HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

C Ethan Pocic Wants To Re-Sign With Browns

December 31st, 2022 at 10:25am CST by Ben Levine

Following a breakout campaign in 2022, Browns center Ethan Pocic is eyeing a sizable pay raise this offseason. However, if the impending free agent has his way, he’ll be sticking in Cleveland.

“I just feel like this is where God called me to be,” Pocic said (via Nate Ulrich of the Akron Beacon Journal). “This is what God wanted. Just coming in here, working with [offensive line coach] Bill [Callahan] and [assistant offensive line coach] Scott [Peters] and then everything around them, whether it be the O-linemen, the weight room, the training room, everyone’s on point, so you’ve got a lot of good help around you.

“With a new system, it’s kind of a new way how you see things, and I got to see it [Callahan’s] way. Me and him are on the same page. Bill, he knows how to coach players, man. He’s future Hall of Famer. Him and Scott — and they work well together — both of them, man, I’ve learned so much [from]. I can’t thank them enough.”

The former Seahawks second-round pick mostly disappointed during his five seasons in Seattle. While he started 40 of his 58 appearances, he generally graded out as a middle-of-the-road center, per Pro Football Focus. After inking a one-year, veteran-minimum deal with Cleveland this past offseason, Pocic was expected to provide depth at the center position behind expected starter Nick Harris.

Harris ultimately went down with a season-ending knee injury, forcing Pocic into the starting lineup. The lineman has made the most of the opportunity, turning into one of the top players at his position. Heading into the final two weeks of the season, the 27-year-old currently ranks third among 39 qualifying centers, per PFF. He’s started all 11 game he’s appeared in this season, with a knee injury forcing a stint on injured reserve.

Bruce Arians Discusses Coaching Future

December 31st, 2022 at 9:28am CST by Ben Levine

Bruce Arians moved from the sideline to the front office this past offseason, with the 70-year-old now serving as the Buccaneers’ senior advisor to general manager Jason Licht. While Arians sounds appreciative of his current gig, he recently made it clear that he’d jump at the opportunity to return to coaching.

“Would I love to be coaching? Yeah,” Arians told Rick Stroud of TampaBay.com. “It’s what you do. It kills me to go upstairs. I’m on the sideline in pregame and it kills me to have to go upstairs and just sit there. It kills me. It’s hard. It’s what I do. I’ve done it my whole life. I’m smart enough to know it’s over.

“It’s not the same. That daily interaction with the players and the coaches, the relationship I’m in. I sat and talked to Mike (Evans) and Vita (Vea) for an hour. The new guys are told, ‘That’s the old coach. You don’t want him cussing you out.’ I just (cussed out) a couple of them for the hell of it.”

Arians’ tenure in Tampa Bay spanned three years, including a 31-18 record and the franchise’s second Super Bowl title. He seemed prepared for a fourth season at the helm but plans changed with the uncertainty surrounding Tom Brady‘s future. Working under the impression that his franchise QB was going to hang up his cleats, Arians weighed the possibility of an unproven QB room against his desire to see defensive coordinator Todd Bowles succeed him.

By ultimately stepping aside, Arians allowed the organization to retain both Bowles and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich, with the now-former head coach continually asserting that he wanted to set up the Buccaneers organization with a solid succession plan. Still, despite Arians willingly giving up his gig, it sounds like he would have stuck around had he had more clarity on Tampa Bay’s outlook for the 2022-23 season.

Mark Davis Drove Raiders’ Derek Carr Call?

December 30th, 2022 at 10:56pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Raiders’ Derek Carr decision has become this week’s top NFL storyline, and it sets up an interesting trade market for a player who has been loosely involved in trade rumors for years. It may not have been Josh McDaniels‘ decision to move in this direction. At least, not right now.

McDaniels and GM Dave Ziegler met Monday and Tuesday nights discussing their quarterback plan, and while a benching was mentioned as a possibility, Vic Tafur of The Athletic views it as likely McDaniels and Ziegler were planning to keep Carr as the team’s starter to close out the season. Mark Davis looks to have played a role in the decision that led to Jarrett Stidham being announced the starter and Carr leaving the team for the time being, Tafur adds (subscription required).

[RELATED: Where Will Carr Play Next Season?]

