National Football League

[jmdirt]

Newly signed Buccaneers safety Ryan Neal ready to prove he's 'a legit starter'

If he can keep his head 'in it', he would be a great guy to have in the QB room assuming the price is low enough.

Cam Newton provides list of QBs he's willing to play behind: 'I never said I didn't want to be a backup'

EDIT:
I just heard discussion of Wentz to LAR and Elliott to LAC. Humm...

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Cam says, "There ain't 32 guys that's better than me." Uh, Cam you are going to sit wherever you go, IF a team even signs you. You still seem to think you're the same player you were a decade ago. A newer Tom Brady, but the last times you played you looked nothing but.

His stats in 2021 were abysmal. 0-5 as a starter, 4 TD and 5 INTs. His adjusted yards per attempt were 4.3, which is terrible. His passer rating just 64.4, and his QBR (supposedly mobile QBs do better here, as long as they throw well) just 25.5. Both of those are very, very low numbers. Carson Wentz territory. Worse. He of course was unsigned last year and didn't play.

If he really wants to play football, I would tell him to go to the USFL, or XFL next year, presuming it's around still. I wish him luck though whatever he does.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

2024 NFL Draft: Regrading every first-round QB pick of last 15 years, from Justin Fields to Mark Sanchez

Excellent link! Thanks for finding that and sharing. I am surprised they considered Wentz a "mixed result" but both Tannehill and RG3 a "miss". Flacco was also a "home run" for a few years, but a miss ever since. But this quote from the article I think says it all:

"As you may have guessed, the biggest takeaway is that it's just a lot harder to hit on superstars under center, even in the first round. Over the last 15 years, there are an average of three first-round QB picks per year. So according to our assessment, only 0.7 of those go on to become home-run picks. Meanwhile, at least 1.3 per year prove to be clear misses.

I found this quote from Tom Brady when talking about all the GMs and teams that both passed on him, and didn't want him when he left New England:

"Everyone has a choice to choose. I think what you realize is, there’s not as many smart people as you think. That’s just the reality."

 

[movingtarget]

Newly signed Buccaneers safety Ryan Neal ready to prove he's 'a legit starter'

If he can keep his head 'in it', he would be a great guy to have in the QB room assuming the price is low enough.

Cam Newton provides list of QBs he's willing to play behind: 'I never said I didn't want to be a backup'

EDIT:
I just heard discussion of Wentz to LAR and Elliott to LAC. Humm...

Sounds like Ekeler will be gone from the Chargers. He said he was shocked by their new offer re an extension and they told him they won't be negotiating any further. Unfortunately even very good RBs have trouble getting a well paid second or third contract these days there is even talk still of the Titans trading Henry. Ekeler rarely misses a game unlike Henry and is a TD machine for the Chargers. Even CMC's next contract will probably be a downgrade after a great season. The NFL has now decided that you don't pay RBs over the age of 30 or so.

As for Wentz, a back up for the Rams is about as low as you can go at the moment. He's now a step above Cam. The Rams have been dumping players left right and centre. and the reset/rebuild is in full swing, obvious cap issues and bookmakers have them way down the odds for another SB win with the Cardinals. Hard to believe the NFC West was the best division in the NFL two seasons ago.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The NFL has now decided that you don't pay RBs over the age of 30 or so.

You don't even have to be 30. Eckler is 27. Josh Jacobs just 25. Saquon Barkley is 26. These guys were all franchise tagged, with none of the teams interested in budging. It's quite possible all three will be with different teams in 2024. My guess is 2023 will be McCaffery's last year in SF. It's a money and time issue.

Teams have a real concern of tread on the tires being thin. Several cases in recent years of teams doing things like paying Zeke that 6-year, $90m contract, only to find out that by year 3 things didn't look so great, and by year 4 he wasn't even close to being the best RB on the team. You could make a sizeable list of RBs that got nice contracts, and the numbers prove it takes like 2 years before the guy is beat up, washed up, call it what you will. Devonta Freeman, Todd Gurly, David Johnson, Clinton Portis, Lev'eon Bell. Remember how the Seahawks franchise tagged Alexander, then paid him a whopping 8 year $62m deal, at 29, thinking because he'd never been injured... RBs are frequently overpaid. Even today it still happens. The Vikings gave Dalvin Cook $12m. He still gained 1,100 yards this year, but his average is steadily dropping, on a team with a pass-heavy attack. Joe Mixon is scheduled to make over $12m each of the next 2 years. He ran for 1,200 yards in 2021, but just 800 last season. His Y/A dropping too.

