HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

Browns Clinch 2018 No. 1 Overall Pick

December 24th, 2017 at 3:14pm CST by Dallas Robinson

As a result of their loss to the Bears today, the Browns have officially clinched the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft.John Dorsey (vertical)

While Cleveland’s recent rebuilding strategy has certainly focused on future assets instead of current results, the Browns likely didn’t envision collecting the first overall pick in consecutive seasons. The Browns, who have the opportunity to conclude a winless campaign with a loss to Steelers in Week 17, have already made changes to their front office by replacing general manager Sashi Brown with John Dorsey. But alterations could also come to the club’s coaching staff, as Hue Jackson isn’t necessarily guaranteed to return.

The Browns, who will also secure another top-10 pick thanks to a 2017 trade with the Texans, seem overwhelmingly likely to draft a quarterback early in 2018. Dorsey has already spoken positively about Oklahoma signal-caller Baker Mayfield, while other first-round options include UCLA’s Josh Rosen — who reportedly prefers to land in New York — and (if he declares) USC’s Sam Darnold.

Latest On Jon Gruden, Buccaneers

December 24th, 2017 at 2:31pm CST by Dallas Robinson

While Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is expected to remain in place, the “current thinking” is that Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter will be fired, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden is a candidate to return to Tampa Bay, per Florio, and many in league circles are “convinced” the Buccaneers will indeed make a run at Gruden, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.Jon Gruden (Vertical)

Gruden, now an ESPN commentator, has been linked to a number of vacancies in recent seasons — including the Rams and Colts during the 2017 hiring cycle — but has always opted to return to the booth. However, Gruden didn’t rule out a return to coaching earlier this year, and has in fact been contacting former assistants regarding their availability, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link).

While Gruden hasn’t been on a sideline in nearly a decade, he’s still only 54 years old. He’s reportedly worked through any issues with the Buccaneers ownership group that would prevent a return to Tampa Bay, and while the club typically waits until after the season to finalize coaching hires, a Gruden addition could occur quickly, reports Pelissero.

In seven seasons with the Buccaneers, Gruden posted a 57-55 record and won a Super Bowl trophy. Prior to leading Tampa Bay, Gruden managed a 38-26 mark with the Raiders.

Coaching Notes: Panthers, Cardinals, Bengals, Bucs

December 24th, 2017 at 11:49am CST by Ben Levine

There’s plenty of uncertainty when it comes to the Panthers organization, as owner Jerry Richardson is shopping the team and they’re currently rolling with an interim general manager in Marty Hurney. However, the team is looking to establish some stability by locking up head coach Ron Rivera.

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports that the organization is prioritizing locking up their head coach long term. While talks have just started, the reporter expects negotiations to quickly heat up. Meanwhile, many in the organization are hoping that Hurney is promoted to full-time general manager, although the team will presumably explore their options before committing to the executive.

Rivera last signed a three-year deal worth $19.5MM. That deal would take the head coach through the 2018 season, meaning there isn’t a whole lot of urgency for the organization to lock up their head coach this offseason.

Let’s take a look at some more coaching notes from around the NFL…

  • Cardinals coach Bruce Arians hasn’t informed the organization about his future, but Rapoport reports that the team is “more confident than ever” that he’ll return. Still, since there is some uncertainty, the organization is exploring other potential options, and Rapoport notes that one of those candidates is Texans coach Bill O’Brien. If available, the Cardinals have made it clear that O’Brien would be atop their list of targets. Arians is under contract through the 2018 season, but there’s been chatter that the 65-year-old could retire to better focus on his health.
  • Unsurprisingly, there’s some concern that Browns head coach Hue Jackson may have lost his locker room, reports Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. This concern recently came to a head when running back Isaiah Crowell “liked” a series of tweets that were critical of Jackson. Meanwhile, Florio notes that there are whispers that some of the team’s defensive players are upset with defensive coordinator Gregg Williams and his son, Blake, who is the Browns’ linebackers coach.
  • The Bengals are eyeing Jackson or Jay Gruden for their impending head coaching vacancy, reports Florio. It’d be a homecoming for the pair, as both Jackson and Gruden served as offensive coordinators for Marvin Lewis. The writer notes that Lewis could ultimately be promoted to a front office role.
  • Even if Dirk Koetter sticks around as the Buccaneers head coach, Roy Cummings of Florida Football Insiders is convinced the organization will require some other coaching changes. Specifically, defensive coordinator Mike Smith could be on the hot seat, and the team could look towards former Jaguars head coach Gus Bradley as a replacement.

