National Football League

[jmdirt]

Vander Esch retires at 28 years old. A bad neck is tough to deal with thin the NFL.

He will probably be on the BSU coaching staff in some capacity.

LB Vander Esch retires: 'Body won't cooperate'

Former Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch is retiring from the NFL after six seasons.

www.espn.com

 

[movingtarget]

I thought about this. What moves were people expecting them to make? They were 12-5, unbeaten at home, scored over 500 points, with a +194 point differential. Yes, they feasted on bad teams, and had a horrible playoff loss, but outside of losing Pollard, and probably Gilmore, I'm not sure how aggressive they were going to be in FA?

So, do you think Mac Jones has a career as a future starter? What about Sam Darnold? Zach Wilson? Tre Lance? Mitch Trubisky, or Justin Fields for that matter? All of them were taken in the first round, some of them very high in the first round.

Surprised the Cowboys didn't go after a higher profile RB but they are mainly a pass first team now anyway with Lamb racking up the yards. They also have holes on their defense and O line as the playoffs showed and have lost more players albeit veterans but some good ones. The Dak contract upgrade as ever will be all the talk.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Vander Esch retires at 28 years old.

Right after I posted the Cowboys aren't in bad shape. Thanks Leighton for making me look like a fool.

The Dak issue may end up being the real problem. If they are going to pay him $60m a year...

Of course it all depends on how it's structured. Joe Burrow's cash allotment pay for 2024 might be $65m. If Dak signs a 6 year "team friendly" contract, he and Jerry could load some years over $70m.

My question is, who will be the first player to make $100m in a single season? The salary cap jump in the next two years looks to be rather large, so it could get baked into a contract as soon as 2026 by someone like CJ Stroud.

 

[movingtarget]

Dallas Cowboys losses so far.............

• RB Tony Pollard (Titans)
• WR Michael Gallup
• OT Chuma Edoga
• OT Tyron Smith (Jets)
• C Tyler Biadasz (Commanders)
• Edge Dorance Armstrong (Commanders)
• Edge Dante Fowler Jr. (Commanders)
• DT Neville Gallimore (Dolphins)
• DT Johnathan Hankins
• LB Leighton Vander Esch (retired)
• CB Stephon Gilmore
• S Jayron Kearse

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

They don't need any of those guys. They have Dak. Don't forget, he got more MVP votes last year than Patrick Mahomes.

All joking aside, I can see why the let go some of those players without worrying too much. The price for Gilmore is likely going to be too high. Several of them, like Kearse and Gallimore were not key starters and only played about half the snaps. There's also the reasoning that when you get into the month before the draft that's where free agents can be picked up cheap. So it could stand to reason the Cowboys are thinking this: We can re-fill these positions with other average guys in FA (and the draft), this will also save us some money as we re-sign Dak.

I did however think they would look to bolster their DL at least. Maybe the OL after losing Smith. As there's only so much you can get in the draft.

I am however really surprised they apparently didn't even respond to Derrick Henry's interest in joining them. He is from Dallas, spoke highly of them as an org, and the Cowboys never once even called him, so he signed with Baltimore.

 

[movingtarget]

Browns signing WR Jerry Jeudy to three-year extension worth up to $58 million

The Cleveland Browns and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy have agreed to a three-year extension up to $58 million, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Tuesday

www.nfl.com

 

[movingtarget]

Jets signing free-agent receiver Mike Williams to one-year deal worth up to $15 million after visit

New York is signing former Chargers wide receiver Mike Williams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday, per sources. The free-agent wideout is on a visit with the team today.

www.nfl.com

 

[Nomad]

So, do you think Mac Jones has a career as a future starter? What about Sam Darnold? Zach Wilson? Tre Lance? Mitch Trubisky, or Justin Fields for that matter? All of them were taken in the first round, some of them very high in the first round.

Trubisky & Darnold - no. They had 4 yrs at the team's that drafted them plus a second chance at the teams that traded for them. I don't think it's unfair to conclude that these two are probably not starting material & will more than likely play out their careers as backups.

