2021 February - Pro Football Rumors

Month: September 2024

Saints, QB Drew Brees Renegotiate Contract

February 6th, 2021 at 8:31am CST by Ben Levine

In a move that further signals the future Hall of Famer’s impending retirement, Drew Brees has reworked his contract. Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com reports (via Twitter) that the Saints have renegotiated the quarterback’s deal. The move frees up nearly $24MM in cap space for 2021.

NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero tweets that Brees has agreed to drop his 2021 base salary to the league minimum. New Orleans will temporarily carry a $12MM cap charge for Brees until June, a drastic decrease from his previous $36MM cap charge. Thanks to these cap machinations, the Saints will be able to keep Brees on their roster past June 1 while opening an abundance of cap space (assuming the veteran ultimately hangs up his cleats). Pelissero notes that the move also results in an $11.5MM cap charge in 2022.

The move does more than provide the Saints (who are an estimated $78MM over the cap) with some much-needed financial relief. Rather, as Fitzgerald writes, the restructuring buys Brees some time as he determines whether or not he’ll retire. Either way, the transaction is another major hint that Brees career may have come to an end. Indeed, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football seems to be hinting at the impending retirement announcement, tweeting that “one thing seems to be foreshadowing another.”

Of course, the writing’s been on the wall for a while. There were whispers about a potential retirement throughout the 2020 season, and the rumor mill has naturally heated up following the Saints’ elimination from the playoffs. While GM Mickey Loomis kept the door open on a potential return, there have been several subsequent reports stating that Brees will retire.

If this is truly the end for Brees, it will wrap up a bona fide Hall of Famer career. The 42-year-old has the most yards in league history, and he’s collected the second-most touchdowns behind Tom Brady. The next time we see Brees could be in the booth, as he signed a deal with NBC Sports last April.

Jay Gruden On Daniel Snyder, Washington Drafts, Coaching Future

February 5th, 2021 at 6:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jay Gruden is currently unattached, with the Jaguars hiring Urban Meyer last month. Darrell Bevell is the team’s new offensive coordinator. Gruden, who coached Washington from 2014-19, remains interested in returning to the sidelines.

However, the longtime NFL play-caller does not expect to coach this season. Gruden, 53, said, with staffs having mostly filled up over the past few weeks, he will likely sit out in 2021 before reassessing his options, Ben Standig of The Athletic notes (subscription required).

Gruden made some noise recently when he made a candid remark about Washington owner Daniel Snyder‘s draft involvement. The six-year Washington HC indicated the team’s owner “would come in off his yacht and make the pick” after Washington’s coaching staff and front office prepared for the draft. Gruden expanded on that assessment.

“Well, first and foremost, he is the owner. So if he wants to come off his yacht, or if he wants to come off his tennis court, wherever he’s at and make a pick, he has that right,” Gruden said. “(Dan) has the ultimate say, and that’s not going to change until he decides he wants to change.

“So I guess he’s given up total responsibility and total power to coach (Ron) Rivera, which is a good thing, I think. But when I was there, that wasn’t the case. He had final say over everything. He and (former team president) Bruce Allen would talk about it, and they would make the decision. I signed up for that. I knew that was the case going in, and that’s just the way it was.”

Like Gruden, Allen is no longer with the franchise. Snyder dismissed the 10-year team president after the 2019 season. But the Snyder-Allen-Gruden power trio was in place for nearly six seasons. The last of those, a 3-13 season that involved Gruden being fired after an 0-5 start, transpired after a controversial draft.

It has been long reported Gruden was against drafting Dwayne Haskins, a Snyder- and Allen-driven move. Gruden said one of the team’s plans involved taking Montez Sweat at No. 15; Washington later traded back into Round 1 and drafted the edge defender at No. 26. Gruden also mentioned being high on safety Darnell Savage, whom the Packers drafted at No. 21 overall.

“We knew we needed a quarterback, though. I mean, so at the end of the day, it’s not like Dwayne was not a good prospect. He’s a young football player with a lot of talent. So it’s not the end of the world we took Dwayne,” Gruden said, via Standig. “We just didn’t think we had to take him that high. It’s just what we thought … if we lost Dwayne that there were a couple of other ones later we might be able to get to come in and maybe compete with Case. Plus there was still hope in the back of our minds that Alex would come back.”

Coming off a 50-touchdown pass 2018 season at Ohio State, Haskins was viewed as a surefire first-round pick. The Giants were connected to him at No. 6 overall, though they surprised most by drafting Daniel Jones. Haskins fell to No. 15, becoming the third quarterback off the 2019 board. Some in Washington’s organization were believed to have placed a third-round grade on the quarterback.

Gruden said during the interview Haskins “wasn’t quite ready” when a Case Keenum injury first summoned him into action in Week 4 of the ’19 season. The organization quickly soured on the quarterback, benching him early in the 2020 season and putting him on the trade block. The Rivera-led regime waived Haskins in December of last year.

