The Mallett Chronicles

[Morgan's Magic Snowplow]

Texans' interest in Mallett minimal to non-existent.
 
Who knows what to believe.  One thing I do think is that Mallett will have a say in this move, as I don't see the Texans (or anybody else) giving up significant assets unless they can sign him to a contract extension and I don't see the deal making sense from their perspective unless that extension is pretty team-friendly.  Mallett might be better than a guy like McCarron or Mettenberger but Mallett for one year or Mallett on a pricy extension is definitely not better than those guys on rookie deals.

 

[pappymojo]

I think the Patriots value Mallett for what he offers our team. He's on a cheap contract, has years of experience in our system, and he backs up our most important player.

The Patriots have always been about building depth. Who would have expected the team to have won so many games last year if they knew the amount of injuries they would have to overcome?

I think Belichick is happy to go into the season with Mallett as a back up. To trade him now, I think, will require a fair offer. The 33rd pick might be reaching too high, but 3rd round or later isnt good enough, imo. If Belichick thinks the other team represents a good opportunity for Mallett as a football player even better.

 

[PaulinMyrBch]

Texans' interest in Mallett minimal to non-existent.
 
Who knows what to believe.  One thing I do think is that Mallett will have a say in this move, as I don't see the Texans (or anybody else) giving up significant assets unless they can sign him to a contract extension and I don't see the deal making sense from their perspective unless that extension is pretty team-friendly.  Mallett might be better than a guy like McCarron or Mettenberger but Mallett for one year or Mallett on a pricy extension is definitely not better than those guys on rookie deals.

 
So BoB has been in town a month and a Houston Chronicle reporter has already infiltrated his operation to the point where he has access to the teams every position on all possible trades. I'm not saying Mallett is going for the #33, but I don't believe a word a Houston reporter is reporting.

 

[E5 Yaz]

2. I think if a team trades for Ryan Mallett, it has to make a deal knowing he hasn’t played a game of football since 2010. And what makes this such a difficult trade beyond the obvious—can the man play?—is that this is a very good draft, and no team is going to want to trade a significant pick this year for Mallett. So the smart deal would be, say, a fifth-round pick this year and a conditional pick next year, based on whether he plays and how much he plays in 2014. In essence, I don’t see how it makes sense for the Patriots to trade him this year, leaving them devoid of a No. 2 quarterback with knowledge of the system in a season when Tom Brady turns 37. A Mallett deal makes no sense to me, for either side.

 
Peter King

 

[lambeau]

Such differing reports out of Houston--split between O'Brien and Smith/personnel?

 

[mascho]

After reading Peter King I've never been so confident Mallett is getting traded this season, and likely for Houston's 2nd round pick.  

 

[soxfan121]

Such differing reports out of Houston--split between O'Brien and Smith/personnel?

 
I can totally understand why O'Brien is interested in Mallet. What I can't figure out is why he would take the risk of owning this decision in his first season. 
 
If the Texans trade for Mallet and draft a QB in the 4th round (McCarron, Murray, Mettenberger), that probably works. If the Texans trade for Mallet, use #1 overall on Clowney and Clowney goes on to be only very good, that probably works.
 
But if the Texans trade for Mallet, don't draft a QB and Mallet fails? Unless Clowney is REALLY excellent, that probably means BOB is out of a job in two seasons. He would be putting his job on the line by insisting on a Mallet trade (and, presumably, using #1 overall on a non-QB). He would be hitching his wagon to Mallet in a very permanent way. Unless he is 10000% positive that Mallet is a superstar, this would be extremely risky. 
 
I also think #33 would an overpay. If any team can argue its 3rd round pick is really like other teams 2nd, it's the Texans. #65 would be a high price for a guy who has never thrown a pass in anger. And the Texans really do have many holes that require patching. Can they spend #65 on Mallet and then their 4th or 5th on a developmental prospect? Doubtful. 
 