Wilson, Fields & Jones only had 3 yrs at their respective teams. They should be given a second chance at their new teams that they signed with. Trey Lance definitely got screed being jettisoned after only 2 yrs & a grand total of 4 starts! Lol. Granted, he suffered the season ending ankle injury at the start of his 2nd yr, so I think that's a bit hasty on GM John Lynch's part (we're talking about a #3 OA pick & characteristized by the scouts as a "Mahomes 2.0").

Look at the situation with Mayfield. Cleveland wrote him off as a draft bust even though he took the team to the postseason & actually won a playoff game. His stint at Carolina didn't work & McVay gave him a shot that also didn't pan out (I even wrote him off as  another #1 OA bust. Lol). But he resurrected his career at TB winning the division & winning a playoff game. He's now a fan favorite & ownership seems to be sold on him handing out the big $$$ on a sweet contract:
  

https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.charlotteobserver.com/sports/nfl/carolina-panthers/article284313653.html

 

[movingtarget]

View: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2wAf967d8I4&t=2s&pp=ygUadGhlIHFiIHRoYXQgZGlkbid0IGdpdmUgYSA%3D

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

Jay always reminded me of the employee that has a lot of skill, but soon realizes it's just a job, so they basically show up to work to get paid. Hard to say he was completely wrong.

I remember seeing a pass Denver did with Jay at QB that was similar to one either Elway or Marino once threw. In the play Cutler rolled to his right, but then threw deep completely across the field for a 35 yard gain...with the ball traveling a good 60 yards in the air because the play was designed to "rotate" the offensive play 45 degrees to the left, to where the DBs would not cover the far left beyond the hashes because no QB throws like that across the field, it's way too risky. But Cutler had the arm strength to get away with it. Put another way, all it was, was a post pattern to the left out, but drawn up at an angle - thus it gained 35 net yards, instead of 60 if such a play were run deep. Wish I could find the play, though to be honest in the last few years there have been similar astounding throws by the likes of Mahomes and Allen that few QBs in history could get away with. Aaron Rodgers also made a career getting away with passes across the field that broke that rule, even more than Favre who also did it, due to his ability to just rifle accurate passes like few other players ever.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Good ol’ Smoking Jay Cutler. Who can forget him showing everyone how to do the bench press at the combine, telling his ex wife to F off and get a job, or all the memes from his attitude.
I wonder how true the comments are of his demeanor changing after the NFCGC and those saying he faked the injury leading him to turn into the Cutler we all know. It would also be interesting to see him play for a more player orientated head coach like Reid or Campbell and if they could light a fire under him. Cutler and Gase were two pees in a pod.

 

[Nomad]

I remember seeing a pass Denver did with Jay at QB that was similar to one either Elway or Marino once threw. In the play Cutler rolled to his right, but then threw deep completely across the field for a 35 yard gain...with the ball traveling a good 60 yards in the air because the play was designed to "rotate" the offensive play 45 degrees to the left, to where the DBs would not cover the far left beyond the hashes because no QB throws like that across the field, it's way too risky. But Cutler had the arm strength to get away with it. Put another way, all it was, was a post pattern to the left out, but drawn up at an angle - thus it gained 35 net yards, instead of 60 if such a play were run deep. Wish I could find the play, though to be honest in the last few years there have been similar astounding throws by the likes of Mahomes and Allen that few QBs in history could get away with. Aaron Rodgers also made a career getting away with passes across the field that broke that rule, even more than Favre who also did it, due to his ability to just rifle accurate passes like few other players ever.

I think I vaguely remember that throw. There was so much hype here in Denver when Cutler was drafted  #11 OA - the highest ever drafted QB in Bronco's franchise history (note: the Baltimore Colts in 1983 drafted Elway #1 where the Broncos traded for him). The Broncos had to trade up with the Rams to get Cutler giving up a 1st & 3rd pick. They had been struggling in the post-Elway glory years after the back to back SB seasons in 97 & 98. Brian Griese (Bob's kid) & Jake "The Snake" Plummer weren't getting the job done (though Plummer led the Broncos to a 13-3 record, division title & appearance in the AFC championship game the year before drafting Cutler. Lol). So, it was "all-hands-on-deck" with the arrival of Cutler - the next John Elway to lead the Broncos back to the promised land.