Snyder overruled Washington football-side brass on other occasions, Gruden said. Washington now has Rivera, Martin Mayhew and Marty Hurney atop running football ops.

“For the most part, I’d say 85-90% of the time, we were making pretty much football decisions that were good for the football team, and they were (decisions) that everybody agreed on. … The majority,” Gruden said. “But there were a few picks (during my time) that we had nothing to do with it.”

The currently unattached coach also discussed Kirk Cousins‘ exit. The Allen-led Cousins negotiations led to animosity, two franchise tags and the quarterback’s departure in free agency in 2018. Rather than a trade haul, Washington only received a third-round compensatory pick for its four-year QB starter.

“For the most part, I was given every opportunity to succeed there. We just didn’t get it done,” Gruden said. “There are some decisions there that I wish we could have had back. Obviously, we should have gotten more for Kirk Cousins. That’s the biggest thing, that I think we should have got more for Kirk Cousins than a third-round pick.”

Eagles Moving Toward Carson Wentz Trade?

February 5th, 2021 at 6:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

Another big quarterback domino could be falling soon. Eagles-Carson Wentz news continues to move, and multiple NFL sources informed Les Bowen and Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer that the team is close to trading the quarterback.

The Eagles have been taking calls on Wentz, who remains unhappy with the organization. The hiring of Nick Sirianni as head coach did not change the dynamic to the point the quarterback would want to stay in Philly, according to Bowen and McLane.

While the Eagles would incur a record $33.8MM in dead money (for a single contract) if they traded Wentz, the acquiring team would not be put in that sort of financially disadvantageous position. Although Wentz’s value has nosedived after a rough 2020 season, a team that trades for him would have him under contract for $47.2MM guaranteed over the next two seasons before making a choice on moving forward with him. Wentz, 28, is signed through the 2024 season.

The Eagles owe Wentz a $10MM roster bonus on Day 3 of the 2021 league year. If a trade were to happen, it would be best for the organization for it to occur before that date. Offers have already come in for the five-year veteran.

Colts GM Chris Ballard said the franchise was looking into “lots of options” at quarterback. The Colts are projected to have the second-most cap space in the league — more than $60MM — and saw Philip Rivers retire recently. Jacoby Brissett is a free agent. Wentz has ties to ex-Eagles OC Frank Reich and remains close with Press Taylor, a longtime Philly assistant whom the Colts intend to hire.

The Bears, Panthers, 49ers, Broncos, Patriots and Washington were also involved in the Matthew Stafford sweepstakes. Chicago, which interestingly has ex-Wentz backup-turned-Super Bowl LII MVP Nick Foles under contract for 2021, has former Eagles QBs coach John DeFilippo on staff. Though the Eagles do have a QB trade history with Washington, having sent Donovan McNabb to their NFC East rivals in 2010, Wentz-to-D.C. is probably a non-starter.

Were the Eagles to move Wentz to one of the non-NFC East quarterback-seeking teams, they have Jalen Hurts under contract through 2023 and would have the No. 6 overall pick and likely more high draft capital to pursue another passer if so inclined.

Chiefs’ Britt Reid Involved In Car Accident

February 5th, 2021 at 5:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

Chiefs outside linebackers coach Britt Reid was involved in a multicar accident Thursday night in Kansas City, the organization revealed in a statement.

Reid, the 35-year-old son of Chiefs HC Andy Reid, was driving a vehicle that struck two other cars that were sitting on the entrance ramp of a highway. Two young children suffered injuries in this accident. One of the children, a 5-year-old, suffered life-threatening injuries, Tod Palmer of KSHB 41 Kansas City reports.

Reid admitted to having two or three alcoholic drinks and taking prescription Adderall before this accident occurred, according to a police report. A Kansas City Police Department officer detected “a moderate odor of alcoholic beverages” and indicated Reid’s eyes were “bloodshot and red,” according to to the TV station. Reid was transported to a local hospital for unspecified injuries, according to ESPN.com’s Dianna Russini (on Twitter). Authorities have not charged Reid, but Russini adds he is under investigation for driver impairment.

“The organization has been made aware of a multi-vehicle accident involving outside linebackers coach Britt Reid,” the Chiefs said in a statement. “We are in the process of gathering information, and we will have no further comment at this time. Our thoughts and prayers are with everyone involved.”

This accident occurred when a Dodge Ram truck Reid was driving collided with the left front of a Chevrolet Impala that was motionless on the side of a highway near the Chiefs’ Kansas City, Mo., facility, Palmer reports. The Impala had run out of gas, and the driver called for assistance. Another car, a Chevy Traverse, arrived and parked in front of the disabled vehicle. Reid’s truck struck both vehicles; it slammed into the rear of the Traverse. The latter vehicle had two children, the other a 4-year-old, in the backseat. The 4-year-old suffered non-life-threatening injuries, Palmer adds.

