QB CAROUSEL

QB CAROUSEL

Aaron Rodgers, Tom Brady, Lamar Jackson, and Derek Carr to name a few of the quarterbacks in the NFL whose future is up in the air this offseason. From who rejected big money, to who is considering retirement, would it be wise for any of these guys to take advantage of the offers in free agency?

1. Aaron Rodgers*
The former back-to-back MVP winner was a touchdown away from making the playoffs after a horrendous 4-8 start, with Rodgers citing the poor form to injuries and inconsistency of his receivers. The Packers then went on a mad one placing themselves in the playoff picture on the final game week of the season, which they lost to the Detroit Lions. So what is next for Aaron Rodgers?

He is due to earn close to $60 million next season if he were to stay at Lambeau field, however, he has flirted with a move away in the past. San Francisco is a long-time admirer of Aaron Rodgers, especially with their QB conundrum losing Trey Lance and Jimmy Garappolo with long-term injuries.

Verdict: STAYS IN GREEN BAY

2. Tom Brady*
The G.O.A.T of the game himself turns 46 years old in August and doesn’t look ready to slow down. After being retired for about a month Tom Brady returned to Tampa Bay but didn’t have the season he may have hoped for. For once in his career, Brady looked his age.

It is reported that the Glazer family will do “everything” to keep Tom in Florida, but will they face immense competition? Don’t get me wrong, Brady still outclasses more than 50% of the QBs in the league but he will be 46! Apart from Tampa Bay, the Las Vegas Raiders are looking for someone to take over from Derek Carr and put them on the map, with the New York Jets also weighing up their options.

Verdict: TENNESSEE TITANS/LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

3. Lamar Jackson*
Here comes the most surprising name on this list, former regular season MVP Lamar Jackson. Jackson, 26, has rejected contract approaches by the Baltimore Ravens in the past, with the words “undervalued” being thrown around during negotiations. It is rumored that he rejected a contract worth $250 million fully guaranteed which would make him the highest earner in NFL history.

I think the Ravens have to cut their losses. There is a slim chance you can franchise tag the former Louisville player, however, it might be right to move on from Lamar. Who would they replace him with? Where would he go? The team would be desperate and have playoff aspirations.

Verdict: SIGNS A MAMMOTH CONTRACT AT THE NEW YORK JETS

4. Matthew Stafford*
What a difference a year makes. This time last year Matthew Stafford was on his way to a Super Bowl title, and now he’s under threat of not being QB1 in Los Angeles. Baker Mayfield has come in and done a job and the Rams may consider moving on from Stafford seeing as they got what they want and this season was a disaster.

Now he nor his teammates got a chance to actually defend the title with Cooper Kupp, and eventually, Aaron Donald got hit with injuries keeping them out for prolonged periods. His contract does run out in 2026 so it may be harder to move him on.

Verdict: STAYS IN LOS ANGELES

5. Derek Carr*
It has seemingly been an end to an era in Vegas as Derek Carr looks to be looking for a new team for next season. Carr and the Raiders had an underwhelming season, finishing 6-11 after trading for Davante Adams in the offseason. Carr was especially disappointing with a career-high in interceptions (14) last season.

Derek, 31, may be able to give his next team five or six years if he can stay healthy, and he may convince teams such as Washington, Atlanta, and Indianapolis to make him their starter. He could even become the Tom Brady replacement in Tampa Bay if he does not stay.

Verdict: SIGNS FOR WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

6. Zach Wilson*

From being the man to save their franchise to the guy they can’t stand, Zach Wilson knows and accepts he may need a new team for next season. After being displaced by Mike White and even Joe Flacco, he finds himself 3rd in the pecking order.

Wilson, who is 24 in August may have to accept a backup job somewhere else because the chances of him being a starter for any NFL team are as high as the Houston Texans being Super Bowl contenders.

Verdict: BECOMES THE BACKUP AT DETROIT LIONS

*All pictures via Getty Images*

G.O.A.T

G.O.A.T

(A young Pele)

From the poverty-stricken town of Bauru in Sao Paulo working as a tea servant to becoming the man who changed the scope of football, “Pele” lived a full and successful life, going through his adversities and overcoming them as he did.

At the age of 14, Pele began playing futsal with the adults even though he was considered too young. In a futsal tournament, Pele at 14 years old finished as the top scorer netting 15 goals. During this success, he was scouted and taken on trial for Brazilian professional club Santos F.C. At 15 years old he signed a professional contract and scored on his debut against Corinthians.

In the next season, a certain 16-year-old won the golden boot in the division and got rewarded with his first Brazilian call-up. In 1958 he helped Brazil to lift their first World Cup trophy, and four years later repeated as champions. After the World Cup in 1962, the wealthiest of clubs all queued up to sign the Brazilian forward, however, Santos was diligent and didn’t sell nor did he want to leave.

Pele still has the record for the most goals in the Campeonato Paulista with 58 goals, and a record for the most goals for Brazil (77 goals in 92 games) albeit joint top with Neymar. In 1975, a semi-retired Pele joined the New York Cosmos and brought out some of the largest crowds in the history of United States football, winning the North American Soccer League’s Soccer Bowl.

After persistent fouling by Bulgarian and Portuguese defenders in the 1966 World Cup, Pele decided to retire from international football which shook the world. Was this the end of the greatest in the world on the biggest stage? Has the world finally got a chance to win the coveted trophy? No, God no.

(Pele with all three of his World Cups)

Pele returned to international football in 1969 and played the qualifiers for the World Cup getting himself acquainted with his teammates again. In 1970, this was going to be his swan song, officially, the great will leave for good this time. The team he was on was considered the best in history consisting of Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino, and Tostao.Pele returned to international football in 1969 and played the qualifiers for the World Cup getting himself acquainted with his teammates again. In 1970, this was going to be his swan song, officially, the great will leave for good this time. The team he was on was considered the best in history consisting of Jairzinho, Carlos Alberto, Rivelino, and Tostao.

A kind man as regarded by many, including Sir Bobby Charlton and Gordon Banks, didn’t find him so kind when he flicked the ball to Jairzinho to win the game against England. In the finals, Pele scored Brazil’s 100th World Cup goal to get things rolling for the Samba Kings. He also had 2 assists in the game, winning the game 4-1 over Italy.

He is the only man to win the World Cup on three occasions, and the highest-ever scorer netting 1,281 goals in 1,363 appearances over a 21-year career. Mr. Santos himself, the King, the creator of “Jogo Bonito” the greatest of all time. Edson Arantes do Nascimento was 82 years old.