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Updated 2024-11-24 17:46
Arians: Bucs won't trade Brady if he comes out of retirement
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers may be leaving the door open for Tom Brady's potential return, but they won't entertain trading the star quarterback."Nope, bad business," said head coach Bruce Arians when asked if the club would accommodate Brady if he seeks a new team, according to Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times.Arians added that Tampa Bay would need to receive five first-round draft picks to trade the future Hall of Famer, per Stroud.Brady announced his retirement from the NFL last month after 22 seasons in the league. However, the 44-year-old left the door open for a comeback when he stated, "never say never," which led to speculation about his return.Arians said he would be shocked if Brady played the 2022 season, but general manager Jason Licht said the Bucs are leaving "the light on" in case the seven-time Super Bowl champion changes his mind.If Brady were to return to the NFL, the Buccaneers still hold his rights for 2022, with the signal-caller counting for $9.1 million against the team's salary cap, according to Spotrac.Brady led the NFL with 5,316 yards and 43 touchdowns while completing 67.5% of his pass attempts.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
GM: Colts still deciding Wentz's future, criticism of QB 'pretty fair'
The Indianapolis Colts still aren't ready to decide Carson Wentz's future.Colts general manager Chris Ballard said Tuesday the club is continuing to evaluate the quarterback position following a disastrous end to the 2021 season."I don't have the direct answer for you," said Ballard when asked about his plans for Wentz, according to ESPN's Field Yates. "We're working through it."Ballard said he will sit down with owner Jim Irsay and head coach Frank Reich "over the next few weeks and figure it out," per The Athletic's Stephen Holder.The GM revealed he met with Wentz for an hour on Tuesday. He emphasized that he wants the quarterback to take the criticism and build upon it moving forward."Most of it's pretty fair," said Ballard, according to the MMQB's Albert Breer. "It'll be interesting to see how he grows from this. I think he will."Wentz was widely slammed for his play as Indianapolis lost its final two games of the regular season to miss out on a wild-card spot.Ballard couldn't commit to Wentz as his starter moving forward immediately after the end of the campaign, saying he intended to "look at everything" to find the answer at quarterback.The Colts are potentially eyeing a "big swing" at quarterback, which, if successful, would lead to Wentz being traded or released, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Reports surfaced in mid-February that Wentz's standing with the Colts is "bleak," with the two parties expected to part ways despite the team trading a 2022 first-round pick and a 2021 third-rounder for the signal-caller last March.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Bucs GM: 'We'll leave the light on' for Brady
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers will welcome back Tom Brady with open arms if the quarterback opts to reverse his retirement this offseason."We'll see what the future holds," Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht told "Good Morning Football" on Tuesday at the NFL combine."Right now, we're trying to make our plans to move forward if that's the case that we need to move forward on," Licht added.Tampa Bay is reportedly willing to do whatever is necessary to facilitate Brady's comeback.Brady said in mid-February that he would "never say never" about playing again, fueling speculation that he could return for a 23rd NFL season.Licht also seemed to suggest the Bucs aren't convinced Brady will stay retired."We'll leave the light on," he said. "You always leave the light on for a guy like Tom Brady."Head coach Bruce Arians, however, apparently believes Brady's decision is a permanent one."He slammed it shut when I talked to him," Arians said, according to Greg Auman of The Athletic.But even if Tampa can't persuade the future Hall of Famer to reignite his career, the team apparently isn't heading into a rebuild. The Bucs are reportedly eyeing potential blockbuster trades for Houston Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson and Seattle Seahawks signal-caller Russell Wilson.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Prescott had left shoulder surgery, not expected to miss offseason workouts
Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott underwent surgery on his non-throwing shoulder, head coach Mike McCarthy announced Tuesday, according to the Dallas Morning News' Michael Gehlken.McCarthy said Prescott's procedure was a "clean up" and doesn't expect it to limit the signal-caller in offseason workouts."It’s not a concern. We have no concern," said McCarthy. "He is doing well."The Cowboys shut the 28-year-old down during last year's training camp as he dealt with a right shoulder issue. Prescott was also coming off a season-ending ankle injury.Prescott threw for 4,449 yards and 37 touchdowns against 10 interceptions while guiding Dallas to an 11-5 record through his 16 starts in 2021. He missed one game with a hamstring injury.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Stephen Jones noncommittal on Cooper's roster status
Dallas Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones didn't commit to keeping Amari Cooper on the roster Monday as the club looks to trim salary before free agency."It's too early for me to address that yet," Jones said, according to Jori Epstein of USA Today. "We're continuing to have conversations. A lot of things affect that. … There are some moving parts to that that we'll have to continue to massage as we move forward."The Cowboys are roughly $22 million over the salary cap and must clear the excess money by March 16, the first day of the new league year. Cooper is due $20 million in base salary in 2021, but none of it is guaranteed. Dallas could save $16 million against the cap by trading or releasing him.Following the end of the Cowboys' 2021 campaign, Cooper said he wants to stay with the team in 2022 but wasn't sure of its plans. Dallas traded a first-round pick to the Las Vegas Raiders for Cooper in 2018. He posted 865 yards and eight touchdowns in 2021.Along with cap considerations, the Cowboys must examine the rest of their receiver room. Four wideouts - Michael Gallup, Cedrick Wilson, Noah Brown, and Malik Turner - are scheduled to become free agents.Jones offered a more glowing assessment of running back Ezekiel Elliott, who'll count more than $18 million against the cap in 2022."I want Zeke on my team," Jones said. "He's a damn good running back, and I think he's going to help us win this year. Obviously, his contract, his money, is guaranteed. He's going to be here, no question. We're fortunate to have him."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Packers working on short-term deal to make Rodgers highest-paid player
The Green Bay Packers are negotiating a short-term deal for Aaron Rodgers that would make the reigning MVP the highest-paid player in the NFL if he returns in 2022, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.The Packers are waiting to hear whether their longtime quarterback will continue his playing career or retire. The franchise reportedly hopes to wrap up negotiations with Rodgers' representation by the time he decides his future.Rodgers is scheduled to earn nearly $26.5 million in base salary next season, though his cap number is over $46 million. Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes currently earns the league's highest average annual salary at $45 million per season.Rodgers is expected to inform the Packers of his decision in the near future. While he's reportedly drawn significant trade interest, Green Bay has displayed no interest in moving him. Rodgers and the Packers were at odds a year ago but appeared to mend their relationship throughout the 2021 season.The 38-year-old is coming off his second consecutive MVP season and has thrown 85 touchdowns against nine interceptions over the last two years.Rodgers led the Packers to 13 wins in each of the last three seasons but failed to reach the Super Bowl in any of them. The future Hall of Famer hasn't returned to the championship game since winning Super Bowl XLV at the end of the 2010 season.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Raiders to take on Jaguars in 2022 Hall of Fame Game
The Las Vegas Raiders and Jacksonville Jaguars will launch the 2022 preseason in the Hall of Fame Game on Thursday, Aug. 4, it was announced Monday.Former Raiders players Cliff Branch and Richard Seymour will join Jaguars icon Tony Boselli in being inducted into the Hall of Fame on Aug. 6.The matchup will mark Doug Pederson's first game back on the sideline as a head coach since the 2020 season. The Jaguars added the former Super Bowl-winning coach this offseason.It'll also showcase head coach Josh McDaniels' debut with the Raiders after Las Vegas hired him from the New England Patriots in January.The battle between the two AFC foes will take place at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Corral, Stingley among prospects not working out at NFL combine
Ole Miss quarterback Matt Corral and LSU cornerback Derek Stingley Jr. are among prospects not working out at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine, sources told ESPN's Jeff Legwold.They will participate in medical screenings and interviews at the combine, Legwold adds.Corral sustained an ankle injury in January during the Sugar Bowl but plans to participate in Ole Miss' pro day on March 23, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. Stingley, who underwent foot surgery for a Lisfranc injury last year, is also set to work out during LSU's April 6 pro day, NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports.In addition to Corral and Stingley, Alabama offensive lineman Evan Neal will also bypass workouts at the combine and wait for his pro day on March 30, Rapoport adds.Neal is in contention to be a top pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, while Stingley and Corral are among the headliners for their respective position groups.Other high-profile prospects such as Michigan pass-rusher Aidan Hutchinson and NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu will work out, according to NFL Network's Mike Garafolo.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Packers, Bucs among 5 teams to host international games in 2022
