Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

[GoldenJet]

Hey all.

Wanted to re-introduce myself. It's been a while since I've posted a franchise so I thought I would do a quick write-up of what you can expect from this. Since Madden franchise mode is overall hot garbage, I'll be doing my best attempt at 32-team control to ensure nothing ridiculous happens within the league. I'll be consulting a lot of external resources to make sure I GM the team's as best and as realistically as I can.

With that being said, I'll be running with my favorite team, the New England Patriots primarily. Bill Belichick will still be in charge, so I'll try and run the team as he would with a little bit of a twist. This dynasty will be writing-heavy, so bear with me as we get our feet wet.

Lastly, I need to thank Maize08 and trekfan for giving me the blueprint and the inspiration to throw my hat back in the ring. I've been writing these kinds of blueprints since I was a teenager and have gotten the itch to get back into it. This chise will look fairly similar to Maize's as we get underway, but I promise, it'll gain its own identity very soon.

Anyways, to the nitty-gritty.

Game Settings
Game: Madden 21
System: Xbox One
Start Time: End of NFL Regular Season
Difficulty: All-Pro*
Quarter Length: 10 Minutes*
Gameplay Sliders: To be determined
Draft Classes: TheFranchiseGuy's Draft Classes for 2021 & 2022

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots


New England Patriots Franchise Records

Retired Numbers
20 - Gino Cappelleti (1960-1970)
40 - Mike Haynes (1976-1982)
57 - Steve Nelson (1974-1987)
73 - John Hannah (1973-1985)
78 - Bruce Armstrong (1987-2000)
79 - Jim Lee Hunt (1960-1970)
89 - Bob Dee (1960-1967)

Overall Record: 519-404-9
NFL Championships: 2001, 2003, 2004, 2014, 2016, 2018
AFC Championships: 1985, 1996, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2007, 2011, 2014, 2016, 2017, 2018
AFC East Divisional Titles: 1978, 1986, 1996, 1997, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019

Team Records
Passing
Passing Yards (Game): Tom Brady - 517 (09/12/2011)
Passing Yards (Season): Tom Brady - 5,435 (2011)
Passing Yards (Career): Tom Brady - 74,571 (2000-2019)
Passing Touchdowns (Game): Tom Brady - 6 (10/16/2009)
Passing Touchdowns (Season): Tom Brady - 50 (2007)
Passing Touchdowns (Career): Tom Brady - 541 (2000-2019)
Rushing
Rushing Yards (Game): Tony Collins - 212 (09/18/1983_
Rushing Yards (Season): Corey Dillon - 1,635 (2004)
Rushing Yards (Career): Sam Cunningham - 5,453 (1973-1982)
Rushing Touchdowns (Game): Jonas Gray - 4 (11/16/2014)
Rushing Touchdowns (Season): LeGarrette Blount - 18 (2016)
Rushing Touchdowns (Career): Jim Nance - 45 (1965-1971)
Receiving
Receptions (Game): Tied - 16 receptions (Last: Wes Welker - 9/25/2011)
Receptions (Season): Wes Welker - 123 (2009)
Receptions (Career): Wes Welker - 672 (2007-2012)
Receiving Yards (Game): Wes Welker - 217 (09/25/2011)
Receiving Yards (Season): Wes Welker - 1,569 (2011)
Receiving Yards (Career): Stanley Morgan - 10,352 (1977-1989)
Receiving Touchdowns (Game): Randy Moss - 4 (11/18/2007)
Receiving Touchdowns (Season): Randy Moss - 23 (2007)
Receiving Touchdowns (Career): Rob Gronkowski - 79 (2010-2018)
Defense
Tackles (Game): Jerod Mayo - 16 (11/13/2008)
Tackles (Season): Jerod Mayo - 173 (2010)
Tackles (Career): Vincent Brown - 737 (1988-1995)
Sacks (Game): Andre Carter - 4 (11/13/2011)
Sacks (Season): Andre Tippett - 18.5 (1984)
Sacks (Career): Andre Tippett - 100 (1982-1993)
Interceptions (Game): Tied - 3 (Last: Leigh Bodden - 11/22/2009)
Interceptions (Season): Asante Samuel - 10 (2006)
Interceptions (Career): Raymond Clayborn (1977-1989) & Ty Law (1995-2004) - 36

