2016 NFL Season

[Kingspoint]

We've been discussing the 2016 NFL Season for weeks now. It needs a proper thread title.

[Kingspoint]

http://www.rotoworld.com/articles/nfl/59422/309/nfl-futures-deals

Here is a place where 2016 NFL futures contracts are being compiled.

[Kingspoint]

https://www.profootballfocus.com/blog/2016/01/11/pro-2016-free-agency-tracker/

This is one version that will allow you to keep track of Free Agents.

[Kingspoint]

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/free-agents/wide-receiver/

This is a much more complete version broken down by the all important designation of UFA or RFA.

[Sea Ray]

Michael Sam is going to give it one more try for an NFL career


Michael Sam will be attempting an NFL comeback.

“The last 12 months have been very difficult for me, to the point where I became concerned with my mental health. Because of this I am going to step away from the game at this time,” Sam said in August. “I thank the Alouettes for this opportunity and hope to be back on the field soon.

http://newyork.cbslocal.com/2016/01/27/michael-sam-nfl-comeback/

Given his physical limitations the fact that he also has mental problems could be more than what NFL teams can tolerate

[Chip R]

Yeaaaaaah. Good luck with that.

[texasdave]

From ESPN: http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14670101/playoff-teams-lose-players-every-offseason-guys-next-nfl


2016 cap space: $38.2 million
Unrestricted free agents: CB Leon Hall, S Reggie Nelson, T Andre Smith, S George Iloka, LB Vincent Rey, CB Adam Jones, DE Wallace Gilberry, WR Mohamed Sanu, WR Marvin Jones

Who needs most of a secondary, anyway? The Bengals could lose four of their top five defensive backs as well as their second and third options at wideout, a testament to how much young talent they've mined over the past few seasons. Given Cincinnati's near-total disinterest in the veteran free-agent market, it seems likely the Bengals will use much of their cap space in tying up some of their free agents-to-be, along with working on extensions for guard Kevin Zeitler and cornerback Dre Kirkpatrick, who are entering the final year of their respective rookie deals.

With plenty of space, the Bengals don't really have a certain cap casualty. Instead, they could just clear out money the old-fashioned way by releasing Rey Maualuga ($4.1 million) or Domata Peko ($3.8 million) without any hint of dead money on their cap for 2016.

[Kingspoint]

http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/tools/roster/cincinnati-bengals/

Here is a tool that lets you restructure a base contract, cut someone, etc., using the current contracts of the Bengals.

[Kingspoint]

http://mobile.philly.com/beta?wss=/philly/news&id=368038961

Police seek arrest warrants in LeSean McCoy bar incident.

[Boston Red]

This is Dallas's year! Okay, probably not, but there's a pretty good chance they're the best team in the NFC East if Romo can stay healthy. They'd have won the division by 3 games with a healthy Romo in '15...but ifs and buts and candy and nuts, etc.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld...

FOX Sports' Mike Garafolo reports LeSean McCoy is expected to be served with a self-surrender arrest warrant by the middle of the week.

ESPN's Mark Schwarz reports a warrant is "imminent." McCoy and three other men including ex-Chargers RB Curtis Brinkley are alleged to have assaulted at least two off-duty police officers over a bottle of champagne. Under the new personal conduct policy, players can be placed on the commissioner exempt list if formally charged with a violent crime. If placed on the exempt list, McCoy would remain on paid leave until the criminal proceedings are completed.

Source:*Mike Garafolo on Twitter

[redrum]

In some not-so-surprising news, Vontaze Burfict's 3-game suspension was upheld.

[Kingspoint]

In some not-so-surprising news, Vontaze Burfict's 3-game suspension was upheld.

I just can't fathom that anything he did warranted 50% mor punishment than what Ray Rice did.

[puca]

I just can't fathom that anything he did warranted 50% mor punishment than what Ray Rice did.

He's a habitual offender and fines haven't worked. NFL felt they had to send a strong message. He's fortunate he wasn't suspended for the playoffs after his hit on Maxx Williams.

[redrum]

Ray Rice was suspended indefinitely by the NFL. An independent arbitrator reinstated him.

[dubc47834]

I know intent is hard to tell, but if you're the NFL and you believe his intent was to hit him where he hit him, then you have to suspend Burfict. Derrick Brooks, a former player/LB, upheld the suspension. Burfict's past doesn't help him in this situation!

[bucksfan2]

I know intent is hard to tell, but if you're the NFL and you believe his intent was to hit him where he hit him, then you have to suspend Burfict. Derrick Brooks, a former player/LB, upheld the suspension. Burfict's past doesn't help him in this situation!

You can't want players flying all over the field, hitting people as hard as legally possible, then want them to stop and pull up on a dime in other situations. FWIW I don't think Burfict's hit on Brown was any less devastating than what Mike Mitchell put on Eifort in the regular season or the hit he put on Green at the end of last season. If you watched the hit on Eifort in the regular season he launches directly at his head, a missile going straight for Eifort's head. It wasn't on primetime and it wasn't involved in a massive meltdown, but it was just as bad of a hit.

[Redsfaithful]

Ray Rice was initially suspended for two games.

Burfict's suspension is the NFL being the NFL. Inconsistent and idiotic. And people who agree with it are swallowing the media narrative.

[dubc47834]

You can't want players flying all over the field, hitting people as hard as legally possible, then want them to stop and pull up on a dime in other situations. FWIW I don't think Burfict's hit on Brown was any less devastating than what Mike Mitchell put on Eifort in the regular season or the hit he put on Green at the end of last season. If you watched the hit on Eifort in the regular season he launches directly at his head, a missile going straight for Eifort's head. It wasn't on primetime and it wasn't involved in a massive meltdown, but it was just as bad of a hit.

Not in the head tho. Like I said, it goes to intent. If they thought he was aiming for the head he HAS to be suspended. If not, then he shouldn't have been suspended. Also like I said early, his past doesn't help him. The only way you're gonna stop these guys from doing this is taking them off the field, costing them money. I know this is a little extreme, but one of these days someone in the NFL is gonna die from one of these hits. To me it's not a matter of if, but when. Only then will the NFL and it's players make a REAL change in this!

[redrum]

You can't want players flying all over the field, hitting people as hard as legally possible, then want them to stop and pull up on a dime in other situations. FWIW I don't think Burfict's hit on Brown was any less devastating than what Mike Mitchell put on Eifort in the regular season or the hit he put on Green at the end of last season. If you watched the hit on Eifort in the regular season he launches directly at his head, a missile going straight for Eifort's head. It wasn't on primetime and it wasn't involved in a massive meltdown, but it was just as bad of a hit.

Burfict's suspension was less to do about the hit on Brown than the culmination of everything he's done over the past 3 years. I know Bengals fans want to focus on that singular incident, but it is clearly not about that. By my count he has been fined at least 7 times for his on field actions. The fines haven't dissuaded Burfict, in fact judging by the end of the season (week 17 and playoffs) his reckless behavior has escalated. Burfict is a serial offender and fines have not worked, that is why he was suspended.

[redrum]

Ray Rice was initially suspended for two games.

Burfict's suspension is the NFL being the NFL. Inconsistent and idiotic. And people who agree with it are swallowing the media narrative.



You are right it wasn't until the video went viral that Ray Rice was suspended indefinitely. Although, if I recall correctly, there is a question about what the NFL was privy to before the original suspension was handed down. Popular opinion is that the indefinite suspension was a CYA move after the fact, but I don't think anyone outside the NFL offices knows for sure.

I don't think this is a case of the NFL being inconsistent. One case involved off-field behavior and one involved on-field behavior. I think the NFL has to be careful about regulating off-field behavior. Frankly, in most cases, it is something better off left to the individual clubs. On the other hand the NFL certainly has every right, and in fact an obligation, to regulate on-field behavior.

[dubc47834]

You are right it wasn't until the video went viral that Ray Rice was suspended indefinitely. Although, if I recall correctly, there is a question about what the NFL was privy to before the original suspension was handed down. Popular opinion is that the indefinite suspension was a CYA move after the fact, but I don't think anyone outside the NFL offices knows for sure.

I don't think this is a case of the NFL being inconsistent. One case involved off-field behavior and one involved on-field behavior. I think the NFL has to be careful about regulating off-field behavior. Frankly, in most cases, it is something better off left to the individual clubs. On the other hand the NFL certainly has every right, and in fact an obligation, to regulate on-field behavior.

Although I think you are right on this. I think if it was left in the hands of the Ravens, his suspension would have stayed at 2 games, even after the video. If the NFL didn't step in they would have been literally crushed by outsiders.

[Bob Sheed]

The narrative is pretty clear to me:

If it's Burfict and he hits a defenseless receiver in the head, then automatic suspension.

If it's Shazier and he hits a defenseless running back in the head, then automatic Madden Mobile Player of the Week.



Yep, seems legit.

[dubc47834]

Here we go again...worrying about other people again. This is about Burfict not Shazier!

[Bob Sheed]

Here we go again...worrying about other people again. This is about Burfict not Shazier!

And if this was 2005 (the last time a Bengals player dared to be as dirty as the Steelers norm), it would be "about Odell Thurman not Hines Ward!"

The double standard that exists, is beyond tired. Sadly though, the Bengals will probably go back to just rolling over and taking it every time the Steelers pull a dirty blind-side. They don't really have a choice. Two different sets of standards (and punishment, or lack-thereof) for two different teams.

[redrum]

The narrative is pretty clear to me:

If it's Burfict and he hits a defenseless receiver in the head, then automatic suspension.

If it's Shazier and he hits a defenseless running back in the head, then automatic Madden Mobile Player of the Week.



Yep, seems legit.

I'm not sure why this is so hard to grasp, it was not one play that got Burfict suspended it was the body of his of work dating back to 2013. The suspension was for, and I quote, 'repeated violations of player safety rules' - at least 7 since he entered the league. I have no doubt that he was put on notice after the week 17 hit on Maxx Williams, so the suspension should not have come as a surprise.

Seriously, the excuses for Vonteze Burfict are just silly.

[Bob Sheed]

I'm not sure why this is so hard to grasp, it was not one play that got Burfict suspended it was the body of his of work dating back to 2013. The suspension was for, and I quote, 'repeated violations of player safety rules' - at least 7 since he entered the league. I have no doubt that he was put on notice after the week 17 hit on Maxx Williams, so the suspension should not have come as a surprise.

Seriously, the excuses for Vonteze Burfict are just silly.

I keep waiting for the year-after-year dirty play by the Steelers to be put "on notice." But Goddell's alma mater is in Pennsylvania not Ohio, so I guess I'll be waiting a long time.

Who knows though... Maybe Burfict will end up playing for the Steelers. Then at least he will have the opportunity to be suddenly, magically, "hard-nosed and gritty" instead of "dirty and thuggish."

[redrum]

I keep waiting for the year-after-year dirty play by the Steelers to be put "on notice." But Goddell's alma mater is in Pennsylvania not Ohio, so I guess I'll be waiting a long time.

Who knows though... Maybe Burfict will end up playing for the Steelers. Then at least he will have the opportunity to be suddenly, magically, "hard-nosed and gritty" instead of "dirty and thuggish."

Sigh...okay, you win it's obvious the Bengals are persecuted against. That is all anyone outside of Cincinnati talks about. It has nothing to do with trying to protect the players around the league from Burfict's dangerous antics and all about favoring the Steelers.

[redrum]

Although I think you are right on this. I think if it was left in the hands of the Ravens, his suspension would have stayed at 2 games, even after the video. If the NFL didn't step in they would have been literally crushed by outsiders.

I doubt it. Once the video came out Ray Rice was finished. No team wants to take that PR hit.

[dubc47834]

And if this was 2005 (the last time a Bengals player dared to be as dirty as the Steelers norm), it would be "about Odell Thurman not Hines Ward!"

The double standard that exists, is beyond tired. Sadly though, the Bengals will probably go back to just rolling over and taking it every time the Steelers pull a dirty blind-side. They don't really have a choice. Two different sets of standards (and punishment, or lack-thereof) for two different teams.