Carr has played for four six Raiders HCs, counting interims Tony Sparano and Rich Bisaccia, over his nine-year career. The GM that drafted Carr, Reggie McKenzie, extended him at $25MM per year during the 2017 offseason. While the Jon Gruden period brought steady trade rumors, the Raiders hung onto their starter. Carr became the longest-tenured starting QB in Raiders history and now owns the team’s all-time passing records — by a substantial margin.

McDaniels and Ziegler extended him this year, albeit with the much-discussed February escape hatch, but interviews with the ex-Patriots duo and other GMs this offseason curiously did not feature the Raider interviewers discussing Carr in a positive light. Coaching and GM candidates were surprised to hear Raiders officials’ Carr assessments during the job interviews, according to Tafur, who adds Davis has been lukewarm on the starter for a long time. Davis and former Raiders VP of player personnel Ken Herock led the coach-GM search this year, and the owner ended up letting McDaniels and Ziegler make the call on Carr.

The new Raiders power brokers settled on the half-measure extension — a three-year, $121.4MM deal that includes the out three days after Super Bowl LVII — and it looks like the parties will aim to capitalize on the narrow trade window. They will explore doing so despite Davante Adams seeking a trade to Las Vegas to reunite with Carr. If Carr goes, it will be interesting to see how Adams’ Vegas future unfolds.

The Raiders taking the opportunity to make the $40.4MM bonus — Carr’s full 2023 base salary and $7.5MM of his 2024 base pay — another team’s responsibility would cost them barely $5MM in dead money. That is quite the low sum associated with dealing a quality starter less than a year after the extension ink dried, but Carr agreed to the terms and landed a no-trade clause. That will protect the three-time Pro Bowler, who should have options once trade talks commence.

Davis was in place as the team’s owner when McKenzie drafted Carr 36th overall in 2014, and after several post-Rich Gannon misfires by the organization, Carr offered stability — albeit without giving his team a top-tier option under center — and durability. He has only missed two career regular-season games, but it looks like the owner is ready to move on. Carr’s inability to lead a game-tying drive against the Bengals in the wild-card round last season gnawed at Davis, per Tafur, despite the quarterback piloting four straight wins to help Bisaccia become the rare interim coach to lead his team to the playoffs. Bisaccia received consideration for the full-time gig, but Davis passed, leading the longtime special teams coach to Green Bay.

Carr remains a Raider partially because Gruden backed out of the Tom Brady pursuit two years ago, leading to some colorful Brady language re: Carr. Gruden viewed Brady as too old at that point, Tafur adds. Brady was preparing for his age-43 season at that point, and although the Raiders joined other teams in being connected to the legendary signal-caller, he ended up deciding between the Buccaneers and the Chargers. It is not certain the Raiders would have beaten out the Bucs for Brady’s services, but with McDaniels now running the show, look for Brady — ahead of an age-46 season he is not a lock to pursue — to be connected to the Raiders again.

Big Ten Commissioner Kevin Warren In Consideration For Bears’ President Role

December 30th, 2022 at 9:30pm CST by Adam La Rose

At the start of the 2022 regular season, it was announced that Ted Phillips would be stepping aside from his position as president and CEO of the Bears at the end of the year. A notable name has emerged as a serious candidate to succeed him.

Big Ten commissioner Kevin Warren has drawn interest from Chicago, as detailed by Matt Fortuna, Adam Jahns, Nicole Auerbach, Max Olson and Dan Pompei of The Athletic (subscription required). They report that Warren has interviewed with the Bears on at least two occasions for the position, as the team continues to undergo a lengthy search for their first new president since 1999.

Warren, 59, began a lengthy NFL executive career with the Rams in 1997. His time there was followed by a three-year stint with the Lions and 15 years in Minnesota. That stretch included the construction of U.S. Bank Stadium – a feat of considerable importance to the Bears at the moment, as one of their front office’s top priorities is replacing Soldier Field.

It is Warren’s time with the Vikings (which ended in 2019) in particular which has led to the Bears showing considerable interest in hiring him, per ESPN’s Pete Thamel. He adds that Warren has interviewed in person for the position as one of the finalists to be offered the role. The only other candidate to be publicly named is Cubs chief commercial officer Colin Faulkner.

For the past three years, Warren has served as the Big Ten’s commissioner. His tenure was met with controversy and criticism due to his response to the COVID-19 pandemic, which ultimately led to a shortened season taking place. More recently, his most notable moves have been the agreement which will see USC and UCLA join the conference in 2024, along with a ten-figure media broadcast rights deal which takes effect next year. 2022 is the first season in the Big Ten’s history in which two of its teams (second-ranked Michigan and No. 4 seed Ohio State) have qualified for the College Football Playoff.

