National Football League

[movingtarget]

Rodgers is already under contract next season with Green Bay. The total I believe is $59m fully guaranteed! He's also signed through 2026! (though there an out after next season).

Agree as amazing as he's been in several seasons, he's been equally unimpressive in the playoffs except that astounding comeback win against Dallas a few years back.

The question on trading him is that outrageous contract. Someone is going to have to re-negotiate something. The problem is, he likes money, a lot. So the new contract may reduce his 2023 pay to some $40m, but the back-end would still be somewhat loaded. That means cap hits and/or dead money once he's done. How many more years do people think he'll play?


Car was due way too much money. GM Dave Ziegler re-negotiated the contract he wanted, with an out, and signed his buddy Davonte Adams, but Carr couldn't get it done. He threw way too many interceptions, forced the ball way too much, and had several bad decisions and throws at the worst time. His future team will see. For every great throw he makes, get ready for a red zone interception at the worst time.

I can only guess, but I think if Mark Davis asserts himself, he'll push to trade for Rodgers. A lot of loud, dumb fans think signing Rodgers would instantly make the entire team a top contender, which to me is laughable. Davis, as well as Ziegler and McDaniels might be up for signing Jimmy Garappolo. But I think that could be a mistake. Too costly. Can't make it through a season.

I think what the Raiders should do is sign Jacoby Brissett, and keep Stidham. Why? Stiddy played good against SF, and not very good against KC. Hard to tell his future. Brissett didn't win many games last year, but his numbers were actually better than Deshaun Watson, and his teammates on the Browns really liked Brissett. He's also played under McDaniels before. Plus, his price tag would be about $6m. He (and Stiddy) could make a good "bridge" until the Raiders can find their franchise QB, or maybe Stiddy will really step up, and in the meantime the team should sign some key FA players and draft heavily on defense, where they have been terrible. Maybe they find a QB who falls in the draft (Hooker?), maybe they find a QB next season. But the Raiders are not going to win the AFC West this year. That's dreaming.

I think it's possible Ziegler thinks the same as me, and I do have some faith in that guy. McDaniels? I'm not so sure. He's a hell of a lot more human, and humble, than he was in Denver. So...maybe. Ask again in a year. Mark Davis however I don't have much faith in at all. He has a long history of meddling, rash decisions that have really hurt the team. President Sarah Morgan was partly hired for city and political connections, but also as she's a contract attorney. The insider talk was she could help crunch numbers on helping the team not blow their future away. So, if Davis pushes the team to trade draft picks away to hire an aging, temperamental, primadonna Rodgers, just so he can watch him throw pretty spirals to Adams, you'll know it was all for nothing. Davis has said he wants to build a solid founding to winning for years to come. But insiders have said he's hinted he's said to Ziegler and McDaniels this year was unacceptable and the team needs to improve if they want to keep their jobs. How true is that? Who the hell knows?! Mark Davis is not like Art Rooney II, or Clark Hunt, who knows to hire the right people, give them a positive work environment, be patient, then stay the hell away. So, 50/50 chance Raiders trading to get Rodgers happens.

Yes Rodgers contract is horrific like Wilson's and Watson's. When Carr sees players like Dak getting 40 mill per season or a Cousins at 37 mill and the fact that QB salaries are always creeping upwards, I can understand him aiming high. Dak is on the more complete team but the Cowboys don't have an Adams, a Jacobs or a Waller on their offense.

Be interested to see what Jimmy G gets on his next contract as that will say a lot about the current QB market. With the lack of good veteran QBs on the market at the moment, it should be decent timing for Carr and Jimmy unless the mid range teams look for another Purdy in the draft ! The bottom teams usually draft a QB as they can grab the pick of the crop but ask GB, the 49ers or the Jets how their last first round QB pick is progressing ! Usually the win now teams will look for a veteran. I still think Miami has some interest in Jimmy G with Tua's health issues but they won't get him cheap even if they only want him as a quality back up. Mayfield could be a cheaper option but like Wentz that would be considered a riskier signing albeit a cheaper one. I can't see the Rams retaining Baker as he should get better offers elsewhere but Stafford's future looks shakier after last season and his injury issues and maybe the Rams see more value in Baker but their lack of depth caught them out last season after a lot of injuries and their lack of early picks in the draft won't help them in the short term. I see the NFC West being between the 49ers and Seattle again.