I could see BOB making the argument to Rick Smith that they should trade their 2015 2nd round pick for Mallet. I can see Rick Smith agreeing to that idea. Houston was a playoff team in 2012 and they probably believe that with some better luck, better QB play and some new offensive ideas - plus the #1 pick in every round - they can get right back on top of their division. So a 2015 2nd might be in the 50s, a more reasonable price for a guy who, again, hasn't really played an NFL snap that matters.

 

[Stitch01]

Even that would be a full price, agree number 33 should be a pipe dream for the Pats

 

[Shelterdog]

 
I can totally understand why O'Brien is interested in Mallet. What I can't figure out is why he would take the risk of owning this decision in his first season. 
 
If the Texans trade for Mallet and draft a QB in the 4th round (McCarron, Murray, Mettenberger), that probably works. If the Texans trade for Mallet, use #1 overall on Clowney and Clowney goes on to be only very good, that probably works.
 
But if the Texans trade for Mallet, don't draft a QB and Mallet fails? Unless Clowney is REALLY excellent, that probably means BOB is out of a job in two seasons. He would be putting his job on the line by insisting on a Mallet trade (and, presumably, using #1 overall on a non-QB). He would be hitching his wagon to Mallet in a very permanent way. Unless he is 10000% positive that Mallet is a superstar, this would be extremely risky. 
 
I also think #33 would an overpay. If any team can argue its 3rd round pick is really like other teams 2nd, it's the Texans. #65 would be a high price for a guy who has never thrown a pass in anger. And the Texans really do have many holes that require patching. Can they spend #65 on Mallet and then their 4th or 5th on a developmental prospect? Doubtful. 
 
I could see BOB making the argument to Rick Smith that they should trade their 2015 2nd round pick for Mallet. I can see Rick Smith agreeing to that idea. Houston was a playoff team in 2012 and they probably believe that with some better luck, better QB play and some new offensive ideas - plus the #1 pick in every round - they can get right back on top of their division. So a 2015 2nd might be in the 50s, a more reasonable price for a guy who, again, hasn't really played an NFL snap that matters.

 
I generally agree with you but I think BOB has a little more leeway than you seem to think-he's got three years in all likelihood so if he tries Mallet and fails he can take another QB in 2016 but by god that second quarterback has to work out.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

 
I generally agree with you but I think BOB has a little more leeway than you seem to think-he's got three years in all likelihood so if he tries Mallet and fails he can take another QB in 2016 but by god that second quarterback has to work out.

Plus this is the Texans who let Kubiak get by for 7 years with 5 of those with 9 wins or less.

 

[RhaegarTharen]

But if the Texans trade for Mallet, don't draft a QB and Mallet fails? Unless Clowney is REALLY excellent, that probably means BOB is out of a job in two seasons. He would be putting his job on the line by insisting on a Mallet trade (and, presumably, using #1 overall on a non-QB). He would be hitching his wagon to Mallet in a very permanent way. Unless he is 10000% positive that Mallet is a superstar, this would be extremely risky. 

/snip

You'd also have to weigh the performance of Bridgewater, Manziel, and Bortles after 2 years in the above scenario. Sure, chances all three of them bust are probably low, but the argumennt in 2016 will be "we could have had Player X!", which only holds up if Player X is actually successful. If Clowney > those three, you can fault BOB for trading for Mallet instead of drafting a 2nd or 3rd round QB, but it softens the blow a bit.

 

[soxhop411]

John McClain ‏@McClain_on_NFL  59m
Texans have agreed to terms with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick.
 
https://twitter.com/McClain_on_NFL/status/446776642266882048

 

[axx]

A much more sensible choice. Fitz can start a couple games while their new QB gets settled in.

 

[soxhop411]

RT @McClain_on_NFL: Ryan Fitzpatrick gets 2 years, 7.5 mil, 4 mil guaranteed.
 
https://twitter.com/McClain_on_NFL/status/446794795659177984

 

[SMU_Sox]

Great move as RFP is a very solid backup. I think he'll be an immediate upgrade and insurance policy especially if they take an undersized qb like manziel or Bridgewater.

