NFL 2018 Off Season Thread

[NobodyHere]

It's about time we get this one started.

The the Lions hired the Pat's DC.

The Colts have hired the Pat's OC. Josh McDaniels is even bringing in Pat's Special Teams Coordinator Joe Judge to be the next Colt's STC. Is that kind of lateral move common?

[albionmoonlight]

Colts at +4000 to win the Super Bowl.

I'd say with a new coach and a (probably) healthy Luck, those are pretty good futures odds.

[bronconick]

And McDaniels decides not to take the Indy job. Have to guess Belichick's retiring is soon, even if not next season.

[miami_fan]

He resigned as HC of IND?

That’s right, I made that connection right along with the rest of the internet.

[Buccaneer]

LOL. Woohoo!! I wouldn't want to work for that moron owner either. :lol: :lol: :lol: :p

[NobodyHere]

He resigned as HC of IND?

That’s right, I made that connection right along with the rest of the internet.

Josh McDaniels withdraws from Colts' coaching job - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000915131/article/josh-mcdaniels-withdraws-from-colts-head-coaching-job)

Well son of a gun. I was hesitant about the McDaniels hire in the first place. Although now I'm more worried about how this has delayed the Colt's search for a new HC.

[Buccaneer]

Josh McDaniels withdraws from Colts' coaching job - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000915131/article/josh-mcdaniels-withdraws-from-colts-head-coaching-job)

Well son of a gun. I was hesitant about the McDaniels hire in the first place. Although now I'm more worried about this has delayed the Colt's search for a new HC.

There's still a few good OCs available.

[miami_fan]

From Albert Breer’s Twitter feed.

Per sources, the Colts also have contracts in place with three of Josh McDaniels' new assistants: Defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus, OL coach Dave DeGuglielmo and DL coach Mike Phair.

[Thomkal]

wow isn't NE hated enough? If its true that he's going to be Bellicheck's replacement down the road now-couldn't they have sat him down before now when everybody including the Colts had announced it? I hope the league investigates what went on here.

[miami_fan]

From Adam Schefter’s feed

Text from one league source: “That’s Kraft putting it to the Colts again. He will forever try and (expletive) that place ever since deflate gate.”

I appreciate the petty.:lol:

[bronconick]

I feel a strong kinship with a man who thinks about staying in but barely pulls out before creating an overwhelming commitment for himself.

[stevew]

Who else has done this stuff? Billy Donovan with the Magic? BB with the Jets? I gotta think that the Colts might be able to get some sort of compensation out of this mess.

[albionmoonlight]

Wonder who regrets hiring McDaniels more, Denver or Indy?

[Buccaneer]

wow isn't NE hated enough? If its true that he's going to be Bellicheck's replacement down the road now-couldn't they have sat him down before now when everybody including the Colts had announced it? I hope the league investigates what went on here.

I disagree. The Colts jumped the gun and announced an unsigned candidate (didn't the Volunteers do the same thing?). Until the contract is signed (and even then one could immediately resign), nothing is official.

[Thomkal]

From Adam Schefter’s feed

Text from one league source: “That’s Kraft putting it to the Colts again. He will forever try and (expletive) that place ever since deflate gate.”

I appreciate the petty.:lol:

If its Kraft trying to get back at them for Deflategate, then I hope the league comes after them for it.

[Buccaneer]

If its Kraft trying to get back at them for Deflategate, then I hope the league comes after them for it.

Investigate what?? One league's source biased opinion? Probably from the same source about the AH81 hoax. :lol:

[bronconick]

If its Kraft trying to get back at them for Deflategate, then I hope the league comes after them for it.


Wait until the Colts turn around and get Kraft's 1st round pick taken away when McDaniels is made head coach in February 2019 for violating the Rooney rule

[SirFozzie]

basically, apparently the story is that McDaniels never told the Pats he was accepting the offer, and was vacilliating (that's why the 2nd meeting with Irsay, etcetera), and Kraft definitely sweetened his contract and possibly guaranteed McDaniels that he'd take over when Bill B. leaves.

[Thomkal]

I disagree. The Colts jumped the gun and announced an unsigned candidate (didn't the Volunteers do the same thing?). Until the contract is signed (and even then one could immediately resign), nothing is official.

Normally I would agree with you, but given the history between these two owners and the timing (again why did they wait until it was announced unofficially or not)? If McDaniels had a bad taste in his mouth after the Super Bowl loss, or a change of heart, then that's one thing, but let's be sure that's what this was about.

[miami_fan]

Jim Caldwell anyone?

[hoosierdude]

I would take Jack Del Rio and any other candidate before Jim Caldwell.

[miami_fan]

I would take Jack Del Rio and any other candidate before Jim Caldwell.

I don't think you should want him actually. I threw the name out as someone Irsay can call on the rebound as his first option turned him down.

Caldwell will answer the "You up?" text immediately.

[jeff061]

If its Kraft trying to get back at them for Deflategate, then I hope the league comes after them for it.

What is there to investigate? McDaniels never signed a contract. Maybe Indy thought announcing would force the issue in their favor. They were right about the first part.

[BishopMVP]

Reading between the lines it seems there's a chance they promised him Belichick was leaving after this year and offered him the 2019 job, but I also believe that he had reservations about working for Irsay (and/or got some questionable info on Luck's health) and also does care at least a little about stability for his school age children who bounced around different schools when he was in Denver/Chicago, so if it was just more money and a promise of HC in waiting when Belichick retired with no definitive date I wouldn't be shocked.Josh McDaniels withdraws from Colts' coaching job - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000915131/article/josh-mcdaniels-withdraws-from-colts-head-coaching-job)

Well son of a gun. I was hesitant about the McDaniels hire in the first place. Although now I'm more worried about how this has delayed the Colt's search for a new HC.It's not like college where getting a coach in early is necessary for recruiting. Unless you think the Colts would've hired one of the other coaches who have been hired I don't think the timing matters much.
Wait until the Colts turn around and get Kraft's 1st round pick taken away when McDaniels is made head coach in February 2019 for violating the Rooney rule
Until someone can explain to me why the Raiders didn't get fined for hiring Gruden I think enforcement of the Rooney Rule is an even bigger joke than every other unilateral decision the NFL office makes.
wow isn't NE hated enough? If its true that he's going to be Bellicheck's replacement down the road now-couldn't they have sat him down before now when everybody including the Colts had announced it? I hope the league investigates what went on here.
I don't pretend to know all of what's true & what's rumor coming out of Foxboro, but I do fully believe that Belichick doesn't have any of these discussions about 2019 until the 2018 season ends, and they're notorious for waiting until the last minute when their target is about to accept an offer to even start talking to guys for big deals. I thought it was a crazy strategy not franchising them, but with both McCourty & Hightower they said go out in FA, find the best offer, and then we'll talk. They did, those players agents said they were about to accept X offer, & that's when the Patriots stepped in and worked out a deal. This situation obviously has a lot more speculation tied to it with everyone wanting to speculate on Belichick's status, but I think McDaniels having second thoughts for a bit now, and Kraft waiting to sit down with him and make a hard push for him to stay/hammer out details last night or early today because that's the day after they got back from the Super Bowl makes more sense than him timing it and letting McDaniels get that far down the road just to mess with the Colts (and invite league scrutiny.)

[NobodyHere]

It's not like college where getting a coach in early is necessary for recruiting. Unless you think the Colts would've hired one of the other coaches who have been hired I don't think the timing matters much.

It's all speculation at this point, but there were rumors that the Colts were very interested in Mike Vrabel. As in he was one of the top two candidates for them. (the other one obviously being McDaniels).

[JPhillips]

He better hope he gets the Pats job, because I can't imagine very many other teams are willing to put up with his bullshit after this.

[Chief Rum]

I still struggle to understand why anyone is even interested in the guy. His stretch in Denver was phenomenally bad.

[BishopMVP]

It's all speculation at this point, but there were rumors that the Colts were very interested in Mike Vrabel. As in he was one of the top two candidates for them. (the other one obviously being McDaniels).And McDaniels was allegedly a candidate in Tennessee too - and like I said at the time, I thought the Titans job was a much better situation given Jim Irsay's craziness and Luck's uncertain health. We'll see - I haven't followed Vrabel's coaching career much, but I don't think he's some slam dunk hire. And now we can likely get another round of Harbaugh to the Colts rumors :)
He better hope he gets the Pats job, because I can't imagine very many other teams are willing to put up with his bullshit after this.Oh come on. Never underestimate how much NFL organizations are willing to overlook to hire failed ex-coaches. ;)

I still struggle to understand why anyone is even interested in the guy. His stretch in Denver was phenomenally bad.Good gameday coach and great offensive gameplanner who was a terrible, terrible GM, and tried to act like Belichick without Belichick's historical success rate to back him up. He's at least humble enough to admit that he made a lot of mistakes off the field during that time, and I assume any team will be smart enough to give him limited input on personnel decisions. Maybe Dave Toub is the next Doug Pederson, but as much as I bag on some of the retreads who always seem to get interviewed, I don't think a bad couple year stretch with obvious mistakes you admit to is worse than someone with no head coaching experience.

