A few thoughts on Deshaun and his no-trade clause

There are going to have to be rule changes in the NFL regarding the NTC. Deshaun has set the precedent now that the NTC can be used like an opt-out where a QB can demand a trade, create his own market by compiling a list of acceptable teams, and pick whichever team is the highest bidder; all while under contract to his current team. And unlike an opt-out there are no limitations. A NTC can be invoked at any time, all the player has to do is demand a trade.

I think that more QBs around the league are going to start demanding a NTC now before signing with a team or they will go elsewhere. Kyler Murray comes to mind as he’s already using the same tactics Deshaun was using before the allegations, trying to drive a wedge between himself and the Cardinals in an effort to get an extension (scrubbing social media, cryptic tweets, etc).

QBs like Aaron Rodgers have been more vocal about their discontent lately and in Aaron’s case he used that as leverage against the Packers to get a record-setting extension (which set the market this offseason). Deshaun has taken this idea a step further by using his NTC to open himself up to other teams outside of what his contract would normally allow and as a result he gets a massive deal with the Browns.

I think this level of manipulation is bad for the sport, but I expect that other QBs around the league will follow suit unless changes are made.