But it was tumultuous 3 years with Cutler: No SB, No championship game, No division titles, No playoffs, No winning seasons -  No nothing in the two & a half seasons that Cutler started. This undoubtedly ticked off Bowlen to no end & the failure of the team to win with Cutler ultimately cost Shanahan his job. Imagine that: A 2xSB winning coach, a career winning pct of .616, an 8-5 record in postseason & a hero in every fan's eyes...fired!

 

[Nomad]

The NFL draft is coming. If your team drafts a 'franchise' quarterback in the first round, brace for failure

Drafting a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft can make a franchise a Super Bowl contender or set it back five years.

www.businessinsider.com

This is brutal: Since 2011, 38 QBs have been drafted in the 1st rd. These 1st rounders have totaled 1909 starts with a combined record of 1034-1035-7. And out of the 38 starters only one has a SB title (Mahomes of course).

This report was published at the time of last year's draft & doesn't include the three 1st rounders from last year (Young, Stroud & AR). But with the exception of Stroud's impressive rookie season, Young won all but just a few games & AR missed most of the year with season-ending shoulder surgery.

But the madness with continue with an anticipated 5 QBs going in the 1st rd this year. Lol.

 

[SHAD0W93]

Wonder how much scoring is going to increase with the new kicking rules.

View: https://youtu.be/p5Q_UXy_7HE?si=rWAGMNZ1JIEABd-r

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

The NFL draft is coming. If your team drafts a 'franchise' quarterback in the first round, brace for failure

Drafting a quarterback in the first round of the NFL Draft can make a franchise a Super Bowl contender or set it back five years.

www.businessinsider.com

This is brutal: Since 2011, 38 QBs have been drafted in the 1st rd. These 1st rounders have totaled 1909 starts with a combined record of 1034-1035-7. And out of the 38 starters only one has a SB title (Mahomes of course).

Hoooray! Someone finally stating what I've been pointing out for years (here and elsewhere). Granted, while most top teams tend to excel with a highly drafted QB, it's definitely not the guaranteed solution teams think it is!

I too am convinced QBs will go 1, 2, 3 this year. All three will start in week 1, and I seriously doubt, despite all the hype, any will have close to the year CJ Stroud did. But both Williams and Daniels are dynamic, and the Bears have some depth, which will help. Questions about them being over-drafted will surface as soon as their team starts to lose.

JJ McCarthey will be over-drafted and taken I think at 6 by Minnesota, and struggle mightily in camp or the pre-season and fail to start right away (see below*). I also see Nix over-drafted and going to Denver at 12, unless the Giants take him at 11 - he too will struggle some, though he may be thrown to the wolves sooner than JJ. This leave Penix to be over-drafted and taken possibly at 16 by Seattle. Maybe. Though if he falls in round 2 or 3 to a team like the Rams, Browns, Buccaneers, etc, it could help him. Rattler and Milton could benefit the most from this draft, as both have "potential" but taken in rounds 2-4 means they'll go to a team with an established QB and sit. Again, Rams, Browns, Cowboys, Seahawks, Raiders, etc. Lots of teams will be looking for a talented QB to fall in the draft they'll take a flyer on.

To that point, there are two rookie QBs from last year who at times looked like with some development, and time, might make it in the NFL as a starter. Jake Haener in New Orleans, and Jaren Hall in Minnesota. Both struggled, but made some good looking throws (and a few rookie bad ones) but didn't always look completely overwhelmed. I'm curious what their future holds in camp, pre-season, and by the end of 2024. Will they step up as a solid back-up who could step right in and start if there's an injury? Similar goes for Max Duggan, who it looks like is going to be #2 on the depth chart for the Chargers.

