HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

Former QB Ryan Mallett Drowns In Florida

June 27th, 2023 at 5:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

Former quarterback Ryan Mallett drowned Tuesday in Florida. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, Deltaplex News reports. He was 35.

Mallett was transported from a beach to the hospital. The former Arkansas standout had not played in the NFL since 2017; he had been in coaching, being hired as head coach by White Hall (Arkansas) High School in 2022. Officials with the school district confirmed (via KARK.com’s Ryan Turbeville) Mallett drowned while swimming in Florida.

Previously serving as an assistant high school coach in his native Arkansas, Mallett had been out of the NFL since 2018. The 6-foot-6 passer finished his career as a member of the Ravens, serving as a Joe Flacco backup. Mallett filled in for an injured Flacco twice during the 2015 season, one he began with the Texans, and continued as a backup for two more seasons.

The Patriots used a third-round pick on Mallett in 2011, bringing him in as a backup to Tom Brady. Mallett only attempted four passes as a member of the Patriots, who traded him to the Texans months after drafting Jimmy Garoppolo in the 2014 second round. Mallett served as Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s backup during the 2014 season in Houston, starting two games before seeing his season end early due to a pectoral injury. While the team did not bring back Fitzpatrick, Mallett re-signed on a two-year deal in March 2015.

The Texans pitted Mallett and ex-Patriots teammate Brian Hoyer in a competition for the starting job in 2015, a battle chronicled on that year’s Hard Knocks. After Hoyer won it, the Texans benched him one game in. Mallett started the next four games for the eventual AFC South champion Texans, but the team benched him for Hoyer. Mallett missing a charter flight for an October 2015 game in Miami led to the Texans releasing him soon after.

Mallett finished seventh in the 2010 Heisman voting, throwing 32 touchdown passes and leading Arkansas to a 10-3 record. The former Michigan recruit started two seasons at Arkansas, combining for 62 TD passes and 7,493 yards.

Latest On Chargers’ CB Room

June 27th, 2023 at 5:23pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Chargers’ secondary was a relatively strong unit in 2022, but it faces questions heading into training camp. The starting configuration at the cornerback spot in particular is yet to be determined.

Ja’Sir Taylor lined up in the slot during OTAs and minicamp, as detailed by Daniel Popper of The Athletic (subscription required). That position could remain his into the start of the regular season, but the team’s situation on the boundary will change when veteran J.C. Jackson makes his return to the field. That is expected to take place in time for training camp, which could leave Taylor competing for a first-team role.

Jackson and former UDFA Michael Davis would likely operate on the perimeter, Popper writes, which would leave 2021 second-rounder Asante Samuel Jr. eyeing the starting slot spot. The latter has started all but two of his 30 regular and postseason appearances to date, recording a pair of interceptions and 11 pass breakups in each of his first two campaigns. Issues in run defense could open the door to Taylor eating into Samuel’s playing time, however.

A sixth-round selection last year, Taylor was used primarily on special teams as a rookie. His strength against the run compared to Samuel could earn him a sizable jump in playing time, though. While DBs’ performance against aerial attacks obviously plays a bigger role in how teams divvy out playing time, it would certainly be interesting if the Chargers went with Taylor and kept Samuel as a top backup.

Jackson’s patellar tendon rupture cleared out one of the two boundary roles for Samuel last season, and Pro Football Focus viewed the Florida State alum as making progress in Year 2. Samuel, however, also has slot experience. PFF graded Samuel as a top-25 cornerback last season. The advanced metrics site ranked Samuel as a top-15 cover corner, masking the run-defense issue to some degree. Samuel accomplished this while playing 1,045 defensive snaps. Davis graded as PFF’s No. 19 overall corner, putting Brandon Staley‘s unit in a good place — so long as Jackson can bounce back from a rough 2022 on the performance and injury front.

Even though the Bolts have not re-signed veteran Bryce Callahan — their primary slot defender last season — Staley figures to have options. Callahan, 32, remains a free agent. Should Jackson be ready for Week 1 as he expects, L.A. will boast one of the league’s more interesting cornerback groups. Samuel’s role, in particular, will be worth monitoring.

