National Football League

[Alpe d'Huez]

Now onto something different...

Everyone ready for the re-tooled USFL? You did hear, didn't you? Here it is!

Who owns it? Who runs it? Brian Woods. Well, sort of. He's the owner, but it's really funded by Fox sports. They have said the will sink up to $200m into it, over 3 seasons. Several other ex-nfl names involved.

All games in season 1 played in a fairly new stadium in Birmingham, Alabama, starting April 16. Uh, wait, yes, all teams, all games regardless of where they are from, including Michigan, and New Jersey. Though the playoffs will be played in Canton. Yes, that Canton. Home of the NFL HOF. Fair weather locations. Fox is also selling some broadcast and webcast rights to NBC, so people can see all games. Tickets start at just $10 if you are in the area. Kids under 15 can get in for free. Yes, free. A steal, really. Salaries are fairly low, but I can't seem to find exact numbers. Less than XFL, and far less than AAF. I think Fox, Adams, and the new USFL is doing every last thing they can do learn from the AAF and XFL(2) in surviving at least one season, accepting a loss leader in that process, and having at least some money left over to re-tool for a second season. Maybe. Possibly.

I'll post on this in the future, but I'll see if I can come up with a list of what any minor football league needs to do, since it looks like Dwayne Johnson, his wife, and some other partners have purchased the XFL and are looking to launch it in 2023.

 

[Oldermanish]

NO! No ARodg in SEA! I've been a fan since the mid '70s, and stuck with them through a lot, but that would make it really tough for me.

Oh, that was not the intention. Rumor had him going to SF but I'd guess he'd stay away from the Division that seems to derail his amibitions. Sorry to be vague!

 

[Oldermanish]

Because the Rams mortgaged their future, in entirety, on winning this year? Not just so many draft picks, but the money. They will be $20m over the cap this coming season, and only four other teams have committed more money than them. It gets slightly better in 2023, and poor again in 2024. They also are paying out some huge money in the future to players who are doing good now. Stafford, Donald, Woods, Kupp, and Floyd are all under contract, and have pretty big salaries. The Rams could try to restructure some or all of them, but that requires kicking the money can more into the future, with even more difficult decisions and less money down the line. Ramsey's contract comes to mind. To get him they gave up two first-round picks, a fourth-round pick, and a huge money extension for the future. How long will he really be earning that, by comparison to his peers? There's also the issue of Miller. He's at the end of his career, but says he'll be back, at 33. The Broncos ate most of his $20m salary this season. I presume he'll work for less in a new team friendly contract (meaning back-ended, another mortgaging of the future), but those two draft picks to get him are forever gone. They could cut both Whitworth and Robinson, which would free up the $20m over the cap they are. Whitworth, at 40, is due $14m next year, and I'm sure he'll stay on past the cut dates to get the most money he can, or just stay and play another year. But if you were him, why would you? And how good is he really going to be next season? He looked like he was running on fumes at the end of this year.

But I don't think that matters to them. This strategy, the win now at all costs, paid off. Future be damned. Draft picks be damned. Money be damned. They'll just have to figure out how to cut players at the right time in order to free up more money to buy more. It's a big risk, without question, as draft picks are free (well, inexpensive) players. There is going to be big money to pay, and moving a player like Ramsey if he doen't keep performing at a high level is impossible. Or, impossible, period But like I said, they won the Super Bowl. If they are mediocre, or in salary cap hell with few draft picks for a few years, so what? They will have that banner to look at in the stands, and players with rings on fingers to polish.


They gave up too much to get him, assuming Frank Reich could work with him. Two draft picks, including a first rounder. Ouch. The Rams gave up a lot to get Stafford, but Stafford is pretty good. Wentz had maybe 1 1/2 good seasons. Even to trade him now his draft capital is crap. Mid to late round would be my guess, at best, as teams know the Colts will want to cut him before the mid March deadline when they have to pay him. But I agree, he's gone in Indy. An expensive lesson. Or, maybe not if they can buy a better player (see Rams strategy above!).

