The Arena Predicts The BIG Moves Of The NFL Offseason

ESPN's Dan Graziano proposed a mock trade: Raiders get George Pickens (franchise tagged) and a 2026 first-round pick; Cowboys get Max Crosby and a second-round pick. Skip Bayless argues the Cowboys should pursue this, valuing Crosby's team-friendly contract ($30M/year for three years) and consistent production (10 sacks/year, better run defense than Micah Parsons) over Pickens' potential $40M+ contract and perceived character issues (late for meetings, pouting). Akeeb Talib and Richie Incognito, however, believe both players are too valuable to their respective teams, with Crosby being the 'face of the franchise' for the Raiders and Pickens being crucial to the Cowboys' explosive offense.

Skip Bayless highlights Crosby's $30M/year deal compared to Pickens' projected $40M+ and his consistent 10-sack average. Akeeb Talib points to the Cowboys' offense improving from 11th to 2nd in passing and 27th to 9th in rushing with Pickens and CeeDee Lamb. Richie Incognito notes Crosby's representation is meeting with the Raiders, indicating a potential decision point.

Andy Reid is 'salivating' at the prospect of Travis Kelce returning, despite Kelce's 'down years' (still top-10 TE). Skip Bayless argues Kelce, at 37 next year, has lost a step and the Chiefs' 6-11 record with him leading in receiving categories suggests Reid is clinging to fading talent. Conversely, Richie Incognito and Akeeb Talib advocate for Kelce's return for one more year, citing his leadership, 'safety valve' role for Mahomes, and potential willingness to take a pay cut (from $20M+ to $15M) given his extensive off-field income and desire to end his career on a high note. They emphasize that the Chiefs' primary issues lie with their offensive line and other receivers.

Skip notes Kelce would be 37 next year and the Chiefs' 6-11 record with him leading in all receiving categories. Richie and Akeeb suggest Kelce's off-field earnings (Taylor Swift, commercials, podcast) might make him amenable to a lower salary (e.g., $15M vs. $20M+).

The NFL Competition Committee is not banning the 'tush push' (or 'Brotherly Shove') this year, despite its high conversion rate. While the Eagles' conversion rate dropped from 81% to 68%, Akeeb Talib asserts it's still a highly effective short-yardage play, with teams now developing fakes and creative variations. Richie Incognito highlights that other teams, like the Buffalo Bills (94% conversion rate), have mastered it, proving it's not exclusive to the Eagles. Skip Bayless agrees that the league is adept at figuring out strategies, making the play less 'automatic' but still a staple of 'smashmouth football.'

The NFL Competition Committee confirmed no ban. Eagles' conversion rate fell from 81% to 68%. The Buffalo Bills achieved a 94% conversion rate. Akeeb mentions Saquon Barkley's 60-yard touchdown off a fake tush push and other teams using tight ends at QB for variations.

The Dallas Cowboys quickly signed Javonte Williams to a three-year, $24 million deal ($8M/year, $16M guaranteed), preventing him from hitting free agency. Skip Bayless expressed pleasant shock, calling it a 'team-friendly deal' for a running back who had a great year (1,201 yards, 9th in NFL) and is a 'model citizen.' Akeeb Talib and Richie Incognito attribute this to an 'oversaturated' running back market, where many good backs drive down prices. They note that Williams' agent likely advised him to take the early deal rather than test a market where many RBs will sign one-year, $5-6 million contracts.

Javonte Williams' contract: 3 years, $24M ($8M/year), $16M guaranteed. He had 1,201 rushing yards, ranking 9th in the NFL. Richie Incognito cites Josh Jacobs signing for $10.5M, indicating a depressed market for RBs.

JSN (Seahawks) is eligible for a contract extension and believes he deserves to be the 'highest-paid in my position.' Akeeb Talib and Richie Incognito urge the Seahawks to pay him quickly, emphasizing that his performance (consistently improving numbers) and character (no off-field issues) warrant a top deal. They believe a new owner for the Seahawks will be eager to make a splash. Skip Bayless compares JSN's 1,793 receiving yards (tripling the next receiver on his team, with Sam Darnold at QB) to a 'Jerry Rice kind of year,' even surpassing Jamarr Chase's 1,708 yards, despite Chase having a Pro Bowl #2 receiver. The consensus is JSN is a top receiver and should be paid accordingly.

JSN stated, 'I believe I deserve to be the highest paid in my position.' Skip Bayless highlights JSN's 1,793 receiving yards, which 'tripled the next guy on the list,' and compares it to Jamarr Chase's 1,708 yards. JSN is two years younger than Chase.

Every primary offensive coordinator under Sean McVay has gone on to become an NFL head coach, a trend expected to continue with new Rams co-offensive coordinators Nate Scheelhaase and Dave Ragone. Skip Bayless notes this 'assembly line' of coaches, including the LaFluer brothers, Zac Taylor, and Kevin O'Connell. He expresses disappointment that Scheelhaase, a former four-year starting quarterback at Illinois, didn't get a head coaching job this past cycle (e.g., with the Browns). Akeeb Talib and Richie Incognito emphasize that age is irrelevant in this coaching era, and learning under McVay's 'hottest system in the league' provides invaluable tutelage, even if the coordinators aren't calling plays.

Seven McVay assistants have become head coaches. Nate Scheelhaase was a four-year starting QB at Illinois and holds the all-time total yardage record. Akeeb Talib cites McVay, Shanahan, and McDonald as examples of young, successful head coaches.