That was a stupid move from the start - Keim was desperate and overpaid for a middling talent that the Ravens were desperate to unload. I think the Eagles would say they were happy to trade a first for AJ Brown - did they force a star/superstar?
That's a great case. People get mad when it's noted that Monti was involved in that decision (if not the trigger man). That trade was obviously a mistake by the Titans in real time -- not just in retrospect. Their GM got fired a year later. I don't care how impatient Brown was for an extension.
From the Eagles' perspective, they were probably trying to keep a window open after making the playoffs in 2021. It worked. Even if AJ Brown remained an 900 yard-type receiver it helps your young QB in Jalen Hurts and maybe opens up stuff for your highly drafted WR prospect DeVonta Smith.
They got way more out of that deal than they expected, I think. AJ Brown's salary cap numbers the past three seasons have been $5.7MM (2022), $8.3MM (2023), and $12.4MM (2024). That's an amazing value.
Howie Roseman obviously knows how this works.
5-8 wins - the Cardinal way. 3 year rebuilds are the expectation these days?
No. It sucks! But it certainly seems like that's an acceptable timeline for Michael. A 2024 season where we were fewer than six games will suck very much.