[stevew]

I think you can just promote McDaniels if it's in his contract terms. You don't have to go through a charade of interviewing an AA candidate.

Also are we sure Andrew Luck is going to play again? 18m in salary goes guaranteed on the 5th day of the season, they can get out of his contract right now if they want.

[stevew]

I feel a strong kinship with a man who thinks about staying in but barely pulls out before creating an overwhelming commitment for himself.

good work here, underappreciated.

[CrimsonFox]

So did McDaniels actually do anything in Indy before dropping out?

Hearing things about how destructive he has been already and that it's a blessing for Indy...

https://www.indystar.com/story/sports/columnists/gregg-doyel/2018/02/06/doyel-josh-mcdaniels-selfish-little-jerk-but-did-colts-indy-favor/304619002/

[Logan]

I would love to pile on the Pats for anything that can even be perceived as "shady" but I see nothing close to being wrong with what could have happened here.

Frankly I don't understand why more teams don't seem to be more aggressive in trying to retain assistants. There is no salary cap for a coaching staff. If you're printing money like many of these teams are, why not pay a HC-like salary to coordinators and try and ensure continued success on that side of the ball, while also having a guy in waiting if necessary? Of course at some point a coordinator will want a chance to run his own team but if I'm an owner, that decision would never be made for money purposes.

[albionmoonlight]

I don't fault the Pats, at all, for trying to keep their assistant who had yet to sign a contract.

I think that McDaniels has demonstrated that he can't be trusted. That may or may not come back to bite him in the future.

Winning cures all, so if he does take over the Pats and wins a bunch, all will be forgiven. If he runs the Pats like he ran the Broncos, then he'll end up as a college QB coach somewhere, and everyone will pat themselves on the back and pretend that the demotion was because of his untrustworthiness.

[Thomkal]

Colts GM described the phone conversation with McDaniel when he told them he was not coming to Indy. And McDaniel's agent quit when he was told:

Colts general manager Chris Ballard doesn't want a coach who isn't 100 percent committed (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22357081/colts-general-manager-chris-ballard-want-coach-100-percent-committed)

[EagleFan]

I'm all for piling on the Pats but not seeing any reason to here. It leads to some interesting questions about hoodie. Is he doing one last season and they are keeping his potential replacement? Is hoodie leaving before the 2018 season and they now have his replacement ready to go? Did they offer him a crapload of money and there was no way he could say no?

[JPhillips]

I don't think the Pats did anything wrong, but McDaniels certainly did.

[miami_fan]

If we believe that McDaniels staying is a step in the planning for the post Belichick era, is it safe to assume that Scott Pioli is the guy that takes over Belichick's role on the personnel side?

[Buccaneer]

The only thing McDaniels did wrong was not fully realizing earlier the extent of what it would be like working for the nutcase Irsay.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/josh-mcdaniels-reportedly-had-one-big-concern-with-taking-the-colts-coaching-job/

[JPhillips]

I agree on Irsay, but McDaniels either made a verbal agreement or knowingly allowed the Colts to proclaim that he was their new coach without offering any correction. It's fine not to want to work with Irsay, but don't play games with the team and the fanbase.

[Buccaneer]

I agree on Irsay, but McDaniels either made a verbal agreement or knowingly allowed the Colts to proclaim that he was their new coach without offering any correction. It's fine not to want to work with Irsay, but don't play games with the team and the fanbase.

I understand but I wonder if we should hold such a position any different than any others in the job market? He did not break or renege on a contract (which would be a legal offense, I presume), he just changed his mind at the last minute - just like you and I and many others have experienced when we hire or try to hire or know of hirings that fall through. Just because this is more public than my company filling an IT spot or your college filling an associate spot, should it be different?

[JPhillips]

But if I'm hiring again, I wouldn't consider that guy and if others asked me about him I'd tell them how he behaved. That would absolutely happen to me if I pulled a similar stunt. I wouldn't lose a job, and I'm not suggesting McDaniels should lose a job or face any league discipline, but I, and I expect McDaniels, would find it harder the next time I went looking.

The NFL is small and shitting on one owner is going to come back on you.

[Galaril]

I for one look forward to McDaniels taking the reigns of a Brady/Belichick less franchise in the near future after seeing his work in Denver :-)

[Galaril]

But if I'm hiring again, I wouldn't consider that guy and if others asked me about him I'd tell them how he behaved. That would absolutely happen to me if I pulled a similar stunt. I wouldn't lose a job, and I'm not suggesting McDaniels should lose a job or face any league discipline, but I, and I expect McDaniels, would find it harder the next time I went looking.

The NFL is small and shitting on one owner is going to come back on you.

Agreed.

[NobodyHere]

Colts Will Bring in Frank Reich, Dan Campbell to Interview For HC Vacancy ('https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/2/7/16986582/colts-will-bring-in-frank-reich-dan-campbell-to-interview-for-hc-vacancy')

Hopefully this is all better in the long run

[BishopMVP]

I'm all for piling on the Pats but not seeing any reason to here. It leads to some interesting questions about hoodie. Is he doing one last season and they are keeping his potential replacement? Is hoodie leaving before the 2018 season and they now have his replacement ready to go? Did they offer him a crapload of money and there was no way he could say no?Sounds like they offered him more money, more years, and basically an agreement for Belichick to "mentor" him, a.k.a. make him coach in waiting, though without a definitive date on that. This will only increase speculation that 2018 is Belichick's last year, but even if it was officially said in that meeting I don't think we'd hear it officially until after next season. I don't think there's any chance Belichick is retiring this offseason or he would've just done it Tuesday.

It is interesting for this stuff to come out a week after The Two Bills 30 for 30... I thought you could tell Belichick was still annoyed that Parcells jerked him around multiple times,and let him take the job in Cleveland only to later retire that offseason.
But if I'm hiring again, I wouldn't consider that guy and if others asked me about him I'd tell them how he behaved. That would absolutely happen to me if I pulled a similar stunt. I wouldn't lose a job, and I'm not suggesting McDaniels should lose a job or face any league discipline, but I, and I expect McDaniels, would find it harder the next time I went looking.

The NFL is small and shitting on one owner is going to come back on you.*shitting on one owner, but helping out the one you're under contract with, and presumably in line to be the next head coach for... who knows if that will play out as planned, but given his failure in Denver I think McDaniels - who is still very young - gets one more chance at a head coaching job, and if I were him I'd be content waiting a year or two to take over New England under the Kraft's than working under Jim Irsay, especially given Luck's status.

Btw, lol at the Colts GM saying "the rivalry is back". Points for bravado, but I'd worry about your division first given the QB's Houston/Tennessee have & the roster outside of QB Jacksonville has :)

[mckerney]

Russell Wilson traded to New York Yankees (http://es.pn/2C2YFiQ)

[NobodyHere]

Btw, lol at the Colts GM saying "the rivalry is back". Points for bravado, but I'd worry about your division first given the QB's Houston/Tennessee have & the roster outside of QB Jacksonville has :)

As a Colts fan I'd have to agree. Maybe beat the Patriots and the statement will actually be a statement.

[NobodyHere]

I will add that the Pats shouldn't blame the Colts if the Patsies were cheating.

[Kodos]

I for one look forward to McDaniels taking the reigns of a Brady/Belichick less franchise in the near future after seeing his work in Denver :-)

Agreed. Of course, I thought Belichick would suck after his first job in Cleveland...

[JPhillips]

*shitting on one owner, but helping out the one you're under contract with, and presumably in line to be the next head coach for... who knows if that will play out as planned, but given his failure in Denver I think McDaniels - who is still very young - gets one more chance at a head coaching job, and if I were him I'd be content waiting a year or two to take over New England under the Kraft's than working under Jim Irsay, especially given Luck's status.

I don't question his choice, I question the way he went about it. If he gets the NE job eventually and turns into the next Belichik everything will work out well. But if he doesn't get the NE job or flames out again, this will work against him getting another opportunity. I wouldn't say he has 31 owners against him, but I would say that he only has one owner on his side.

