HEADLINES

Week In Review News & Rumors

5 Key Stories: 4/3/22 – 4/9/22

April 10th, 2022 at 3:05pm CST by Zachary Links

Here’s a look back at the week that was in the NFL:

  • Texans Re-Up Brandin Cooks: On Thursday, the Texans re-upped Brandin Cooks on a brand-new two-year extension. The deal — worth roughly $40MM with $36M in guarantees — takes the standout wide receiver off of the trade market following weeks of speculation about his future. Previously, Cooks was set to earn $12.5MM in base salary this season, the final season of his five-year, $81MM extension from 2018. Now, he’ll build on his work in Houston, where he’s topped 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last two years.
  • Saints Acquire First-Round Pick From Eagles: With a few weeks to go before the draft, the Saints moved up two spots in the first round. The Eagles received pick Nos. 18, 101, and 237, plus a 2013 first-rounder and a 2024 second-rounder. In exchange, the Saints get No. 16 overall, plus No. 19 and No. 194 in this year’s draft. New Orleans now has additional ammo in this year’s draft, while Philly can potentially plan for a move in a 2023 draft that is expected to feature a better crop of quarterbacks.
  • Ravens Re-Sign Calais Campbell: Calais Campbell is staying with the Ravens after agreeing to a two-year deal worth up to $16.5MM. The deal also contains $6MM in guaranteed money, locking in much of what could be his final NFL contract. While Campbell left the door open to retirement, he later confirmed that he wanted to stick around for at least another season. “It just felt like the right move,” Campbell said. “I feel like we started something special and we have unfinished business there.”
  • Eagles Meet With Tyrann Mathieu: Tyrann Mathieu is still on the market, but the Eagles might bring his free agency to an end. Although they re-signed Anthony Harris, the Eagles have an opening alongside him at safety. Mathieu could take over at Rodney McLeod‘s long-held spot, but it’d cost the Eagles much more than Harris’ one-year, $2.5MM deal.
  • Dwayne Haskins Dead At 24: Former Ohio State standout and first-round pick Dwayne Haskins died after being run over by a truck over the weekend. The quarterback, who would have turned 25 in May, enjoyed an extraordinary run with the Buckeyes and parlayed his success into a first-round selection. After two years in Washington, Haskins spent the 2021 season with the Steelers. “I am devastated and at a loss for words with the unfortunate passing of Dwayne Haskins,” said Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin. “He quickly became part of our Steelers family upon his arrival in Pittsburgh and was one of our hardest workers, both on the field and in our community. Dwayne was a great teammate, but even more so a tremendous friend to so many. I am truly heartbroken.”

5 Key Stories: 12/27/21 – 1/1/22

January 2nd, 2022 at 1:11pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • NFL Legend John Madden Passes Away: Late last week, NFL legend John Madden passed away at the age of 85. Madden, of course, is one of the most iconic NFL personalities of all time, evolving from Hall of Fame coach to famed broadcaster to the face of the sport’s most popular video game franchise. “On behalf of the entire NFL family, we extend our condolences to Virginia, Mike, Joe and their families,” said commissioner Roger Goodell in a statement. “We all know him as the Hall of Fame coach of the Oakland Raiders and broadcaster who worked for every major network, but more than anything, he was a devoted husband, father and grandfather.”
  • Jaguars Kick Off HC Search: The Jaguars requested interviews with Bucs offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich and defensive coordinator Todd Bowles, Colts DC Matt Eberflus, Cowboys OC Kellen Moore and DC Dan Quinn, Packers OC Nathaniel Hackett, and experienced HCs Doug Pederson and Jim Caldwell. Quinn has since declined the opportunity for an early interview, but he could still chat with the Jags at a later date.
  • Colts Reached Out To Rivers: Colts head coach Frank Reich recently asked Philip Rivers if he’d be interested in coming out of retirement. Even though Rivers has left the door open to an eventual return, it doesn’t sound like the 40-year-old is interested in filling in for Carson Wentz. In his lone Colts season, Rivers completed 68% of his passes and finished with a 24-to-11 TD-INT ratio.
  • Giants’ Joe Judge Likely To Return: The Giants reportedly plan to stay patient with head coach Joe Judge, even as they wrap up another losing season. For his part, Judge says he’s still committed to turning things around in New York. “I’ve said this from the beginning: I’m not interested in having some kind of quick flash,” Judge said. “I’m not interested in shortcuts. I’m not interested in quick fixes. I want to do this the right way. When I took this job I made it very, very clear that I was only going to do this if we’re all committed to doing this the right way. And that’s something that’s been very clear from ownership on down.”
  • Roethlisberger Addresses Likely Steelers Exit: Ben Roethlisberger has not publicly committed to retiring after the season, but Monday’s matchup with the Browns will almost certainly be his final home game with the Steelers. On Thursday, Big Ben addressed the speculation and seemingly acknowledged the end of his 18-year Pittsburgh run. As of this writing, Roethlisberger sits 24th in QBR for this season.

