Mere days after applying the Restricted Free Agent tag to running back Ezekiel Elliott, the Batavia Colliders have shipped him to Bestine. The Colliders received the 2nd pick in the upcoming Immersion Draft.
This trade marks the second time this week that the Colliders received first-round compensation for a player they were going to be unlikely to re-sign anyway. Elliott was sure to command more than Hammond would have been willing to pay (in previous years, Hammond previously let stars like Devonta Freeman and Brandin Cooks walk away in restricted free agency when the price was too high.)
The Colliders have officially recouped the two first-round picks they gave up in exchange for Elliott’s services last year. Elliott performed well, helping the Colliders to their third title.
It’s a bold move for Bestine, because there’s no guarantee that he’ll play for the Banthas. They can match any contract offer Elliott receives, and many owners will conclude that Bestine wouldn’t have made the trade if they didn’t intend to sign Elliott, whatever the price. Shenanigans may ensue.
With the departure of Julio Jones, and with Antonio Brown playing what will likely be his last season in Batavia, some are speculating that the Colliders will spend the second pick on a wide receiver. Hammond was coy, however, about their approach.
We don’t even know any of the names of the rookies. It’s far too early to start speculating about what we’ll do in the draft.
Colliders owner Josh Hammond
It’s somewhat surprising that Ezekiel Elliott, the consensus number one draft pick in 2016 who has more than lived up to the billing, would potentially be joining his fourth team in less than four years, but there you have it.
According to a spokesman for Elliott, he is currently relaxing at a tropical location, getting ready to cash in on a big deal now that his completely unfair rookie contract is over. A recent instagram post shows Elliott on a boat with the caption “Dollar dollar bill, y’all.”
© 2019, Josh Hammond. All rights reserved.
Curious move for Bestine, but I like it. And I also find it amazing that one of the best players in the NFL at what is basically the prime fantasy position, has changed hands so many times.
I know, right? All of the moves do have their own logic though.