The Green Bay Packers, Arizona Cardinals, New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Jacksonville Jaguars will play international games during the 2022 season, the league announced on Monday.The Packers will make their international series debut, becoming the 32nd franchise to play in London since 2007. Green Bay and New Orleans will each play a game at Tottenham Hotspur Stadium next season, while the Jaguars are scheduled to play a league-high ninth game in London at Wembley Stadium.Tampa Bay will play host in the NFL's inaugural regular-season game in Munich, Germany, at FC Bayern Munich Stadium.The Cardinals, meanwhile, will play in the first contest in Mexico since the 2019 season.Country (City)StadiumHome TeamGermany (Munich)FC Bayern Munich StadiumTampa Bay BuccaneersMexico (Mexico City)Estadio AztecaArizona CardinalsUnited Kingdom (London)Tottenham Hotspur StadiumGreen Bay PackersUnited Kingdom (London)Tottenham Hotspur StadiumNew Orleans SaintsUnited Kingdom (London)Wembley StadiumJacksonville JaguarsAs part of the league's expansion to 17 regular-season games last season, NFC and AFC teams alternate having a ninth home game each year. Starting in 2022, up to four teams from the conference with an extra home game will instead play a neutral site international game that season. As a result, each of the league's 32 teams will be obligated to play at least one international game every eight years.Details including dates, matchups, and kickoff times will be revealed as part of the 2022 schedule announcement later this year.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Dolphins planned to go after Brady, Payton for 2022 season
The Miami Dolphins planned to pursue Sean Payton for its head coaching position and Tom Brady to be the starting quarterback for the 2022 campaign, sources told Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio.The organization halted the idea after former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams - Miami, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos - alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices.Miami reached out to the New Orleans Saints to get permission to speak with Payton following news of him stepping down from his head coaching role, but the Saints declined the request, Florio adds.The Dolphins also reportedly explored adding Brady as a minority owner. However, Miami paused those plans due to the former Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback's uncertain future following his retirement, Florio notes.The 44-year-old retired earlier this offseason but previously said "never say never" about a potential comeback. The Buccaneers also reportedly haven't ruled out Brady returning.The Dolphins hired former San Francisco 49ers offensive coordinator Mike McDaniel as their next head coach earlier this month. The club heads into the 2022 campaign with former top-five pick Tua Tagovailoa penciled in as the starting quarterback.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
NFL competition committee expected to discuss possible OT changes
Rich McKay, chairman of the NFL's competition committee, expects the league to discuss possible changes to its overtime format Tuesday."I have no question it will be brought up," McKay said Sunday, according to Mark Maske of The Washington Post. "I have no question that there will be a team or two that is going to suggest a rule change."Following McKay's comments, NFL.com's Judy Battista reported that the Indianapolis Colts submitted a proposal to ensure each team records an overtime possession in both the regular season and playoffs. It's unclear how much support there'll be for the change, although there's reportedly at least some sentiment in the committee to guarantee both teams one possession during overtime in the postseason, per Maske.Additionally, McKay expects some proposals Tuesday will be made strictly for the playoffs.The competition committee met Sunday in Indianapolis ahead of the NFL Scouting Combine, which begins Tuesday. Any changes to the league's overtime rules would require at least 24 out of 32 votes to pass.A push for overtime modifications grew louder following last month's divisional-round thriller between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills. The Bills didn't touch the ball in overtime after the Chiefs won the coin toss and scored a game-winning touchdown on their opening drive.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Amazon interested in Herbstreit for TNF analyst role
Amazon is eyeing ESPN's Kirk Herbstreit to fill its lead analyst job on Thursday Night Football, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post reports.Herbstreit's current contract may allow him to continue as an analyst on ESPN's College GameDay while serving in Amazon's TNF booth, sources told Marchand. However, ESPN could dispute that.Talks between Amazon and Herbstreit are expected to gain steam in the near future.Amazon was reportedly unsuccessful in grabbing former Fox Sports analyst Troy Aikman, Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay, and San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch for the analyst role.TNF is set to be exclusively shown on Amazon starting this season.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Buccaneers' Marpet retiring after 7 seasons
Tampa Bay Buccaneers guard Ali Marpet is retiring after seven NFL seasons, he announced Sunday on Instagram.
Report: Bengals' Wilson undergoes shoulder surgery for torn labrum
Cincinnati Bengals linebacker Logan Wilson is expected to make a full recovery after undergoing surgery last week to repair a torn labrum, sources told ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.The 25-year-old played with a full tear late in the regular season and throughout the playoffs, Fowler added.Wilson suffered the injury in the Bengals' Week 13 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers, causing him to miss the club's next three games. He returned to the lineup in Week 17.Wilson tallied 39 tackles, four tackles for loss, and an interception during Cincinnati's postseason run to Super Bowl LVI.The Wyoming alumnus led the Bengals with 100 tackles and added five tackles for loss and four interceptions in 13 regular-season appearances.Cincinnati selected Wilson in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft. He started two contests in his rookie campaign, recording 33 tackles and four tackles for loss.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: McVay not pursuing TV roles, committed to defending Super Bowl title
Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay is not pursuing television opportunities and is committed to helping his club defend its Super Bowl title, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter.McVay, 36, became the youngest coach in league history to win a Super Bowl when the Rams beat the Cincinnati Bengals earlier in February. Prior to the big game, McVay remained noncommittal on his plans, noting that he'd prioritize family over his career.Speculation over McVay's future has since increased, though his fiancee rejected rumors that he could possibly retire.His commitment to remaining on the sidelines for the foreseeable future hasn't stopped networks from pursuing his services.Amazon, which holds the rights to Thursday Night Football, could consider making a serious run at McVay to be an NFL analyst, sources told Andrew Marchand of the New York Post. The two sides were set to meet next week, with Amazon ready to offer up to a five-year, $100-million deal, Marchand reports.McVay's focus, meanwhile, will likely be on attempting to get a second consecutive Super Bowl title instead of looking toward a future in the booth.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Nagy returns to Chiefs' staff as QB coach
The Kansas City Chiefs hired Matt Nagy as their quarterbacks coach and senior assistant, reuniting with their former offensive coordinator.Nagy spent the last four seasons as head coach of the Chicago Bears. The NFC North club fired the one-time Coach of the Year after he went 6-11 in 2021 and missed the playoffs for the second time.Nagy worked as the Chiefs' offensive coordinator from 2016-17 before getting his first head coaching job with the Bears. He was the quarterbacks coach in Kansas City for three seasons before moving into the coordinator role and was previously part of Andy Reid's staff with the Philadelphia Eagles.The Chiefs reportedly agreed to a new contract with offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy before announcing Nagy's return.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Payton in talks with Fox Sports to replace Aikman
Fox Sports is talking to former New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton about replacing Troy Aikman as its top NFL game analyst, sources told Front Office Sports' Michael McCarthy.Aikman, the Hall of Fame quarterback who sat next to Joe Buck in the broadcast booth for the last several years, is reportedly set to bolt the network for a five-year, $90-million contract at ESPN.Payton coached the Saints from 2006-21, posting a 152-89 record with one Super Bowl title. He surrendered his post at the end of the season and immediately expressed an interest in broadcasting.If he finalizes a deal with Fox Sports, Payton would reportedly receive a contract for around $10 million per year.Retired tight end Greg Olsen, who worked as a game analyst on Fox Sports' No. 2 NFL commentary team last year, is also a candidate for the top job. Additionally, the network is exploring whether Los Angeles Rams head coach and newly minted Super Bowl champion Sean McVay would move to TV.Payton, 58, said when he stepped down from the Saints he could return to coaching in the future.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Cardinals, Murray moving forward after rumors of friction
The Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray are back on the same page after rumors of a rift between the two sides, NFL Network's Jane Slater reports.The relationship between the quarterback and organization is "copacetic," Slater adds.The Cardinals are now working toward tying down Murray, either by exercising his fifth-year option or with a contract extension, per Slater.Speculation about Murray's standing with Arizona emerged after he scrubbed his Instagram of content related to the team. Murray was reportedly embarrassed following the club's blowout playoff loss to the Los Angeles Rams and felt like he was being painted as the scapegoat for the team's troubles.Meanwhile, the Cardinals were reportedly looking for the quarterback to show better leadership qualities and were especially unimpressed with him not finishing the wild-card loss to the Rams.The 2019 No. 1 overall pick denied those reports, calling them "nonsense."Murray earned his first playoff berth in 2021 but was hampered by an ankle injury and poor play down the stretch. He missed three games during the campaign, and lost five of his last seven games, including a 34-11 loss to L.A. that ended his season.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Bieniemy returning as Chiefs offensive coordinator
Eric Bieniemy will return as Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator for the 2022 season, a team source told NFL.com's Jeffri Chadiha.Bieniemy's contract with the Chiefs was reportedly set to expire following the 2021 campaign, but he will remain with the team on a new one-year contract, a source told NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.The 52-year-old Bieniemy has been with the team since 2013. He originally started as the running backs coach before taking over the offensive coordinator job in 2018. The unit has finished no worse than sixth in scoring while he's held the role and has ranked top five in that category on three occasions.Bieniemy has garnered significant interest as a head coaching candidate in recent offseasons but hasn't landed a job. The New Orleans Saints and Denver Broncos interviewed Bieniemy earlier this year but didn't hire him.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Rodgers drawing trade offers, nearing decision for 2022
Multiple teams have trade offers on the table for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, who will soon inform the franchise of his plans for the 2022 season, reports ESPN's Dianna Russini.The four-time NFL MVP is weighing retirement. He reluctantly returned to Green Bay last season amid tension with the organization, but the two sides have seemingly repaired their relationship.Rodgers, 38, is coming off his second straight MVP campaign. He threw for 4,115 yards with 37 touchdowns and just four interceptions while leading the Packers to their third consecutive 13-win season.It's unclear which teams have submitted trade proposals for Rodgers or whether the Packers will consider moving him. The Denver Broncos, Las Vegas Raiders, and San Francisco 49ers have been loosely connected to the signal-caller over the past year, while the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Carolina Panthers, and Pittsburgh Steelers are among the teams in the quarterback market this offseason.Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said Wednesday he expects to field a "competitive team" in 2022 with or without Rodgers and top wide receiver Davante Adams, who is a pending free agent.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Aikman in negotiations to join ESPN's MNF booth
ESPN is in negotiations to make Fox Sports' Troy Aikman its lead analyst on Monday Night Football, according to the New York Post's Andrew Marchand.The five-year deal is being finalized, sources told Marchand. Aikman's contract will likely be worth around the same figure as Tony Romo's 10-year, $180-million deal with CBS.Aikman, a Pro Football Hall of Famer, has also attracted the attention of Amazon, which holds the broadcast rights to Thursday Night Football.ESPN has employed a three-man booth of Brian Griese, Louis Riddick, and Steve Levy over the past two seasons.Aikman is a staple of Fox's NFL coverage, partnering with Joe Buck on the network's top broadcast team. Aikman, 55, has covered six Super Bowls during his broadcasting career.ESPN could make a run at Buck with his contract set to expire next year, Marchand reports. Buck - who also calls the World Series for Fox - would need permission from the network to leave early.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Rams' Whitworth leaning toward retirement after Super Bowl LVI win
Los Angeles Rams offensive tackle Andrew Whitworth is close to calling it a career weeks after the Rams' Super Bowl LVI win against the Cincinnati Bengals."I'm kind of waiting for another couple of weeks. Just right before the league year starts, I'll make a decision," he said Wednesday on "NFL Total Access," according to NFL.com's Nick Shook.Whitworth, 40, is the league’s oldest active player. Ahead of the new league year's March 16 start, he's more likely than not to retire."I'm definitely leaning towards probably being done," he added. "I think that that's probably best for me at this time in my career."The two-time All-Pro wrapped up his fifth campaign with L.A. after spending the first 11 years of his career with the Bengals.When asked prior to Super Bowl LVI about retiring if the Rams won the big game, Whitworth said, "I don't think there's anything else I would have to do."He did leave the door open for a return next season after hockey legend Wayne Gretzky told him that the only thing better than winning one championship is winning another."And I said, 'You know what, I can't argue with you,'" Whitworth said. "It's gonna be tough. One way or another, it's gonna be a tough decision."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Bengals' Bates hopes to avoid franchise tag: 'You only get one shot at this'
Safety Jessie Bates "absolutely" wants to remain a member of the Cincinnati Bengals but would prefer not to play under a franchise tag."I just try to stay focused, control what I can. We'll see. Hopefully, I am not under a franchise tag," Bates said during an interview with Omar Ruiz on "NFL Now," according to Dave Clark of the Cincinnati Enquirer.He added: "You only get one shot at this. And you know you've just gotta play your cards right."Bates could become a free agent if the Bengals choose not to tag him prior to the March 8 deadline. Cincinnati was unable to sign him to a long-term deal after contract talks fell through during training camp last season.The 24-year-old cited the lack of financial security as a concern to playing on a one-year franchise deal. The Bengals captain's $2.4-million salary in 2021 would be eclipsed by a potential $13-million figure in 2022 should he sign the franchise tender, according to Spotrac.Bates isn't worried about "the ego part" of becoming one of the league's highest-paid safeties, noting that "value over cost" would be evaluated in discussions over the upcoming weeks.The former second-round pick had a productive postseason, racking up 20 tackles, six passes defended, and two interceptions - including one in Super Bowl LVI.Bates, who's started all 63 contests he's played in over the span of four seasons, envisions a bright future for the Bengals with or without his presence."There's a lot of good things to come there in Cincinnati - whether I'm there or not."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Packers GM: We'll be competitive with or without Rodgers, Adams
Brian Gutekunst expects the Green Bay Packers to hold steady in 2022 even if offensive stars Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams are out of the picture."We're gonna field a competitive team regardless," the general manager said Wednesday. "We're the Green Bay Packers, and I think we have a really good football team in front of us. Those are elite players, and whenever you have elite players, you feel good about that. You may have to do things (in) different ways if those hypotheticals come into play. We'll see where it goes. I like the nucleus and the core foundation of our football team."The Packers won 13 games for the third consecutive year in 2021, but they head into the offseason with salary-cap problems and roster uncertainty after fizzling out in the playoffs.Rodgers, the MVP quarterback, is contemplating retirement. He's scheduled to count for over $46 million against the cap if he returns. Green Bay could use the franchise tag on Adams, its All-Pro wide receiver who's a pending free agent, but the move would cost over $19 million.The Packers must also trim salary to get under the cap by mid-March when the new league year begins. They have 15 players on track to hit unrestricted free agency, including Adams and key contributors De'Vondre Campbell, Marquez Valdes-Scantling, and Rasul Douglas.Gutekunst said he plans to rely on a mixture of restructures and releases to balance the budget and won't shed a bunch of players even if Rodgers and Adams walk away."We'll move through that as we go through it, but we have a lot of different options and depending on where we head, but this isn't a fire sale where we're cutting a bunch of guys," he said.Gutekunst noted that the organization hasn't given Rodgers a deadline to make up his mind on retirement. Rodgers previously said he expects he'll make a decision shortly.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Brady to produce, act in football-themed road trip movie
Tom Brady has lined up his first post-retirement gig.The seven-time Super Bowl champion has signed on to produce and appear in a football-themed road trip comedy titled "80 for Brady," according to Borys Kit of The Hollywood Reporter. Brady helped develop the film and will produce it through his production company, 199 Productions.Inspired by a true story, "80 for Brady" stars Lily Tomlin, Jane Fonda, Rita Moreno, and Sally Field as four best friends who travel to Super Bowl LI in 2017 to cheer on Brady and the New England Patriots.The film is being directed by Kyle Marvin, with production set to begin in the spring.Brady's previous acting credits include appearances in "Entourage" and "Ted 2."Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Patriots' Jackson willing to play on franchise tag
New England Patriots cornerback J.C. Jackson says he's open to playing the 2022 season on the franchise tag."I love the game," Jackson told NBC Sports Boston's Phil Perry on Tuesday. "If they tag me, I'm gonna go out there and play."NFL teams have until March 8 to apply a franchise or transition tag. Tuesday marked the first day teams could place the tag on players. Cornerbacks are projected to command $17.5 million under the designation next season, according to Spotrac.However, Jackson, an impending free agent, said his desire is to land a new four- or five-year contract.While the 2021 Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro acknowledged that the Patriots approached him about a contract extension during the 2021 season, he said New England hasn't reached out since the end of the campaign."I guess I can't be that important to them," Jackson said. "I know I am, but they're not showing me."But regardless of where he lands, Jackson, who made $3.38 million last year, is focused on getting a big payday."Whatever happens, happens," he said. "I'm taking it day by day. But it's time for me to get paid. It's time to get Mr. INT paid."Jackson has 25 interceptions since he joined New England as an undrafted free agent in 2018.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Flores: I declined Miami's separation agreement to discuss treatment by team