Packers Sign Round 1 DL Lukas Van Ness

June 27th, 2023 at 4:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Packers still have some work to do regarding draft signings, but they checked off their top box Tuesday. Green Bay signed first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to his rookie contract.

Van Ness’ deal will be fully guaranteed and will run through 2026. The Packers can extend the contract through 2027 via the fifth-year option. While that decision will not be due until May 2026, the Packers have not declined a fifth-year option since passing on 2013 first-rounder Datone Jones‘ in 2016.

Van Ness made some draft history by going in the first round despite never starting a game at Iowa. The 6-foot-5, 272-pound defensive lineman still zoomed onto the Round 1 radar, clocking a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the Combine after impressing as a critical off-the-bench cog with the Hawkeyes. Van Ness, who totaled 13 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss during his final two college seasons, has experience rushing from the edge and interior posts along the defensive line. That will give the Packers options.

Green Bay chose Van Ness with the No. 13 overall pick it obtained from New York in the Aaron Rodgers swap completed days before the draft. Moving up two spots, the Packers took a defensive player once again opted for defense in Round 1. Although the team traded up for Jordan Love in 2020, that is the only offensive investment the team has made in Round 1 over the past 12 drafts.

Over the past several months, the Packers lost Rashan Gary to a torn ACL and lost Dean Lowry in free agency. The team is expected to move 2022 first-rounder Devonte Wyatt into its starting lineup alongside Kenny Clark. Van Ness could fit as an edge rusher alongside Gary and Preston Smith or an interior presence with Clark on passing downs. This addition gives the Packers intriguing choices, assuming Gary returns to full strength, along their front seven.

Even after the Van Ness agreement, the Packers still have both their second-round picks — tight end Luke Musgrave and wide receiver Jayden Reed — unsigned. Guarantee issues involving second-round picks have gridlocked the middle of that round, with no players chosen between Nos. 40 and 48 having signed yet. Musgrave went off the board 42nd.

DeAndre Hopkins On Panthers’ Radar?

June 27th, 2023 at 1:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

The list of teams directly connected to free agent wideout DeAndre Hopkins has remained small in the aftermath of his visits to the Titans and Patriots. A new suitor may be on the fringes of the pursuit of the All-Pro, though.

During an appearance on the Keyshawn, JWill & Max program, ESPN’s Sal Paolantonio named the Panthers as a team which is “lurking” with respect to Hopkins. Tennessee and New England have remained at the forefront of the 31-year-old’s situation, with the latter team in particular being touted as a logical destination. Carolina could stand to add another veteran to its receiver room, however.

The Panthers have already made a pair notable WR signings this offseason. Adam Thielen and DJ Chark have inked three- and one-year contracts, respectively, in Carolina, a team looking to take a signficant step forward in the passing game. Veteran tight end Hayden Hurst was brought in to help that effort, giving Carolina a number of experienced pass-catchers for rookie quarterback Bryce Young to work with. Second-round rookie Jonathan Mingo should also compete for a starting receiver spot.

Additionally, Joe Person of The Athletic cautions that while the Panthers will no doubt monitor Hopkins’ situation, they have more pressing roster holes at cornerback and edge rush in particular (Twitter link). The latter position is expected to see an addition at some point this summer, something which will eat into the team’s available cap space. As things currently stand, though, the Panthers have $26.6MM available – a far higher figure than the Patriots and Titans.

Paolantonio also mentioned the Browns as a team worth keeping an eye on regarding Hopkins. It was reported yesterday, though, that Cleveland is content with its receiver room as is, meaning a serious push for the five-time Pro Bowler is unlikely. It will be interesting to monitor how Carolina proceeds with their spending power as it pertains to Hopkins, who is set to remain patient for the time being as he considers his options.

Steelers’ Connor Heyward In Line For Increased Offensive Role?

June 27th, 2023 at 1:07pm CST by Adam La Rose

The conversation surrounding the Steelers’ array of skill-position players leaves little room for mention of Connor Heyward. The versatile fullback/tight end could be featured more prominently in the team’s offense this season compared to 2022, however.