 

[E5 Yaz]

A much more sensible choice. Fitz can start a couple games while their new QB gets settled in.

 
True, when they trade 33 for Mallett he has Fitzpatrick as insurance

 

[Ed Hillel]

Alive?
 
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10644839/matt-schaub-expected-traded-oakland-raiders-houston-texans
 
LOL Raiders, btw.

 

[axx]

Alive?
 
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10644839/matt-schaub-expected-traded-oakland-raiders-houston-texans
 
LOL Raiders, btw.

 
Remember, the Raiders had something like $65M in cap space, not to mention have to be well under the projected cap spend. It may not be a good use of the money, but they have to pay somebody.

 

[Cellar-Door]

Alive?
 
http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/10644839/matt-schaub-expected-traded-oakland-raiders-houston-texans
 
LOL Raiders, btw.

I don't think that is terrible for the Raiders. Schaub isn't good, but they have tons of cap space and he is better than what is on the roster. Also they can cut him for nothing next year. Not an awful deal for a 6th rounder.

 

[mascho]

First, I think that is a great move for the Raiders.  Schaub can come in and start, and they don't need to waste an early pick on a QB, they can wait and draft one in the later rounds, or even hold off and draft someone in 2015.  This is a team with a lot of money and a lot of holes.  So I think this is a smart deal from their point of view.  
 
The similar can be said for the Texans.  With Fitzpatrick now in town, they can draft Clowney, draft a QB late*, and even have Fitzpatrick as their starter.  Sure wouldn't be the "sexy" choice, but Houston has a lot of decent pieces in place.  
 
*Or, you know, trade for Mallett.  

 

[Ed Hillel]

First, I think that is a great move for the Raiders. Schaub can come in and start, and they don't need to waste an early pick on a QB, they can wait and draft one in the later rounds, or even hold off and draft someone in 2015. This is a team with a lot of money and a lot of holes. So I think this is a smart deal from their point of view.

 
 
I guess it depends on which Matt Schaub you think is going to show up, but if it's the guy from last year, I wouldn't start him over Terrell Pryor or Matt McGloin to begin with. I can see the argument that you give him a shot based on his past, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I think the best argument for having him is the "it takes up cap space they need to spend and they are out of the contract next year," but why not just overload the first year on a multi-year deals more desireable free agents at other positions? Obviously QB is the most important, but I really just have no faith whatsoever in Matt Schaub, especially since he'll be playing with less talent around him. I also don't understand why you give up a draft pick at all, even if it's the 6th round. Was there any sort of competition over Matt Schaub? If I were the Raiders, I would have asked for a draft pick back. That's how poorly I view Matt Schaub, especially at that price.

 

[Sox and Rocks]

 
 
I guess it depends on which Matt Schaub you think is going to show up, but if it's the guy from last year, I wouldn't start him over Terrell Pryor or Matt McGloin to begin with. I can see the argument that you give him a shot based on his past, but I wouldn't hold my breath. I think the best argument for having him is the "it takes up cap space they need to spend and they are out of the contract next year," but why not just overload the first year on a multi-year deals more desireable free agents at other positions? Obviously QB is the most important, but I really just have no faith whatsoever in Matt Schaub, especially since he'll be playing with less talent around him. I also don't understand why you give up a draft pick at all, even if it's the 6th round. Was there any sort of competition over Matt Schaub? If I were the Raiders, I would have asked for a draft pick back. That's how poorly I view Matt Schaub, especially at that price.

 
This is essentially what they've done with every signing this offseason.  They can cut bait on all of these guys next year and have another $60 million or more in cap space again next year. 
 
It's an interesting approach, and frankly, given the Raiders situation, probably the right one.  They have to become somewhat competitive again before the top notch free agents are interested in their money, so doing this allows the rebuild to happen quicker, even if not this year.  
 