The other issue is that college is loaded with running backs, loaded. Few that come into the NFL are that elite, and can last a while. Maybe one guy every several years. The rest are almost plug-n-play, where the OL does most of the work. Seattle has seen this several times in the last decade. Grab a good RB in the middle rounds, plug him into a system that run blocks well, and after he's worn out, put the next guy in.

I realize this is kind of ugly, but it's the nature of the business. The NFL is a passing league. QBs, OTs then WR on offense get $. On defense it's DE/Edge rushers, shutdown CBs, and some LB or DT who can pass rush. Pay money to pass on offense. Pay money to stop the pass on defense.

 

[movingtarget]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZY9VF3bjTFM

 

[movingtarget]

You don't even have to be 30. Eckler is 27. Josh Jacobs just 25. Saquon Barkley is 26. These guys were all franchise tagged, with none of the teams interested in budging. It's quite possible all three will be with different teams in 2024. My guess is 2023 will be McCaffery's last year in SF. It's a money and time issue.

Teams have a real concern of tread on the tires being thin. Several cases in recent years of teams doing things like paying Zeke that 6-year, $90m contract, only to find out that by year 3 things didn't look so great, and by year 4 he wasn't even close to being the best RB on the team. You could make a sizeable list of RBs that got nice contracts, and the numbers prove it takes like 2 years before the guy is beat up, washed up, call it what you will. Devonta Freeman, Todd Gurly, David Johnson, Clinton Portis, Lev'eon Bell. Remember how the Seahawks franchise tagged Alexander, then paid him a whopping 8 year $62m deal, at 29, thinking because he'd never been injured... RBs are frequently overpaid. Even today it still happens. The Vikings gave Dalvin Cook $12m. He still gained 1,100 yards this year, but his average is steadily dropping, on a team with a pass-heavy attack. Joe Mixon is scheduled to make over $12m each of the next 2 years. He ran for 1,200 yards in 2021, but just 800 last season. His Y/A dropping too.

The other issue is that college is loaded with running backs, loaded. Few that come into the NFL are that elite, and can last a while. Maybe one guy every several years. The rest are almost plug-n-play, where the OL does most of the work. Seattle has seen this several times in the last decade. Grab a good RB in the middle rounds, plug him into a system that run blocks well, and after he's worn out, put the next guy in.

I realize this is kind of ugly, but it's the nature of the business. The NFL is a passing league. QBs, OTs then WR on offense get $. On defense it's DE/Edge rushers, shutdown CBs, and some LB or DT who can pass rush. Pay money to pass on offense. Pay money to stop the pass on defense.

Think the 49ers will try hard to retain CMC and their might be some flexibility on both sides. I would argue that CMC and Ekeler are not standard RBs as they do get receiving yards as well and in today's league those types of RBs are probably more valuable to their teams but maybe not

Gurley couldn't overcome his knee arthritis but his first two seasons were stellar.Henry has been getting injured more lately. David Johnson looked great early in the peace as did Freeman. Jacobs had a huge season. Taylor also had a huge season for the Colts the year before last but injures caught him last season.

 

[jmdirt]

Cam says, "There ain't 32 guys that's better than me." Uh, Cam you are going to sit wherever you go, IF a team even signs you. You still seem to think you're the same player you were a decade ago. A newer Tom Brady, but the last times you played you looked nothing but.

His stats in 2021 were abysmal. 0-5 as a starter, 4 TD and 5 INTs. His adjusted yards per attempt were 4.3, which is terrible. His passer rating just 64.4, and his QBR (supposedly mobile QBs do better here, as long as they throw well) just 25.5. Both of those are very, very low numbers. Carson Wentz territory. Worse. He of course was unsigned last year and didn't play.

If he really wants to play football, I would tell him to go to the USFL, or XFL next year, presuming it's around still. I wish him luck though whatever he does.

