2021 NFL Season

[JaxRed]

Tonight we close the books on the 2020 NFL season. So we look towards the 2021 season.

Subject to Change here are some Off-season dates;

FEBRUARY

Feb. 23: First day teams can designate Franchise or Transition players

MARCH

March 9: Deadline for teams to designated Franchise or Transition players (4 p.m. ET)

March 17: 2021 League Year and free agency begins (4 p.m. ET)

APRIL

April 5: Start of offseason workouts (for teams with a new head coach)

April 19: Start of offseason workouts (for all other teams)

April 23: Last day of restricted free-agent signing period

April 28: Last day to match offer sheets for restricted free agents

April 29-May 1: NFL Draft

[JaxRed]

NFL has already cancelled this years Combine in Indianapolis.

[JaxRed]

NFL has new 7 new head coaches. All first time NFL coaches.

1. NY Jets - Hire SF Defensive Coordinator Robert Saleh
2. Philadelphia Eagles - Hire Colts OC Nick Sirianni
3. Jacksonville Jaguars - Hire former OSU HC Urban Meyer
4. LA Chargers - Hire Rams DC Brandon Staley
5. Atlanta Falcons - Hire Titans OC Arthur Smith
6. Houston Texans - Hire Ravens passing game coordinator David Cullen
7. Detroit Lions - Hire Saints TE Coach Dan Campbell

Except for Urban Meyer none has ever been a permanent head coach at any level. Dan Campbell was interim HC of Dolphins in 2015 and had a 5-7 record.

[JaxRed]

Per Adam Schefter the NFL expects the salary cap to be between 180 and 181 million. This is slightly better than the expected 175 million. In 2020 it was 198,200.

[adkindo]

Super Bowl LVI Odds

Chiefs 11-2
Packers 9-1
Bucs 11-1
Ravens 12-1
Bills 12-1
Rams 13-1
49ers 14-1
Saints 16-1
Seahawks 18-1
Browns 20-1
Colts 25-1
Titans 28-1
Dolphins 28-1
Steelers 28-1
Cowboys 30-1
Chargers 30-1
Cardinals 40-1
Vikings 40-1
Raiders 40-1
Patriots 50-1
Bears 50-1
Eagles 50-1
Panthers 60-1
Falcons 60-1
Broncos 60-1
WFC 60-1
Jaguars 75-1
Giants 75-1
Bengals 80-1
Lions 100-1
Jets 100-1
Texans 100-1

-- Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill

[UKFlounder]

RIP, Marty Schottenheimer

[WrongVerb]

Mike Klis
@MikeKlis

Broncos are releasing CB A.J. Bouye per source. #9sports
10:39am · 10 Feb 2021

[JaxRed]

I guess Bouye is mostly $$ related. And he's suspended for 2 games of 2021 for PEDs. If old regime was in Jax they might be interested. He was well liked by team. He should be pretty cheap.

[Chip R]

J.J. Watt has been released by the Texans after he asked for his release.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30886997/houston-texans-part-ways-jj-watt-asks-release

[WrongVerb]

J.J. Watt has been released by the Texans after he asked for his release.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30886997/houston-texans-part-ways-jj-watt-asks-release

I'm hoping the Seahawks sign him. But I also hope they sign him for the player he is today rather than who he was 5 years ago.

[KoryMac5]

I'm hoping the Seahawks sign him. But I also hope they sign him for the player he is today rather than who he was 5 years ago.

I think he finishes in GB (close to home) or Pitts with his brother...

Houston saves a boatload of cash with the release.

[Kingspoint]

I think he finishes in GB (close to home) or Pitts with his brother...

Houston saves a boatload of cash with the release.

Unbelievable they got nothing for him. Just one more reason why their QB wants to, and should, leave.

"Hey, we want to keep you. To show you how much, we'll get rid of a great Defensive Asset just like when we got rid of a great Offensive asset last year for nothing."

[Bob Sheed]

Houston Texans trying to reboot, Cincinnati-style.

Last two things for them to do to really emulate, are to trade Watson for peanuts and to fly some freshly cooked skyline chili in to celebrate, sans proper refrigeration.

[Hillsdale87]

Unbelievable they got nothing for him. Just one more reason why their QB wants to, and should, leave.

"Hey, we want to keep you. To show you how much, we'll get rid of a great Defensive Asset just like when we got rid of a great Offensive asset last year for nothing."

I'm not sure they could have gotten anything for him. He was owed $17.5MM, has dealt with a number of injuries, and is coming off a season where he had 5 sacks. He's still a valuable player, but I don't know what team would give up real assets to take on that contract.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Rojo Rijo]

No team is giving up assets to get a guy who would cost about double what he’s currently worth.

[redsfandan]

Even if they could've received just a draft pick for him it still would've been something.

[KoryMac5]

Even if they could've received just a draft pick for him it still would've been something.

Maybe they could have gotten a 6th or 7th rounder...he is basically a part time player now on a good franchise due to injuries. Buffalo would be a great fit.

Houston is a mess...and is going to get worse. This is what happens when you turn your franchise over to a guy who was a character coach just a few years ago with no football knowledge.

[redsfandan]

Maybe they could have gotten a 6th or 7th rounder...he is basically a part time player now on a good franchise due to injuries. Buffalo would be a great fit.

Houston is a mess...and is going to get worse. This is what happens when you turn your franchise over to a guy who was a character coach just a few years ago with no football knowledge.
He's not the player he used to be but he's still "the No. 7 edge rusher among 124 qualifiers per PFF last season". So, they probably could've received something better than a 6th or 7th pick. And a rebuilding team like Houston needs all the extra draft picks they can get, whether it's a single 4th round pick or a couple picks in the 2nd/3rd rounds.

[Kingspoint]

He's not the player he used to be but he's still "the No. 7 edge rusher among 124 qualifiers per PFF last season". So, they probably could've received something better than a 6th or 7th pick. And a rebuilding team like Houston needs all the extra draft picks they can get, whether it's a single 4th round pick or a couple picks in the 2nd/3rd rounds.

If only the Bengals had a single player who was in the top-5% of all qualifiers at any position. In other words, Watt was better at his position than any Cincinnati Bengal was at their position this season. That's elite still, and should have garnered at least a 2nd or 3rd Round pick in 2021, or a 1st or 2nd in 2022.

[Kingspoint]

Houston Texans trying to reboot, Cincinnati-style.

Last two things for them to do to really emulate, are to trade Watson for peanuts and to fly some freshly cooked skyline chili in to celebrate, sans proper refrigeration.

They're mirroring the Mike Brown hardball stance that ends up only hurting the franchise and the fans.

[Hillsdale87]

If only the Bengals had a single player who was in the top-5% of all qualifiers at any position. In other words, Watt was better at his position than any Cincinnati Bengal was at their position this season. That's elite still, and should have garnered at least a 2nd or 3rd Round pick in 2021, or a 1st or 2nd in 2022.

There is no chance the Texans could have gotten that or else they would have. He has one year remaining on a bad contract. I'm guessing they maybe could have gotten a 7th round pick but decided to do a favor for the best player in franchise history and let him choose his next team.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[Kingspoint]

There is no chance the Texans could have gotten that or else they would have. He has one year remaining on a bad contract. I'm guessing they maybe could have gotten a 7th round pick but decided to do a favor for the best player in franchise history and let him choose his next team.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

Look at what you just said. "The Texans" would have if they could have. The Texans couldn't find their way out of a revolving door. Any competent G.M. could have gotten at least a 3rd for him, and more likely a 2nd (or 2nd or 1st in 2022).

ESPN's Ed Werder reports the Steelers, Browns, Bills, Titans, and "approximately a dozen teams" have expressed interest in J.J. Watt.

Anyone ranked 7th out of 124 qualifiers in a PFF ranking is highly sought after and would easily be the Top Free Agent at his position. Only an idiot G.M. would let him go for nothing, and HOU proves every single day to be as dumb as it gets...the dumbest franchise in the NFL the last few years.

[redsfandan]

There is no chance the Texans could have gotten that or else they would have. He has one year remaining on a bad contract. I'm guessing they maybe could have gotten a 7th round pick but decided to do a favor for the best player in franchise history and let him choose his next team.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
I think you're giving them too much credit. That's the kind of spin they want their fans to believe. But they could've taken his preferences into consideration and still received something for him. He probably wouldn't have been dealt to his first choice but it likely would've been more of a contender than the Texans. And since he only had one year left on his contract he could've agreed to renegotiate his contract to lower his salary for 2021 if he liked his next team. That alone would've helped his chances of landing with a team he liked.

[Hillsdale87]

Look at what you just said. "The Texans" would have if they could have. The Texans couldn't find their way out of a revolving door. Any competent G.M. could have gotten at least a 3rd for him, and more likely a 2nd (or 2nd or 1st in 2022).

ESPN's Ed Werder reports the Steelers, Browns, Bills, Titans, and "approximately a dozen teams" have expressed interest in J.J. Watt.

Anyone ranked 7th out of 124 qualifiers in a PFF ranking is highly sought after and would easily be the Top Free Agent at his position. Only an idiot G.M. would let him go for nothing, and HOU proves every single day to be as dumb as it gets...the dumbest franchise in the NFL the last few years.

The Texans are obviously a disaster. But Caserio is considered a good football guy. Most of the disaster this offseason is organizational structure. I don't think Caserio's first move would have been to release a guy that teams were willing to pay up for.

Also, I haven't seen any analysts talking about it like it was a shocking or foolish move. I think this was pretty much what they had to do.

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[RichRed]

The Football Team from Washington has hired a bunch of former GMs to join their front office: Martin Mayhew (GM), Marty Hurney (Exec VP of Player Personnel), and Chris Polian (Director of Pro Personnel). A lot of experience there but I can't say I find the hires terribly inspiring.

[adkindo]

Ex-NFL WR Vincent Jackson found dead in Florida at age 38 (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30907010/ex-nfl-wr-vincent-jackson-found-dead-florida-age-38)

The Bucs were not great, but they were fun on offense with Jackson on one side and Mike Williams (Syracuse) on the other.

[Kingspoint]

Ex-NFL WR Vincent Jackson found dead in Florida at age 38 (https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/30907010/ex-nfl-wr-vincent-jackson-found-dead-florida-age-38)

The Bucs were not great, but they were fun on offense with Jackson on one side and Mike Williams (Syracuse) on the other.

He had been reported missing a couple days before they found him. Sad to see bad things happen to good people.

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

J.J. Watt is "seriously considering" signing with the Browns.
Sources tell Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot the Browns are a real contender to land Watt after the Texans inexplicably released the superstar edge rusher. At last check, half the NFL was looking into signing Watt, who reportedly wants to sign with a legit Super Bowl contender. The Browns, after making it to the Divisional Round and nearly upsetting the Chiefs in Kansas City, would seem to fit that description. Watt, entering his age-32 season, was Pro Football Focus' seventh highest-graded edge defender in 2020 who has the third most QB pressures since 2011. He would be a big get for Kevin Stefanski's upstart Browns, who have $21.7 million in cap space this offseason -- the tenth most in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Steelers -- with Watt's two brothers -- are more than $30 million over the cap.

SOURCE: Cleveland.com

[adkindo]

From Rotoworld with Rotoworld comments:

J.J. Watt is "seriously considering" signing with the Browns.
Sources tell Cleveland.com's Mary Kay Cabot the Browns are a real contender to land Watt after the Texans inexplicably released the superstar edge rusher. At last check, half the NFL was looking into signing Watt, who reportedly wants to sign with a legit Super Bowl contender. The Browns, after making it to the Divisional Round and nearly upsetting the Chiefs in Kansas City, would seem to fit that description. Watt, entering his age-32 season, was Pro Football Focus' seventh highest-graded edge defender in 2020 who has the third most QB pressures since 2011. He would be a big get for Kevin Stefanski's upstart Browns, who have $21.7 million in cap space this offseason -- the tenth most in the NFL. Meanwhile, the Steelers -- with Watt's two brothers -- are more than $30 million over the cap.

SOURCE: Cleveland.com

Browns are good and improving, but it has to be a lot about the money. Not that I blame him, but if he really wanted to win a SuperBowl in his limited window of being an elite player, I am not sure he would tie that to Baker Mayfield winning a ring in the next few years. I would think Kansas City, Green Bay, Tampa Bay or even Buffalo would be at the top of the list if I am looking for a ring in the next 2-3 years.

[redsfandan]

Browns are good and improving, but it has to be a lot about the money. Not that I blame him, but if he really wanted to win a SuperBowl in his limited window of being an elite player, I am not sure he would tie that to Baker Mayfield winning a ring in the next few years. I would think Kansas City, Green Bay, Tampa Bay or even Buffalo would be at the top of the list if I am looking for a ring in the next 2-3 years.

It's hardly ever that simple, though. Three things matter:

How much interest he has in the team and if he really thinks the team is a Super Bowl contender
How much interest the team has in him and if he fits a need for the team
How much the team can afford him

So, the Bucs would probably be the #1 choice if they want him (defending champs and should be able to afford him). But, the Chiefs and Packers (and Steelers) just might not be options because they're not able to afford him because of their cap situations. The Browns, though, have to be considered a realistic (fallback?) option because they would check all three boxes if he believes they're not far away as he'd fit an obvious need and they'd be able to afford him.

[Bob Sheed]

The Browns are a team that is used as leverage to sign with the Chiefs, Bucs, etc.