On the subject of a timeframe for when a hire will be announced, the Bears said in a statement, “We have not set a timeline for announcing Ted Phillips’ successor. Our search team has cast a wide net, spoken to many outstanding candidates and looks forward to introducing our next president and CEO at the process’s conclusion.”

Thamel notes that Warren has not been given an extension since his tenure with the Big Ten began, though the particulars of his contract are not known. In the future, however, he could be in line for a move bringing him back to front office work at the pro level.

Eagles Activate CB Avonte Maddox From IR

December 30th, 2022 at 7:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

Out since Week 9, Avonte Maddox is on his way back for the Eagles. The NFC-leading team designated the fifth-year cornerback for return from IR on Wednesday.

Maddox sustained an ankle injury against the Texans last month but now has a three-week span to return to the Eagles’ 53-man roster. After activating defensive end Janarius Robinson on Tuesday, the Eagles have four injury activations remaining. Robert Quinn stands to account for one of those; Maddox is on track to claim another spot.

Tied to a three-year, $22.5MM contract agreed to in November 2021, Maddox is now the Eagles’ longest-tenured defensive back. Drafted in the fourth round by a Super Bowl-winning team with an experienced secondary, Maddox carved out a role for himself over the course of his rookie contract and now joins Darius Slay and James Bradberry as corners tied to veteran deals. Those pacts pair with C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps‘ rookie accords.

Maddox, 26, returning this week would mean he would rejoin the league’s No. 1-ranked pass defense. While the Eagles have gotten by against the pass without the 26-year-old slot patroller, his return will benefit the 12-1 team. Pro Football Focus graded Maddox’s early-season work well, placing him just inside the top 40 at corner. In six games this season, Maddox was seeing action at a career-high rate. He logged 81% of the snaps during the six games he played this season. Maddox has been a constant for the Eagles since debuting, having played between 65% and 75% of Philly’s defensive snaps from 2018-21.

Seahawks WR Tyler Lockett Expected To Return In Week 17

December 30th, 2022 at 6:33pm CST by Adam La Rose

DECEMBER 30: Lockett has been listed as questionable for Sunday but is expected to play, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network tweets. While that would fall in line with the expected timeline for his post-op recovery, it would still represent an impressive return only 13 days removed from surgery. The veteran had a plate and 10 screws inserted into his hand, as noted (on Twitter) by Condotta.

Lockett’s participation will likely come down to game time, after he practiced in a limited capacity on Thursday and in full today. His return could take on added significance for Seattle’s offense if Goodwin – who is listed as doubtful with shoulder and wrist injuries – is unable to suit up.

DECEMBER 26: The Seahawks’ playoff chances took a hit this weekend with their loss to the Chiefs, but they could receive a significant boost on offense in the coming days. Wideout Tyler Lockett has undergone hand surgery and now has a chance to return before the end of the regular season.

Head coach Pete Carroll provided an encouraging update on the situation, adding that the veteran could be recovered in time to suit up for Week 17 (Twitter link via Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times). That comes as little surprise given the fact that Lockett’s choice with respect to the procedure he underwent was made with the intention of coming back in time to close out the campaign.

His return would be a welcomed sight, of course, considering his importance to Seattle’s offense. The 30-year-old sits second on the team in receiving yards, and was well on his way to eclipsing the 1,000-yard plateau for the fourth consecutive season prior to suffering the injury. Lockett has been instrumental in the Seahawks enjoying a surprising level of efficiency in the passing game (they rank ninth in the league with an average of 259 yards per game) as they move into the post-Russell Wilson era.

The four-year extension he signed last offseason also makes Lockett a significant member of the team from a financial perspective. His cap hit is scheduled to jump to $16.75MM next season, then 23.95MM for each of the following two years. One of the team’s – and league’s – most consistent producers, the former third-rounder was a logical candidate for that deal in no small part due to his durability. Saturday marked only the second game in his career which he missed due to injury.

If he is able to play on New Year’s Day, the Seahawks would once again have their 1-2 tandem of Lockett and D.K. Metcalf available. That would be ideal given the drop-off in production between those two and fellow wideout Marquise Goodwin, who was held without a catch in the game against Kansas City. Seattle now sits at 7-8 having lost three straight, but they still have a realistic chance at a postseason berth with games against the Jets and Rams remaining, particularly if Lockett can play in those contests.

