HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Buccaneers Interviewing Dave Canales For OC Job

February 8th, 2023 at 6:31pm CST by Ben Levine

After interviewing twice for the Ravens offensive coordinator gig, Dave Canales is getting a look in Tampa Bay. The Seahawks quarterbacks coach is interviewing for the Buccaneers offensive coordinator job, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter).

Canales has been on Pete Carroll’s staff in Seattle since the head coach joined the organization in 2010. Canales had an eight-year stint as wide receivers coach before taking on the roles of quarterbacks coach and, later, passing game coordinator. Following a two-year stint in that latter role, Canales reverted back to his QBs role in 2022.

During his time as receivers coach, Canales helped develop undrafted wideout Doug Baldwin into a 1,000-yard receiver. As QBs coach, Canales had plenty of success with Russell Wilson under center, but he really showed his skills in 2022 when he helped guide veteran Geno Smith to his first-career Pro Bowl nod.

Thanks to his success in Seattle, Canales emerged as a main candidate for Baltimore’s offensive coordinator gig. The 41-year-old was one of several candidates to move on to the second round of interviews, and he’s presumably still in the running for that job. In Tampa Bay, he’ll be joining a growing list of candidates that also includes:

The Buccaneers did make one coaching move today. The team signed 84-year-old Tom Moore to a contract extension, per NFL Network’s Peter Schrager (on Twitter). The four-time Super Bowl champion has served as an offensive consultant in Tampa Bay since 2019. Per Schrager, this was the 47th contract that Moore has signed during his illustrious career.

Commanders HC Ron Rivera Talks QB, Payne, Young

February 8th, 2023 at 6:00pm CST by Ben Levine

The Commanders continue to reiterate that Sam Howell will be their QB1 heading into training camp. During an appearance on PFT Live, head coach Ron Rivera reinforced Howell’s standing as the top quarterback, but he acknowledged the team may bring in a veteran to push him.

[RELATED: Commanders Committed To Sam Howell As QB1]

“The biggest thing we decided is he will start out as QB1,” Rivera said (via Charean Williams of ProFootballTalk.com). “He will most certainly get the first opportunity. We go into OTAs and minicamp, he’ll be QB1. He’ll fight for that position. We’ll give him every opportunity to earn it, and we’ll see what happens when we get into training camp and through it.”

Last year, the Commanders pursued QBs like Deshaun Watson, Russell Wilson, and Derek Carr. This time around, they’re not looking to make a big splash at the position, as Rivera dismissed the notion that the organization would pursue a big name.

“No. No,” Rivera said. “I think the biggest thing is we have to find a guy to come in that’s going to compete, but in terms of finding a guy you’re going to have to spend a lot of capital on, no. We’re not looking for a guy we’ve got to spend a lot of capital on. We’re looking for a guy that’s going to come in and compete first and foremost.”

Rivera expressed a similar sentiment to ESPN’s John Keim, noting that the front office will not spend “big capital” at the position (Twitter link). The team will save a significant chunk of cap when they inevitably cut Carson Wentz, but we previously heard that the organization liked the idea of starting a QB on a rookie contract and spending those savings elsewhere. Howell, a 2022 fifth-round pick, only got one start as a rookie, completing 11 of his 19 pass attempts for 169 yards, one touchdown, and one interception en route to a Week 18 win over the Cowboys.

Meanwhile, Rivera told Keim that the Commanders have reached out to defensive tackle Daron Payne‘s reps but have yet to talk money. The impending free agent had his best season in 2022, finishing with a career-high 11.5 sacks. Another important defensive line decision will surround former second-overall pick Chase Young; the Commanders will have to soon make a decision on his fifth-year option. Rivera told Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post that the team has yet to make a decision on Young, noting that they still need to evaluate his health and development (Twitter link). However, Rivera wasn’t too worried about the perception if the Commanders decline the player’s option, noting that the Commanders followed a similar path with Payne.

