Evil Hurney

It's not even that expensive. To go to 31 or 32 would likely mean swapping a high 5th (141) for a low 5th (173 or 176).

I'm wondering if this had something to do with the urgency to get something for Brian Burns:

I'd imagine that's the fallback plan.

I assume to open up cap space when deals become official on Wednesday and to quickly pivot to the crop of unsigned edge rushers before they get claimed.

Key takeaway: Multiple teams interested ... not just the Giants. Should help somewhat with the draft pick compensation.

Bears overplayed their hand. Teams are doing to the Bears what the Panthers should have done to the Jets with Darnold. The second the Bears announce QB at pick #1, Fields trade value drops to a day 3 pick. Teams with a possible QB need (and aren't in range to draft the top 3 QBs): Minnesota Denver Teams with questions at QB: NY Giants Seattle Miami Dallas Cleveland Just to see what would happen: San Francisco

Welp that sucks. Interested to see the contract. Thought he might make it to wave 2.

That is a surprisingly reasonable deal.

Based on logic used elsewhere ... he can probably be had for a 3rd round pick

Yup. Guessing Ian chose the pay cut over finding out if anyone else would give him more than vet min in FA.

You only get the comp pick if you don't sign equal value worth of FAs. This is a bad year to let him walk for a comp pick; the team is likely going to be active in FA.

A single 3rd this year is laughable. The Panthers can comfortably franchise him two years in a row while they get his replacement ready, let him walk in 2026 (when he is getting ready to start his age 28 season), and still get a 3rd as a comp pick.

Slightly surprised by this. His play seemed solid. I understand the cap savings. It'll be interesting to see how they replace his production with the savings.