5 Key Stories: 12/20/21 – 12/26/21

December 26th, 2021 at 12:20pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

5 Key Stories: 12/6/21 – 12/12/21

December 12th, 2021 at 1:22pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • Demaryius Thomas Dead At 33: Former Pro Bowl wide receiver Demaryius Thomas passed away last week, just shy of his 34th birthday. Beloved by his teammates, Thomas captured a Super Bowl ring with the Broncos in 2015 before moving on to the Texans and Jets later in his career. On the field, he’ll be remembered for his exceptional performances in orange and blue. He ranks second in Broncos history in receiving yards (9,055) and receiving touchdowns (60) with more playoff receptions (53) than any other player in franchise history.
  • Seahawks’ Wilson Open To Trade: Here we go again. According to multiple reports, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson would consider waiving his no-trade clause for the Broncos, Giants, and Saints. The Giants — currently slated to have two top-10 picks in the 2022 draft — have the resources to get a deal done. The Saints and Broncos would surely be interested in the seven-time Pro Bowler, but they have significantly less draft ammo to offer.
  • Ravens’ Humphrey Done For Year: Marlon Humphrey was shut down for the year after suffering a torn pec. His loss was felt immediately last Sunday against the Steelers — without the star cornerback, the Ravens opted for a two-point conversion instead of an extra point to tie the game. When that failed, the Ravens lost 20-19 and ceded ground in the competitive AFC North. This hasn’t been the 25-year-old’s best season, but he still ranked as the 27th best cornerback in the NFL this year, according to Pro Football Focus.
  • Seahawks’ Adams Done For Year: Less than a year after undergoing surgery to repair a torn shoulder labrum, Jamal Adams is set for a similar rehab odyssey in 2022. The Seahawks safety is out for the season with yet another major left shoulder injury, his second inside of eleven months. Adams’ absence weakens the Seahawks’ D while potentially improving the Jets’ draft outlook. Thanks to the blockbuster Adams trade, the Jets own the Seahawks’ 2021 and 2022 first-round picks.
  • Titans Activate Julio Jones: After an extended absence, the Titans welcomed Julio Jones back to the roster. Finally healed up from his hamstring injury, the legendary wide receiver took the field on Sunday to face the Jaguars.