I'm sorry the Bengals are so persecuted!

[Kingspoint]

If reputation was the reason for Burfict's three game suspension, then the Steelers' organization should be banned for five years. The Saints' were given a death penalty. Nothing happens to the Steelers.

Burfict has a perfectly normal sack of Roethlisberger with nothing about it even bordering on anything illegal or any sign of intent to harm (other than to make the sack), and because the landing is awkward and Roethlisberger gets hurt, all of a sudden it becomes an illegal hit.

It's the same ole manure that has gone on with the Steelers and the NFL for 40 years. The Steelers not only get away with whatever they want, but the NFL encourages them to continue to do it, and when it's not enough, the NFL will make sure they get assistance from the referees whenever possible.

[Bob Sheed]

I'm sorry the Bengals are so persecuted!

It isn't that the Bengals are persecuted. They aren't.

It's more to the point that the Steelers as a franchise are given the Tom Brady treatment. In the case of the Steelers, the NFL has given them this "lunchpail blue collar gritty but not dirty" narrative, and they get away with a disproportionate amount of dirty play as a result.

The Steelers are the Bengals "rival" or whatever you want to call it. So the obvious double standards with the Steelers are more frequent and in the first-person. And when it comes to the cheap shots, for the Bengals, it is a darned if you do-darned if you don't scenario. So if the Steelers, say, break your punter's jaw on a cheap shot, or concuss your star TE on a helmet-to-helmet no-call...well you can either just take it, because you know, it's the "gritty lunchpail Steeler way," or you can dish it right back, in which case you will be "swiftly dealt with by the NFL like the thuggish team you are."

[Kingspoint]

Forte has been told to find new employment.

Doug Martin is hitting free agency.

RGIII passed his exit physical.

Philly police are still gathering evidence and won't issue a warrant on McCoy until next week.

Released G Jahri Evans (wouldn't take a paycut with the purging and cash-strapped Saints) might have to wait until August to find his new starting spot as NFL teams always seem reluctant to sign 33-year old Guards, no matter how good they are.

Mario Williams will be an interesting gamble for some team (Bills will save over $10M against the cap by cutting him), as Ryan was repeatedly accused of misusing him by critics and Williams himself.

For those who haven't heard, Lynch and Megatron are retiring.

[dubc47834]

How many games was James Harrison suspended? How much was he fined?

[redrum]

It isn't that the Bengals are persecuted. They aren't.

It's more to the point that the Steelers as a franchise are given the Tom Brady treatment. In the case of the Steelers, the NFL has given them this "lunchpail blue collar gritty but not dirty" narrative, and they get away with a disproportionate amount of dirty play as a result.

The Steelers are the Bengals "rival" or whatever you want to call it. So the obvious double standards with the Steelers are more frequent and in the first-person. And when it comes to the cheap shots, for the Bengals, it is a darned if you do-darned if you don't scenario. So if the Steelers, say, break your punter's jaw on a cheap shot, or concuss your star TE on a helmet-to-helmet no-call...well you can either just take it, because you know, it's the "gritty lunchpail Steeler way," or you can dish it right back, in which case you will be "swiftly dealt with by the NFL like the thuggish team you are."

Both Steeler players were fined for the plays you mention, so I'm not sure how it is a double standard. It is on the officials for not throwing the flag on the play. There have been calls for Burfict to be suspended since he introduced himself to the league with the shenanigans against the Panthers back in 2013. Frankly I think the NFL offices have been more than patient with him by only doling out fines to this point. If the playoffs weren't looming I think the hit on Maxx Williams would have earned him a suspension.

You can hate the Steelers all you want, and maybe you have every reason to, but how does Burfict blind-siding Williams, twisting Cam's ankle, or hitting a Packer in the groin have to do with the Steelers? That is the player you are defending.

[redrum]

How many games was James Harrison suspended? How much was he fined?

Harrison has been fined plenty, but fewer times in a much longer career than Burfict in his first 3 seasons. Of course that just goes along with the tired narrative that it's only because he played for the Steelers. Harrison was suspended 1 game for a hit on the Browns quarterback some years ago.

Honestly is Burfict worse than Harrison, Porter, Suggs or Ray Lewis in their primes? Probably not, but the NFL is paying much more attention to player saftey than it did 5 years ago.

[redrum]

If reputation was the reason for Burfict's three game suspension, then the Steelers' organization should be banned for five years. The Saints' were given a death penalty. Nothing happens to the Steelers.

Burfict has a perfectly normal sack of Roethlisberger with nothing about it even bordering on anything illegal or any sign of intent to harm (other than to make the sack), and because the landing is awkward and Roethlisberger gets hurt, all of a sudden it becomes an illegal hit.

It's the same ole manure that has gone on with the Steelers and the NFL for 40 years. The Steelers not only get away with whatever they want, but the NFL encourages them to continue to do it, and when it's not enough, the NFL will make sure they get assistance from the referees whenever possible.

Who called the hit on Ben illegal? There is a stupid rule that you are not allowed to wrap your arms around a quarterback when you tackle him - honestly that is the stupidest rule I've ever heard of because how else are you going to tackle a quarterback as big as Ben or Cam - and I remember the announcers reviewing the play on those grounds, but Burfict was not flagged, fined or shamed for that tackle, so I don't know what you are talking about.

There is some video evidence that he brought his knee into Ben's shoulder when he was down, but it was ambiguous enough that nothing came of it - no flag, no fine, no shaming.

He was fined for his hit on Brown. He was suspended for his repeated violations. It really is that simple. It had nothing to do with the Steelers, other than his final infraction happened in that game, and it had everything to do with Burfict. Like I said, if the Bengals weren't in the playoffs he would have most likely been suspended for his week 17 hit on Williams.

[Bob Sheed]

Next season I have a feeling it will be back to the same-old-same-old. The Bengals were put in their place and now understand that they are held to a different standard than the Steelers are, by the NFL.

So the Steelers will lay some dirty helmet to helmet hit again, as usual. And there will be no flag, as usual. And the Bengals players will know. It's just the Steelers being their usual "gritty lunchpail" selves. Not dirty at all. The only thing dirty, would be equal retaliation of any kind whatsoever.

The Bengals have a narrative, so at least they have that. Their narrative is:
either
a) Don't fight back - "They are soft. Just punch em in the mouth and they will fold."
or
b) Fight back - "Bunch of thugs."

So you know... options are nice I guess.

[WrongVerb]

Next season I have a feeling it will be back to the same-old-same-old. The Bengals were put in their place and now understand that they are held to a different standard than the Steelers are, by the NFL.

So the Steelers will lay some dirty helmet to helmet hit again, as usual. And there will be no flag, as usual. And the Bengals players will know. It's just the Steelers being their usual "gritty lunchpail" selves. Not dirty at all. The only thing dirty, would be equal retaliation of any kind whatsoever.

The Bengals have a narrative, so at least they have that. Their narrative is:
either
a) Don't fight back - "They are soft. Just punch em in the mouth and they will fold."
or
b) Fight back - "Bunch of thugs."

So you know... options are nice I guess.

I say fight back and be super dirty about it. If the refs aren't going to control things then the team has to.

[Bob Sheed]

I say fight back and be super dirty about it. If the refs aren't going to control things then the team has to.

That didn't work out very well for the Bengals last time they tried that.

But I agree, matching the Steelers dirtiness, even if it means an avalanche of suspensions and media scrutiny, is still the lesser of two evils.

[Chip R]

So, this Peyton Manning story from 20 years ago is starting to gain some traction.

[bucksfan2]

So, this Peyton Manning story from 20 years ago is starting to gain some traction.

Better watch out, Archie will come after anyone who says one bad thing about one of his boys.

[Slyder]

Better watch out, Archie will come after anyone who says one bad thing about one of his boys.

Looks like she's already been a victim of the Manning Wrath at least twice (after the event in question and again when Manning wrote a book).

[dubc47834]

Looks like she's already been a victim of the Manning Wrath at least twice (after the event in question and again when Manning wrote a book).

Twice she's been paid off!

[Slyder]

Twice she's been paid off!

If you don't mind your career/reputation being ruined.

[dubc47834]

If you don't mind your career/reputation being ruined.

I'm just saying let's pump the brakes before we destroy Peyton Manning over something that happened 20 years ago. All we have seen on this is a few reports/stories. I don't know the details, I don't think many people know what really happened. These are very serious allegations that need to be taken serious. My only concern is why is she coming out now with this, when she could have taken care of this either when it initially happened or in 2003 when Manning wrote the book thus breaking an agreement with her. Should be interesting times!!!

[redhawkfish]

Is she the one that brought it out into the open again? I thought it was just the reporter who did so.

[dubc47834]

Is she the one that brought it out into the open again? I thought it was just the reporter who did so.

Good question...not sure. That could put to bed some of my issues with all this.

[bucksfan2]

I'm just saying let's pump the brakes before we destroy Peyton Manning over something that happened 20 years ago. All we have seen on this is a few reports/stories. I don't know the details, I don't think many people know what really happened. These are very serious allegations that need to be taken serious. My only concern is why is she coming out now with this, when she could have taken care of this either when it initially happened or in 2003 when Manning wrote the book thus breaking an agreement with her. Should be interesting times!!!

Heck with the Manning's. It is pretty apparent that Peyton did something wrong or there wouldn't have been the initial payoff. But the Manning's went to lengths to destroy this girls wife. Had this been a boss doing something to an employee we would be all up in outrage. But no, it was Archie and his golden boy who did something wrong, something that would have gotten any employee fired due to sexual harassment. Granted he was a 18 year old kid in a hormone charged environment, but if I found out that someone did that to a daughter of mine I would have been pissed. Then to have them further drag her name through the mud, ruin her livelihood in her current career, all for doing her job and being subject to a jerk move by Peyton Manning. But hey, cut that meat! I wonder if Peyton is going to be doing a commercial cheering on a trainer saying "wrap that ankle!"

[dubc47834]

Heck with the Manning's. It is pretty apparent that Peyton did something wrong or there wouldn't have been the initial payoff. But the Manning's went to lengths to destroy this girls wife. Had this been a boss doing something to an employee we would be all up in outrage. But no, it was Archie and his golden boy who did something wrong, something that would have gotten any employee fired due to sexual harassment. Granted he was a 18 year old kid in a hormone charged environment, but if I found out that someone did that to a daughter of mine I would have been pissed. Then to have them further drag her name through the mud, ruin her livelihood in her current career, all for doing her job and being subject to a jerk move by Peyton Manning. But hey, cut that meat! I wonder if Peyton is going to be doing a commercial cheering on a trainer saying "wrap that ankle!"

My thing is if it was so bad, then why did she settle out of court twice on this!

[Chip R]

My thing is if it was so bad, then why did she settle out of court twice on this!

It's largely a he said-she said thing. Plus going to court costs money which the Mannings have but she probably does not. Also, you really believe a Knoxville jury is going to find Peyton Manning guilty of anything except having a giant forehead? Much better to settle and get something rather than get nothing.

It's obvious that Peyton has nothing to fear from the judicial system. What this - and the HGH shipped to his wife - may do is give advertisers pause in using him as a spokesman for their product. It may also prevent a network from hiring him as an analyst or a studio talking head. Peyton obviously is richer than Midas so he doesn't need the commercials and the network gigs to eat but his reputation has been tarnished greatly.

[dubc47834]

It's largely a he said-she said thing. Plus going to court costs money which the Mannings have but she probably does not. Also, you really believe a Knoxville jury is going to find Peyton Manning guilty of anything except having a giant forehead? Much better to settle and get something rather than get nothing.

It's obvious that Peyton has nothing to fear from the judicial system. What this - and the HGH shipped to his wife - may do is give advertisers pause in using him as a spokesman for their product. It may also prevent a network from hiring him as an analyst or a studio talking head. Peyton obviously is richer than Midas so he doesn't need the commercials and the network gigs to eat but his reputation has been tarnished greatly.