[miami_fan]

I understand but I wonder if we should hold such a position any different than any others in the job market? He did not break or renege on a contract (which would be a legal offense, I presume), he just changed his mind at the last minute - just like you and I and many others have experienced when we hire or try to hire or know of hirings that fall through. Just because this is more public than my company filling an IT spot or your college filling an associate spot, should it be different?

DeAndre Jordan got crushed in some circles for doing a similar thing to the Mavs a couple of years ago.

[Shkspr]

Oh, sure, Jordan took some flak for that, but at least now he gets to suit up every night alongside stars like Chris Paul and Blake Griffin.

[molson]

The rules of professional courtesy seem a lot different in the NFL than most businesses. I guess at some level I get that, it's more cut throat, there's not much job security, there's a ton of competition for every job, so there's a mentality among coaches and players that you have to get yours however you can no matter how that impacts anyone else. Even in that world this seems over the top, but, who the hell knows what his motivations are.

Edit: It is kind of amusing how most of us are expected to follow these rules of courtesy, to consider the impact of our choices on others, etc, but millionaire athletes and coaches normally are expected to put themselves first at any cost, "It's a business!"

[Logan]

Then again, if the NFL's rules weren't what they are, McDaniels signs his contract with the Colts a few weeks ago and then officially takes over as HC the day after the Super Bowl.

[Logan]

Mike Garafolo‏
@MikeGarafolo

The 49ers and QB Jimmy Garoppolo have agreed to a five-year, $137.5 million contract, source says. The biggest deal in NFL history on a average-per-year basis.

[albionmoonlight]

Smart by 49ers. He’s your guy going forward. Don’t play games. Look professional and committed to winning for upcoming FAs.

[BishopMVP]

They also have a metric ton of current cap space and basically no money tied up long term outside of Solomon Thomas San Francisco 49ers Player Contracts, Salaries, & Transactions | Spotrac (http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/san-francisco-49ers/yearly/cap/)

Like any QB contract it'll be interesting to see if there are any spots the team can move on after year 3 or 4 without a huge cap penalty, but the Niners were certainly in a position where there was no need to pinch dollars early in the contract. (That'll also be interesting - I wonder if they'd be the first NFL team I can think of to push for a flat contract given their cap situation and hope that they'll have enough talent to be up against the cap 3-4 years down the line.)

It also looks like Josh McCown has now been passed for the most lucrative 5 game QB stretch in league history!

[Logan]

That'll also be interesting - I wonder if they'd be the first NFL team I can think of to push for a flat contract given their cap situation and hope that they'll have enough talent to be up against the cap 3-4 years down the line.)

I think Brady is the first guy with a flat contract since his cap money never actually seems to go up :).

[Buccaneer]

I think Brady is the first guy with a flat contract since his cap money never actually seems to go up :).

He only makes $1.95 but they guaranteed him that he will play in the Super Bowl every year. :D

[Galaril]

Agreed. Of course, I thought Belichick would suck after his first job in Cleveland...

He'll need to find his Brady as well .

[stevew]

Eagles long-snapper: Team ran fake walk-through in the event Pats were watching – ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/08/eagles-long-snapper-team-ran-fake-walk-through-in-the-event-pats-were-watching/)

sounds about right.

[Julio Riddols]

The amount the San Francisco offense improved when switching to Garoppolo was enough to tell me he's the guy. No question. San Fran instantly becomes one of the NFC favorites for me next season and into the future.

It's crazy how quickly he got acclimated. I wonder if they are eligible for Hard Knocks.

[Logan]

Re: anything you saw about Brady wanting to get Jimmy G money, or he'd sit out OTAs, etc...

The Boston Herald likely will be retracting a Patriots story, again – ProFootballTalk (http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2018/02/09/the-boston-herald-likely-will-be-retracting-a-patriots-story-again/)

[molson]

Ron Borges was fired from the Herald years ago for plagiarism. Didn't realize they brought him back. What a dignified newspaper that is.

[Suicane75]

That alternate Pats helmet in the story is beautiful.

[Buccaneer]

That alternate Pats helmet in the story is beautiful.

I fully agree. Is that a Blaze? My son wants to start another helmet collection but this time of Blaze helmets.

[cuervo72]

Reminded me a little of one of the Oilers' styles from the 60s.

[NobodyHere]

Here we go again

Report: Colts finalizing deal for Frank Reich as new head coach (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-colts-finalizing-deal-for-frank-reich-as-new-head-coach/ar-BBIZAtJ?li=BBnb7Kz)

I definitely prefer Reich over McDaniels

[miami_fan]

Here we go again

Report: Colts finalizing deal for Frank Reich as new head coach (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-colts-finalizing-deal-for-frank-reich-as-new-head-coach/ar-BBIZAtJ?li=BBnb7Kz)

I definitely prefer Reich over McDaniels

Probably should wait until the ink is dry.

[Racer]

Here we go again

Report: Colts finalizing deal for Frank Reich as new head coach (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-colts-finalizing-deal-for-frank-reich-as-new-head-coach/ar-BBIZAtJ?li=BBnb7Kz)

I definitely prefer Reich over McDaniels

Same here. I didn't have confidence McDaniels would succeed as the Colts' head coach based on his time in Denver.

[BYU 14]

Same here. I didn't have confidence McDaniels would succeed as the Colts' head coach based on his time in Denver.

Reich is definitely an upgrade IMO

[NobodyHere]

Not a good start to the 49ers offseason

Reuben Foster arrested on domestic violence charges (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/reuben-foster-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charges/ar-BBJ0Kjp?li=BBnb7Kz)

[Warhammer]

Reich is definitely an upgrade IMO


It would be cool if he coached the greatest NFL comeback.

[BishopMVP]

I'm skeptical of OC's who don't call the plays, but Pederson had the same questions about how much was him & how much was Andy Reid when he was first hired. And Reich has coached in Indy before, so they have some familiarity.

Unfortunate timing for the Eagles as their QB coach took the Vikings OC job a couple days ago, you'd have to guess he was a possible replacement at OC.

[EagleFan]

Not a good start to the 49ers offseason

Reuben Foster arrested on domestic violence charges (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/reuben-foster-arrested-on-domestic-violence-charges/ar-BBJ0Kjp?li=BBnb7Kz)

First an insane contract signing and now this. They could become the Browns of the NFC.

[albionmoonlight]

First an insane contract signing and now this. They could become the Browns of the NFC.

Foster was a top-10 talent that fell to 31 b/c of the specter of stuff like this. I don't fault the 49ers for taking the chance at that point.

Doubt that he even finishes his rookie contract with them now. I see a trade for a conditional 6th rounder to some other team. The 49ers will be tired of his shit, but one of the other 31 teams will put on that college tape and decide to take a chance.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Foster was a top-10 talent that fell to 31 b/c of the specter of stuff like this. I don't fault the 49ers for taking the chance at that point.

Doubt that he even finishes his rookie contract with them now. I see a trade for a conditional 6th rounder to some other team. The 49ers will be tired of his shit, but one of the other 31 teams will put on that college tape and decide to take a chance.

So disappointing. He's crazy talented. I may be slightly biased because my brother was able to score me an autographed jersey of his last season.

While part of me hopes that a come-to-jesus meeting with him explaining that there will be zero tolerance for this moving forward can lead to him figuring his shit out and getting back to the straight and narrow, I'm pretty sure the smarter move is to cut bait. Let this die down a little, then closer to the beginning of the season (when this isn't so fresh in peoples' minds) find a trade partner like albion suggests who is willing to give you SOME return on that same potential. There have just been far too many incidents like this with the 49ers lately, and this is a turning point for the franchise; with the Garappolo signing you need to distance yourself as a franchise from the nonsense that was prevalent with previous regimes (Aldon Smith, Ray McDonald, Ahmad Brooks, probably more that I'm not remembering).

[miami_fan]

Meet the NFL's newest UFA

AJ McCarron wins grievance against Cincinnati Bengals, will be unrestricted free agent (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22456899/aj-mccarron-wins-grievance-cincinnati-bengals-unrestricted-free-agent)

[JPhillips]

So fucking Bengals.

[BishopMVP]

Something positive for the Browns? :eek:

I wonder when he filed the grievance. If the Bengals knew about it before the trade deadline they should've been pushing harder to trade him, and holding the Browns hands and walking them through the trade process if necessary.

[bhlloy]

The Browns will sign him to a Glennon deal, pass all over all the QBs in the draft and then have him rupture every tendon in his leg 10 mins into training camp.

[Julio Riddols]

Good for McCarron. Bengals shouldn't have fucked around. That said, they'll probably get a 3rd round supplemental pick for it..

