Jaylen Hurts Untouchable? Trade Value List Sparks Debate

NFL Trade Value Rankings Spark Fierce Debate

The NFL offseason is a time for speculation, and the latest buzz surrounds a new trade value ranking that has sparked a heated discussion among football analysts. On The Dominique Foxworth Show, hosts Dominique Foxworth and Charlie Kravitz, joined by Kevin Clark, dove deep into the complex world of player value, attempting to rank who is truly ‘untradeable’ and who might be on the move.

Tier 8: The ‘Maybe We’ll Talk’ Group

The conversation kicked off with a look at players who, while valuable, could theoretically be moved for the right package. This extensive list included rising stars like Devin Witherspoon, Brock Bowers, and CeeDee Lamb, alongside established talents such as Nick Bosa and TJ Watt. However, one name that immediately raised eyebrows was Jalen Hurts.

The Jalen Hurts one jumps out because it’s a big name and it’s interesting. I am surprised that you put him in this category because I would have expected you to not put him in this category.

Foxworth questioned the inclusion of Hurts, a franchise quarterback, in a tier where players might be traded for a first-round pick or two. The general consensus among the hosts was that top quarterbacks, due to their immense value, are virtually untouchable. The difficulty in ranking players was highlighted, with Clark admitting, ‘After the top tiers of quarterbacks and really clear guys, it becomes a lot muddier.’

The Quarterback Conundrum and Positional Value

A major sticking point in the discussion was the concept of positional value. While players like AJ Brown might be incredibly talented, their trade value can be limited by large contracts. Conversely, a player like Jared Verse, a pass rusher with team-friendly contract control, was argued to have higher trade value than some established veterans.

The debate also touched on the evolving view of running backs. Despite the common narrative that ‘running backs don’t matter,’ the hosts acknowledged the impact players like Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs could have on a contending team. The difference in pay between a rookie contract and a second deal for running backs was noted, suggesting that elite backs on rookie deals could be valuable trade assets for teams looking to make a Super Bowl push.

Untouchable or Overvalued?

The conversation shifted to a tier of quarterbacks considered ‘not tradable,’ featuring names like Bo Nix, CJ Stroud, Jared Goff, Sam Darnold, and Baker Mayfield. The hosts debated whether any of these signal-callers would be worth the first overall pick in the current draft. While some argued that teams might reset with a new quarterback, others believed certain players, like Goff, have a higher floor due to their contracts and experience.

A hypothetical trade involving Jalen Hurts for any of these quarterbacks led to a strong consensus: most teams would say no. This reinforced the idea that Hurts, despite his inclusion in the earlier tier, is considered a cornerstone player by his team.

Tier 6: High Upside and Veteran Presence

The next tier included players like Trevor Lawrence, Matthew Stafford, Kyle Hamilton, and Puka Nacua. Lawrence’s inclusion was justified by his strong second half of the season and the optimism surrounding new coaching. Stafford, despite his age, was acknowledged as a player who immediately elevates a team’s Super Bowl chances, with the hosts debating which teams he would make contenders.

The discussion also touched on the impact of coaching and situation on player value. Players like Brock Bowers and Tyler Warren, while immensely talented tight ends, might have their trade value capped due to the position’s perceived importance compared to others. The example of Kyle Pitts, a highly drafted tight end who hasn’t reached his full potential, was used to illustrate how a player’s situation can affect their on-field effectiveness and, consequently, their trade value.

The ‘Fixer’ Mentality

A fascinating tangent emerged when discussing the mentality of teams that pursue players who might be considered ‘projects.’ The story of Victor Zambrano and Scott Kazmir, a trade that became legendary Mets lore for its failure, highlighted the ego and risk involved when a team believes its coaching staff can ‘fix’ a player others have given up on. This often leads to overpaying or trading away valuable assets.

The trade value rankings, while subjective and open to debate, provided a compelling look at how players are perceived in the NFL. The interplay of talent, age, contract, and team situation creates a complex puzzle that front offices constantly try to solve.

Source: NFL trade value rankings with Kevin Clark | The Domonique Foxworth Show (YouTube)