Le’Veon won’t play in 2018. A 2019 franchise tag for Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell would cost more than $25MM, so that tender isn’t an option for Pittsburgh. Bell doesn’t need to accrue another season to reach free agency next spring, so he’s not expected to report by Tuesday’s deadline, meaning he won’t play during the 2018 campaign. The transition tag is still in play for Bell next year, but that option wouldn’t give the Steelers any compensation if Bell leaves via free agency.
The short saga of Dez in New Orleans. Dez Bryant waited until November to find the right fit after being released by the Cowboys earlier this year, and inked a one-year contract with the Saints last week. But his stay on the club’s active roster didn’t last long, as the veteran wideout devastatingly tore his Achilles during his first practice with New Orleans. The Saints, who could pursue Bryant again in 2019, could now turn their more immediate attention to Brandon Marshall, who also worked out last week.
Falcons add Bruce Irvin. The Raiders released Irvin just after the NFL’s trade deadline, perhaps with the hope that another team would claim him and his contract. No other club had interest in doing that, but Irvin quickly landed a one-year pact with his hometown Falcons. While other teams, including the Patriots and Steelers, reportedly offered Irvin more money, he chose to head to his native Atlanta. Because his deal with Oakland didn’t contain offset language, Irvin will get to double-dip, meaning he’ll collect nearly $10MM this season.
Redskins lose…everybody. Injuries are hitting Washington’s offensive line hard for the second consecutive year. Already without starting left tackle Trent Williams as he recovers from a thumb injury, the Redskins placed guards Brandon Scherff and Shawn Lauvao on injured reserve last week (wide receiver Paul Richardson was lost for the season, too). To help account for those absences, Washington signed a trio of journeyman offensive linemen in Austin Howard, Jonathan Cooper, and Luke Bowanko.
John Harbaugh’s seat gets hotter. Reports last week indicated Harbaugh could be on the outs given Baltimore’s disappointing season, and today Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com indicated Harbaugh and the Ravens are likely to mutually part ways after the 2018 season. The Ravens will be minting a new general manager (Eric DeCosta) next season, so a change at head coach could also make sense. Harbaugh could have the option to start rookie quarterback Lamar Jackson down the stretch, but Joe Flacco‘s recent injury may be less serious than originally thought.