Garrett, Samuel Trades: PFF's Take

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Post on Feb 11, 2025

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Garrett, Samuel Trades: PFF's Take

The NFL offseason is a whirlwind of activity, and this year was no exception. Two significant trades dominated headlines: the Cleveland Browns' trade of star defensive end Jadeveon Clowney and the Los Angeles Rams' trade of veteran cornerback Jalen Ramsey. Pro Football Focus (PFF) weighed in on both, offering insightful analysis on the implications for all teams involved. Let's delve into PFF's perspective on these impactful moves.

PFF's Analysis of the Jadeveon Clowney Trade

The Cleveland Browns sent Jadeveon Clowney to the Carolina Panthers, a move that surprised many given Clowney's potential impact. PFF highlighted several key aspects of this trade:

Why the Browns Moved On:

• Contractual Concerns: PFF noted Clowney's hefty contract and the Browns' need to allocate resources elsewhere. His performance hadn't quite matched the financial investment, making him a potential salary cap casualty.
• Scheme Fit: PFF speculated that Clowney's best fit might be in a different defensive scheme than what the Browns employed. This lack of ideal scheme alignment could have contributed to his diminished effectiveness.
• Emerging Talent: The Browns likely saw the emergence of younger players on their defensive line as a reason to move on from Clowney. Investing in the development of these players might yield greater long-term benefits.

Why the Panthers Acquired Him:

• Pass-Rush Improvement: The Panthers, desperately needing to improve their pass rush, saw Clowney as a valuable asset. PFF emphasized his ability to generate pressure, even if his overall production has fluctuated in recent seasons.
• Veteran Leadership: Clowney's experience and leadership could be beneficial to a young Panthers defense. PFF highlighted the potential mentorship aspect as a valuable addition.
• Scheme Suitability: The Panthers' defensive scheme was deemed by PFF as a better fit for Clowney’s skillset, potentially unlocking his full potential.

PFF's Analysis of the Jalen Ramsey Trade

The Los Angeles Rams, in a surprising move, traded Jalen Ramsey to the Miami Dolphins. This trade sent shockwaves through the league, prompting extensive analysis from PFF.

Why the Rams Traded Ramsey:

• Salary Cap Constraints: Similar to the Clowney trade, PFF pointed to significant salary cap issues as a primary driver. Ramsey’s contract presented a significant financial burden for the Rams.
• Performance Dip: PFF acknowledged a perceived decline in Ramsey's performance in recent seasons. Though still a talented player, his production might not have justified his high salary.
• Roster Restructuring: The Rams were clearly undertaking a significant roster rebuild, and trading Ramsey was a necessary step in that process. This allowed them to acquire draft capital, freeing up cap space for future investments.

Why the Dolphins Acquired Him:

• Defensive Upgrade: The Dolphins, aiming to bolster their already strong defense, viewed Ramsey as an elite talent capable of elevating their secondary. PFF underlined his potential to become a cornerstone of their defense.
• Super Bowl Aspirations: The Dolphins made it clear their aim is to contend for a Super Bowl. Acquiring Ramsey demonstrates their commitment to building a championship-caliber roster. PFF recognized this move as a significant statement of intent.
• Scheme Fit: Similar to Clowney, PFF also analyzed the scheme fit and concluded that Ramsey's skills aligned well with the Dolphins' defensive system.

Conclusion: PFF's Overall Perspective

PFF's analysis of both the Clowney and Ramsey trades indicates a trend of teams prioritizing salary cap management and strategic roster construction. While both players remain highly talented, their contracts and perceived performance levels led to these significant trades. Both the Panthers and Dolphins made calculated moves to improve their teams, while the Browns and Rams initiated necessary roster overhauls. PFF's detailed breakdowns provide valuable insights into the strategic considerations underlying these high-profile NFL transactions. The impact of these moves will undoubtedly be felt throughout the 2023-2024 NFL season.