To me, I'm going to reserve judgement until I hear if she is pushing this or whether it just came out in the lawsuit. It sounds like it's pretty sure that Peyton did something wrong, just a matter of how bad it was.

Are we sure that it was HGH sent to his house? Last I had seen all they could prove was packages were sent to his wife, not that it was HGH. I could just have old info tho.

[blumj]

Isn't it being one of the incidents cited in the lawsuit against the University what brought it back to the media's attention now? Christine Brennan wrote this in 2003, possibly how the NYDN writer figured out where or how to get the court documents? http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/brennan/2003-11-06-brennan_x.htm.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Commissioner Roger Goodell made $34.1 million in 2014.

The staggering sum included a $26.5 million "bonus," and would have easily made Goodell the highest-paid player in the league that's dealt with nonstop controversies during his reign. Since the NFL has since become a for-profit organization — it used to be non-profit, seriously — this will be the last time it has to disclose Goodell's salary.

[bucksfan2]

My thing is if it was so bad, then why did she settle out of court twice on this!

Because the Mannings were stupid. Lets assume that what is reported is what actually happened. Golden boy gets caught doing something along the lines of gross sexual harassment to a female trainer at UT. At the time Peyton is the toast of Tennessee, the state not the school, when reports of what happen surface both Archie and Golden boy decide to settle outside of court and sign a non disclosure form. The number being reported on the radio is $300K.

Fast forward a few years, Archie and son decide to write a book defaming the female trainer. They never used her name, but went just about as far as doing so. They broke the nondisclosure agreement and she sued them again. Is it a big deal, well if you consider someone in power taking their genitals and setting them on a female trainers head, settling, and then doing his best to ruin her life, then it probably is a big deal.

[Redsfaithful]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Commissioner Roger Goodell made $34.1 million in 2014.

The staggering sum included a $26.5 million "bonus," and would have easily made Goodell the highest-paid player in the league that's dealt with nonstop controversies during his reign. Since the NFL has since become a for-profit organization — it used to be non-profit, seriously — this will be the last time it has to disclose Goodell's salary.

He's legitimately hurting the league long term. I realize the owners are doing fine, right now, but it's bizarre they don't see the possible long term implications of Goodell's actions turning more and more people off of football.

[Stray]

I'm not a lawyer or anything, but wasn't this settled out of court? I mean there's documents with contradictory testimony from the same lady. Advocacy pieces are what they are, and that isn't a court accepted version of the facts.

I'm not gonna say Peyton did or didn't do anything because who knows what happened, but when you settle out of court your forfeit your right for the legal process to determine on accepted version of the facts.

No idea what Shaun King is doing tbh. He reads like I would read if some editor browsed Redszone and decided to give me a job as a national sports journalist. I'd have no idea what I was doing and he clearly doesn't either. From the legal stuff to the journalist stuff, he's just embarrassing himself.

[Slyder]

The case is being brought as a Title IX suit against Tennessee not Manning. The women are using Manning as one example of how the culture there allowed the male athletes to run a muck.

[WrongVerb]

In case anyone missed it, Heath Miler retired (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/eye-on-football/25488769/heath-miller-retires-after-11-seasons-with-steelers):


Heath Miller called it a career on Friday, announcing his retirement after 11 years with the Steelers.

Miller, 33, was drafted by Pittsburgh in the first round of the 2005 NFL Draft out of Virginia and spent his entire career playing for the Steelers.

[texasdave]

www.houstonchronicle.com/sports/columnists/smith/article/Winston-donates-brain-to-science-for-welfare-of-6845096.php

That's pretty awesome of Winston. I'd go so far as to call that decision a no-brainer.

[Chip R]

Jason Pierre Paul is suing ESPN and Adam Schefter for revealing his medical records.

http://nypost.com/2016/02/24/jpp-sues-espn-adam-schefter-for-posting-his-medical-records/

[Kingspoint]

Wilkerson and Jeffrey got tagged.

[Kingspoint]

Mario Williams released.

LT Cordy Glenn, Von Miller, RE Olivier Vernon, Cousins and Norman tagged.

Eric Berry tagged.

[Kingspoint]

Rams tagged CB Trumaine Johnson which places Janoris Jenkins on the open market.

None of the Rams' Secondary players should do as well with newer teams as they all benefitted greatly from the superior play of their front-seven.

[WrongVerb]

Rams tagged CB Trumaine Johnson which places Janoris Jenkins on the open market.

None of the Rams' Secondary players should do as well with newer teams as they all benefitted greatly from the superior play of their front-seven.

Janoris Jenkins would fit well in the Bengals secondary next year, especially if both Hall and A.Jones leave. Not that I expect the Bengals to go after him, of course.

[Kingspoint]

Janoris Jenkins would fit well in the Bengals secondary next year, especially if both Hall and A.Jones leave. Not that I expect the Bengals to go after him, of course.

He wants at least $13M per and a minimum of 4 years. Don't know if he'll get it, but it won't be here. I'd rather take on Revis' final two years.

So, the Eagles just guranteed themselves two more losing seasons by granting Bradford $36M for two years. That Division is up for grabs.

[WrongVerb]

Strange story to be sure (http://www.philly.com/philly/blogs/real-time/Former-Eagles-player-kidnapped-by-gunmen-in-North-Carolina.html):


Former Eagles safety Earl Wolff was kipnapped and robbed and later released by a group of armed men while visiting friends in his hometown in North Carolina in February.

According to The Fayetteville Observer, Wolff was walking to his white, 2011 Range Rover in the early morning hours of Feb. 23 when he was attacked by a group of armed men and forced into the vehicle.

[Kingspoint]

Nothing good happens that time of night.

[Kingspoint]

So, the Broncos offered 3/45 to Osweiler.

Detroit press thinks they'll go hard after Marvin Jones.

We'll know a lot more soon.

[Chip R]

Pro Bowl CB Brent Grimes was released by the Dolphins not for cap reasons but because his wife is a lunatic.

http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/miko_grimes_threatens_writer_over_report_she_cost_ husband_his_job/s1_127_20460247

[Dom Heffner]

Pro Bowl CB Brent Grimes was released by the Dolphins not for cap reasons but because his wife is a lunatic.

http://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/articles/miko_grimes_threatens_writer_over_report_she_cost_ husband_his_job/s1_127_20460247

One of her recent Tweets:


does anybody else that's vegan have WAY more gas than when they ate meat? or is it just me?

[IslandRed]

Osweiler signed with the Texans. The money was better than the Bronco's offer, but not by a great deal when looking only at the guaranteed money. Maybe he didn't want to spend the next four years being unfavorably compared to Peyton Manning.

So what does Denver do for a quarterback now?

[Dom Heffner]

Osweiler signed with the Texans. The money was better than the Bronco's offer, but not by a great deal when looking only at the guaranteed money. Maybe he didn't want to spend the next four years being unfavorably compared to Peyton Manning.

So what does Denver do for a quarterback now?

If the league is smart, let them starve.

[Kingspoint]

Trade for Mike Glennon or Zack Mettenberger. Elway will figure something out. Sign Fitzpatrick or Hoyer. These are all options better than Peyton from last year.

[WrongVerb]

If the league is smart, let them starve.

Lots of calls from fans on Twitter saying the Broncos should give up their first round pick (#31 overall) to the Bengals for McCarron. I'd jump on that in seconds flat.

[bucksfan2]

Trade for Mike Glennon or Zack Mettenberger. Elway will figure something out. Sign Fitzpatrick or Hoyer. These are all options better than Peyton from last year.

You love Mettenberger don't you? Guy has been pretty disappointing when he has gotten a chance to start. Hoyer is a game manager, Fitzpatrick is going to command big money and IMO will resign with the Jets. Glennon is interesting, showed some flashes in Tampa but was replaced by Jamis last season.

The Bronco's are in a world of hurt right now. There are only so many starting caliber NFL QB's in the game and they aren't playing backup right now. They can hope to catch lightening in a bottle to replace Manning/Osweiller but when your best option is Hoyer, you are in serious trouble.

[dubc47834]

Lots of calls from fans on Twitter saying the Broncos should give up their first round pick (#31 overall) to the Bengals for McCarron. I'd jump on that in seconds flat.

If I'm the John Elway, Im not giving up a #1 for McCarron, no way. I'm drafting a guy depending on who is available. Worst case I'm seeing what it takes to get RG3, although that wouldn't be my #1 option!

[Kingspoint]

Everyone has Elway going after Kap and/or RGIII. I don't think any of those people understand what Elway is about. He'd never bring in either of those two dolts into camp to compete at QB.

[Kingspoint]

You love Mettenberger don't you? Guy has been pretty disappointing when he has gotten a chance to start. Hoyer is a game manager, Fitzpatrick is going to command big money and IMO will resign with the Jets. Glennon is interesting, showed some flashes in Tampa but was replaced by Jamis last season.

The Bronco's are in a world of hurt right now. There are only so many starting caliber NFL QB's in the game and they aren't playing backup right now. They can hope to catch lightening in a bottle to replace Manning/Osweiller but when your best option is Hoyer, you are in serious trouble.

If there's anyone I'm not worried about, it's Elway. He's easily the best G.M. in the NFL.

[Assembly Hall]

Do the Broncos really need a QB? LOL My guess is there is already somebody they have in mind with that 1st round pick.

[WrongVerb]

If I'm the John Elway, Im not giving up a #1 for McCarron, no way. I'm drafting a guy depending on who is available. Worst case I'm seeing what it takes to get RG3, although that wouldn't be my #1 option!

I'm shocked at how Cincinnati fans are undervaluing their team's players for a change. Usually it's the other way around.

[Chip R]

All is well with the Broncos. They have signed the Sanchize.

[Kingspoint]

All is well with the Broncos. They have signed the Sanchize.

He'll have competition.

[Chip R]

He'll have competition.

I would hope so.

[dubc47834]

I'm shocked at how Cincinnati fans are undervaluing their team's players for a change. Usually it's the other way around.

Im not a Bengal fan!

- - - Updated - - -


All is well with the Broncos. They have signed the Sanchize.

BUTTFUMBLEROOSKI!!!

[Chip R]

Martavious Bryant looks like he's going to be suspended for a year.

[Sea Ray]

Martavious Bryant looks like he's going to be suspended for a year.

What'd he do?

[Chip R]

What'd he do?

Not sure but it doesn't sound like PEDs.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/14958283/martavis-bryant-pittsburgh-steelers-faces-yearlong-suspension

[WrongVerb]

RGIII now set up to fail in Cleveland (http://www.clevelandbrowns.com/news/article-5/Browns-sign-QB-Robert-Griffin-III/d652e5ae-9965-48b6-ad1f-3accddeff691):


Robert Griffin III was sold on Cleveland as soon as his meeting with Browns head coach Hue Jackson and associate head coach Pep Hamilton was complete.

Now, the former Washington Redskins quarterback is focused on just one thing: Coming to the Cleveland and competing to become the team’s starting quarterback.

Griffin, a free agent, made it official Thursday when he signed with the Browns.

When Griffin was first being drafted I was hoping the Browns wouldn't get him because I thought he had a chance to be successful there. Now after the leg injury and other issues (including that he's supposedly not well liked in the locker room) I'm glad he's going to CLE. He's going to get killed by the Bengals, Steelers, and Ravens.

[Chip R]

He can't be any worse than Johnny Football.

[Sea Ray]

It surprised me that the Browns gave him starter money. Doesn't sound like he's coming in to compete for a job

[Chip R]

Patriots fans are suing the NFL to get their first round pick back.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15145235/new-england-patriots-fans-sue-nfl-get-back-first-round-pick-lost-deflategate

[Stray]

Josh Gordon just can't lay off the doobies.

[texasdave]

Josh Gordon just can't lay off the doobies.

Two train wrecks, no waiting.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15185642/suspended-josh-gordon-cleveland-browns-fails-drug-test

[RichRed]

Please tell me it's true that Manziel and Gordon are living together. "Hard Knocks: Sunset Blvd.", anyone?

What could possibly go wrong?

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Patriots waived DT Dominique Easley.

