically, if Miller does get released by Denver we could see him trying to find a contender to try to win a second Lombardi to cap off his HOF-worthy career. Look for teams similar to J.J. Watt's market (e.g. TB, PIT, GB, CLE, BUF) as they may look towards Miller as a second-place trophy after missing out on Watt. I'd also look for division rivals such as the Chiefs and Chargers. The Chiefs are an obvious one, as they are perennial contenders, and the Chargers for a possible reunion with another former Bronco, Chris Harris Jr.
2021 Team Prediction: Denver Broncos
Zach Ertz TE, Philadelphia Eagles
Ertz is perhaps the third-best tight end in the league behind Travis Kelce and George Kittle. From what we know from last season Ertz has become upset with Philly management in regards to a new contract for the elite TE. Despite a subpar and injury-riddled 2020 season, Ertz is still looking for a strong reboot in 2021 maybe with a different franchise. He has been the topic of trade talks in recent week switch rumors of the Colts, Seahawks, Rams, and Chargers inquiring about his availability. With key pieces such as Carson Wentz and Desean Jackson jettisoned from Philadelphia this week, it only makes sense for the Eagles to continue the rebuild and move on from Ertz. According to Sports Illustrated's Eagle Maven, if Ertz is not moved by the start of the league new year he may ask for his release.
2021 Team Prediction: Indianapolis Colts
Ben Roethlisberger QB, Pittsburgh Steelers
Has Big Ben taken his last snap for the Steelers already? Roethlisberger is due $41 million this season and will take up a big chunk of cap space for Pittsburgh this year. The Steelers have publicly announced that Ben will have to take a pay cut to be considered to be their starter in 2021. Previously, Roethlisberger himself has already expected a pay cut, so an announcement from the team makes it sound like they want him to do them a solid and retire so that they can move forward with the franchise. Ben showed us spurts of him still having gas left in the tank by leading his team to an 11-0 start in 2020, but at the end of the season, he also showed his age and similar to other aging QBs (Tom Brady doesn't age so he is exempt from this statement) fell apart when it mattered most. I can see no team trading for the 39-year-old QB so he will be a prime candidate for release and if he still wants to play after that I can see him singing with a QB-needy team for one last hurrah! as he misses the playoffs and ultimately disappoints in his final year in the NFL.
2021 Team Prediction: Houston Texans
Alex Smith QB, Washington Football Team
How dare you get rid of the man who almost died and came back to start MULTIPLE games two years after a brutal leg injury!? What more can WFT do to make people hate them, but are they really in the wrong? After the end of the season with another leg injury Smith is already pondering retirement, but can the WFT really consider him as a viable option at quarterback? The team just extended playoff hero Taylor Heinicke a week ago and has sung praises about his starting ability. With a nice young roster and a rebrand, the WFT needs a fresh and hip star under center to distract from any controversy this god-forsaken franchise has. I do not believe Smith should return to the field for his own safety and if he is cut he should take it and right off into the sunset as the guy who could never catch a break.
2021 Team Prediction: Retirement
by Brandon McCann
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