The 24-year-old logged an offensive snap share of 15% as a rookie last year, a much lower usage rate than his 65% split on special teams. The same was true of traditional fullback Derek Watt, whose contract expired in March and has yet to find a new deal with Pittsburgh or another team. As a result, Heyward – the brother of Steelers All-Pro defensive tackle Cameron Heyward – could see an uptick in playing time.

The former sixth-rounder recorded 27 yards on two carries in his rookie campaign, adding 12 receptions for 151 yards and one touchdown. He has built off that production with a strong showing in the offseason, per ESPN’s Brooke Pryor. If that continues into training camp and the preseason, Heyward could find himself occupying a full-time fullback role, one the Steelers may elect not to keep moving forward. In that event, he would represent depth in the backfield for a team which could be contemplating a thin RB contingent.

Additionally, Heyward’s skillset could be put to use at the tight end spot. Pittsburgh already has Pat Freiermuth, Zach Gentry and third-round rookie Darnell Washington in place at that position, with the latter in particular being known for his blocking prowess. Heyward could still see himself used as a TE in certain packages though, especially if the team looks for new ways to get him on the field in light of the added chemistry shown between he and quarterback Kenny Pickett during the spring.

Expectations will be raised for the Steelers on offense heading into the 2023 campaign. Pickett being firmly entrenched as the starter, signficant investments made during free agency and the draft along the O-line as well as the addition of Allen Robinson to the team’s WR room should give the unit more upside. Part of its success, however, could be determined by the performance of Heyward while handling a larger workload.

Giants WR Wan’Dale Robinson Could Miss Regular Season Time

June 27th, 2023 at 11:34am CST by Adam La Rose

Wan’Dale Robinson figures to play a signficant role in the Giants’ passing game in 2023, but doubts remain with respect to his availability come September. The former second-round wideout continues to rehab the ACL tear which ended his rookie campaign.

That injury occurred in November, limiting the 22-year-old to just six games played. Over that span, he logged three starts and a 55% snap share, though, demonstrating his value to New York’s offense right away. Robinson totaled 227 yards and one touchdown on 23 catches before suffering the ACL tear, something which threatens his ability to recover in time for the 2023 season opener.

As Dan Duggan of The Athletic notes, it remains to be seen if Robinson will be able to take the field by Week 1 (subscription required). A cautious approach to his recovery would be understandable on the Giants’ part, but a decision will need to be made with respect to the possibility of placing the Kentucky alum on the PUP list or injured reserve. Doing so would guarantee missed time to begin the season.

New York has Robinson, along with Darius Slayton, Isaiah Hodgins and Sterling Shepard in place as returnees at the receiver position. The additions of Parris Campbell in free agency and Jalin Hyatt in the draft, not to mention Pro Bowl tight end Darren Waller via trade, are set to give the Giants added options in the passing game regardless of Robinson’s health status at the start of the campaign. The latter should still play a notable role upon his return, though.

Robinson played his way into first-team consideration during training camp last year in part due to his strong performances in practice and the team’s lack of proven wideouts elsewhere on the depth chart. The summer will be much different this time around for team and player, and plenty of attention will be paid to Robinson’s recovery in the coming weeks.

NFLPA Executive Director Vote Imminent

June 27th, 2023 at 9:51am CST by Adam La Rose

Not much is known with respect to the details of the NFLPA’s search for a new executive director, but it will soon come to a conclusion. CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports (via Twitter) that a vote on the matter will take place this week and that the position could be filled as early as today.

DeMaurice Smith is in his final term at the helm of the union, following a narrow re-election in 2021. The 59-year-old was widely thought to be on his way out shortly thereafter, however, leading to the belief that a new leader would be elected in short order.

The NFLPA opened its search process for Smith’s successor in October, with the expectation that one would be voted on sometime in 2023 (despite Smith’s term running through 2025, if he had preferred to remain in place that long). As a result, the union will soon have a new leader for the first time since 2009, when Smith took over from Gene Upshaw.

The search process has been shrouded in secrecy, however, and Jones notes that the identity of the three finalists being voted on remains unknown. Few updates have emerged in recent months with respect to candidates vying for the top position, though the most public in that regard has been Matt Schaub. The former Texans and Falcons quarterback has detailed his aspirations to lead the union and the issues he would prioritize if elected, including long-term player healthcare and revenue sharing between owners and players.

