HEADLINES

Mark Sanchez

Titans Notes: McCourty, Cutler, Williams

March 9th, 2015 at 4:04pm CST by Zachary Links

A quick look at the Titans..

  • Devin McCourty agreed to a new deal with the Pats on Sunday night, the Titans were in the mix, Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean writes. “The Titans were definitely considered,” agent Andy Simms said. “They made a strong pitch, and did everything they could. We had some good conversations with them. And Devin was definitely interested in Tennessee. But the Patriots organization stepped up. At the end of the day, I don’t think anything was prying him out of New England if they decided to step up, which they did.”
  • Despite any speculation to the contrary, the Titans are not trading for Jay Cutler, Paul Kuharsky of ESPN.com tweets. Kuharsky also says the Titans were never in play for quarterback Mark Sanchez and hears that was nothing more than an agent-generated storyline (link).
  • The agent for cornerback Cary Williams said he had a “fantastic visit” with the Titans on Monday, Wyatt tweets. Williams told agent Harold Lewis that “it felt like home” with the Titans (link). Right now, it’s a four horse race between the Titans, Seahawks, Jets, and Ravens for his services and Aaron Wilson of The Baltimore Sun (on Twitter) hears that all of those teams have put in offers.

Titans Rumors: Sanchez, McCourty, Worilds

March 8th, 2015 at 4:25pm CST by Dallas Robinson

The Titans are showing “decent interest” in free agent QB Mark Sanchez, according to Mike Garfolo of FOX Sports (via Twitter). Second-year player Zach Mettenberger currently tops Tennessee’s quarterback depth chart, but the club could also look to upgrade the position with the No. 2 overall pick in next month’s draft. Sanchez, whom the Eagles are interested in retaining, would make for a nice stopgap solution if the Titans did take a QB in the draft.

Here’s more on the Titans, with all links going to the Twitter account of the Tennessean’s Jim Wyatt:

  • The Titans have reached out to safety Devin McCourty, whose twin brother Jason is a corner for the club. McCourty, who somewhat surprisingly wasn’t franchised by the Patriots, is the top safety available, so the Titans will certainly have competition. Tennessee recently released Bernard Pollard, so they have an opening in the back end.
  • Clearly interested in secondary help, the Titans will meet with cornerback Cary Williams tomorrow. Williams, recently released by the Eagles, has already met with the Seahawks and Jets.
  • Tennessee is interested in Jason Worilds and a number of other edge rushers. Former Steelers coordinator Dick LeBeau is now running the Titans’ defense, so the connection to Worilds makes sense.
  • The club still wants to retain free agent rusher Derrick Morgan, whom Wyatt notes is a getting an “idea of his value” during the three-day negotiating window.

Eagles Interested In Bringing Back Mark Sanchez

March 7th, 2015 at 10:57am CST by Ben Levine

Despite Nick Foles return from injury and the Eagles reported interest in prospect Marcus Mariota, the organization is apparently exhausting all of their options at the quarterback position. According to Eliot Shorr-Parks of NJ.com, the Eagles and free agent Mark Sanchez have a mutual interest in a reunion, and Geoff Mosher of CSNPhilly.com reports that the team has also discussed bringing in signal callers Tarvaris Jackson and Jake Locker.

Sanchez elevated his stock considerably following his performance in 2014, and the 28-year-old is arguably the best quarterback available via free agency. Filling in for the injured Foles, Sanchez passed for 2,418 yards and 14 touchdowns against only 11 interceptions, but his statistics weren’t necessarily reflected in his record, as he finished 5-4 as a starter. Shorr-Parks indicates that Sanchez would likely return to the team in a backup role, whether he’s playing behind Foles or someone else.

If Sanchez wants to compete for a starting job, he may bolt for another organization, leading the Eagles to pursue one of the alternatives mentioned above. Jackson has served as Russell Wilson‘s backup over the past two seasons, compiling only 14 attempts, 151 yards and one touchdown. The Eagles potential pursuit of the 31-year-old would make sense for multiple reasons. The veteran can run the ball well for a quarterback (4.0 average yards per carry throughout his career), which appears to be an important attribute to coach Chip Kelly. Furthermore, Jackson is clearly content with a backup role, and the former Seahawks player could provide his new squad with some insight on how to stop the conference foe.