[WrongVerb]

Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin Has COVID-19 (https://pittsburgh.cbslocal.com/2021/02/22/pittsburgh-steelers-head-coach-mike-tomlin-covid-19/)

I'm sure despite the great rivalry between the Bengals and Steelers, that we're all hoping Tomlin makes a healthy recovery.

[JaxRed]

Isaiah Wilson, Titans 2020 1st round pick, who played 4 snaps in 2020 announces he's done in football as a Titan. It got deleted later.

As PFT put it.....

'He played only four snaps during a lost rookie season that included a DUI arrest, a suspension for violating team rules, two stints on the COVID-19 reserve list and a season-ending move to the non-football illness list to work on personal issues.'

[Bob Sheed]

Just remember, Isaiah:

Wherever you go...

There you are. :lol:

[JaxRed]

Teams can start franchise tagging guys today.

[redsfandan]

Isaiah Wilson, Titans 2020 1st round pick, who played 4 snaps in 2020 announces he's done in football as a Titan. It got deleted later.

As PFT put it.....

'He played only four snaps during a lost rookie season that included a DUI arrest, a suspension for violating team rules, two stints on the COVID-19 reserve list and a season-ending move to the non-football illness list to work on personal issues.'

He was one of the top offensive line prospects in the 2020 draft.


Wilson was nitpicked by evaluators, as all prospects are, but no one could have anticipated such a precipitous and drastic fall for him. If the situation is unsalvageable for the Titans, and Wilson is not in fact “done with football,” there will still be plenty of interested teams. It was less than a year ago that Wilson was a rumored candidate for the Dolphins at No. 5 overall. At 6’7″ and still only 22 years of age, he’d profile as an intriguing low-risk, high-reward signing, despite all of the red flags.
- https://www.profootballrumors.com/

He could be a bust or he could end up as a steal for another team.

[Kingspoint]

Isaiah Wilson, Titans 2020 1st round pick, who played 4 snaps in 2020 announces he's done in football as a Titan. It got deleted later.

As PFT put it.....

'He played only four snaps during a lost rookie season that included a DUI arrest, a suspension for violating team rules, two stints on the COVID-19 reserve list and a season-ending move to the non-football illness list to work on personal issues.'

Poor baby.

[Kingspoint]

So, it turned out fellow teammate and Super Star Andre Hopkins was Watt's biggest influence on where he would go as he reunites with him in Arizona.

Rams get Stafford. Cards, who were heading to the playoffs until Kyler Murray hurt his shoulder, just added Watt (double-teamed more than any player in the NFL last season at 30%) to Chandler Jones, Isaiah Simmons and a host of other talent, makes them co-favorites to win the Division with the Rams.

Paul Allen's passing has effected the direction of the Seahawks.

[JaxRed]

JJ Watt signs with AZ Cardinals on a 2 year 31 million dollar deal. 23 mill guaranteed. More than I thought he'd get.

It's obvious now that JJ loves spring training baseball.

[Kingspoint]

JJ Watt signs with AZ Cardinals on a 2 year 31 million dollar deal. 23 mill guaranteed. More than I thought he'd get.

It's obvious now that JJ loves spring training baseball.

AHop tweeted this weekend a photoshop of Watt in a Cardinal uniform, then tweeted after the signing that he and Watt can now finish what they began in Houston.

Getting both Watt and Hopkins from Houston (for basically nothing) in the span of 12 months has to be the biggest coup since the Cowboys fleeced the Vikings.

[Kingspoint]

Want to hand out some props to WVRed. This is the most accurate mock draft I have ever seen anyone do. Amazingly done during the most secluded time during COVID when no information was getting out. Done with complete projection based on what he believed each team would do because of his own knowledge of the team decision-makers and what he knew of the prospects. Amazing job.

For the record, this was posted on 4/20/20.

Well, here’s my first round mock and 7 rounds for the Bengals:

1. Cin- Joe Burrow (QB-LSU)
2. Was-Chase Young (DE-OSU)
3. Mia*-Tua Tagovaiola (QB-ALA)
4. NYG-Isaiah Simmons (LB-Clemson)
5. DET*-Jeff Okudah (CB-OSU)
6. LAC- Justin Herbert (QB-Oregon)
7. CAR- Derrick Brown (DT-Auburn)
8. ARI- Jedrick Wills (OT-ALA)
9. JAX- CJ Henderson (CB-Fla)
10. CLE- Tristan Wirfs (OT-Iowa)
11.NYJ- Meckhi Becton (OT-Louisville)
12.LV- Henry Ruggs (WR-Ala)
13.SF- Javon Kinlaw (DT-SC)
14.TB-Andrew Thomas (OT-UGA)
15.DEN-Jerry Jeudy (WR-ALA)
16.ATL-Klavon Chiasson (LB-LSU)
17.DAL-Ceedee Lamb (WR-Oklahoma)
18.MIA-Josh Jones (OT-Houston)
19.LV-Trevon Diggs (CB-ALA)
20.JAX-Terrell Lewis (DE-ALA)
21.PHI-Justin Jefferson (WR-LSU)
22.MIN-Jaylon Johnson (CB-Utah)
23.GB-Kristian Fulton (CB-LSU)
24.NO-Jordan Love (QB-Utah St)
25.MIN-Tee Higgins (WR-Clemson)
26.DET-Grant Delpit (S-LSU)
27.SEA-Ross Blalock (DT-TCU)
28.BAL-Kenneth Murray (LB-Oklahoma)
29.TEN-Yetur Gross-Matos (DE-Penn St)
30.NE-Lloyd Cushenberry (C-LSU)
31.SF-Patrick Queen (LB-LSU)
32.KC-Jonathan Taylor (RB-Wisconsin)

[WVRed]

Want to hand out some props to WVRed. This is the most accurate mock draft I have ever seen anyone do. Amazingly done during the most secluded time during COVID when no information was getting out. Done with complete projection based on what he believed each team would do because of his own knowledge of the team decision-makers and what he knew of the prospects. Amazing job.

For the record, this was posted on 4/20/20.

Well, here’s my first round mock and 7 rounds for the Bengals:

1. Cin- Joe Burrow (QB-LSU)
2. Was-Chase Young (DE-OSU)
3. Mia*-Tua Tagovaiola (QB-ALA)
4. NYG-Isaiah Simmons (LB-Clemson)
5. DET*-Jeff Okudah (CB-OSU)
6. LAC- Justin Herbert (QB-Oregon)
7. CAR- Derrick Brown (DT-Auburn)
8. ARI- Jedrick Wills (OT-ALA)
9. JAX- CJ Henderson (CB-Fla)
10. CLE- Tristan Wirfs (OT-Iowa)
11.NYJ- Meckhi Becton (OT-Louisville)
12.LV- Henry Ruggs (WR-Ala)
13.SF- Javon Kinlaw (DT-SC)
14.TB-Andrew Thomas (OT-UGA)
15.DEN-Jerry Jeudy (WR-ALA)
16.ATL-Klavon Chiasson (LB-LSU)
17.DAL-Ceedee Lamb (WR-Oklahoma)
18.MIA-Josh Jones (OT-Houston)
19.LV-Trevon Diggs (CB-ALA)
20.JAX-Terrell Lewis (DE-ALA)
21.PHI-Justin Jefferson (WR-LSU)
22.MIN-Jaylon Johnson (CB-Utah)
23.GB-Kristian Fulton (CB-LSU)
24.NO-Jordan Love (QB-Utah St)
25.MIN-Tee Higgins (WR-Clemson)
26.DET-Grant Delpit (S-LSU)
27.SEA-Ross Blalock (DT-TCU)
28.BAL-Kenneth Murray (LB-Oklahoma)
29.TEN-Yetur Gross-Matos (DE-Penn St)
30.NE-Lloyd Cushenberry (C-LSU)
31.SF-Patrick Queen (LB-LSU)
32.KC-Jonathan Taylor (RB-Wisconsin)

Appreciate it but I did miss on quite a few. Got most of the receivers right. Even if the players were misses the positions were right on a lot of the players.

Had no idea the Giants would reach for Andrew Thomas but I think that was the only major surprise of that draft.

[Kingspoint]

Appreciate it but I did miss on quite a few. Got most of the receivers right. Even if the players were misses the positions were right on a lot of the players.

Had no idea the Giants would reach for Andrew Thomas but I think that was the only major surprise of that draft.

It was only a surprise to you. Most of the draft was a surprise to most who tried to figure it out ahead of time.

[JaxRed]

Only a couple days left in for team to tag players. I'm not sure anyone has been tagged yet.

[JaxRed]

Per Michael Silver


@MikeSilver
Multiple teams have called the Eagles about the possibility of trading for three-time Pro Bowl TE Zach Ertz, and a deal could happen in the coming days, according to two sources familiar with the talks.

________

Surprisingly Ertz is not that expensive. Depending on whether Eagles still have to pay for the 4 million restructure bonus due in 2021. If not he's just 8 million and due to be FA after the year.

[Kingspoint]

Only a couple days left in for team to tag players. I'm not sure anyone has been tagged yet.

https://www.acmepackingcompany.com/2021/3/7/22315839/nfl-franchise-tags-2021-tracking-the-tags-around-the-nfl-before-march-9-deadline

[JaxRed]

Dak Prescott signs massive deal with Cowboys.

[JaxRed]

Isiah Wilson gets sent to Dolphins in exchange of 7th round picks. Terrible first round selection by Titans. They got 4 snaps out of him

[WrongVerb]

PFF
@PFF

Panthers are using their franchise tag on T Taylor Moton, per @AdamSchefter

Moton: 81.2 PFF Grade in 2020 (13th)
7:12am · 9 Mar 2021

[RichRed]

WFT tagged Brandon Scherff for the second time.

[Bob Sheed]

WFT tagged Brandon Scherff for the second time.

And I'll bet "Scherff don't like it"

https://media.giphy.com/media/8FSMeYKEVf0QUb1PpX/giphy.gif

[Kingspoint]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Patriots acquired RT Trent Brown and a 2022 seventh-round pick from the Raiders in exchange for a 2022 fifth-round pick. Brown will return to New England, where he played in 2018. His one-year deal with the Pats will be worth up to $11 million, according to ESPN. His play with New England in 2018 was good enough to earn a four-year, $66 million contract from the Raiders in 2019. In 2020, Brown played five games and spent time on the reserve/COVID-19 list along with several other Raiders offensive linemen. "When he's healthy, he's dominant," Raiders general manager Mike Mayock said of Brown at the end of the 2020 season. "And you've got to juxtapose that with his inability to play, week to week, over a two-year period. We've got to get a more consistent player." Brown will join a New England offensive line ranked by Pro Football Focus as 2020's 15th best pass blocking unit and sixth best run blocking group.

SOURCE: NFL.com

[Kingspoint]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Buccaneers re-signed LB Lavonte David to a two-year, $25 million contract. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and three voidable years tacked on the end that help keep his cap number at a manageable $3.5 million annually. 31-year-old David was Pro Football Focus' No. 1 coverage linebacker last year, flashing his sideline-to-sideline abilities in the Super Bowl as he matched his assignments step for step. With Chris Godwin returning in 2021 on the franchise tag, the Buccaneers have already shored up two leaders on both sides of the ball early into free agency. The team will undoubtedly look to bring back Shaq Barrett long-term with its next transaction.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

The Bucs used the franchise tag on Chris Godwin.
With the team's core staying put, there was no way the Bucs were going to let Godwin, 25, leave via free agency. In Tom Brady's first season with Tampa, Godwin was second on the team with 84 targets while missing four games. His 70 receiving yards per game marked a massive drop off from the 95.2 yards per game he logged in 2019 though he continued to find the end zone at a decent clip, scoring seven times in 2020. Godwin and Mike Evans will continue to see a similar target share as the Bucs look to become repeat champs in 2021. Tagging Godwin means Lavonte David and Shaq Barrett are going to enter free agency.

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter (https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1369323498313760768)

[Kingspoint]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Saints assigned the franchise tag to S Marcus Williams. The tag is worth north of $10 million for safeties. It is a surprise from a team in salary cap hell, but ESPN's Mike Triplett reports the Saints remain in love with the player. It is hardly a surprise after four excellent seasons from Williams, who is still only 24 years old. The Saints have major incentive to quickly work out a long-term deal and lower Williams' cap number.

SOURCE: Jeremy Fowler on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Bears assigned the franchise tag to WR Allen Robinson. Robinson's coming tag was the offseason's worst kept secret. It is worth $16.4 million. The sides have not appeared remotely close to a long-term agreement, and Robinson might be feeling disrespected enough to not really consider one before the mid-July deadline. That would change if the Bears came truly correct, of course, but there has been little indication that is in the offing. With Robinson secured for at least 2021, the Bears' next order of business is figuring out who will be throwing him the football. Five months shy of his 28th birthday, Robinson remains one of the very best wideouts in football.

[Kingspoint]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Giants will use the franchise tag on DL Leonard Williams. NFL Network's Ian Rapoport said the move is "viewed as a placeholder for a long-term deal, which the two sides will continue to work towards." Coming off an excellent 2020 season, Williams -- Pro Football Focus' fifth best defensive lineman last season -- will stay put in 2021. Williams recorded a career high 11.5 sacks last season with the Giants. Williams had filed a grievance with the NFLPA over his position label, pushing to be considered a defensive end rather than a defensive tackle, as the former would make much more money if tagged.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

[Kingspoint]

Just curious how many knew this:

Enos Stanley Kroenke has also funneled some of his fortune (he's been married to a Walmart heiress since 1974) into sports teams, and owns the NHL’s Colorado Avalanche, the NFL’s L.A. Rams, the English Premier League’s Arsenal FC, and the NBA’s Denver Nuggets, among others. The NFL technically does not allow for team owners to have professional sports properties in competing cities. But Kroenke found a way around the rules: He arranged to put two of the teams under his son’s name, Josh Kroenke, while keeping them in the family.