I do think that Stan Kroenke has a larger investment in real estate in LA that he'd support. The team is a major draw and he's shown a willingness to support his investments; the Rams could become the new Cowboys and he'd spend to keep that attraction. I guess we'll see but this is not a bargain operation.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I do think that Stan Kroenke has a larger investment...I guess we'll see, but this is not a bargain operation.

I agree with you. I think it's a smart move what they did, regardless of how much they mortgaged their future. The bottom line is they came away with a ring, a banner to hang in the stands, that will last for all of time. That sells tickets, swag, hype, ancillary everything, including real estate and commercial property. Marketing champions, associating with champions, has always been, and always will be, a positive rung to hang one's hat on.

I'm a Raiders fan. Our team has been decent in recent years, but had many bad years from about the time Rich Gannon collapsed in that awful Super Bowl loss, until a senile Al Davis died and Jack Del Rio brought cohesion to the coaching. But Raiders live and die on the great years of names like Ken Stabler, Fred Biletnikoff, Jim Plunkett, Gene Upshaw, and the championships they brought to the team, decades ago now. Those championships will never go away.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Hey! Cliff Branch finally made the hall of fame! Sad it didn't happen when he was alive, but I'm so happy he finally got there. I, and many other Raider fans, have quibbled about players snubbed. The last two, to me, were Tom Flores, and Cliff Branch. Both are now in. It took too long, but they are there. A lot of Raiders fans think there are several other players who belong, and maybe they do (Plunkett, Raymond Chester, Dave Dalby, Greg Townsend, Todd Christensen, Lester Hayes), and maybe some of these great players will. But I honestly haven't felt these guys have been snubbed the way Branch, Flores and Stabler were for way too long. Same really with Ray Guy and Dave Casper who had to wait way too long. But they are there.

 

[jmdirt]

I just heard that there is a low buzz about a Wilson-Murray swap. I don't like that period, but especially as a SEA fan.

A quick look at ESPN and I see a split screen picture of those two, but the story is about both of them staying put.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Steelers hire Brian Flores as senior defensive assistant/linebackers coach amid racial discrimination lawsuit | Fox News

Flores filed a racial discrimination lawsuit against the NFL and three teams

www.foxnews.com

Back to being a positions coach for now for Flores.

 

[movingtarget]

NFL offseason storylines: Aaron Rodgers, retirements and the No 1 overall pick

The confetti has been cleared from SoFi Stadium. Here’s what we can expect in the next few months as the league looks towards the 2022 season

www.theguardian.com

 

[Unchained]

Hey! Cliff Branch finally made the hall of fame! Sad it didn't happen when he was alive, but I'm so happy he finally got there. I, and many other Raider fans, have quibbled about players snubbed. The last two, to me, were Tom Flores, and Cliff Branch. Both are now in. It took too long, but they are there. A lot of Raiders fans think there are several other players who belong, and maybe they do (Plunkett, Raymond Chester, Dave Dalby, Greg Townsend, Todd Christensen, Lester Hayes), and maybe some of these great players will. But I honestly haven't felt these guys have been snubbed the way Branch, Flores and Stabler were for way too long. Same really with Ray Guy and Dave Casper who had to wait way too long. But they are there.

Blanda is the only player that matters!!!And as Ken Stabler had Joe Namoth mobility..Plunkett's head barely fit in the helmet..you could count on Blanda everywhere..as a backup,he could kick and I think that the NFL should require each team to have a straight ahead toe kicker..or barefoot was a thing..Cliff Branch and Fred Belintitikof were awesome!!!

 

[Unchained]

I just heard that there is a low buzz about a Wilson-Murray swap. I don't like that period, but especially as a SEA fan.

A quick look at ESPN and I see a split screen picture of those two, but the story is about both of them staying put.

I really feel bad if Wilson is out..and he is a very snappy dresser

 

[movingtarget]

I just heard that there is a low buzz about a Wilson-Murray swap. I don't like that period, but especially as a SEA fan.