Not as good as a high 2nd though. One they could have used on a top tier OL.

[stevew]

Browns should sign AJ and turn their picks into a bunch of current/future picks. Draft 4-5 linemen this year in the first 3 rounds.

[stevew]

Something positive for the Browns? :eek:

I wonder when he filed the grievance. If the Bengals knew about it before the trade deadline they should've been pushing harder to trade him, and holding the Browns hands and walking them through the trade process if necessary.

He filed that a year ago.

Next one of these type of things will determine if Bridgewater's deal tolls or if he's a UFA.

[NobodyHere]

Brian Cushing announces NFL retirement on Instagram (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/brian-cushing-announces-nfl-retirement-on-instagram/ar-BBJnU3t?li=BBnb7Kz)

[Thomkal]

Blake Bortles gets his money from JAX:

Jacksonville Jaguars reach 3-year extension with QB Blake Bortles (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22569038/jacksonville-jaguars-reach-3-year-extension-qb-blake-bortles)

[Scarecrow]

The outcome of the Marcus Peters trade:

The Chiefs send:
- Marcus Peters
- 2018 6th round pick

The Rams send:
- 2018 4th round pick
- 2019 2nd round pick

So it ends up being Peters for a 2nd round pick. The changing of the 4th for 6th is nothing more than compensation for the 2nd being in 2019 (LA doesn't have a 2nd in 2018). KC fans might not like it, but since Peters had already announce he was not going to re-sign with KC and he was planning on sitting out as much as he could in 2018, this is a fair deal.

I also think the fact that only the Rams and the 49ers were interested in him (and not the Browns or Colts whose GMs drafted him) speaks volumes in his attitude.

[Logan]

People seem to care a lot more about players' attitude during the offseason than they do when they play at a Pro Bowl level during the season.

[NobodyHere]

Roger Goodell Expected to Demand Millions of Dollars From Jerry Jones (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/roger-goodell-expected-to-demand-millions-of-dollars-from-jerry-jones/ar-BBJCUGu?li=BBnb7Kz)

I really hope Goodell fails

[miami_fan]

Roger Goodell Expected to Demand Millions of Dollars From Jerry Jones (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/roger-goodell-expected-to-demand-millions-of-dollars-from-jerry-jones/ar-BBJCUGu?li=BBnb7Kz)

I really hope Goodell fails

Is this still a fight between Team Jerry Jones and Team Arthur Blank?

I might have to back Team Blank on this one if that is the case.

[RainMaker]

Not sure about the Jags cap situation but that felt like a team that should have gone all in on Cousins. They're a halfway decent QB away from being a championship team. Heck, I think I'd settle for Eli over Bortles too.

Sounds like the Vikings are going after Cousins now.

[EagleFan]

Roger Goodell Expected to Demand Millions of Dollars From Jerry Jones (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/roger-goodell-expected-to-demand-millions-of-dollars-from-jerry-jones/ar-BBJCUGu?li=BBnb7Kz)

I really hope Goodell fails

I hope he gets every cent possible out of the face lift creep.

[Atocep]

Roger Goodell Expected to Demand Millions of Dollars From Jerry Jones (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/roger-goodell-expected-to-demand-millions-of-dollars-from-jerry-jones/ar-BBJCUGu?li=BBnb7Kz)

I really hope Goodell fails

I don't think this is Goodell acting alone. For him to do this he has to have an overwhelming majority of owners backing him. I think Jerry has worn out everyone's patience and this is his punishment for all the bullshit.

[Vince, Pt. II]

I don't think this is Goodell acting alone. For him to do this he has to have an overwhelming majority of owners backing him. I think Jerry has worn out everyone's patience and this is his punishment for all the bullshit.

It's either this or Goodell is going to be out on his ass shortly, I'd imagine. Hard to think that he'd do this without the backing of the others, but we've seen stupider things before.

[albionmoonlight]

Goddell is a coward and a horrible leader. He would not put his neck out like this without a powerful group of owners behind him.

[jbergey22]

Not sure about the Jags cap situation but that felt like a team that should have gone all in on Cousins. They're a halfway decent QB away from being a championship team. Heck, I think I'd settle for Eli over Bortles too.

Sounds like the Vikings are going after Cousins now.

I think it seems unlikely. Vikings dont want to get in that bidding war and I am sure they would be more than happy to get Keenum back in the 15m-20m range as the market dries up a bit. Also, Zimmer cares too much about defense and they need to keep cap space free to sign some of their own defensive players after next season.

[jbergey22]

Goddell is a coward and a horrible leader. He would not put his neck out like this without a powerful group of owners behind him.

Well said! Jones had the right idea and it is unfortunate the other owners didnt back him up.

[Logan]

Seems like there a couple of potential rule changes being talked about:

- Eliminating the "going to the ground" piece of the catch rule

- Changing defensive pass interference from a spot foul to a max of 15 yards

[Logan]

BTW I missed this in the post-Marcus Peters trade until it got retweeted again by @OldTakesExposed but damn is it not amazing.

https://arrowheadaddict.com/2018/02/18/marcus-peters-never-ever-leaving-kansas-city-chiefs-ever-ever-ever-fake-new/

https://pbs.twimg.com/media/DWvT0fOVMAAnLLO.jpg

[JonInMiddleGA]

Well said! Jones had the right idea and it is unfortunate the other owners didnt back him up.

I tend to be in this camp as well.

[EagleFan]

- Changing defensive pass interference from a spot foul to a max of 15 yards

Bad change if it passes.

[Logan]

Bad change if it passes.

As it is, there are too many drive-changing calls by officials either out of position or tasked with watching a complicated play at high speed.

And before we slide down the "well that will just mean DBs will tackle WRs once they are beat" slope...that basically never happens in college. We'll be fine.

[PilotMan]

Defensive pass interference has changed too many games late. How many games have been won because of a ticky tacky call that changed the field? It's a good move. The offense has gotten an insane amount of advantages in the last few years, it's time for the defense to get a bone tossed their way, and this helps.

[bhlloy]

Yeah I’m a huge fan of that. I do wonder if you can’t let officials call a “major” that is spot of foul in obvious cases of deliberate interference, but given how bad the officiating has been over the last few years simpler might be better.

[albionmoonlight]

I am in favor of this change, but I think that it's a close call.

The level of skill in NFL DBs and WRs makes the college comparison of limited utility. You will have some NFL DBs who are good enough that they will be able to tailor their game and play more aggressively on deep balls than they currently do.

[albionmoonlight]

Lions tag Ezekiel Ansah.

Probably the right move. He's not consistently elite, but he can get you 10+ sacks when he's on. Pressure is so important in the NFL, that you can't just let that walk in exchange for a compensatory pick.

[JonInMiddleGA]

And before we slide down the "well that will just mean DBs will tackle WRs once they are beat" slope...that basically never happens in college.

College basically has a lower percentage of scumbags/desperate individuals.

[Logan]

College basically has a lower percentage of scumbags/desperate individuals.

A scorcher!

[miami_fan]

College basically has a lower percentage of scumbags/desperate individuals.

Correct. Too many desperate QBs tossing up prayers hoping for the refs to throw a flag.

EDIT: NFL QBs

[NobodyHere]

No wonder Blake Bortles stinks

Leonard Fournette tells Blake Bortles to use new contract to fix stinky breath (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/leonard-fournette-tells-blake-bortles-to-use-new-contract-to-fix-stinky-breath/ar-BBJG4sq?li=BBnb7Kz)

[miami_fan]

Papa John's, NFL end sponsorship deal (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22597858/papa-johns-nfl-end-sponsorship-deal)

[stevew]

Maybe you make DPI a 15 yd penalty and the offense gets an untimed down? I dunno. Trying to think outside the box.

[Thomkal]

Jim Kelly's cancer has returned:

Former Buffalo Bills QB Jim Kelly to undergo treatment after oral cancer returns (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22614594/former-buffalo-bills-qb-jim-kelly-undergo-treatment-oral-cancer-returns)

:(

[bhlloy]

I love Darnold to death, but I'm pretty sure if I'm the Browns and you told me I could get Barkley #1 and Rosen #4 I would do that in a heartbeat. Barkley is unreal.

[MrBug708]

Rosen is probably going to leave the combine in a much better opinion than people thought. The "bad teammate" rumors are funny because they've essentially turned into a "unnamed sources" who say he's a bad teammate, vs his actual teammates who love him.

[stevew]

Cousins supposedly down to the Vikes/Broncos/Jets and Cards.

[stevew]

I love Darnold to death, but I'm pretty sure if I'm the Browns and you told me I could get Barkley #1 and Rosen #4 I would do that in a heartbeat. Barkley is unreal.