“No. Because that’s what we did with Daron,” Rivera explained. “It cost us. But it cost us in a good way, because the young man played, he did things the right way. He didn’t sit out, he didn’t withhold, he could have done that sit-in during training camp, but he didn’t. And because he didn’t, now we’re in that position where we have to find a way to say thank you, OK, you’ve earned it.”

Texans To Interview Cardinals’ Matt Burke For DC Job

February 8th, 2023 at 3:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

Vance Joseph‘s defensive staff in Arizona has been in limbo for a bit, with the team still on the hunt for its next head coach. Though, Joseph’s group largely should not be expected to return. One of Joseph’s lieutenants will have an opportunity to move up soon.

The Texans are preparing to interview Cardinals defensive line coach Matt Burke for their defensive coordinator position, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. Burke has DC experience — a two-year Dolphins stint in the 2010s — but has been off that tier for a bit now. The interview will occur this week.

Burke, 46, has spent the past three seasons with three teams. He landed in Philadelphia following his Miami exit, which came after a two-year DC stint under Adam Gase (2017-18), and coached the Eagles’ defensive line in Doug Pederson‘s final Philly season. Burke was on Robert Saleh‘s Jets staff in 2021, as a game management assistant, and wound up in Arizona in Kliff Kingsbury‘s final year as Cardinals HC.

In an NFL career that dates back to 2004, Burke has spent time coaching linebackers and D-linemen. This season, he oversaw J.J. Watt‘s resurgence and a quality contract year from Zach Allen. The fourth-year D-lineman batted down eight passes and tallied a career-high 19 quarterback hits, complementing Watt effectively despite the Cardinals skidding well off course as a team. Burke’s Dolphins units did not impress, however. Miami ranked 29th and 27th in scoring defense in 2017 and ’18, leading to the team’s aggressive rebuild the following offseason.

Two of DeMeco Ryans‘ DC candidates has passed on the opportunity. Chris Harris‘ busy offseason included Texans DC interest and a 49ers interview, but he agreed to keep his initial 2023 commitment — a Titans assistant post. Ryans also eyed 49ers D-line coach Kris Kocurek, but the well-regarded D-line coach is expected to stay in San Francisco. The Texans have interviewed Jets safeties coach Marquand Manuel, a Burke coworker last season, for the position as well.

Rob Gronkowski Confirms 2022 Bills Talks, Insists Second Comeback Will Not Happen

February 8th, 2023 at 1:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

Rob Gronkowski already delayed his Hall of Fame induction, returning from his 2019 WWE sabbatical to help out Tom Brady in Tampa. Both Brady and Gronkowski retired in 2022 — Brady for the first time, Gronk for a second — but the All-Decade tight end did consider playing with another team last year.

Gronk confirmed he spoke with the Bills about a 2022 agreement and said he only considered relocating for a Buffalo pact. Prior to attending college at Arizona, the future first-ballot Hall of Famer grew up in the Buffalo area.

“My options were out on the table at that moment for about three weeks throughout the free agency period,” Gronkowski said, via The Athletic’s Jeff Howe (subscription required). “I talked to [the Bills] just a little bit. I just saw what my options were. I knew I probably wasn’t going to play football again, but I just wanted to see the options. I didn’t want to shut the door or anything.

“I just talked to the Bills. If Tom stayed retired and I was willing to play another year of football and to go all in, I think the Buffalo Bills would have been the team for sure.”

Brady unretired just before the legal tampering period began last year, which seemingly means Gronk’s Bills chats came after his longtime quarterback announced he would return to the Buccaneers. Though, illegal tampering obviously occurs regularly as well. Buffalo also pursued Gronkowski in 2021, to no avail. Amid its historic roster-retention effort, the Bucs reupped their top tight end on a one-year, $8MM deal. The Bills signed ex-Bucs tight end O.J. Howard last year, though they cut him before the season began. Buffalo also extended Dawson Knox late last summer, solidifying its long-term tight end plan.