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

Season in Review

2020
Overall Record: 8-8
Season Finish: Missed Playoffs
AFC Standings (Division): 9th in AFC (3rd in East)
Player Recognition: ST Matthew Slater (1st Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl), P Jake Bailey (Pro Bowl), PR Gunner Olszewski (Pro Bowl)
Offensive MVP: QB Cam Newton
Defensive MVP: CB JC Jackson
NFL MVP: GB Aaron Rodgers, Quarterback
Super Bowl Champion: Kansas City Chiefs

2021
Overall Record: 12-4
Season Finish: Lost in AFC Divisional Round, Kansas City
AFC Standings (Division): 3rd in AFC (1st in East)
Player Recognition: HB Todd Gurley II (Pro Bowl), FB Danny Vitale (Pro Bowl), G Shaq Mason (1st Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl), C David Andrews (2nd Team All-Pro), MLB Lavonte David (1st Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl), CB Stephon Gilmore (1st Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl) P Jake Bailey (1st Team All-Pro, Pro Bowl)
Offensive MVP: HB Todd Gurley II
Defensive MVP: MLB Lavonte David
NFL MVP: KC Patrick Mahomes, Quarterback
Super Bowl Champion: Tampa Bay Buccaneers

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

Save II - League Reviews

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

The Dynasty Era - Kansas City goes back to back
In a battle between upstart, MVP caliber quarterbacks Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson, the Kansas City Chiefs win the Super Bowl to remain supreme

Associated Press -- The dynasty has officially begun.

The Kansas City Chiefs have officially won back-to-back Super Bowls, defeating the Seattle Seahawks by a score of 34-18. Wide receiver Mecole Hardman was named Super Bowl MVP, leading the Chiefs with four receptions for 153 receiving yards and two touchdowns, including an 88-yard swing pass that blew the doors wide open for the team.

Despite an off night from quarterback Patrick Mahomes, in which he threw two interceptions (one of which was ran back for a touchdown), the Kansas City Chiefs were able to out-maneuver the Seattle Seahawks behind a strong effort from their defense. Mahomes would still manage to throw two touchdowns, completing 18 of 27 attempts for 289 passing yards.

The Chiefs’ defense put great pressure on the Seahawks’ offense, limiting quarterback Russell Wilson to finishing with a measly 59.8 QBR, throwing for 270 passing yards while completing 23 of his 44 attempts for a touchdown, while throwing two interceptions. Anthony Hitchens and Bashaud Breeland would cause the two turnovers.

There is high speculation on how the Chiefs will look next year. Head Coach Andy Reid has been included in retirement rumors for the better part of the season, while star offensive coordinator Eric Bienemy has been one of the highly coveted coaches to take over one of the many coaching vacancies around the league.

For now, Chiefs’ faithful can sit back and smell the roses. The Lombardi Trophy will remain with them for another year.

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

MVP Aaron Rodgers headlines 1st team All-Pro list

Associated Press -- It seems as though the ongoing discussion around the top quarterbacks nowadays in the National Football League constantly revolving around Kansas City Chiefs' quarterback Patrick Mahomes and Houston Texans' quarterback Deshaun Watson has ruffled the feathers of one of the best that has ever done it.

Ladies and gentlemen, Aaron Rodgers would like his crown back. Shined and buffed preferably.

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, 37 years young, has picked up a third MVP trophy (2011, 2014, and now, 2020) while picking up his third berth as a first-team All-Pro after backstopping the Packers to the top seed in the NFC. The Packers, despite a heroic effort from Rodgers, would be shut down in the NFC Championship Game by Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks.

New Orleans Saints' quarterback Drew Brees, who is spending the summer contemplating his career after a superb season that unfortunately saw the team beat by the same Seahawks in the Divisional Round, would beat out Buffalo Bills quarterback and Offensive Player of the Year Josh Allen for the 2nd-team All-Pro spot.

Other notable inclusions on the All-Pro teams include Denver Broncos' rookie wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and Washington Football Team's Rookie of the Year Chase Young.

