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Month: January 2025

Latest On Packers LT David Bakhtiari

June 19th, 2023 at 3:51pm CST by Adam La Rose

Much of the Packers’ success on offense in 2023 will depend on the play of Jordan Love in his first season as a starting quarterback and that of the team’s young pass-catching corps. One of the unit’s most important contributors, though, will still be David Bakhtiari.

The veteran left tackle has been a mainstay throughout his 10-year career in Green Bay, but injuries have defined him for much of the recent past. A 2020 ACL tear has proven to be challenging to overcome for the 31-year-old, after it limited him to just one game the following season and delayed his debut in 2022. Multiple surgeries were required to allow the two-time All-Pro to eventually return to the field.

Bakhtiari wound up playing 11 games last year, one in which he practiced on a limited basis while rehabbing the surgically-repaired knee. An appendectomy also cost him time, but the former ailment is the one understandably receiving attention heading into training camp and the regular season. The three-time Pro Bowler feels as though he is in a good situation on that front as things currently stand, though.

“I feel really good,” Bakhtiari said, via Pete Dougherty of PackersNews.com (subscription required). “Obviously I don’t want to jinx it or oversell anything. But I think it will show up in how much I play… I was just giving it everything I could to make it work for last year. It wasn’t ideal, but sometimes you’re not dealt the best hand. Now I’d say from a strength standpoint I feel very strong.”

The Packers will no doubt proceed with caution with their blindside blocker considering his injury history and his importance to the team’s offense. Bakhtiari remained a standout performer, especially in pass protection, when on the field last year as his PFF evaluations demonstrate. A fully healthy campaign in 2023 would mark his first in four years, but it would provide Green Bay with vital stability along their offensive front. In the event Bakhtiari’s knee does not hold up as expected in training camp, though, other in-house options will be considered.

The Packers did not make any additions up front in free agency, and none of the team’s 13 selections in this year’s draft were used on O-linemen. That would leave Yosuah Nijman and Zach Tom – who combined to fill in for Bakhtiari on the blindside in 2022 during his absences – in line at the LT spot should the latter miss time again. The chances of that happening in 2023, however, appear lower than in recent years.

Tom Brady To Play “Very Passive” Raiders Ownership Role

June 19th, 2023 at 2:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

With Tom Brady retired for the second and final time, his post-playing future is set on multiple fronts. The future Hall of Famer is set to begin a broadcasting career next fall, but by that time he will likely have begun an ownership tenure with the Raiders.

The deal for Brady to purchase a minority stake in the franchise has yet to be formally approved by the NFL, but that ratification is expected to take place. Presuming it does, the 45-year-old will be able to transition to the front office for the first time, beginning a new partnership with owner Mark Davis. The pair already work together with the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, though this Raiders arrangement will not involve heavy-handedness on Brady’s part.

“[When] the opportunity came about to become a minority owner in the Raiders, it was a dream come true for me,” Brady said, via Brooke Lefferts of the Associated Press. “I’ll be playing a very passive role. This is something that I’m interested in doing for the rest of my life. This is not something that I’m into it for a year or two years. You know, I’ve got a lot of responsibility with my FOX job, which I take very seriously.”

Brady appeared set to take over the No. 1 analyst job at FOX in 2023, after he agreed to a 10-year, $375MM deal. Instead, he will wait one year before beginning life behind the microphone. That will turn attention back towards his Raiders position, one which will not involve any return to the playing field. As Brady alluded to, his front office endeavor is one he is hoping will play out over the long term, and that he will be able to reflect on in an encouraging way.

“If I’m looking over the course of my life, to have the opportunity to be involved in the NFL is a dream come true,” he added. “And if I could help the NFL and continue to contribute in a positive way, then you know, that’s been a very enjoyable part of my life.”

Scrutiny from the league – especially in light of the Dolphins tampering scandal Brady was connected to last offseason – could threaten or at least delay the confirmation of the seven-time champion’s position in Vegas. If he stays true to his word upon completion of the vetting process, though, Brady figures to have a small but notable voice at the franchise’s table for many years to come.

Steelers LT Dan Moore In Line To Retain Starting Role?

June 19th, 2023 at 1:13pm CST by Adam La Rose

An upgrade at offensive tackle was widely seen as a top draft priority for the Steelers this year, so it came as no surprise when they used their first-round selection (following a trade up the board) on Broderick Jones. That decision came with the expectation of a change on the blindside immediately taking place, but spring practices suggested otherwise.