Like I said, if he can 'keep his head in it' he could be a valuable member of the QB room at some teams. His 2021 as you said was crap, but I'm not sure they represent what he could bring to a team as QB2. He might have an argument about there not being 32 guys better than him, but he has to prove that, not talk about it. If he doesn't get an NFL gig, it would be cool to see him in the minors, but I doubt that he would do that.

 

[jmdirt]

You don't even have to be 30. Eckler is 27. Josh Jacobs just 25. Saquon Barkley is 26. These guys were all franchise tagged, with none of the teams interested in budging. It's quite possible all three will be with different teams in 2024. My guess is 2023 will be McCaffery's last year in SF. It's a money and time issue.

Teams have a real concern of tread on the tires being thin. Several cases in recent years of teams doing things like paying Zeke that 6-year, $90m contract, only to find out that by year 3 things didn't look so great, and by year 4 he wasn't even close to being the best RB on the team. You could make a sizeable list of RBs that got nice contracts, and the numbers prove it takes like 2 years before the guy is beat up, washed up, call it what you will. Devonta Freeman, Todd Gurly, David Johnson, Clinton Portis, Lev'eon Bell. Remember how the Seahawks franchise tagged Alexander, then paid him a whopping 8 year $62m deal, at 29, thinking because he'd never been injured... RBs are frequently overpaid. Even today it still happens. The Vikings gave Dalvin Cook $12m. He still gained 1,100 yards this year, but his average is steadily dropping, on a team with a pass-heavy attack. Joe Mixon is scheduled to make over $12m each of the next 2 years. He ran for 1,200 yards in 2021, but just 800 last season. His Y/A dropping too.

The other issue is that college is loaded with running backs, loaded. Few that come into the NFL are that elite, and can last a while. Maybe one guy every several years. The rest are almost plug-n-play, where the OL does most of the work. Seattle has seen this several times in the last decade. Grab a good RB in the middle rounds, plug him into a system that run blocks well, and after he's worn out, put the next guy in.

I realize this is kind of ugly, but it's the nature of the business. The NFL is a passing league. QBs, OTs then WR on offense get $. On defense it's DE/Edge rushers, shutdown CBs, and some LB or DT who can pass rush. Pay money to pass on offense. Pay money to stop the pass on defense.

Walker (R2) and Penny (R1) were Sea's last two 'big' RB picks. Carson was a later rounder. Rawls might have been undrafted (?). Other than that who has gained significant yards for them. Obviously Beast Mode, but he was a free agent trade not a draft.

EE was really good in 2021 (1,000+ yards) and was solid again in 2022 with 800+ yards and 12 TDs playing behind TP. How many RB2s have those stats (behind an RB1 with 1,000+)? Really the only concern in my opinion was that his YpC Avg. dropped below 4 for the first time in his career. Some of that was situational : a lot of 3rd and 1-2, a lot of goal line, some of that was seven years of pounding and some injuries. Was the big contract silly for D? Yep, but remember, we're just taking money from the billionaires!

But, you are correct, the NFL doesn't want to pay 30 year old RBs $100 MIL...until they do.

 

[Unchained]

Eckler is production no matter where he goes, will add something to the backfield of any team, doesn't bring locker room drama.
Chargers are silly, really dumb to think that a back like him is not a benefit in every way to a relatively new QB, like Herbert..having a capable runner who can trap block,pass block, run @4 yards and turn around.. ect is great to have.. on slow developing plays,which the Chargers don't coach,
a back that can freeze the linebacker, gives the few additional split seconds to make a better decision.
Chargers are binary BS play calls..fast developing pass w little time to look around.. early commitment or college football ..everyone world wide knows it's a run..the only sub variation is to pull Herbert off the field and snap the ball to the back directly.. just another reason to pay Eckler's price..if the Chargers think there are equal to or better running backs than Eckler readily available gotta get out of the marijuana dispensaries.
Is everyone too proud just to bend and make a deal?