The list of finalists was put together by the union’s executive committee (led by president J.C. Tretter, who has been named as a potential candidate to succeed Smith) and a select few player representatives. A general vote of all reps will determine the executive director. The current CBA is in place through 2031, so plenty of time remains between the upcoming election and the point at which negotiations on a new labor agreement will take place.

Ravens Notes: Extensions, Hamilton, WRs

June 27th, 2023 at 8:59am CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens have a number of key players set to play the final year of their contracts in 2023, leaving plenty of decisions to be made in the near future. A mix of younger and veteran contributors could soon find themselves signing new deals.

Defensive linemen Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington are each entering the final season of their rookie deals, but it would come as no surprise if extensions were agreed to with at least one before next year’s free agency period begins. The same holds true in the case of veteran offensive lineman Kevin Zeitler, writes Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic (subscription required).

The 33-year-old has been in Baltimore since 2021, and he has been a steady presence at right guard during that span. Zeitler has earned PFF grades in line with much of the rest of his career over the past two seasons, leading to his desire for a new contract ahead of his walk year. Zrebeic notes that Zeitler’s asking price is unknown at this point, but a mutual interest exists to extend the relationship between player and club especially on a short-term deal from the latter’s perspective.

Zrebiec adds that 2020 draftees Patrick Queen, J.K. Dobbins and Devin Duvernay could all be on the Ravens’ radar with respect to new deals, but value will be crucial for the former two in particular with other players likely a more cost-effective priority. Duvernay could find himself holding off on an extension to boost his value in new offensive coordinator Todd Monken‘s system.

Here are some other notes from Charm City:

  • Safety Kyle Hamilton missed just one game in his rookie season last year, but he dealt with a lingering wrist injury for much of the campaign. As noted in an interview the first-rounder had with Zrebiec, he underwent surgery this offseason to address the issue. Hamilton, 22, now feels fully healed, something which will help him take on a full-time starting role this season. The Notre Dame product totaled 62 stops, a pair of sacks and five pass deflections last year, but the trade of Chuck Clark leaves him in line as a key member of Baltimore’s secondary now and in the future.
  • The Ravens have invested heavily at the WR spot this offseason, signing Odell Beckham Jr. and Nelson Agholor and using their top draft pick on Zay Flowers. Laquon Treadwell inked a deal with the Ravens earlier this month, giving him a chance to make the team’s roster during training camp. If he does, the four aforementioned pass-catchers, along with 2021 draftee Rashod Bateman, would combine to give the Ravens five former first-round picks at the receiver spot. No team has had that many Day 1 selections catch a pass in the same season, as noted by ESPN’s Jamison Hensley. Plenty of question remarks remain regarding Baltimore’s passing attack – one which has signficant room for improvement in 2023 – but the team could make an interesting piece of history this season depending on how their WR room shakes out in the summer.

Derek Carr Discusses Raiders Departure

June 26th, 2023 at 10:05pm CST by Ben Levine

Derek Carr isn’t happy with how his Raiders tenure came to an end. With questions surrounding his future in Las Vegas, Carr was benched for the Raiders’ final two games of the 2022 season. That decision truly marked the end of Carr’s nine-year stint with the organization, and the quarterback was ultimately cut in February.

The veteran has since caught on with the Saints, and he told Anthony Galaviz of the Fresno Bee that his experience at the end of the 2022 campaign is motivating him heading into 2023.

“I was, for lack of a better term, I was very upset; I was mad,” he said. “You spend nine years in a place, you have all the records and you can play at a high level and for something to get in the way, whether it was whatever reason, money related or whatever, injury related, I would have said I don’t even want the money, just to play two more times in front of our fans. I didn’t get that opportunity. So it definitely lit a fire inside me to keep going.”

The Raiders gave Carr a long leash after selecting him in the second round of the 2014 draft. The Raiders would only have a winning record in two of the next nine years, including a 2016 campaign where Carr went 12-3 as a starter but was sidelined for the team’s eventual playoff loss. When all was said and done, Carr only got into a single playoff game during his tenure with the Raiders, and he started 142 of the team’s 146 regular season games.