 

[jmdirt]

RE: Vet QBs: I think that several GMs are looking for the Genos out there now too. What vet who hasn't really done much is ready for a breakout season, they wonder?

Obviously most of them are also looking for the next Russell Wilson, or Brock Purdy (SF didn't even really know what they had IMO) later in the draft too.

2023 NFL Free Agents Tracker

Tracking the status and signings of all 2023 NFL free agents.

www.spotrac.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

RE: Vet QBs: I think that several GMs are looking for the Genos out there now too. What vet who hasn't really done much is ready for a breakout season, they wonder?

I've plugged this thought for years. Guys who had a lot of potential, then ended up on bad teams, bad coaches, teammates, etc. and their career waned, or they sat on benches as back-ups. It's sort of like the opposite of someone like Blake Bortles, who had a lot of chances to show himself, and then...

Obviously most of them are also looking for the next Russell Wilson, or Brock Purdy (SF didn't even really know what they had IMO) later in the draft too.

True. But I think that's about an equal evaluation/risk as taking someone like CJ Stroud and expecting him to perform in the NFL from week 1. (More on him, and other college QBs soon, as I've been watching a lot of tape.)
Funny thing is, there was at least one legit scout that had Purdy highly touted, and a one ex-scout said whoever got him would get a steal as he was a legitimate NFL QB who should go on the 2nd round. One ex-scout said after Purdy was drafted he would compete for the starting job with Lance. So there are a few people out there who saw his talent.

 

[jmdirt]

Not NFL, but the XFL game yesterday just wasn't good. If those are tryouts for the NFL, those guys are in for disappointment (even the NFL guys), if they are just trying to make a buck playing football, good for them.

 

[jmdirt]

I've read two talking heads who say that DAL will 'cut' Elliott. As I discussed several pages back, I think that the TP/EE combo is great and DAL should stick with it if they can make the contracts team friendly. TP should be 100% by August, but who knows. If they cut EE, and TP isn't ready, then what? They can't use a 1st or 2nd round pick at RB to get someone like Charbonnet, Miller, etc.. although Miller could fall to the 5th round if teams are looking/building elsewhere, in that case DAL should grab him. They can also gamble on a Pacheco like gold nugget in the later rounds.

 

[Oldermanish]

Speculation yesterday (mostly by Larry Fitzgerald) would see Aaron going to Dallas for an instant SB winner!
Please, please, please, PLEASE let that happen!
If it did and they didn't win you could see Jerry's head explode from Space.

 

[jmdirt]

Speculation yesterday (mostly by Larry Fitzgerald) would see Aaron going to Dallas for an instant SB winner!
Please, please, please, PLEASE let that happen!
If it did and they didn't win you could see Jerry's head explode from Space.

DAL is one of the least likely landing spots for AR because of Dak's contract. I'm not a Dak fan, but he is a better bet that AR at this point.

EDIT: Dak isn't worth the money that he is paid, nor does he read the game anywhere near as well as he thinks he does.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I've read two talking heads who say that DAL will 'cut' Elliott.

Pollard is going to cost a good $8m or so. There's no realistic way they can afford both RBs. Pollard can perform, Elliot has little tread left on the tires.

Rodgers is near the end of his career, his numbers dropped this year, he looked less mobile than ever, and in no way can this just be blamed on Adams leaving. Rodgers simply threw more bad balls than any point in his career, and by all counts he is a difficult player to work with from a team standpoint, and almost impossible to "coach". Dak is I agree overpaid, and overpraised. He reminds me of Derek Carr, but Carr is a more positive person who doesn't quibble like Dak can. Both guys are capable of making impressive plays and passes, can lead offenses, but both guys don't move like they did, don't want to get hit (not that I blame them), and try to play "hero" ball by holding the ball too long looking for the maximum payoff, and, believing they can make any throw, will force balls, often at the worst time.