[adkindo]

From NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments:

Buccaneers re-signed LB Lavonte David to a two-year, $25 million contract. The deal includes $20 million guaranteed and three voidable years tacked on the end that help keep his cap number at a manageable $3.5 million annually. 31-year-old David was Pro Football Focus' No. 1 coverage linebacker last year, flashing his sideline-to-sideline abilities in the Super Bowl as he matched his assignments step for step. With Chris Godwin returning in 2021 on the franchise tag, the Buccaneers have already shored up two leaders on both sides of the ball early into free agency. The team will undoubtedly look to bring back Shaq Barrett long-term with its next transaction.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter

The Bucs used the franchise tag on Chris Godwin.
With the team's core staying put, there was no way the Bucs were going to let Godwin, 25, leave via free agency. In Tom Brady's first season with Tampa, Godwin was second on the team with 84 targets while missing four games. His 70 receiving yards per game marked a massive drop off from the 95.2 yards per game he logged in 2019 though he continued to find the end zone at a decent clip, scoring seven times in 2020. Godwin and Mike Evans will continue to see a similar target share as the Bucs look to become repeat champs in 2021. Tagging Godwin means Lavonte David and Shaq Barrett are going to enter free agency.

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter (https://twitter.com/AdamSchefter/status/1369323498313760768)



It was reported they are in discussions with Barrett and hope to get a deal done before free agency opens. That would be really impressive going 3 for 3 with their primary free agents. I think most think it will be easier to bring back secondary free agents Gronk, Suh and AB. The only thing I think would prevent Gronk and Suh from returning would be retirement. I have never thought they would bring Fournette back unless he just had no real market and returned on the cheap.

[Kingspoint]

It was reported they are in discussions with Barrett and hope to get a deal done before free agency opens. That would be really impressive going 3 for 3 with their primary free agents. I think most think it will be easier to bring back secondary free agents Gronk, Suh and AB. The only thing I think would prevent Gronk and Suh from returning would be retirement. I have never thought they would bring Fournette back unless he just had no real market and returned on the cheap.

First thing that happened was Brady restructuring his contract to free up money to sign these guys.

Ron Jones has more upside still and Fournette is going to feel like he should get more than he's worth after his Super Bowl performance. Just easier for TAM not to even enter into that conversation.

[adkindo]

Gronk says he is returning.....


https://www.tmz.com/videos/2021-03-09-030821-rob-gronkowski-return-1052246/

[JaxRed]

Salary Cap finally set

NFL salary cap this season will be $182.5 million.

[Kingspoint]

Tons of Veterans have been released today and many more will follow in order for teams to create cap space. Here are some key contracts, per NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments of players who helped create cap space by restructuring their contracts:

Saints LG Andrus Peat and SS Malcolm Jenkins restructured their contracts. The Saints cleared $9.4 million in cap space between the two, but there's still more room to create before New Orleans gets back under the cap. Expect restructures or extensions to Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, and other core players. When it's all set, the Saints will likely have their cornerstones in place, but the front office will be in the market for ancillary replacements on both sides of the ball. Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook have both been released already.


Bills DT Vernon Butler restructured his contract. Butler took a paycut to remain with the team, and other veterans will be doing the same this offseason with the NFL salary cap shrinking. Assuming NT Star Lotulelei opts back in, Butler will be a rotational member only. The 2016 first-rounder hasn't lived up to his pre-draft expectations through five NFL seasons. He went sackless in Buffalo last year.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport on Twitter


Christian McCaffrey restructured his contract. McCaffrey converted some of his base salary into a signing bonus, which opened up $5.6 million in salary cap for the Panthers this offseason. Lots of veterans will be doing this with the cap tightening. McCaffrey was seen doing private workouts recently and appears to be on track for a mostly healthy offseason. With Curtis Samuel and Mike Davis hitting free agency, there's a bankable path to 300-plus touches for McCaffrey in 2021. He's in the 1.01 conversation in all fantasy formats.

SOURCE: Mike Garafolo on Twitter


Cowboys restructured the contracts of Zack Martin, Tyron Smith and La'el Collins. The Cowboys cleared up $17 million in 2021 cap space between the three. Other teams have been and will continue restructuring contracts to get back under the unexpectedly low salary cap. When healthy, the Cowboys have a top-end offensive line, but all three of these players missed some time last year.

SOURCE: Todd Archer on Twitter

[adkindo]

Tons of Veterans have been released today and many more will follow in order for teams to create cap space. Here are some key contracts, per NBC Sports w/ NBC Sports' comments of players who helped create cap space by restructuring their contracts:

Saints LG Andrus Peat and SS Malcolm Jenkins restructured their contracts. The Saints cleared $9.4 million in cap space between the two, but there's still more room to create before New Orleans gets back under the cap. Expect restructures or extensions to Marshon Lattimore, Ryan Ramczyk, and other core players. When it's all set, the Saints will likely have their cornerstones in place, but the front office will be in the market for ancillary replacements on both sides of the ball. Emmanuel Sanders and Jared Cook have both been released already.




I honestly do not see a path for the Saints to be contenders next season. Their books are a mess, and they appear nearly out of tricks.....the tricks they had used to get that team on the field last season (restructuring, dead year extensions....and just pushing money to the future). While I am pretty good with the NBA salary cap/CBA, I still only have an elementary understanding of the NFL cap. Still, I did know that the one big advantage the Bucs had was their books were almost completely clean in future years, as the FO has refused to push money into future years while they were not considered contenders. It is why I think every time someone reported the Buc's were projected to have $XXX salary cap this year to bring back several important pieces, it was misleading unless you understood the NFL cap and how it can be massaged.....and especially how clean the Bucs books were in future years compared to most teams. The Bucs will no longer be able to keep their books clean going forward as they will now be utilizing the tools that allow you mortgage the future a little for current success.

[Kingspoint]

I honestly do not see a path for the Saints to be contenders next season. Their books are a mess, and they appear nearly out of tricks.....the tricks they had used to get that team on the field last season (restructuring, dead year extensions....and just pushing money to the future). While I am pretty good with the NBA salary cap/CBA, I still only have an elementary understanding of the NFL cap. Still, I did know that the one big advantage the Bucs had was their books were almost completely clean in future years, as the FO has refused to push money into future years while they were not considered contenders. It is why I think every time someone reported the Buc's were projected to have $XXX salary cap this year to bring back several important pieces, it was misleading unless you understood the NFL cap and how it can be massaged.....and especially how clean the Bucs books were in future years compared to most teams. The Bucs will no longer be able to keep their books clean going forward as they will now be utilizing the tools that allow you mortgage the future a little for current success.

I imagine Brady took that into consideration when he signed with them.

[adkindo]

I honestly do not get why the Patriots are bring Cam back. I have long been a mild Cam fan, but it clearly did not work last season and they do not have the roster to compete. Why not move on with a young guy sooner than later?

[JaxRed]

When they said 14 million it made no sense. But in reality it's a deal that will be a low as 3 million and as high as 5. That's backup QB money. And now they are free to explore the QB market in FA and draft.

[Sea Ray]

I imagine Brady took that into consideration when he signed with them.

KP (and anyone else who wants to chime in) what's the real scoop on Russell Wilson? Is he really going to be dealt or is this just a bunch of offseason whining? I thought no way he'd be dealt but the rumors are getting hotter now

[adkindo]

When they said 14 million it made no sense. But in reality it's a deal that will be a low as 3 million and as high as 5. That's backup QB money. And now they are free to explore the QB market in FA and draft.

but I would think Cam on the roster as a backup could be even worse than Cam on the roster as the starter.....

[JaxRed]

Drew Brees makes it official and announces his retirement.

[JaxRed]

NFL Legal Tampering Period starts at Noon eastern !!!

[Rojo Rijo]

NFL Legal Tampering Period starts at Noon eastern !!!

Fingers crossed for a Jags agree with Golladay news break.

[WrongVerb]

Report: 49ers willing to give Williams $20 million per year (https://www.nbcsports.com/bayarea/49ers/nfl-rumors-49ers-willing-pay-trent-williams-20-million-season)

[KoryMac5]

Shaq Barrett resigns with Tampa deal could be worth up to 72 million

[WrongVerb]

Chiefs signing former Patriots OL Joe Thuney to 5-year, $80M deal (https://www.nfl.com/news/chiefs-signing-former-patriots-ol-joe-thuney-to-5-year-80m-deal?campaign=Twitter_atn)

[adkindo]

Dianna Russini
@diannaESPN

Trent Williams and the San Francisco 49ers deal is for 6 years, $138 million. He is the highest paid offensive lineman in NFL history. Of the $55,100,000 guaranteed $30,100,000 million is a signing bonus.

4:40 AM · Mar 17, 2021

[Betterread]

Vikes sign Patrick Peterson to a 1 yr $10 mill deal. I hope they are thinking he will be like Charles Woodson and finish his career as a ball-hawking safety. I thought he lost a step in 19 and 20. Bring Fitz back home too!

[adkindo]

Buccaneers bringing back K Ryan Succop on three-year, $12 million deal (https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-bringing-back-k-ryan-succop-on-three-year-12-million-deal)

under the radar, and may not seem like a big deal.....but as a Bucs fan, it is a pretty big deal. We have had Kicking issues for years....and years and Succop came in last year and just got the job done. He was 28-of-31 on field goals with an exceptional postseason run in which he was 13-for-13 on three-pointers and 21-for-22 on extra points. Not the biggest leg in the league, but when you have guys that struggle with extra points for years....you celebrate above average.

If Suh and Antonio Brown deals can get done, we should be ready to defend our title without any clear weaknesses.....freeing up the draft to build depth.

[JaxRed]

Isaiah Wilson has been waived by Dolphins

- Hours late for his physical
- Late for his onboarding process
- Didn't show up for voluntary workouts he had committed to Thursday and Friday

The #Dolphins have tried to help, but Isaiah Wilson has indicated he doesn’t want help right now.

-----------------------------------

Seems like he's throwing his life away. Any team can grab him But I think he might be better served going unclaimed seeing life as a normal person.

[Rdirtypirates]

Isaiah Wilson has been waived by Dolphins

- Hours late for his physical
- Late for his onboarding process
- Didn't show up for voluntary workouts he had committed to Thursday and Friday

The #Dolphins have tried to help, but Isaiah Wilson has indicated he doesn’t want help right now.

-----------------------------------

Seems like he's throwing his life away. Any team can grab him But I think he might be better served going unclaimed seeing life as a normal person.

A normal person life is never happening for him who at 20yrs old got a 6million dollar signing bonus and 11million guaranteed. He is set NFL or not.

[redsfandan]

A normal person life is never happening for him who at 20yrs old got a 6million dollar signing bonus and 11million guaranteed. He is set NFL or not.

Unless he's bad with money and spends all of it.

[Hillsdale87]

A normal person life is never happening for him who at 20yrs old got a 6million dollar signing bonus and 11million guaranteed. He is set NFL or not.

I would guess that somebody making the life decisions Wilson has been making is not making prudent financial decisions either


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[JaxRed]

A normal person life is never happening for him who at 20yrs old got a 6million dollar signing bonus and 11million guaranteed. He is set NFL or not.

ESPN and spotrac say his contract guarantees are voided. I feel fairly good in predicting he'll be broke in 3-5 years

[adkindo]

ESPN and spotrac say his contract guarantees are voided. I feel fairly good in predicting he'll be broke in 3-5 years

yeah, I just do not know how someone has not been able to get to him and knock some sense into him (like a family member). How in the world did UGA keep him focused on football?

[Bob Sheed]

yeah, I just do not know how someone has not been able to get to him and knock some sense into him (like a family member). How in the world did UGA keep him focused on football?

If I know my college football, the answer is probably 'hookers and money."

[KoryMac5]

yeah, I just do not know how someone has not been able to get to him and knock some sense into him (like a family member). How in the world did UGA keep him focused on football?

Mental Illness can be tough for many to shake...noncompliance with treatment is pervasive when you think everyone else has the problem.

[Kingspoint]

Mental Illness can be tough for many to shake...noncompliance with treatment is pervasive when you think everyone else has the problem.

How many people used him throughout his young life. True, he's incredibly immature, but with that may have come a trusting nature to those who took advantage of him. He's many years past old enough to be 100% responsible for his own decisions, though. Life knocks you down time and time again and it's up to him to get himself up....or not. He can't go around blaming anyone but himself at this point.

[KoryMac5]

How many people used him throughout his young life. True, he's incredibly immature, but with that may have come a trusting nature to those who took advantage of him. He's many years past old enough to be 100% responsible for his own decisions, though. Life knocks you down time and time again and it's up to him to get himself up....or not. He can't go around blaming anyone but himself at this point.

You have to be willing and able to accept the help...teams have offered the help the young man isn't quite ready to accept the help...

Mental Illness can cause one to become quite delusional about their current state.

[WrongVerb]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The #Dolphins and #49ers made a draft trade: SF gets No. 3, while Miami gets no. 12, a 3 and future 1s, source confirms as @AdamSchefter said.
10:07am · 26 Mar 2021

[WrongVerb]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExbZBqDWYAMX2QC?format=jpg&name=small

[Assembly Hall]

Good for the 'Phins....I miss them being good.