Gronkowski, as many expected he would, discussed another unretirement with the Bucs during the season. Nothing came together, and Brady missed his longtime teammate during one of his worst pro seasons. As Brady-Raiders talk surfaced last month, talk of another Gronk comeback naturally re-entered the equation.

With Brady retiring for a second time, Gronk shot down the notion he will play again. The former Patriots All-Pro and Bucs starter will be Canton-eligible a year before Brady.

“No, no. I’m done, man,” Gronkowski said. “Tom is not reopening that door. I don’t know. Maybe he is. I don’t know.”

Eric Bieniemy Has Not Taken Any OC Interviews; Commanders, Ravens Remain Interested

February 8th, 2023 at 1:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

1:29pm: Neither the Commanders nor the Ravens have hired an offensive coordinator, and neither team can interview Bieniemy until after Super Bowl LVII. Bieniemy’s statement regarding OC jobs notwithstanding, ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter notes (on Twitter) he remains a prime candidate for both Baltimore and Washington.

A move to either team would not be a lateral shift; both the Commanders and Ravens are looking for their next play-caller. Each team has proceeded methodically here. The Commanders’ job became open on Jan. 10; the Ravens moved on from Greg Roman on Jan. 19.

9:58am: Another team with Eric Bieniemy on its interview wish list filled its offensive coordinator vacancy this week. The Titans promoted from within, elevating Tim Kelly to the post.

Tennessee is not the only franchise to show interest in Kansas City’s OC for a non-head coaching position this year. Baltimore and Washington requested Bieniemy interviews weeks ago, but the 10-year Chiefs staffer — whose inability to land a top coaching job has drawn extensive scrutiny over the past several years — said he has only taken one interview this year. Bieniemy spoke with the Colts about their HC position, but no other teams reached out to him regarding their top sideline gigs.

“I have not taken any interviews for any offensive coordinator positions. I’ve only taken one interview, for a head coaching position. Right now, I’ve interviewed with the Indianapolis Colts. I thought it went great,” Bieniemy said, via the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala (on Twitter). “We’ll see where that goes. Now, as far as the offensive coordinator stuff, right now I am where my feet are. And right now I’m focusing on helping us win this game this weekend.”

The Colts are proceeding with one of the most thorough HC interview processes in recent history, potentially planning a third round of meetings. Bieniemy not confirming he spoke with the Colts a second time may well point to yet another team bypassing him. The Colts have interviewed eight candidates twice, including Shane Steichen, who is in the same scheduling boat as Bieniemy due to NFL rules regarding Super Bowl assistants. Bieniemy was linked to being a finalist for the Indianapolis job, but that was before the host of second interviews went down.

Heavy Bieniemy HC interest emerged in past offseasons, but it has waned. The five-year Chiefs OC only interviewed for two of the 10 available jobs last year and one of this year’s five openings. Despite the Chiefs leading the league in offensive DVOA after trading Tyreek Hill, Bieniemy has not received too much credit for the team’s success with Patrick Mahomes. Andy Reid, understandably, has received the bulk of the praise for best stretch in Chiefs history. Bieniemy’s persistent hurdle has led teams to inquire about his interest in becoming a play-calling OC, in an effort to show he can lead a successful offense independent of Reid. Though, past Reid Kansas City lieutenants Doug Pederson and Matt Nagy secured HC jobs during Alex Smith‘s stay as K.C.’s starter.

Bieniemy has reached agreements to stay in Missouri in each of the past two offseasons. He re-signed via a one-year pact in 2022, Jhabvala adds. While the former NFL running back did not confirm he would be back with the Chiefs in 2023, saying he will “have that conversation with coach Reid at that particular time,” the team would naturally have interest in retaining its OC. The Chiefs may yet again have the opportunity to retain Reid’s right-hand man.

Ezra Cleveland Interested In Vikes Extension

February 8th, 2023 at 12:56pm CST by Sam Robinson

Deploying an offensive line flooded with first- or second-round rookie contracts, the Vikings will soon have to make decisions regarding those young blockers’ futures. Garrett Bradbury is nearing free agency, and Ezra Cleveland is now extension-eligible.