Over the quarterback’s nine-year tenure with the team, the Raiders went through six head coaches (including two interim HCs). Without any postseason success, Carr understood that he’d eventually be on the hot seat

“If you win more games and you keep being productive, you stay there forever,” Carr said. “But we didn’t win enough games and that’s the kind of stuff that happens with all the turnover of coaches; with all the different things. Eventually, the last guy in the room is usually going to be out at some point. And that’s really what happened.

“I’ve survived about 20 coaches and that’s how it goes and it is what it is.”

The Saints have been seeking some stability at the quarterback position since Drew Brees retired following the 2020 season. Neither Jameis Winston nor Andy Dalton did enough in 2022 to dissuade the front office from pursuing an upgrade, and Carr is optimistic that he can help the Saints compete for a playoff spot in 2023.

“There’s a lot of work and we have a tough division that we are going to have to compete against and we’re excited about the challenge,” he said.

Browns Comfortable With WR Room; Team Unlikely To Pursue DeAndre Hopkins

June 26th, 2023 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

DeAndre Hopkins resided as Deshaun Watson‘s top receiver throughout the latter’s stay with the Texans, and the 2022 trade chip has expressed support for his new team to greenlight a reunion. Although early momentum signaled the Hopkins-to-Cleveland scenario was viable, that buzz ceased over the past several days.

Hopkins made visits to Nashville and Foxborough, and the 10-year veteran is weighing Titans and Patriots free agency offers. The former All-Pro, however, is clearly hoping for more. He is eager to see if more teams will enter the fray and drive up the price. As of now, it does not look like the Browns will be one of them. It has been trending in this direction for a bit with Cleveland.

The Browns are comfortable with their receiving corps, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, adding that the team has not made an effort to enter the Hopkins derby. Such an entrance is unlikely. Elijah Moore‘s work thus far this offseason has contributed heavily to the organization’s comfort level with a position group that was thin during Watson’s first year.

Helping the Jets rearrange their receiver room to accommodate what turned out to be three free agency additions (Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb) as Aaron Rodgers arrived, the Browns acquired Moore in a pick-swap deal that featured the former second-round pick relocating in exchange for a 32-spot draft-slot drop. The Jets used the Moore pick in the package sent to the Packers for Rodgers. While the Jets now have four second-contract receivers supplementing Garrett Wilson, the Browns have been impressed by Moore’s showing during their padless set of practices.

Moore is expected to operate in the slot frequently in Cleveland, but the team is also planning a versatile role for the former Ole Miss prospect. Saddled with potential bust Zach Wilson in New York, Moore showed promise as a rookie (43 catches, 538 yards, five touchdowns) but slumped last season. Moore feuded with Jets OC Mike LaFleur, was sent home from a practice and requested a trade. The Browns looked into Moore last year, but the Jets brought him back into the fold. He ended averaging just 27.9 yards per game — far lower than his 48.9 per game as a rookie. Two seasons remains on Moore’s rookie contract; he is expected to work alongside Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones as a Browns starter.

In addition to the intrigue surrounding Moore, Breer adds Anthony Schwartz has shown progress as well. The former Auburn speedster has not taken flight as a pro, catching just 14 passes in 25 career games. The Browns also brought in veteran Marquise Goodwin to help as a long-range threat. Schwartz, who joined Moore as a 2021 Day 2 pick, could conceivably put pressure on Goodwin for the team’s final WR spot. But Goodwin is viewed as a good bet to make the team. The Browns also have 2022 third-round pick David Bell and yet another third-rounder (rookie Cedric Tillman) in the mix; Bell’s roster spot is not believed to be in jeopardy.

Hopkins’ past with Watson notwithstanding, he would seemingly fit better with the Patriots or Titans — or other teams that have also been connected here over the past few weeks. The Chiefs lost Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster and saw Kadarius Toney‘s run of injuries follow him from New York last year. The Bills did not see consistency from Stefon Diggs sidekick Gabe Davis, who is going into a contract year.

After the Browns trudged through last season mostly dependent on only Cooper and Peoples-Jones, Moore gives them a clear third option. The team has some interesting backups as well, which will likely keep Hopkins out of Ohio. The Browns’ receiver acquisitions will put Watson in position to improve on his sluggish start with the franchise.

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