List/Grid Monthly Archives: February 2018
Jason Garrett hopes Kris Richard will bring Seattle pedigree to Cowboys defense
The Cowboys found themselves with an opening on their coaching staff when Matt Eberflus left to, presumably, become Josh McDaniels’ defensive coordinator with the Indianapolis Colts. While McDaniels didn’t ultimately…
Vikings, others face tough decisions as free agency nears
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Rick Spielman came to this year’s annual NFL scouting combine with a quarterback quandary. He has two first-round draft picks trying to recover from injuries and a…
Are there any 2017 O-line departures you want back?
We’re going to look at each positions departures prior to Week 1 of the 2017 season and see how they fared after leaving the San Francisco 49ers. Some players went…
O-line a problem or less than we think?
I absolutely guarantee I could get blown up for this but let me pose a question. Is the Indianapolis Colts offensive line better than we think? Don’t hate me just…
David Ortiz Offers Advice To Rob Gronkowski Amid Retirement Rumors
New England Patriots fans sincerely are hoping that Rob Gronkowski doesn’t retire from the NFL. David Ortiz doesn’t want to see the star tight end hang up his cleats either….
Colts confirm they won’t re-sign Frank Gore
As expected, the Colts are moving on from Frank Gore. General Manager Chris Ballard confirmed Wednesday that Indianapolis won’t re-sign Gore, who becomes a free agent next month. “We had…
NFL notebook: Steelers confirm Shazier won’t play in ’18
Linebacker Ryan Shazier will not play for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2018. “We know that, he knows that,” Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert said Wednesday at the NFL Scouting Combine….
Chicago Bears notes: Pace confirms Glennon will be released March 14
To the surprise of no one, the Bears will release backup quarterback Mike Glennon on the first day of the new league year, March 14, rather than pay him $13.5 million…
Vance Joseph comments on what type of QB Kirk Cousins is
Denver Broncos head coach Vance Joseph answers questions about quarterback Kirk Cousins. Powered by WPeMatico
Clemson’s defensive line back and intact for one more year
Clemson coach Dabo Swinney did a double take the first day of the offseason, early morning workouts last month when he saw starting defensive linemen Christian Wilkins, Clelin Ferrell and…
Joseph says NFL won’t change pass interference
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – The Latest on the NFL combine (all times EST): 2:15 p.m. Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst says that the team would like to extend the…
Denver Broncos need John Elway to solve quarterback quagmire
SportsPulse: From John Elway to Andy Reid, NFL officials discuss quarterback situations on the first day of the scouting combine. INDIANAPOLIS — Another year, another quarterback quandary for John Elway….
NFL scouting combine coverage
Depth is the operative word as the Ravens get the most extensive glimpse at the 2018 draft class at this week’s NFL scouting combine. Powered by WPeMatico
Muhammad Wilkerson: Cut loose by Jets
The Jets informed Wilkerson on Wednesday that he has been released from the team, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. Wilkerson’s release was one of the more predictable moves of the…
Rosen can gain momentum on idle Darnold
Sam Darnold’s reps would scoff at the notion that they fear putting him next to Josh Rosen in a drill. But it’s a theory that has creeped into the minds…
If Rob Gronkowski Isn’t Enjoying Himself, Then I Guess We’re All Doomed to Sadness
First, let’s clarify the beginning of this post: Rob Gronkowski is, of course, not a dog but rather a human being, which means he experiences the requisite sadnesses, fears and complicated feelings…
Despite NFL concussion report, more self-reporting still needed
A spike in the number of diagnosed concussions throughout the NFL this past season is probably the last thing commissioner Roger Goodell and the league executives wanted to hear, as…
Cowboys won’t spend extra effort monitoring Ezekiel Elliott
