Community Tailgate - Pro Football Rumors

Community Tailgate: Most Surprising Extension?

July 15th, 2015 at 5:46pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still almost two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be talking about today’s major franchised players who agreed to extensions with their respective teams (sorry, Stephen Gostkowski). Cowboys wide receiver Dez Bryant, Broncos wide receiver Demaryius Thomas, and Chiefs linebacker Justin Houston all got deals done with the deadline approaching. We want to know which extension you feel was the most surprising of the bunch.

Things got pretty frosty between the Cowboys and Bryant in recent weeks. The wide receiver threatened to hold out into the regular season if he didn’t get an extension and the NFLPA is looking into possible collusion between the Cowboys and Broncos based on a complaint from Bryant. In the end, the two sides were able to meet in the middle for a five-year, $70MM deal with $45MM guaranteed by March 2016.

All week long, we heard that there was a massive gulf between what Thomas was seeking and what the Broncos were willing to offer. Thomas was said to be seeking money similar to Calvin Johnson‘s deal but the Broncos argued that Johnson’s deal was an outlier due to the unique circumstances surrounding those negotiations. Somehow, the two parties bridged their sizable gap to agree on a deal that looks strikingly similar to Bryant’s.

While things got chippy in the Bryant and, to a lesser extent the Thomas negotiations, we didn’t hear about any discord in the Justin Houston talks. The two sides went back-and-forth quietly in recent weeks and came up with a pact worth $101MM over six years, including $52.5MM guaranteed, just beating out J.J. Watt‘s pact with the Texans. Houston fell short of Ndamukong Suh‘s $114MM+ deal, but he was never really expected to garner that kind of deal since Suh got his contract on the open market.

All in all, which deal surprised you the most and why? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: 7/14/15

July 14th, 2015 at 4:24pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still almost two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing the impasse between Demaryius Thomas and the Broncos. The Broncos and Thomas‘ agent, Todd France, have recently exchanged proposals, which signifies some level of progress as the Wednesday deadline looms. However, there’s a significant divide between the two sides that needs to be crossed in less than 24 hours. Denver is offering “substantially more” than the contract of Minnesota’s Mike Wallace, who is currently the league’s second-highest paid receiver with a deal that averages $12MM a year. However, Thomas wants a deal that would exceed Calvin Johnson‘s mammoth contract.

Megatron, for the uninitiated, is in the midst of a $113MM+ deal with the Lions that is paying him upwards of $16MM per season with nearly $49MM guaranteed. GM John Elway doesn’t feel that Thomas should get quite that much. Johnson’s contract, the Broncos argue, is an outlier when it comes to wide receiver salaries. In fact, Elway (allegedly) told Cowboys COO Stephen Jones as much when the two (allegedly) discussed their respective contract talks with Thomas and Dez Bryant. At the time, Johnson was being paid under the old rookie scale and the Lions were forced to give him that hefty long-term deal in order to avoid their cap being hampered in the short-term.

Thomas’ stats over the last three years compare favorably to Megatron’s. The Broncos standout has hauled in 297 catches for 4,483 yards and 35 touchdowns while Johnson has 277 catches for 4,533 yards and 25 touchdowns. Thomas is also coming off a career year in which he racked up 111 catches and averaged more than 100 yards per game. Thomas’ camp was also quick to point out that Megatron’s deal was actually signed when the salary cap was $120.6MM rather than $143.3MM.

Earlier today, Jason Cole of Bleacher Report noted that he doesn’t expect Elway to budge significantly when it comes to the figures being discussed for Thomas. Personally, I wouldn’t be surprised to see Thomas’ camp bend with a compromise that looks more like Wallace’s deal than Johnson’s.

What’s your gut feeling at this time? Will the Broncos and Thomas work out a long-term deal before the Wednesday deadline? If so, how much will Thomas get from Denver? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: 7/13/15

July 13th, 2015 at 3:59pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still almost two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

With the July 15 deadline for franchised players less than 48 hours away, we’re looking today at the unsigned player deemed most likely to work out a long-term deal with his current team. While Jason Pierre-Paul begins his recovery from a hand injury and Dez Bryant and Demaryius Thomas try in vain to match Calvin Johnson‘s contract, Justin Houston and the Chiefs appear to have a reasonable chance of reaching an agreement.

