HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Broncos Request Three Interviews For HC Vacancy

January 10th, 2022 at 7:18pm CST by Ben Levine

The Broncos moved on from head coach Vic Fangio earlier today, and they’ve naturally started eyeing potential replacements. Per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter links), the Broncos requested interviews with Eagles defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon and Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that the Broncos have also requested an interview with Rams offensive coordinator Kevin O’Connell.

[RELATED: Broncos Fire HC Vic Fangio]

Gannon, 39, has spent 15 years as a coach and scout. Following a three-year stint as the Colts defensive backs coach, he was hired as the Eagles defensive coordinator last offseason. During his first season in the role, the Eagles defense ranked top-10 in yards allowed, with Philly’s rush defense showing particular promise.

Glenn had a 15-year career as a cornerback, and he’s transitioned to coaching in recent years. He had a long stint as the Saints defensive backs coach before getting hired as the Lions DC in 2021. While the Lions defense left plenty to be desired this past season, the 49-year-old is still highly regarded in coaching circles.

O’Connell has been a popular name since taking over as Rams offensive coordinator in 2020. Following an impressive first season in Los Angeles, the Rams offense took a small step back in 2021, although this was mostly due to an inconsistent rushing attack.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/10/22

January 10th, 2022 at 6:13pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Green Bay Packers

New England Patriots

Pittsburgh Steelers

San Francisco 49ers

Tennessee Titans

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/10/22

January 10th, 2022 at 6:06pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

  • Claimed off waivers (from Rams): DB JuJu Hughes

Philadelphia Eagles

NFL Reserve/Futures Contracts: 1/10/22

January 10th, 2022 at 5:58pm CST by Ben Levine

A bunch of teams had their seasons come to an end yesterday, and these front offices are now starting to prepare for the offseason. Today, a number of players were inked to reserve/futures contracts, which allows organizations to retain (mostly) young, practice squad players throughout the offseason. We’ve compiled today’s reserve/futures contracts below:

Baltimore Ravens

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

New York Jets

Seattle Seahawks

Washington Football Team

Florida’s Kaiir Elam Declares For Draft

January 10th, 2022 at 3:36pm CST by Ely Allen

The son and nephew of former-NFL safeties Abram Elam and Matt Elam, respectively, Kaiir Elam is going pro. The University of Florida cornerback announced in a video posted from his Twitter account that he is forgoing his final two years of eligibility in order to take the next step.

Elam came into Gainesville as a top-100 recruit out of The Benjamin School near Palm Beach, FL. Elam wasted no time playing in all 13 games as a true freshman and earning 5 starts. From there Elam took over the starting cornerback position and became a leader on the Gators’ defense. Over his career, Elam totaled 6 interceptions and 20 pass breakups, demonstrating the ball skills that NFL teams will look for in a first round cornerback.

Elam has prototypical size and length at the position and is viewed in many circles as a potential Day One pick. Dane Brugler of the The Athletic has Elam as the fifth-best corner in the draft class and picked him to go 20th overall as the third cornerback off the board in his mock of the 2022 NFL Draft.

Elam hopes to follow in the steps of his uncle and become a first-round draft pick and then follow in the steps of his father and become an NFL starter. That journey will start in March with the NFL Scouting Combine where Elam will try to show the NFL evaluators that he’s ready for the next level of gameplay.

Detroit, OC Lynn Part Ways

January 10th, 2022 at 1:32pm CST by Ely Allen

In one of the less surprising moves of “Black Monday,” Lions head coach Dan Campbell confirmed in his Monday morning press conference that offensive coordinator Anthony Lynn will not remain a part of the coaching staff in Detroit. 

Coming off being fired by the Chargers last season, Lynn took the role of play caller under first-year head coach Dan Campbell. After starting the season with eight straight losses, Campbell relieved Lynn of his play calling duties. The Lions proceeded to finish 3-3 over their last six games and it became apparent that Lynn was a lame duck in his position.

Lynn’s resume isn’t terrible as he left Los Angeles boasting a winning record as a head coach. In his first two seasons leading the Chargers, they finished 2nd in the division and even nabbed a Wild Card spot in his second year, winning a playoff game before getting beat in the Divisional Round. Lynn has had success in the league as a running backs coach and has strong leadership qualities that his players respect. He should find a job in the NFL again, before long.

As for the Lions open offensive coordinator position, Campbell will need to decided whether he would like to continue calling plays himself or if he wants to hire an offensive coordinator who can run the show. We’ll see that search play out as “Black Monday” continues to create new candidates for open jobs.

Panthers Sign QB P.J. Walker To One-Year Deal

January 10th, 2022 at 12:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

While much remains to be seen regarding Carolina’s future at the quarterback position, the team took care of a small piece of business on Monday. Joe Person of The Athletic reports (via Twitter) that the Panthers are bringing back P.J. Walker on a one-year deal.

The 26-year old was set to be an exclusive-rights free agent this offseason, but the move means he will stick around in Charlotte and be in contention to be the team’s backup signal caller. Walker made five appearances in 2021, including one start in Week 10 against the Cardinals. He put up 167 passing yards and an interception in the 34-10 win. For his career, the former undrafted free agent has a 55.7% completion percentage, 730 passing yards and two touchdowns go along with eight interceptions.

As for the Panthers’ other quarterbacks from this season, Cam Newton still wants to play in the NFL, according to Pro Football Talk’s Michael Smith. The pending free agent will look for the right fit, but expressed a willingness to sign on as a backup if a starting spot doesn’t become available. Meanwhile, Sam Darnold is still under contract for the 2022 season with a guaranteed salary of just over $18.5MM. His erratic play throughout his first season in Carolina leaves many feeling the Panthers will be active in the quarterback market this offseason, though.

