Dexter Lawrence DEMANDING A Trade FIRES UP The Arena

Giants' All-Pro defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence has reportedly requested a trade after two years of stalled contract extension talks. Skip Bayless argues Lawrence lacks strong bargaining power, citing the Giants' consistently poor defensive performance (26th in points allowed in 2023 and 2021, 21st in 2022) despite Lawrence's presence. His sack numbers dropped significantly from nine in 2022 to half a sack in 2023, further weakening his position. The panel suggests the Giants might only get a third-round pick for him, down from a potential first-round pick previously, as any acquiring team would need to immediately offer a substantial new contract.

Skip Bayless states, 'I don't think he has great leverage now. I don't think he has great bargaining power.' and 'they were 26th in points allowed.' [06:08, 07:35]. Ake adds, 'it's a bad run defense. You in the middle of it is that's bad. Your sack number down, your team bad.' [10:48]

Reports from Philadelphia indicate the Eagles are not planning to extend Jalen Hurts' contract this summer, signaling a need for him to 're-earn' trust and demonstrate improved performance. The panel debates whether his struggles stem from stagnant play-calling under former OC Brian Johnson, internal friction with star receiver AJ Brown, or Hurts' own shift towards being a 'people pleaser' rather than an aggressive playmaker. Skip Bayless suggests the Super Bowl success 'went to Jaylen's head' and that management views him as the 'problem' rather than AJ Brown, citing an ESPN article with insider quotes about Hurts' 'poor body language' and being 'not the most coachable.'

Jeff Mlan's quote: 'they want to know that there is a reason why they're not extending this contract. He knows it's the last year of his guaranteed contract. He knows the cat is out of the bag on some of his baggage.' [27:12]. Skip Bayless attributes the ESPN article to 'Eagle's management' and quotes an insider: 'Poor body language, not always bought in, not the most coachable, and players notice.' [41:37, 42:30]. Rashad McKinn argues, 'I don't think that the receivers wanted to be on the same page as Jaylen.' [28:55]

Lamar Jackson's attendance at the Ravens' voluntary offseason program is highlighted as a crucial development. Ake, drawing from his experience with Tom Brady and Peyton Manning, emphasizes that a quarterback's presence in voluntary workouts is vital for building camaraderie, trust, and a cohesive offensive scheme, especially with a new offensive coordinator (Declan Doyle). This commitment is seen as a sign that Jackson is 'bought in' and could lead the Ravens to a Super Bowl, overcoming past playoff shortcomings attributed to a lack of offseason preparation.

Ake states, 'when the everybody remember this day, the day that Lamar bought in, they gonna become a very even more dangerous team.' [01:06:14]. Cody Kessler adds, 'Lamar Jackson and Declan Doyle, their new offensive coordinator, need to get on the same page. Remember, Declan Doyle is only 29 years old, and this is going to be his first time ever calling an offense.' [01:10:05].

The Steelers are awaiting Aaron Rodgers' decision on his future, with President Art Rooney expecting an answer by the draft. Skip Bayless frames this as the Steelers being 'held hostage' by a 'washed' Rodgers, citing his declining QBR rankings (26th, 25th, 23rd in his last three years) and poor playoff performance (7-10 record). However, other panelists argue that the Steelers' roster is built to 'win now,' and Rodgers, despite his age, could provide the necessary experience and clutch playmaking in a favorable system with new OC Mike McCarthy, who previously coached Rodgers to a Super Bowl.

Art Rooney's quote: 'I think a decision is coming soon. I would say by the draft, I would expect an answer.' [01:43:32]. Skip Bayless states, 'Aaron Rogers is washed. He's done.' and cites QBR rankings: 'His last year in Green Bay, he was 26th... His one full year with the Jets, he was 25th... Last year he was 23rd.' [01:51:34, 01:51:46]. Ake argues, 'if A-Rod want to win a Super Bowl, that team is set up for him to do so.' [01:57:55]

Kirk Cousins has amassed over $341 million in career earnings, surpassing legendary quarterbacks like Tom Brady and Russell Wilson, despite having only one playoff win. The panel attributes this to his agent, Mike McCartney, who masterfully navigated the market, securing fully guaranteed contracts and leveraging team needs. Cousins' consistent 'solid' statistical production, coupled with opportune timing when teams desperately needed a starting quarterback, allowed him to reset the market for guaranteed money, even coming off an Achilles injury.

Cody Kessler highlights, '99% of that skip has been guaranteed money. In fact, going into this year will be the 11th straight season that his contract is fully guaranteed.' [01:20:23]. Ake emphasizes 'timing. market availability due to teams needing a quarterback.' [01:24:53]. Skip Bayless credits Mike McCartney, 'He is really good at what he does and he commands respect in league offices.' [01:39:56]