Having said all this, Dak is a better opportunity for Dallas to win, especially if they have a run game, and the team can keep him from making mistakes.

Someone is going to get "stuck" with Rodgers, he'll have a disappointing average year where he makes a couple amazing throws. Mark Davis seems best suited to grossly overpay for him, but Rodgers could, maybe, do better for the Jets, as they have a stout defense, and it would re-unite him with Hackett. Rodgers going to Dallas would be a disaster. However, I did predict that they would blow a playoff game and Jerry Jones would have to immediately be taken to the hospital with a possible aneurysm, so maybe they will sign Rodgers!?!

Not NFL, but the XFL game yesterday just wasn't good. If those are tryouts for the NFL, those guys are in for disappointment (even the NFL guys), if they are just trying to make a buck playing football, good for them.

I watched most of it, and I sort of disagree. There were indeed too many mistakes made, but 3 of the games were close, two decided in the last few minutes. The first 3Q were dull, but the end of the St. Louis-San Antonio game was hectic and exciting and showed how XFL rules make sense on extra points and 4th and 15 instead of on-sides kicks. AJ McCarron didn't have a great game, but he came up big time in the last 5 minutes. Both Gregg Williams and Wade Phillips defenses were dialed. Ben DeNucci had a Patrick Mahomes pass to Josh Gordon (back from the dead!), and the Vegas-DC game with the "lemons" then the Vegas players all but taunting the fans that threw them sets up a rivalry!

I also really, really liked the Sky Judge, plus having microphones on many of the refs, plus Dean Blandino was fantastic!

Yes, a lot of play was sloppy, some bad interceptions by a few QBs, but some good play too, and a lot of guys played hard. I liked the new rules, I liked how the game moved along, and every game had good crowds. The rules and Sky Judge were also so well thought out. To me this looks like it will be the best non-NFL pro football in years. Better than the USFL last year, better than XFL 2020, better than the AAF (which had a few good games). I see hope through the early sloppiness.

 

[jmdirt]

Pollard is going to cost a good $8m or so. There's no realistic way they can afford both RBs. Pollard can perform, Elliot has little tread left on the tires.

Rodgers is near the end of his career, his numbers dropped this year, he looked less mobile than ever, and in no way can this just be blamed on Adams leaving. Rodgers simply threw more bad balls than any point in his career, and by all counts he is a difficult player to work with from a team standpoint, and almost impossible to "coach". Dak is I agree overpaid, and overpraised. He reminds me of Derek Carr, but Carr is a more positive person who doesn't quibble like Dak can. Both guys are capable of making impressive plays and passes, can lead offenses, but both guys don't move like they did, don't want to get hit (not that I blame them), and try to play "hero" ball by holding the ball too long looking for the maximum payoff, and, believing they can make any throw, will force balls, often at the worst time.

Having said all this, Dak is a better opportunity for Dallas to win, especially if they have a run game, and the team can keep him from making mistakes.

Someone is going to get "stuck" with Rodgers, he'll have a disappointing average year where he makes a couple amazing throws. Mark Davis seems best suited to grossly overpay for him, but Rodgers could, maybe, do better for the Jets, as they have a stout defense, and it would re-unite him with Hackett. Rodgers going to Dallas would be a disaster. However, I did predict that they would blow a playoff game and Jerry Jones would have to immediately be taken to the hospital with a possible aneurysm, so maybe they will sign Rodgers!?!

I watched most of it, and I sort of disagree. There were indeed too many mistakes made, but 3 of the games were close, two decided in the last few minutes. The first 3Q were dull, but the end of the St. Louis-San Antonio game was hectic and exciting and showed how XFL rules make sense on extra points and 4th and 15 instead of on-sides kicks. AJ McCarron didn't have a great game, but he came up big time in the last 5 minutes. Both Gregg Williams and Wade Phillips defenses were dialed. Ben DeNucci had a Patrick Mahomes pass to Josh Gordon (back from the dead!), and the Vegas-DC game with the "lemons" then the Vegas players all but taunting the fans that threw them sets up a rivalry!