The list can be found below:

All-Pro
QB: 1st - Aaron Rodgers (GB) | 2nd - Drew Brees (NO)
HB: 1st - Nick Chubb (CLE) | 2nd - Ezekiel Elliott (DAL)
WR: 1st - Jerry Jeudy (DEN), Allen Lazard (GB), Stefon Diggs (BUF) | 2nd - Julio Jones (ATL), Larry Fitzgerald (ARI), Keenan Allen (LAC)
TE: 1st - Trey Burton (IND) | 2nd - Jimmy Graham (CHI)
T: 1st - Terron Armstead (NO), Trent Brown (LV) | 2nd - Trent Williams (SF), Tristan Wirfs (TB)
G: 1st - Quenton Nelson (IND), David DeCastro (PIT) | 2nd - Ali Marpet (TB), Joel Bitonio (CLE)
C: 1st - Rodney Hudson (LV) | 2nd - Ryan Jensen (TB)
ED: 1st - Myles Garrett (CLE), Za’Darius Smith (GB) | 2nd - Frank Clark (KC), Chase Young (WSH)
IL: 1st - Aaron Donald (LAR), DeForest Buckner (IND) | 2nd - Fletcher Cox (PHI), J.J. Watt (HOU)
LB: 1st - Sean Lee (DAL), Fred Warner (SF), Vince Williams (PIT) | 2nd - Shaq Thompson (CAR), Jamie Collins (DET), Bobby Wagner (SEA)
CB: 1st - Marshon Lattimore (NO), Marlon Humphrey (BAL) | 2nd - Marcus Peters (BAL), Patrick Peterson (ARI)
S: 1st - Minkah Fitzpatrick (PIT), Tyrann Mathieu (KC) | 2nd - Jamal Adams (SEA), Karl Joseph (CLE)
K: 1st - Mason Crosby (GB) | Justin Tucker (BAL)
P: 1st - Riley Dixon (NYG) | Jack Fox (DET)
KR: 1st - CeeDee Lamb (DAL) | Danny Amendola (DET)
PR: 1st - Cordarrelle Patterson (CHI) | 2nd - Christian McCaffrey (CAR)
ST: 1st - Mathew Slater (NE) | George Odum (IND)

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

Patriots' twin DBs Devin and Jason McCourty announce retirement

Associated Press -- For the first time in nearly 11 years, the New England Patriots will field a team without a player named McCourty on the roster.

In a joint statement, the McCourty Twins - defensive backs Devin and Jason - announced that they will be retiring after a disappointing season that saw the Patriots miss the playoffs and finally release their decade-long grip on the AFC East title crown.

Devin McCourty, one of the few Patriots’ defensive mainstays over the years, was drafted by the team in the 2010 NFL Draft 27th overall out of Rutgers University. Since then, including a transition from cornerback to free safety, the Patriots have been carefully guided by his All-star play, as he was named to the Pro Bowl twice in his career (2010 & 2016) and was a three-time member of the 2nd-team All-Pro list (2010, 2013, and 2016). He has also won three Super Bowls with the team.

Jason McCourty came out of Rutgers University a year before his twin, being drafted in the sixth round, 203rd overall by the Tennessee Titans, where he spent eight years before signing a free-agent contract with the Cleveland Browns. There, McCourty was one of the few good players on the Browns’ winless team before being traded to the Patriots. He would join his brother Devin, and together, the two would win Jason’s first and only Super Bowl. This would make the McCourty’s the only set of twins in NFL history to win a Super Bowl on the same team.

The Patriots, with rumors swirling that they will not be resigning cornerback JC Jackson and looking into possible trades for former Defensive Player of the Year cornerback Stephon Gilmore, will be looking to remodel their secondary that could virtually look much different next season.

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

Changing of the Guard: AP & Fitzgerald headline retirement announcements

Associated Press -- The more we see things stay the same, as it seems like quarterbacks Ben Roethlisberger out of Pittsburgh and Drew Brees out of New Orleans will be returning for the 2021 season, the more we see things change.

It was announced almost 45 minutes apart that Hall of Fame-caliber wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald of the Arizona Cardinals and superstar runningback Adrian Peterson will both be hanging up the cleats and retiring.

Larry Fitzgerald enjoyed a season finally not being the number one receiver, sticking behind recently-acquired superstar DeAndre Hopkins, putting up an underwhelming 54 catches for 409 receiving yards and a touchdown. He is three years removed from a 1,000-yard season and though the Cardinals' fortunes are looking up, he has decided that enough is enough.

Fitzgerald is top five in all major receiver categories and has spent his entire career with Arizona since being drafted third overall in the 2004 NFL Draft out of the University of Pittsburgh.

Adrian Peterson entered the NFL after being the seventh overall pick in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Minnesota Vikings after a star-studded collegiate career at the University of Oklahoma.