A quick look at ESPN and I see a split screen picture of those two, but the story is about both of them staying put.

I find ESPN mostly unwatchable these days, prefer sticking to the fan run shows for the real debates.

 

[jmdirt]

I find ESPN mostly unwatchable these days, prefer sticking to the fan run shows for the real debates.

I don't watch it, but peak at the website once a week or so.

 

[SHAD0W93]

I find ESPN mostly unwatchable these days, prefer sticking to the fan run shows for the real debates.

Maybe you’ll find it watchable with maybe Aikman and Buck.

Joe Buck reportedly "atop ESPN's list" to pair with Troy Aikman for Monday Night Football

With Troy Aikman reportedly heading to ESPN, Andrew Marchand reports that Joe Buck is "atop ESPN's list" for a PBP partner.

awfulannouncing.com

If that does happen it will definitely be different watching Fox games.

 

[jmdirt]

Maybe you’ll find it watchable with maybe Aikman and Buck.

Joe Buck reportedly "atop ESPN's list" to pair with Troy Aikman for Monday Night Football

With Troy Aikman reportedly heading to ESPN, Andrew Marchand reports that Joe Buck is "atop ESPN's list" for a PBP partner.

awfulannouncing.com

If that does happen it will definitely be different watching Fox games.

Man, I will miss listening to those guys!

 

[jmdirt]

Did anybody else hear the buzz about Baker heading to NOLA? I don't see it on the www, but my Eagles fan neighbor asked me what I thought about it, and then a fellow Seahawks fan asked me about it while I was walking the dog.

Bieniemy looks like he staying with KC.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Did anybody else hear the buzz about Baker heading to NOLA? I don't see it on the www, but my Eagles fan neighbor asked me what I thought about it, and then a fellow Seahawks fan asked me about it while I was walking the dog.

Bieniemy looks like he staying with KC.

I thought you were talking about a different Baker for a minute lol but no, not as of yet.

 

[movingtarget]

https://www.nfl.com/news/buccaneers-pro-bowl-guard-ali-marpet-announces-retirement-after-seven-seasons

 

[Unchained]

Saw 3,4 things..Aaron Rodgers says that he will have answers for Green Bay organization by the end of the week..NO Saints doing all kinds of shuffling to find extra money..reported that @$28 million in contract headroom..and saw an interview with Russell Wilson and his wife..only saw a little,but he mentioned that his life,family and friends are all pretty much West coast based..not sure what to make of it..Aaron Rodgers has a house in Malibu ???
I would love to see a big shake up but it's not looking likely

 

[jmdirt]

Saw 3,4 things..Aaron Rodgers says that he will have answers for Green Bay organization by the end of the week..NO Saints doing all kinds of shuffling to find extra money..reported that @$28 million in contract headroom..and saw an interview with Russell Wilson and his wife..only saw a little,but he mentioned that his life,family and friends are all pretty much West coast based..not sure what to make of it..Aaron Rodgers has a house in Malibu ???
I would love to see a big shake up but it's not looking likely

RE: Russ-- His wife is from ATL, GA. and I believe that she still owns a home/condo there, but most of the rest of his crew is in Cali.

 

[movingtarget]

If Rodgers and Wilson stay put that will just increase the value for players like Jimmy G but it sounds like teams haven't been offering a lot for him at the moment. Teams like the Colts will be wary after paying a first round pick for Wentz a year ago. 49ers could probably get a second round pick for Jimmy but I would be surprised if they kept him if trade offers didn't pan out to their liking. They spent too much on Lance to have him sit another season even though he's still an unknown quantity for most observers at the moment. He's still shown more upside than Love has at GB or Fields at the Bears but really he had to, to cost the 49ers that much initially. Shanahan has a lot riding on Lance's development as they have the team to go all the way if the QB situation is sorted but their window for winning a SB is fairly narrow with some of their best players not getting any younger and their cap situation only going to worsen when they have to pay Deebo and Bosa. They are already going to lose some depth on defense as they won't be able to cover all of their FA's even on short term contracts and the 49ers defense is what got them to the playoffs.