Put another way (and regarding the Schaub deal, specifically), isn't Schaub for $10 million this year, with no guaranteed money/cap hit next year, better than outbidding the Jets for Vick at something like $6 million with a potential cap hit for next year?  

 

[soxhop411]

Jason McIntyre ‏@jasonrmcintyre  31s
More intriguing QB: Ryan Mallett of Pats or anyone in 2014 draft? Lots of NFL rumblings that Mallett gets dealt on draft weekend.
 
https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyre/status/458343786029252609
 

 

[E5 Yaz]

Who is Jason McIntyre? And why would he have heard all sorts of NFL rumblings when no one else at all is reporting it? 

 

[soxhop411]

Who is Jason McIntyre? And why would he have heard all sorts of NFL rumblings when no one else at all is reporting it? 

NFL reporter for http://thebiglead.com (which is part of USA Today Sports Media Group) I thought?
 
https://twitter.com/jasonrmcintyre

 

[dcmissle]

Check out Loyko's post at 9:29 this morning.

 

[DJnVa]

Check out Loyko's post at 9:29 this morning.

 
Where?
 
Per his profile, I don't see any posts here, don't see any tweets...

 

[Reverend]

 
Where?
 
Per his profile, I don't see any posts here, don't see any tweets...

 
It's in the Loyko thread, and dcmissile's SoSH clock needs resetting.

 

[Soxy]

Was just listening to the Dan Patrick Show and Dan mentioned a rumor of Tampa trading Mike Glennon to the Pats.  I hadn't heard anything on that, so I did some googling.  Found this:
 
 

According to ESPN’s Adam Kaplan, Glennon is “as good as gone” in Tampa Bay, which infers that the team will trade away with the sophomore quarterback at some point before the start of the 2014 campaign.
 
One team that has been rumored to be targeting Glennon is the New England Patriots, who have shown a significant interest in bringing aboard a young, potential-laden quarterback.
 
Now it seems farfetched considering the Patriots already have Ryan Mallett, a promising young passer, on the roster, but apparently the team isn’t solid on the former fourth-rounder. Rumors have gone around that he’ll be available via draft-day trade, which would open the door for the Patriots to either trade for another quarterback or draft one.

 
And this:
 

Schiano evaluated Glennon as the best quarterback in last year's draft. Perhaps he's shared that sentiment with football confidant Bill Belichick. Picking up Glennon for a mid-to-late-round draft pick would give the Patriots another option with Ryan Mallett due to hit free agency next offseason. It could also lead, in turn, to a Mallett trade.

 
Would probably be a coup to unload Mallett and end up with Glennon, depending on the picks involved.  Glennon has at least proven himself in games, something Mallett has yet to do.  
 
If you can essentially swap Mallett for Glennon by dropping a round or two in the draft, I would consider that a win.  Of course, if Glennon costs a 2nd and you can only get a 5th for Mallett, it's a non-starter.  That this draft is considered fairly deep at QB probably depresses whatever trade value both QBs have.

 

[NortheasternPJ]

The logic of the pats not being solid on Mallett so they're looking at Glennon is a dumb argument considering their contract lengths left.

 

[Infield Infidel]

Yeah, they trade a 3rd for Glennon and get a 4th for Mallett (or 4th/5th), I'm all for it. They'd drop one round to get a guy with game experience and three years left on his contract.

 

[dcmissle]

Which begs the question why the team that would give you a 4th for Mallet wouldn't prefer giving a 3rd for Glennon. Which would probably be better than the Pats' 3rd. As you point out, Glennon has seen much more real game action, and is under control for 2 more years, than Mallet.

I understand teams perhaps preferring Mallet, but by this point is based on some very stale game tape, and perhaps BoB's practice observations.

If the Pats were to trade for Glennon, I'd wait them out on Mallet and basically force them to keep 3 QBs on the roster before parting with a pick of any great value.