Browns basically have to take Barkley #1 I think, cause otherwise they'll probably lose him to the Colts at #3?

[NobodyHere]

Most mock drafts have the Colts taking Chubb at #3. Who knows what Chris Ballard is thinking though. I don't think we'll really know until we see where the Colts throw cash in free agency.

[EagleFan]

Browns basically have to take Barkley #1 I think, cause otherwise they'll probably lose him to the Colts at #3?

Giants at 2.

[Carman Bulldog]

Last four runningbacks to be drafted anywhere in the top 3:

Trent Richardson - 2012 - 3rd
Reggie Bush - 2006 - 2nd
Ronnie Brown - 2005 - 2nd
Ki-Jana Carter - 1995 - 1st

[Atocep]

Last four runningbacks to be drafted anywhere in the top 3:

Trent Richardson - 2012 - 3rd
Reggie Bush - 2006 - 2nd
Ronnie Brown - 2005 - 2nd
Ki-Jana Carter - 1995 - 1st

Agreed. Richardson did 25 reps and was a 4.45 at 227 pounds. He had just as much hype as Barkley.

Bush was the next Gayle Sayers.

Taking a RB number 1 overall would be Cleveland thing to do. They didn't go 0-16 because they couldn't run the ball.

[miami_fan]

NFL officials Ed Hochuli, Jeff Triplette are retiring (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22667242/nfl-officials-ed-hochuli-jeff-triplette-retiring)

[Thomkal]

Michael Bennett traded to the Eagles from Seattle and a potential sad, but good story around the Panthers Christian McCaffrey and 49ers brother Max:

Man unaware Christian McCaffrey, brother Max helped save his life (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22679832/man-unaware-christian-mccaffrey-brother-max-helped-save-life)

[BishopMVP]

Bennett trade probably means Vinny Curry will be out the door... not sure how much of an upgrade that is.

Btw, as much as the increased salary cap and rollover rules help teams trade more, I also think the push towards yearly roster bonuses instead of initial signing bonuses helps much more Michael Bennett Contract Details, Salary Cap Breakdowns, Salaries, Bonuses | Spotrac (http://www.spotrac.com/nfl/seattle-seahawks/michael-bennett-7709/)

[Logan]

Roger Goodell Expected to Demand Millions of Dollars From Jerry Jones (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/roger-goodell-expected-to-demand-millions-of-dollars-from-jerry-jones/ar-BBJCUGu?li=BBnb7Kz)

I really hope Goodell fails

Dallas Cowboys: NFL, Jerry Jones reach agreement on fees | Fort Worth Star-Telegram (http://www.star-telegram.com/sports/nfl/dallas-cowboys/article203967744.html)

[BishopMVP]

Alec Ogletree to the Giants for a 4th + a 6/7 swap. Good deal for the Giants as they've seemingly needed LB's for a decade now. Moving good players (Robert Quinn to Miami too) because they don't fit a 3-4 never seems like great long term strategy, but Rams needed to clear some cap space anyways.

[Logan]

Unfortunately for the Giants, they're now moving to a 3-4. I've seen some really bad clips of Ogletree that make it seem like his reputation is well above his play (at least from a consistency POV).

[Galaril]

Looks like Broncos were able to trade Talib to the Rams for a 5th rounder.

[Chief Rum]

Looks like Broncos were able to trade Talib to the Rams for a 5th rounder.

I'm trying to figure out the Rams' gameplan here.

I knew they weren't tagging Trumaine Johnson again, so the Peters deal was a great move to get them a top cover corner. They still have Nigel Robey-Coleman, who was surprisingly good. And Kayvon Webster (although he's really just a backup type abd I expect he will miss some of the next seaso with an Achilles injury).

Then they sign injury-riddled Sam Shields and trade for Talib (is he still good?). And that is besides tagging Lamarcus Joyner at S. No idea what the plan is.

[Julio Riddols]

Talib was good when he played in Wade Phillips system before I thought.. So they might squeeze a year out of him.

[Warhammer]

I'm trying to figure out the Rams' gameplan here.

I knew they weren't tagging Trumaine Johnson again, so the Peters deal was a great move to get them a top cover corner. They still have Nigel Robey-Coleman, who was surprisingly good. And Kayvon Webster (although he's really just a backup type abd I expect he will miss some of the next seaso with an Achilles injury).

Then they sign injury-riddled Sam Shields and trade for Talib (is he still good?). And that is besides tagging Lamarcus Joyner at S. No idea what the plan is.

Apparently Shields is being signed for the veteran minimum. He is a classic case of low risk, high reward if he works out.

Joyner being tagged at S was due to his performance last year. I believe PFF had him rated as the #2 safety in the league last year and another spot had him ranked as the #51 player in the entire NFL last year.

NRC is really a slot corner, everything I read about him does not rank him highly on the outside. I do not know the difference between a slot and outside corner (I figure if you can cover, you can cover so what is the difference), so I will take their word on it.

So their starting secondary is: Talib and Peters at CB (top 5 in the league easily) and Joyner and Johnson at S (Johnson played very well as a rookie). That is a top 5 secondary right there, plus you have NRC at the slot, and Webster and Shields off the bench. That is a top group of starters with great backup core.

They are competing with the Eagles and the Vikings for conference supremacy, along with the Niners who will be better with a full year of Garrapolo under center. All of them will have very good passing attacks. It makes sense to have a great secondary.

My question is what are they doing at LB? I understand getting rid of Ogletree or Quinn, but both at the same time is questionable. Who are they getting to replace them? The only returning starter as of right now is Barron.

[stevew]

Thank god the Steelers are releasing mike mitchell. One of the biggest POS dirty players in the league and probably my all time least favorite Steeler ever.

[miami_fan]

The Browns out here doing work! Jarvis Landry and Tyrod Taylor in for draft picks.

[AlexB]

Glad i spent money on a #14 Landry T-shirt a couple of months ago! Only a tenner, but not worn it yet :banghead:

[miami_fan]

The Browns out here doing work! Jarvis Landry and Tyrod Taylor in for draft picks.

And now Damarious Randall from the Packers.

[NobodyHere]

Did Kevin Costner sneak into the Brown's front office again?

[Atocep]

I'm amazed they got a serviceable 25 year old corner for Kizer.

[NobodyHere]

So do the Browns still take a QB with their top picks? Or do they build around Tyrod Taylor? Perhaps they draft Barkley and trade the other pick.

[Atocep]

So do the Browns still take a QB with their top picks? Or do they build around Tyrod Taylor? Perhaps they draft Barkley and trade the other pick.

The smart play would be to trade out of 1 to whoever wants a QB or Barkley the most and then see what falls to them at 4. If they could get Chubb and and either Fitzpatrick, James, or Ward (with the pick that get for #1) that would be a hell of job filling holes in that roster.

[EagleFan]

The smart play would be to trade out of 1 to whoever wants a QB or Barkley the most and then see what falls to them at 4. If they could get Chubb and and either Fitzpatrick, James, or Ward (with the pick that get for #1) that would be a hell of job filling holes in that roster.

But what will the Browns do? :)

[MrBug708]

The Browns when that direct deposit hits

[Danny]

I think getting randall, taylor and landry for kizer a 3rd and 4th is pretty damn good.

[Thomkal]

Richard Sherman released by Seattle

[B & B]

Glad i spent money on a #14 Landry T-shirt a couple of months ago! Only a tenner, but not worn it yet :banghead:

Bought my Abdullah #21 jersey shirt for about $30 (personalized + shipped) and really feel the same way about it despite wearing a dozen or so times since drafted.

[Atocep]

Browns decided to go back to being the Browns today and traded Danny Shelton and a 5th for a 2019 3rd.

[Galaril]

Talking say Tyrod is nothing more than a bridge QB for the Browns and they will draft a QB at #4

[Vince, Pt. II]

Richard Sherman released by Seattle

Rumor has it the 49ers have already approached him and there is interest from both sides.

[thesloppy]

Talking say Tyrod is nothing more than a bridge QB for the Browns and they will draft a QB at #4

The Browns could probably use a bridge QB and give at least one kid a year to develop without putting the entire organization on his shoulders. That said, they've TRIED to bring in bridge QBs before, and somehow the 6th string rookie development project is still starting games come mid-season.

[Thomkal]

Rumor has it the 49ers have already approached him and there is interest from both sides.

Yep he's getting a physical is what I saw. Seems to be a good fit.

[kingfc22]

OBJ might want to ban cell phones from his hotel rooms...

[Thomkal]

OBJ might want to ban cell phones from his hotel rooms...

OBJ might want to grow up...

