Marcell Dareus has been traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2018 6th round pick.
The Buffalo Bills have rid themselves of one of the more inflated contracts on their team. In fact, he was the highest paid player on Buffalo; right in front of right tackle, Cordy Glenn, and defensive end, Jerry Hughes.
According to sportrac.com:
"“Marcell Dareus signed a 6 year, $96,574,118 contract with the Buffalo Bills, including a $25,000,000 signing bonus, $60,000,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $16,095,686. In 2017, Dareus will earn a base salary of $5,735,294, while carrying a cap hit of $5,735,294 and a dead cap value of $13,085,294.”"
Marcell Dareus’ contract runs through 2021, and 2017 was one of the years that is lighter on the wallet.
Marcell Dareus joins an already scary Jaguars’ defense and will play along side with Calais Campbell and Malik Jackson. This front seven will wreak havoc on opposing offenses but don’t forget about their secondary. Jalen Ramsey and A.J. Bouye have been the best cornerback duo in the league.
Marcell Dareus is currently the 37th ranked inside defender with a season grade of 80.0 according to Pro Football Focus.
The Jaguars have the right mindset in that they need to keep improving. In this league, if you have a few good weeks it is possible to feel comfortable. You sit back and move forward with the players you currently have, instead of attempting to improve each and every week.
Marcell Dareus will reunite with Doug Marrone.
ESPN reports:
"“The Bills will save $5.73 million off their 2017 salary cap and $2.375 million off their 2018 salary cap by trading Dareus. They also shed the 2019 through 2021 years of Dareus’ deal at cap numbers of $16.985 million, $16 million and $14.65 million.”"
This surprise comes in a season that has been full of trades. Brandon Beane is not afraid to pull the trigger, already sending away top players such as Sammy Watkins and Ronald Darby. IF this trade works out as well as the former two did then the team should be in good shape.
I’m not sure how I feel about this trade right now. Marcell Dareus is a great player, but has struggled as of late with the Buffalo Bills.
Next: Buffalo Bills vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Risers and Fallers
How do you feel about this trade? Leave your thoughts in the comments below!