Wow. This comes as a shock. Even though Easley has ended each of his first two seasons on injured reserve, he's flashed big-time ability in the 22 games he's been active since being the 29th pick in the 2014 draft. Coach Bill Belichick spent much of last summer talking up Easley. Knee problems ended his final season at Florida early and hampered him as a rookie. His 2015 season was cut short in December with a torn quad. There's potentially more to this story. Easley turns 24 later this month and should resurface quickly as long as there aren't any serious off-field issues that have yet to come to light.


He should get claimed before the Bengals get a chance.

[Tom Servo]

Rams acquired the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 draft from the Titans in exchange for picks Nos. 15, 43, 45, and 76 in this year's draft as well as their first- and third-round picks next year.


I think it should be Goff, but everyone seems to think it will be Wentz.

[RedTeamGo!]

Wentz is such a better pro prospect and this proves it. Everyone in the NFL has been saying for months Wentz is the better prospect.

Goff looks like Blaine Gabbert 2.0 to me.

Anyways, this royally screws the Browns. Hilarious.

[WVRed]

Wentz is such a better pro prospect and this proves it. Everyone in the NFL has been saying for months Wentz is the better prospect.

Goff looks like Blaine Gabbert 2.0 to me.

Anyways, this royally screws the Browns. Hilarious.

I'd say as of right now, Wentz goes to LA and Goff to the Browns.

Definitely reshapes the rest of the first round.

[RiverRat13]

Holy crap that's a lot to give up.

[WrongVerb]

I'd say as of right now, Wentz goes to LA and Goff to the Browns.

Definitely reshapes the rest of the first round.

A few considerations:

1. As someone pointed out, this screws the Browns, and therefore is a great trade. I can see the Browns not drafting Goff, and instead going for someone like Bosa (who I think would be a great fit) or trading down. SF would probably like to move up to that pick, or perhaps the Eagles.

2. There's a rumor floating around that the Broncos, Bills and Browns are going to pull off a killer trade where Tyrod Taylor ends up in Denver, the Bills get the #2 overall pick, and the Browns get both the Bills and Broncos 1st round picks, plus a bevy of others. I'd really like that trade to not happen, for obvious reasons. The Browns would have 4 picks between the Bengals #24 and #55 selections. The Bills may pass if Goff isn't their guy.

3. If the Browns do take Goff, then SF and Philly will be overpaying at #7 or #8 if they take Lynch. But Lynch will likely be gone by the time they select again in the 2nd round, which probably makes a good market for AJ McCarron. I can see one of those teams ponying up a #2 and #5 for McCarron, should the Bengals be inclined to trade him (and there's been mixed signals on that front).

[RedTeamGo!]

From everything I have heard here in Cleveland I am pretty sure the Browns are going to trade out of 2. I think Hue really wanted Wentz.

[bucksfan2]

Wentz is such a better pro prospect and this proves it. Everyone in the NFL has been saying for months Wentz is the better prospect.

Goff looks like Blaine Gabbert 2.0 to me.

Anyways, this royally screws the Browns. Hilarious.

Cardale will be the best of the bunch!

The knock on Wentz is that he will need time to develop and probably isn't a guy you thrust right in to the starting role.

The Rams would be a great place to go because the talent is there, they just haven't had a QB since Warner left.

[RedTeamGo!]

Cardale will be the best of the bunch!

The knock on Wentz is that he will need time to develop and probably isn't a guy you thrust right in to the starting role.

The Rams would be a great place to go because the talent is there, they just haven't had a QB since Warner left.

Greg Cosell just came on Cleveland radio and was asked about Cardale Jones.

He said (paraphrasing): best case scenario for Jones is drafted in 6th or 7th round. Honestly, to me, he is like Logan Thomas, and probably not as NFL-ready. Jones has very little understanding of where to throw the ball."

[Sea Ray]

Holy crap that's a lot to give up.

It sure is especially considering that as of the end of the college football season we hadn't even heard of Carson Wentz.

[WVRed]

It sure is especially considering that as of the end of the college football season we hadn't even heard of Carson Wentz.

There's still a good likelihood the pick is Goff. I think it comes down to the two QBs.

The Rams did this to sell tickets. Goff is a California kid and as long as he is decent the Rams can assemble him a good supporting cast. Like you said, half of the NFL hadn't heard of Wentz prior to the combine. Goff is the local kid and the lesser risk IMO.

[WrongVerb]

It sure is especially considering that as of the end of the college football season we hadn't even heard of Carson Wentz.

Well, what "we" heard about is pretty much irrelevant. The football personnel decision makers for each team certainly knew about him and that's all that matters.

[RedTeamGo!]

There's still a good likelihood the pick is Goff. I think it comes down to the two QBs.

The Rams did this to sell tickets. Goff is a California kid and as long as he is decent the Rams can assemble him a good supporting cast. Like you said, half of the NFL hadn't heard of Wentz prior to the combine. Goff is the local kid and the lesser risk IMO.

Maybe half of NFL fans hadn't heard of Wentz before the combine, but there is literally no way every talent evaluator in the NFL did not know exactly who Carson Wentz was.

[Kingspoint]

Rams acquired the No. 1 overall pick of the 2016 draft from the Titans in exchange for picks Nos. 15, 43, 45, and 76 in this year's draft as well as their first- and third-round picks next year.


I think it should be Goff, but everyone seems to think it will be Wentz.

Well, Ray Horton and Jason Michael are gone from last season as DC and OC, with Dick LeBeau being promoted to DC and Terry Robiskie taking over as OC, while Michael takes over as QB Coach.

Mike Mularkey tries to improve on his 2-7 W/L from last season.

Nice first move by new GM Jon Robinson.

It's as corporate of an organization as you can get with as many bosses as General Motors. But, in the end, it's Amy Adams Strunk who makes the final decisions. Just to get an idea of the largesse of the organization, their scouting department has 14 Scouts. Bengals have 4 and a Director of Player Personnel to oversee them. It's not a fair comparison to use the Bengals operations as a benchmark, but the contrast might have something to do with the multiple changes of directions.

6 Top-76 players in this year's draft and 5 Top-76 players in the 2017 draft should allow them to address every need the team has over the next two seasons. They could get very good very quickly....if they can draft better than they signed free agents the last couple of seasons.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Either way big risk for the Rams. If Goff/Wentz ends up being a good QB than this is worth it. If not this is the kind of trade that sets you back 4 or 5 years, which is right when they are moving into a brand new 80k seat stadium.

[Kingspoint]

So, the Los Angeles Rams decided Nick Foles should not be the QB at the initial press conference. Good decision. Could probably sell more season tickets with Goff or Wentz instead of Foles.

[RiverRat13]

This is floating out there:

http://www.netonesports.com/2016/04/13/bills-broncos-browns-brokering-blockbuster-trade/

[Kingspoint]

Maybe half of NFL fans hadn't heard of Wentz before the combine, but there is literally no way every talent evaluator in the NFL did not know exactly who Carson Wentz was.

If you're a decent scout, you have a file on every College player, a more complete one in your area, and you have files on Junior and Senior HS prospects. Once you make the file, it's easier to stay on top of them. If a Scout didn't know about Wentz, he probably doesn't get listened to very much by his peers.

[Redsfaithful]

I'd take Cardale in the 5th or later as a third QB who could move in as the backup when McCarron leaves. I am kind of skeptical he will last that long.

[bucksfan2]

So, the Los Angeles Rams decided Nick Foles should not be the QB at the initial press conference. Good decision. Could probably sell more season tickets with Goff or Wentz instead of Foles.

All in move by Fisher? I think the only reason Fisher kept his job at the helm of the Rams is because of the relocation. I think Fisher is a good coach, but he has spent a ton of picks and money to build a team without the help of a QB. At some point you needed to get a QB instead of going through the revolving door of QB's. This move my have bought Fisher two more years as HC before a playoff appearance.

[Sea Ray]

There's still a good likelihood the pick is Goff. I think it comes down to the two QBs.

The Rams did this to sell tickets. Goff is a California kid and as long as he is decent the Rams can assemble him a good supporting cast. Like you said, half of the NFL hadn't heard of Wentz prior to the combine. Goff is the local kid and the lesser risk IMO.

All the ESPN insiders say that there's no doubt: this trade was done (by the Rams) in order to draft Carson Wentz.

[JaxRed]

By the way, if the Rams are making moves to sell tickets in LA, something has gone terribly wrong.

[JaxRed]

This is floating out there:

http://www.netonesports.com/2016/04/13/bills-broncos-browns-brokering-blockbuster-trade/

That would be a great deal for Cleveland. I don't think it would be very smart on behalf of Buffalo and Denver.

[JaxRed]

Well, Ray Horton and Jason Michael are gone from last season as DC and OC, with Dick LeBeau being promoted to DC and Terry Robiskie taking over as OC, while Michael takes over as QB Coach.

Mike Mularkey tries to improve on his 2-7 W/L from last season.

Nice first move by new GM Jon Robinson.

It's as corporate of an organization as you can get with as many bosses as General Motors. But, in the end, it's Amy Adams Strunk who makes the final decisions. Just to get an idea of the largesse of the organization, their scouting department has 14 Scouts. Bengals have 4 and a Director of Player Personnel to oversee them. It's not a fair comparison to use the Bengals operations as a benchmark, but the contrast might have something to do with the multiple changes of directions.

6 Top-76 players in this year's draft and 5 Top-76 players in the 2017 draft should allow them to address every need the team has over the next two seasons. They could get very good very quickly....if they can draft better than they signed free agents the last couple of seasons.

As a Jags fan this is a scary move, as it allows them to stock up quickly.

[IslandRed]

There's still a good likelihood the pick is Goff. I think it comes down to the two QBs.

The Rams did this to sell tickets. Goff is a California kid and as long as he is decent the Rams can assemble him a good supporting cast. Like you said, half of the NFL hadn't heard of Wentz prior to the combine. Goff is the local kid and the lesser risk IMO.

If the Rams had any concerns about selling tickets, they wouldn't be moving to L.A. and spending a billion dollars on a new stadium. (Edit: I see JaxRed beat me to that point.)

Besides at the pro level, hardly anyone cares about the local-kid factor. If he's great, it doesn't matter where he came from. If he's not good, being local won't save him. And Goff's not local anyway; being from San Fran doesn't cut a guy breaks in L.A.

[Chip R]

By the way, if the Rams are making moves to sell tickets in LA, something has gone terribly wrong.

Bill Simmons tweeted that "The Rams need to figure out which QB can handle playing every home game w/ 80% of the fans rooting for the other team."

[KronoRed]

Have any of these mega trades that sent a ton of picks the other way ever worked out?

[Raisor]

Have any of these mega trades that sent a ton of picks the other way ever worked out?

Dallas

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Patriots waived DT Dominique Easley.

Wow. This comes as a shock. Even though Easley has ended each of his first two seasons on injured reserve, he's flashed big-time ability in the 22 games he's been active since being the 29th pick in the 2014 draft. Coach Bill Belichick spent much of last summer talking up Easley. Knee problems ended his final season at Florida early and hampered him as a rookie. His 2015 season was cut short in December with a torn quad. There's potentially more to this story. Easley turns 24 later this month and should resurface quickly as long as there aren't any serious off-field issues that have yet to come to light.


He should get claimed before the Bengals get a chance.

From Rotoworld last night....

The Boston Herald's Jeff Howe reports ex-Patriots DT Dominique Easley's knees "are in pretty bad shape, and there's not a lot of room for improvement."

Howe admits Wednesday's Easley release was still "stunning," and it doesn't sound like the lone reason was Easley's health. It's perhaps worth noting that Easley is being sued in Florida for animal negligence, allegedly permitting his dog to attack and bite a man named Wiley Brown. Easley's injury history is checkered to put it mildly. He tore both of his ACLs at Florida, tore his quadriceps last December, missed 2015 time with a hip pointer, and finished his 2014 rookie year on I.R. due to additional knee problems. We still wouldn't be surprised if Easley were claimed off waivers on Thursday.

Source: Jeff Howe on Twitter

He did not get claimed today, yet.