[stevew]

The Browns have to be working with some sort of edict that says "win 6 games or get fired, no matter what." If I knew i needed to win at least 6 games, Taylor is more than a safe bet for that. Landry is going to probably be significantly overpaid, but he's great at catching the ball and should be a solid safety net. I'd say they're turning the corner but they are the browns.

[EagleFan]

OBJ might want to grow up...

Doubt that is going to happen.

[Thomkal]

Yep he's getting a physical is what I saw. Seems to be a good fit.

And he's signed a three-year deal now.

[Galaril]

And he's signed a three-year deal now.

Wow $39 million over 3 years.

[NobodyHere]

Report: Kirk Cousins to sign with the Vikings at $27-plus million annually (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-kirk-cousins-to-sign-with-the-vikings-at-dollar27-plus-million-annually/ar-BBK5wso?li=BBnb7Kz)

[cartman]

Are the Vikings looking to go with a 4 QB offense? Or have I missed something and they already have a deal to move Bridgewater, Keenum, or Bradford?

edit: forgot Keenum was a FA
edit2: hell, I didn't realize all three were FAs

[Thomkal]

Report: Kirk Cousins to sign with the Vikings at $27-plus million annually (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-kirk-cousins-to-sign-with-the-vikings-at-dollar27-plus-million-annually/ar-BBK5wso?li=BBnb7Kz)

Hoping my beloved Cards were still in there with a chance. :(

[thesloppy]

I really don't get the Vikings/Cousins romance. After last year's performance you go with the guy who wasn't even on the team? "Scrappy underdog team over-performs with nobody and replaces him with highest cost free agent" also seems like a sports narrative that ends in failure 4-out-of-5 times.

[bhlloy]

Problem is Keenum is going to get overpaid as well, Bradford is a walking season ending injury and who knows if Bridgewater is ever coming back anything close to what he was before the injury.

I don't disagree, but I also think the other narratives are just as likely to end in failure.

[stevew]

I'd rather overpay cousins than keenum.

[thesloppy]

Problem is Keenum is going to get overpaid as well, Bradford is a walking season ending injury and who knows if Bridgewater is ever coming back anything close to what he was before the injury.

I don't disagree, but I also think the other narratives are just as likely to end in failure.

Truth. And in truth Keenum is the only one of those that I'd actually want to take a(nother) chance on, but I suppose the argument for Keenum's familiarity glosses over the fact that the Vikings also know his limitations better than anybody else.

[thesloppy]

I'd rather overpay cousins than keenum.

I think in a vacuum, or for literally any other team I'm in total agreement, Cousins is the better QB. The only thing that makes me question the move is the fact that system/continuity SEEMS to count for a lot in football and it seems like big-ticket Free Agency QBs fail more often than not because nobody adjusts their expectations or makes any allowance for that transition...but that assumption isn't based on any kinds of research or facts rather than the hot air in my butt.

That said, it seems like QBs AND high priced free agents fail at a higher rate in Washington, so Cousins repeated success in those environments might point to his ability to withstand those particular concerns better than the typical FA QB.

[bhlloy]

I think my optimal play would be Keenum and Bridgewater on deals that are highly incentivized , but whether you can pull that off is another matter. I don't think the market for Bridgewater will be there, Keenum will depend on whether a bunch of teams like him better than guys like Foles and McCarron.

[Thomkal]

So apparently the Vikings have called Drew Brees to gauge his interest in signing with them.

Vikings call Drew Brees to inquire about interest - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920705/article/vikings-call-drew-brees-to-inquire-about-interest)

[bhlloy]

And Keenum to Denver, sounds like. Pretty decent bridge for a QB in the first.

[Galaril]

And Keenum to Denver, sounds like. Pretty decent bridge for a QB in the first.

Hope we don't pick a QB in the first or second now. Rather we trade back with Bills the 5th overall and get the 12th and 22nd. Then get McGlinchey and Will Hernandez. Then get a RB and I'll in the second and third. Draft someone developmental in the end of third or early 4th like White or kid from Washington St etc. Denver is not just a QB away from competing and the Keenum signing is a good sign that Elway is honest with the fans they are a ways off.

[Ryche]

Hopefully the Broncos go with the guard from Notre Dame in the first, draft a QB later. Have to fix that offensive line.

[Ryche]

Hope we don't pick a QB in the first or second now. Rather we trade back with Bills the 5th overall and get the 12th and 22nd. Then get McGlinchey and Will Hernandez. Then get a RB and I'll in the second and third. Draft someone developmental in the end of third or early 4th like White or kid from Washington St etc. Denver is not just a QB away from competing and the Keenum signing is a good sign that Elway is honest with the fans they are a ways off.

Or that.

[Coffee Warlord]

Bears apparently have a deal in place with Allen Robinson.

Which means, the top 3 WR's for the Bears, such as they are, go like so:

Allen Robinson - ACL Tear
Cameron Meredith - ACL Tear
Kevin White - Med School Case Study

[Logan]

The teams in the back half of the top 10 or so who don't need a QB are sitting on a goldmine. Not only for the trade potential if one of the QBs falls, but teams like the Niners and Raiders are going to get top 5 non-QB talent while sitting at 9 and 10.

[albionmoonlight]

OBJ might want to grow up...

OBJ is an injury prone head case who's gonna cost top dollar.

It takes some balls to do this, but the Giants should let him walk.

Dedicating your cap to a WR is already not the best idea. Dedicating it to a WR who's great for the 11 games per year he's not injured and who is constantly causing distractions is a bad play.

Let him go destroy some other team's cap and chemistry.

[Logan]

Where does the Dolphins giving 3 years and $24 million to Albert Wilson fit on that list?

Yikes.

[Thomkal]

So apparently the Vikings have called Drew Brees to gauge his interest in signing with them.

Vikings call Drew Brees to inquire about interest - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000920705/article/vikings-call-drew-brees-to-inquire-about-interest)

Apparently there wasn't any-Brees resigns with NO

[TLK]

Where does the Dolphins giving 3 years and $24 million to Albert Wilson fit on that list?

Yikes.

So cut Suh and sign Wilson? Nice.

[Logan]

Now the Dolphins are adding Amendola too. I have no idea what they're doing.

[NobodyHere]

I just hope the Colts are doing something. I expected to hear more news out of them by now.

[CU Tiger]

Not sure about Sammy to the Chiefs.

[albionmoonlight]

I just hope the Colts are doing something. I expected to hear more news out of them by now.

Don't sweat it. There seems to be an inverse relationship between the teams that win the first day of free agency and the teams that actually win.

[Thomkal]

well I had hoped my beloved Cards would sign one of the free agent QB's (because you know they have zero on the roster), but this one perhaps would have been last on my list:

Sam Bradford intends to sign with the Arizona Cardinals (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22748676/sam-bradford-intends-sign-arizona-cardinals)

Too much of an injury history to be a good fit there, especially with recent history to Palmer and anyone else suiting up at QB. I hope they are still going after a QB in the first round.

[Galaril]

It sounds like Keenum deal is for basically a two-year deal for $18 million/year and after that it would be a team option so that maybe is ok if we draft a QB project in the mid rounds. I really hope we don't get sucked into drafting one in the first and instead trade back to fix oline.

[stevew]

Sam Bradford has thrived at being in the right place at the right time.

[stevew]

That's a whole lot of coin for Sammy Watkins. Not even sure he's that good. 750 yards a season and 6 touchdowns. 16 million dollars a year.

[rjolley]

Bears apparently have a deal in place with Allen Robinson.

Which means, the top 3 WR's for the Bears, such as they are, go like so:

Allen Robinson - ACL Tear
Cameron Meredith - ACL Tear
Kevin White - Med School Case Study

Not the best crew, but the gamble is worth it. If Robinson and Meredith come back and play well, that's a solid start. Adding TE Burton and resigning Inman would give Trubisky more targets and would keep them from drafting a WR early. They need to focus on the defense and the OL.

[SirFozzie]

apparently the Cousins deal is FULLY GUARANTEED.

[Logan]

Jets giving $10MM to McCown for another season.

I wonder what Bridgewater was looking for. Considering they're not guaranteed to get their future QB at #6, I'd think they would at least take a shot at some upside with Teddy.

[Thomkal]

they are in talks with Bridgewater, so still could happen

[miked]

Jets have nearly 90M in cap space. Makes sense to sign the guy that did fairly ok as bridge for one more year if they don't get touchdown Teddy. They certainly do not appear to be doing shit else with the money.