Houston, 26, has been one of the league’s best pass rushers in recent years, racking up 43 sacks in 43 games over the past three seasons, including an NFL-best 22 in 2014. You could make a case that only J.J. Watt is a more valuable defender than Houston, and recent reports have suggested that the Chiefs pass rusher could be seeking a contract in the neighborhood of Watt’s six-year, $100MM deal.

Ndamukong Suh easily surpassed Watt’s deal this winter, but Suh had a ton of leverage, hitting free agency after the Lions deemed it impractical to use the franchise tag on him. A player signing an extension with his current team is unlikely to land that sort of payday, which is why Houston’s camp figures to identify Watt’s extension as a more attainable target.

Houston reportedly tested positive for marijuana at the NFL’s 2011 scouting combine, which resulted in him dropping to the third round. The league’s policy on substance abuse calls for strict penalties for repeated marijuana violations, but by all accounts, Houston has stayed out of trouble since entering the league. While that doesn’t mean that a long-term investment is risk-free for Kansas City, the last four years likely strengthened the team’s confidence in the 26-year-old. Whether the club is confident enough to pay him roughly $16MM per year remains to be seen.

What do you think? Is Houston worthy of a six-year, $100MM-type contract, like the one Watt received? If not, what do you think is a fair price for Houston? How high should the Chiefs be willing to go before they call off negotiations and try to simply bring their star pass rusher back on his one-year deal? Jump into the comment section below and let us know what you think!

Community Tailgate: 7/10/15

July 10th, 2015 at 4:46pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still about two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll focus on the afternoon’s big news and take a closer look at the reduction of Greg Hardy‘s suspension. After initially being banned for 10 games, the Cowboys defensive end had his suspension cut to four games today by arbitrator Harold Henderson, who said in a statement that 10 games was “simply too much of an increase over prior cases.”

Taking into account the details of Hardy’s domestic violence case, a mere four-game suspension sounds awfully light, especially considering Tom Brady is currently facing the same penalty for his possible involvement in DeflateGate, a case which lacked the sort of hard evidence available against Hardy. Of course, the two cases are wildly different, but it still isn’t a good look for the NFL that the two players are facing equal penalties.

On the other hand, Hardy’s domestic incident took place while the league’s old personal conduct policy was still in effect, and that policy called for a two-game suspension for this sort of violation. Throw in the fact that Hardy was forced out of action for 15 games in 2014, spending time on the commissioner’s exempt list while the legal process played out, and you could make a case that the four-game ban is still too much. Agent Drew Rosenhaus left the door open today for Hardy to continue to fight the suspension in court in an effort to reduce it to two games, though Jason Cole of Bleacher Report (video link) says that’s unlikely to happen.

What do you think? Is a four-game suspension fair for Hardy? Should he and his camp drop their fight and accept the reduced penalty? And, on a somewhat related note, does today’s ruling alter your view of Brady’s appeal, and how Roger Goodell might rule in that case? Weigh in below in the comments section with your thoughts and opinions and the subject. We’re looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Community Tailgate: 7/9/15

July 9th, 2015 at 5:27pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be gauging your gut feeling on the Tom Brady appeal. The appeal hearing for Brady’s four-game suspension took place more than two weeks ago and, finally, it sounds like we’re on the verge of a ruling. Commissioner Roger Goodell, who also acted as the arbitrator in Tom Brady‘s appeal hearing last month, said today that he expects to announce a decision on the case soon, perhaps as early as next week.

Even weeks later, the NFL’s decision to suspend the Patriots QB for four games comes as something of a shock, not necessarily because he didn’t deserve it, but because he has become the NFL’s foremost star. Now that the league office has had some additional time to cool off, it’s conceivable that Goodell will be a little bit more lax this time around. There is also precedent for the lowering of suspensions following major scandals. Saints defensive lineman Anthony Hargrove was one example – he was suspended eight games for his obstruction in Bountygate, but he later had that penalty reduced to two games. Then again – despite the league’s claims that Executive Vice President of Football Operations Troy Vincent was the one who handed down the penalty – Goodell unquestionably had a major role in the suspension. Would he be willing to essentially admit to a wrong judgement in the DeflateGate scandal?