The Cowboys have a few other issues to deal with at the moment, so they’re not going to spend any extra effort babysitting running back Ezekiel Elliott. Elliott missed six…
Aaron Rodgers Salary: QB Could Earn $137.5m in Five Years as Packers Plan to Make Him Highest-Paid QB in the NFL
Aaron Rodgers could soon claim the mantle of highest paid-quarterback in the NFL from Jimmy Garoppolo’s grasp. Earlier this month, the latter signed a five-year deal with the San Francisco…
Papa John’s ending role as official NFL sponsor
NEW YORK — Papa John’s is ending its recently stormy role as an official sponsor of the NFL. Officials at the pizza chain said Tuesday that the two sides agreed…
notebook: Lions use franchise tag on Ansah
The Detroit Lions designated defensive end Ezekiel Ansah as their franchise player on Tuesday. Ansah was drafted fifth overall by the Lions in 2013 out of BYU and has 44…
Shurmur hiring puts Giants in favorable position entering Combine
INDIANAPOLIS — The Giants’ greatest need going into this offseason wasn’t on the offensive line, or at running back, linebacker or quarterback. It was in the departments of stability and…
Tony Dungy – A True Student of the Game
For my final installment during Black History Month, I thought I would discuss a man who belongs to a very select club: just one of three men to have won…
The Scratching Post: 2/28/18
Greetings, internet users. Welcome to The Scratching Post. Here’s some reading material from outside CSR for you to consume. Analyst Mike Mayock on Panthers receiver targets for NFL draft |…
Peyton To Be ‘Monday Night Football’ Analyst? Manning Responds
With Jon Gruden having left the broadcast booth to become head coach of the Raiders, many have pegged Peyton Manning as the next color commentator on Monday Night Football. “Monday…
NFL reportedly discusses making a major change to pass interference penalties
Much has been made about the NFL’s desire to change the catch-rule. But an even bigger change could be coming to the NFL this offseason. According to The Washington Post’s…
NFL committee: Dez Bryant caught the ball in controversial play
As the NFL’s competition committee examines what does or does not constitute a catch, committee member John Mara told ESPN on Tuesday that the group has reached a consensus on…
Cowboys will meet with Dez Bryant’s representation “sooner than later”
The Jones family loves Dez Bryant. They loved Troy Aikman, Emmitt Smith, Michael Irvin and Tony Romo, too, and had to say good-bye. Every time executive vice president Stephen Jones…
Former Ravens RB Lorenzo Taliaferro to play in Spring League
Former Baltimore Ravens running back Lorenzo Taliaferro is looking to spring back into the NFL. He’ll attempt to do so by playing in the Spring League this year, according to…
Cowboys enemy report: What losing Kendall Fuller means for Redskins, what team needs to do for Alex Smith
Editor’s note: This was originally published Feb. 14. It’s officially the offseason, and the NFC East has yet another Super Bowl title to claim — but not the one Cowboys…
Report: Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will contest NFL’s $2 million penalty, requests hearing with Roger Goodell
Jones, according to a source, has requested a hearing before commissioner Roger Goodell to make his case why he shouldn’t have to be responsible for about $2 million in fees…
The NFL’s draft process is wrong; how to fix it for Cowboys and all teams
We have slid just inside the two-month barrier. The NFL draft is coming to town for the first time ever. My only question is why we have to wait so…
NFL, news: Rob Gronkowski, New England Patriots, retirement
IT appears Rob Gronkowski had been toying with the idea of permanently hanging up his cleats long before the Patriots fell to the Eagles in Super Bowl LII. The 28-year-old…
OU football: Ogbonnia Okoronkwo looks to be first Sooners linebacker since 2008 selected in NFL Draft’s first three rounds
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo is prepared for the biggest week of his life. The former Oklahoma linebacker will participate in the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis with a goal of grabbing the…
Cowboys, Saints opt out of NFL’s deal with Ticketmaster