Meanwhile, Locker would be a buy-low candidate similar to Sanchez last offseason. The former first-round pick has shown some flashes of talent throughout his brief career, and the 26-year-old is still young enough for a team to take a chance. However, the former Titans playcaller never played more than 11 games in a season for Tennessee, and his career-highs in passing yards (2,176) and touchdowns (10) don’t come close to matching Sanchez’s career-highs during his tenure with the Jets.

Browns May Lose Draft Pick For ‘Textgate’

February 4th, 2015 at 11:46am CST by Luke Adams

The NFL is expected to conclude its investigation into a sideline text-messaging incident involving the Browns either this week or early next week, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, who reports that the team are facing potential sanctions for the rule violation. Per Cabot, Browns GM Ray Farmer may be suspended, and the team could also be fined and even lose a 2015 draft pick for its actions.

Nearly a month ago, it was reported that a high-ranking official for the Browns texted the sidelines from the press box about playcalls during a game. Multiple sources have since told Cabot that it was Farmer who violated the NFL’s electronic use policy by texting the sideline, where his messages were apparently relayed to coaches. Per Cabot, the league is expected to announce sanctions for the Browns as soon as this week, and no later than three weeks or so from now — Farmer is facing a suspension of three or four games if it’s confirmed he violated the policy, and Cleveland may also be penalized a draft pick, though it’s not clear how high a pick it would be.

As we wait to see how the league rules on the situation, here are a few more Browns-related notes:

  • In a piece examining the situation in Cleveland, Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com writes that the culture in the Browns building is “toxic.” Many of those who can leave – like former OC Kyle Shanahan – are eager to do so as soon as possible, according to La Canfora, who reports that, at season’s end, Shanahan presented head coach Mike Pettine with a 32-point breakdown explaining why he wanted out of his contract, which prompted the two sides to draw up an agreement to allow him to walk away.
  • Multiple team sources tell La Canfora that Farmer is “a path of least resistance” for owner Jimmy Haslam on personnel decisions. La Canfora also hears that it wasn’t unusual for Farmer to text and/or call ex-QBs coach Dowell Loggains during game days. There has been growing friction between Farmer and Pettine as well, writes the CBSSports.com scribe.
  • One team source, to La Canfora, on Haslam: “Jimmy is way too hands on. He’s like Jerry Jones, only without the football knowledge. There’s tension between [team president] Alec [Scheiner] and Pettine. Everybody sees that. Alec is involved in everything; it’s too much for him. There are no divisions. The guys on the business side want to run football operations. The GM wants to coach the team and have input on play calling. Jimmy calls the shots, and everyone is afraid of him with that quick trigger finger. If you stand up to Jimmy, he’s done with you. Jimmy’s own worst enemy is Jimmy.”
  • Tight end Jordan Cameron isn’t interested in re-signing with the Browns, sources tell La Canfora, who adds that the club isn’t interested in bringing in Mark Sanchez as a veteran QB option.
  • Calling the Browns a “raging dumpster fire,” Tony Grossi of ESPNCleveland.com writes that Farmer must face the music and answer several questions about his decisions and his actions.

AFC Mailbags: Jags, McFadden, Chiefs, Jets

January 24th, 2015 at 8:58am CST by Ben Levine

It’s Saturday, and that means ESPN.com’s NFL writers are opening their mailbags and answering questions from readers. Let’s start off the morning by checking out some notes from the AFC…

AFC Links: Bills, Jets, Titans, Chung

January 14th, 2015 at 8:42pm CST by Zachary Links

Rex Ryan was introduced earlier today as the Bills head coach, and the 52-year-old addressed some of the leftover whispers surrounding his signing. Ryan disputed claims that the Bills were his “third choice” behind the Falcons and 49ers (via John Kryk of the Toronto Sun)…

“No, that’s definitely false. Did I interview with the Falcons? Did I interview with the 49ers? Absolutely. There were plenty of opportunities.”

The coach also discussed the team’s search for a quarterback, including former Jets play-caller Mark Sanchez…

“Certainly, he’ll be a guy under consideration. We’ll explore every avenue. If we think there’s a free agent like Mark or somebody else out there that we think can help us, then we’ll absolutely explore it.”

Finally, the coach acknowledged that his opportunity in Buffalo may be his last shot as an NFL head coach…

“I (have) one more shot to be a head coach and I have to get it done. And I understand I won’t have another opportunity, and don’t want another opportunity. This is the shot I want.”