However, incumbent Dan Moore has taken all of Pittsburgh’s first-team snaps so far this offseason, as noted by The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly (subscription required). Moore has started all 33 of his regular season appearances in two years with the Steelers since joining the team as a fourth-round pick. His level of play over that span has drawn underwhelming reviews from PFF along with plenty of criticism. However, the team’s coaching staff has been impressed dating back to the 2022 campaign.

“If you watched him from midseason last year to the end of the season, he’s improved as much as anybody I have ever been around,” offensive line coach Pat Meyer said while evaluating Moore, 24. “To me, he’s going to be lights out.”

The Texas A&M alum did take a step forward in terms of PFF ratings in 2022 compared to his rookie season, though his overall grade (62.4) leaves plenty to be desired. Moore was charged with seven sacks allowed last season, as was the case in 2021. That may provide Jones a window of opportunity to showcase his pass protection in training camp, but one of the downsides to his pre-draft evaluation was his lack of playing experience at Georgia.

As a result, Kaboly adds that the eventual transition from Moore to Jones at left tackle may not take place in 2023, or at least by the beginning of the campaign. Interestingly, the former has also spent time practicing as a right tackle, the spot he is likeliest to occupy once the latter becomes a first-teamer. The RT position currently belongs to Chukwuma Okorafor, as it has since 2020. Moore could very well find himself competing for the starting spot on that side, though the point at which that happens may be delayed relative to early expectations.

Cameron Jordan Addresses Saints Extension Talks

June 19th, 2023 at 11:46am CST by Adam La Rose

Talks are underway on another new contract for Cameron Jordan, something which would further extend his career-long stint in New Orleans. Recent remarks made by general manager Mickey Loomis pointed to an extension being worked out soon, something the franchise icon would welcome.

“That’s a huge blessing,” Jordan said, via John DeShazier of the team’s website, in reaction to Loomis’ guarantee regarding his future with the Saints. “I want what I’ve always wanted, to be Black and Gold. I’ve said that plenty of times, whether I play 15 years or 16 years, I want to be here.”

The 33-year-old has remained highly productive during his 12 seasons in New Orleans, thanks in no small part to his sterling record of durability. Jordan has suited up for exactly 16 games every year to date, giving him the opportunity to break the franchise’s all-time sack lead amongst his many individual accomplishments. 2022 marked the sixth consecutive season (and eighth overall) in which he was named a Pro Bowler.

It thus came as little surprise when it was learned contract talks were underway earlier this offseason between Jordan and the Saints. One year remains on his current deal, one which has been restructured like those of many other Saints in recent years. A new deal would not only achieve the mutual goal of ensuring 2010s All-Decade member retires in New Orleans, it would also help the team’s cap situation. A short-term extension would help soften the void money charge currently in place for 2024 ($23.2MM).

It would also, of course, allow Jordan to continue climbing the Saints’ games played list and that of the NFL’s all-time sack leaders. He sits at 115.5 in the latter regard, which places him 23rd on the official count. Considering Jordan has racked up at least 7.5 sacks in every season except his rookie campaign, it would be reasonable to expect a move inside the top 20 in 2023. How much further he would be able to ascend would depend on the length of his next, and likely final, contract, one for which there is certainly a mutual desire.

Raiders Expect DE Tyree Wilson To Be Cleared For Training Camp

June 19th, 2023 at 10:00am CST by Adam La Rose

After plenty of speculation as well as trade offers, the Raiders elected to remain at their No. 7 slot in this year’s draft and select Tyree Wilson. The defensive end’s arrival has been met with high expectations but also concerns over his health.

Wilson’s final college season was cut short due to a Lisfranc injury, and the surgery he underwent as a result was a red flag for some teams in the build-up to the draft. His production at Texas Tech, along with his overall build and skillset, however, convinced the Raiders to retain their top-10 position in the first round and make him the second edge rusher to hear his name called.

The recovery from surgery has cost Wilson OTAs as well as minicamp, but his progress in rehabbing his foot should allow him to see the field next month. The Raiders expect him to be cleared in time for training camp, per Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal. That would of course mark a welcomed development for team and player, given the expectations Wilson will face in the NFL.

