While the Steelers are not believed to be making calls about Martavis Bryant, they are expected to discuss the wide receiver with teams at the Combine, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (video link). Rapoport does, in fact, note the Steelers are open to listening to offers for Bryant but don’t appear to be too aggressive about that at this juncture. However, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes Bryant has expressed desire to be a No. 1 receiver, and that’s not going to happen with likely Hall of Fame candidate Antonio Brown on the Steelers. This helps explain why the sides have not discussed a long-term extension or bridge contract. Bryant is entering his contract year, and the Steelers like their trio of wideouts. But Fowler writes the franchise doesn’t want Bryant causing any problems this season, which would make a trade logical. Fowler writes it would not be a surprise for Bryant to skip offseason workouts to display his frustration with his status.
Here’s the latest from some North teams as Combine itineraries are being finalized.
- An irregular heartbeat shelved Jake Fisher midway through the season, inducing the Bengals to place their right tackle on the Reserve/NFI list. But the fourth-year blocker has been cleared to return to action, the Bengals announced. A 2015 second-rounder, Fisher is entering a contract year. He started a career-high seven games in 2017 prior to the heart problem sidelining him. The franchise is optimistic Fisher can have a strong season.
- The Packers‘ strategy at backup quarterback put them in danger in 2013, when Aaron Rodgers‘ first collarbone injury occurred, and burned them last season after Rodgers suffered a similar malady. Multiple scouts who spoke with Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette said the Packers need to prioritize their backup quarterback more appropriately, with one making a notable claim the position was on par with left tackle in terms of importance. While that seems extreme, Rodgers has now missed 16 games between those two seasons. Dougherty mentions Sam Bradford as a possibility while one scout named Matt Moore and Ryan Fitzpatrick as superior options to Brett Hundley. Bradford indicated he plans to play in 2018 despite his injury history, but teams pining for Kirk Cousins may view he or A.J. McCarron as contingency plans as starters.
- Teams are now free to place their respective franchise tags on players, and Michael Rothstein of ESPN.com writes this makes the most sense for the Lions. While $17.5MM is steep for a player with Ansah’s inconsistent track record, the former first-rounder is Detroit’s best pass rusher. And on a market light on proven edge help, the Lions might be wise to keep Ansah for at least another season.
Wouldn’t mind seeing Bryant in Detroit.
I’d rather have Bell.
The Lions could have both for top round draft picks for a couple of drafts. But then the Lions would find out that Bryant and Bell is only so good because they play in the Steelers offense. They won’t be as successful with a lesser offense.
Steelers should be far and away the best offense in football. All Pros everywhere and Big Ben has some gas left in the tank. On paper they should host Pats in AFC title game every year.
They don’t play games on paper I get it, that’s why Haleys gone.
Marvin Jones and Tate are better than Bryant and that would knock Galloday out of his role which I wanna see more.
Lions need a 3 down RB not a WR at this time.
I’d take Bradford or Bridgewater as a backup to Rodgers. Creates great competition for Hundley.
Of course you would. But would they accept that? Not saying either will be offered starting jobs elsewhere, but a team with a less certain QB situation at least gives them a shot to play at some point.
Teddy “i can’t throw the football” Bridgewater can stay far away from Green Bay.. Just go watch his pro day workouts.. Terrible terrible terrible!!!
Packers had a superior QB in camp last year named Taysom Hill. Someone needed to put their pride on the shelf and do the right thing but they didn’t. When a guy sucks, he sucks— cut him and move on. No team can afford to pay a backup QB like a right tackle and stay competitive unless the tackle is on a rookie contract.
When Sammy can stay healthy (which is rare) he is in the 15-20 range of nfl QBs. Set a season completion record 2 years ago. I’d take him as our backup in a heartbeat. He’s a thousand times better than hundley.