Let’s check out some more notes from the AFC…

  • Like it or not, Steve Serby of the New York Post says Seahawks defensive coordinator Dan Quinn will forever be connected to Jets head coach Todd Bowles. The writer opines that one day, the organization may regret rushing to sign Bowles instead of waiting for Quinn to finish his playoff run.
  • The Titans have a big quarterback decision on their hands as they’ll have to choose between Jameis Winston, Marcus Mariota, and incumbent Zach Mettenberger, writes Jim Wyatt of The Tennessean. Wyatt runs down the pros and cons of each.
  • After inking a three-year extension with the Patriots, Patrick Chung is determined to show New England that he’s worth the money, writes Phil Perry of CSNNE.com. “I’m happy,” he said. “I’m happy. But it’s over now, and I can’t keep talking about it. I’m happy I’m back. I just gotta hopefully show them why they kept me.“

Zach Links contributed to this post.

Eagles Links: McCoy, Sanchez, Roseman

December 28th, 2014 at 10:13pm CST by Rob DiRe

After beating the Giants in Week 17, a number of writers for the Philadelphia Inquirer came out to eulogize a promising season that ended in disappointment.

One of the biggest questions the Eagles have heading into the offseason is the contract of Pro Bowl running back LeSean McCoy. Zach Berman caught some of what McCoy said about his future with that team in a series of tweets.

“I’m an Eagle, I love it here. My six years here have been excellent. I’ve been very, very, very productive here,” said McCoy. “We’ll see what happens. It’s a business. Anything can happen; I know that. But I’m sure we can work something out.” 

“It depends how they want to do it. …I love this team, and I’ll do whatever it takes. …We’ve got some time.”

While he has made it clear that he would be willing to restructure his deal, Jeff McClane writes that he would be surprised if McCoy took a pay cut to remain with the team (via Twitter).

  • McCoy may be the most talented player on the offense, but Chip Kelly’s offense needs a quarterback to make it go. Mark Sanchez has likely played his final game as the team’s starting quarterback, and his time as an Eagle in general may be up, writes Mike Sielski.
  • Owner Jeffrey Lurie was unwilling to commit to the team’s other quarterback, Nick Foles, according to McClane (via Twitter). He said the team would know more by March about the situation developing at the position.
  • The Eagles are coming off two good seasons, one that ended in a playoff appearance and one that fell just short of the mark. Bob Ford believes the team needs to make the next step, which won’t be easy. “The hardest part is to go from good to great,” Lurie said. “We’re at the good, but we don’t want that. We want to be great. I just look at what we could have accomplished this year. It’s exciting. We’re not sitting here 2-14 or 4-12 or whatever. . . . I think we’re pretty close. We know exactly what we need to upgrade. We’ve got a great group of young players, a lot of up-and-coming stars in this league. It’s all in front of us.”
  • One big decision for Lurie that could be the difference between taking the team from good to great is the choice to keep or move on from general manager Howie Roseman, writes McClane. As of now, Lurie says that Roseman will be back with the team. Roseman’s first-round pick in 2014 was unable to see much playing time, and reports have it that the hierarchy is unclear between himself and Kelly.
  • A weakness of the 2014 Eagles was the secondary, and that will be a priority this offseason, according to Marc Narducci. He writes about how they fared without Bradley Fletcher, and with inconsistent play even in the Week 17 win, there will surely be changes in time for 2015.

Eagles Notes: Beckham Jr., Kelly, Foles

December 24th, 2014 at 12:53pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s today’s look at the town where they booed Santa Claus..

  • Eagles coach Chip Kelly had Odell Beckham Jr. rated as the best wide receiver in the draft, as Jordan Raanan of the Newark Star-Ledger writes. The LSU product has blossomed into a superstar for the Giants, and Kelly is not at all surprised. Beckham could give the Eagles fits this week as their secondary has struggled against No. 1 wide receivers as of late.
  • The Eagles will evaluate quarterback Nick Foles this offseason, Zach Berman of the Philadelphia Inquirer writes. He refused to say that he will be the team’s quarterback for next season. “We’ll sit down and thoroughly evaluate everything,” Kelly said. “It’s no different than any other position. Tell us what we have available right now, we’ll talk a look at it, let’s detail it, let’s go through the film again, let’s put our heads together, let’s get everyone’s opinion on it and make valid decisions.”
  • Mark Sanchez had a chance to cash in big this offseason, but he wasn’t able to keep his momentum going into the offseason, as John Smallwood of the Philadelphia Daily News writes. Smallwood looks at the Eagles quarterback’s stock heading into free agency.
  • Sanchez said he’d like to stay in Philly next year, but would not say if he would be willing to return as the Eagles’ backup, tweets Ralph Vacchiano of the Daily News.

