Dominate the Super Bowl

Chapter 550

Chapter 550: 549 Business Capability Chapter 550: 549 Business Capability On March 14, the NFL 2018 free agency market officially opened, undoubtedly becoming the busiest and most bustling day across the entire league.

According to official league statistics, there were over five hundred and fifty transactions that day, with all thirty-two teams involved without exception, vigorously marking the beginning of the new season.

Among them, the whereabouts of the Super Bowl Champions Kansas City Chiefs’ main quarterback, Smith, attracted significant attention and sparked intense discussions.

Logically and emotionally, the Kansas City Chiefs’ decision not to retain Smith was a minor shock and surprise, something the league hadn’t anticipated.

Over the past half-month, Chiefs fans had protested loudly, demanding that the Super Bowl champions keep their key player to victory.

However, insider information soon revealed.

The core reason the Chiefs and Smith couldn’t reach an agreement was down to salary demands that the Chiefs’ salary cap couldn’t accommodate, and letting him go was a reluctant move.

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Viewed from another angle, from the Chiefs’ decision to pick Mahomes in the first round of last season, Smith should have realized that his time at Arrowhead Stadium was counting down, but the Super Bowl was a surprise, and seizing the opportunity to leave Kansas City to seek a big contract—

That was truly the wise decision.

With these analyses surfacing, the Kansas City fans gradually quieted down.

A small portion of fans hurled insults at Smith, viewing his greed as revealing his true nature.

They felt he betrayed the Chiefs’ recognition, failed the city’s trust, and prioritized money above all, and he should be ousted from Kansas City.

But, it was futile.

The deed was already done.

The question then was, which team would Smith join?

Countless eyes focused on this, sparking widespread heated discussions.

Reality, however, brought more surprises.

Unexpectedly, on the opening day of the free market, a dark horse completely stole the spotlight and attention fiercely surged towards Minneapolis.

This time, not because of the Super Bowl.

The Minnesota Vikings, after a disappointing National Conference finals run last season, reflected deeply and initiated a series of aggressive moves during this offseason.

After failing in the pursuit of Smith, the team quickly shifted strategies.

And, on the opening day of the free market, they stole the entire league’s attention.

First, last season’s starting quarterback and former number one pick Sam Bradford was traded to the Arizona Cardinals.

Second, Case Keenum, who had a sensational performance as a backup last season becoming a talking point for the latter half of the season, was traded to the Denver Broncos.

In a breath, not one quarterback, but two quarterbacks were cleared out, and the Minnesota Vikings, like holding a massive clearance sale, transferred both quarterbacks out, clearing the spots and cap space, all while making way for a new target—

Cousins.

Secondly, full guarantee.

Not just the players, but the entire teams were also stunned.

Top to bottom, nearly everyone’s minds were engulfed by a storm—

At the forefront, Le’Veon Bell.

This star running back from the Pittsburgh Steelers had been striving diligently for a huge contract over the past two seasons, believing his performance deserved recognition.

Moreover, since the Pittsburgh Steelers were no longer the traditional strong defensive team, often relying on offense to clinch victories, Bell’s value had also substantially increased.

However, in the third year of Bell’s rookie contract, the Pittsburgh Steelers had refused his request for an extension, which had already caused him slight dissatisfaction.

Despite this, Bell diligently completed his third and fourth rookie years, becoming the league’s top running back; but what did Bell get?

An exclusive franchise tag.

Again, in the 2017 season, Bell delivered a top-three running back performance in the league, proving himself for three consecutive years.

Then, coming to the offseason, Bell hoped he could get corresponding recognition, but the Pittsburgh Steelers kept stalling, especially on the part of the guarantees, and no consensus was ever reached.

Now, seeing Cousins’ ordeal, who also had franchise tags in two consecutive seasons and still proved his capability in the previous season, Bell’s mind suddenly grew active.

The first thing he did was call his agent, only to receive explanations and deflections, and more persuasions to be patient, patient, patient.

Jesus Christ, he had been patient for two years, how much longer was he supposed to wait?

“Cousins?”

“Cousins!”

“Damn Cousins got a full guarantee, what’s his level, what’s mine?

Can’t I even secure a contract with a twenty million US Dollar annual salary?”

“Don’t tell me running back and quarterback aren’t the same.”

“Don’t!”

“If you can’t do it, I can contact Cousins’s agent.

I believe he wouldn’t mind trying to secure a history-making contract for the top running back of the past four seasons, striving for more honor for him.”

“Damn!”

“Screw you.”

“Damn!”

After a furious diatribe, Bell violently threw his phone onto the ground.@@@@