Dave Gettleman Officially Announces Retirement

January 10th, 2022 at 11:51am CST by Adam La Rose

It’s official: the Giants are in need of a new General Manager. The club released an announcement that Dave Gettleman has retired from his position as Senior Vice President and General Manager. 

After informing owners John Mara and Steve Tisch of his decision, Gettleman said, ““It was a privilege to serve as the general manager of the New York Giants the last four years and to have spent so many years of my career with this franchise. We obviously have not had the on-the-field success I expected, and that is disappointing. However, I have many fond memories here, including two Super Bowl victories, and I wish the team and organization only the best moving forward. There are many good people here who pour their souls into this organization. I am proud to have worked alongside them.”

In a joint statement, Mara and Tisch said, “We would like to thank Dave for his commitment to this franchise. Dave was integral in building three of our Super Bowl teams, including two championship teams, and we wish Dave, his wife Joanne and their entire family all the best in his retirement.”

It has been widely expected for quite some time that Gettleman was going to step down from his position. As a result, many names have been floated as potential replacements. Perhaps the name at the top of that list is current Assistant GM Kevin Abrams – someone who has been labelled a “strong contender” for the job. On the other hand, many believe that the club will stray from its tendency to promote from within, and that the successful candidate may not have ties with Head Coach Joe Judge.

Regarding the search for a new GM, Mara went on to say that, “We are looking for a person who demonstrates exceptional leadership and communication abilities, somebody who will oversee all aspects of our football operations, including player personnel, college scouting and coaching”. 

The Giants have become the third team with a GM vacancy, joining the Vikings and Bears after they fired Rick Spielman and Ryan Pace, respectively, on Monday. News from the morning, however, suggests that Judge will be staying on – something that had been expected throughout the Giants’ 4-13 season.

Updated 2022 NFL Draft Order

January 10th, 2022 at 10:41am CST by Adam La Rose

The NFL’s first ever 17-game regular season is now over, and the 14-team playoff field is set. The end of the year also confirms, of course, the draft order for the top 18 picks, allowing the non-playoff clubs to begin planning for the offseason.

Despite their upset win on Sunday, the Jaguars will have the top selection for the second year in a row; this marks the fifth time a team has had back-to-back No. 1 picks, and the first since the Browns did in 2017-18.

For non-playoff teams, the draft order is determined by the inverted 2021 standings, plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule. For playoff teams, the order is determined by their postseason outcome and regular season record.

Here is the final draft order (for non-playoff teams) along with the current projected order for the 14 postseason clubs:

  1. Jacksonville Jaguars: 3-14
  2. Detroit Lions: 3-13-1
  3. Houston Texans: 4-13
  4. New York Jets: 4-13
  5. New York Giants: 4-13
  6. Carolina Panthers: 5-12
  7. New York Giants(via Bears)
  8. Atlanta Falcons: 7-10
  9. Denver Broncos: 7-10
  10. New York Jets (via Seahawks)
  11. Washington Football Team: 7-10
  12. Minnesota Vikings: 8-9
  13. Cleveland Browns: 8-9
  14. Baltimore Ravens: 8-9
  15. Philadelphia Eagles (via Dolphins)
  16. Philadelphia Eagles (via Colts)
  17. Los Angeles Chargers: 9-8
  18. New Orleans Saints: 9-8
  19. Philadelphia Eagles: 9-8*
  20. Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7-1*
  21. New England Patriots: 10-7*
  22. Miami Dolphins (via 49ers)*
  23. Las Vegas Raiders: 10-7*
  24. Arizona Cardinals: 11-6*
  25. Cincinnati Bengals: 10-7*
  26. Buffalo Bills: 11-6*
  27. Detroit Lions (via Rams)
  28. Dallas Cowboys: 12-5*
  29. Kansas City Chiefs: 12-5*
  30. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 13-4*
  31. Tennessee Titans: 12-5*
  32. Green Bay Packers: 13-4*

* = Playoffs

Dolphins Fire HC Brian Flores

January 10th, 2022 at 8:46am CST by Adam La Rose

‘Black Monday’ has seen its first surprising move of the day. The Dolphins have fired Head Coach Brian Flores, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). 

Flores, 40, took over as the Fins’ HC in 2019, compiling an overall record of 24-25. A 10-6 finish last year was the cause of a great deal of optimism for the future for the team, as they just missed out on the playoffs and were set to hand over the quarterbacking reigns to 2020 first-round pick Tua Tagovailoa.

2021 was a completely different story, however. After winning in Week 1, the team suffered seven straight losses and was seen as arguably the biggest disappointment in the league, given all the optimism heading into the season. In the midst of that skid, it was reported that Flores was on the hot seat. The mounting losses, along with a perceived lack of flexibility made some believe Flores wasn’t the most approachable of coaches.

Not long after, though, the team turned things around and won seven straight to get to 8-8 on the campaign. While they ultimately fell short of the playoffs with a 9-8 record, the fact that a potential tailspin turned into another winning season had many feeling Flores would be safe. Instead, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe reports that Owner Stephen Ross met with Flores on Monday before making the decision to fire him. He adds that the latter “didn’t always agree on key team decisions” with General Manager Chris Greer, but also that “there’s a widespread feeling of shock within the team”.

The Team Tweeted out a statement in which Ross said, “after evaluating where we are as an organization and what we need going forward to improve, I determined that key dynamics of our football organization weren’t functioning at a level I want it to be and felt that this decision was in the best interest of the Miami Dolphins. I want to thank Brian for his hard work and wish him nothing but the best in the future”. Schefter adds that Greer is safe for the time being.

Miami joins Las Vegas, Jacksonville, Denver, Minnesota and Chicago as teams in need of a new head coach for 2022.

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