Former Dolphins coach Brian Flores told Bryant Gumbel of HBO's "Real Sports" that he rejected a separation agreement offered to him by Miami owner Stephen Ross, per ESPN's Brooke Pryor.The contract, which Ross offered following Flores' dismissal, was a two-year non-disparagement agreement, according to attorney Doug Wigdor."Just signing that separation agreement would have really silenced me," Flores said in an episode airing Tuesday.John Elefterakis, one of Flores' attorneys, said the coach forwent millions of dollars by declining the separation agreement to speak about his time with the Dolphins."If a coach is terminated with a couple years or a year left on their contract, they don't get paid unless they sign a waiver, an NDA, confidentiality, and non-disparagement," Wigdor said. "So, they buy their silence."In a response to Flores' comments Tuesday evening, the Dolphins said they were "categorically false.""This just did not happen, and we simply cannot understand why Brian continues this pattern of making unfounded statements that he knows are untrue," the team said.However, Wigdor later posted screenshots from the draft agreement, with one of the provisions specifically detailing a non-disparagement clause.Miami fired Flores on Jan. 10 following a 9-8 campaign in 2021. The dismissal was reportedly due to his deteriorating relationship with general manager Chris Grier and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa.Flores denied any rift with the 23-year-old passer in an appearance on the "I Am Athlete" show earlier this month, saying, "I think there was a great deal of respect between the two of us."The 40-year-old coach filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL, the Dolphins, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos over their hiring practices.Flores also said Ross offered him $100,000 per loss in 2019. The New York native and his attorneys told Gumbel they have evidence of the matter and would be willing to share it with the NFL. Commissioner Roger Goodell vowed earlier this month that the league will investigate the allegation of Ross deliberately tanking.Meanwhile, Flores - who recently joined the Pittsburgh Steelers as a senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach - denied rumors Tuesday that he considered returning to the New England Patriots prior to filing his lawsuit.Flores, who served as a Patriots assistant from 2008-2018, revealed a few weeks ago that he received a congratulatory text from Bill Belichick for getting the Giants' head coaching job three days before he met with New York. However, Belichick apparently meant to send the message to Brian Daboll, who was hired a day after Flores interviewed.Flores says he hasn't spoken with Belichick since he filed his lawsuit.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: Packers, Adams haven't discussed contract as tag window opens
The Green Bay Packers and Davante Adams have not had any contract discussions since the end of the season, a source told The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel's Tom Silverstein.Adams is scheduled to become an unrestricted free agent this offseason, though he is a candidate for the franchise tag. The window for applying the franchise tag opened Tuesday and runs until March 8.It was reported in January that the two parties hadn't sat down since contract discussions broke off in late July.The 29-year-old's future could also affect quarterback Aaron Rodgers' decision about whether to stay with the Packers. The reigning NFL MVP said Tuesday he has not made a call regarding his own fate in Green Bay, but he alluded to the possibility of the team tagging Adams, according to Ben Standig of The Athletic.Adams also previously acknowledged that Rodgers' decision could affect his own move.A second-round pick in 2014, Adams has developed into one of the game's top receivers. He collected his fifth straight Pro Bowl nod in 2021 after catching 123 passes for 1,553 yards with 11 touchdowns.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Rodgers says future still undecided after speculation over Instagram post
Aaron Rodgers isn't ready to make a decision on his playing future just yet.The Green Bay Packers quarterback said he still hasn't made a call on his next move during an appearance on "The Pat McAfee Show" on Tuesday.Rodgers fueled speculation surrounding his future after expressing gratitude for teammates, coaches, and loved ones in an Instagram post Monday night. The veteran quarterback said his post was brought on after finishing a 12-day cleanse.Many speculated the 2021 MVP was foreshadowing a departure from Green Bay after posting a photo that showed a vacant space usually occupied by Rodgers between Randall Cobb and Davante Adams."When I got that photo from Randall and Davante, it brought tears to my eyes because that's my guys standing before the game," Rodgers said.He added: "(It's) a statement about friendship and love and the connection that we have collectively and individually in our friendships."
Landry played through multiple injuries, hopes to stay with Browns
Cleveland Browns wide receiver Jarvis Landry addressed his injury-riddled 2021 campaign and his future in a series of tweets Tuesday."(The) reality behind all this is I came back to play in the best shape of my life, I got hurt Week 2 with a high grade MCL sprain, partial quad tear, and bone bruise," Landry wrote. "(I) then came back way (too) early and ended up staying hurt the entire season. You never heard me mention anything about it."Landry has one year left on his deal, though he can be released with minimal dead money. The wideout is set to make $14.3 million in base salary but can be cut for a $1.5-million dead-cap charge, according to Spotrac."I have put the ball in (Cleveland's) court by telling them I would like to stay but if not then I'm confident enough in myself to be a better healthy me this year and moving forward to helping do my part in winning a championship elsewhere," Landry added.The 29-year-old also noted his lack of media availability during the season was a result of his drive to get back on the field as quickly as possible.The Browns haven't approached Landry about restructuring his contract, a source told the Akron Beacon Journal's Nate Ulrich. However, Landry's representation will reportedly meet the team next week at the NFL Scouting Combine.Landry posted career lows in receptions (52), receiving yards (520), and touchdowns (two) across 12 games last season.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Watson's agent denies trade interest in Bucs, Vikings
Deshaun Watson's agent says there's no truth his client is looking into the Tampa Bay Buccaneers or Minnesota Vikings ahead of free agency."We haven’t had any talks among ourselves, or with teams about possible destinations, as we are focused on clearing Deshaun's name at this time," the agent said, according to CBS Sports HQ's Josina Anderson.The response arrives a day after the 26-year-old was reportedly assessing potential landing spots ahead of the 2022 season. Watson was believed to be prioritizing offensive system, coaching, and the ability to win when deciding on his next destination. Watson holds a no-trade clause that allows him to have the final say in any potential trade scenario.The Houston Texans passer is under investigation by the NFL and could be subject to the league's personal conduct policy.Watson was inactive for every game during the 2021 season amid a trade request and is facing lawsuits from 22 different women for sexual assault and/or inappropriate sexual behavior during massage sessions. Ten women have filed criminal complaints against Watson.The three-time Pro Bowler led the NFL with 4,823 passing yards, 22 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions in 2020.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
NFL eases combine restrictions amid reported pressure from agents
The NFL is backing off its previous stance regarding a bubble at the 2022 scouting combine.The National Invitational Combine (NIC) sent a memo Monday with updated details to all prospects attending the event."While masks continue to be required for air travel and during medical exams at the combine - (for) players and medical personnel - wearing a mask at other times while on site is recommended but not required," the NIC wrote, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.It added: "However, if you wanted to leave the secure area in your free time, you are now permitted to do so at your own risk."Agents for at least 150 prospects planning to attend the combine were reportedly considering boycotting the event due to restrictions related to the COVID-19 pandemic.The league previously issued a memo outlining its intentions to stage the combine in a bubble environment in Indianapolis. Under the original plan, attendees who left the bubble would be dismissed from the combine, and prospects would be limited to one fully vaccinated medical support person.Players are still expected to conduct their workouts and on-field drills on the same day.The scouting combine is set to run March 1-7. The league canceled the 2021 edition due to the pandemic.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Brown: Bucs tried to 'hurt me intentionally'
Warning: Story contains coarse languageAntonio Brown still has more to get off his chest regarding the infamous walkout incident that led to his release.The free-agent receiver shared an X-ray of his ankle Monday in an Instagram post and ripped Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians and quarterback Tom Brady.Brown maintains the Bucs demanded he play in the Week 17 matchup against the New York Jets while injured. He also claims the Buccaneers tried to "intentionally" hurt him and that Brady told him he would throw him the ball if he played through the injury.