UCLA QB Josh Rosen Prefers Giants To Browns

December 24th, 2017 at 9:51am CST by Ben Levine

One of the top quarterback prospects might stay in college if he’s forced to play for the Browns. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports that UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen prefers to play for the Giants over the Browns, and the prospect will be hesitant to come out in next year’s NFL draft “if Cleveland planned on taking him with the top overall pick.”

Josh Rosen (Vertical)Rosen has reportedly expressed concern about landing in Cleveland, and he’s stated a desire to land with a more stable organization. Still, if the UCLA signal-caller is in the draft, Schefter notes that Browns general manager John Dorsey wouldn’t be dissuaded “from taking the player he believes is the best fit for his franchise.” Rosen will ultimately sit down with his parents following the Cactus Bowl to make a decision about his future, and Cleveland’s spot atop the draft could ultimately influence his decision. The Browns can clinch the top pick in the draft with a loss against the Bears today.

Rosen, a junior, is having another productive season in 2017. The quarterback has completed 60-percent of his passes for 3,670 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The prospect sits atop several draft boards, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper projecting him to be selected fourth overall and Todd McShay projecting him to go first overall.

Teams Claim Packers Violated IR Rules With QB Aaron Rodgers

December 24th, 2017 at 9:31am CST by Ben Levine

Last week, Aaron Rodgers was activated off the injured reserve and proceeded to play against the Panthers. Two days later, the Packers placed their franchise quarterback back on the injured reserve. Now, opposing teams are saying the organization “violated the rules regarding players who are eligible to be placed on injured reserve.”

Aaron Rodgers (vertical)ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that “multiple teams” have complained to the NFL about the apparent violation. NFL rules say a player needs to suffer a new injury that would sideline them for six weeks in order to be placed back on the injured reserve. If a team violates that rule, they’re required to release the player once they’re healthy.

Rodgers played the majority of the game last weekend, completing 26 of his 45 pass attempts for 290 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Packers did pull him from the game because he was “sore,” and the team placed him back on the injured reserve on Tuesday. Had the team still had a chance at the playoffs, the Packers could have continued to roll with Rodgers, but the team ultimately decided to shut him down for the season… which many teams claim breaks the IR rule.

As mentioned, if Rodgers didn’t suffer a new injury, the Packers would be required to release him once he’s healthy. As Schefter writes, no one expects the NFL to force Green Bay to cut their franchise quarterback, but these rival organizations want an explanation on why the Packers “were being granted immunity.”

Rodgers ultimately finished his 2017 campaign having completed 64.7-percent of his passes for 1,675 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. His seven games played was his lowest total since he became a full-time starter back in 2008.

Vikings’ Nick Easton Fractures Ankle

December 24th, 2017 at 8:59am CST by Ben Levine

Vikings left guard Nick Easton‘s season is over. According to Chris Tomasson of the St. Paul Pioneer Press (via Twitter), the lineman fractured his ankle during last night’s win over the Packers. Easton will require surgery and will be out for the rest of the season.

Nick EastonEaston, a former undrafted free agent out of Harvard, has really come into his own in 2017. The lineman made his NFL debut in 2016, starting five of his 11 games. He took on more responsibility this year, as he started all 12 of his games. Pro Football Focus wasn’t particularly fond of his performance in 2017, ranking him 60th among 78 eligible offensive guard candidates.