Peterson is a four-time 1st-team All-Pro and was the MVP of the 2012 season after coming just a mere nine yards from breaking Eric Dickerson's single-season rushing record.

Peterson enjoyed one-year stints with the New Orleans Saints and Arizona Cardinals before joining the Washington Redskins, where he had a short career renaissance with another 1,000-yard season before finishing his career with the Detroit Lions.

Other notable retirements including Philadelphia Eagles' tackle Jason Peters, Dallas Cowboys' linebacker, and recent All-Pro Sean Lee, and free-agent linebacker Terrell Suggs.

Other Notable Retirements:
TE Greg Olsen
HB LeSean McCoy
DE Calais Campbell
T Andrew Whitworth
TE Jason Witten
S Devin McCourty
CB Jason McCourty
LB Thomas Davis
HB Frank Gore
QB Joe Flacco
K Adam Vinatieri
WR Ted Ginn Jr.
S T.J. Ward
C Ryan Kalil
CB Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie
T Donald Penn
S Antoine Bethea
LB Cameron Wake
DE Terrell Suggs

[slicknick3822]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

You really missed the opportunity to name this The Empire Strikes Back lol. I'm following and excited to see what you do with the Patriots. Hopefully having a few of the defensive starters that opted out this year irl back will help!

[Careless Whisper]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

I'm following! Really enjoying these offseason articles, they're written well.

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

New England Patriots' Off-Season Preview

Associated Press -- After announcements serviced that former Detroit Lions' head coach Matt Patricia would be returning to the New England Patriots' brass in some form and they would also be retaining offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels for at least another season after other teams went in different directions with their head coaching positions, the Patriots dove head-first into their resigning phase.

The biggest priorities for the Patriots were making decisions on All-Pro-caliber guard Joe Thuney and turnover-machine cornerback JC Jackson.

Thuney, 28, played the previous season under the franchise tag when the two sides were unable to come to a deal. He was thrust all over the Patriots' offensive line, playing center when David Andrews was littered with injuries. More on Andrews is coming later.

Thuney, who made his way onto the 2019 second All-Pro team, is expected to reset the guard market with the highest-paid deal. This, as expected, is too rich for the Patriots' taste - especially with the team currently uncertain in what direction they will be going into.

The same went for JC Jackson. He filled in for times when top cornerback Stephon Gilmore was out of the lineup with injuries and performed great as the team's number one corner. With rumors that Gilmore may end up being traded this off-season, some expected the Patriots to make more of an effort to complete a deal for Gilmore and extend Jackson. However, with free agency looming, Gilmore is still a Patriot and Jackson is expected to be a headliner on the market.

The Patriots have given center David Andrews the Joe Thuney-treatment, as the team could not come to terms on a long-term contract but have placed the franchise tag on him, which Andrews promptly signed. The tag is worth $12.4 million.

"I have high hopes that we can get a long-term deal done early into the season, as soon as possible - New England is where I want to be for the long haul" Andrews commented through his agent.

The Patriots have also left quarterback Cam Newton, running back James White, and defensive end Lawrence Guy to hit the market. Though they have left the door open for these players to return on cheaper deals with all the cap space the Patriots have, the expectation is that they are replaced.

Longtime linebacker and 2020 opt-out Dont'a Hightower has also announced that he will be hitting free agency as well, looking to compete for one last Super Bowl championship.

It has been a long time since the New England Patriots have possessed so much cap space, and with so many superstars expected to hit free agency or be released, it is bound to be an interesting off-season.

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

FREE AGENCY PREVIEW
Released Von Miller, Jadeveon Clowney headline star-studded cast

Associated Press -- With the opening of the free agency period on the horizon, the NFL has seen an insane number of players be released from their contracts to join the multitude of players that could not come to terms on a new contract with their respective teams.

There are also a number of significant quarterbacks that we can see be traded. After the emergence of rookie quarterback Jalen Hurts, incumbent starter Carson Wentz has been rumored to be on the move. Though the Philadelphia Eagles, still on the hunt for their next head coach after Doug Pederson was given his walking papers, may believe that Wentz will make it at least to training camp.

San Francisco's Jimmy Garoppolo, Detroit's Matthew Stafford, and most notably, Houston's ace Deshaun Watson are some of the biggest names to watch. Watson, with the turnover of the Texans' roster and the lack of trust between the Clemson alumni and the executive staff, has led to him reportedly requesting a trade.