Why can't fans own a slice of their favorite teams?
In the late spring of 1998, Cleveland's Major League Baseball team attempted something never done before in the league: It went public.With an initial public offering on the NASDAQ exchange, anyone could buy a small slice of the franchise.The club traded under the ticker symbol "CLEV." Cleveland joined the NBA's Boston Celtics (ticker: BOS) and the NHL's Florida Panthers (PUCK) as the only publicly traded North American pro sports franchises.Cleveland was coming off a World Series appearance and was selling out Progressive Field for entire seasons. On June 4, 1998, when the stock debuted, the entire allotment of 4 million shares was sold within an hour of the opening bell. The shares debuted at $15 apiece, raising some $54 million after fees for late owner Richard Jacobs, who sold about half his stake in the club but retained voting rights and control.When it opened in 1994, Cleveland's new ballpark was first named after owner Richard Jacobs. David Liam Kyle / Getty Images"I'll find a good use to put it to," Jacobs told the Cleveland Plain Dealer of the cash. "I'm pleased with the acceptance of the offer by institutions and fans."Jacobs hoped to diversify the club's revenue streams through media and real estate endeavors.Today, the Guardians, Celtics, and Panthers are all under private ownership. Cleveland's baseball team was publicly traded for a little more than a year until Larry Dolan bought it in November 1999. Shareholders who held CLEV stock were paid $23 per share. The Panthers were purchased by an investment group in 2001. The Celtics were taken private in 2002. That was the end of the direct-listing era of publicly traded North American pro teams.One can buy indirect stakes in the Atlanta Braves, Toronto Blue Jays, and Philadelphia Flyers through their parent companies, Liberty Media (BATRA), Rogers Communications (RCI), and Comcast (CMCSA), respectively, or in New York Knicks and New York Rangers stock through MSG Sports (MSGS), but there are no longer any North American-based sports franchises listed on their own.You can indirectly buy a slice of the Atlanta Braves by buying stock in Liberty Media. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesThere are a few European soccer clubs, like Manchester United (ticker: MANU) whose shares can be purchased on public markets. The Green Bay Packers are owned by shareholders but shares of the team are not traded on the stock market.So why don't we see more sports teams go public, at least in a limited fashion? Many fans would love to buy shares in their favorite teams like the San Francisco Giants or Dallas Cowboys.In this age of record retail trading, with millions of new individual investors opening brokerage accounts and actively trading on apps and elsewhere, there is likely even more demand for pro sports stocks than in the 1990s. Teams could be the new meme stocks.Team owners often claim they are struggling to turn a profit. They could raise hundreds of millions of dollars by selling off a portion of their clubs at a time of record valuations for many asset classes, including sports franchises. A record number of companies went public in 2021 taking advantage of market conditions.When MLB commissioner Rob Manfred said last week that MLB owners would be better off to invest in the stock market instead of major-league teams, numerous fans stated on Twitter that they would be happy to transfer funds from their 401(k) to invest in baseball clubs.
Report: Agents consider advising prospects to skip NFL combine workouts
Agents are considering advising draft prospects to skip workouts at the 2022 NFL Scouting Combine over restrictions the league plans to implement due to COVID-19, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter.Prospects will still be encouraged to participate in medicals, interviews, and non-physical testing, Schefter notes.NFL Network's Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that agents representing over 150 prospects were organizing a boycott of the combine in response to restrictions.The NFL issued a memo Saturday detailing the bubble arrangement players must adhere to while they are in Indianapolis. The league said it will dismiss players from the combine if they leave the bubble and limit players to bringing one medical support person who must be fully vaccinated.Agents are set to ask the NFL Scouting Combine to remove bubble restrictions to give players access to their physical therapy and performance teams, Schefter reports.The NFL Players Association said in a statement Sunday that it will support players who choose not to attend.The event is slated to take place from March 1-7. The NFL canceled the combine in 2021 due to COVID-19 concerns.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Colbert: Steelers plan to add QBs in offseason
Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said the team plans to bring in quarterbacks this offseason following Ben Roethlisberger's retirement.“We know we're going to add to the position," Colbert said Monday, according to ESPN's Brooke Pryor. "I can’t tell you how at this point. We will go to (training) camp with four (quarterbacks)."Colbert said Mason Rudolph is presently penciled in as the starter, though Rudolph is the only Steelers quarterback currently under contract for 2022. Dwayne Haskins, who spent the 2021 campaign backing up Roethlisberger and Rudolph, is expected to be tendered as a restricted free agent."We have confidence that if the season started today, Mason would be our starter, and we're excited to see where that can go. He's 5-4-1 as (a) starter. We're excited to see what is next for Mason," Colbert said, according to Trib Live's Joe Rutter.Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in January all options are on the table when it comes to the searching for Roethlisberger's replacement after the veteran retired following an 18-year career.Rudolph received an extended look as a starter in 2019, tossing 13 touchdowns to nine interceptions while Roethlisberger was sidelined with an elbow injury. The 26-year-old also started one game last season, throwing for 242 yards, one score, and one pick in a Week 10 tie with the Detroit Lions.The quarterback position is one of many areas where the Steelers are facing significant offseason change. Colbert is set to step away from the team following the 2022 NFL Draft, leaving a void at general manager. Pittsburgh has also retooled its defensive staff, promoting Teryl Austin to defensive coordinator following the retirement of Keith Butler and adding Brian Flores as a senior assistant.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
XFL partnering with NFL for innovation, player safety
The NFL and XFL have agreed to a partnership centered around innovating the sport and protecting the health of players, the latter announced Monday.“We are bringing forward an XFL that is progressive and forward-thinking when it comes to innovation, leveraging the newest technology to enhance gameday experience," XFL co-owner and chairwoman Dany Garcia said in a statement."We have an open field for innovative rules to enhance in-game access. Sharing insights and practices between the XFL and NFL will do a tremendous amount of good for the game of football and support the player ecosystem overall.”The collaboration will involve physical and mental fitness programs, the study of playing surfaces and equipment, and the sharing of game trends and data.XFL president Russ Brandon told ESPN's Kevin Seifert that the league will act as a "petri dish" for the NFL to try out innovative ideas surrounding safety, officiating, rules, and development.The deal does not involve potential player sharing or the XFL being set up as a developmental league for the NFL, according to Seifert.The XFL is set to resume in February 2023 after being bought by Garcia, Dwayne Johnson, and RedBird Capital Partners. Under former owner and WWE chairman Vince McMahon, the league returned briefly in 2020 before declaring bankruptcy after ceasing operations due to COVID-19.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
15 NFL veterans who could be offseason cuts
With the 2021 season behind us, NFL teams are set to begin balancing budgets and building their rosters for a run in 2022.Here are 15 notable veterans whose hefty contracts could place them on the chopping block in the offseason.(Contract information courtesy of OverTheCap)49ers QB Jimmy Garoppolo Icon Sportswire / Icon Sportswire / GettyYears left on contract: 1
Bengals' Ricardo Allen retires after 8 seasons
Cincinnati Bengals safety Ricardo Allen is retiring after eight NFL seasons, he announced Sunday.Allen joined the Bengals in 2021 after a seven-year stint with the Atlanta Falcons. He appeared in 91 career games, recording 77 starts and 11 interceptions.