5 Key Stories: 11/28/21 — 12/5/21 

December 5th, 2021 at 7:28pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • Big Ben Expected To Retire: Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger is expected to call it a career after this season. Roethlisberger has outlasted both Eli Manning and Philip Rivers, but Father Time has clearly caught up to him. His QBR ranked just 24th in the league through ten starts and, even after today’s win over the Ravens, it’s clear that he’s lost a step. As of this writing, Roethlisberger sits eighth all time in touchdown passes with the sixth-most passing yards in NFL history.
  • NFL Suspends AB: The Buccaneers lost wide receiver Antonio Brown and safety Mike Edwards to suspension this week when both players were found to have violated league protocols. They’ll be eligible to return after three games, but head coach Bruce Arians says Brown might not be inserted into the lineup straight away. It’s possible that Brown could face legal consequences for his phony vaccination card and, even if he isn’t charged, the Bucs want to know that Brown is mentally prepared for the playoffs.
  • CMC Done For Year: Christian McCaffrey was placed on injured reserve for the second time this year, automatically ruling him out for the rest of the season. CMC previously missed five games with a hamstring injury. This time around, it’s an ankle injury that’ll require multiple months of rehab. Between the last two years, McCaffrey has appeared in just ten games for the Panthers. In 2019, his last healthy campaign, he made a push for Chris Johnson‘s single-season scrimmage yardage record. Now, his ’21 season ends with just 442 rushing yards and one touchdown, plus 37 catches for 343 yards and one receiving TD.
  • Panthers Fire OC Joe Brady: The injuries haven’t helped, but the Panthers were also unhappy with offensive coordinator Joe Brady. On Sunday, the Panthers fired the 32-year-old and replaced him with senior offensive assistant Jeff Nixon. Ranked just 28th in total offense, the Panthers will look for better results next week when they take on the Falcons.
  • Seahawks Sign Peterson: Adrian Peterson is back, this time with the injury-battered Seahawks. Seattle inked the legendary running back to a practice squad deal last week before quickly elevating him to the varsity squad. On Sunday, Peterson became the first player in NFL history to score a rushing touchdown with six different teams. That TD wound up being a difference-maker as the Seahawks beat the Niners 30-23.

5 Key Stories: 11/14/21 – 11/21/21

November 21st, 2021 at 4:17pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • Bears’ Mack Done For Year: Khalil Mack‘s season is over. The Bears hoped to get their All-Pro pass rusher back on the field after a bit of rest, but doctors recommended foot surgery instead. It’s a frustrating setback considering the 30-year-old’s hot start to the year. Through six games, Mack tallied six sacks, putting him on course for a vintage double-digit campaign. Without Mack and longtime defensive leader Danny Trevathan (also done for the year), the Bears fell to the Ravens today for their fifth-straight loss.
  • Ravens, Jackson Not Close To Extension: The Ravens haven’t made much progress on a new deal with Lamar Jackson, setting the stage for a tense winter. Jackson, 25 in January, is earning just $1.78MM in base salary this season. Next year, he’ll make roughly $23MM by way of the fifth-year option. After that, the Ravens can cuff Jackson with the franchise tag, but they want to avoid a Dak Prescott scenario. Ultimately, those protracted negotiations wound up costing the Cowboys many millions more over the long haul.
  • Eagles’ Dallas Goedert Signs Extension: A few weeks after trading Zach Ertz to the Cardinals, the Eagles cemented Dallas Goedert’s status as their long-term TE1. Goedert inked a brand new four-year deal worth approximately $59MM, making him one of the three highest-paid TEs in the game. The deal, which also includes $35.7MM guaranteed, marks a massive bump from his current $1.24MM salary. In terms of new money, Goedert trails only George Kittle ($15MM/year) and Travis Kelce ($14.3MM) at tight end.
  • Eagles, Maddox Agree To Deal: The Eagles also re-upped cornerback Avonte Maddox with a three-year extension worth $22.5MM. The new deal furnishes Maddox with $13.3MM in guarantees while keeping him under club control through the 2024 season.
  • Torn ACL For WFT’s Young: You didn’t need a medical degree to diagnose Chase Young‘s non-contact injury. On Monday, Washington confirmed that the defensive end is done for the year with a torn ACL. Young, the No. 2 overall pick last year, finished 2020 with Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and 7.5-sacks. This year, he’ll be capped at just 1.5 sacks and 25 total tackles.