The 6-6, 275-pounder will be tasked with helping the Raiders improve in the pass-rush department along their new-look defensive front. A rotational role behind Chandler Jones may be likely at first, but Wilson’s long-term future should see him serve as a complimentary edge defender opposite Maxx Crosby. That trio will aim to improve on the 27 sacks the Raiders registered last season in particular, and help the team take a step forward on defense in general.

Given his missed time, it would come as no surprise if the Raiders were to proceed cautiously with Wilson when he does begin practicing for the first time. Presuming that does take place in July, though, he will still have considerable time to acclimate himself to the NFL game ahead of his rookie season. His success in returning to full health during the summer will be a key storyline for Wilson and the Raiders during the remainder of the offseason.

Bills C Mitch Morse Underwent Elbow, Ankle Surgeries

June 19th, 2023 at 8:54am CST by Adam La Rose

Mitch Morse is on track to participate in full during the Bills’ training camp next month, but he has been sidelined to date during his recovery from multiple procedures. The veteran center had a pair of ailments addressed after playing through them during the season.

Morse underwent elbow and ankle surgeries this offseason, as detailed by Ryan O’Halloran of the Buffalo News. The former procedure was expected, after he suffered a UCL injury in Week 2. The 31-year-old was able to continue playing without an operation given his position and he managed to suit up for 13 regular season games and both of Buffalo’s postseason contests in 2022.

“They let the UCL heal itself because I’m not throwing anything – I’m just snapping it,” Morse said. “The bone fragments from the actual hit itself – there were chips around, so they just went in there and cleaned it out.”

The former second-rounder added that his ankle injury took place during Week 12, and it did not heal as anticipated. As a result, he followed up the elbow surgery with the ankle one. Like the first procedure, Morse’s comments after the second strike an optimistic tone with respect to its effectiveness.

“I’ve rolled my ankle a thousand times and this one, it just would not go away,” he said. “It got to the point where I could play, but it didn’t go away. They went in there and found a few bone spurs and floating bodies – bone chips and cartilage – they took out and that was very nice.”

The Missouri product was cleared in full for last week’s minicamp, but he did not take part in team drills. Instead, his return to full practices will come in July, where he will look to carry on a successful 2022 campaign with a clean bill of health. Morse earned his first career Pro Bowl nod last season despite missing four games, and will he once again be a key member of the Bills’ offensive front this season.

A two-year extension signed last offseason leaves Morse under contract through 2024. Guranteed salary is only in place for the coming year, though, so a strong campaign could be highly beneficial from a financial perspective. Overall, Buffalo faces the expectation of improved play along the O-line in 2023 after adding free agent Connor McGovern and rookie O’Cyrus Torrence among others as options along the interior. Morse should play a critical role in the unit’s success, something which could be easier to attain given his healthy status heading into training camp.

Bills WR Stefon Diggs Reportedly Frustrated By Role In Offense, Input In Play-Calling

June 18th, 2023 at 10:25pm CST by Rory Parks

While Bills quarterback Josh Allen recently classified the source of wide receiver Stefon Diggs‘ discontent with the team as “not football related,” Ben Volin of the Boston Globe has heard otherwise. Volin, citing a source “close to the Bills’ locker room,” says that Diggs is frustrated with his role in the club’s offense and his input in play-calling.

Diggs did not participate in April workouts, but since those sessions were voluntary, there was no real reason to think much of his absence, despite plenty of speculation that he was unhappy. Alarm bells did go off in earnest on the first day of mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, when Bills head coach Sean McDermott told the media that Diggs was not in attendance and that he was “very concerned” as a result.

Shortly thereafter, Diggs’ agent, Adisa Bakari, pointed out that his client had met with McDermott and GM Brandon Beane over the prior two days, and on Wednesday — when Diggs participated in practice but not in team drills — McDermott definitively declared the matter resolved and said Diggs’ Tuesday absence was excused.

McDermott’s sudden about-face did not do much to quell the rumblings about Diggs’ frustration, especially since we still have not heard from the player himself. Volin’s report, which was published today, has added a little context, but there is still plenty of uncertainty.