Arians upset with 'far-fetched' rumor of tension with Brady
Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Bruce Arians tore apart a rumor Saturday about his relationship with Tom Brady souring before the quarterback retired."It seems like there's one (story) every day now. Everybody is speculating he's going somewhere else," Arians told Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. "That don't bother me. This other bullshit, the relationship thing, that's so far-fetched."Former NFL offensive lineman Rich Ohrnberger tweeted Friday that tension between Arians, Brady, and offensive coordinator Byron Leftwich contributed to the signal-caller walking away.Ohrnberger, who played with Brady on the New England Patriots from 2009-11, now hosts a radio show in San Diego. He tweeted that Arians routinely used a red pen to cross out parts of game plans that Brady and Leftwich came up with when the coach joined the duo while he received treatment for his Achilles in the mornings.
Steelers add Flores to defensive staff
The Pittsburgh Steelers have added former Miami Dolphins head coach Brian Flores to their staff as a senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach, the team announced Saturday."I am excited about Brian Flores joining our coaching staff given his history of developing and teaching defensive players during his time in the NFL," Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin said in a statement. "Brian's resume speaks for itself, and I look forward to him adding his expertise to help our team."Flores posted a 24-25 record over three seasons with the Dolphins before the team fired him in a shocking move earlier this year.Flores filed a lawsuit against the NFL and three teams - the Dolphins, the New York Giants, and the Denver Broncos - following his dismissal in Miami, alleging racial discrimination in hiring practices. Flores also stated in his lawsuit that Dolphins owner Stephen Ross offered him $100,000 per loss during the 2019 season in an effort to secure a top draft pick.The 40-year-old coach plans to proceed with the lawsuit following his hiring with Pittsburgh."We congratulate coach Flores on his new position with the Steelers and thank coach Tomlin and the organization for giving him this great opportunity," Flores' attorney said in a statement obtained by Jonathan Jones of CBS. "While coach Flores is now focused on his new position, he will continue with his race discrimination class action so that real change can be made in the NFL."Flores interviewed for head coaching vacancies with the Giants, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, and New Orleans Saints this offseason.Flores gained recognition for his work on defense with the New England Patriots before joining the Dolphins in 2019. He served as the Patriots' linebackers coach from 2016-18.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Here's how the Rams can sustain their success
By winning the Super Bowl, the Los Angeles Rams fulfilled the ambition of their aggressive team-building approach. They went all-in by trading valuable draft assets for stars at premium positions. The plan worked, so it was worth it. But someday, the bill will come due. Someday, the franchise will pay a hefty price.That's the narrative, anyway. It's one that I, too, bought into as the team set about acquiring players like Jalen Ramsey, Matthew Stafford, Von Miller, and Odell Beckham Jr. to put the finishing touches on what became a title-winning roster.But the Rams weren't exactly all-in, a designation that implies they sacrificed their future to satisfy the present. L.A. does, in fact, place great value on the draft as a mechanism for long-term roster construction. The team also isn't in any kind of salary-cap hell. If Aaron Donald and head coach Sean McVay do indeed come back, there's nothing to suggest L.A. can't sustain its success.It's true that the Rams haven't had a first-round pick since 2016, and that they don't possess another first-rounder until 2024. But that hasn't hindered them in the slightest. In the five seasons since McVay took over as head coach, L.A. has gone 55-26 with four playoff appearances, two trips to the Super Bowl, and now one championship. Only the Kansas City Chiefs and New Orleans Saints have won more regular-season games, and the Chiefs are the only team with more playoff wins in that stretch (eight) than the Rams' seven.The Rams' last first-round pick was QB Jared Goff in 2016, here with former head coach Jeff Fisher and GM Les Snead. Victor Decolongon / Getty ImagesYes, L.A.'s method has involved trading first-round picks - valuable but uncertain commodities - for proven, veteran talent. But that's just the high-profile part of the team's approach. The Rams have been just as aggressive stockpiling and using draft selections after the first round, both by making a series of trades and by taking advantage of the NFL's compensatory draft-pick system.That part of the Rams' outlook hasn't made nearly as big a splash as swapping multiple first-rounders for players like Ramsey and Stafford. Since draft picks provide clubs with up to four inexpensive years of cost certainty, and since no team consistently drafts well, it can be important to acquire as many as possible: more selections means more opportunities to choose the right player.Between 2017 and 2021, L.A. drafted a total of 45 players between Rounds 2 and 7. During that span, only the Minnesota Vikings (52) made more picks in that range. The league average was 35 selections. So, the Rams drafted 10 more players in the last five years in those rounds than the average, which is the equivalent of nearly one and a half more draft classes.Snead at the Super Bowl parade this week. Icon Sportswire / Getty ImagesOf the 46 players to play at least one snap in L.A.'s Super Bowl victory over the Cincinnati Bengals, 20 were homegrown draft picks, including 18 taken since 2017. Seven others were undrafted free agents the Rams identified and signed. According to Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap, Los Angeles ranked sixth in homegrown players in 2021 and had more of its own draft picks on its roster than any other team. Over The Cap's database shows the Rams have the third-highest percentage of rostered players on rookie contracts.The trades that helped the Rams accumulate that kind of draft capital are too numerous to mention. Per theScore's analysis of the Pro Sports Transactions database, the team made 12 trades in 2018, 10 in 2019, two in 2020, and nine in 2021. Most - though not all - happened in a frenzy during draft weekend.McVay and Rams general manager Les Snead have also taken advantage of the comp pick system, which awards 32 additional selections at the end of Rounds 3 through 7 to compensate teams for losing free agents. As of last year's draft, the league also awards clubs a pick at the end of the third round for developing minority head coaches or general managers that get hired by other teams.The Rams benefited from this change after the Detroit Lions named Brad Holmes, L.A.'s director of college scouting, their general manager. L.A. was awarded a third-round selection in 2021 and 2022 as a result and used the former on inside linebacker Ernest Jones. He played 93% of the snaps in the Super Bowl and registered seven tackles, three quarterback hits, two tackles for a loss, a sack, and a pass defended. Donald's heroics rightly got a lot of attention, but the Rams don't win the Super Bowl without players like Jones.Ernest Jones celebrates a first-quarter play in the Super Bowl. Kevin C. Cox / Getty ImagesThe Baltimore Ravens and New England Patriots have long used the comp pick process to replenish their rosters with cheaper players after letting more expensive veterans depart in free agency. The Rams have caught on to this, too, adding a total of nine comp picks in the last five drafts by letting vets such as Janoris Jenkins, Rodney McLeod, Trumaine Johnson, Sammy Watkins, and Rodger Saffold leave.Teams were permitted to trade comp picks starting in 2017, which only added to L.A.'s arsenal; the Rams have traded their comp picks five times since then, flipping them to acquire even more draft assets. The league hasn't yet officially announced the 2022 comp picks, but the Rams could get as many as five additional selections, per Over The Cap. L.A. isn't slated to pick before the third round this spring, but it still has eight draft choices to work with.Now, the Rams are currently an estimated $20 million over the 2022 salary cap, and they'll have to become compliant by mid-March. This shouldn't be a major hindrance, though, because the cap is fungible. If, say, 40-year-old left tackle Andrew Whitworth retires, they could wipe $16 million off the books right there. A contract extension for Stafford, who has just one year remaining on his current deal, could also be structured in a way to lower his short-term cap hit. A new pact for Donald, whose hints about retirement could be a negotiating tactic, could accomplish something similar.Injury luck has also helped the Rams through the years. Yes, they were without Robert Woods and Tyler Higbee in the Super Bowl, and Beckham was lost to injury in the second quarter. But in aggregate, L.A. has consistently been one of the NFL's healthiest teams. Per Football Outsiders' adjusted games lost metric, the Rams ranked first, first, fourth, 10th (the year they missed the playoffs), and second in adjusted games lost to injury between 2016 and 2020. And in 2021, Over The Cap ranked the Rams first in contract utilization, which factors in snaps played based on earnings in a given season.Past success, of course, doesn't offer future guarantees. But the Rams' aggressiveness with trades - to acquire draft capital in addition to dealing for proven talent - is an approach that works for them. L.A. hasn't only cracked open a championship window; it's also created a method to keep it from closing.Dom Cosentino is a senior features writer at theScore.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Brown doesn't think Brady will remain retired: 'Why would he do that?'