Ticketmaster has a standing deal to sell tickets for NFL teams, but the Cowboys and Saints are taking their business elsewhere. The Cowboys have recently opted out of the Ticketmaster…
Detroit Lions use franchise tag on Ezekiel Ansah
The Detroit Lions made a significant move on Tuesday when they announced they have placed a franchise tag on defense end Ezekiel Ansah. As a result, the Lions will pay…
Kansas City Chiefs player set to become doctor, hopes to wear ‘M.D.’ on jersey
Kansas City Chiefs offensive lineman Laurent Duvernay-Tardif is an NFL player, but he’s about to become something maybe even more impressive: a doctor. Duvernay-Tardif says he wants to commemorate this…
Franchise-tagging Ezekiel Ansah was the only move Lions could have made
Michael Rothstein ESPN Staff Writer Close Previously covered University of Michigan for ESPN.com and AnnArbor.com Also covered Notre Dame for Fort Wayne Journal Gazette Follow on Twitter INDIANAPOLIS — It…
NFL considers a change to the catch rule, and a 15-yard limit for pass interference
The NFL’s competition committee, acting on instructions by Commissioner Roger Goodell to rewrite the sport’s cumbersome and often-confounding catch rule, is considering scrapping the going-to-the-ground portion of the rule that…
Saints claim John Theus, release Gerald Hodges
The Saints tweaked their roster on Tuesday by adding a former member of one of their NFC South rivals. The league’s daily transaction report brings word that the Saints have…
Ian Rapoport: New York Jets want to release DT Muhammad Wilkerson; could add LB, OL and edge rusher
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo discuss the future for defensive tackle Muhammad Wilkerson and the New York Jets. Powered by WPeMatico
Lions designate DE Ezekiel Ansah as franchise player
NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport gives us an update on Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah as he was designated with the franchise tag today. Powered by WPeMatico
Bears should take long look at Colts WR Donte Moncrief in free agency
With Jarvis Landry franchised by the Miami Dolphins and the Jacksonville Jaguars expected to do the same with Allen Robinson, the Chicago Bears will have no choice but to look…
Les Moonves Predicts Tech Giants One Day Might Seek Sunday NFL Rights
CBS Chief Executive Leslie Moonves predicts that the network might find itself bidding against deep-pocketed tech giants for NFL rights when its contract with the league ends in five years….
Cowboys not counting on Gregory in 2018
Todd Archer ESPN Staff Writer Close Covered NFL since 1997, Cowboys since 2003 Previously covered Bengals and Dolphins Lives in Dallas area with his wife and two children Follow on…
Vikings Don’t Want These QBs, Should The Cleveland Browns?
CLEVELAND, OH — The free agent quarterback market has gotten more crowded and more purple over the past two weeks. The Minnesota Vikings went 13-3 and marched to the NFC…
Reports: Cowboys owner Jones to appeal NFL’s $2M demand
Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones will appeal the NFL’s request that he repay more than $2 million in legal fees to cover costs incurred by teams when Jones tried to…
NFL’s Richard Sherman bets big on cryptocurrency
From bitcoin to ripple, Seattle Seahawks’ Richard Sherman says cryptocurrency is the future. The NFL star shares insight on his new venture, Cobinhood. Powered by WPeMatico
Report: NFL expected to allow coaching hires before teams are done in playoffs
The NFL frequently has one or more teams waiting to officially hire their new head coach until their choice’s current employer are done with a playoff run and that usually…
Committee says ’14 Bryant play was a catch
Kevin Seifert NFL Nation Close ESPN.com national NFL writer ESPN.com NFC North reporter, 2008-2013 Covered Vikings for Minneapolis Star Tribune, 1999-2008 Follow on Twitter INDIANAPOLIS — Dez caught it. The…
Spielman seems to admit that Bridgewater will be a free agent
The NFL says that no decision has been made regarding the contractual status of Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater. A recent comment from Vikings G.M. Rick Spielman seems to suggest otherwise….