I also really, really liked the Sky Judge, plus having microphones on many of the refs, plus Dean Blandino was fantastic!

Yes, a lot of play was sloppy, some bad interceptions by a few QBs, but some good play too, and a lot of guys played hard. I liked the new rules, I liked how the game moved along, and every game had good crowds. The rules and Sky Judge were also so well thought out. To me this looks like it will be the best non-NFL pro football in years. Better than the USFL last year, better than XFL 2020, better than the AAF (which had a few good games). I see hope through the early sloppiness.

TP is looking for $10 MIL and EE is willing to work his existing deal to be just below $15 MIL ($25 MIL in RBs isn't hideous really if they even have a year like this year) is what I've read twice now (it could still be wrong).

I only watched the St.L vs SA game and like you said it was sloppy, too much so to be entertaining for me. I do like some of the things that they are doing 'around' the game. I don't like the Q4 'make it-take it' rule (not that I like onside kicks).

 

[movingtarget]

Sounds like the Jets might be going after Carr maybe for some of the reasons stated above. Rodgers isn't the player he was neither was Brady before retirement. The jury is still out on Wilson. Can Payton turn it around ? Obviously a generation change is already here for QBs with Mahomes, Burrow, Henry, Allen,Hurts with others on the improve like Lawrence. Carr has already had two face to face meetings with the Jets. Obviously they would want to get him for the right price on the right contract. Maybe they see him as the cheaper, easier to deal with option albeit not with the same football brain as Rodgers.

Change happens slowly at the Cowboys it seems with Jerry in control. But usually coaches with good eyes for talent like Reid and Shanahan have no trouble finding good rookie RBs in the draft without spending too much these days and RBs get injured so often that even journeyman RBs are picked up throughout the season for not much money and some of them are not too bad. Most teams now can only afford one elite RB with what they have to pay for QBs and WRs not to mention left tackles and quality defenders. Coaches know they can generally find decent RBs even late in the season on the cheap.. A decent young RB that doesn't get injured is probably just as valuable as a really dynamic one these days. Not many RBs now are still as effective in their 30s and that is one position where the money drops pretty quickly with age unless they are the best of the best.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Rodgers needs to just get traded to the Jets to continue his Favre journey. If the rumors are true about GB management and coaches being fed up with Rodgers, who can blames them. From everything we’ve heard and seen on his personality, laziness or refusal to work with new players, ignoring open receivers because they’re newer, his asinine audibles that are said by the majority of his receivers, and going completely off script. He already said he started completely ignoring Mike McCarthy, the play calls, and the game plan to freelance. On top of the comments of who he wants at each position, bring back former players and coaches he’s friends with while getting the 1 seed like he wanted and he laid an egg 3 times at home, each time with the team not going as far as previously. Skip and others have been saying swap Dak and Rodgers but neither team is going to want the others contract in my opinion. He’ll probably go to the Raiders and how that goes, who knows. The offense will be good but like Alpe has stated, the defense is the concern. Especially with Chiefs and Chargers with potentially Broncos/Payton in the same conference.

I don’t know how it’d work in an actual application but I’ve had the thought of HC candidates coach the offense or defense, depending on if a offense or defensive coach, in a small 5v5 made of practice, backups, or rookies. Whoever does the best shows how qualified they could be with players already on the team. This also gives the players who don’t play as much more practice and experience to hopefully get better.

 

[Oldermanish]

Seattle is bringing in former Rams' QB coach, Greg Olson to fill the gap at that situation. Is this the right guy for Geno? He worked with a young guy.... Drew....Breeze or something like that. That guy played well according to reports. I dunno.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Sounds like the Jets might be going after Carr...Maybe they see him as the cheaper, easier to deal with option albeit not with the same football brain as Rodgers.

