This week culminated with a showdown between the unstoppable force (Broncos offense) and the immovable object (Seahawks defense) in Super Bowl XLVIII, but there were plenty of news items and notes leading up to the big game. Let’s recap Super Bowl week together in the links listed below…
- The Falcons announced contract extensions for head coach Mike Smith, president/CEO Rick Mckay and general manager Thomas Dimitroff.
- The Ravens hired former Texans head coach Gary Kubiak to be Baltimore’s new offensive coordinator.
- The Bills are hoping to re-sign free agent safety Jairus Byrd.
- The Panthers signed head coach Ron Rivera to a three-year contract extension worth between $4-5MM annually. Rivera was named the Associated Press Coach of the Year.
- The Packers and free agent cornerback Sam Shields are in talks on a new contract.
- The Cowboys promoted Rod Marinelli from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator.
- Dolphins offensive lineman Jonathan Martin told NBC Sports’ Tony Dungy that he hopes to continue his NFL playing career next season.
- The Broncos are not expected to re-sign free agent running back Knowshon Moreno.
- Giants defensive end Justin Tuck is looking forward to hitting free agency.
- The Rams hired Gregg Williams to replace Tim Walton as the team’s defensive coordinator.
- Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald is “absolutely” willing to restructure his deal if “that’s what needs to be done.”
- Free agent kicker Adam Vinatieri is not considering retirement and hopes to continue kicking in the league for “two or three more years.”
- Rams owner Stan Kroenke bought a 60-acre lot in Inglewood, California, prompting speculation that the team could be return to the Golden State. NFL commissioner Roger Goodell cautioned against “overreacting” to the news.
- Jaguars owner Shad Kahn said his team will be drafting a quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, “maybe two.”
- Free agent tight end Jermichael Finley said he wants to remain a “Packer for life,” but mentioned Seattle as a possible destination.
- The Ravens would like to retain the services of wide receiver/kick returner Jacoby Jones if the price is right.
- The Browns hired Kyle Shanahan as the team’s offensive coordinator.
- Redskins quarterback Kirk Cousins told the team he is open to a trade and said he believes he is ready to be a starting quarterback in the league.
- Michael Vick said he will “absolutely” be a starting quarterback in Week One of the 2014 NFL season. ESPN NFL Insider Adam Schefter mentioned the Buccaneers and Jets as potential landing spots.
- Broncos wide receiver Eric Decker will explore his options in free agency after the expiration of his rookie contract.
- The Seahawks tabbed extending safety Earl Thomas, not cornerback Richard Sherman, as the team’s number one priority this offseason.