Scott Gulbransen
INDIANAPOLIS — Day Two of the NFL Combine in Indianapolis gave media the opportunity to start to talk to the 300-plus players coming through the annual event starting with defensive lineman and linebackers. Sprinkled in were some more head coaches and general managers which led to even more speculation around the future of another bunch of quarterbacks.
Here’s a breakdown of the top storylines from Wednesday at the NFL Combine.
New York Jets: Zach Wilson receives approval to seek a trade
New York Jets general manager Joe Douglas confirmed on Wednesday he has given quarterback Zach Wilson and his agent permission to seek a trade. Wilson, the second-overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, was sitting behind Aaron Rodgers last season, regained the starting role when Rodgers was lost for the season to injury.
Wilson’s disappointing run in New York came to a head last season and it was widely speculated he wouldn’t be back with the Jets in 2024. The Jets don’t want to cut Wilson loose as it would mean an $11 million cap hit. Speculation is Wilson could net the Jets a sixth-or-seventh-round pick if he and his agent are able to find a trade partner.
In his first 34 games, with 33 as a starter, Wilson managed to complete just 57% of his passes, averaging 6.3 yards per attempt and was 12-21. Rumors of turmoil in the locker room didn’t help him this season and is believed to have been a major factor in Douglas and the Jets finally moving on.
Related: Zach Wilson trade scenarios from the New York Jets
Is Justin Fields headed home to the Atlanta Falcons?
The buzz Wednesday inside the halls of the Indiana Convention Center at the NFL Combine was about the impending trade of the Chicago Bears’ Justin Fields. With the Bears set to make USC quarterback Caleb Williams the first overall pick in April, GM Ryan Poles said Tuesday they were keeping the former Ohio State quarterback apprised of their intentions.
NBC Sports has reported the Falcons have contacted the Bears and are eager to acquire the fourth-year quarterback. Fields hails from Kennesaw, Georgia, so a trade to Atlanta would bring him home. This is one we’re watching closely.
Las Vegas Raiders meet with Alabama linebacker Chris Braswell
While the greatest needs for the Las Vegas Raiders include quarterback and offensive line, their surging defense is still looking to get better. One of the top linebacker prospects of the entire draft, Chris Braswell from Alabama, talked Wednesday about his meeting the the Raiders and coach Antonio Pierce. “I have met with the Raiders, and what not,” Braswell said. “It was great (meeting Pierce) and he’s definitely a team guy and can relate to me as a player.”
Braswell is a great pass rusher but can also play in coverage, although it’s that area he must improve the most to be a more well-rounded pro.
Miami Dolphins to meet with Tua about contract extension
Miami Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said Wednesday the team has scheduled meetings at the NFL Combine with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa about a contract extension. Grier told ESPN that deals this big don’t come together quickly but he is confident the team and their franchise quarterback will head into training camp with a deal done.
Tagovailoa is coming off his best season as a pro. He topped the NFL in passing with 4,624 yards and also notched a career-high 29 touchdowns, leading his team to an 11-6 record.
Related: Highest-paid quarterbacks in the NFL
The NFL Combine finally gets physical
Finally, the on-the-field drills at the NFL Combine, including medical tests, for players begins on Thursday. We’ll see the defensive lineman, offensive lineman and tight ends work out at Lucas Oil Stadium. Coverage of the drills is shown live on NFL Network and we’ll have early impressions here as well.