[Kingspoint]

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/ExbZBqDWYAMX2QC?format=jpg&name=small

Best G.M. of the 2020 decade locked in.

[JaxRed]

Best G.M. of the 2020 decade locked in.

Up for debate. In fact, here's an article about it from the Miami Herald in Feb of 2021.

https://www.miamiherald.com/sports/spt-columns-blogs/armando-salguero/article249425435.html

Grier has shown an incredible ability to work deals to obtain picks. But does he then choose the right guys? Right off the bat, it looks like he took the wrong QB last year. I think 95% of people would say no. He should have taken Herbert. Will that end up being being just an asterisk and Tua becomes really good too? Or will Dolphins have to squander some of this talent because Tua becomes just a guy?

[JaxRed]

So let's talk about the trades yesterday. Dolphins move back to pick 12, then trade that 12 and a 2022 1st rounder to move back up to spot 6. SF gives up 2 first rounders in 2021 and 2022 and a late 3rd this year. Eagles swap #6 for #12 and pick up a 2022 first.

SF - Really wanted to move up. At #3 (assuming Jags take Lawrence), SF is 95% going QB. Since Jets are #2, SF must be either 1) pretty sure what Jets are doing and are ok with the QB they are not taking. 2) Ok with either Wilson or Fields. (Lance?), or they are after a non QB like Pitts. But SF has Kittle. It's a pretty big move for SF. And means that Garoppolo will be traded/released.

Dolphins - The move back to #6 might be a brilliant strategy. Or could backfire. If you move from 12 to 6 you must be afraid that the players you want won't be there at 12. There's a chance that the first 4 picks are QB's. Lawrence, Wilson, Fields and ATL might take Lance as QB of the future. Cincy has pick #5 and takes Sewell. If you have pick 6 you now get Pitts.

Of course Bengals could be smart, trade back a couple spots, let some other team take Pitts and they either still get Sewell or "settle" for Slater. In which case Dolphins get hosed. And that's assuming Falcons take a QB. It will be interesting to see what Dolphins got at #6 that they couldn't have got at #12.

Eagles - A pretty smart move altogether. Eagles are going to see what Hurts does and they still get a great player at 12 and another 1st next year.

[RedTeamGo!]

Best G.M. of the 2020 decade locked in.

Doesn’t mean **** if he doesn’t hit on the picks. The browns had a ton of picks from 2010-2020 and didn’t accomplish anything.

It hurts that he went with and is sticking with Tua, who looks awful.

[Kingspoint]

Doesn’t mean **** if he doesn’t hit on the picks. The browns had a ton of picks from 2010-2020 and didn’t accomplish anything.

It hurts that he went with and is sticking with Tua, who looks awful.

We're not talking about the Clowns.

[adkindo]

Best G.M. of the 2020 decade locked in.

He has did a good job of obtaining draft capital, but that is a long ways from being the best GM of any time period. He has to find a way to turn that draft capital into wins which will require hitting on picks, moving picks for talent, controlling the cap, etc.

I think the Bucs front office have been elite in recent years by hitting on a high % of their draft picks, adding the right pieces via free agency, and keeping the books clean until they were legit contenders. Still, things change so fast in the NFL, there is little to no guarantee that it results in the Bucs having a lengthy era of success.

[RedTeamGo!]

We're not talking about the Clowns.

Yeah, because the Dolphins have a much better track record the past 20 years. They are both ****ty organizations.

[WVRed]

Doesn’t mean **** if he doesn’t hit on the picks. The browns had a ton of picks from 2010-2020 and didn’t accomplish anything.

It hurts that he went with and is sticking with Tua, who looks awful.

I posted this in the other thread but Chris Grier is the Sam Presti of the NFL.

Presti has hit on more picks though.

[adkindo]

Without any major injuries, it looks like we may have a Chiefs and Bucs Part II in the Superbowl.

[JaxRed]

Without any major injuries, it looks like we may have a Chiefs and Bucs Part II in the Superbowl.

Bucs had an awful lot go right for them. I bet someone knocks then off. They are helped immensely by the facts that Saints will probably take a step back this year.

[Bob Sheed]

Without any major injuries, it looks like we may have a Chiefs and Bucs Part II in the Superbowl.

I'll say this... There are certain limitations that dudes in their mid-40s face, even if they are the GOAT.

I think about that shot that Dalton took to the head last season for example. I don't know what that does to a 45-year-old, vs a 30 something. Same thing if some 22-year-old hits Brady from behind going full speed. A 30 something maybe gets knocked out. A 45-year-old man maybe dies?

Point being, 45 isn't old, but it isn't young either. I wondered the same thing about Adam Vinatieri (48 now). If a FG went south and he took a hard shot to the head... Dude might just turn to dust. 45 is too old to take any kind of hard shot from a 20-something professional. Brady has been relying on a great many advantages that other QBs do not enjoy, most of all, his reputation. You think, no way someone unloads on Brady because he's Tom Brady. But all it would take is just one rookie, or whoever on the defense that doesn't care about any of that and just wants to inflict pain on the other team, especially that old man throwing the ball.

[adkindo]

Bucs had an awful lot go right for them. I bet someone knocks then off. They are helped immensely by the facts that Saints will probably take a step back this year.

I guess anyone that wins a SuperBowl has a lot go right for them.....but they had some things that they had to overcome also.

- Vita Vea breaks his leg early in the season, and I thought it was clear the difference he makes when he was able to return for limited action in the NFC Championship game and SuperBowl.
- Losing OJ Howard for the season in the 4th game of the season. It was supposed to be a huge season for Howard...to finally break out, but once again health issues ended his season. Howard is a freak that if it clicks, he could easily become the most prolific receiving TE in the NFL.
- Losing our special teams returner T.J. Logan for the season.
- Guys like Evans, Godwin, Ronald Jones, Alex Cappa, Devin White, Carlton Davis, Jamel Dean all being banged up and missing games during the season.
- Integrating a new QB into the fold....one that clearly had some struggles in the first half of the season.
- Not getting AB until the second half of the season, and trying to work him into the offense. (I am assuming he likely returns this year)

It was not like there were no major hurdles to overcome from Game 1. I am personally more confident the Bucs will be in the SuperBowl than I am the Chiefs. The Bucs will continue to have the best run defense in the NFL for the 3rd straight year, and their overall defense should remain in the Top 5 at a minimum. How is a team going to run the ball with Vita Vea and Suh causing chaos in the trenches, JPP and Shaq Barret rushing off the edges, Lavonte David and Devin White cleaning everything up as LB's, and Antoine Winfield Jr. flying around and making plays at the LOS? The weakest spot is the Secondary, but it has been improving every year with all young guys. Carlton Davis has developed into a legit CB1, and Antoine Winfield Jr. proved as a rookie that he will likely be a problem for a long time in the NFL. On offense, the entire Top 5 Offensive Line is returning, as is probably the deepest Receiver/TE group in the league and then an excellent 1-2 punch @ RB. To top it off, the GOAT @ QB. Brady is aging, but he was playing some of his best football late in the season last year. They even have one of the most accurate kickers in the NFL who did not miss a FG less than 40 yards last season.

I am all in on this Bucs team returning to the Superbowl. Injuries are the only thing I see that could prevent them from being the best team in the NFC. I just do not see an area of weakness, nor do I know of another team that will go into the draft without a need for a major contributor next season.

[oregonred]

Best G.M. of the 2020 decade locked in.

Maybe. It really was the Texans trade that provided most of the unexpected draft capital that ended up being a bounty this draft season. The Fitzpatrick trade with the Steelers ended up being a wash with receiving the Steelers 18th pick last year in exchange for a top 15 proven player with 3+ years left on a cap friendly rookie contract.

Prior to the 2019 season, the Texans seemed to be continuing a multiyear playoff window with Watson on the rise (and they made the AFC Divisional Finals in 2019 with pick #26) and no one could have expected the Texans organization would meltdown and the Tunsil trade year two return would net the 3rd and 36th overall picks in the 2021 Draft. It was a really good trade at the time for the Dolphins rebuilding but the unexpected Texans meltdown of 2020 turned it into a historic windfall for the Phins.

Hindsight but if the Dolphins would have drafted Herbert instead they would be set for a multiyear run challenging the Chiefs and Bills in the AFC

[Kingspoint]

From Rotoworld w/ Rotoworld comments:

The sister of Chargers owner Dean Spanos has filed a lawsuit in Los Angeles County Superior Court to force the sale of the team because of alleged "mounting debt that has imperiled the family’s finances." Dea Spanos Berberian, who actually owns as much of the team as Dean, alleges that the family trust’s debts and expenses "exceed $353 million," and that "the trust doesn’t have a plan to pay more than $22 million it has pledged to charities." Owners of the team since 1984, the Spanos family has encountered frequent financial difficulties, at least by the standards of NFL owners. Dean and two other siblings issued a statement saying they have no plans to sell. “For the three of us, the Chargers is one of our family’s most important legacies, just as it was for our parents. Unfortunately, our sister Dea seems to have a different and misguided personal agenda.” Obviously we have not heard the last of this.


SOURCE: Los Angeles Times

https://www.latimes.com/sports/chargers/story/2021-04-01/dean-spanos-sister-asks-la-court-force-chargers-sale

[JaxRed]

Heard some rumor that Bezos might be interested in Chargers.

[WVRed]

Sam Darnold traded to the Panthers.

[Kingspoint]

Sam Darnold traded to the Panthers.

Reunited with Robby Anderson.

- - - Updated - - -

From NBC Sports with NBC Sports' comments:

Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer reports Patriots head coach Bill Belichick ignored team scouts who wanted to draft A.J. Brown and Deebo Samuel over N'Keal Harry in the 2019 NFL Draft. The revelation comes a week after Patriots owner Bob Kraft criticized the team's draft results. Belichick reportedly ignored his personnel department and went with Harry as the 32nd pick based on Harry’s performance during a non-workout visit and Belichick’s relationship with Harry’s college coach, Todd Graham. The rest is history: Harry has been a non-entity in the New England offense -- catching 45 passes for 414 yards in two seasons -- while Brown is among the league's most explosive wideouts and Samuel is an electric after-the-catch weapon and a staple of the 49ers offense. Breer said Kraft’s recent reference to a “different approach” to the NFL Draft indicates Belichick is now listening more to his personnel department.

SOURCE: ProFootballTalk.com

[Ohayou]

Browns sign Clowney to play opposite Garrett...

https://i.pinimg.com/236x/d4/33/56/d43356820873342865e5718a7daa2702.jpg

[BuckeyeRed27]

For $8M not bad. If they can restructure Richardson and keep him, that’s a potentially terrifying line.

[WrongVerb]

This Could Be The Thinnest NFL Draft In Living Memory (https://defector.com/this-could-be-the-thinnest-nfl-draft-in-living-memory/)


Looking to make the NFL without having what might normally be considered NFL-level talent? This is your year.

“There are going to be some absolute slaps drafted this year,” one scout told me. “‘Slaps’ as in rejects.”

With the NCAA granting athletes an extra year of eligibility after a COVID-warped season, a large number of players are returning to school, and the pool of prospects attempting to go pro is significantly smaller than in standard years.

There are a few different ways to measure the number of NFL prospects in a year, but perhaps the most telling is to look at the number of players who have signed a standard representation agreement with an NFL agent. Signing an SRA doesn’t guarantee the player is going to be drafted or even signed as an undrafted free agent, but it is proof that someone thinks they have a shot.

By mid-April of 2019, 1,972 players had signed an SRA. By mid-April of 2020, 1,839 players had signed.

This year, as of April 7, that number was only 657.

- - - Updated - - -

Trading out of the final 3 rounds this year for future picks might make more sense than taking someone who's going to struggle to even make the practice squad.

[Bob Sheed]

This Could Be The Thinnest NFL Draft In Living Memory (https://defector.com/this-could-be-the-thinnest-nfl-draft-in-living-memory/)



- - - Updated - - -

Trading out of the final 3 rounds this year for future picks might make more sense than taking someone who's going to struggle to even make the practice squad.

I wondered if this would be a thing.

I figure there are already enough busts regardless. "Slaps" is a term I hadn't heard before.

[RiverRat13]

https://twitter.com/benbbaldwin/status/1382698068823400453?s=19

[Bob Sheed]

Chiefs trade for OL Orlando Brown.

In case anyone wonders what it looks like when a team sees a problem with their offensive line, and actually addresses it.