While the matter of keeping Cleveland may not yet be on the Vikes’ front burner, it represents one of the team’s long-term calls this offseason. Cleveland is a former second-round pick whose deal lacks a fifth-year option like Bradbury’s did or Christian Darrisaw‘s does.

As of now, the 2023 season will be a walk year for Cleveland. The fourth-year guard, however, is interested in a long-term Vikings deal, per the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson (Twitter link).

The former Boise State left tackle took a step in 2022; Pro Football Focus graded him as a top-10 guard. This came after the advanced metrics site slotted him as a top-30 player at his position in 2020 and ’21. Although PFF graded Cleveland as one of this season’s top run-blocking guards, he landed outside the top 10 on ESPN’s run block win rate. PFF also did not view Cleveland as a plus pass protector, charging him with five regular-season sacks allowed.

Since moving into the starting lineup during his rookie season, Cleveland has been a dependable cog. The ex-Alexander Mattison college teammate has started 17 games in each of the past two seasons.

Of the Vikes’ front five, only Brian O’Neill has signed a long-term extension. Bradbury is set to be a free agent, but Darrisaw, Cleveland and right guard Ed Ingram remain on rookie deals. Darrisaw can be kept through 2025 via the fifth-year option, while Engram’s rookie pact also runs through 2025. After determining Bradbury’s Twin Cities future, the Vikes will need to decide on Cleveland’s. Bradbury has maintained he wants to stay in Minnesota; the Vikings declined their center’s fifth-year option in 2022.

Minnesota was the only team to field an O-line consisting of five homegrown first- or second-round picks this season. The NFC North champions’ defense will present more questions compared to the Kevin O’Connell-overseen unit, but the Vikings have higher extension priorities on offense. Justin Jefferson and T.J. Hockenson are in Minnesota’s extension queue, with the latter joining Cleveland in a contract year. Once the Vikes pick up Jefferson’s fifth-year option, he will be under contract through 2024. Jefferson and the Vikes are expected to huddle up on an extension this offseason, despite teams generally avoiding re-ups for non-quarterbacks with two years of rookie-contract control. The team’s pricey year-to-year Kirk Cousins plan stands to factor into its extension budget as well.

Quarterbacks Traded For Day 1 Or Day 2 Picks Since 2000

February 8th, 2023 at 11:31am CST by Sam Robinson

The 2020s have featured more quarterback movement compared to the 2010s, and a number of QB trades involving early-round picks have commenced. Excluding trade-up or trade-down maneuvers during the draft — which shifted from a two-day event to a three-day process in 2010 — here are the 21st century’s trades for quarterbacks involving first-, second- or third-round picks.

2024

2023

2022

2021

2019

2018

2017

2016

2015

2013

  • Chiefs land Alex Smith from 49ers for 2013 and 2014 second-round selections

2011

2010

  • Washington acquires Donovan McNabb from Eagles for 2010 second-, fourth-round picks

2009

  • Bears acquire Jay Cutler, 2009 fifth-round pick from Broncos for 2009, 2010 first-rounders, 2009 third and Kyle Orton
  • In tag-and-trade transaction, Chiefs land Matt Cassel, LB Mike Vrabel from Patriots for 2009 second-round pick

2008

  • Jets obtain Brett Favre from Packers for 2009 third-round pick

2007

  • Texans add Matt Schaub, 2007 first-round pick from Falcons for 2007 first-rounder, along with 2007, 2008 second-round choices

2006

  • Dolphins land Daunte Culpepper from Vikings for 2006 second-round choice

2004

  • Texans add Drew Henson from Cowboys for 2005 third-round pick
  • Dolphins acquire A.J. Feeley from Eagles for 2004 second-round pick
  • Washington obtains Mark Brunell from Jaguars for 2004 third-round pick

2002

  • Bills obtain Drew Bledsoe from Patriots for 2003 first-round pick

2001

  • Chiefs acquire Trent Green, 2001 fifth-round pick from Rams for 2001 first-rounder
  • Seahawks add Matt Hasselbeck, 2001 first-round pick from Packers for 2001 first-, third-round picks

Since 2010, Foles, Trey Lance, Joe Flacco, Ryan Tannehill, Tim Tebow and Jason Campbell have also been dealt in trades involving fourth-round picks.