Cowboys VP Stephen Jones comments on Zack Martin contract talks, free agency, Orlando Scandrick
INDIANAPOLIS — The Cowboys’ decision-makers are on the ground in Indy for the swirl of events that surround the NFL scouting combine here, and executive vice president Stephen Jones laid…
Report: RB Ivory visits Bills, to meet Browns next
Running back Chris Ivory isn’t wasting any time searching for his new team after being released by the Jacksonville Jaguars on Friday. According to NFL Network, Ivory visited the Buffalo…
This is personal: Goodell-Jones feud escalates
After Roger Goodell’s latest “hip check” of Cowboys owner Jerry Jones, things are only going to get worse between the NFL’s squabbling power brokers. Powered by WPeMatico
1. Malcolm Butler Suffice to say, he’s the offseason’s only available option with a Super Bowl-sealing interception and a Super Bowl-benching that might have helped seal the Patriots’ fate. The 28-year-old’s disappointing fourth season began with him being dangled on the trade market and ended with …
1. Malcolm Butler Suffice to say, he’s the offseason’s only available option with a Super Bowl-sealing interception and a Super Bowl-benching that might have helped seal the Patriots’ fate. The…
NFL Free Agency 2018: 6 corners of interest
The Philadelphia Eagles sent the Buffalo Bills their top receiver and a third-rounder last August to add a No. 1 cornerback, Ronald Darby, then spent a second-rounder on a potential…
6. Pierre Desir At 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, Desir boasts coveted length in addition to plenty of speed and athleticism. He now also boasts some impressive tape after setting career highs in starts (six), passes defensed (seven) and grabbing his first pick last season with the Indianapolis Colts. Des…
6. Pierre Desir At 6-foot-1 and 198 pounds, Desir boasts coveted length in addition to plenty of speed and athleticism. He now also boasts some impressive tape after setting career…
Rams add two more to coaching staff
Rams coach Sean McVay has added two more coaches to his staff, after some shuffling in the wake of their successful season. Via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times,…
At scouting combine, Vikings lay groundwork for free agency, draft
This week a table at Elmo’s Steak House or a Marriott lobby barstool in downtown Indianapolis will help grease the skids of the impending NFL news avalanche coming next month….
NFL To Demand Cowboys Owner Reimburse Legal Fees, Reports Say
NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell is expected to try to recover the money spent on a seven-figure legal bill after recent battles with Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones. The story was…
Report: NFL is seeking $2 million from Jerry Jones
The NFL is exploring options to get more than $2 million in reimbursement for legal fees from Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones over his threat to derail Commissioner Roger Goodell’s…
NFL free agency 2018: Jonathan Casillas knows the business, bracing for Giants exit
Jonathan Casillas is spending this week preparing for life after football. The linebacker has already accepted that his playing future likely won’t be with the Giants. The combination of a…
At NFL combine, time ticking on Bob Quinn’s Detroit Lions draft record
A quick breakdown of 10 starter-level free agents who may interest the Detroit Lions when the new NFL league year begins March 14. Video by Marlowe Alter, Detroit Free Press…
2015 Redraft Using Pro-Football-Reference’s Approximate Value Metric
It is well documented that many outlets of the media love to give feedback to a draft class immediately after the draft, especially in the ensuing months during the downtime…
ESPN says Eagles have the second best quarterback situation in the NFL
Let’s get to the Philadelphia Eagles links … QB Confidence Index: Rating all 32 NFL quarterback situations – ESPN 2. Philadelphia Eagles. QBs under contract: Carson Wentz, Nick Foles, Nate…
Cleveland Browns Quarterback Tracker: Maybe the market for AJ McCarron won’t be that competitive
Tony Grossi has covered the Cleveland Browns since 1984, currently for ESPN Cleveland, and is one of 46 voters for the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The expressed purpose of…
Rumblings growing louder that Vikings will be “players” for Kirk Cousins
The rumblings of Minnesota’s interest in Kirk Cousins are growing louder. Several reports have surfaced saying the Vikings will enter into the bidding for Cousins. The Broncos and Jets also…
Vontae Davis lands with Bills
SportsPulse: This year’s class of quarterbacks is getting all the hype leading into the NFL Draft, but Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz says these four players could really shake up the draft board…