[Kingspoint]

Steven Jackson's entire career came and went without him ever having a halfway decent Offensive Line or a halfway decent QB who could stay healthy. And, no QB could ever stay healthy with their continuously terrible Offensive Lines. He never saw a winning season. Tragic.

Makes me really appreciate the Bengals' priorities when it comes to the O-line.

[KronoRed]

Dallas

I mean for the team that dumped the picks, that one certainly worked out for the cows.

[Chip R]

If you're a decent scout, you have a file on every College player, a more complete one in your area, and you have files on Junior and Senior HS prospects. Once you make the file, it's easier to stay on top of them. If a Scout didn't know about Wentz, he probably doesn't get listened to very much by his peers.

Indeed. It's not like this guy played in Siberia - although from what I'm told, Fargo can seem similar in weather in the winter. His team has won 5 NCAA championships in a row. He's been the QB during the last two. People tend to notice that sort of thing no matter what level you play at. While their games aren't on ESPN - except maybe some playoff or championship games - they are on ESPN3 often. You can look at a guy every game of his career and still not say for sure if he's going to excel in the NFL - take any QB from Notre Dame.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Ex-Patriots DT Dominique Easley went unclaimed on waivers, and is now a free agent.

It confirms there was more than meets the eye with Easley's Patriots release. Either his knees are in extremely bad shape, or he's dealing with an off-the-field issue. That being said, Easley is still only 24 (later this month). If he's not in serious legal trouble, teams will line up to give him a second chance on a bargain deal. Easley may have to get healthy — he's recovering from a torn quad — before shopping his wares on the open market.

Source: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

[WrongVerb]

Indeed. It's not like this guy played in Siberia - although from what I'm told, Fargo can seem similar in weather in the winter. His team has won 5 NCAA championships in a row. He's been the QB during the last two. People tend to notice that sort of thing no matter what level you play at. While their games aren't on ESPN - except maybe some playoff or championship games - they are on ESPN3 often. You can look at a guy every game of his career and still not say for sure if he's going to excel in the NFL - take any QB from Notre Dame.

That Joe Montana guy was kinda good. :D

[Assembly Hall]

Indeed. It's not like this guy played in Siberia - although from what I'm told, Fargo can seem similar in weather in the winter. His team has won 5 NCAA championships in a row. He's been the QB during the last two. People tend to notice that sort of thing no matter what level you play at. While their games aren't on ESPN - except maybe some playoff or championship games - they are on ESPN3 often. You can look at a guy every game of his career and still not say for sure if he's going to excel in the NFL - take any QB from Notre Dame.

Loved the post right up until the last line..........should have read "-take any QB from Southern Cal."

[WrongVerb]

I mean for the team that dumped the picks, that one certainly worked out for the cows.

Herschal for the Vikings roster and draft was definitely the move that catapaulted the Cowboys into their 90s success. IIRC the Vikings are still waiting to go to their next Super Bowl.

[WVRed]

If the Rams had any concerns about selling tickets, they wouldn't be moving to L.A. and spending a billion dollars on a new stadium. (Edit: I see JaxRed beat me to that point.)

Besides at the pro level, hardly anyone cares about the local-kid factor. If he's great, it doesn't matter where he came from. If he's not good, being local won't save him. And Goff's not local anyway; being from San Fran doesn't cut a guy breaks in L.A.

Stadium factor is nice, but LA is a fair weather city. Fans only support winners and if the Rams don't win, the fans don't show up. It's high risk high reward.

Then again it's better than being second fiddle to baseball regardless of what you do. (St Louis)

[Kingspoint]

Herschal for the Vikings roster and draft was definitely the move that catapaulted the Cowboys into their 90s success. IIRC the Vikings are still waiting to go to their next Super Bowl.

Zimmer will get them there.

They had that 15-1 season where their kicker missed a FG that cost them a playoff win. They should have gone.

[Kingspoint]

When I think of the RAMS, my original thoughts were this guy, this card (1970 Topps):



http://caimages.collectors.com/psacertimages/33371_946x1593.jpg

Sorry about the size. I don't know how to fix that.

Roman Gabriel to Jack Snow. Probably the two coolest names on a TD connection.

[RedTeamGo!]

Loved the post right up until the last line..........should have read "-take any QB from Southern Cal."

Carson Palmer

[Sea Ray]

Have any of these mega trades that sent a ton of picks the other way ever worked out?

That's a good question. Does the Denver Broncos trade for John Elway with Indianapolis in the early 1980s count?

[WVRed]

Looks like the Rams are leaning Goff:

http://espn.go.com/nfl/draft2016/story/_/id/15203927/los-angeles-rams-lean-jared-goff-no-1-pick




Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Chip R]

That Joe Montana guy was kinda good. :D

And Paul Hornung.


Loved the post right up until the last line..........should have read "-take any QB from Southern Cal."

I'm not trying to criticize ND but pointing out that they are on national TV every week and they - and their QB if he's any good - gets a great deal of attention and he's easy to follow. SC is a good example too but they aren't on national TV every week. It's not difficult to follow them but not as easy as following ND.

[Chip R]

Johnny, when we're away, no parties.

http://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2016/04/15/johnny-manziel-rental-house/83069184/

[Kingspoint]

The Eli Manning trade worked out for both clubs. That was a #1 overall pick.

[WVRed]

The Eli Manning trade worked out for both clubs. That was a #1 overall pick.

It's a crapshoot. The Michael Vick trade worked out for both teams until Vick decided to become the spokesperson for animal cruelty. LT will likely be a HOF RB.

The issue is more what the Rams gave up to get the pick. It's not Herschel Walker but it's pretty close. Tennessee has four picks in the second round and can likely get good value at 15.

[Sea Ray]

The Eli Manning trade worked out for both clubs. That was a #1 overall pick.

I took the question to mean a trade where one team gets a huge haul for one player or draft pick. The Eli trade did not involve a lot of players as I recall

[WrongVerb]

Eagles have traded for the Browns #2 pick overall:

10637

[Kingspoint]

The Browns finally did something right. Now maybe they can get the franchise going again on the right track. It's taken a Head Coach as bull-headed as Hue Jackson to get this ship steady and hold a course. If I was a Browns' fan, I'd feel like I had just survived sailing around Cape Horn and while the ship is broken and in need of repairs, there's smooth sailing ahead with a real Captain at the helm. Hue Jackson will get his way, right or wrong, and the Browns needs stability more than anything. People were abandoning ship of a motley crew and now the ship has been steadied. Worry about getting a new Gunner (Quarterback) next year. First, discipline and new crewmembers that toe the line need to be added first.

[RedTeamGo!]

I think that's a great trade for Browns.

I don't think Hue likes the QBs available at top of draft, especially not Wentz and they realized they have a ton of holes. I bet they draft either Lawson or Darron Lee at 8. Outside chance they pick Zeke Elliot to fire up the fans.

[WrongVerb]

Does this throw the door wide open for the Browns to trade for McCarron? He's better than any QB in the draft except Wentz and Goff and maybe Lynch. I'm not against trading McCarron to them but they better pay through the nose. Browns #32 and #65 picks and a 3rd rounder next year would do nicely, thank you.

[RedTeamGo!]

Does this throw the door wide open for the Browns to trade for McCarron? He's better than any QB in the draft except Wentz and Goff and maybe Lynch. I'm not against trading McCarron to them but they better pay through the nose. Browns #32 and #65 picks and a 3rd rounder next year would do nicely, thank you.

Reports are that Hue is smitten with RGIII. I think it's more likely they use one of the 3rd round picks they got to draft Connor Cook.

[Redsfaithful]

These Browns draft trades where they move down and pick up picks always look good at the time, but it comes down to who they end up selecting. They almost have to do better than they have in the past, just by random chance.

[bucksfan2]

These Browns draft trades where they move down and pick up picks always look good at the time, but it comes down to who they end up selecting. They almost have to do better than they have in the past, just by random chance.

They have been so horribly bad at drafting, the more picks mean the more bad picks.

[RedTeamGo!]

These Browns draft trades where they move down and pick up picks always look good at the time, but it comes down to who they end up selecting. They almost have to do better than they have in the past, just by random chance.

It's a new stats driven front office, though. I get what you are saying, but I think it's unfair given context.

I think it's unfair to compare them to the regimes of the past, simply because they are operating completely differently.

I think the trade today says more about the mediocrity of Goff and Wentz more than anything. Next year's draft is projected to be much better with multiple QBs better than Goff and Wentz.

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They have been so horribly bad at drafting, the more picks mean the more bad picks.

This regime has never drafted anyone.

[Kingspoint]

These Browns draft trades where they move down and pick up picks always look good at the time, but it comes down to who they end up selecting. They almost have to do better than they have in the past, just by random chance.

No doubt they still have to execute, but they've set themselves up with 12 picks in this year's draft and multiple high picks in the two drafts after that. Now, if Hue could survive for the next four seasons with the impatient Ownership of the Browns, the Browns can start putting together some winning seasons.

[Kingspoint]

Hue Jackson is not an analytics Coach, so it was an odd mix with an analytics front office. There's going to be some major clashes, but for now, Hue seems to be in charge.

[WrongVerb]

Reports are that Hue is smitten with RGIII. I think it's more likely they use one of the 3rd round picks they got to draft Connor Cook.

Please let that be true. I lived in DC during most of the time that RGIII was there and he isn't the same after his leg injuries. And honestly he wasn't that good before.

Is it a requirement that when you join the Browns organization you automatically lose the analytical use of your brain?

[WVRed]

Reports are that Hue is smitten with RGIII. I think it's more likely they use one of the 3rd round picks they got to draft Connor Cook.

I think Cook will be gone by the third. If Denver doesn't take him in the first, whoever doesn't take one in the first will in the second.

[Chip R]

Josh Norman is now an unrestricted free agent.

[Kingspoint]

Josh Norman is now an unrestricted free agent.

He will make an immediate impact, as does his loss for Carolina.

[RedTeamGo!]

As a Carolina Panthers fan, I will miss the intensity Norman brings to each and every game. With that said, I must say he is a bit overrated. Gettlemen, the GM of the Panthers strongly believes in having a strong front 7, which he believes makes average cornerbacks look good. This has been his philosophy since before he took over the panthers in 2013 and it is not a coincidence Norman became a star 2 years later, when Gettlemen invested heavily in the front 7.

[Tom Servo]

In Gettleman I Trust.

[Dom Heffner]

He will make an immediate impact, as does his loss for Carolina.

The Bengals have a need and the money. They won't but man...

[WrongVerb]

The Bengals have a need and the money. They won't but man...

I'm worried he'll end up in Pittsburgh. Even if he's not as good as one's first impression of him, he still can play well at the pro level and Pittsburgh really needs that right now.

It would be good for the Bengals to kick the tires just to drive up his price a bit.

[Boss-Hog]

I'm worried he'll end up in Pittsburgh. Even if he's not as good as one's first impression of him, he still can play well at the pro level and Pittsburgh really needs that right now.

It would be good for the Bengals to kick the tires just to drive up his price a bit.
Regardless of the necessary cap space, like the Bengals, signing big dollar free agents isn't the Steelers' MO, so I don't think there's anything to worry about.

[bucksfan2]

I'm worried he'll end up in Pittsburgh. Even if he's not as good as one's first impression of him, he still can play well at the pro level and Pittsburgh really needs that right now.

It would be good for the Bengals to kick the tires just to drive up his price a bit.

Not a move Pitt usually makes. Paying a premium for a FA coming of a career year is a dicey proposition. Revis and Talib have been successful signings as premier CB's but those signings are few and far between.

[Sea Ray]

Josh Norman is now an unrestricted free agent.

How can a team put the franchise tag on a guy and then pull it? I don't see how that's fair to the player. Now the team budgets have been blown and they can't easily fit a $15mill guy under their salary caps. I don't see how the NFLPA allows this to happen

[RedTeamGo!]