Indeed, as Volin notes, Diggs was ranked in the top-five in targets (154), receptions (108), yards (1,429), and touchdowns (11) in 2022. Since coming to Buffalo via trade prior to the 2020 season, Diggs’ 484 targets are second only to Raiders wideout Davante Adams. As such, it is difficult to see how the Bills could increase his role in the offense, though Volin also observes that, over the final six contests of the 2022 campaign (including playoffs), Diggs averaged only 63 yards per game and caught just one TD pass. After the team’s divisional-round loss to the Bengals in January — a game in which he recorded four catches for 35 yards — Diggs stormed out of the locker room before some coaches had arrived and needed to be brought back.

As for Diggs’ reported discontent with his voice in Buffalo’s offensive play-calling, Volin simply said that the Maryland product may not have “connected as well” with OC Ken Dorsey as he had with Brian Daboll, who left the Bills to take the Giants’ HC job last year. Still, even if the Bills were inclined to part ways with their star receiver — which the Super Bowl-ready club is certainly not — it would be difficult to imagine Diggs finding a better situation for himself.

McDermott ultimately cancelled the third and final day of mandatory minicamp on Thursday, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Therefore, we will likely need to wait until sometime in training camp to hear Diggs’ take on the situation and where he currently stands.

Browns Likely To Acquire Running Back

June 18th, 2023 at 10:08pm CST by Rory Parks

Free agent running back Kareem Hunt, who spent the last four years as Nick Chubb‘s backup and occasional 1-B option in Cleveland, finally generated some interest several days ago, when it was reported that the Commanders had made “preliminary inquiries” into his services. The Browns, meanwhile, decided several months ago that they would allow Hunt to seek opportunities elsewhere and would move 2022 fifth-rounder Jerome Ford into Hunt’s place on the depth chart.

That does not mean, however, that GM Andrew Berry is averse to adding more talent to the RB room. Berry did not select a running back in this year’s draft and has not yet acquired a veteran in free agency, but Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com believes he will ultimately do just that. She does caution that high-profile players like Ezekiel Elliott and the recently-released Dalvin Cook are not likely targets, and that the Browns will seek a player that could be had on a more modest deal. Speculatively, a back like Justin Jackson, James Robinson, or Kenyan Drake could fit the bill.

Chubb, who has earned Pro Bowl acclaim in each of the past four seasons, will obviously continue to serve as the focal point of Cleveland’s running game. Ford tallied a meager eight carries for 12 yards in his rookie campaign, but his efforts as the club’s primary kick returner (30 returns for 723 yards) suggest that he could be a useful complementary piece and Hunt-esque receiver out of the backfield. Indeed, as Cabot notes in a separate article (subscription required), Chubb has lauded Ford’s pass-catching ability, and the Browns’ coaching staff and front office clearly have a great deal of faith in his ability to take on an expanded role.

Still, another experienced option couldn’t hurt, as the Browns lost D’Ernest Johnson — who impressed in limited opportunities over the first four years of his career in Cleveland — to the Jaguars in free agency. At present, 2021 sixth-rounder Demetric Felton (eight career carries) is penciled in as the RB3.

Chubb, by virtue of the three-year, $36MM extension he signed in 2021, is under club control for the next two seasons.

Pats Notes: Mapu, RB, Ryland, Cunningham

June 18th, 2023 at 9:44pm CST by Ely Allen

We’ve already written a bit about Patriots third-round pick Marte Mapu out of Sacramento State and his dual ability to play both linebacker and safety, a role he played in college. We had a feeling that the Patriots would see that ability and likely play him in the same role, and it looks like that may be exactly what they’re planning to do. They have him officially listed as a linebacker on their roster, but according to Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports, they have been utilizing him lately to fill the void left by former safety Devin McCourty, who retired back in March.

The Patriots are no strangers to experimenting with young players and moving them around the field. Mapu gives them a perfect opportunity to do just that. At only 216 pounds, Mapu is a bit too light to be a perfect fit at linebacker. In Sacramento, he played mostly an in-between role in the slot before lining up at linebacker in the Senior Bowl. At his first OTA practice in New England, he played linebacker; in the two practices after that, McCourty’s old safety role.

Not only does he feel comfortable playing both roles, but his teammates are also under the impression that the adjustment from FCS to NFL is coming easy to Mapu, according to ESPN’s Mike Reiss. His flexibility and progression have combined to earn him first-team snaps extremely early in his career, as reported by Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated.

