HOUSTON – A new name has hit the market that could shake up the NFL offseason just as the period of wheeling and dealing is set to begin. Brock Osweiler, the quarterback that was highly sought after just a year ago and then signed a massive contract with the Houston Texans, reportedly can be had by any team that gives the Texans the best offer.
Houston general manager Rick Smith would not specifically confirm that Osweiler is available by name, but did suggest the 26-year old, fifth-year pro could be had for the right price: “Everyone on our roster is always available if we get an offer that makes sense. And in one specific case, absolutely any offer would make sense. Just a 7th Round pick or maybe $45 in cash. Anything at all and the answer is ‘yes.’ Please put that quote in your story. Put in how I’ll take absolutely anything for him.”
Smith then followed up with a call in which he said to also let it be known that Houston is “more than willing” to pick up a “large portion” of the three years and $54 million left on the deal the former Broncos backup signed last March.
“Obviously, only an insane person would pay him that kind of money now,” said Smith. “He’s not worth half that, as I think we all saw last season. Please don’t quote this part, okay? I just want some team to come along and save me from the biggest mistake of my life. Everyone deserves a second chance. Even people who gave Brock Osweiler $72 million.”
The 49ers, Browns, Jets, Bills, Bears and Jaguars are all teams that are in the market for a new quarterback, but so far none have reached out about Osweiler. A darkhorse team to keep an eye on is the Patriots.
“I could see them trading for Osweiler, then let him sit on the bench for a year while everyone starts thinking he must be awesome because he’s Tom Brady’s backup,” said an NFL GM. “Then they trade him this time next year for two 1st Round draft picks. There are definitely teams dumb enough to do that.”
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