And a significantly smaller headache. Carr isn't anywhere near as disruptive, and one of the most grounded locker room leaders in the NFL. At most, Saleh and Hackett are going to have to get Carr to take easier passes, and not force the ball and make mistakes. That's it.

But usually coaches with good eyes for talent like Reid and Shanahan have no trouble finding good rookie RBs in the draft without spending too much...

Pete Carroll and mostly Bill Belicheck too. I'm going to go back to what Terrell Davis said after he walked away with back to back SB rings and an MVP, "my job is easy, the OL did all the work." Now, he's a grateful person, and that's an exaggeration, but not a massive one.

Rodgers needs to just get traded to the Jets to continue is Favre journey. If the rumors are true about GB management and coaches being fed up with Rodgers... He’ll probably go to the Raiders and how that goes, who knows. The offense will be good but like Alpe has stated, the defense is the concern.

A concern? Look at the stats! One of the worst in the NFL in every category. Only 2 teams had less sacks. Only 3 gave up more yards. 3 teams gave up more points. Last in the league in interceptions. Only 2 were worse in yards per play. If they dump all their FA money, and trade draft picks to get Rodgers, there will be almost zero chance to upgrade the defense, and no reason to think they will improve much at all with the players they have. Thinking Rodgers will have the offense on the field means all of a sudden the defense will greatly improve is just irrational.

So, I still think Rodgers to the Raiders would be a disaster that results in the team going 9-8, at best, and after that, sets the team back for years. I can't possibly see Rodgers and McDaniels getting along, at all. Both are too alpha, and both are going to want to have the offense run their way. Raiders said there were multiple heated conversations between McDaniels and Carr about missed opportunities, and JMD calling Carr out in meetings. But Carr also apparently sucked it up, and challenged McDaniels at times and argued behind a locked door where they would iron it out. I can't possibly see a Karen like Rodgers accepting this. McDaniels also is not going to want Rodgers going on Pat McAfee every other week, and giving odd interviews talking about woo-woo crap. But may be powerless to stop him.

I still think the trade could happen, because Mark Davis. I've posted for a while he has a long history of meddling and making snap decisions that cost the team, often badly, with zero accountability. I mean, they've had so many losing seasons in the last 15+ years, and he's the common constant. I think Davis may view Rodgers as the missing puzzle and think he'll be getting the 2020, or 2014 version of him. Davis may view signing Rodgers as selling more tickets to locals, and that somehow those locals will cheer for the Raiders. It really annoyed Davis that one of the biggest "home" games the Raiders had was when they played at the Chargers. Well Mark, you blew your chance to move the team to LA and stay in California where plenty of fans still love the team. Or let Oakland build you a lesser stadium, and moved the team instead to a tourist town with no history of any loyalty to the team, and charge some of the most expensive tickets in all of sports, for a franchise that was built upon blue collar, gritty, working class fans. What did you expect?

There's also various rumors from sportswriters that Davis was very disappointed by this season, and is already putting pressure on Ziegler and McDaniels to improve the team quickly (contradicting what Mark said earlier in the season), which could compel them to made a deal for Rodgers, and roll the dice. As I said before, when Davis wanted to dump Mack, Cooper, and Joseph, because he didn't like their agent and negotiating, even Gruden couldn't stand up to him. So I don't expect Ziegler to be able to.

If Davis, and blind fans really think Rodgers is going to lead the Raiders to a division win over the Chiefs and Mahomes they are just delusional.

 

[Unchained]

MSN

www.msn.com

So no matter what happens in Denver or Green Bay.. Jobs become available

 

[movingtarget]

2022 NFL rookie grades, NFC West: Seahawks' postseason return fueled by talented first-year class

The Seahawks returned to the postseason thanks to significant contributions from their first-year players. How did the rest of the division's newbies perform in Year 1? Eric Edholm grades each rookie class in the NFC West.

www.nfl.com

 

[Oldermanish]

2022 NFL rookie grades, NFC West: Seahawks' postseason return fueled by talented first-year class

The Seahawks returned to the postseason thanks to significant contributions from their first-year players. How did the rest of the division's newbies perform in Year 1? Eric Edholm grades each rookie class in the NFC West.

www.nfl.com

Hopefully for some fans Pete and John won't lose their Draft touch now they're spoiled with 4 prime picks! It'll be tough to duplicate last season's unexpected progress, though. Big difference between making the Wild Card and actually being in control.