[Logan]

they are in talks with Bridgewater, so still could happen

That makes the whole thing make even less sense to me. McCown's value is as a placeholder and mentor to a young kid. If they sign Teddy and he earns the job, he's a $10MM backup and a very full QB room.

[jbergey22]

Didnt expect the Vikings to get Cousins. At the possible expense of letting some key defensive players become free agents.

On the other hand it is nice to know that the team is serious about wanting a Super Bowl title and will take chances to get to that point.

Nice to see Keenum get rewarded. I dont know that he could have played any better this past season but I dont think the falloff with be as steep as some are expecting either.

[Logan]

Nate Solder to the Giants.

[bhlloy]

So the Niners are paying Jerrick McKinnon and Kyle Jusczyk over 10 million against the cap for the next few years? That front office is a puzzling mix of insanity and brilliance.

There's no way you couldn't find a McKinnon in the third or fourth round of the draft rather than paying him 7-8 million a year.

[bhlloy]

DOLA - the only RB with a larger cap hit than McKinnon is now Shady. That is just bizarre, we faxed the wrong guy a contract kind of stuff.

[NobodyHere]

Maybe the Colts are just waiting for free agency to start before they start making deals with free agents?

[Thomkal]

well the Cards QB class now consists of Bradford, and the newly signed Mike Glennon, who after last season shouldn't be on anyone's want list. Just not getting their plan here-if they choose now not to go QB in the 1st round.

Oh and the Vikings traded for Trevor Sieman.
McCarron to the Bills

[NobodyHere]

Report: Burfict suspended four games for PEDs (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/report-burfict-suspended-four-games-for-peds/ar-BBKjkiS?li=BBnb7Kz)

https://i.giphy.com/media/Y8SqjWuohk8Rq/giphy.webp

[Thomkal]

Burlict in trouble again? Shocking!

[Kodos]

He seems like a real quality guy.

[Thomkal]

Jets move up to #3 in the draft:

Jets acquire No. 3 overall pick of 2018 draft from Colts - NFL.com (http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000921905/article/jets-acquire-no-3-overall-pick-of-2018-draft-from-colts)

[NobodyHere]

Well Ballard isn't building the team via free agency, might as well do it during the draft. I definitely have a positive first impression to this trade as a Colt fan.

I figured the Colts would trade the pick, but I really didn't expect it to happen until they were on the clock.

[albionmoonlight]

Seems like a trade that the Jets would want to have in their pocket based on who would be available at 3. Strange to make it now.

[NobodyHere]

I also wonder what kind of offers the Giants are getting right now.

[Logan]

Seems like a trade that the Jets would want to have in their pocket based on who would be available at 3. Strange to make it now.

Agree. If I was a Jets fan I'd be terrified that they did this simply because they like three QBs more or less equally enough for it not to matter who goes off the board 1-2.

[Chief Rum]

Agree. If I was a Jets fan I'd be terrified that they did this simply because they like three QBs more or less equally enough for it not to matter who goes off the board 1-2.

Why would that terrify a Jets fan?

[MrBug708]

I'm guessing Josh Rosen is either playing in New York or Denver?

[JPhillips]

Seems like a trade that the Jets would want to have in their pocket based on who would be available at 3. Strange to make it now.

Yeah, and I feel the same for the Colts. If they can get this today what could they get if two QBs go 1 and 2? I would think this offer is closer to the floor than the ceiling.

[NobodyHere]

Yeah, and I feel the same for the Colts. If they can get this today what could they get if two QBs go 1 and 2? I would think this offer is closer to the floor than the ceiling.

What if QBs don't go in the first couple picks? What if the Jets were making similiar offers with the Browns or Giants? Colts GM Ballard wants to get one of the top talents of this draft and picking at 6 still allows them to do this. He stated that there was player they were targeting at 3 and should still be able to get him at 6 (of course he left the door open for trading back again).

Yeah like Oskar Schindler Colts fans will ask if they could've got more (imagine if the Jets flip the pick for a better value) but this trade only improved the position of the Colts.

[Logan]

Why would that terrify a Jets fan?

I think it's an indicator of bad scouting if they're at a point where they can confidently say that they are willing to give up that package for any one of three potential guys, especially with more than a month of work to be done before the draft. "Any of these three are good enough." Really, with this class? Two years after taking Christian Hackenberg in the 2nd round and being such a horrible pick that he never got a meaningful snap, and you're trusting your judgment that quickly?

I think good teams can distinguish their preferences for players, and rightly or wrongly (to be revealed down the road), act accordingly. If the Jets moved up to #1 because they thought Darnold was the clear top QB, I'd support that move. If on draft night, they saw Darnold go #1 and Allen go #2 (who they ranked behind Rosen) and wanted to pounce on Rosen at #3, again, all the sense in the world to do that.

[BishopMVP]

I think it's an indicator of bad scouting if they're at a point where they can confidently say that they are willing to give up that package for any one of three potential guys, especially with more than a month of work to be done before the draft. "Any of these three are good enough." Really, with this class? Two years after taking Christian Hackenberg in the 2nd round and being such a horrible pick that he never got a meaningful snap, and you're trusting your judgment that quickly?

I think good teams can distinguish their preferences for players, and rightly or wrongly (to be revealed down the road), act accordingly. If the Jets moved up to #1 because they thought Darnold was the clear top QB, I'd support that move. If on draft night, they saw Darnold go #1 and Allen go #2 (who they ranked behind Rosen) and wanted to pounce on Rosen at #3, again, all the sense in the world to do that.But it's not a vacuum and there are other teams who may have moved up. And maybe it's just an indicator they know how bad they are at scouting QB's, so they figure it doesn't matter which of the consensus top 3 guys they get, as long as they can plausibly tell their fans they drafted a potential franchise QB. :) Alternatively, it is the Jets, so until the pick is in I'm not 100% convinced they will draft a QB & not another defensive player.

Patriots added another solid DL in Adrian Clayborn, I like that. Jeremy Hill? Don't really care, but he'll probably be a trendy late round fantasy pick or have a big game or two and be a huge waiver wire pickup at some point. The talent level and running style is similar to Steven Ridley and Lagarrette Blount.

[albionmoonlight]

Jeremy Hill? Don't really care, but he'll probably be a trendy late round fantasy pick or have a big game or two and be a huge waiver wire pickup at some point. The talent level and running style is similar to Steven Ridley and Lagarrette Blount.

Heh. Don't know how Vegas could actually make the bet, but if there were a prop for "Belichick will make Hill inactive for 12 games, but he will have 35 carries for 250 yards in a random Thursday night game against the Bills in week 7 and then never be heard from again," I would take it. Classic Pats.

[Logan]

Can also amend that to a "3 carry, 5 yard, 3 TD" game and probably hit as well.

[B & B]

Either way boyz, it goes back to Rule #175 of Fantasy Football


Never draft a Patriots RB.


You will lose sleep, get gray hairs, process misinformation, and make the wrong choice 86% of the time, everytime.

BB + TB = Never a fantasy RB.

[Arles]

Just saw this on twitter. The cap numbers for Muhammad Wilkerson ($3.6 Mil) and Jimmy Graham ($5.67 mil) combined are less than what they would be paying Jordy Nelson ($10.25). With that context, I think the moves were a no brainer. Graham gives atleast what Nelson did in the red zone and Wilkerson is a pretty big upgrade over Dean Lowry.

[NobodyHere]

https://www.stampedeblue.com/2018/3/19/17141384/colts-sign-former-lions-te-eric-ebron-to-2-year-deal

Well this will turn the franchise around

[Logan]

But it's not a vacuum and there are other teams who may have moved up. And maybe it's just an indicator they know how bad they are at scouting QB's, so they figure it doesn't matter which of the consensus top 3 guys they get, as long as they can plausibly tell their fans they drafted a potential franchise QB. :) Alternatively, it is the Jets, so until the pick is in I'm not 100% convinced they will draft a QB & not another defensive player.

Sounds pretty damn terrifying!

[Logan]

Move over XFL:

XFL documentary maker plans own football league (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22844453/xfl-documentary-maker-plans-own-football-league)

Pulling this part out specifically since it was kinda discussed before:

There also will be no kickoffs (ball will be placed automatically at the 25-yard line) and no on-side kicks. The losing team will just start on their own 35-yard-line with fourth-and-10. Play clocks are 30 seconds and every touchdown has to be followed by a two-point conversion attempt

[JonInMiddleGA]

Move over XFL:

XFL documentary maker plans own football league (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22844453/xfl-documentary-maker-plans-own-football-league)

Pulling this part out specifically since it was kinda discussed before:

Just wait til they unveil the details of the beer tents.

[Suicane75]

Jaguars are finally doing something sensible and making sure Bortles has nobody to throw to.