In a May poll, more than 62% of you said that Brady would get his suspension slashed from four games to something less harsh. Now that we’re (potentially) days away from a verdict, where do you stand? Will Brady have his suspension reduced, or will he serve the full four games? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win AFC North?

July 8th, 2015 at 5:00pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

In yesterday’s Community Tailgate, we asked you to weigh in on who you think will win the NFC East. Today, we’ll be looking at the AFC North. In 2014, the Steelers came away with the AFC North crown thanks in large part to one of the league’s very best offenses. Antonio Brown was posted career highs in receptions (129) and receiving yards (1,698) while running back Le’Veon Bell enjoyed a breakout season in the backfield. However, it’s fair to question whether Big Ben & Co. will be able to move the chains with ease once again in 2015. Bell will serve a three-game suspension for violating the league’s substance abuse policy to start the year and while DeAngelo Williams is a solid Plan B, he’s certainly not the dominating back that Bell is. On defense, the Steelers are without defensive coordinator Dick LeBeau and we’ll now see what his former understudy Keith Butler can do as DC. We’d also be remiss if we didn’t mention the Steelers’ brutal schedule for 2015.

This offseason, the Ravens lost deep threat Torrey Smith to the 49ers, but they’re hoping that UCF’s Breshad Perriman can replace his production. They did, however, retain tailback Justin Forsett after his breakout season, and that was a major question mark for them heading into the offseason. On the opposite side of the ball, the Ravens locked up Jimmy Smith long-term while adding Kyle Arrington, who was cut loose by the Patriots. One mainstay who is gone, however, is nose tackle Haloti Ngata, who now has the unenviable task of replacing Ndamukong Suh in Detroit.

After finishing 10-5-1 last season, it’s fair to wonder whether the Bengals did enough this offseason to take a step forward. Yes, having former Ohio State star A.J. Hawk come home is a feel-good move and Michael Johnson could get back on track with his old team in 2015, but the offseason was largely uneventful for Cincy. One positive is that the Bengals used their first two picks (Cedric Ogbuehi and Jake Fisher) to bolster the offensive line, something they absolutely needed.

All last year, Browns fans wondered whether it would be Johnny Manziel or Brian Hoyer as the main guy under center in 2015. Turns out, the answer is probably neither. Hoyer wound up signing with the Texans in free agency while the Browns brought in battle-tested veteran Josh McCown after his forgettable stint in Tampa Bay. The Browns brought in one notable wide receiver in Dwayne Bowe but their own star – Josh Gordon – has been banned for the 2015 season. Cleveland lost Buster Skrine to the Jets in March but free agent pickup Tramon Williams could be an adequate replacement with Randy Starks beefing up the defensive line.

Who will win the AFC North crown in 2015? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate: Who Will Win The NFC East?

July 7th, 2015 at 4:05pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be looking at the NFC East. In that division, the Eagles may or may not have won the offseason, but they clearly won the battle for newspaper ink. All eyes were on coach Chip Kelly this offseason as he embarked on his first season with total control over his roster. Kelly shook things up in a major way when he shipped star running back LeSean McCoy to the Bills for linebacker Kiko Alonso, who is coming off of a lost 2014 season. To fill the void left by Shady, Kelly signed both DeMarco Murray and former Bolts back Ryan Mathews. Kelly downplayed his affinity for Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota, but several reports indicated that he tried like hell to move up to get him. Ultimately, that plan didn’t work out and the Eagles will now pit Mark Sanchez against newcomer Sam Bradford for the No. 1 QB spot. Whoever is under center won’t have the luxury of throwing to Jeremy Maclin, however, as he left in free agency without much of a fight from Philly.