Of course, the 25-year-old’s absence will still be a huge hit to the Vikings. The team will likely turn to Jeremiah Sirles to slot into the starting lineup, although the organization could also rely on Danny Isidora and Aviante Collins for more responsibility.

Packers’ Jason Spriggs Carted Off Field

December 23rd, 2017 at 8:14pm CST by Zachary Links

Packers right tackle Jason Spriggs was carted off the field in Saturday night’s game against the Vikings after suffering an apparent left knee injury. It’s too early for a diagnosis, but Spriggs’ injury was serious enough to rule him out for the remainder of the game. Jason Spriggs (vertical)

Spriggs could be the third member of the Packers placed on injured reserve in a matter of days. Earlier this week, quarterback Aaron Rodgers and cornerback Demetri Goodson were both benched for the year.

It has been a frustrating season, who missed the bulk of the year with a hamstring issue. In his sixth game back from returning on IR, Spriggs may be headed right back. The Packers are out of playoff contention, so there’s little sense in Spriggs playing through the pain.

Heading into tonight’s game, Spriggs rated as Pro Football Focus’ No. 66 tackle in the NFL out of 85 qualified players. The 2016 second-round pick is under contract with Green Bay through 2019.

50/50 Chance Of Raiders Firing Jack Del Rio

December 23rd, 2017 at 7:21pm CST by Zachary Links

Could the Raiders move on from Jack Del Rio this offseason? There’s a 50/50 chance that he’ll return in 2018, a source tells Mike Florio of PFT. Jack Del Rio (vertical)

[RELATED: Raiders Expected To Fire OC Todd Downing]

Del Rio and the Raiders inked a four-year extension back in January, but he might not get to serve out the deal. Typically, head coaching contracts are guaranteed for a fair amount, so the money committed to Del Rio could dissuade Oakland from making a change. But, at minimum, the 6-8 Raiders are giving it some serious thought.

Last year, Del Rio won 12 games for the second time in his career and brought the Raiders to playoffs for the first time in 14 years. Still, the Raiders are loaded with talent and Del Rio has yet to win a division title in his 10+ years as a head coach. There will be plenty of intriguing candidates available this winter and a few of those names could hold interest for the Raiders.

The Raiders face extremely long odds of making the playoffs, but they could still finish .500 with wins over the Eagles and Chargers in the next two weeks.

AFC Notes: Steelers, Harrison, Texans

December 23rd, 2017 at 6:40pm CST by Zachary Links

James Harrison, who was released by the Steelers on Saturday, posted a message on Instagram that seems to hint that an instant return is not in the cards. “Can’t wait to find out what God has in store for me next,” Harrison wrote. “Many thanks to [Steelers Nation] for the years of love and support.” The veteran hasn’t played much this year, but he has been among the team’s most popular players over his 14 years with the club. His release came as a huge surprise and it will be interesting to see if another team will put in a waiver claim on him.

Here’s more from the AFC:

  • It has been said that Texans coach Bill O’Brien is on the hot seat, but he recently picked up the endorsement of injured quarterback Deshaun Watson. O’Brien may or may not want to return himself, but he appreciates the support of the Clemson product. “Look, I don’t really know how to answer that question,” O’Brien told reporters (via PFT). “I appreciate all the support that anybody — I think that’s just the way I think any of us are. People support you, it’s a nice thing. But, at the end of the day, we’ve got to focus on Pittsburgh and that’s what we’re trying to do.” O’Brien has one year left on his deal but team owner Bob McNair says there will be no extension talks until the season is through.
  • Broncos quarterback Brock Osweiler is likely to start Sunday against Washington, a league source tells Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Recently, Osweiler indicated that he wants to stay with Denver even though the team probably does not see him as a starter for next year. At minimum, he’ll have a platform at the end of the year to prove that he can be an option for the team going forward. Paxton Lynch, for now, will be on the bench.
  • The Texans have placed Tom Savage on IR.
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