Sources: Murkmoor Engines in 'Advanced Talks' to Land Vellows; Crestfall Collective 'Open to Discussion'

Sources with knowledge of ongoing negotiations—who requested anonymity because they were technically in a Zoom call they weren't supposed to be in—indicate that the Murkmoor Engines front office has engaged in what one person described as "pretty substantial dialogue" with the Crestfall Collective regarding the availability of Jintric Vellows, the 26-year-old virtuoso whose contract situation remains, according to multiple reports, "complicated."

The framework under discussion, per individuals privy to the conversations, would involve the Engines surrendering a package that "could include" their 2027 first-round pick, a conditional 2028 second-rounder (conditions not specified, possibly being negotiated), and potentially another asset whose nature remains unclear even to the people discussing it. One source described the Collective's counteroffer as "aggressive but not unreasonable, probably."

Vellows, 6'2" and possessing what scouts describe as "elite athleticism adjacent to concerning decision-making," recorded 847 yards last season while simultaneously leading the league in momentum-killing penalties (14). His contract extension talks with Crestfall have reportedly stalled, though one insider suggested this may be because both parties are on vacation and simply haven't scheduled the next meeting.

"The Engines love his ceiling," offered one person claiming to have attended a meeting about this. "Whether they're willing to accept his floor is the real question." That person then clarified they were speaking hypothetically about ceilings and floors in general.

The deal, if it progresses, could reshape both franchises' rosters heading into what league observers are calling "a season that will definitely happen." However, complications persist. Crestfall's ownership reportedly wants to maximize return value, the Engines have budget considerations, and Vellows himself has expressed interest in "exploring options," a phrase his agent later clarified meant nothing specific.

Additional parties, including at least one other team definitely interested and possibly two more who are "keeping tabs," could potentially enter discussions, sources said, though nobody could confirm whether those teams had formally expressed interest or if people were just assuming they would be interested.