I thought something similar. He's still a relative nobody, so TPTB can still find a way to push him out. If he waited until he had a big contract or went to Super Bowl, he would be more protected
The NFL will put their finger on the scale for this game.
I think so too. However, for a different reason. They have a chance now to ensure no whitey quarterback will play in this game. Remember a couple years ago, “The year of the black quarterback.” There is a concerned effort, at all levels, to get that position finally given (taken) by the minority.