The eighth-year Chiefs assistant has encountered legal issues in the past. Reid previously served five months in prison for a 2007 road rage incident and pleaded guilty to DUI and drug charges in a separate 2008 incident.

Britt Reid has been with the organization since Andy Reid’s arrival in 2013. The Chiefs are due to leave for Super Bowl LV in Tampa on Saturday. Britt Reid will not be with the team for the Super Bowl, CBS Sports’ Jason La Canfora reports (on Twitter).

Giants Not Planning Deshaun Watson Pursuit

February 5th, 2021 at 4:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

Certainly one of the many teams who would upgrade significantly at quarterback by acquiring Deshaun Watson, the Giants are not expected to entertain that prospect.

The Giants will not pursue Watson, according to ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan (on Twitter). The franchise, as could be expected, is committed to Daniel Jones going forward.

With GM Dave Gettleman having surprised most by pulling the trigger on Jones at No. 6 overall in 2019, it should not surprise the franchise is fully committed to giving the former Duke prospect a third season at the controls. Last month, Gettleman said the Giants have “complete confidence” in Jones. The Giants are also expected to retain OC Jason Garrett, ensuring Jones will not have to play in three offensive systems in his first three seasons.

Jones’ contract runs through 2022, and the Giants will have the 2021 season to determine how they will proceed regarding the quarterback’s fifth-year option. That decision is not due until May 2022. Should the Giants exercise that option, Jones’ 2023 salary becomes fully guaranteed.

The Giants’ offense regressed from 18th in scoring in 2019 to 31st this past season, though their DVOA mark plunged only from 23rd to 26th in this span. Jones threw 24 touchdown passes in 2019 — fourth-most all time among rookie passers — but just 11 in 2020. He leads the NFL in fumbles over the past two seasons, with 29, but did not drop too far in Total QBR from 2019-20. That metric placed Jones 18th in 2019 and 20th in 2020.

Thus far, the Dolphins, Jets and Panthers have been the teams most closely connected to Watson. It will take a historic trade package to pry the three-time Pro Bowler from the Texans, who have continued to insist they are not interested in a deal.

Buccaneers TE Cameron Brate Dealing With Back Discomfort

February 5th, 2021 at 4:00pm CST by Ben Levine

It sounds like Cameron Brate may be a bit banged up heading into the Super Bowl. NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Buccaneers tight end was a limited participant at practice Thursday due to a back injury. Rapoport adds that the ailment was described as “back discomfort,” and Brate “was pulled out of an abundance of caution.”

Brate felt better on Friday and, despite being listed as questionable, is expected to play Sunday, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Thanks in part to the addition of Rob Gronkowski, Brate put up some of the lowest numbers of his career in 2020, compiling 28 receptions for 282 yards and two scores. However, the 29-year-old has seen a more significant role in the playoffs. After collecting five or more targets in only two of his 16 regular season games, Brate has seen at least five targets in each of his three postseason contests, hauling in 11 receptions for 149 yards and one touchdown.

If Brate were to be sidelined for the Super Bowl, Gronk would likely soak up most of Brate’s snaps. With O.J. Howard sitting on IR, the Bucs could also hypothetically turn to Antony Auclair or Tanner Hudson.

There is some good news on the injury front for Tampa Bay. Rapoport adds that wideout Antonio Brown was a full participant at practice. The 32-year-old sat out the NFC Championship as he nursed a knee injury. Brown appeared in eight games for the Buccaneers this season, compiling 45 receptions for 483 yards and four touchdowns.

Carson Wentz Still Seeking Trade

February 5th, 2021 at 3:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles’ hiring of Frank Reich disciple Nick Sirianni does not seem to have changed Carson Wentz‘s stance about wanting a trade out of Philadelphia. While Eagles brass made working with Wentz a priority during the franchise’s coaching search, trade chatter surrounding the former No. 2 overall pick has reignited since the Matthew Stafford deal.

This recent trade buzz is connected to Wentz still wanting to leave Philadelphia, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter said during an appearance on 97.5 The Fanatic. Doug Pederson‘s firing was previously said to “significantly increase” the chances Wentz stayed in Philly, but the trade request the five-year veteran planned to submit appears to still be his preference.

It would cost the Eagles $34MM to trade Wentz — compared to the record $22MM it cost the Rams to ship out Jared Goff in the Stafford deal — but the team has fielded calls. They have already received “aggressive” offers for the unhappy quarterback, Tim McManus of ESPN.com reports. Despite Wentz being tied to a lucrative contract and coming off his worst season, the Eagles are still aiming for substantial compensation, per McManus.