Antonio Brown is among those who believe Tom Brady hasn't entirely closed the door on playing again."Why would he do that?" Brown said when asked by TMZ Sports if he thinks his former teammate will remain retired. He added that he could see Brady returning to join "whoever wanna win."Brown and Brady were teammates on the New England Patriots for a brief period in 2019. They reunited on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2020, winning Super Bowl LV together.After Brown's release from the Bucs in January, he described Brady as a close friend but also expressed disappointment that the quarterback didn't help him get a better contract.Brady, who announced his retirement on Feb. 1, seems open to the possibility of returning to the NFL one day. He stated during a recent podcast appearance that he'd "never say never" about a potential comeback, though he said he feels good about his decision to retire.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Report: NFL negotiating contract extension for Goodell
Roger Goodell is negotiating a contract extension to remain as the NFL's commissioner, sources told Ben Fischer and John Ourand of the Sports Business Journal.Although possible financial terms aren't known, extension discussions are focused on adding two to four years to Goodell's current deal, which is set to expire March 2024, per Fischer and Ourand. He reportedly earned $63.9 million in each of the past two seasons as part of his incentive-laden contract.It's believed an agreement will be reached in the coming months, Fischer and Ourand report.However, NFL vice president of communications Brian McCarthy said there's "no truth to this report."Goodell signed his third extension as commissioner in 2017. The deal was touted by former league spokesperson Joe Lockhart to be his last.Goodell succeeded Paul Tagliabue in 2006. In recent years, he's overseen $110 billion worth of broadcasting deals, ran the league through the COVID-19 pandemic, and reached a deal on a new collective bargaining agreement that'll last until 2030.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Vikings' O'Connell expects Cousins to return: 'I'm excited to coach him'
The Minnesota Vikings are beginning a new era under head coach Kevin O'Connell, but they won't be looking to make a change at quarterback.At his introductory press conference Thursday, O'Connell said he's moving forward under the assumption Kirk Cousins will be under center in 2022."I know he's under contract and I'm excited to coach him," said O'Connell. "We've already started thinking about how we're going to build those systems for him."I'm anticipating Kirk being a part of what we're going to do," he added.New Vikings general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah also said he expects Cousins to lead the team this upcoming season.Cousins is entering the final year of his contract, and his $45-million cap hit is the third-highest in the NFL.With Minnesota potentially facing a rebuild under its new regime, Cousins has been subject to trade rumors."I think Kirk's played at a very high level and he's done a lot of really good things throughout his career," said O'Connell.The quarterback threw for over 4,000 yards and 30-plus touchdowns for the third time in four seasons with the NFC North club in 2021. However, Minnesota finished 8-9 and missed out on the playoffs for the third time during Cousins' tenure.O'Connell, who won the Super Bowl with the Los Angeles Rams as their offensive coordinator, confirmed he will call plays for the Vikings, according to Ben Goessling of the Star Tribune.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
Rams, Staffords covering photographer's expenses after parade injury
Matthew and Kelly Stafford will pay for a Los Angeles Rams photographer's medical bills after she fell during the team's championship parade and suffered a fractured spine.Photographer Kelly Smiley was getting ready to snap a picture of the Rams' quarterback and his wife Wednesday when she slipped off the stage. A GoFundMe page was established on her behalf to help her with expenses."We have been in communication with Kelly Smiley since yesterday's incident, and we are sorry for what happened," the Rams and Staffords said in a joint statement Thursday obtained by Dennis Young of the New York Daily News. "As we told Kelly, we will be covering all her hospital bills and replacing her cameras. We wish her a speedy recovery."
NFL offseason betting schedule: Opportunities are closer than you think
If nothing else, the two weeks between the conference championships and Super Bowl allows for football-mad bettors to ween themselves off of the ritualistic handicapping of games that makes the days between September and January fly.You might have finally calculated how all of your Super Bowl bets did days after the Rams defeated the Bengals for their first NFL championship in Los Angeles. Was it a 2-point conversion or a missed PAT? How many yards did Matthew Stafford actually rush for? Who sang first: Snoop or Dre?!Don't be fooled by the end of the season, though. The bets must go on. Here's a look at the next six months and what we can look forward to for our NFL betting fix.QB carouselTeams can start negotiating with free agents on March 14, but we all know the positioning begins before then.PLAYERCURRENT TEAMACTION REQUIREDJimmy Garoppolo49ersReleaseAaron RodgersPackersForced tradeRyan TannehillTitansTradeCarson WentzColtsBenchKyler MurrayCardinalsTradeJalen HurtsEaglesBenchBaker MayfieldBrownsRelease/TradeRussell WilsonSeahawksForced tradeDeshaun WatsonTexansTradeTeams like the Broncos, Buccaneers, Colts, Saints, Steelers, Commanders, Panthers, and Texans have holes of various sizes at the quarterback position. Would you be stunned if any of the signal-callers above were either replaced or found their way to one of these teams?We discussed what should go into any speculative futures bets earlier this week, but it's a good idea to memorize the futures prices on the quarterback shopping teams. In doing so, you can act quickly at the first sign of a substantiated rumor and buy a squad like the 2020 Bucs and 2021 Rams before they get their game-changing pivot.NFL DraftThis is the big one. Right now, there's not much more out there than the standard "Who will be drafted No. 1 overall?" market. We were way ahead of that one a month ago, as we jumped on Evan Neal at 10-1. There's no guarantee he'll go first, but Neal's flown up the board, past Kayvon Thibodeaux, and is sitting just behind Aidan Hutchinson in the +200 range.It remains to be seen whether the No. 1 pick will have some suspense to it, but that won't affect the numerous other markets that will slowly populate sportsbooks between now and the weeks leading up to the draft:
Cardinals release Butler from retired list, CB could reportedly return
The Arizona Cardinals released former Pro Bowl cornerback Malcolm Butler from the retired list Thursday, relinquishing his rights in the event he returns to the NFL, according to ESPN's Field Yates.Butler signed a one-year contract with the Cardinals in 2021 but landed on the retired list before the season began. The 31-year-old has been mulling a comeback following his year off, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.Butler made the Pro Bowl in 2015 as a member of the New England Patriots. He famously intercepted Russell Wilson on the goal line at the end of Super Bowl XLIX a season earlier to preserve the victory over the Seattle Seahawks.After playing for the Patriots from 2014-17 and winning a pair of Super Bowls, Butler signed a five-year, $61-million contract with the Tennessee Titans in free agency. He pulled down nine interceptions in three seasons before the Titans released him in 2021.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. All rights reserved. Certain content reproduced under license.
McVay's fiancee confirms Rams coach not retiring
Head coach Sean McVay is apparently not ready to walk away from the NFL following the Los Angeles Rams' Super Bowl LVI victory.McVay's fiancee Veronika Khomyn posted a photo on Instagram with the message, "And no. He is NOT retiring," via NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
QB Carousel Primer: Which star passers could be on the move this offseason?