 

[jmdirt]

Eckler is production no matter where he goes, will add something to the backfield of any team, doesn't bring locker room drama.
Chargers are silly, really dumb to think that a back like him is not a benefit in every way to a relatively new QB, like Herbert..having a capable runner who can trap block,pass block, run @4 yards and turn around.. ect is great to have.. on slow developing plays,which the Chargers don't coach,
a back that can freeze the linebacker, gives the few additional split seconds to make a better decision.
Chargers are binary BS play calls..fast developing pass w little time to look around.. early commitment or college football ..everyone world wide knows it's a run..the only sub variation is to pull Herbert off the field and snap the ball to the back directly.. just another reason to pay Eckler's price..if the Chargers think there are equal to or better running backs than Eckler readily available gotta get out of the marijuana dispensaries.
Is everyone too proud just to bend and make a deal?

I've read that they want to keep him but not at the (extension) price that he wants. Plus, he said that returning to LAC was a 'worst case scenario' so he opted himself out. He should talk to Le' Bell before he sits out in 2023.

 

[jmdirt]

I can't decide if this should make LJ happy because of the new target, or make him mad because they are paying OBJ a nice chunk of $.

Source: Beckham to join Ravens for 1 year, $15M

Wide receiver Odell Beckham Jr. announced Sunday on Instagram he is signing with the Baltimore Ravens, and a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter that the veteran reached agreement with the club on a one-year deal worth up to $18 million with incentives.

www.espn.com

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Crazy contract. Talk about rolling the dice hoping to turn back time. My understanding is it could be $18m with incentives. If you look at his stats over the last few years of his playing, he was about the 50th best WR in the NFL. Those guys make about $3-4m on average. So they are really expecting him to return to 2016 form.

I'm not trying to jynx anyone, but imagine that Lamar likes this, and agrees to come and play. Then, since both are injury prone, both get hurt in 2023...

A little less than 3 weeks to the draft. Then, the hoopla from all the fans angry that their team didn't pick their favorite guy, and numerous articles by all the bored sportswriters on who did great, who didn't, etc.

 

[movingtarget]

Crazy contract. Talk about rolling the dice hoping to turn back time. My understanding is it could be $18m with incentives. If you look at his stats over the last few years of his playing, he was about the 50th best WR in the NFL. Those guys make about $3-4m on average. So they are really expecting him to return to 2016 form.

I'm not trying to jynx anyone, but imagine that Lamar likes this, and agrees to come and play. Then, since both are injury prone, both get hurt in 2023...

A little less than 3 weeks to the draft. Then, the hoopla from all the fans angry that their team didn't pick their favorite guy, and numerous articles by all the bored sportswriters on who did great, who didn't, etc.

15 mill guaranteed seems excessive on a one year contract for OBJ. Not sure what the Ravens are thinking here. Obviously they must think he's a match winner based on that contract. They could have got Thielen for much less than that and he's not injury prone but obviously have left it too late to get more value for money as Thielen and others have already been snapped up.

 

[Unchained]

Years ago read a few books by and about Mark McCormack the guy who founded IMG..thinking that players have to rely on the agents and they are told that gut feelings end up costing you millions in the long run!!
I think that the huge numbers make fans resent the players. When I pay $11.75 for a beer.. not even a good one and $17 bucks for a pulled pork sandwich.. I wish Aaron Rodgers would appreciate it.. wish these players would just sign already!!!!

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Years ago read a few books by and about Mark McCormack the guy who founded IMG..thinking that players have to rely on the agents and they are told that gut feelings end up costing you millions in the long run!!I think that the huge numbers make fans resent the players.

I agree 100%. I'm not saying Moneyball works in the NFL the way it could in baseball. Football is far more intricate of a team sport, with far more random variables, in a far shorters season. But there are still principles teams can stick to, and not using their "gut" about a player is one of them, so often in free agent signings, so often to players who were once very good...a few seasons ago.

As to Rodgers, the holdup is compensation between two teams. I was wrong about 2 weeks ago when I thought it was about done. But I do think it will happen, of course.

SI writer Peter King was talking with an agent yesterday about "laughable mock drafts", and how no one really knows anything, even teams. The whole thing is just folly. So, I looked King up, and he's had his own mock drafts in the past! One of them on YouTube he was even chuckling about the whole thing, calling himself an "idiot" about it! His 2022 mock draft was surprisingly accurate! Several correct picks, early, and Pickett going to the Steelers!

 

[movingtarget]

I agree 100%. I'm not saying Moneyball works in the NFL the way it could in baseball. Football is far more intricate of a team sport, with far more random variables, in a far shorters season. But there are still principles teams can stick to, and not using their "gut" about a player is one of them, so often in free agent signings, so often to players who were once very good...a few seasons ago.