[NobodyHere]

Jaguars are finally doing something sensible and making sure Bortles has nobody to throw to.

The Jags have a 10 million dollar receiver in Donte Moncrief!

[bhlloy]

There really are some baffling deals this FA period. There’s no way you can’t find a Moncrief or a Sammy Watkins in the first few rounds of the draft. And that’s before looking at what the Niners dropped on McKinnon, which is the worst of the lot.

[miked]

A lot of hate on McKinnon, but seems like a good deal. The cap hit is like 10M this season and then goes down sharply with basically no dead money in years 3 and 4. He caught almost 50 passes with a fairly mediocre QB and conservative game plan, and also ran for 500 yards in committee. I'm not sure there were any better RBs on the market and not sure what RBs they can get in the draft that are comparable.

Look at my pitiful Jets. They signed a pair of starting QBs to 10M deals each, have 2 drafted QBs on the roster, and just overpaid to move to #3 where they will undoubtedly secure their position as fools and draft Baker Mayfield. I Guess I should be happy that Manziel was not available.

[Danny]

A lot of hate on McKinnon, but seems like a good deal. The cap hit is like 10M this season and then goes down sharply with basically no dead money in years 3 and 4. He caught almost 50 passes with a fairly mediocre QB and conservative game plan, and also ran for 500 yards in committee. I'm not sure there were any better RBs on the market and not sure what RBs they can get in the draft that are comparable.

Look at my pitiful Jets. They signed a pair of starting QBs to 10M deals each, have 2 drafted QBs on the roster, and just overpaid to move to #3 where they will undoubtedly secure their position as fools and draft Baker Mayfield. I Guess I should be happy that Manziel was not available.

Yeah its actually not that bad for the 49ers. It is a big overpay, and would be bad for most teams, but they had so much room that giving him 10 mil for this season isn't too bad. And his cap hit is only 4m next season.

The Moncrief signing makes less sense. He's worse than Hurns.

[NobodyHere]

Bills WR Zay Jones arrested after naked, bloody fight (https://www.msn.com/en-us/sports/nfl/bills-wr-zay-jones-arrested-after-naked-bloody-fight/ar-BBKusXU)

The video can be found easily enough if you search for it. I would hate to be the guy who has to clean up all the blood.

[NobodyHere]

Victim of apartment beating now says Cleveland Browns receiver Corey Coleman led group to violent ambush | cleveland.com (http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2018/03/victim_of_apartment_beating_no_1.html)

[BishopMVP]

Victim of apartment beating now says Cleveland Browns receiver Corey Coleman led group to violent ambush | cleveland.com (http://www.cleveland.com/court-justice/index.ssf/2018/03/victim_of_apartment_beating_no_1.html)Not a feel good story, but if there are DNA samples that only match Coleman's friend, and there is video of the plaintiff being assaulted by Coleman's friend and hit twice by his brother, and the plaintiff only remembers the NFL player being involved after the criminal trial ended in a hung jury and he's filing a civil suit...

[CrimsonFox]

so what you think about this reinterpretting a catch stuff?

https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-reveals-specifics-new-proposed-catch-rule-180049381.html

[AlexB]

I like it, it’s simple. Although not sure exactly what the ‘ability to do so’ is about?

[JPhillips]

The football move part is still going to cause problems, although fewer than the current rule.

[Julio Riddols]

Re: The McKinnon deal. I think he is an outstanding fit for Shanahan's system and should pair nicely with their UDFA find from last season Breida. I think he is going to try and recreate the pieces he worked with in Atlanta the best he can. As otherwise mentioned, a front loaded deal is good too.

[larrymcg421]

I like it. As I argued back when the Dez Bryant thing happened, if you have enough control to take the ball and reach for the end zone, then it should be a catch and the opposite position makes zero sense to me.

[Julio Riddols]

I don't know if they're going to pass it, but the idea of making pass interference into 2 different penalties seems like a good idea. 15 yards for run of the mill PI, spot foul for egregious or obviously intentional PI. Won't be perfect, but better than everything being a spot foul.

[QuikSand]

I don't know if they're going to pass it, but the idea of making pass interference into 2 different penalties seems like a good idea. 15 yards for run of the mill PI, spot foul for egregious or obviously intentional PI. Won't be perfect, but better than everything being a spot foul.

I'm down for that.

[sabotai]

JPP and the Giants' 2018 4th Round traded to the Buccs for their 3rd and 4th round picks.

[Coffee Warlord]

I'm down for that.

Sounds good, but (assuming it passes) I give it until Week 3 until a massively controversial, game changing blatant/egregious PI call comes down.

Determining intent sucks.

[miami_fan]

Johnny Manziel throws at San Diego pro day; 13 NFL teams watch (http://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/22873404/johnny-manziel-throws-san-diego-pro-day-13-nfl-teams-watch)

Scouts from 13 NFL teams were on hand to watch Manziel throw. The Browns, New England Patriots, Chicago Bears, Los Angeles Chargers, New York Giants, Kansas City Chiefs, New York Jets, Oakland Raiders, Tennessee Titans, Detroit Lions, Jacksonville Jaguars, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers were represented.


We are laughing the other 12 teams if the Patriots' scout is not there, right?

[BishopMVP]

Sounds good, but (assuming it passes) I give it until Week 3 until a massively controversial, game changing blatant/egregious PI call comes down.

Determining intent sucks.Yep. This is also one area where HDTV's and super slow motion replays really suck.

[Julio Riddols]

The Jets signed Pryor for 6 million for one season, but I wonder if Hurns couldn't have been signed for less. I think he is clearly the better WR. Lots of Jets fans on reddit are excited about Pryor, but I think he's terrible as a starting WR and that his numbers are more reliant on volume than efficiency.

[RedKingGold]

Re: The McKinnon deal. I think he is an outstanding fit for Shanahan's system and should pair nicely with their UDFA find from last season Breida. I think he is going to try and recreate the pieces he worked with in Atlanta the best he can. As otherwise mentioned, a front loaded deal is good too.

This. Part of the problem is the perception that it is an overpay for a “running back”, but teams are realizing that a back with great receiving skills can create significant mismatches against a defense. I think we are starting to see the market separate the “two down” running backs who are a minus in the passing game (a la Carlos Hyde) from those who are more multipurpose.

[stevew]

Michael Bennett charged with felony elder abuse? Charge seems weird.

[JPhillips]

Michael Bennett charged with felony elder abuse? Charge seems weird.

The whole thing is weird, from the timing to the grandstanding press conference. Maybe it happened like they said, but arresting him 14 months after the incident without new evidence emerging is strange.

[miami_fan]

Suh to the Rams. 1 year $14 mil.

[albionmoonlight]

Suh to the Rams. 1 year $14 mil.

Wade Phillips coaching Suh and Donald.

That's . . . pretty fucking scary.

[Vince, Pt. II]

Yeah, the Rams are freaking terrifying.

[EagleFan]

What's the over/under on Suh cheap shots this season...?

[Chief Rum]

What's the over/under on Suh cheap shots this season...?

I was joking with a friend that Suh and Talib would have a unsportsmanlike conduct "contest" this season.

I love adding the talent but wish my team were adding better human beings. In related news, the Rams have also kicked the tires on acquiring Odell "Coke and Hos" Beckham Jr.

[albionmoonlight]

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en"><p lang="en" dir="ltr">It's been 821 days since Johnny Manziel last played in an <a href="https://twitter.com/NFL?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFL</a> game. He leads the Browns in QB wins (2) since 2015.<a href="https://twitter.com/NFLResearch?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NFLResearch</a></p>&mdash; Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) <a href="https://twitter.com/AndrewSiciliano/status/978659236325425152?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">March 27, 2018</a></blockquote>
<script async src="https://platform.twitter.com/widgets.js" charset="utf-8"></script>

[Kodos]

Y'ouch.

[Shkspr]

I was joking with a friend that Suh and Talib would have a unsportsmanlike conduct "contest" this season.

I love adding the talent but wish my team were adding better human beings. In related news, the Rams have also kicked the tires on acquiring Odell "Coke and Hos" Beckham Jr.

If OBJ doesn't work out, the Rams know that Rae Carruth is still only 44, has no wear and tear, and has been working out for years. He should be available for the second half of the season.

[Buccaneer]

I am struggling with the notion that my favorite NFC team has or will acquire 3 of my 5 least favorite players in the NFL. How does one reconcile this? Should the focus be on weighing the positives against the negatives?

[Kodos]

Sometimes you just have to grin and bear it. I hate it when my team has a major jerk on it. Takes away a lot of the enjoyment.