[WVRed]

Time for a final mock:

1) Jacksonville Jaguars-Trevor Lawrence (QB-Clemson)
2) New York Jets-Zach Wilson (QB-BYU)
3) San Francisco 49ers-Mac Jones (QB-Alabama)
4) Atlanta Falcons-Justin Fields (QB-Ohio St)
5) Cincinnati Bengals-Jamarr Chase (WR-LSU)
6) Miami Dolphins-Jaylen Waddle (WR-Alabama)
7) Detroit Lions-Micah Parsons (LB-Penn St)
8) Carolina Panthers-Penei Sewell (OT-Oregon)
9) Denver Broncos-Trey Lance (QB-N. Dakota St)
10) Dallas Cowboys-Kyle Pitts (TE-Florida)
11) New York Giants-DeVonta Smith (WR-Alabama)
12) Philadelphia Eagles-Patrick Surtain (CB-Alabama)
13) Los Angeles Chargers-Rashawn Slater (OT-Northwestern)
14) Minnesota Vikings-Alijah Vera-Tucker (OT-USC)
15) New England Patriots-Jeremiah Owosu-Koromoah (LB-Notre Dame)
16) Arizona Cardinals-Jaycee Horn (CB-USC$
17) Las Vegas Raiders-Kwity Paye (DE-Michigan)
18) Miami Dolphins- Jaelean Phillips (EDGE-Miami)
19) Washington Football Team-Jamin Davis (LB-Kentucky)
20) Chicago Bears-Caleb Farley (CB-Virginia Tech)
21) Indianapolis Colts- Christian Darrisaw (OT-Virginia Tech)
22) Tennessee Titans- Greg Newsome (CB-Northwestern)
23) New York Jets (from SEA)-Zaven Collins (EDGE-Tulsa)
24) Pittsburgh Steelers-Teven Jenkins (OT-Oklahoma State)
25) Jacksonville Jaguars-KeDarius Toney (WR-Florida)
26) Cleveland Browns-Christian Barmore (DT-Alabama)
27) Baltimore Ravens-Jayson Oweh (EDGE-Penn St)
28) New Orleans Saints-Alex Leatherwood (OT-Alabama)
29) Green Bay Packers-Kelvin Joseph (CB-Kentucky)
30) Buffalo Bills-Greggory Rousseau (EDGE-Miami)
31) Baltimore Ravens-Liam Eichenberg (OT-Notre Dame)
32) Tampa Bay Buccaneers-Rondale Moore (WR-Purdue)

Bengals:
1. Chase
2.Samuel Cosmi (OT-Texas)
3.Michael Carter (RB-UNC)
4.Kendrick Green (G-Illinois)
5.Milton Williams (DT-Louisiana Tech)
6a.Justin Hilliard (LB-Ohio St)
6b.Chauncey Gholston (EDGE-Iowa)
7.Sam Ehlinger (QB-Texas)

[Ohayou]

Not bad, mine is fairly similar, minus a few picks here and there, the back end of the 1st in particular.

Draft rankings are all over the place this year. Some players I've seen listed as Top 50ish prospects by some sources, and then other sources have them 200 something-UDFA.

[RiverRat13]

Sounds like the 49ers are going with Jones or Lance. Probably Jones. If so, they traded a lot to go up and get a guy who may have been there anyway at 12.

[WVRed]

Sounds like the 49ers are going with Jones or Lance. Probably Jones. If so, they traded a lot to go up and get a guy who may have been there anyway at 12.

Doubtful.

Carolina, Denver, and NE can all stand to upgrade at QB. NE could trade up and someone else likely would have at 3 as well. Still a lot of moving parts.

[WrongVerb]

Rumors are the Lions want to move down. I wonder if MIN or NE would trade up to #5, with the Bengals falling back to #7, and the Lions going to the mid-teens.

[Kingspoint]

Including Jacksonville, who do you think can help themselves the most through the draft?

[Kingspoint]

Rumors are the Lions want to move down. I wonder if MIN or NE would trade up to #5, with the Bengals falling back to #7, and the Lions going to the mid-teens.

MIN has to be careful about trading away draft picks. They have been in cap hell for two years and aren't out of it, yet. They need cheaper contracts. Trading up would go against that need. MIN is more likely to trade down.

[Kingspoint]

Sounds like the 49ers are going with Jones or Lance. Probably Jones. If so, they traded a lot to go up and get a guy who may have been there anyway at 12.

Lynch goes after what he wants. He sorts through the pieces afterwards. There's usually waste involved.

[WVRed]

Lynch goes after what he wants. He sorts through the pieces afterwards. There's usually waste involved.

Except from everything I’ve read this pick is Shanahans baby. I think it’s Jones.

[Kingspoint]

Chiefs trade for OL Orlando Brown.

In case anyone wonders what it looks like when a team sees a problem with their offensive line, and actually addresses it.

What they have done with the O-Line reminds me of when the Seahawks needed a QB and they traded away a costly 2nd Rd pick for a journeyman backup/2nd tier starter, signed through Free Agency a Journeyman backup and drarfted a 3rd Rounder, and then let them play it out in camp to see who wins. They were almost gauranteed to get one above average QB out of the three. They only got one, but they got one, which was the goal.

The Chiefs had needs at two spots and could use upgrades at three others, they had to let three others walk who were good, not great, because they couldn't afford them, and then they went out and got the best LT on the market (Thuney) before Free Agency officially opened, added another two starters through Free Agency (Blythe and Long) who is average/above average and traded for an above average LT who can play LT or RT in Brown. Bookended by Thuney and Brown with Kyle Long, Blythe and returning Center Kilgore (average), they are pretty set. They can focus their first four rounds on Defense, using a 5th Rd on a Center/G.

[Kingspoint]

Except from everything I’ve read this pick is Shanahans baby. I think it’s Jones.

It might be Shanahan's preferred pick, but Lynch has the final say. I don't think he'd push in that many chips on someone else's opinion if he didn't agree with it. Lynch made the Garrappolo trade eight months after he took over, so you could say he owes Shanahan one, or vice-versa if Shanahan talked him into that one.

[Kingspoint]

I think the 49ers want to move to #2 and will overpay the Jets to get there.

They could offer Garrapolo ($54M Guaranteed/2 yrs) for Connor McGovern ($17M G/2 yrs and a sub-average 62 PFF Rating last season) and George Fant ($17M G/2yrs and a sub-average 62 PFF Rating last season), the #3 pick, a 2nd Rd 2021 pick and a 1st Rd 2022 pick.

The JETS just spent $108M in Guaranteed money for Carl Lawson, C.J. Moseley and Corey Davis (head-scratcher). They need to start winning some games, and Garrapolo keeps them from throwing a Rookie QB in as a Starter Day 1 in New York City. Best to groom him for a year. Crowder's contract comes off the books next season, while Garrapolo's comes off in two years. Having another $28M to spend two years from now and an extra 2nd this year and 1st next year isn't a bad way to build around the #3 overall pick. There are still Guards in Free Agency and a good Center they can add.

49er's would still have a 2nd and two 3rd's in next years draft and a 1st, 2nd, and two 3rd's the year after that.

That extra 1st Round pick next year gives the Jets another player they can control for six years. That's huge, except for the last year, which would be a franchise tag, but it's still an option.

Would JETS' fans really be upset with this move?

[JaxRed]

I don't think the 49's want to move up. But if I'm Jets I say give me the picks and keep Garofalo and his bloated contract. I'll take the picks and take Fields at 3 and take my chances.

[adkindo]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet
The #Bucs are bringing back WR Antonio Brown per @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero, giving him a 1-year deal worth $3.1M.

8:01 AM · Apr 28, 2021

Per ESPN...


Brown's deal could be worth up to $6.25 million, his agent said. He is guaranteed $3.1 million, including a $2 million signing bonus.

[WrongVerb]

I guess Brown figures he can get away with his push-offs while under Brady's wing.

[Hillsdale87]

Who knows if this is true or just teams putting out misinformation, but Peter Schrager said that a knock that teams have on Justin Fields is that he didn't beat out Jake Fromm at Georgia. A team holding the foolish offensive personnel decision of a terrible offensive coach against Fields would be incredibly dumb. Fields may deserve to be below the other 4 top QBs, but not beating out Fromm can't be a reason. Kirby Smart's offensive philosophy is so conservative and outdated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

[WVRed]

Who knows if this is true or just teams putting out misinformation, but Peter Schrager said that a knock that teams have on Justin Fields is that he didn't beat out Jake Fromm at Georgia. A team holding the foolish offensive personnel decision of a terrible offensive coach against Fields would be incredibly dumb. Fields may deserve to be below the other 4 top QBs, but not beating out Fromm can't be a reason. Kirby Smart's offensive philosophy is so conservative and outdated.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

I believe I alluded to this either here or another thread. Not because he didn’t beat out Fromm but because he put in for a hardship waiver to get out of Athens.

Doesn’t matter anyways with the NCAA going to over-glorified free agency.

[WVRed]

Steelers are looking at four players:

Najee Harris
Javonte Williams
Landon Dickerson
Zaven Collins

As a Bengals fan, please be Dickerson.

[WrongVerb]

This is one whopper of a rumor if it's even close to true.



Rob Demovsky
@RobDemovsky

This is NOT true, I'm told by a source with direct knowledge.

Repeat NOT true. NO CALLS, per source.

Bill Michaels @Bill_Michaels

The @49ers have offered the @packers the 3rd overall pick in this year's draft, plus other picks and a number of players from their current roster including Garoppolo
for Aaron Rodgers.
The Packers turned them down.
First reported by @PAOnTheMic and confirmed by others.
8:29am · 29 Apr 2021

[WrongVerb]

Adam Schefter
@AdamSchefter

Reigning MVP Aaron Rodgers is so disgruntled with the Green Bay Packers that he has told some within the organization that he does not want to return to the team, league and team sources told ESPN on Thursday.

More on NFL Live now....
12:19pm · 29 Apr 2021

[Tony Cloninger]

I like Rodgers but he sure loves his drama and attention. Been that way since he slid in the draft.

[Kingspoint]

Rodgers doesn't have or do drama. He's the complete opposite. He's put up with the crap the Packers have given him for years and has put up with it never ever making any waves about it.

It's time for them to separate.

DEN, SF and LVR are his choices.

That makes for an immediate bidding war as all three covet him and will do almost anything to make it happen now. Green Bay can get 100% more, twice as much for Rodgers over the next couple hours than they can get for him at any point in the future. They can literally get a tremendous hall of assets. Once again, Aaron Rodgers is doing the Green Bay Packers a huge favor. If a deal doesn't happen in the next two hours, it's only because Green Bay management is too stupid to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

[Todd Gack]

Rodgers doesn't have or do drama. He's the complete opposite. He's put up with the crap the Packers have given him for years and has put up with it never ever making any waves about it.

It's time for them to separate.

DEN, SF and LVR are his choices.

That makes for an immediate bidding war as all three covet him and will do almost anything to make it happen now. Green Bay can get 100% more, twice as much for Rodgers over the next couple hours than they can get for him at any point in the future. They can literally get a tremendous hall of assets. Once again, Aaron Rodgers is doing the Green Bay Packers a huge favor. If a deal doesn't happen in the next two hours, it's only because Green Bay management is too stupid to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

But why would Green Bay help out other teams?

[Dom Heffner]

Ugh this better not mess up our draft.

[Bob Sheed]

But why would Green Bay help out other teams?

This guy Mike Browns.

[Betterread]

Rodgers doesn't have or do drama. He's the complete opposite. He's put up with the crap the Packers have given him for years and has put up with it never ever making any waves about it.

It's time for them to separate.

DEN, SF and LVR are his choices.

That makes for an immediate bidding war as all three covet him and will do almost anything to make it happen now. Green Bay can get 100% more, twice as much for Rodgers over the next couple hours than they can get for him at any point in the future. They can literally get a tremendous hall of assets. Once again, Aaron Rodgers is doing the Green Bay Packers a huge favor. If a deal doesn't happen in the next two hours, it's only because Green Bay management is too stupid to take advantage of this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

I see a different person. Rodgers is preternaturally calm once he starts his signal call until the whistle blows to end the play.
But otherwise, he is one off the most insecure star QBs I have witnessed. He throws clipboards multiple times per year on the sideline. He screams at his blockers after plays, all the time. He works the refs as hard as any Barcelona soccer player. Is there a male equivalent for a “Karen”?

[Rojo Rijo]

If i'm Green Bay i'm taking the best deal. They botched this whole thing badly. While i'm not in any way agreeing with players publicly forcing (or attempting to force) their teams to trade them I see the biggest problem which is having not only a player, but your Quarterback, not wanting to be there. That's a massive issue and why I also felt Houston should trade Watson (prior to the avalanche of SA allegations against him).

In A-arons defense Green Bay clearly commits themselves to the team as a whole and the future, now while that sounds right imagine being in his shoes. Last year they draft a QB in the 1st round then turn around this year and draft a defensive player. Now, they've taken some offensive players in later rounds but prior to Jordan Love (who isnt a weapon for AR) the Packers havent taken an offensive player in the first round or with their first pick since they drafted a tackle in 2011.

Look at their last 10 drafts since taking a OT in 2011, looking at the top 3 rounds each year.

2012 - LB/DT/CB
2013 - DE/RB
2014 - S/WR/DT/TE
2015 - S/CB/WR
2016 - DT/OT/LB
2017 - CB/S/DT
2018 - CB/CB/LB
2019 - LB/S/C/TE
2020 - QB/RB/TE
2021 - CB

So for the last 10 drafts the Packers have selected 10 offensive players (including a QB) in the top 3 rounds and 19 defensive players. They havent taken an offensive player outside of Jordan Love in the first round and the highest pick they've used on an offensive player besides Love over the last 10 drafts was in 2019 when they took a Center #44. They've only taken an offensive player 5 times in the 2nd round over the last 10 drafts.

So over the last 10 drafts Green Bay has taken a total of 6 offensive players in the first and second round of the draft, one of which appears to be your replacement who doesnt offer you any help on offense. Oh and Green Bay is also a team well known for not doing much at all on the FA market. They keep their own guys but they dont usually spend a lot of money on other FAs. Rodgers has every right to be pissed as he's made that franchise a perennial contender for most of his career.