How can a team put the franchise tag on a guy and then pull it? I don't see how that's fair to the player. Now the team budgets have been blown and they can't easily fit a $15mill guy under their salary caps. I don't see how the NFLPA allows this to happen

Because Norman didn't agree to the tag. He never signed it and he was saying he was going to hold out until he was the highest paid DB in the NFL and highest paid Panther. Good riddance.

[Sea Ray]

Because Norman didn't agree to the tag. He never signed it and he was saying he was going to hold out until he was the highest paid DB in the NFL and highest paid Panther. Good riddance.

The deadline for signing a longterm deal is July 15th. It's way to early to rescind the deal. This gives teams a great chip to play when they negotiate with their players.

[RedTeamGo!]

The deadline for signing a longterm deal is July 15th. It's way to early to rescind the deal. This gives teams a great chip to play when they negotiate with their players.

Yep, and Gettleman stated it was clear Norman was not going to sign a reasonable contract and he wanted to make more than Luke Keuchly and be highest paid DB in the NFL.

Gettleman didn't want to play around, so for the Panthers sake and Norman's he kicked him loose now before the draft. Now teams can pay Norman what he wants. I heard Norman received multiple offers last night.

[Kingspoint]

While the Panthers have a sleugh of good and great Defensive players, Carolina's front-7 did not make Norman better than he is or as good as he is. Norman makes the front-7 better than it is as he gives them more time to get to the QB. Norman led all CB's in QB-rating against (mid-50's) when thrown at last year. That's not going to change whoever he plays for. Carolina can now be thrown on.

The loss of Norman brings the Panther's entire Defense and the entire team down a gigantic notch. They no longer have an elite Defense, which in turn exposes Cam Newton and his inconsistent ways. Newton always has been and always will be a very inaccurate passer whose success in the NFL has been tied directly to the Panther's elite Defenses and his first year of being able to run with the ball.

In still one of the weakest Divisions in the NFL, where they should go 5-1, they'll face the reality of not having Norman to erase either one side of the field or eliminate the opponent's #1 Receiver, and go 5-5 against the rest of the NFL.

[Sea Ray]

Yep, and Gettleman stated it was clear Norman was not going to sign a reasonable contract and he wanted to make more than Luke Keuchly and be highest paid DB in the NFL.

Gettleman didn't want to play around, so for the Panthers sake and Norman's he kicked him loose now before the draft. Now teams can pay Norman what he wants. I heard Norman received multiple offers last night.

Norman's not going to get nearly the offers he would have gotten a month ago

[Kingspoint]

The scariest team Norman could go to would be Jacksonville. They have $50M, already a rising Defensive unit and Offensive unit and are poised to take over that Division. Norman would make it so.

As far as there not being enough teams for Norman to choose from, he's the type of player that teams can get creative with when it comes to finding the money. He'll get his bonanza and get it quickly.

[RedTeamGo!]

While the Panthers have a sleugh of good and great Defensive players, Carolina's front-7 did not make Norman better than he is or as good as he is. Norman makes the front-7 better than it is as he gives them more time to get to the QB. Norman led all CB's in QB-rating against (mid-50's) when thrown at last year. That's not going to change whoever he plays for. Carolina can now be thrown on.

The loss of Norman brings the Panther's entire Defense and the entire team down a gigantic notch. They no longer have an elite Defense, which in turn exposes Cam Newton and his inconsistent ways. Newton always has been and always will be a very inaccurate passer whose success in the NFL has been tied directly to the Panther's elite Defenses and his first year of being able to run with the ball.

In still one of the weakest Divisions in the NFL, where they should go 5-1, they'll face the reality of not having Norman to erase either one side of the field or eliminate the opponent's #1 Receiver, and go 5-5 against the rest of the NFL.

No longer elite because of Norman? Yeahhhh....no.

[WVRed]

I'm worried he'll end up in Pittsburgh. Even if he's not as good as one's first impression of him, he still can play well at the pro level and Pittsburgh really needs that right now.

It would be good for the Bengals to kick the tires just to drive up his price a bit.

Cincinnati has bigger needs.

I don't see Pittsburgh doing it though. Not their style to splurge in free agency. They will probably sign a lesser player and coach them up or develop them through the draft.

[Kingspoint]

No longer elite because of Norman? Yeahhhh....no.

I will be proven wrong if next season they can do better than .500 against teams outside their Division, or they can finish Top-4 in either footballoutsiders' Drive Success Rate (they were #4 last year, while Darelle Revis' Jets were #1, Chris Harris and Aqib Talib's Broncos were #2 and Watt's Texans were #3) or Profootballfocus' overall Defensive Rating (don't know what they were last year, but I would assume top-4). While Keuchly should have won the MVP, not Newton, Norman stopped opposing teams' passing games. They'll get Benjamin back, so that gives them a huge improvement on Offense, as Olsen won't be double-teamed making GO much more effective. Cam won't have to run so much and can stay healthier.

[RedTeamGo!]

Jets - elite front 7. Broncos - elite front 7. Texans - elite front 7 and best defensive end in football. Panthers - elite front 7.

[Chip R]

The scariest team Norman could go to would be Jacksonville. They have $50M, already a rising Defensive unit and Offensive unit and are poised to take over that Division. Norman would make it so.

As far as there not being enough teams for Norman to choose from, he's the type of player that teams can get creative with when it comes to finding the money. He'll get his bonanza and get it quickly.

I heard this morning it's either going to be Washington or SF.

[Kingspoint]

–Held DeAndre Hopkins to 2 catches for 24 yards on 7 targets

–Held Vincent Jackson to 2 catches for 31 yards on 6 targets, picking off one pass.

–Held Mike Evans to 1 catch for 15 yards on 5 targets in the other meeting with the Bucs.

–Held T.Y. Hilton to 1 catch for 15 yards on 3 targets, breaking up the other 2.

–Held Dez Bryant to 1 catch for 6 yards on 5 targets.

–Held Julio Jones to 9 catches for 113 yards across 2 games (half Jones’ per-game average).

In 19 games, he never allowed a catch of more than 36 yds.

10 times he gave up 2 or fewer catches.

Each of the last two seasons, a QB would have done better at improving his passer rating if he had thrown the ball away instead of throwing it at him.

Carolina will not have this anymore.

[Kingspoint]

...

[Kingspoint]

I heard this morning it's either going to be Washington or SF.

They've made offers. He's visiting Washington today. Don't rule out Jacksonville, yet.

[RedTeamGo!]

I get it, but you are severely underrating the quality of carolina's entire defense. Especially their linebackers.

To say Norman is the reason they were so good last year is simply absurd.

[JaxRed]

They've made offers. He's visiting Washington today. Don't rule out Jacksonville, yet.

I wish, but I don't think it's happening....

[Dom Heffner]

–Held DeAndre Hopkins to 2 catches for 24 yards on 7 targets

–Held Vincent Jackson to 2 catches for 31 yards on 6 targets, picking off one pass.

–Held Mike Evans to 1 catch for 15 yards on 5 targets in the other meeting with the Bucs.

–Held T.Y. Hilton to 1 catch for 15 yards on 3 targets, breaking up the other 2.

–Held Dez Bryant to 1 catch for 6 yards on 5 targets.

–Held Julio Jones to 9 catches for 113 yards across 2 games (half Jones’ per-game average).

In 19 games, he never allowed a catch of more than 36 yds.

10 times he gave up 2 or fewer catches.

Each of the last two seasons, a QB would have done better at improving his passer rating if he had thrown the ball away instead of throwing it at him.

Carolina will not have this anymore.

What burns me up is that the Bengals have all this cap space and adding that would have given them an elite defense.

They are one or two players away, now is the time to pay up and then be cheap for a decade once they win.

The talent on this team is unreal, would love to make it so they are out of this world on defense.

[Chip R]

Washington signs Norman for 5 years $75M.

[Dom Heffner]

Washington signs Norman for 5 years $75M.

Record deal for a CB.

Wow. Okay, glad we didn't do that.

[RedTeamGo!]

Record deal for a CB.

Wow. Okay, glad we didn't do that.

Horrible contract. On top of the Carolina elite front 7 making him look better than he is, he's going to be 29 years old in December!

[Kingspoint]

I get it, but you are severely underrating the quality of carolina's entire defense. Especially their linebackers.

To say Norman is the reason they were so good last year is simply absurd.

You didn't hear everything I said, nor remember me saying that I would have voted for Kuechly for league MVP last year. Carolina has a plethora of good and great Defensive players. But, elite is no longer in the equation. Four Defenses, maybe three, get to be elite in any given year. They are still Top-10, but they aren't elite. They can now be thrown on and couldn't before. That's a huge difference. You can rally against them. You can make Cam play from behind. Benjamin is special, though. He can make up a lot of the difference. You can score long TD's on Carolina now. The guys that are still there are going to make plays still, but the top of the Defense can be attacked now.

You still can't run on them, but most teams can't run anyways, nor do they want to, so that really doesn't matter that much.

[Kingspoint]

Washington will now be difficult to pass on. 2nd year OLB's Preston Smith (5 sacks last three games) and Ryan Kerrigan (9.5) last year, and LDE Chris Baker (6 sacks) will now have a little more time to get to the QB as opposing QB's look to target Receivers other than their #1WR. Washington has no NT, as Baker has stated he doesn't want to move there, while Paea did well as a RDE last year. Knighton's replacement will have to be in the draft. The Redskins can be run on, as they also need to upgrade their ILB's, while opposing TE's can find plenty of success.

Norman makes the entire Defense's job easier, but there are still some major holes. DeAngelo Hall should do well at Free Safety.

[RichRed]

Washington signs Norman for 5 years $75M.

"Only" $50 mil of it is guaranteed though. ;-)

[RedTeamGo!]

You didn't hear everything I said, nor remember me saying that I would have voted for Kuechly for league MVP last year. Carolina has a plethora of good and great Defensive players. But, elite is no longer in the equation. Four Defenses, maybe three, get to be elite in any given year. They are still Top-10, but they aren't elite. They can now be thrown on and couldn't before. That's a huge difference. You can rally against them. You can make Cam play from behind. Benjamin is special, though. He can make up a lot of the difference. You can score long TD's on Carolina now. The guys that are still there are going to make plays still, but the top of the Defense can be attacked now.

You still can't run on them, but most teams can't run anyways, nor do they want to, so that really doesn't matter that much.

You are acting like Norman was a stud from day 1. He was a late round draft pick that was slowly developed by the superb panthers defensive coaching staff. He did break out until late 2014 when he was already turning 27 years old!

they will move Benwikere to corner from nickel and select another project to nickel, probably a mid-round pick from this year and remain a top 5 defense. Dbs are system players in Carolina.

- - - Updated - - -


"Only" $50 mil of it is guaranteed though. ;-)

Horrendous deal for redskins. $10 says that comes back to haunt them.

[RichRed]

Actually, looks like 2 years and $36.5 million is the guaranteed figure. (Couldn't get the link to work but the details are at scout.com.)

Sure, it could backfire but the Skins have a real GM in charge, for a change, who has mostly stayed away from high-priced free agency. Unlike in the past, they appear to have structured it in a way that won't hamstring them later on. This isn't like the drunken sailor days of throwing gazillions at geezers and/or head cases like Haynesworth, Deion Sanders, Bruce Smith, etc.

Of course, as a long-suffering fan of the team, I now fully expect Norman to tear an ACL the first week of training camp.

[Kingspoint]

They let Gruden win the battle of wills regarding RGIII, and Cousins showed enough to prove him right. Cutting bait on RGIII showed a willingness to admit a huge mistake.

[Sea Ray]

Josh Norman did feel screwed when the Panthers pulled the franchise tag.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/15343989/josh-norman-washington-redskins-attempted-sign-franchise-tag-carolina-panthers-rescinded-it

Of course no one's going to shed tears for him as he now has $50mill guaranteed.

You'd think Snyder would learn his lesson after awhile about tying up so much cap space in one player. This rarely works out

[Stray]

Tom Brady's 4 game Deflategate suspension has been reinstated lol

[Dom Heffner]

Tom Brady's 4 game Deflategate suspension has been reinstated lol

I'm worried less about Brady and more about the league's investigation process.