Here's the thing though with the Vikings, if they take McCarthey. They will have JJ, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and Sam Darnold on their roster. I mean...who do you start?!

 

[Nomad]

Here's the thing though with the Vikings, if they take McCarthey. They will have JJ, Nick Mullens, Jaren Hall, and Sam Darnold on their roster. I mean...who do you start?!

That's a no brainer if they select kid McCarthy. He would have to really screw-up & be a complete dunce in preseason not to be given the car keys on opening day.

Remember what Harbaugh is saying - he thinks McCarthy will be thee 1st QB taken. And when Harbaugh speaks...people listen (?).

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/qE34o_V9JD4?si=a7Pbebj2D4AkoYJu

I wonder though, since Harbaugh is so high on McCarthy, if he would shock all the draft experts & take McCarthy with the 5th pick? That would sure send Herbert packing. Lol.

 

[movingtarget]

Purdy made a mess of the so called QB draft experts and was the best QB to come from that draft so far. It will be interesting to see if he continues on the same trajectory as the team around him inevitably changes. He gets a full off season this year, not rehabbing an elbow injury so he will be expected to do well. Their offense won't be changing much and most people expect them to extend Aiyuk. and their entire QB room comes in totalling around 5 million for the season..........

 

[Oldermanish]

Right after I posted the Cowboys aren't in bad shape. Thanks Leighton for making me look like a fool.

The Dak issue may end up being the real problem. If they are going to pay him $60m a year...

Of course it all depends on how it's structured. Joe Burrow's cash allotment pay for 2024 might be $65m. If Dak signs a 6 year "team friendly" contract, he and Jerry could load some years over $70m.

My question is, who will be the first player to make $100m in a single season? The salary cap jump in the next two years looks to be rather large, so it could get baked into a contract as soon as 2026 by someone like CJ Stroud.

I'm not sure Jerry Jones, if he's paying attention, knows how loyal he'll be to Dak. I'm not part of the Cowboy fan base so my observations tend to be more pessimistic.

 

[jmdirt]

Wonder how much scoring is going to increase with the new kicking rules.

View: https://youtu.be/p5Q_UXy_7HE?si=rWAGMNZ1JIEABd-r

I still don't like the 'automictic' yardage.

 

[Oldermanish]

Purdy made a mess of the so called QB draft experts and was the best QB to come from that draft so far. It will be interesting to see if he continues on the same trajectory as the team around him inevitably changes. He gets a full off season this year, not rehabbing an elbow injury so he will be expected to do well. Their offense won't be changing much and most people expect them to extend Aiyuk. and their entire QB room comes in totalling around 5 million for the season..........

Purdy was phenomenal and seems versatile enough to deepen his tactical skills. They have the talent if they can survive the long season. Divisionally they're secure.

 

[Alpe d'Huez]

I'd like to see Purdy take more chances on deep throws, but otherwise agree. He has a very bright future.

That "new" kick-off is almost exactly what the XFL did last season. It's amusing all the NFL fans who don't realize this.

Remember what Harbaugh is saying - he thinks McCarthy will be thee 1st QB taken. And when Harbaugh speaks...people listen (?).

Harbaugh's starting to look like Joe Paterno.

The only top drafted QB I can think of in memory who had less starts in college than JJ is Tre Lance. Also, I can't think of another QB with this much hype, who had less high pressure games in college. He was QB for a juggernaut powerhouse of a team, who hardly asked him to bail them out of anything.

Someone who watches a ton of college help me out here. Am I wrong?

I wonder though, since Harbaugh is so high on McCarthy, if he would shock all the draft experts & take McCarthy with the 5th pick? That would sure send Herbert packing. Lol.

I posted a bit ago about this possibility. Trading Herbert away before the draft, and taking JJ. The problem is Herbert's ridiculous contract. No one else is going to pay for that. No one is that desperate except maybe the Browns, who already overpaid for a QB.

 

[BullsFan22]

Not sure what the Steelers see with Russ. He’s gonna be 36 in November and he’s been prone to int’s and just taking bad sacks over the past few years. Their offense was atrocious last season. Don’t think an aging qb is the answer.