Broncos Place TE Greg Dulcich On IR

December 30th, 2022 at 5:34pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Broncos’ thoroughly underwhelming passing offense will be shorthanded to close out the season. Tight end Greg Dulcich has been placed on IR, per a team announcement.

The move officially ends his rookie campaign, one which was cut short by a lingering hamstring issue. The injury required an IR stint to begin the campaign, and delayed his NFL debut until Week 6; he re-aggravated it during the team’s disastrous Christmas Day loss to the Rams, which marked the final straw for head coach Nathaniel Hackett‘s tenure. In the 10 contests he played this year, the UCLA product had established himself as Denver’s top option at the position, logging a 75% snap share.

Dulcich quickly became one of Russell Wilson‘s preferred pass-catching options, receiving eight or more targets on four occasions this season. The third-rounder will end the year with a total of 33 receptions, 411 yards and a pair of touchdowns. Considering the fact that that total comes with seven missed games and within the league’s lowest-scoring offense, there will be plenty of optimism surrounding Dulcich moving forward.

His selection in this year’s draft came, of course, after 2019 first-rounder Noah Fant was included in the package Denver sent Seattle for Wilson. The latter move led to expectations for Albert Okwuegbunam to take on a more prominent pass-catching role. However, the 24-year-old has made only six appearances (and no starts) in 2022, and recorded just seven scoreless catches. That does not bode well for his prospects in 2023, the final year of his rookie contract.

Dulcich was one of only two Broncos players to record multiple touchdown catches during this lost season. The other – wideout Jerry Jeudy – is listed as questionable for Sunday’s game against the Chiefs. The latter is expected to be available, though, interim HC Jerry Rosburg said. With Dulcich sidelined, Denver will turn to Okwuegbunam and the likes of Eric Saubert, Eric Tomlinson and Andrew Beck at the tight end position for the next two weeks.

Chargers Plan To Activate Joey Bosa From IR

December 30th, 2022 at 3:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

A Joey Bosa ramp-up period does not seem to be in the cards for the Chargers. Despite the perennial Pro Bowl pass rusher missing 12 games and only being designated for return Thursday, the Bolts are preparing to activate him from IR for Week 17.

Brandon Staley said the plan is for Bosa to play this week against the Rams, per NFL.com’s Bridget Condon (on Twitter). Bosa has been out since Week 3 because of a groin injury that required surgery.

The seventh-year defender said this week he has dealt with this issue for a while and indicated upon his return to practice he felt better than he has in years. Bosa has dealt with a number of injuries since the Bolts drafted him third overall in 2016, but this year’s absence has been the longest. The Chargers have managed to recover from their injury-affected swoon, however, and are playoff-bound for the first time since 2018 — Bosa’s previous year with a major injury.

Bosa missed four games as a rookie in 2016 (hamstring), was shut down for nine during the 2018 season (foot) and missed four more contests in 2020 (two concussions). Despite being often sidetracked by injuries, the former Ohio State star has four double-digit sack seasons on his resume. His return to anchor Los Angeles’ pass rush will certainly enhance the Bolts’ chances of being a major factor in the playoffs.

The Chargers, who only had the chance to play Bosa and Khalil Mack together for two full games, have picked up the pace in quarterback pressure recently. They sacked Nick Foles seven times Monday night and recorded four in a last-second win over the Titans in Week 15. Mack has a team-high eight sacks, making the Pro Bowl for a seventh time, while both Morgan Fox and Drue Tranquill hit the five-sack mark in Indianapolis. The supporting-casters have 11.5 combined sacks this season, with Tranquill putting together an interesting stat line that includes five sacks and 129 tackles.

Much of the injury trouble the Chargers have encountered is in the rear-view mirror. Justin Herbert, who suffered a rib injury in Week 2, has played better over the past several weeks. Both Keenan Allen and Mike Williams have returned from their earlier health issues as well. The Chargers have not opened Rashawn Slater‘s practice window yet, but their left tackle returning from an early-season biceps injury remains in play.

Derwin James had missed time but returned for the Chargers-Colts tilt. However, he was ejected for leading with his helmet on a first-half tackle. Both James and the player he tackled, Indianapolis wideout Ashton Dulin, sustained concussions on the play. Both are out for Week 17.

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