Colts Narrowing HC Finalist List; Gus Bradley In Play To Stay As DC

February 7th, 2023 at 10:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

Drawing increased attention the longer it has persisted, the Colts’ coaching search looks to be hitting the homestretch. The team is believed to be down to a few finalists, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.

This news comes after the team went through second interviews with numerous candidates. More notably, the Colts have been connected to a historically rare third set of interviews. It is not certain the team will proceed in that direction, but Jim Irsay said Tuesday (via Twitter) an immediate hire should not be expected. The franchise’s decision will come in “days, not hours.”

[RELATED: Who Will Become Next Colts HC?]

Irsay’s latest lines up with the report of third interviews and a weekend offering that indicated a hire may not commence until after Super Bowl LVII. Additional Colts interviews with Chiefs or Eagles candidates could not take place until then. Eric Bieniemy and Shane Steichen have interviewed with the Colts, the latter doing so twice.

Additionally, the Colts are not letting Gus Bradley explore other opportunities. Despite being a Frank Reich hire, Bradley is in play to stay in Indianapolis. Some of the candidates are interested in retaining the veteran defensive coordinator, Stephen Holder of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter). Bradley took over as Indy’s DC last year, after the Bears hired four-year defensive boss Matt Eberflus as their head coach. Bradley’s unit ranked 28th in scoring but 14th in DVOA this past season. The Colts roster four former Pro Bowlers on defense, though Shaquille Leonard missed most of last season due to injury.

Jeff Saturday promised major changes if he were to stay on as head coach — a scenario that should be viewed as live — so it is reasonable to expect he would not be one of the candidates who would keep Bradley, despite the two working together to close the season. Bradley worked alongside Rich Bisaccia with the Raiders, but that was also a forced partnership after Jon Gruden‘s exit. Aaron Glenn, Don Martindale and Raheem Morris being defensive coaches would point to Bradley’s exit.

Steichen, however, has a lengthy past with the longtime DC. Both were on the Chargers’ staffs from 2017-20; the Bolts rolled with a Steichen-Bradley OC-DC duo from 2019-20. If Steichen is the Colts’ choice, this certainly could be viewed as a scenario in which the team would retain Bradley.

In the fifth week of the offseason, here is how Indianapolis’ wide-ranging search looks:

Coaching Notes: Panthers, Kocurek, Leftwich, Titans

February 7th, 2023 at 9:53pm CST by Ely Allen

Yesterday, Joseph Person of The Athletic provided a breakdown of the Panthers‘ recent search for a new head coach that ended in the hiring of Frank Reich. There were a few notes of interest that we took away from the behind the scenes look.

The first note of interest is the revelation that, when interim head coach Steve Wilks interviewed for the official role, he laid out his full offensive plan for the search committee. Part of Wilks’ offensive plan relied on the pursuit of Eagles quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson as his offensive coordinator. Johnson’s year coaching a phenomenal season by quarterback Jalen Hurts made him a name to watch for many of the open offensive coordinator jobs around the league. He did end up interviewing with the Rams and Jets for jobs that went to Mike LaFleur and Nathaniel Hackett, respectively.

A second note of interest is likely a clue as to why Wilks didn’t end up as the official head coach of the Panthers. Of the nine candidates Carolina looked at for the position, seven had offensive backgrounds. Panthers general manager Scott Fitterer has a belief that “offensive coordinators-turned-head coaches might have an edge in game management.” That explains why Wilks was so detailed in his offensive plan and, perhaps, how much of an uphill battle he faced.