Dougherty: Don’t get caught up in NFL combine hype
Aaron Nagler took to Facebook Live to talk the latest on the Packers and answer your questions. Last year, John Ross set an NFL scouting combine record by running the…
Josh McDaniels will skip combine
Josh McDaniels might find things awkward in Indianapolis. That is if the Patriots offensive coordinator was going to the Scouting Combine. McDaniels and the Patriots will not attend the combine,…
Chicago Bears release Pernell McPhee, Quintin Demps in salary dump
The Chicago Bears released linebacker Pernell McPhee and safety Quintin Demps on Monday. Cutting McPhee results in about $7.1 million in cap space and shedding Demps gives the Bears about…
3 reasons NFL teams may change their views on franchise quarterback contracts
Blame it on the New England Patriots if you’d like, they convinced Tom Brady to take under-market contracts for years. Maybe blame it on the teams that paid a ton…
2018 NFL Combine: Cardinals enter critical week of scouting
It’s a busy week during a busy offseason for the Arizona Cardinals. The 2018 NFL Combine, which runs Tuesday through next Monday, will allow general manager Steve Keim, head coach…
Jarvis Landry: Playmaker or product of scheme?
Stats can sometimes be misleading. Sometimes a player can have numbers that show two completely opposite sides of the same argument, so it’s important to understand the context behind the…
Mike Mayock believes Dolphins are at the ‘crossroads’ with Ryan Tannehill
There have been a lot of rumors about the Dolphins selecting a quarterback at pick No. 11 overall. During a pre-combine conference call on Monday afternoon, NFL Network analyst Mike…
Top 10 NFL free agents by position: Offense
Insiders Stephen Holder and Zak Keefer discuss the Colts’ new head coach on the latest podcast ‘Chopping Wood’. Here’s your chance to play general manager and wade into the crop of NFL…
Report: Chiefs get Rams’ second-, fourth-round picks in Peters trade
When the trade for Kansas City Chiefs shutdown cornerback Marcus Peters is completed on March 14, the Los Angeles Rams will reportedly part with only a 2019 second-round pick and…
Mike Daniels on Packers hiring Mike Pettine: ‘I felt like it was Christmas Day’
Mike Daniels, a first-time Pro Bowler in 2017 and the vocal leader of the Green Bay Packers defense, said recently on NFL Network that he’s looking forward to working with…
2018 NFL Mock Draft: Josh Allen to Giants, USC RB Ronald Jones lands with Eagles
Josh Allen is a supremely talented and clearly flawed quarterback prospect, and heading into the combine some of the NFL believes the former outweighs the latter with the Wyoming quarterback….
Tyvon Branch, John Brown crack NFL.com’s top 101 free agent list
In a latest ranking of the top free agents in the NFL, two Arizona Cardinals found themselves right in the mix. With free agency right around corner, NFL.com’s Gregg Rosenthal…
College Football Freaks Set to Turn Heads at the 2018 NFL Combine
This week in Indianapolis, many of the brightest stars from the previous college football season will display their skills at the NFL combine. The week-long event is about a lot…
FCS prospects ready for NFL Combine
(STATS) – Super sleeper. Matchup nightmare. Top FCS draft prospect. Powered by WPeMatico
Report: Vikings moving on from Case Keenum
The Vikings are not expected to put the franchise tag on quarterback Case Keenum, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapaport, a sign that Minnesota has decided to woo a free agent…
NFL Free Agency 2018: 6 of the most interesting inside linebackers
It’s a big year for brand names among the free-agent ILB crop. NaVorro Bowman, Derrick Johnson, Karlos Dansby, Brian Cushing and Paul Posluszny have all been among the best at…
4. Marquis Flowers On the list of Bill Belichick trades last offseason, Flowers’ name is easily lost in the shuffle with headliners like Brandin Cooks, Phillip Dorsett and Kony Ealy, among others. But the versatile Flowers played all 19 games and gave New England surprisingly good mileage down the s…
4. Marquis Flowers On the list of Bill Belichick trades last offseason, Flowers’ name is easily lost in the shuffle with headliners like Brandin Cooks, Phillip Dorsett and Kony Ealy,…
2. Zach Brown He settled for a one-year contract with Washington last season despite finishing second to All-Pro Bobby Wagner in tackles the year prior in Buffalo, and Brown again filled the stat sheet with 127 tackles (12 TFL). The 28-year-old former second-rounder has immense speed and now two yea…
2. Zach Brown He settled for a one-year contract with Washington last season despite finishing second to All-Pro Bobby Wagner in tackles the year prior in Buffalo, and Brown again…
What’s next for the NFL’s player’s coalition?