5 Key Stories: 10/17/21 – 10/24/21

October 24th, 2021 at 2:35pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • Dolphins, Texans talking Watson trade: Dolphins owner Stephen Ross is in “win now” mode, which means that the Deshaun Watson trade talks have been picking up. The Watson news has been coming in fast and furious over the past week, including this critical bit of info — the embattled QB will not be placed on the exempt list if he is traded. The Dolphins are not alone in their pursuit, however — the Panthers, Eagles, Broncos, and other clubs have been in talks with the Texans.
  • Dolphins’ HC Flores on hot seat: Brian Flores has been quick to back up Tua Tagovailoa as his quarterback. However, there’s no guarantee that he’ll be the Dolphins’ head coach for much longer. The ‘Fins losing streak has Flores on the hot seat and his locker room status isn’t helping. Said one source who spoke to Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com, “There is a really negative vibe down there right now. A lot of players do not trust (Flores). Flo thinks he is a player’s coach, with an open-door policy, but I know a number of players who would tell you they don’t really think he is approachable enough, or flexible.”
  • Ravens’ Stanley done for year: Ronnie Stanley opted for another surgery, officially shutting him down for the rest of 2021. The Ravens are now without their All-Pro left tackle, in addition to a number of other key players. Stanley became the team’s 17th Ravens player to reach IR, more than any other team in the league.
  • Eagles’ Dillard drawing trade interest: Despite Andre Dillard’s mini-resurgence, the Eagles are listening to trade inquiries on the former first-round tackle. A “quality” Round 2 or 3 selection could be enough to pry him loose between now and Nov. 2, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport. Elsewhere in the NFC, the Seahawks are entertaining calls on defensive lineman L.J. Collier. Given Collier’s performance to date, he can probably be had for a Day 3 draft choice.
  • Broncos trade for Vikings’ Weatherly: As we prepare for bigger moves ahead, the Broncos and Vikings completed a pre-deadline trade sending defensive end Stephen Weatherly to Denver.

5 Key Stories: 6/27/21 – 7/4/21

July 4th, 2021 at 3:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

Dan Snyder status with WFT uncertain: This week’s $10MM fine levied against the Washington Football Team as a result of a problematic workplace culture, which stemmed from 2020’s sexual harassment allegations, has led to a change at the top of the franchise’s power structure — for the time being. Dan Snyder is no longer running the day-to-day matters for the franchise, ceding that control to his wife (co-CEO Tanya Snyder). Tanya will represent the WFT at league meetings for the foreseeable future. Dan Snyder, however, may be prepared to contest whether Roger Goodell must approve his return to full-fledged responsibilities.

Lamar’s negotiations raising eyebrows: Lamar Jackson continues to negotiate a potential record-breaking extension without an agent. His negotiating team, to some degree, includes his mother. Jackson’s mother played a key role in negotiating his admittedly less complex rookie contract. While advisers are also involved, the NFLPA has attempted to intervene to help the former MVP quarterback. Thus far, Jackson has resisted the union’s efforts. This has tripped alarms in the agent community.

Broncos sale becoming real possibility: A key trial pitting the Pat Bowlen Trust and two of the late owner’s daughters — Amie Klemmer and Beth Bowlen Wallace — has been delayed indefinitely, leading to expectations a Broncos sale is moving closer to reality. Prospective buyers have surfaced, with the trustees receiving offers — or, indications true offers will come if the franchise is put up for sale — over the past few months. NFL intervention may impede a potential sale, but the Broncos may be on the verge of changing hands for the first time in nearly 40 years.

Saints lock up Ryan Ramczyk: The right tackle market moved this week, with the Saints giving their All-Pro starter a five-year extension that averages $19.2MM per season. One of two Saints who previously were attached to the fifth-year option, joining Marshon Lattimore, Ramczyk is now signed through 2026. His future position may be uncertain, with this contract including an interesting clause that would provide a raise if Ramczyk becomes an All-Pro at left tackle. Longtime New Orleans left tackle Terron Armstead is going into a contract year.

No 2021 opt-outs expected: The NFLPA secured the right for players to opt out due to COVID-19 concerns for a second straight year. While the opt-out only pertains to players deemed high risk for developing coronavirus complications, the deadline for players to notify teams came and went without any news. With the vaccines changing the virus landscape, nothing has surfaced on any players opting out. However, official word on opt-outs is not due until Tuesday.