Here is a list compiled of all the players expected to be available this off-season:

Top Free Agent Options
QB - Philip Rivers, Cam Newton, Jameis Winston, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Mitch Trubisky
HB - Marlon Mack, Le’Veon Bell, James Conner, Todd Gurley II, Jamaal Williams
WR - Allen Robinson II, Kenny Golladay, Corey Davis, Antonio Brown, Brandin Cooks
TE - Rob Gronkowski, Zach Ertz, Jared Cook, Robert Tonyan, Trey Burton
T - Trent Williams, Russell Okung, Alejandro Villanueva, D.J. Fluker, Cameron Erving
G - Joe Thuney, Laurent Duvernay-Tardif, Brian Winters, Matt Feiler, Quinton Spain
C - Corey Linsley, Mike Pouncey, Austin Reiter, Jon Halapio, Ben Garland
DE - Melvin Ingram II, Leonard Williams, Olivier Vernon, Brandon Graham, Trey Hendrickson
DT - Damon Harrison Sr, Sheldon Rankins, Jonathan Hankins, Gerald McCoy, Poona Ford
OLB - Jadeveon Clowney, Von Miller, Matthew Judon, K.J. Wright, Leonard Floyd
ILB - Lavonte David, Dont’a Hightower, Avery Williamson, Alexander Johnson, Reuben Foster
CB - Shaquil Griffin, Richard Sherman, JC Jackson, Desmond King II, William Jackson III
S - Marcus Williams, Earl Thomas III, Marcus Maye, Logan Ryan, Malik Hooker
K - Younghoe Koo, Zan Gonzalez, Ryan Succop, Aldrick Rosas, Stephen Gostkowski
P - Sam Koch, Matt Bosher, Jordan Berry, Hunter Niswander, Cameron Johnston

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

NEWTON HEADS TO THE CAPITOL
Former Patriots QB heads to Washington; rejoins HC Ron Rivera

Associated Press -- For the third straight season, the New England Patriots will have a new starting quarterback under center. As one of the first dominos of free agency to fall, quarterback Cam Newton has agreed to a one-year deal worth approximately $21 million with the Washington Football Team. This deal will have Newton joining forces with his former head coach Ron Rivera.

The two made waves during Newton's eight-year tenure with the Carolina Panthers after Rivera selected him with the first overall pick in the 2011 NFL Draft out of Auburn after he won both the Heisman Trophy and a national championship. The two would go on to reach a Super Bowl (though quickly disposed of by the Denver Broncos) during Newton's MVP run in 2015.

It seems as though that was the peak for Cam Newton - he would go on to have multiple injury-plagued seasons as the Panthers fell out of Super Bowl contention. After the 2019 season, Rivera was dismissed as head coach, and Newton was released.

Rivera would become the head coach for the Washington Football Team and lead them to an NFC East Divison Title while Newton would sign with the New England Patriots; effectively trying to step into the biggest shoes ever left - Tom Brady's.

The Patriots, devoid of any offensive weapons and facing the most COVID-19 opt-outs heading into the NFL season, would flounder in their first season post-Brady, falling to third in the AFC East race and out of the playoffs. Some would say Newton performed poorly, while others would point to the anemic Patriots' offensive cast that surrounded him.

Newton would reach free agency after the two sides could not initially come to terms on a new extension. It was reported that Newton wanted security such a longer-term and assurances that the Patriots would secure top-tier talent on offense while it is assumed that with their 15th overall pick in the upcoming draft, the Patriots will be looking at a quarterback. Though neither side ruled out a possible reunion deeper into free agency, Washington came calling with a better quarterback situation for Cam Newton.

A familiar system, the doubt that Alex Smith is going to be able to play in the upcoming season with all of his injury concerns, and Dwayne Haskins being basically out the door left Washington's quarterback job up for grabs. With the opportunity to play with promising upstart wide receiver Terry McLaurin - it immediately became a more appealing job than in New England.

Newton will be attempting to bounce back after the worst statistical season of his career while the Patriots will be looking for a new quarterback.

The Washington Football Team is also very likely to sign guard Matt Feiler away from the cash-strapped Pittsburgh Steelers to continue to shore up their offensive line. Feiler, 28, is one of the top guard options not named Joe Thuney and has received a ton of offers.