Lastly, it was reported that Reich was becoming the clear choice for the job by his second interview. “The first time he came in, he was dialed in, laid out his plan,” Fitterer said. “Then when he came back in the second time, he took that plan and went deeper, went to a different level.” Reich was offered the position the next day, prompting an immediate response from the legal team representing Wilks and Brian Flores in their lawsuit accusing the league of racial discrimination.

Here are a few other notes of coaching developments occurring around the NFL:

  • Even though Wilks didn’t get the head coaching position he coveted, he ended up landing a top coordinator position in the league with the 49ers, following the departure of DeMeco Ryans. San Francisco defensive line coach Kris Kocurek received some interest for the Texans defensive coordinator position under his former coordinator and was in consideration for the job that Ryans vacated and Wilks took. Wilks apparently was able to convince Kocurek to stay in the Bay Area, keeping a respected defensive assistant on his staff, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.
  • Former Buccaneers offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich could be headed to the college ranks, following his recent dismissal from Tampa Bay. According to Grace Remington of 247Sports, Leftwich reached out to Notre Dame about the offensive coordinator position vacated by Tommy Rees, who left to become the offensive coordinator in Tuscaloosa. Leftwich has reportedly remained in contact with the head coach of the Fighting Irish, Marcus Freeman, and remains a strong contender for the job.
  • A slew of coaching updates in Nashville were provided earlier today, with a few smaller assignments sliding under notice. Formerly the running backs coach over star Derrick Henry, Tony Dews has transitioned to the tight ends coaching position for the Titans, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. It was recently reported that former Buccaneers assistant defensive line coach Lori Locust was making her way to Tennessee. Wilson provided clarification that she has been brought on in a defensive quality control role. Justin Hamilton will reportedly join her in a similar role. Finally, Wilson provided news of a departure, reporting that secondary coach Anthony Midget will not be retained in 2023.

Latest On Broncos’ Coaching Staff

February 7th, 2023 at 8:21pm CST by Ely Allen

The Broncos’ coaching staff around new head coach Sean Payton is starting to take shape after many assistants have parted ways with the franchise in anticipation of Payton bringing in his own staffers. Currently, “roughly 60-percent of the top coaches from last year won’t return,” according to Mike Klis of 9NEWS.

Of 17 primary coaches from last season, excluding quality control, lower level assistants, and interns, 10 are on their way out of Denver after either deciding to move on or being told they will not be retained. Former head coach Nathaniel Hackett, offensive line coach Butch Barry, and special teams coordinator Dwayne Stukes were let go before the conclusion of the 2022 season.

Since then, tight ends coach Jake Moreland and assistant offensive line coach Ben Steele were named early as coaches who would not return. Also on offense, running backs coach Tyrone Wheatley is listed as a coach on the way out, according to Klis’ list.

After failing to secure the open head coaching position, former defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero accepted the same position under new Panthers’ head coach Frank Reich. Yesterday, it was revealed that inside linebackers coach Peter Hansen would part ways with the team, and today, Klis tweeted that outside linebackers coach Bert Watts is also not expected to return. Watts did a commendable job putting together a pass rush for one of the league’s top defenses despite multiple serious injuries at the position. Both Hansen and Watts are likely candidates to join Evero in Carolina.

Lastly, head strength and conditioning coach Loren Landow was also reported to be seeking other opportunities with the expectation that Payton will bring in his own strength and conditioning coach to Denver.

Currently, that leaves offensive coordinator Justin Outten, quarterbacks coach Klint Kubiak, wide receivers coach Zach Azzanni, defensive line coach Marcus Dixon, defensive backs coach Christian Parker, assistant defensive backs coach Ola Adams, and special teams assistant Mike Mallory as the last remnants of the Broncos’ 2022 staff. That’s not to say all of these assistants will remain in Denver in 2023, though. Many staff changes are still expected to come as Payton begins staff interviews this week.

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