 

[movingtarget]

Titans releasing three-time Pro Bowler LT Taylor Lewan, WR Robert Woods, K Randy Bullock

The Tennessee Titans are releasing longtime left tackle Taylor Lewan, wide receiver Robert Woods, kicker Randy Bullock and linebacker Zach Cunningham, the team announced Wednesday.

www.nfl.com

Titans clearing the decks..............no surprise

 

[movingtarget]

Broncos interview Patriots senior football advisor Matt Patricia for defensive coordinator job

Matt Patricia, the New England Patriots senior football advisor/offensive line coach, interviewed with new head coach Sean Payton and the Broncos on Wednesday for the team’s vacant DC job, NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero reported.

www.nfl.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Patricia to the Broncos could be good. Completely different personality, background, everything to Rex Ryan.

Titans release three time Pro Bowler Taylor Lewan...

Someone needs to educate sportswriters that the tag of being a "Pro Bowl" player means almost nothing. Look at two of this years Pro Bowl QBs in the AFC: Derek Carr (who lead the league in interceptions, was terrible in the Red Zone, for a 6-11 team), and Tyler Huntley, who has potential, but was 2-2, and a 2/3 TD to Int ratio filling in for an injured Jackson.

It's laughable when I see people on various Raiders message boards people with their feelings hurt that the Raiders released "their Pro Bowl quarterback". As if the Pro Bowl means the same as All Pro, or winning an MVP.

 

[movingtarget]

Vance Joseph the new D/C at Denver
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzpyT1ToNq8

 

[SHAD0W93]

Vance Joseph the new D/C at Denver
View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kzpyT1ToNq8

How often does a fired former HC of the team get a coaching job back on the team?

 

[Oldermanish]

Hopefully for some fans Pete and John won't lose their Draft touch now they're spoiled with 4 prime picks! It'll be tough to duplicate last season's unexpected progress, though. Big difference between making the Wild Card and actually being in control.

Oh....and Bobby Wagner and the Rams agreed to part company because they can't afford the remaining 4 yrs of his $50mil contract. I'd love to see him back with the 'Hawks pulling a Bruce Irvin to help coach in the D; while probably still getting the most tackles in the NFL.

 

[jmdirt]

How often does a fired former HC of the team get a coaching job back on the team?

I don't have a good enough memory to count that out, but I saw a headline that said this is the 4th time it has happened.

 

[movingtarget]

Bruce Arians believes Buccaneers are in 'good hands' with QB Kyle Trask

Tampa Bay Buccaneers senior advisor to the general manager Bruce Arians believes the team is in "good hands" with quarterback Kyle Trask as the starting QB.

www.nfl.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Since it's a rebuilding year for Tampa, I don't see any reason why not to go with Trask. The only thing is, if they did sign Carr, or Garappolo, that guy instantly becomes the best QB in that entire division. Same goes with Carr to NO for that matter (where I think he's going to end up).

The Atlantic is reporting last year Russell Wilson went to the Seahawk ownership (link) telling them to fire Pete Carroll and John Schneider, because they were holding him back from winning awards. He denies it, and the team had no comment. Pretty wild.

I really liked this article by Brad Gagnon at Bleacher Report (link) about how Aaron Rodgers isn't worth $60m, and won't be a cure-all for another team. I fully agree 100% with all he wrote. Spot on.

Any of you Seattle folks going to any XFL games? Seats as cheap as $18. Best seats in the house in the Club section just $114. I think those are like $400 at Seahawk games, right? Of course, this wouldn't be the Seahawks playing either.