The Lions used Goff’s high-end contract to leverage the Rams into surrendering two first-round picks. With the Eagles not as close to a Super Bowl as the Rams at present, the parameters of a Wentz trade would seemingly be different than the ones that led to Goff’s Los Angeles exit.

Wentz joins Deshaun Watson among passers seeking trades entering the 2021 league year, and the former would not fetch a haul in the same vicinity as the latter. Having Reich as their head coach and having recently hired ex-Eagles passing-game coordinator Press Taylor, the Colts line up as the team that would make perhaps the most sense for Wentz — if he is made available.

Colts GM Chris Ballard said Friday, during a radio interview with 107.5 The Fan’s Dan Dakich, the Colts are “exploring lots of options” at quarterback (Twitter link). It appears safe to expect the Colts to discuss Wentz with the Eagles, but it is uncertain what kind of offer Philly can expect. The Colts traded their first-round pick last year for DeForest Buckner but fit the profile as a suitor due to their playoff-caliber roster with a gaping hole at quarterback. With Philip Rivers retiring and Jacoby Brissett not on their 2021 payroll, the Colts also are projected to have the second-most cap space entering the 2021 league year

Trevor Lawrence To Undergo Surgery

February 5th, 2021 at 3:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

Trevor Lawrence will throw for teams much earlier than his draft-eligible quarterback peers. Instead of throwing at Clemson’s pro day in March, Lawrence will do so Feb. 12 before undergoing surgery, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

The widely expected No. 1 overall pick plans to undergo a procedure on his left shoulder labrum, according to Schefter. Lawrence appears set to spend his first NFL offseason recovering but is expected to be ready for training camp, where he will likely be on track to start for the Jaguars.

Doctors discovered this injury recently, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Lawrence will undergo the procedure this month in order to be in better position to return by training camp, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.

This news obviously should not be expected to affect Lawrence’s status atop the draft. The surgery will be on three-year Clemson starter’s non-throwing shoulder, and the Jaguars are amid a rebuild. But this sudden development will begin the QB prodigy’s NFL career in less-than-ideal fashion.

Roger Goodell said Thursday he expects most of the elements from last year’s virtual offseason to return, so it is certainly possible Lawrence would not miss any onsite activities while he recovers from this surgery. The first in-person work for teams in 2021 may well be training camp, as opposed to the pre-pandemic schedule that had rookies at team facilities for rookie camps, OTAs and minicamps. But Lawrence looks likely to spend a good chunk of the league’s second virtual offseason rehabbing his surgically repaired shoulder.

This Date In Transactions History: Lions Hire Matt Patricia

February 5th, 2021 at 12:16pm CST by Zachary Links

In 2017, Jim Caldwell led the Lions to their third winning campaign in four seasons. It wasn’t enough to save his job. The Lions fired Caldwell and replaced him with Patriots defensive guru Matt Patricia, three years ago today.

Patricia had lots of hype heading into this cycle. He also had a longstanding relationship with Detroit GM Bob Quinn, who previously worked in New England. After working his way up through the Pats’ ranks, Patricia served as their DC for six seasons. During that period, the Patriots’ defense never ranked lower than tenth in points allowed. And, of course, his final day with the team nearly ended in yet another Super Bowl ring, before Nick Foles got in the way.

It seems like just yesterday that Patricia was regarded as the perfect fit. It’s a reminder of how quickly things can change in the NFL. After a combined 13-29 record and an ugly Thanksgiving Day loss, the Lions sent the 46-year-old packing. Now, he’s going back to New England to serve in multiple assistant coaching roles on Bill Belichick‘s staff. Meanwhile, the Lions are moving forward with Dan Campbell, who will have Jared Goff leading his offense.

Chiefs’ Demarcus Robinson Cleared To Practice

February 5th, 2021 at 10:13am CST by Zachary Links

Demarcus Robinson is on track to play in the Super Bowl. The wide receiver was cleared to practice on Friday, ending his stint on the Reserve/COVID-19 list (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero).

Robinson came in close contact with a barber who tested positive for the coronavirus. The timing was unfortunate but, thankfully, Robinson has tested negative every day since then. Barring any changes, he’ll be eligible to take the field in Super Bowl LV.

The Chiefs are still awaiting the final go-ahead for reserve center Daniel Kilgore, who also received a haircut from the same barber. Kilgore got his trim one day after Robinson, so he’ll need an extra day of zero positives before rejoining the team. If Kilgore’s final test comes back negative, he’ll be able to regroup with the Chiefs on Saturday — just in time for the big game.

Robinson, who splits WR3 duties with Mecole Hardman, finished the regular season with 45 grabs for 466 yards and three touchdowns. Kilgore, meanwhile, hasn’t seen as much time on the field, but the Chiefs will be counting on him for depth in the wake of several offensive line injuries.

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