Here are a few more rumors coming out of Foxborough:

  • After releasing James Robinson earlier this week, the Patriots may be looking to add another body to the position room, according to Karen Guregian of MassLive. The team will run with Rhamondre Stevenson as their No. 1 next year, no question, but the names behind him don’t inspire much confidence. Pierre Strong, Kevin Harris, and Ty Montgomery combined for 150 rushing yards last year. Strong and Montgomery are reportedly in the running to compete for a third down back role with Harris potentially slotting in as RB2, but one has to imagine the Patriots are considering their options. Obviously, Dalvin Cook is available, but if they’d like to pursue someone more used to working with another rusher, Kareem Hunt, Ezekiel Elliott, Leonard Fournette, and Kenyan Drake are interesting names to look out for.
  • New England spent two draft picks on specialists this year, drafting Maryland kicker Chad Ryland in the fourth round and Michigan State punter Bryce Baringer in the sixth. Despite demonstrating the commitment to spend draft capital on the two, Guregian asserts that neither is a lock to replace the incumbent specialists, Nick Folk and Corliss Waitman. Guregian expects a heavy competition for both kicking jobs but doesn’t rule out the possibility of the losers of those battles landing on the team’s practice squad.
  • Former Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham was highly sought after when he went undrafted this year. The Patriots landed his talents thanks to a deal that included $200K in guaranteed money. The money might not have been the only factor in Cunningham choosing New England as his professional destination, though. According to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe, Cunningham told the media that “the Patriots were the only team before the draft to work him out at (wide receiver).” He’s listed as a quarterback on the team’s roster, but perhaps working him out at receiver gave Cunningham the impression that he would have more playing opportunities or a higher chance to make the 53-man roster.

Latest On Patriots’ CB Situation

June 18th, 2023 at 7:53pm CST by Ely Allen

In his rookie season, fourth-round pick Jack Jones graded out as the league’s 17th-best cornerback, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). His recent arrest is the latest of a series of off-field incidents. If the NFL hands out a punishment, the Patriots may need to figure out how to field a secondary without him.

New England was able to nab one of the draft’s best cornerback prospects in the middle of the first round in Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez. The 17th overall draft pick this year has gotten off to a hot start in New England. According to Karen Guregian of MassLive, Gonzalez is “on the fast track to get one of the starting boundary” positions at corner.

The Patriots seemingly had a desire for the upcoming season to move Jonathan Jones back to a more consistent slot role. Jones had spent the first six years of his career mostly in the slot for New England before shifting to the outside for 85 percent of his snaps last season. With Jack Jones establishing himself last year, the team could move Jonathan Jones back inside and let Jack handle boundary duties, giving the team a strong starting three.

Jack Jones was the favorite to start opposite Gonzalez, especially if Jonathan Jones were to move inside to nickelback. His arrest brings that scenario into question a bit more. After a tumultuous college career that included academic issues and another arrest, Jack Jones had trouble separating himself from that reputation after getting hit with a two-game suspension enforced by the Patriots for a violation of unspecified team rules last year. If the NFL sees this history and decides to make a statement after his most recent arrest, Jones could be facing a lengthy absence.

If Jones is forced to miss time, the Patriots luckily have another high-performing second year cornerback and, coincidentally, another Jones in Marcus Jones. Marcus made four starts as a rookie last year while playing mostly on the outside. He’s also a top return man for the Patriots, though, finishing his rookie year as a first-team All-Pro, so they might be hesitant to start him full-time on defense, as well. If they can afford to, though, he would fill in nicely during Jack Jones’s absence.

Myles Bryant is also set to contribute at cornerback for New England, both at slot and out wide, but the Patriots likely don’t want to have to rely on him starting full-time. Behind them, the team currently rosters Isaiah Bolden, Quandre Mosely, Rodney Randle, Ameer Speed, and Shaun Wade, but none of them are strong candidates to make the 53-man roster, let alone finish the offseason as a starter.

So, there you have it. If Jack Jones is forced to miss significant time due to his arrest, the Patriots have a good number of options. They can leave Jonathan Jones on the outside and count on Marcus Jones and Bryant to cover the bulk of responsibilities on the inside. They can also start Jonathan outside until bringing on a third cornerback and shift him to the slot while Marcus takes over on the outside. Or they can stick to the plan of moving Jonathan inside and give Marcus some run as a starter until Jack returns.

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