The Giants‘ defense was pretty atrocious in 2014 and they’re hoping that a reunion with Steve Spagnuolo will turn it all around. Perry Fewell appeared to lose his grip on things last season but Spags’ aggressive playcalling could help to fix what ails Big Blue. On offense, the Giants souped on their running game with the addition of former Patriots back Shane Vereen, a back that can make the most out of a run play and also catch the ball well out of the backfield. The biggest question mark for the Giants right now is probably the status of Jason Pierre-Paul, who injured himself in a fireworks mishap over the weekend. His future beyond 2015 is in jeopardy and now it sounds as though he might not be ready for the start of the season.

The Cowboys made a big offseason splash when they signed star defensive end Greg Hardy, but it’s currently unclear when he’ll be able to take the field. If the embattled ex-Panther can get his suspension slashed down to, say, four games, then Dallas will open the season with one of the more fearsome defenses in the NFL. Without him, 2014 second round selection DeMarcus Lawrence will be charged to lead the way for the team’s bookends. The impending return of linebacker Sean Lee should also go a long way for Dallas’ front seven. On the flipside, Tony Romo, Dez Bryant, and Jason Witten should continue to raise havoc against opposing defenses, though Dallas’ stable of running backs is chock full of question marks.

Can Washington turn things around in 2015 to capture the NFC East crown? Most pundits would say no, but a full season of Robert Griffin III under center with a capable offensive line could be a difference maker. On defense, Washington gave Chris Culliver a four-year, $32MM deal to help turn around one of the league’s most atrocious secondaries. The defensive line also got a makeover with the free agent additions of Stephen Paea, Ricky Jean-Francois, and Terrance Knighton.

All in all, who do you think will win the NFC East in 2015 and why? Let us know in the comments!

Community Tailgate: 7/6/2015

July 6th, 2015 at 3:59pm CST by Luke Adams

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

The topic of the day in the NFL world has been the fallout from Jason Pierre-Paul‘s fireworks accident over the weekend, which resulted in a hand injury for the star defensive end. The severity of that injury isn’t yet known, though various reports have revealed a few details — JPP reportedly burned the flesh off his hand and fingertips, and has been in the hospital for two days. However, his injuries aren’t believed to be career-threatening, and he isn’t expected to lose any fingers.

The Giants know enough about the incident to have pulled a $60MM contract offer for Pierre-Paul off the table, according to a report today from NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. While the injury clearly plays a significant part in that decision, the poor judgment Pierre-Paul showed in putting himself in such a position probably factored into the move as well.

With a long-term offer for JPP not currently on the table, it looks increasingly likely that he’ll have to accept his one-year franchise tender and play out the 2015 season on that deal. The 26-year-old may also forfeit some pay if he has to spend time on the non-football injury list. Earlier this afternoon, I laid out a few potential scenarios for Pierre-Paul and the Giants, with the July 15 deadline for a multiyear contract looming large.

Since we don’t have many definitive details on Pierre-Paul’s injury yet, it’s hard to definitively say one way or the other how the Giants should handle the situation. Still, let’s say what we’ve heard so far is accurate, and the injury isn’t career-threatening, but could force the pass rusher to miss some time this season.

How should the Giants handle Pierre-Paul’s contract situation? Do you think this is an opportunity for the team to buy low and pursue a multiyear extension at a reduced rate? Should they simply play it safe and let JPP sign his one-year tender? Or would you remove his $14.813MM franchise tag altogether, trying to re-sign him at a lesser rate while risking the possibility of losing him to another team?

Weigh in below with your thoughts and opinions in the comment section. We’re looking forward to hearing what you have to say!

Community Tailgate: Will McClain Rebound?

July 3rd, 2015 at 3:15pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be discussing Rolando McClain and his most recent unfortunate development. On Thursday, the NFL decided to conduct a pre-holiday bad news dump when they announced the suspensions of four players, including McClain and Chargers star tight end Antonio Gates.

McClain, who turns 26 later this month, registered 87 tackles and a sack to go along with two interceptions in 13 games for the Cowboys in 2014. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) ranked the former first-round pick eighth out of 60 qualified inside linebackers, and he excelled in every aspect of the game — PFF’s grades placed him eighth as a pass rusher, seventh as a cover man, and 11th as a run defender, among inside linebackers.