The team is also reportedly finishing up a deal with safety Ha Ha Clinton-Dix, who was last signed by the Dallas Cowboys at the beginning of last season but was released after Week 1. Clinton-Dix, after multiple health concerns, is looking to bounce back and re-establish his NFL career after a season off.

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

ALL IN THE FAMILY
Former All-Pro receiver Antonio Brown joins cousin in Baltimore

Associated Press -- All things being considered, the Antonio Brown-career renaissance will be taking its next tour stop in Baltimore, Maryland. It was recently announced that the former All-Pro wide receiver will be signing a two-year contract worth approximately $18 million.

Interestingly enough, Brown will be joining his cousin, wide receiver Marquise "Hollywood" Brown on the Ravens. The Baltimore Ravens were originally rumored to be one of the teams interested in Brown's services during the 2019 season during his personal life-imposed exodus from the NFL.

Brown was originally drafted by the Pittsburgh Steelers in the sixth round, 195th overall in the 2010 NFL Draft out of Central Michigan. He would go on to have a star-studded tenure with the Steelers, going to the Pro Bowl seven times, becoming a first-team All-Pro four different times, and leading the league in receptions and receiving yards two times.

After a tumultuous, drawn-out departure from the Steelers after multiple conflicts with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, head coach Mike Tomlin, and multiple other teammates (namely fellow wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster), Brown would be granted a release and promptly signed with the then-Oakland Raiders. He would never suit up with the Raiders, after bringing a toxic environment to the tea, he would again be released and signed with Tom Brady and the New England Patriots.

Unfortunately, this union would only last one game, as allegations of assault and multiple character mistakes by Brown would lead to his release once again.

After many more infractions, including social media tirades and personal life mishaps, Brown would eventually land with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers late in the 2020 season, reuniting with Brady.

The Ravens are desperate for wide receiver help to make the next jump and give the Kansas City Chiefs a run for their money in the AFC. Brown was formerly the undisputed top wide receiver in the NFL with the Ravens hoping he has a bit more juice left in him.

The Ravens have also brought back tackle D.J. Fluker for more offensive line help and are reportedly trying to add a bigger bodied-receiver to move Brown into the slot.

[GoldenJet]

Re: Return of the Empire | New England Patriots

KING'S RANSOM
BREAKING NEWS: Texans trade QB Deshaun Watson to Miami

Associated Press -- On September 5th, 2020, the Houston Texans made a financial commitment to star quarterback Deshaun Watson. He signed a four-year contract worth $177.5 million - the second-largest contract in NFL history behind Kansas City Chiefs' mega-star Patrick Mahomes.

One could say that since the signing of that contract, it has all been downhill from there.

The Texans traded Watson's top target and superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins to the Arizona Cardinals after a difference of opinion between Hopkins and former head coach and general manager Bill O'Brien. Hopkins knew he was a top receiver in the league and wanted his contract to reflect that. O'Brien bet otherwise, traded Hopkins for talented, but often-injured running back David Johnson, and went and got wide receiver (also often-injured) Brandin Cooks from the Los Angeles Rams.

In case you were wondering, Bill O'Brien is now the offensive coordinator for the University of Alabama after getting axed. Very telling of how that trade went.

Since then, the tension has been slowly building between the Texans' top players and the front office. The Texans' alleged lack of consulting their franchise player on moves have drawn constant criticism from the NFL and even former legend Andre Johnson recommended Watson stick to his guns and request a trade away from the floundering franchise.

That trade has finally come.

Deshaun Watson has been traded to the Miami Dolphins for quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and the 5th and 18th overall picks in the upcoming 2021 NFL Draft.

Many teams, including the Las Vegas Raiders, New York Jets, and Denver Broncos made compelling offers to the Texans for Watson, but the most realistic destination has always been the Dolphins. Acquiring Watson has now made Miami one of the leading contenders for the Super Bowl next season.

Tagovailoa split time as the starting quarterback with veteran quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick last season, leading the team to a 10-6 record and finishing just outside of the playoffs. The Dolphins were non-committal to Tagovailoa going forward as the Watson trade rumors began to heat up.

The former 5th overall pick out of Alabama will have the opportunity to start for rebuilding franchise in Houston who is reportedly now trying to unload franchise icon, J.J. Watt, so that he may finish out his career playing for a Super Bowl opportunity.