 

[movingtarget]

Not sure what the Steelers see with Russ. He’s gonna be 36 in November and he’s been prone to int’s and just taking bad sacks over the past few years. Their offense was atrocious last season. Don’t think an aging qb is the answer.

Fields will be playing I'm sure. Even their training camp may not be cut and dried. Being a 49ers fan I saw a lot of Wilson over the years and his last two seasons at Seattle were a drop off which is why I was gobsmacked by the Denver trade. I think a lot of Fields problems come from bad coaching and too many changes over a short period at the Bears. Obviously there wasn't much of a trade market for him but I think he could improve, how much is the big question.

Some people think just because Brady can do it in his 40's then anyone can. Ryan, Rodgers, Wilson, Dalton, Big Ben, Flacco all looked different by the time they hit mid thirties. Cousins and Stafford have held up pretty well so far although Stafford has taken a beating and probably won't play for more than two more seasons which is why the Rams signed Stetson Bennett as a back up but that hasn't turned out well so far. Jimmy G will be the obvious back up if Stafford gets injured and he obviously knows the NFC West defenses very well.

 

[jmdirt]

Someone who watches a ton of college help me out here. Am I wrong?

I don't watch a ton of NCAA, but I saw three Michigan regular season games, and the BIG10 champ game. JJ might be better than what you are giving him credit for, but not Stroud rookie season good, IMO.

It is tough to predict what these guys can do in the pros because, as you pointed out, the top draft picks typically come from dominate NCAA teams and get drafted by the weakest NFL teams. Their success is determined as much by the other 52 players plus coaches as it is by what they do. For comparison, Stroud vs. Young: While I think that Stroud is just a better NFL QB, he had more around him in HOU than Young did in CAR.

A big question for me is who in CAR thought that Young's scramble would translate to the NFL? That was the main 'upside' for him, but these guys work in the NFL and know how fast the 11 guys on the other side of the ball are. Even if they were sure that he could escape the 300+ pounders, did they really think that he was faster than the DE/LB/DBs? That being said, he ran better than I thought he would, but that also wore him out...along with the ~70 sacks.

 

[Nomad]

The only top drafted QB I can think of in memory who had less starts in college than JJ is Tre Lance. Also, I can't think of another QB with this much hype, who had less high pressure games in college. He was QB for a juggernaut powerhouse of a team, who hardly asked him to bail them out of anything.

Someone who watches a ton of college help me out here. Am I wrong?

McCarthy had 28 starts in basically 2 yrs at the helm before declaring for the draft (didn't start his freshman yr - 4 star recruit). That's more starts than Young (27), Stroud (25) & Richardson (13). Last year - the championship season - was his best year.

Off a pro-style offense, pretty much pinpoint accuracy off of a lot of play action throws (72 Pct/167 Rtg). Michigan traditionally runs the ball more & McCarthy had Corum in the backfield doing a lot of the heavy lifting (plus Michigan had a massive O-line - some of the biggest & baddest linemen that HS had to offer). McCarthy won the "Griese-Brees Quarterback of the Year" award which is a big deal for a college QB. Some previous winners are R. Wilson, Fields, Stroud (2).

True that he didn't have that much pressure to win games but neither did Stroud nor Young during their tenure at OSU & Bama - also two juggernaut powerhouse teams every year. Here's a nice pass he threw across the field in a game:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/FKjsbzj4b4w?si=8aOOgiW5Ki2MC8Un


McCarthy is getting a lot of attention with his insane arm strength. He threw some nice bombs at the combine & threw an impressive 61 mph in the velocity test! And I heard he smoked his pro day yesterday at Ann Arbor. And here's some of his insane aerobatic throws:

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/U20nf2_IZPI?si=gGoT_05pB3wZwcsm

View: https://youtube.com/shorts/FfAyGP_hzvY?si=Yr-QFqKzzeCTdTOS


Definitely the Zach Wilson effect. Lol