He can opt out after this year and he 150% is going to unless he has a massive change of heart. I figured he was gone the minute he saw Brady win a SB after he was able to hand pick his team, I just thought he'd play out the '21 season. Now you've got reports saying GB told him they were going to trade him and then changed their mind? Big Yikes.

[RiverRat13]

For Rodgers, I think SF would have easily given up what they gave to move up to 3 - 3 firsts and a 3rd.

[oregonred]

For Rodgers, I think SF would have easily given up what they gave to move up to 3 - 3 firsts and a 3rd.

Not nearly enough and they already shot the wad with the Dolphins trade. Rodgers would make those 1sts essentially early 2nd rounders

I think Rodgers is being a baby here. GB is loaded on Defense, RB and above average OL and WR/TE. And the NFC North is a Qb-starless division outside GB

HE goes to Denver and faces Mahomes and Herbert twice a year. Plus a much more loaded, young-gun AFC conference.

Be careful what you whine for...

[RiverRat13]

Not nearly enough and they already shot the wad with the Dolphins trade. Rodgers would make those 1sts essentially early 2nd rounders

I think Rodgers is being a baby here. GB is loaded on Defense, RB and above average OL and WR/TE. And the NFC North is a Qb-starless division outside GB

HE goes to Denver and faces Mahomes and Herbert twice a year. Plus a much more loaded, young-gun AFC conference.

Be careful what you whine for...

I'm saying they could have offered that before they made the Miami trade. Too late now.

I think Rodgers is trying to get back to the West Coast. But now that SF is off the board, there really isn't a West Coast team who needs a QB. Maybe Vegas?

[JaxRed]

No way would I give up 3 firsts for a QB who will be 38 this season.

[Hillsdale87]

I see a different person. Rodgers is preternaturally calm once he starts his signal call until the whistle blows to end the play.
But otherwise, he is one off the most insecure star QBs I have witnessed. He throws clipboards multiple times per year on the sideline. He screams at his blockers after plays, all the time. He works the refs as hard as any Barcelona soccer player. Is there a male equivalent for a “Karen”?

Yeah, Rodgers is great, but to say he doesn't do drama is not true at all. This is a guy who has frozen out his family. It is well documented that he is a pretty strange guy and difficult to coach.

That doesn't mean he's wrong here though. I don't know the inner workings of the front office in GB. He may be right to be upset, and I can't blame him for being disappointed in last year's draft. But they have overall put together a very good team. He has one of the best OLs with an elite WR and RB. They hired a very good coach. Yes he needs another WR, but it's still one of the best offenses in the league before you factor in the QB. Maybe he ends up in a better situation, but the grass is not always greener. Carson Palmer was on Russillo's podcast this week, and it was clear that he didn't feel like he was wrong about forcing his way out of Cincy, but also that it clearly didn't work out how he thought it would. Rodgers should be careful in leaving a good, but not perfect, situation.


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[adkindo]

The Tampa Bay Bucs are the defending champions, one of the more popular teams in national discussions and was the NFL's #1 team in merchandise sales last year. I am not saying that to brag on my favorite team, but to point out the turnaround only took 2-3 years from being one of the worst teams in the NFL. It is what makes the NFL great in that any team from any size market can turn things around quickly. Sure Brady is a big reason, but the foundation was built with hiring the right coach, stringing together a few good drafts and good cap management. This type of turnaround can only happen in a hard capped league, and it is that same hard cap that makes it even harder to remain on top......and honestly I think that is why fans love it even more.

I know a lot of baseball purest do not support a salary cap, but I think a soft cap in baseball similar to basketball would really grow interest from fans nationwide. So many fans have figured out that their teams can never contend financially with the Yankees and Dodgers of the world....which makes it very unlikely they will compete with them on the field and come out on top.

[Kingspoint]

I've definitely become a Detroit Lions' fan for the next 10 years because they have put in the foundations of a team exactly the way I think Super Bowl Champions should build their teams...with an elite (Top-5) LT AND and elite (Top-5) Center.

With the extension of 25-year old C Frank Ragnow for four more years (after picking up his 5th year option this last week), they'll have Ragnow (#2 C in the NFL per PFF last season and #6 the year before) through 2026 and Sewell through 2026. Sewell will have to bide his time at RT as the Lions have Taylor Decker signed through 2026, inking him last season to one of the richest LT contracts in the game at the time. From PFF two months ago when speaking about their Top-101 players of the 2020 season (Decker was the highest-ranked Lions player on the list landing at the No. 72 spot.):

“One of the most solid pass-blocking left tackles in the game, Taylor Decker was again excellent in that regard in 2020,” PFF’s Sam Monson said. “He allowed just two sacks over almost 700 pass blocking snaps for the Lions this season and posted the second-best PFF run-blocking grade of his career. Decker had three perfect games of pass protection on the season.”

Decker turns 28 Aug 23rd (another sports star who shares my Spouse's birthday...see Kobe, etc.) while Sewell will still be 20, so the Lions will have the luxury of having the #1 RT in the NFL for the next six years before he moves over to replace Decker at the LT spot upon Decker's retirement (or move to another team or inside to G or to RT). Sewell could force his way over to LT sooner if Decker's production falls off, and he'll certainly plat LT for any games Decker misses.

Any QB, especially Jared Goff, could play QB for the Lions and produce. Whichever J. Williams is handed the ball, Jamaal, Jonathan or James, of if it's D'Andre Swift,...all of them will successfully produce at a 4.5+ yds per carry. Newly acquired Daniel Fells adds TE depth for Goff to throw to underneath. Three drafted WR's, along with 1st Rd picks of the RAMs the next two years will give DET added weapons. The Lions addressed NT and DT in the draft along with Safety.

The Lions are going to be annual playoff contenders for the next 10 years with a Super Bowl appearance at least once along the way.

[Hillsdale87]

I've definitely become a Detroit Lions' fan for the next 10 years because they have put in the foundations of a team exactly the way I think Super Bowl Champions should build their teams...with an elite (Top-5) LT AND and elite (Top-5) Center.

With the extension of 25-year old C Frank Ragnow for four more years (after picking up his 5th year option this last week), they'll have Ragnow (#2 C in the NFL per PFF last season and #6 the year before) through 2026 and Sewell through 2026. Sewell will have to bide his time at RT as the Lions have Taylor Decker signed through 2026, inking him last season to one of the richest LT contracts in the game at the time. From PFF two months ago when speaking about their Top-101 players of the 2020 season (Decker was the highest-ranked Lions player on the list landing at the No. 72 spot.):

“One of the most solid pass-blocking left tackles in the game, Taylor Decker was again excellent in that regard in 2020,” PFF’s Sam Monson said. “He allowed just two sacks over almost 700 pass blocking snaps for the Lions this season and posted the second-best PFF run-blocking grade of his career. Decker had three perfect games of pass protection on the season.”

Decker turns 28 Aug 23rd (another sports star who shares my Spouse's birthday...see Kobe, etc.) while Sewell will still be 20, so the Lions will have the luxury of having the #1 RT in the NFL for the next six years before he moves over to replace Decker at the LT spot upon Decker's retirement (or move to another team or inside to G or to RT). Sewell could force his way over to LT sooner if Decker's production falls off, and he'll certainly plat LT for any games Decker misses.

Any QB, especially Jared Goff, could play QB for the Lions and produce. Whichever J. Williams is handed the ball, Jamaal, Jonathan or James, of if it's D'Andre Swift,...all of them will successfully produce at a 4.5+ yds per carry. Newly acquired Daniel Fells adds TE depth for Goff to throw to underneath. Three drafted WR's, along with 1st Rd picks of the RAMs the next two years will give DET added weapons. The Lions addressed NT and DT in the draft along with Safety.

The Lions are going to be annual playoff contenders for the next 10 years with a Super Bowl appearance at least once along the way.

You want to add to the misery of being a Bengals fan by also being a Lions fan? [emoji16] I agree that they've made some nice moves though. I'm friends with a bunch of Lions fans, so I hope they can actually turn it around.


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[Kingspoint]

You want to add to the misery of being a Bengals fan by also being a Lions fan? [emoji16] I agree that they've made some nice moves though. I'm friends with a bunch of Lions fans, so I hope they can actually turn it around.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

It's the blueprint I was hoping the Bengals would take...draft Ragnow, draft Penei (with a LT already in place, so Penei plays RT for a while before moving over), and then fill in around those two. The Bengals would clearly have a leg up with their QB, but I don't think it matters much what QB or RB is behind an O-Line of this magnitude. So, even with as inept of an organizatioin as the Bengals, I feel the Lions can't screw this one up now. The O-Line of Ragnow, Penei and Decker is Bungle-proof or whatever they call themselves when they are incompetent Lions' Ownership proof. The Fords or the Browns couldn't mess this one up moving forward.

I'm numb to the misery (Blazers' medical tragedies and the REDS since Eric Davis' lacerated kidney). I want to see if I was right, and there will be no better proof that I was than if the Lions, the worst franchise in the NFC over the last 50 years) can get to the Super Bowl.

[Ohayou]

I believe Ragnow was the Bengals' guy - they just didn't expect the Lions to draft him one pick before theirs.

[Hillsdale87]

It's the blueprint I was hoping the Bengals would take...draft Ragnow, draft Penei (with a LT already in place, so Penei plays RT for a while before moving over), and then fill in around those two. The Bengals would clearly have a leg up with their QB, but I don't think it matters much what QB or RB is behind an O-Line of this magnitude. So, even with as inept of an organizatioin as the Bengals, I feel the Lions can't screw this one up now. The O-Line of Ragnow, Penei and Decker is Bungle-proof or whatever they call themselves when they are incompetent Lions' Ownership proof. The Fords or the Browns couldn't mess this one up moving forward.

I'm numb to the misery (Blazers' medical tragedies and the REDS since Eric Davis' lacerated kidney). I want to see if I was right, and there will be no better proof that I was than if the Lions, the worst franchise in the NFC over the last 50 years) can get to the Super Bowl.

Same. I grew up a Bengals and Cubs fan in the 90s (I was born in 87, started watching baseball at 4 and could only watch Cubs games), so those were rough times... It unfortunately didn't really get better as I transitioned to a die hard Reds fan.

In the Bengals' defense, they wanted to draft Ragnow too. The Lions are putting good pieces in place, and Goff has played well behind a good line. But their WRs are one of the worst groups in the league. Williams and Perriman have talent, but it's hard to count on them too much. They definitely have a plan though, and so it'll be interesting to watch them over the next few years. The division also might get easier if Rodgers gets out of GB.

[Kingspoint]

Same. I grew up a Bengals and Cubs fan in the 90s (I was born in 87, started watching baseball at 4 and could only watch Cubs games), so those were rough times... It unfortunately didn't really get better as I transitioned to a die hard Reds fan.

In the Bengals' defense, they wanted to draft Ragnow too. The Lions are putting good pieces in place, and Goff has played well behind a good line. But their WRs are one of the worst groups in the league. Williams and Perriman have talent, but it's hard to count on them too much. They definitely have a plan though, and so it'll be interesting to watch them over the next few years. The division also might get easier if Rodgers gets out of GB.

That WR corps of theirs is terrible. I knew of Willaims as a UDFA out of Western Oregon. Pats were the only franchise to send a scout to see him. San Diego offered him an invitation to minicamp and since you usually have to pay your own way, why not try to live in San Diego instead of Foxboro? He has blazing speed, but his shoulder injury kept him out a whole year last season. Bottom-line is they have a ton of draft picks the next two years and this year they drafted slow and big Slot Receivers. Goff won't get hit and tbere should be huge running lanes. Fells will be an important target as will Swift.

[WrongVerb]

Mayor of city in Illinois says Bears are 'seriously considering' a move out of Soldier Field and to his town (https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/mayor-of-city-in-illinois-says-bears-are-seriously-considering-a-move-out-of-soldier-field-and-to-his-town/)


The Chicago Bears have been playing at Soldier Field since 1971, but that's something that could be changing in the near future. The Bears are apparently thinking about relocating to Arlington Heights, which is a suburb that sits roughly 30 miles outside of Chicago.

For the Bears, the allure of Arlington Heights comes from the fact that the city is about to have 326 acres available where a new stadium could be built. The land is currently occupied by the Arlington Park race track, but that building is likely going to be sold in the coming months with the expectation that the new buyer is going to tear it down and re-develop the site.

During an interview last week, Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes revealed the the Bears were "seriously considering" a move to the site.

"Certainly, the Arlington Park site is available and we would consider the Chicago Bears a great fit for that particular site," Hayes said, via Fox 32 in Chicago. "I think the Bears are seriously considering it because it's such a unique piece of property. It has so much going for it in terms of its location in the northwest suburbs where a lot of their audience is."

[JaxRed]

Seems like they just did a facelift on Soldier Field. Hard to even write a paragraph without mention status of their current lease. But they did it.

[Bob Sheed]

There's seems to be a trend of moving/building ballparks outside of downtown. Parking/Traffic alone makes it worth it. Getting in and out of Reds/Bengals games when you want to arrive or leave on time, is frustrating when the team is doing well. I imagine it is far worse in bigger cities like Chicago.

[RedTeamGo!]

There's seems to be a trend of moving/building ballparks outside of downtown. Parking/Traffic alone makes it worth it. Getting in and out of Reds/Bengals games when you want to arrive or leave on time, is frustrating when the team is doing well. I imagine it is far worse in bigger cities like Chicago.

It’s actually super easy to get in and out of Wrigley because of the mass transit system. I love going to games at Wrigley partially because of it. Never been to Soldier.