[bucksfan2]

Tom Brady's 4 game Deflategate suspension has been reinstated lol

The courts originally threw out the suspension because they "deemed" the suspension too harsh. I have long thought that the NFL would win on appeal.

I still think it is kinda silly that this entire thing is being drawn out again. I get both sides of the story, but I keep coming back to the line of thinking "it didn't matter, but you broke the rules."Goddell and the NFL have egg on their face right now, but I wonder how much behind the scenes that no one knows is contributing to the desire to suspend.

[Sea Ray]

The courts originally threw out the suspension because they "deemed" the suspension too harsh. I have long thought that the NFL would win on appeal.

I still think it is kinda silly that this entire thing is being drawn out again. I get both sides of the story, but I keep coming back to the line of thinking "it didn't matter, but you broke the rules."Goddell and the NFL have egg on their face right now, but I wonder how much behind the scenes that no one knows is contributing to the desire to suspend.

The reason it got so drawn out was because of the previous decision. As I recall one judge completely missed the point of the case. He basically retried it and found Brady innocent. That was never the reason for the courts to get involved. The issue is whether the league has the power to issue such a penalty and whether the CBA was properly negotiated. The actual investigation is up to the NFL and the rights that the players gave them thru the CBA. This court got it right.

[Sea Ray]

I'm worried less about Brady and more about the league's investigation process.

If the process is flawed then the players need to negotiate a different process in the next CBA. They get what they signed onto until then

[Kingspoint]

If Burfict fought his 3-game suspension as much as Brady did, he'd get it oveturned. Way too much evidence that doesn't justify 3 games.

In the meantime, the Bengals will face a fresh Brady and a NE team that could already have a couple of losses.

[Kingspoint]

If the process is flawed then the players need to negotiate a different process in the next CBA. They get what they signed onto until then

The players had a crappy union head the last 20+ years. They have no power and aren't united.

It's HHM vs. Wexler & McGill.

[Sea Ray]

If Burfict fought his 3-game suspension as much as Brady did, he'd get it oveturned. Way too much evidence that doesn't justify 3 games.

In the meantime, the Bengals will face a fresh Brady and a NE team that could already have a couple of losses.

I don't know if they'll have a couple losses. I'm underwhelmed at their first 4 opponents

[Kingspoint]

They could lose all four.

The Patriots were reportedly bracing for this to happen after the NFL's appeal was heard last month. Brady will miss the Patriots' first four games against the Cardinals, Dolphins, Texans, and Bills before being able to return Week 5 against the Browns. He's still able to participate in training camp and preseason contests. Jimmy Garoppolo will slide in as the starter the first four weeks.

Source: CNBC Now on Twitter

[bucksfan2]

The players had a crappy union head the last 20+ years. They have no power and aren't united.

It's HHM vs. Wexler & McGill.

It all comes down to money. The one thing that really separates the NFL from the other big leagues, is they are one united group. Any big media contract is negotiated with the NFL or either the AFC or NFC. They don't have individual teams negotiating individual contracts, they have a league where all 32 teams stand on equal footing. The Bengals can spend as much money as the Giants. The Packers the same as the Bears. They don't have a small market vs big market dichotomy. They don't have the a large market team willing to explode player contracts because they can better afford it than a smaller market team.

When the league and the union get together, the owners are one unified group. At the end of the say the union ends up sacrificing things to the owners to get a little more money. The owners are never going to give the players back guaranteed contracts, and the players are always going to give into the owners to get a little more money kicked their way.

[Chip R]

If Burfict fought his 3-game suspension as much as Brady did, he'd get it oveturned. Way too much evidence that doesn't justify 3 games.

In the meantime, the Bengals will face a fresh Brady and a NE team that could already have a couple of losses.

Burfict doesn't have as much money as Brady does. Theoretically, Brady could afford to fight this until kingdom come.


I don't know if they'll have a couple losses. I'm underwhelmed at their first 4 opponents

AZ is a Super Bowl contender. The Texans have a good defense and they basically pantsed a good Bengals team last year. The Dolphins are meh but they beat the Pats last year with Brady sitting out a lot of that game. Buffalo almost beat NE twice last year. A loss to any or all of those teams wouldn't be a surprise.

[Sea Ray]

I'm careful not to underestimate Belichek. He's got four and a half months to prepare for this. Jimmy G will be ready and look better than Matt Cassel did when he went 11-5 for them.

[Chip R]

I'm careful not to underestimate Belichek. He's got four and a half months to prepare for this. Jimmy G will be ready and look better than Matt Cassel did when he went 11-5 for them.

Oh definitely. Makes me wonder how much Brady will play in the pre-season. Since he's going to be missing 4 weeks, it's possible he could play more than usual.

[bucksfan2]

I'm careful not to underestimate Belichek. He's got four and a half months to prepare for this. Jimmy G will be ready and look better than Matt Cassel did when he went 11-5 for them.

I saw Brady's next, and only move, is to apply to the Supreme Court.

While the AFC East may be mirrored in mediocrity, sans NE, they are better than the East that allowed Cassel to go 11-5 with NE.

[Sea Ray]

I saw Brady's next, and only move, is to apply to the Supreme Court.

While the AFC East may be mirrored in mediocrity, sans NE, they are better than the East that allowed Cassel to go 11-5 with NE.

The legal "experts" say two things about that:

1) No way the SC will take it

2) He'll have to serve his suspension anyway since they couldn't hear it till next yr anyway

[Sea Ray]

The 2008 season saw the AFC East go 26-14 vs the rest of the NFL. That's an awfully good division

[bucksfan2]

The 2008 season saw the AFC East go 26-14 vs the rest of the NFL. That's an awfully good division

IIRC the Jets were decent and the Pats were good. The Bills and Dolphins have been poor for a long time now.

[bucksfan2]

The legal "experts" say two things about that:

1) No way the SC will take it

2) He'll have to serve his suspension anyway since they couldn't hear it till next yr anyway

The one question I had is if Brady could get a stay. I would doubt the SC would take the case, nor do I think they should take the case. But if Brady could appeal and be allowed to play during his appeal he may drop the appeal whenever he wants.

[Sea Ray]

IIRC the Jets were decent and the Pats were good. The Bills and Dolphins have been poor for a long time now.

Granted it was a long time ago. What I remember is that 11-5 didn't even get them in the playoffs.

http://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/2008/

The Dolphins won the division that yr. The worst team in the division was 7-9

[Sea Ray]

The one question I had is if Brady could get a stay. I would doubt the SC would take the case, nor do I think they should take the case. But if Brady could appeal and be allowed to play during his appeal he may drop the appeal whenever he wants.

It doesn't sound like a stay is possible but it's early. Let's keep following and see

[blumj]

IANAL, but I'm hearing that Brady can still request the case be heard by the whole 2nd Circuit, and, while that's typically a long shot, they may be a little more likely to grant it than usual because the dissenting opinion in this case was by the Chief Justice of that court. But it apparently would be a next step for the NFLPA to attempt before the SC that they'd have to request in the next 2 weeks, and also that if the 2nd Circuit does grant it, there would be an automatic stay of the suspension until that hearing. Like I said IANAL, so I could be misunderstanding any or all of this.

[RedsBaron]

I'm worried less about Brady and more about the league's investigation process.

Yep. I cannot think of anyone in professional sports for whom I have less respect than Goodell.

[Kingspoint]

The Patriots have lost four key pieces on Defense the last 1-1/2 years. They have one good Receiver, who is not likely to play more than 13 games. They rely on Brady more and more. The Patriots have drafted poorly for at least five years. They have been plugging the leaks through Free Agency the last four years. They can't even boast an average Defense. Brady played like he was 25 last season (except for throws beyond 15 yards).

There are not any fixes Belichick or GOD could do that will change them from a mediocre team when Brady won't be playing QB.

Their best RB, James White, is a Receiver, and of value with Brady funneling it to him on the run, and he's returning from a major injury. Blount is still a FA and can't catch a pass.

Only Brady's quick-release prevents him from getting sacked. With any other QB, this patchwork O-Line will be exposed. Whoever plays Center while Brady is away will be sacked at least 5 times a game.

They'll lose 3 of 4 without Brady, and with Brady, they still will lose at least one of the four.

[George Anderson]

Funny how in the course of just 3 months, Manning is now seen as having the better career than Brady.

[Sea Ray]

IANAL, but I'm hearing that Brady can still request the case be heard by the whole 2nd Circuit, and, while that's typically a long shot, they may be a little more likely to grant it than usual because the dissenting opinion in this case was by the Chief Justice of that court. But it apparently would be a next step for the NFLPA to attempt before the SC that they'd have to request in the next 2 weeks, and also that if the 2nd Circuit does grant it, there would be an automatic stay of the suspension until that hearing. Like I said IANAL, so I could be misunderstanding any or all of this.

Well that dissenting judge doesn't even understand what he's being asked to rule on. He's still attempting to re-try the case and that's not his job. His job is to decide whether the NFL violated the CBA that was negotiated and signed by the NFLPA.

Judge Robert A. Katzmann, the Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Second Circuit, strongly disagrees with the two judges who ruled in favor of the NFL. In a separate dissenting opinion, Judge Katzmann explains that, in his opinion, Commissioner Roger Goodell’s punishment of Brady exceeded the findings of the Ted Wells report.

“The Wells Report . . . concluded that it was ‘more probable than not that Tom Brady . . . was at least generally aware of the inappropriate activities of [Jim] McNally and [John] Jastremski involving the release of air from Patriots game balls’ . . . and that it was ‘unlikely’ that McNally and Jastremski deflated the balls without Brady’s ‘knowledge,’ ‘approval,’ ‘awareness,’ and ‘consent,'” Judge Katzmann writes. “The Commissioner’s final written decision, however, went further. It found that Brady ‘knew about, approved of, consented to, and provided inducements and rewards in support of a scheme by which, with Mr. Jastremski’s support, Mr. McNally tampered with game balls.”

Judge Katzmann sees those differences as material: “The misconduct found in the Wells Report is indisputably less culpable than inducing and rewarding cheating through the payment of memorabilia, as was found in the Commissioner’s final decision.”

[Sea Ray]

The majority opinion ruled on something completely different than the dissenting judge:


“Here, the parties contracted in the CBA to specifically allow the Commissioner to sit as the arbitrator,” the Second Circuit wrote at page 33. “They did so knowing full well that the Commissioner had the sole power of determining what constitutes ‘conduct detrimental,’ and thus knowing that the Commissioner would have a stake both in the underlying discipline and in every arbitration [falling within his jurisdiction]. Had the parties wished to restrict the Commissioner’s authority, they could have fashioned a different agreement.”

[Chip R]

The NFL has warned the players not to eat meat that was processed in Mexico and China because it has been contaminated with Clenbuterol.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beware-meat-china-mexico-nfl-players-warned-030937151--nfl.html

[GAC]

Hereeeeeee's Johnny!

He turned himself in the other day to face domestic violence charges against his ex-GF, whom he hit repeatedly and then dragged (against her will) into the car. And this is not his first "incident" involving women either.

It's bad enough to lay hands on a woman, but I took one look at him smirking in the mugshot, and you want to punch this guy in the face (LOL).

http://sports.cbsimg.net/images/blogs/Johnny-Manziel-mugshot-05-04-16.jpg

[GAC]

The NFL has warned the players not to eat meat that was processed in Mexico and China because it has been contaminated with Clenbuterol.

http://sports.yahoo.com/news/beware-meat-china-mexico-nfl-players-warned-030937151--nfl.html

With me it's Walmart (LOL)

[Dom Heffner]

Funny how in the course of just 3 months, Manning is now seen as having the better career than Brady.

I think Brady has had the better career and I don't even know that it's close.

[Sea Ray]

I think Brady has had the better career and I don't even know that it's close.