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche leads a roundtable discussion with Eagles safety Malcolm Jenkins, wide receiver Torrey Smith, and NIU officer Rob Williams on the importance of the players coalition and…
Which of NFL.com’s Top 101 free agents make sense for Packers?
The Green Bay Packers figure to be more open to using free agency as a player acquisition tool under new general manager Brian Gutekunst. Who knows how aggressive Gutekunst will…
10 players who could be stars of the NFL scouting combine
The NFL scouting combine might not be the make-or-break stage for draft prospects that some depict it as, but the event is undeniably a crucial part of the evaluation process….
2018 Free Agency Outlook: Defensive Linemen
With free agency set to begin in March, Redskins.com’s Stephen Czarda previews the 2018 NFL free agent class position-by-position. Today’s focus is on the defensive linemen. The Washington Redskins head…
NFL player promises fiancée he won’t buy another driver because “he loves her more than golf”
NFL player promises fiancée he won’t buy another driver because “he loves her more than golf” Powered by WPeMatico
Texans’ D.J. Reader enjoying quick ascension
Caption Close When Texans nose tackle D.J. Reader contemplates how fast his ascension has been from a raw rookie to an established NFL starter, it’s a bit mind-boggling. Just three years ago…
NFL Scouting Combine: Iowa State’s Allen Lazard out to show speed
In four years at Iowa State, Allen Lazard showcased his size and strength for NFL scouts week after week, becoming one of the most dominant wide receivers in school history. A…
Free Agent Forecast: Defensive Line
The new NFL year begins Wednesday, March 14, and with it, the advent of 2018’s free agent marketplace. Leading up to that first day, we’ll examine the landscape from a…
The flaw that each QB prospect must overcome
The NFL scouting combine begins this week, and the biggest story will be the four quarterbacks expected to go early in the first round. Powered by WPeMatico
NFL combine preview: What all 4 top QBs need to do in Indianapolis
The NFL scouting combine is this week, and the biggest story will be four quarterbacks expected to go early in the first round. Powered by WPeMatico
Will Jets Dip into D-Line Free Agency Pool?
Jets Free Agents UFA (2): Kony Ealy , Mike Pennel RFA (1): Xavier Cooper XRFA (1): Deon Simon The Market Notable Non-Edge-Rushing D-Linemen: Star Lotulelei (CAR), Sheldon Richardson (SEA), Dontari…
With Bortles signed, is Allen Robinson next?
The Jaguars opted to ride with Blake Bortles due in large part to their desire to have cash and cap space available for other players who eventually will need to…
With franchise tag on Jarvis Landry, Ravens’ chances to land him might be better
Jamison Hensley ESPN Staff Writer Close University of Maryland graduate Lives in the Baltimore area with his wife and son Follow on Twitter Not everyone gave up hope last week…
Grit Fueled Amy Trask’s Rise To NFL’s First Female CEO
Amy Trask relied on her relentless work ethic and attention to detail to work her way up from an intern to become the NFL’s first female CEO with the Raiders….