5 Key Stories: 6/20/21 – 6/27/21

June 27th, 2021 at 2:33pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • The drama between Aaron Rodgers and the Packers continues. Lately, there’s been speculation that the quarterback could opt out of the season, saving him millions in fines should he choose to skip 2021. However, that’s not likely to happen. The deadline for Rodgers and the rest of the NFL players will come this week, on July 2.
  • The Jets made a serious upgrade to their offensive line this week, signing longtime Washington starter Morgan Moses to man the right tackle position. Ron Rivera & Co. chose cap room over having the veteran, but the Jets got him at a reasonable rate — it’s a one-year, $3.6MM deal with incentives that can take him up to $5.3MM. According to Pro Football Focus, 2020 might have been Moses’ best year yet — he placed top-20 for tackles, up from so-so scores across 2017-2019. Barring any surprises, he’ll start at RT across from Mekhi Becton with George Fant and Chuma Edoga coming off the bench.
  • The Steelers also continued their offensive line shakeup, parting ways with longtime guard David DeCastro. In his place, they signed former Pro Bowler Trai Turner. Turner, 28, comes to Pittsburgh with 89 career starts, making him the most senior member of the offensive line. The Steelers saved about $8MM by cutting DeCastro and spent ~$3MM to ink Turner. DeCastro, by his own admission, is still struggling with a chronic ankle issue. If Turner is healthy, it’s a clear win for the Steelers — they’ll have upgraded their interior while pocketing about $5MM in savings.
  • Dolphins cornerback Xavien Howard hasn’t backed down from his contract demands. He’s “dug in,” per one report, even though he has four years to go on his contract. Last year, Howard graded out as the second-best corner in the league, per Pro Football Focus’ advanced metrics. Meanwhile, his $15MM AAV places him as just the sixth-highest paid cornerback in football, one spot behind teammate Byron Jones.
  • The Browns also have some business to take care of with Baker Mayfield, but they’ve yet to exchange figures. For what it’s worth, both sides are preaching patience. Besides, Mayfield would be comfortable waiting — fellow draft classmates Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson could be on the verge of $40MM/year extensions, raising the roof on his own asking price.

5 Key Stories: 5/2/21 – 5/9/21

May 9th, 2021 at 5:23pm CST by Zachary Links

Been busy? Let’s get you caught up with a look back at some of the NFL’s biggest stories from the past week:

  • Aaron Rodgers wants out, and he’s said to be eyeing the Broncos, Raiders and 49ers. Still, those familiar with Rodgers’ thinking are split on whether he’s heading for divorce with the Packers. Rodgers has reportedly refused to play for GM Brian Gutekunst, but even that notion has been challenged by old teammate James Jones. Meanwhile, the Browns won’t get into the Rodgers mix, preferring to stick with the younger Baker Mayfield instead.
  • The Broncos are set to go another season without high-priced right tackle Ja’Wuan James. On Tuesday, James suffered a torn Achilles tendon, which puts his $10MM base salary in jeopardy and leaves the team with a major hole to fill on the offensive line. After passing on Rashawn Slater in the draft, the Broncos are scouring what’s left of the open market. For James, this may cap his Denver tenure at just 63 total snaps.
  • The Lions inked center Frank Ragnow to a record extension, making him the highest-paid center in NFL history. Ragnow will receive $70MM in total with $25.5MM fully guaranteed, vaulting him ahead of Chargers center Corey Linsley for the richest contract at the position. Ragnow has started every game for the Lions ever since he was taken with the No. 20 overall pick in 2018, save for three missed games due to injury.
  • Kerryon Johnson was cut by the Lions, but he didn’t make it to free agency. Instead, the Eagles swooped in to claim the once-promising Auburn product. As a rookie, Johnson averaged 5.4 yards per carry and scored four touchdowns in ten games. If he can put his history of knee trouble behind him, he could be a solid contributor alongside starter Miles Sanders.
  • The Dolphins bounced Bobby McCain late last week, nixing the final two seasons of his four-year, $27MM deal. The 2015 fifth-rounder started in 55 of his 87 games for Miami, collecting seven interceptions and four sacks along the way. However, he ranked just 55th out of 94 qualified safeties last year, per Pro Football Focus. Now, he’ll hit the free agent circuit and meet with the Washington Football Team.
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