As to Rodgers, the holdup is compensation between two teams. I was wrong about 2 weeks ago when I thought it was about done. But I do think it will happen, of course.

SI writer Peter King was talking with an agent yesterday about "laughable mock drafts", and how no one really knows anything, even teams. The whole thing is just folly. So, I looked King up, and he's had his own mock drafts in the past! One of them on YouTube he was even chuckling about the whole thing, calling himself an "idiot" about it! His 2022 mock draft was surprisingly accurate! Several correct picks, early, and Pickett going to the Steelers!

I think King is good and he's obviously been around for ages and has plenty of NFL contacts. The worst part about him is his delivery. It just takes him forever to get to the point !

 

[Oldermanish]

Crazy contract. Talk about rolling the dice hoping to turn back time. My understanding is it could be $18m with incentives. If you look at his stats over the last few years of his playing, he was about the 50th best WR in the NFL. Those guys make about $3-4m on average. So they are really expecting him to return to 2016 form.

I'm not trying to jynx anyone, but imagine that Lamar likes this, and agrees to come and play. Then, since both are injury prone, both get hurt in 2023...

A little less than 3 weeks to the draft. Then, the hoopla from all the fans angry that their team didn't pick their favorite guy, and numerous articles by all the bored sportswriters on who did great, who didn't, etc.

Yeah....this will fix everything. Beckham will find out quickly the sort of passes he may have to catch to get those bonuses. LJ is a great, mobile QB as long as he remains mobile. When contained; the middle of the field can be a risky place for a wideout.
Who gets hurt first is a relevant question?

 

[movingtarget]

Commanders settle with Washington, D.C., on ticket deposits

Washington is one classy organization............

 

[Unchained]

I have seen Hoop Dreams and various other stories, stereotype rags to riches stories. Enjoy the underdog angle of players, family and friends, sitting around waiting for their name to be called during the draft. Has to be over the top exciting.
Side note.. I enjoy football as a rule but the quality of the product, of production of XFL is not doing it for me so far. Watch it for a silly reason, to see if there is obvious talent that is NFL bound.. sure it's there but for the most part kind of flat for me.. so far..
I hope Aaron Rodgers can go to the XFL to jazz things up

 

[jmdirt]

We've discussed RBs in the NFL so food for thought:

Barnwell: Will Bijan Robinson break the NFL draft's unwritten rules on Round 1 RBs?

Forty years ago, Bijan Robinson might have been the No. 1 overall pick. Now? He could fall to Day 2. What has happened to the value of RBs?

www.espn.com

 

[jmdirt]

I have seen Hoop Dreams and various other stories, stereotype rags to riches stories. Enjoy the underdog angle of players, family and friends, sitting around waiting for their name to be called during the draft. Has to be over the top exciting.
Side note.. I enjoy football as a rule but the quality of the product, of production of XFL is not doing it for me so far. Watch it for a silly reason, to see if there is obvious talent that is NFL bound.. sure it's there but for the most part kind of flat for me.. so far..
I hope Aaron Rodgers can go to the XFL to jazz things up

ARodg in the XFL would perfect! Maybe he can play for the Alaska expansion team?

 

[Oldermanish]

ARodg in the XFL would perfect! Maybe he can play for the Alaska expansion team?

Just give him and Russell each a franchise so they could rule their universe. Once they actually had to pay other players out of pocket to protect them and catch passes they'd likely become better, again.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Well, the USFL starts next Sunday. The home teams still won't be playing at home, but at least there are four venues where games will be. Birmingham (where nearly every game was played last year), Memphis, Detroit, and Canton.

Interesting factoid, Houston is the only city with an NFL, XFL, and USFL team! And a couple NCAA teams in the area!

 

[Oldermanish]

Well, the USFL starts next Sunday. The home teams still won't be playing at home, but at least there are four venues where games will be. Birmingham (where nearly every game was played last year), Memphis, Detroit, and Canton.

Interesting factoid, Houston is the only city with an NFL, XFL, and USFL team! And a couple NCAA teams in the area!

....and yet Houston still doesn't have their Oilers name back! That was a great look, too.