Needless to say, that performance had Jerry Jones doing cartwheels in Texas. The Cowboys more or less took a flier on McClain as he was viewed as damaged goods by many NFL clubs. What follows is a quick recap of McClain’s career for the uninitiated.

McClain, a standout at Alabama, was selected No. 8 overall by the Raiders in 2010. From there, McClain had flashes of brilliance mixed with aloofness and fluctuating effort. In December of 2011, he was arrested for an incident in which he discharged a firearm. In the spring of 2013, his tenure in black and silver came to an end when even the Raiders felt they had enough of his off-the-field shenanigans. He hooked on with the Ravens but shortly thereafter announced his retirement from football. The following year, the Cowboys acquired McClain’s rights on the cheap from Baltimore and no one knew exactly what he was capable of with so much rust on him.

Of course, McClain went on to help stabilize the Cowboys’ defense and linebacking corps, no small feat considering the absence of Sean Lee. Despite his solid play and flirtations with other teams in free agency, McClain circled back to Dallas on a modest one-year deal with a base value of $3MM, including $1.5MM via gameday active roster bonuses. Of course, it was McClain’s off-the-field history that kept him from cashing in big after his big comeback campaign.

Now, McClain will be absent for the first month of the season thanks to his violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. From here, McClain appears to be at a fork in the road where he can regroup and get back to his 2014 form or drift back towards where he was prior to last season. All in all, do you expect McClain to continue as a productive linebacker in 2015, or will this latest setback cause a harmful regression? Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.

Community Tailgate: Could Brett Favre Still Play?

July 1st, 2015 at 4:55pm CST by Zachary Links

We’re still more than two months away from the start of battles on the NFL gridiron, but there’s no offseason when it comes to debate amongst fans. Earlier this summer, we launched a new series here at PFR that will be known as the Community Tailgate. What’s the Community Tailgate all about? Well, it’s pretty simple. Every weekday, we’ll highlight one of the top stories going on in the NFL. Then, in the comment section below, we want you to weigh in and let us know what you think.

Of course, while the debate may get spirited, we ask that it all stays respectful. If you need a reminder of our rules, please check out our commenting policy. Basically, we ask that you refrain from inappropriate language, personal insults, and attacks. Speaking of commenting: we’ve made it much easier to leave a comment here at Pro Football Rumors. You are no longer required to be a registered user – simply put in your name, email address, and comment and submit.

Today, we’ll be talking about a player who has been rumored to unretire more often than an over-the-hill boxer. Yes, of course, we’re talking about the Wrangler jean-wearing gunslinger himself – Brett Favre.

The first wave of retirement talk started for Favre in 2005 after he had a rather lackluster season under center. No. 4 had many years at the top of the quarterback heap but in ’05 he found himself atop the leaderboard for interceptions with a staggering 29. Favre not only came back for 2006 – he came back for the 2007 season after waffling and in 2008 he bolted for the Jets after previously indicating that he would hang ’em up. Of course, Favre told the Jets that he would retire only to hook on with the Vikings soon after. The veteran quarterback went on to play in Minnesota for two years and retired, but the injury-ravaged Rams came calling for him late in the 2013 season. Favre, then 44, said he was flattered, but ultimately declined.

Favre, now 45, made headlines this week when he told Sports Illustrated’s Greg Bishop he’s still capable of playing.

“I could make all the throws I made before, I just couldn’t throw it near as far, but that never matters anyway,” said Favre.

Despite the confidence he has in his abilities, the 11-time Pro Bowler went on to say that he’s “not trying to start some he’s-coming-out-of-retirement deal.” And, let’s face it, the last iteration of Favre that we saw was rather forgettable, threw 11 touchdowns against 19 interceptions in 13 games for Minnesota in 2010.

It doesn’t sound like we should expect Favre to come back for the umpteenth time, but one has to wonder if he really does have the ability to play at a high level as he nears his 46th birthday. After all, if Hershel Walker could compete in mixed martial arts in his late 40s, anything is possible, right?

Do you think Favre could still play in the NFL today? Let us know in the comment section below!

Community Tailgate News & Rumors