I think George's point is that the record hasn't changed in the past 3 mos

[Kingspoint]

San Diego has quietly put together one of the it's best O-Line's in the Phillip Rivers era. Rivers has been plagued with consistently bad to horrible Offensive Lines, while most of the time being able to produce points in spite of it (see Aaron Rodgers and in recent years Tom Brady). That Division should be a dog-fight to the last week for 1st through 4th. It could finish in any order.

[Sea Ray]

San Diego has quietly put together one of the it's best O-Line's in the Phillip Rivers era. Rivers has been plagued with consistently bad to horrible Offensive Lines, while most of the time being able to produce points in spite of it (see Aaron Rodgers and in recent years Tom Brady). That Division should be a dog-fight to the last week for 1st through 4th. It could finish in any order.

I think it's too early to tell if they've fixed their O-line problems. You can't judge this on paper. We've got to see it on the field. His line was atrocious at the end of last yr

[Kingspoint]

I think it's too early to tell if they've fixed their O-line problems. You can't judge this on paper. We've got to see it on the field. His line was atrocious at the end of last yr

No doubt. O-Lines need time to be able to know what the other is doing by memory and feel. That takes a long time to obtain. It's all just paper right now. It's also likely that they continue to see injuries to their O-Line, and then it's all for naught. They have to seriously look at how they do things...training...blocking...etc., because they get a substantial inordinate amountof injuries to their O-Line. You can almost pencil it in that they'll have at least 20 missed games among their 5 projected starters. Can't get any continuity that way.

[Chip R]

NFL from September to March? Pro Bowl replaced by a skills competition? A writer's idea of changing the NFL schedule.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/05/21/nfl-schedules-pro-bowl-super-bowl-draft-roger-goodell-the-bachelorette

[Sea Ray]

NFL from September to March? Pro Bowl replaced by a skills competition? A writer's idea of changing the NFL schedule.

http://www.si.com/nfl/2016/05/21/nfl-schedules-pro-bowl-super-bowl-draft-roger-goodell-the-bachelorette

As a fan I'd love it but I doubt the players would go for it. They'd be working for an extra month for the same amount of pay

[WrongVerb]

As a fan I'd love it but I doubt the players would go for it. They'd be working for an extra month for the same amount of pay

One could argue that they're working year round anyway.

That said I don't know if I like the schedule idea or not.

[Chip R]

As a fan I'd love it but I doubt the players would go for it. They'd be working for an extra month for the same amount of pay

I dunno. Those five open weeks would be pretty sweet. Anyway they would only playing another month. You could schedule those overseas games before the open weeks. What I would see as problematic are playoff games in February. For the TV viewer it would be great. But conditions in a lot of cities could be pretty brutal.

[JaxRed]

Here would be an interesting twist: Players have to sit out 4 (or 6) games. That way work load on players doesn't increase much or at all. 53 man rosters would have to be expanded. So more guys could have jobs. All of sudden #2 QB is valuable guy. Players get % of revenue so players $ goes up.

With 3 extra homes games per team, easy for Goodell to schedule his overseas games.

[Sea Ray]

Here would be an interesting twist: Players have to sit out 4 (or 6) games. That way work load on players doesn't increase much or at all. 53 man rosters would have to be expanded. So more guys could have jobs. All of sudden #2 QB is valuable guy. Players get % of revenue so players $ goes up.

With 3 extra homes games per team, easy for Goodell to schedule his overseas games.

Expanding the rosters is something I've supported for years. That is a great bone to throw to the players. Plus the fact that revenues would increase significantly, thereby also increasing the salary cap

[Kingspoint]

With as bad as it's being shown that the routine contact of play after play of the players in the trenches have permanent brain damage, the starters need to have fewer plays in a season, not more.

They need to go back to a 14-game schedule with 2 pre-season games. Give every team 2 bye weeks and no team can play more than six weeks in a row at no point during the regular season. That's still a 16-week regular season for television purposes. Healthier players makes for more entertaining games.

[Dom Heffner]

21 scientists back Brady.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/21-scientists-say-tom-brady-is-right-and-the-nfl-is-wrong_us_5745fb9ce4b0dacf7ad3c55d

Deflation is a natural occurrence they say.

[Sea Ray]

21 scientists back Brady.

http://www.huffingtonpost.com/entry/21-scientists-say-tom-brady-is-right-and-the-nfl-is-wrong_us_5745fb9ce4b0dacf7ad3c55d

Deflation is a natural occurrence they say.

The problem is the Colts footballs did not deflate that day. Furthermore the issue of whether he deflated them or not is not what's before the courts. The issue is whether it's Goodell's call or some judge's. I think it's pretty obvious that the Players collectively bargained that it is the Commissioner's call

[dubc47834]

The problem is the Colts footballs did not deflate that day. Furthermore the issue of whether he deflated them or not is not what's before the courts. The issue is whether it's Goodell's call or some judge's. I think it's pretty obvious that the Players collectively bargained that it is the Commissioner's call

DING DING DING...we have a winner!

At this point it's not about whether Brady deflated balls, it's about does Goodell have the right to suspend Brady. And under the collective bargain agreement he does. As a Colts fan myself, most of us know that those balls had nothing to do with getting smoked. But like big worm from Friday said...it's about principality!!!

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

Jaguars signed WR Allen Hurns to a four-year, $40 million extension through 2020.

The deal contains $20 million guaranteed, and Hurns can earn an additional $4 million through incentives. Undrafted out of Miami (FL) in 2014, Hurns earned a full-time role opposite Allen Robinson last season and exploded for the "garbage-time" Jaguars, parlaying 64 catches into 1,031 yards and ten touchdowns. Hurns will turn 25 this November. As he was signed for 2016 at just $600,000, Hurns is now under the Jags' control for the next five seasons at $40.6 million. Hurns is a prime regression candidate after last year's obscene touchdown rate, but he should still return solid WR3 value in re-draft leagues this season.

Source: Profootballtalk on NBC Sports


It's almost identical to the 5/yr, $40M, $20M guaranteed contract that Marvin Jones signed with Detroit, as the extension takes Hurns out to 5 years. Hurns is two years younger, more injury-prone, but much more able to play and produce at a high level through his injuries. Hurns also has last year's #1 rated passer per PFF on throws 20+, while Stafford has always been one of the most inaccurate deep throwers in the league. Good extension by the Jags.

[Dom Heffner]

The problem is the Colts footballs did not deflate that day. Furthermore the issue of whether he deflated them or not is not what's before the courts. The issue is whether it's Goodell's call or some judge's. I think it's pretty obvious that the Players collectively bargained that it is the Commissioner's call

It's a bit more complicated than that, sorry.

http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2015/06/15/study-patriots-balls-didnt-deflate-too-much-colts-balls-deflated-too-little/


Specifically, the AEI research points out that the Wells Report admits that the referees tested just four Colts balls because the end of halftime approached but tested all of the Patriots balls, suggesting that the Colts balls sat in a warm locker room before testing longer than the Patriots balls, which explains the greater relative deflation in the New England balls.

“The fact that the officials ran out of time is highly material: it implies that the Colts balls were inside a warm room for almost the entire halftime before they were measured and thus had a chance to warm up,” Kevin Hassett, Joseph Sullivan, and Stan Veuger write. The first and last authors also wrote a report defending the New Orleans Saints when the NFL suspended head coach Sean Payton and several players in response to charges the team put bounties on the opposition. Former NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue reversed the penalties imposed on Saints players as a result of the appeal of Roger Goodell’s initial decision.

[Sea Ray]

It's a bit more complicated than that, sorry.

http://www.breitbart.com/sports/2015/06/15/study-patriots-balls-didnt-deflate-too-much-colts-balls-deflated-too-little/

Were I a defense attorney, I'd try to muddy the waters with issues like that too. Given how well Brady is defended, I'm sure this was brought to the attention of the Commissioner. Despite all that he still ruled against Brady. The only legal issue remaining (should be) is whether Goodell had the authority to make such a ruling. The CBA does NOT give Brady the right to re-try his case before another arbiter. Goodell is the only arbiter here, per the CBA. Were the players improperly represented in negotiating the CBA? Did the NFL coerce them in some way to sign it? That's where we stand today.

[WrongVerb]

Aqib Talib shot in the leg (http://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/broncos-aqib-talib-reportedly-shot-at-dallas-nightclub-released-from-hospital):


Broncos cornerback Aqib Talib was involved in an incident at a nightclub that left three people shot and sent him to an emergency room in Dallas. Talib is still being treated in Dallas but is "OK" the Broncos confirmed.

Rebecca Lopez of WFAA in Dallas was the first to report Talib was one of three people shot late at V-line, a Dallas nightclub.

[Kingspoint]

He's going to fully recover.

[Chip R]

Wouldn't bet against him being the instigator. Maybe he poked the wrong person in the eye.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Eagles signed DT Fletcher Cox to a six-year, $103 million extension through 2022.

Cox gets $63 million guaranteed, besting Dolphins DT Ndamukong Suh's $60 million for the most ever for a non-quarterback. Cox was entering the final year of his rookie deal and won't turn 26 until December. The extension is well deserved, even if Cox isn't the first name that pops to mind as someone we'd envision setting a new-money record. Cox was Pro Football Focus' No. 2 overall 3-4 end last season behind J.J. Watt. He'll continue to attack from the interior of the defense as a 4-3 tackle for new DC Jim Schwartz.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Atkins' and Dunlap's deals seem pretty cheap, comparatively.

[WrongVerb]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Eagles signed DT Fletcher Cox to a six-year, $103 million extension through 2022.

Cox gets $63 million guaranteed, besting Dolphins DT Ndamukong Suh's $60 million for the most ever for a non-quarterback. Cox was entering the final year of his rookie deal and won't turn 26 until December. The extension is well deserved, even if Cox isn't the first name that pops to mind as someone we'd envision setting a new-money record. Cox was Pro Football Focus' No. 2 overall 3-4 end last season behind J.J. Watt. He'll continue to attack from the interior of the defense as a 4-3 tackle for new DC Jim Schwartz.

Source: Adam Schefter on Twitte

Moving from 3-4 DE to 4-3 DT isn't as straightforward as it might seem. Warren Sapp, among others, tried that and failed at it. That's kind of a risky contract.

[Kingspoint]

It's what Hardison is trying to do for the Bengals (he was a 4-3 DE in college) in a way. He said this week that it's really hard, except his is easier as he's going inside to a 3-technique in a 4-3. To be a DT in a 3-4 is even harder transtion.

[Chip R]

Former Colts RB Zurlon Tipton died after accidentally shooting himself.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/16593351/ex-indianapolis-colts-running-back-zurlon-tipton-dies-accidental-shooting

[Assembly Hall]

Former Colts RB Zurlon Tipton died after accidentally shooting himself.

http://espn.go.com/nfl/story/_/id/16593351/ex-indianapolis-colts-running-back-zurlon-tipton-dies-accidental-shooting

What is it with these guys and guns? Just sad.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

Colts signed QB Andrew Luck to a five-year extension through 2021.

We await the details. But this deal should reset the top of the quarterback market. Luck was entering the final year of his rookie contract. Despite missing half of last season and struggling for large chunks of the eight games he was in there, Luck deserves every penny. GM Ryan Grigson hasn't done anything to protect Luck during his now-four-year career, failing to get him any offensive linemen and subjecting "the franchise" to unnecessary hits. Now back to full health, Luck should be in for a big bounce-back year as a top-flight QB1. He's now signed through his age-32 season

[Chip R]

What is it with these guys and guns? Just sad.

What confounds me is that it was loaded while in his bag.

[Chip R]

The catch rule clarified:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/206794/nfls-2016-catch-rule-clip-and-save-it-right-here

[Kingspoint]

The catch rule clarified:

http://espn.go.com/blog/nflnation/post/_/id/206794/nfls-2016-catch-rule-clip-and-save-it-right-here

So, under the new rule, were Eifert and Megatron's catches TD's?

[Chip R]

So, under the new rule, were Eifert and Megatron's catches TD's?

I don't know. Still a lot of interpretation on if the player holds on the ball long enough to become a runner. Also, it says "secure control of the ball in his hands or arms." What if it's a one handed catch? It says hands not hand.