Eagles Unlikely To Upgrade At Quarterback

December 22nd, 2014 at 10:50am CST by Rob DiRe

The Eagles were eliminated from playoff contention after losing to Washington on Saturday night and the Cowboys’ blowout victory over the Colts on Sunday. Eagles’ quarterback Mark Sanchez struggled with turnovers after taking over for Nick Foles, and the team lost three in a row after starting the season 9-3.

Foles was not spectacular while he was playing either, showing alarming regression from an unsustainable 2013 season. Looking forward, head coach Chip Kelly will need to get better quarterback play in order to continue to succeed in the NFL. However, if he is unable to develop Foles, the organization may have to look outward for better quarterback play.

Still, finding an upgrade at quarterback will prove difficult for the team, writes Mike Sando of ESPN. Sando looks at some of their options if they do decide to add to their depth chart at the position.

Sitting at nine wins, even a loss in Week 17 will likely leave the Eagles out of the running for Kelly’s former superstar Marcus Mariota. The Oregon quarterback will not be likely to last to where the Eagles end up selecting. Sando also believes trading up for him would be unlikely. Even considering his familiarity with Kelly, the Eagles might be unwilling to pay the price to go up and get him near the top of the draft.

Among the most experienced and accomplished free agent quarterbacks, Sanchez remains at the top of that list. Matt Hasselbeck and Michael Vick are the best options in terms of stop-gap quarterbacks who have won in the NFL. Sando points out the team could target a young but failed quarterback in hopes of developing him. Among those are Jimmy Clausen, Christian Ponder, Colt McCoy, Blaine Gabbert, Jake Locker, and Ryan Mallett. Those options probably don’t represent a better choice than sticking with Foles.

Sando does include a number of more veteran quarterbacks, but their chances of succeeding are uninspired at best. Not many will consider Matt Flynn, Jason Campbell, or Brian Hoyer as a legitimate quarterback to improve the Eagles’ situation.

The only other option outside of Foles and Sanchez is hoping that a quarterback becomes available. Jay Cutler is the biggest name as of right now, as his situation in Chicago is volatile at best as long as Marc Trestman is coaching the team. Robert Griffin III is less likely to become available, and it is unlikely that Washington would be willing to trade him to a divisional rival. A third option would be Matt Schaub, which would be uninspired after not being able to start a single game for the Raiders in 2014.

For these reasons, Sando believes that the Eagles are best off staying put with Foles, Sanchez, or both in 2015. The continuity will bring more advantages than any other question mark quarterback they could bring in, and if Kelly adjusts his offense to put less pressure on the quarterback, the Eagles could see more efficient and consistent quarterback play next year.

East Notes: RGIII, Eagles, Cutler

December 21st, 2014 at 8:43am CST by Rory Parks

It was not long ago that the respective futures of Robert Griffin III and Jay Gruden in Washington were in doubt. After one strong game against the Eagles on Saturday night, that no longer seems to be the case. Following a last-minute, 27-24 victory over their playoff-hopeful division rivals, Washington’s head coach and quarterback are set to return for 2015.

As Jason Reid of the Washington Post wrote just hours after the team’s victory, “Jay Gruden and Robert Griffin III are expected to return next season.” Reid went on to note that Washington’s reliance on the on the run game and DeSean Jackson allowed Griffin to be more comfortable in the pocket than he has been all season, which could have created a blueprint for the team’s success moving forward.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adds that there was never any real doubt among the Washington administration that Griffin would be back, as the team continues to hope that he can be the franchise quarterback it once anticipated. So, as Florio writes, “the only remaining question is whether they pick up his eight-figure option for 2016 by May 3. If the goal is to support him, they either need to exercise the option or extend his contract.”

Now for some more noes from the league’s east divisions:

 

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