[adkindo]

There's seems to be a trend of moving/building ballparks outside of downtown. Parking/Traffic alone makes it worth it. Getting in and out of Reds/Bengals games when you want to arrive or leave on time, is frustrating when the team is doing well. I imagine it is far worse in bigger cities like Chicago.

all true, but there is something special about the experience of a big evening/night game in the heart of the city....just more energy. It really depends on the surroundings because as someone mentioned above in regards to Wrigley, it is not downtown Chicago but it is in a great Chicago neighborhood with great energy. In contrast, when you leave a Miami Dolphins game, there are very few signs of Miami and little energy.

[adkindo]

No Aaron Rodgers, no problem. Packers bringing in Chad Kelly for a look!


Tom Pelissero
@TomPelissero

The #Packers are bringing in QBs Kurt Benkert and Chad Kelly for this weekend’s rookie minicamp on a tryout basis, per sources.

As Green Bay GM Brian Gutekunst noted after the draft, they'd need an extra arm or two with only 2 QBs on the roster. Benkert, Kelly get a look first.

3:21 PM · May 10, 2021

I mean he did beat Alabama....that is way more difficult than winning a silly Super Bowl.

[Ohayou]

Slightly OT, but RIP Colt Brennan. He was the guy who got me into watching college football when I was in HS. Those run-and-shoot Hawaii teams with him and Tommy Chang were so much fun to watch. Before Burrow threw 60 TD's, Brennan held the single season pass TD record with 58 in 2006. He still holds many other records, including completions, completion %, and 400-yard games. I remember watching him in the NFL HoF exhibition game thinking this guy's gonna be a starting NFL QB.

Definitely one of the college greats.

[Betterread]

Jerry Burns died today. He was 94. He was Vince Lombardi’s asst coach for 66-67. Then, he was the Vikings OC from 68-85 for Bud Grant and head coach from 86-91.
He was the opposite Of Bud Grant, he talked to the media a lot, and cussed more and more the longer he talked. He regularly dropped f’effenheimers in post game media sessions. He always looked liked a crabby Highlander, with messy hair and deeply creased face.
He was a real character, and I liked him better than Bud, though Bud is the all time best Vikings HC for his consistent success.
Probably not a HOF’er but a Vikings hero nonetheless.

[Betterread]

No Aaron Rodgers, no problem. Packers bringing in Chad Kelly for a look!



I mean he did beat Alabama....that is way more difficult than winning a silly Super Bowl.
They went even further than that.. signed Blake Bortles to a one year deal.

[WrongVerb]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/f6e61052c05c12ebde34b668b35809fb/tenor.gif?itemid=10783642

[Kingspoint]

https://media1.tenor.com/images/f6e61052c05c12ebde34b668b35809fb/tenor.gif?itemid=10783642

That is so funny. The Packers' G.M. doesn't understand how stupid he is. The old G.M. who was in charge throughout Rodgers' entire tenure died this January after he had to step "up" to an unofficial position because of a deadly disease. He handpicked his replacement and that clearly didn't sit well with Rodgers as it was in internal promotion where nothing changed. Bengals' fans are so familiar with this.

So, they offer Rodgers a larger long-term contract and then one day later they sign Bortles. Is there something up there in Green Bay that makes someone this stupid?

[JaxRed]

Titans send a 2nd rounder to Falcons for Julio Jones. One of the bigger trades of the off-season.

[adkindo]

Titans send a 2nd rounder to Falcons for Julio Jones. One of the bigger trades of the off-season.

I think it was a good trade for the Titans, but I am not sure it will really move the needle. The 2021 version of Jones is not the guy that was breaking the league from 2014 - 2018.

[Thisyear]

I think it was a good trade for the Titans, but I am not sure it will really move the needle. The 2021 version of Jones is not the guy that was breaking the league from 2014 - 2018.

In 2019 he had 1400 yards, definitely not a down year. He had 770 in 2020 in9games, if he wasnt hurt he would of put up similar numbers. This is a great pick up.

[Rojo Rijo]

In 2019 he had 1400 yards, definitely not a down year. He had 770 in 2020 in9games, if he wasnt hurt he would of put up similar numbers. This is a great pick up.

The biggest issue with Julio is how often he's not 100%. There have been numerous games over the past few years where he plays minimal snaps or in some cases was merely a decoy. I don't blame him from wanting out of Atlanta, they arent likely going to contend and he was going to quickly become the 3rd option in that passing game. In Tennessee he slides into the role Corey Davis just vacated, they're highly likely to contend, and he should see a good bit of single coverage. As far as a run game goes he just went from Motel 8 to the Ritz-Carlton.

[Thisyear]

The biggest issue with Julio is how often he's not 100%. There have been numerous games over the past few years where he plays minimal snaps or in some cases was merely a decoy. I don't blame him from wanting out of Atlanta, they arent likely going to contend and he was going to quickly become the 3rd option in that passing game. In Tennessee he slides into the role Corey Davis just vacated, they're highly likely to contend, and he should see a good bit of single coverage. As far as a run game goes he just went from Motel 8 to the Ritz-Carlton.

I dont watch the Falcons all that much but his targets tell a different story.

[Rojo Rijo]

I dont watch the Falcons all that much but his targets tell a different story.

His hamstring injury affected him all last season. In 3 of the 9 games he played he saw 4, 4, and 2 snaps. In 2019 he had a foot injury that preseason and then had a shoulder injury that November. He still saw 150 targets that year. Last year he saw 68 in 9 games. In 2018 he saw 170 targets. These last 3 years what changed was Atlanta became a worse overall team and found themselves playing in shootouts and from behind, resulting in more passing attempts which resulted in more targets for Julio. If you look at this site - https://sportsinjurypredictor.com/player/julio-jones/4692 - it shows you his injury history. What makes this concerning is he's 32 and entering his 11th NFL season. He could easily go out and get 1,600 and 12, I don't doubt that being in the realm of possibility one bit, but based on his history, how many games he's put on his body, and his age the potential for another injury is there.

As for Atlanta, Ridley took the reigns last year as the #1. This was helped out by Julio being hobbled but it's clear Atlanta is comfortable with him being the top guy along with newly acquired TE Kyle Pitts, who only made Julio more expendable.

If Julio can stay healthy and effective he (and the Titans O) could be in for a legendary season. Choosing between single coverage on Julio and/or AJ or a light box against Henry is going to cause a lot of defensive coordinators to lose sleep.

[KoryMac5]

AJ Green fell of a cliff as injuries sapped his ability to separate...Jones is still getting good separation so I would think he will be a safe bet for the Titans...I like the move as long as his legs hold up.

[adkindo]

I dont watch the Falcons all that much but his targets tell a different story.

I mostly just watch him against the Bucs, and he use to destroy our defense. He did not play in either game last year, and was not much of a factor in either game the previous year. He was clearly the best or among the top few receivers for about 5 seasons....he is no longer that guy. Time will tell, and like I said I think it was a good trade for the Titans...but I am not convinced it will result in more wins.

[Sea Ray]

This is unprecedented, right?


The NFL just informed clubs that if a game cannot be rescheduled during the 18-week season in 2021 due to a COVID outbreak among unvaccinated players, the team with the outbreak will FORFEIT and be credited with a loss for playoff seeding, per sources.

https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1418256770305335299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1418256770305335299%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

[WrongVerb]

This is unprecedented, right?



https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1418256770305335299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1418256770305335299%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

Everything about covid is unprecedented.

[Bob Sheed]

This is unprecedented, right?



https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1418256770305335299?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5 Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1418256770305335299%7Ctwgr% 5E%7Ctwcon%5Es1_&ref_url=

Requiring a vaccine that hasn't been fully vetted by the FDA sounds like a lawsuit to me.

But of course, that's not what they are doing. There's saying if you get sick, you forfeit the game and your paycheck. Not sure about the legality of that either.

[Sea Ray]

Everything about covid is unprecedented.

As I read it, even the vaccinated players who did not test positive will forfeit their salaries. In fact, even the "winning" team will forfeit their salaries. This involves too much money to not involve a lawsuit. I don't see this flying legally. Of course there's really no basis for a lawsuit unless the league follows through on their threat so we'll have to see how this plays out. I do not know what constitutes grounds for a game not to be played

[WVRed]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31888473/sources-houston-texans-now-willing-trade-qb-deshaun-watson

Watson to Denver for:

2022 first round pick
2022 second round pick
2023 first round pick
2023 third round pick
2024 second round pick
Drew Lock
Tim Patrick

Watson to Philadelphia for:

2022 first round pick
2022 second round pick
2023 first round pick
2023 third round pick
2024 second round pick
Jalen Hurts

[Chip R]

Requiring a vaccine that hasn't been fully vetted by the FDA sounds like a lawsuit to me.

But of course, that's not what they are doing. There's saying if you get sick, you forfeit the game and your paycheck. Not sure about the legality of that either.

What is the FDA going to do; get test subjects and inject some with the vaccine and some with a placebo and see what happens? There's been millions of vaccines given over the past 6 months with very few long-term adverse effects. I'd say there's plenty of evidence there that it's safe.

As for the NFL, since they are a private business, they can make their own rules. It's a violation of the 5th amendment to submit to mandatory drug testing but the league and the players have collectively bargained to allow it. The NFLPA isn't putting up a fuss over this because the vast majority of its members have been vaccinated. Both they and the league are in agreement that they don't want the postponements that happened last season. The players have a choice: They can get vaccinated or face the possible consequences. I don't think it's going to go down too well in the locker room if a team has to not only forfeit not only a game but a game check because of "Mah rights"

[RedsBaron]

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/31888473/sources-houston-texans-now-willing-trade-qb-deshaun-watson

Watson to Denver for:

2022 first round pick
2022 second round pick
2023 first round pick
2023 third round pick
2024 second round pick
Drew Lock
Tim Patrick

Watson to Philadelphia for:

2022 first round pick
2022 second round pick
2023 first round pick
2023 third round pick
2024 second round pick
Jalen Hurts

I can't see any NFL team trading that much for Watson, especially while he is under the current legal cloud of criminal accusations. I don't believe the Broncos or Eagles would make that trade, even if the Titans threw in Trevor Bauer.

[Todd Gack]

I'm just stunned that teams are still willing to trade for Watson in spite of what he's facing.

[Sea Ray]

I'm just stunned that teams are still willing to trade for Watson in spite of what he's facing.

That remains to be seen. All we've seen is an asking price. Askin' and gettin' are two different things

[Rojo Rijo]

Looking like Philadelphia and Houston are close to a Deshaun Watson deal.

[adkindo]

NFL Preseason is the worst. I usually do not even bother watching outside of checking out a Rookie QB that was a high draft pick or something. All week, I was reading on both Bucs and Titans sites how the Bucs were just destroying to Titans on both sides of the ball in joint practices.....Mike Evans "Mossing" fools, Godwin scoring TD's, Antonio Brown breaking ankles on routes, etc. etc.....so I got a little excited and tuned in last night. None of those players saw the field. I get it....that is the norm, and why I think NFL preseason in the worst. Lebron plays a couple quarters in most NBA preseason games....Joey Votto plays in many Spring Training games....but Kyle Trask takes most of the snaps for the Bucs in preseason games.

[oregonred]

NFL Preseason is the worst. I usually do not even bother watching outside of checking out a Rookie QB that was a high draft pick or something. All week, I was reading on both Bucs and Titans sites how the Bucs were just destroying to Titans on both sides of the ball in joint practices.....Mike Evans "Mossing" fools, Godwin scoring TD's, Antonio Brown breaking ankles on routes, etc. etc.....so I got a little excited and tuned in last night. None of those players saw the field. I get it....that is the norm, and why I think NFL preseason in the worst. Lebron plays a couple quarters in most NBA preseason games....Joey Votto plays in many Spring Training games....but Kyle Trask takes most of the snaps for the Bucs in preseason games.

Indeed. it is awful outside a few instances where the starters play a quarter or two (KC/Arizona) and Tua were fun to watch the other night for about an hour. And Trey Lance last night in quarter 2. I can't blame coaches one but for not playing a single starter in live action until Sept 12th.

[Chip R]

NFL Preseason is the worst. I usually do not even bother watching outside of checking out a Rookie QB that was a high draft pick or something. All week, I was reading on both Bucs and Titans sites how the Bucs were just destroying to Titans on both sides of the ball in joint practices.....Mike Evans "Mossing" fools, Godwin scoring TD's, Antonio Brown breaking ankles on routes, etc. etc.....so I got a little excited and tuned in last night. None of those players saw the field. I get it....that is the norm, and why I think NFL preseason in the worst. Lebron plays a couple quarters in most NBA preseason games....Joey Votto plays in many Spring Training games....but Kyle Trask takes most of the snaps for the Bucs in preseason games.

The crazy thing is that people bet on these games. :confused:

[Boston Red]

The crazy thing is that people bet on these games. :confused:

Honestly, if you know what you're doing the preseason lines are probably easier to beat than regular season lines. Of course, most don't.

[Assembly Hall]

How much $$$$ do these titanic contests bring in?

[cumberlandreds]

The crazy thing is that people bet on these games. :confused:

Even crazier people pay to go watch those games.

[Boston Red]

Even crazier people pay to go watch those games.

NFL teams screw season ticket holders by making them pay full freight for preseason.

[WrongVerb]

Ian Rapoport
@RapSheet

The initial fear is that #Ravens RB J.K. Dobbins suffered a season-ending knee injury based on the early diagnosis, sources say. He’s having an MRI today to determine the full extent.
10:14am · 29 Aug 2021

[Assembly Hall]

Looking like Philadelphia and Houston are close to a Deshaun Watson deal.

