- Near The NFL Writer
- Published: July 15, 2016 at 2:22 p.m.
- Updated: July 15, 2016 at 04:00 p.m.
Three trades occurred on this relatively normal Friday afternoon that not only solidified the AFC East as the NFL's toughest division but also its most ambitious.
First, the New York Jets made an aggressive move to pick up Vic Beasley from the Atlanta Falcons for their 2017 2nd round pick and OLB Bud Dupree. Coach Todd Bowles has been raving about the fast and explosive Beasly since coaching the Clemson product at the 2015 Senior Bowl.
"I am through the roof," Bowles said. "To me, he has the potential to be defensive player of the year right now. This is amazing for our team."
Moments later, Rex Ryan declared that his team is officially in 'win-now' mode by acquiring 31-year old wide-receiver Jordy Nelson from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for their 2017 1st round pick and wide-receiver Mohamed Sanu.
Nelson, coming off a torn ACL, should be an explosive weapon for Aaron Rodgers.
"I met him today and it's like we've been together for years," Rodgers said. "The chemistry is palpable and it will be fun to work with him."
Not to be left out, the New England Patriots and Miami Dolphins collaborated to send newly drafted Jacoby Brissett (2016 3rd round compensatory selection) and a 2017 6th round pick to the Dolphins for a 2017 second round pick.
With Matt Moore firmly entrenched as Tom Brady's backup, head coach Bill Belichick is betting on Moore to get the team through the upcoming 4-game suspension for Brady to start 2016.
"The plan was to groom Jacoby (Brissett) for the future," Belichick said. "But they (Miami) are high on him too. We can address our long-term quarterback plans in the future and use this 2nd round to help our team next moving forward."