 

[Oldermanish]

If Rodgers and Wilson stay put that will just increase the value for players like Jimmy G but it sounds like teams haven't been offering a lot for him at the moment. Teams like the Colts will be wary after paying a first round pick for Wentz a year ago. 49ers could probably get a second round pick for Jimmy but I would be surprised if they kept him if trade offers didn't pan out to their liking. They spent too much on Lance to have him sit another season even though he's still an unknown quantity for most observers at the moment. He's still shown more upside than Love has at GB or Fields at the Bears but really he had to, to cost the 49ers that much initially. Shanahan has a lot riding on Lance's development as they have the team to go all the way if the QB situation is sorted but their window for winning a SB is fairly narrow with some of their best players not getting any younger and their cap situation only going to worsen when they have to pay Deebo and Bosa. They are already going to lose some depth on defense as they won't be able to cover all of their FA's even on short term contracts and the 49ers defense is what got them to the playoffs.

Each season is proving more and more difficult to replicate for the best of teams or am I just shell shocked? SF is on the edge to be the Division cellar tenant if they can't keep their defense intact.

 

[movingtarget]

Each season is proving more and more difficult to replicate for the best of teams or am I just shell shocked? SF is on the edge to be the Division cellar tenant if they can't keep their defense intact.

You think Seattle is better off than the 49ers at the moment ? The NFC West is going to be the usual again. At the halfway point of the season who would have picked the 49ers to go further than the Cardinals after a 3 and 5 start. Seattle slumped and the Rams are going to run into money problems soon and the Cardinals can't finish off a season it seems. As you say having great repeat seasons is getting harder and harder even for the best teams. The 49ers will still keep the majority of their depth on defense but like has happened before, a few injuries and they can be in trouble and now with a rookie QB who looks like he's going to be the starter. Jimmy G is about to have shoulder surgery but its not considered a serious injury and other players have had the same surgery and come back successfully, may not affect his trade value. The Bengals and 49ers will see the last SB as a missed opportunity, the Rams got there eventually but none too convincingly.

 

[Oldermanish]

You think Seattle is better off than the 49ers at the moment ? The NFC West is going to be the usual again. At the halfway point of the season who would have picked the 49ers to go further than the Cardinals after a 3 and 5 start. Seattle slumped and the Rams are going to run into money problems soon and the Cardinals can't finish off a season it seems. As you say having great repeat seasons is getting harder and harder even for the best teams. The 49ers will still keep the majority of their depth on defense but like has happened before, a few injuries and they can be in trouble and now with a rookie QB who looks like he's going to be the starter. Jimmy G is about to have shoulder surgery but its not considered a serious injury and other players have had the same surgery and come back successfully, may not affect his trade value. The Bengals and 49ers will see the last SB as a missed opportunity, the Rams got there eventually but none too convincingly.

I'd agree with everything you say if only having lived the Seattle version of it. For the Seahawks part, last year was a tale of two offenses due to injuries and that can happen to any team on both sides of the ball. Jimmy G's surgery comeback may not affect his trade value but he is going to be someone else's interim QB at best. He deserves more success but I doubt he'll get the chance.

 

[jmdirt]

Each season is proving more and more difficult to replicate for the best of teams or am I just shell shocked? SF is on the edge to be the Division cellar tenant if they can't keep their defense intact.

Your first sentence is definitely true. But SF is no more on the edge than any other team (like movingtarget and you already discussed). LAR should be the boss in the NFC-W/NFC for at least one more year, but you never know (what Aaron D decides could have a big impact).

 

[jmdirt]

Saquon Barkley is way too injury prone, but I would love to see him come to SEA and have an injury free season (low injury season since no injury will never happen with the way he plays). I'm not really too sure how serious NYG is about trading him though.