I am hearing Miami now...

[adkindo]

Patriots cut Cam.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1432707582607728642

[Sea Ray]

Patriots cut Cam.

https://twitter.com/SportsCenter/status/1432707582607728642

Just a week ago the mainly east coast Press was drooling over how well Cam played in the preseason. BS

[Sea Ray]

I am hearing Miami now...

Is Miami already done with Tua?

[oregonred]

So Mac Jones vs. Tua in Week 1

Dolphins waive QB3 Sinnett

Would be so Belichek for the Pats to pick him up two weeks before the Phins opener

Actually the Bengals should pick him up if they plan to keep 3 QBs

Edit: Not confirmed Sinnett has been released by the 'Phins

[Chip R]

Remember last year when the Broncos had to start a practice squad WR at QB? Looks like there were shenanigans and that's why the game wasn't postponed.

https://www.yahoo.com/sports/broncos-q-bs-tried-to-fool-covid-system-in-2020-but-were-caught-on-surveillance-154819459.html

[UKFlounder]

Yikes. That was pretty lame on their part

[DocRed]

So...was that an offensive pass interference late in the Buccaneers vs the Cowboys? I am biased...but would love to hear othersopinios.

[Betterread]

So...was that an offensive pass interference late in the Buccaneers vs the Cowboys? I am biased...but would love to hear othersopinios.

If you mean the completion to Godwin to get them in FG range, then Yes, I think he clearly pushed the defender off him to get separation.

[WrongVerb]

If you mean the completion to Godwin to get them in FG range, then Yes, I think he clearly pushed the defender off him to get separation.

Sounds like he's gotten some instruction from the best ever to push off without getting called for it: Antonio Brown.

[KoryMac5]

Worst loss yesterday had to be Buffalo...you can't lose that game to Pitts at home, especially if your gunning to keep pace with teams like the Chiefs.

[BuckeyeRed27]

Worst loss yesterday had to be Buffalo...you can't lose that game to Pitts at home, especially if your gunning to keep pace with teams like the Chiefs.

Wasn’t great, but I’d take NE with the worst loss. Green Bay too, but for different reasons.

[oregonred]

NE? Miami is actually the better team this year

Green Bay and Tennessee were both just destroyed

[BuckeyeRed27]

NE? Miami is actually the better team this year

Green Bay and Tennessee were both just destroyed

I mean they fumbled on the 10 with like 3 minutes to go and only needed a FG. That’s pretty brutal. Add on a division loss to a team they very likely could be fighting for a playoff spot with…tough.

[Stray]

Giants gave that win to Washington. That was the kinda loss we know all too well as Bengals fans. Brutal.

[UKFlounder]

But it was fun to watch, since I had no fog in thst fight



Giants gave that win to Washington. That was the kinda loss we know all too well as Bengals fans. Brutal.

[RichRed]

I've seen Washington hand way too many games to opposing teams on a silver platter. It was nice to be on the receiving end this time. Also, I love what I saw from Heinicke. I've been irrationally high on that guy ever since he was at ODU, putting up video game passing numbers, albeit against mostly FCS competition.

[KoryMac5]

Tua was just destroyed by Buffalo...carted off in the 1st.

Update rib injury...

[KoryMac5]

NM

[KoryMac5]

Mayfield hurt and headed to the locker room tough day for QB's

[DocRed]

Go Cowboys!! Go Justin Fields!!

[RedsBaron]

Horrid call in the Chargers-Cowboys game. Refs incorrectly called Chargers QB Herbert down when he clearly was not.

[kaldaniels]

Carson Wentz hurt again.

Talk about someone whose star has fallen.

[oregonred]

Chiefs defense is bad. The AFC West could actually be interesting this year.

[Boston Red]

Love that the Ravens went for it on 4th and 1. Almost every NFL coach plays it "safe" there and watches Mahomes drive down for the winning FG.

[RiverRat13]

The NFL shows how serious they are about Covid by not suspending Trai Turner, who spat in another player's face.

[Bob Sheed]

I watched MNF last night. It was painful. All fake smiles and zero chemistry. Then around the 2nd quarter I remembered that Peyton and Eli were over on ESPN2. Glad I switched... Those guys were hilarious. Peyton going off for like 5 minutes on the Patriots bugging their locker room was particularly funny.

I highly recommend it and hope they keep it up.

[Stray]

Yeah, the Manning brother broadcast is the best thing ESPN has done in years. It's weird but I don't even mind not having a PBP guy. We can all follow the game on our own and just listen in on the convos. Peyton is fantastic. McAfee was great last night too.

[Chip R]

Yeah, the Manning brother broadcast is the best thing ESPN has done in years. It's weird but I don't even mind not having a PBP guy. We can all follow the game on our own and just listen in on the convos. Peyton is fantastic. McAfee was great last night too.

If the Mannings are so popular, why even have a regular announcing crew?

[Bob Sheed]

Yeah, the Manning brother broadcast is the best thing ESPN has done in years. It's weird but I don't even mind not having a PBP guy. We can all follow the game on our own and just listen in on the convos. Peyton is fantastic. McAfee was great last night too.

I agree. I just don't think pbp is necessary. Your eyes and the refs tell you everything you need to know. The same is true for baseball too, in my opinion. Bench said the same thing when he was in the booth earlier this season.

Imagine a Reds TV broadcast that was the same format as the Mannings, except is was Bench and Larkin. Guys like Eric Davis, Sean Casey etc would pop in for a Zoom call or whatever from time to time. And they would just talk baseball or anything the felt like talking about as the game went on. Tell me that wouldn't be better than the current format.


If the Mannings are so popular, why even have a regular announcing crew?

If it were up to me, the Mannings would be on ESPN and the same feed with just the game sounds would be on ESPN2.

[Chip R]

The roof of the Superdome caught fire today.

https://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2021/09/21/superdome-roof-catches-fire/

[WVRed]

Yeah, the Manning brother broadcast is the best thing ESPN has done in years. It's weird but I don't even mind not having a PBP guy. We can all follow the game on our own and just listen in on the convos. Peyton is fantastic. McAfee was great last night too.

And now WVU fans think they have a chance at Arch Manning. [emoji846]

[adkindo]

And now WVU fans think they have a chance at Arch Manning. [emoji846]

Our chances are similar to 99% of other FBS programs. Who is seen as the leader? I get the feeling that he will not be going to Ole Miss or Tennessee.....feels like a Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, etc. guy?

OT, but speaking of legacies.....I recently saw some film of Noel Devine's oldest son who is a Sophomore at North Fort Meyers High (same high school as Noel and Deion).....and it looked very familiar. I am not saying it was impressive as Devine's high school film because Devine was like a video game in high school on film....but the kid has a similar smallish frame with real power and can escape a tackle in a phone booth. If Noel has any influence, he will be in Morgantown in a few years.

[Ohayou]

Not a great day for Justin Fields and the Bears:


The Bears averaged 1.1 yards per play vs the Browns, the 2nd-fewest by any team in a game this century.

https://twitter.com/NFLonCBS/status/1442225663776329729


Justin Fields is the first QB since the merger (since 1970) to be sacked at least 9 times and throw for fewer than 100 yards in his first career start.

https://twitter.com/StatsBySTATS/status/1442223474664083460?s=20

I still think he will find success this season, but their line is pretty bad. So is Nagy.

[WVRed]

Our chances are similar to 99% of other FBS programs. Who is seen as the leader? I get the feeling that he will not be going to Ole Miss or Tennessee.....feels like a Clemson, Alabama, Georgia, etc. guy?

OT, but speaking of legacies.....I recently saw some film of Noel Devine's oldest son who is a Sophomore at North Fort Meyers High (same high school as Noel and Deion).....and it looked very familiar. I am not saying it was impressive as Devine's high school film because Devine was like a video game in high school on film....but the kid has a similar smallish frame with real power and can escape a tackle in a phone booth. If Noel has any influence, he will be in Morgantown in a few years.

I’ve seen Georgia and Texas

[Assembly Hall]

The fall of the Frank "Third" Reich.

[adkindo]

Any chance Richard Sherman has another season left in the tank?

[Boston Red]

Whew, had Bengals in the survivor pool. That was close.

[Sea Ray]

Any chance Richard Sherman has another season left in the tank?

Nahhh

[oregonred]

Wow do the Dolphins simply look horrible on offense and ill timed brain farts. Fins fans in full meltdown mode now

Both hapless NY teams win in OT minutes apart

Crazy league as always

[kaldaniels]

Tom Brady is trolling us all with that Subway ad.

[Betterread]

Baker Mayfield played really poorly vrs the Vikings. He missed a bunch of open receivers, and frequently looked clueless in reading the defense.
Did not display much leadership or athleticism. And I thought his O-line is pretty good, at least for running plays.
And Higgins is better than OBJ. Just a one game take on these guys, as I don’t watch every week.

[757690]

So when is Chris Collinsworth going to propose to Mac Jones?

[WVRed]

So when is Chris Collinsworth going to propose to Mac Jones?

Now here’s a guy….

[DocRed]

Cowboys look for real that O-Line is scary again and they aren't even at full strength yet. That D looks completely transformed under Quinn too. Trevon Diggs is a total ballhawk

[oregonred]

Is Collinsworth still apologizing for Brady having a bad throwing night from the rain? If he was playing well he'd been rambling about Brady being the best bad weather QB ever

Meanwhile Rookie Mac was putting up 19 straight completions in the same weather. Unless it was only raining when TB was on offense.

Love Cris, but man is he insufferable with his endless praise for... well seemingly everyone, every week on SNF

[Sea Ray]

So when is Chris Collinsworth going to propose to Mac Jones?

Mac Jones showed a noodle of an arm last night. He's an INT waiting to happen. I see his ceiling as Ryan Fitzpatrick

[WVRed]

Is Collinsworth still apologizing for Brady having a bad throwing night from the rain? If he was playing well he'd been rambling about Brady being the best bad weather QB ever

Meanwhile Rookie Mac was putting up 19 straight completions in the same weather. Unless it was only raining when TB was on offense.

Love Cris, but man is he insufferable with his endless praise for... well seemingly everyone, every week on SNF

Brady has always seemed like he struggles with the elements. Never really understood why playing in Foxboro.

One year the Bengals played the Pats in PBS and won late because of a pop up rain shower that immaculately cleared up before Dalton took the field.

I guess that’s his one kryptonite is bad weather.

[Bob Sheed]

I guess that’s his one kryptonite is bad weather.

I assumed it was bread.

[WVRed]

The Raiders and Chargers are in a lightning delay.

The Chargers play in a domed stadium.

[KronoRed]

The Raiders and Chargers are in a lightning delay.

The Chargers play in a domed stadium.

More of a hat then a dome, sides are open, still not sure why that means a lightning danger.

[GAC]

Baker Mayfield played really poorly vrs the Vikings. He missed a bunch of open receivers, and frequently looked clueless in reading the defense.
Did not display much leadership or athleticism. And I thought his O-line is pretty good, at least for running plays.
And Higgins is better than OBJ. Just a one game take on these guys, as I don’t watch every week.

I was yelling at the TV (Baker) numerous times Sunday (lol). If he'd had hit a few of those the game wouldn't have been close IMO. Minnesota's defense, on both sides of the ball, is lower tier (253 Pass, 136 Rush). The Browns had a balanced attack, and the run game exceeded expectations (thankfully). Because Mayfield simply had a bad day. But he didn't turn the ball over in the process. Even he called it "piss poor" (lol). They miss his favorite target (Landry), who will be out till mid-October (minimum).

Browns gonna get tested next three weeks ... Chargers (A), Cardinals (H)(both currently division leaders), then Broncos (H)(tied with Chargers). Going to be interesting.

[oregonred]

What a sea of silver and black in LA last night.

The NFL is stubborn and while Goodell took care of his buddy Stan Kroenke with a sweetheart move to the #2 market, the NFL and Alex Spanos all look like buffoons with a fun Chargers team now being a homeless team without a fanbase in LA while the regional favorite Raiders are playing in Las Vegas.

Was darn near criminal to have the Chargers leave San Diego

[Chip R]

So, kind of lost in the whole Urban Meyer situation, the WFT head trainer has been out on leave due to a criminal investigation by the DEA.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32338781/washington-football-team-puts-trainer-ryan-vermillion-leave-criminal-investigation

[oregonred]

So, kind of lost in the whole Urban Meyer situation, the WFT head trainer has been out on leave due to a criminal investigation by the DEA.

https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/32338781/washington-football-team-puts-trainer-ryan-vermillion-leave-criminal-investigation

He graduated from the University of Miami and worked for the Dolphins for a long time which may or not be relevant given all the performance enhancing drug and lab scandals emanating from the-305.

[adkindo]

Would be nice if Stephon Gilmore would like to spend a few months in Tampa....

[Assembly Hall]

Would be nice if Stephon Gilmore would like to spend a few months in Tampa....

Bucs becoming the Yankees of the NFL?

[ScotlandRed]

Until Brady retires, whenever that may be, yes.

[oregonred]

Would be nice if Stephon Gilmore would like to spend a few months in Tampa....

Fall and Winter back home in Charlotte

Apparently he has his offseason home in the same neighborhood as the Panthers GM

[Assembly Hall]

Jaylon Smith to the Packers.

[UKFlounder]

A double punt by the Seahawks? Huh? How is that allowed?