Though it only began Monday, it might be time to pump the brakes on the Bruce Arians/Browns speculation, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Arians said yesterday the Browns were the only NFL gig for which he’d consider leaving retired life, but the ex-Cardinals coach was primarily attempting to highlight former Colts head coach Chuck Pagano‘s qualifications for the Cleveland job rather than tout himself, per Rapoport. It’s not surprising that Arians would put forth Pagano as a candidate for the Browns, as Arians took over as the Colts’ head coach in 2012 after Pagano was diagnosed with cancer.
Here’s more from the NFL’s two North divisions:
- The Ravens don’t have any intention of benching starting quarterback Joe Flacco for first-round rookie Lamar Jackson, but they do want to advance their usage of the Louisville product, according to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic. “He’s getting better as a quarterback, an NFL quarterback, all the time. You know, I love the guy,” Ravens head coach John Harbaugh said of Jackson. “I want to see Lamar on the field, too. How to do that? That’s kind of what we’re working through, so that’s what we’ve got to figure out.” Jackson, 21, has rushed 28 times for 139 yards and one touchdown and completed seven-of-twelve passing attempts for 87 yards and another score. Meanwhile, among quarterbacks with at least 250 attempts, starter Joe Flacco ranks 17th in adjusted net yards per attempt and 18th in passer rating.
- If Le’Veon Bell doesn’t report to the Steelers this season, a potential 2019 transition tag would become all the more valuable, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. The contractual bargaining agreement indicates Bell would receive a 20% raise over his 2017 salary, meaning he’d be in line for $14.54MM in 2019. If Bell does report this year, however, that 20% would be applied to his 2018 earnings, meaning the transition tag would be worth only $9-10MM. In all, the transition is somewhat irrelevant, as Pittsburgh would have no interest in matching any offer sheet from a rival club.
- Former Vikings defensive tackle Sharrif Floyd has filed a $180MM lawsuit against famed surgeon Dr. James Andrews, alleging that a botched 2016 operation prematurely ended the former’s NFL career, as Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com writes. Floyd alleges he was set to undergo a minor knee procedure two years ago, but was instead given a pain blocker that caused significant nerve and muscle damage. Floyd, who has not played in the NFL since the surgery, is currently engaged in settlement discussions with the Vikings, whom Floyd alleges owes him salary.
Just give Floyd his money, he earned it and so he should have it(this is in reference to the settlement discussion of course)
Why leave Lamar on the bench? Their season is over. A new GM is starting, as will a new HC; so give their QB some live game action.
How is their season over? They’re 4-5 sure, but they’re gonna be fighting with the Dolphins, Bengals, and Titans for that second wildcard spot and they’re better than all those teams. The Ravens last 3 losses have been to teams that will be in the playoffs, people need to stop panicking and relax. They’re gonna make the playoffs
You’re probably right they’ll make the playoffs. Bengals, Raiders, Falcons, Bucs, & Browns are all winnable. But they won’t make a dent in the post season. So why delay Lamar’s growth?
It was a clear signal last offseason; new GM, QB and most likely new coach. So give the guy live game reps to help him.
No way they make the playoffs over the titans lol ravens are buttcheeks
Arians: “Good news, Chuck…I just used my considerable influence to promote you as a head coach candidate for the Browns”
Pagano: Thanks Bruce, but a real friend would provide me with a cyanide capsule if I ever had to coach in Cleveland.
Flacco to the Raiders/Giants?
I think Joe would rather accept a cigarette, blindfold and firing squad to the fate your suggesting.
Well they all don’t have a Manning for a father and can dictate where they go.