The 2022 quarterback carousel is shaping up to be one for the ages. Tom Brady and Ben Roethlisberger are gone, while Aaron Rodgers' and Russell Wilson's futures with their respective teams are unclear. And that's just the start, as numerous passers around the league could be donning different jerseys come Week 1. Here's the latest on those set for a spin on the quarterback merry-go-round and early predictions for what's next.Let's start with our potential trade targets:Aaron Rodgers Stacy Revere / Getty Images Sport / GettyAfter agreeing to give it another chance last offseason, Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers are back to square one. While their relationship appears to be on better terms than last year, Rodgers is once again undecided on his future. All the Packers can do is wait.Rodgers could follow in the footsteps of Brett Favre and end his career outside of Green Bay. There won't be a shortage of interested teams should he choose that, though the Denver Broncos make a lot of sense after hiring his former offensive coordinator, Nathaniel Hackett, as their head coach. Retirement is another alternative. But if Rodgers is looking for a chance to win a Super Bowl, staying in Green Bay would be the best option. The Packers are also reportedly prepared to make Rodgers the highest-paid quarterback with a short-term extension, which would reduce his $46.7-million cap hit, per Spotrac.Prediction: Rodgers runs it back with the Packers and signs an extensionRussell WilsonThe Seattle Seahawks reportedly have no interest in trading Wilson unless forced to, despite his apparent interest in exploring possible destinations. Wilson forcing Seattle's hand doesn't seem too far-fetched. After all, he and his agent had no problem letting the world know his top four preferred trade spots last year. The Washington Commanders, New Orleans Saints, and Pittsburgh Steelers could all be suitors for Wilson.However, it would take a lot to get to that point. Pete Carroll isn't getting any younger, making a rebuild unlikely. 2021 was a difficult year for Wilson, who dealt with a finger injury amid his first losing season. While there may be better destinations for the veteran to enjoy a bounce-back year, it sounds like it's going to take a massive package or some serious bridge-burning for the Seahawks to deal Wilson.Prediction: Wilson stays put after Seahawks rebuff any interested partiesDeshaun WatsonThere's still uncertainty over Watson's future. He's facing 22 civil lawsuits alleging sexual assault or sexual misconduct and could also be subject to discipline from the NFL. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly doing their homework on him while the Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers, and Broncos have apparently shown interest in the past.Prediction: The Bucs could move for Watson, but it's impossible to predict his football future until his off-field situation is resolvedJimmy Garoppolo Christian Petersen / Getty Images Sport / GettyNot all breakups have to be ugly, as proven by Garoppolo and the San Francisco 49ers. The team is reportedly set to trade the veteran before the new league year begins on March 16. It shouldn't take a king's ransom to land Garoppolo, who has been an awkward third wheel since the 49ers traded up to draft Trey Lance last offseason.While he is prone to his fair share of mishaps, he's a serviceable starter who has shown he can win in the right system. He may not be a team's long-term answer at quarterback, but he could be especially useful for clubs operating in a competitive window but lacking a quality passer. The Broncos, Buccaneers, Commanders, Panthers, and Steelers are all destinations that fit that description.Prediction: Tampa Bay settles on Garoppolo to succeed BradyCarson WentzThe Indianapolis Colts missed the postseason after an epic collapse, and much of the blame was pointed toward Wentz. General manager Chris Ballard didn't commit to the quarterback in his season-ending presser, either, and there have been rumors the Colts could move on from him. Where there's smoke, there's usually fire, and Wentz is under serious heat at the moment. Indianapolis offered Wentz a chance at redemption, but it's shaping up to be a one-year trial gone wrong.The Colts could hold on to Wentz while also adding a passer in the draft, but they'd be wise to float his name on the trade market. It's tough to pinpoint suitors desperate enough to buy into his potential again, though the Commanders and Panthers fit the bill. The newly named Washington club has declared interest in the veteran quarterback market, and a fresh face leading the offense is a great way to sell a rebrand.Prediction: The Colts trade Wentz and all his baggage to the CommandersKyler MurrayMurray is reportedly frustrated with the Arizona Cardinals, while the organization apparently wants their star passer to mature. For the first time, cracks in their relationship have appeared to the public. No one is talking about a divorce yet, but this situation deserves monitoring moving forward.Prediction: Murray and the Cardinals eventually work out their issues with the simplest trick in the book: communicationDerek CarrCarr is scheduled to earn a base salary just short of $19.8 million in 2022, the final year of his deal. He's due for a significant raise and extension, but will it come in Las Vegas? It was previously reported that the Raiders' head coach selection would affect Carr's future. Fortunately, the hiring of Josh McDaniels should alleviate any worry after the new head coach expressed his enthusiasm for building the team around Carr. After rallying the Raiders to a playoff appearance, Carr is poised to be McDaniels' man in Vegas.Prediction: Carr leads the charge entering the McDaniels era for the RaidersKirk Cousins Stephen Maturen / Getty Images Sport / GettyVikings supporters may be eager to move on from Cousins, but the harsh reality is that it's tough to picture that happening. New head coach Kevin O'Connell is reportedly high on Cousins, and there are precisely 45 million reasons why the veteran won't be leaving Minnesota. Cousins accounts for a $45-million cap hit and dead-cap hit in 2022, making his contract incredibly difficult to move.The simplest option for the Vikings is to extend Cousins to reduce his cap charge. O'Connell may be a fan, but is new general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah?Prediction: Without a better option available, the Vikings sign Cousins to an extensionBaker MayfieldIt's difficult to say the Browns have gotten what they expected when they took Mayfield first overall in 2018. There was a playoff appearance but little else to show besides that. His long-term future became cloudy after his development stagnated, if not regressed, last season.To be fair, Mayfield's 2021 injury history made him look like the board game "Operation." It's probably too early to start seriously discussing a trade, but 2022 is the final year of Mayfield's rookie deal, and it's shaping up to be a make-or-break situation. Whether or not there are contract discussions between the quarterback and team this offseason will be telling.Prediction: Mayfield starts Week 1 for the Browns but without a long-term deal in placeOnto some of the more intriguing free-agent quarterbacks next:Jameis Winston Abbie Parr / Getty Images Sport / GettyThe top quarterback of an underwhelming free-agent class, Winston was in the midst of a serviceable stretch with the Saints before a torn ACL ended his season. It's unfortunate Winston wasn't able to put out a full season's worth of work on his free-agent portfolio. Only time will tell if he's looked at as starter material again, though he should still be in the mix if he lands somewhere where the starter label is uncertain. A return to the Saints, or even to Tampa Bay, shouldn't be ruled out, while places like Pittsburgh and Denver could also be possibilities.Prediction: The Saints bring back Winston to potentially compete with a rookie passerAndy DaltonStuck in a no-win situation between now-fired head coach Matt Nagy and emerging passer Justin Fields, Dalton was in a tough spot with the Chicago Bears last year. He's been reduced from possible starter on a mid-level team to serviceable backup in a good situation. You can certainly do worse if the veteran is in your team's quarterback room, but you can definitely do a lot better if he's starting Week 1.Prediction: Dalton signs with the Commanders, reuniting with quarterbacks coach Ken ZampeseTeddy BridgewaterBridgewater was an improvement for the Broncos last season, but he wasn't quite good enough to get them over the hump. Still, Denver may hope that Hackett can work his magic with Bridgewater and bring him back in case it can't land a bigger fish. Some teams may look to Bridgewater as a fringe starter, making him a quality plan B for clubs. The path to being a highly respected backup, like he was for the Saints, could also be on the table.Prediction: Seahawks add Bridgewater as insurance for a potential Wilson moveMarcus MariotaThe Raiders had one of the better backup options in the league with Mariota. However, the former first-round pick is likely to end up elsewhere this offseason, preferably a team where he'll have a better shot at starting. The 28-year-old brings mobility to the table, though durability has continued to be an issue.Prediction: Mariota heads to the Broncos to compete with Drew Lock and a potential rookie quarterbackMitch Trubisky Timothy T Ludwig / Getty Images Sport / GettyTrubisky bided his time as Josh Allen's backup last season after his run as a starter came to an end in Chicago. A former No. 2 overall pick, Trubisky will likely never be the go-to guy for a franchise, but that doesn't mean he can't be a serviceable backup with spot-starter potential. A destination that brings familiarity and a chance at playing time could be enticing for the 27-year-old.Prediction: Trubisky follows his former offensive coordinator, Brian Daboll, to the New York GiantsThe final piece of the puzzle will be played in April when the 2022 NFL Draft kicks off.This year's quarterback class pales in comparison to last year's prospects. Kenny Pickett appears to be getting the most love currently, with Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder, Sam Howell, and Malik Willis, among others, rounding out the 2022 group. A lack of high-ceiling passers might tempt teams to be more aggressive in the veteran market. However, clubs like the Panthers, Broncos, Steelers, Commanders, and Saints could pivot their quarterback plans to the top passing prospects.Copyright © 2022 Score Media Ventures Inc. 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