List/Grid Monthly Archives: February 2019

Broncos have fifth most dead money against salary cap in NFL in 2019
The Denver Broncos have been rather good stewards of the salary cap during John Elway’s leadership, but a host of missteps and poor free agent signings has come to a…

NFL Podcast: Kyler Murray, D.K. Metcalf and John Elway make waves at the combine
Yahoo Sports’ Charles Robinson and Terez Paylor are at Lucas Oil Stadium for the 2019 NFL Scouting Combine where incoming, active and even former players are all making headlines. Powered…

Can Houston’s Ed Oliver break paradigms like Kyler Murray?
Oliver looks more like a linebacker than a defensive tackle. He is believed to be 6-1, which would make him exponentially shorter and smaller than a typical NFL defensive tackle….

Jim Whalen Named Outstanding NFL Athletic Trainer of the Year
Indianpolis, IN — February 28, 2019 – The NFL Physicians Society (NFLPS) hosted an awards ceremony at its annual General Medical & Scientific Meeting during the NFL Scouting Combine where…

Ferris State’s Devon Johnson looking to continue improbable rise to NFL
Indianapolis — It had been nearly three decades since Ferris State sent a player to the NFL scouting combine before offensive lineman Devon Johnson scored an invite this year. Not bad for a…

Lions have formal combine interview with NFL draft’s top OL prospect
Michigan State running back LJ Scott speaks to the media at the NFL combine on Wednesday, Feb. 28, 2019, in Indianapolis. INDIANAPOLIS — Taylor Decker and Frank Ragnow could soon…

Minority report: NFL’s diversity issue runs deep
The league continues to favor white coaches far more often over more qualified candidates of color, and the problem starts with NFL owners and GMs. Powered by WPeMatico

A Google search summarizes the NFL’s struggles with hiring minority head coaches
The heart of the issue is far more simple: NFL team owners and GMs only hire who they feel most comfortable with, and oftentimes, that level of ease is less…

NFL gives 2 players with checkered pasts chance at combine
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) – Louisiana Tech defensive end Jaylon Ferguson and Colorado State wide receiver Preston Williams have already completed their work in Indianapolis. They didn’t lift weights, didn’t get clocked…

NFL replay system is unfair to everyone, including refs
God bless John Harbaugh Finally, someone who makes sense on the NFL instant replay controversy. The Baltimore Ravens head coach appears to be only one who understands that changing the…

Jason Witten rejoining Cowboys after year as broadcaster
FRISCO, Texas (AP) — Jason Witten said the hardest thing about deciding to retire nine months ago was leaving football without winning a Super Bowl with the Dallas Cowboys. Powered…

AAF chairman wants to be as closely integrated with the NFL as possible
Upstart football leagues like the USFL and XFL have tried to position themselves as rivals to the NFL, but the AAF is different. Alliance of American Football Chairman Tom Dundon…

Here’s what the Wonderlic and AIQ tests teach NFL coaches and scouts about an athlete
The Wonderlic and AIQ tests that many athletes take turned out to be much more difficult than expected. Powered by WPeMatico

With Jason Witten returning to NFL, who might be his ‘Monday Night Football’ replacement?
With Jason Witten headed back to the Cowboys, another big question starts: Who will replace him on “Monday Night Football” broadcasts? Powered by WPeMatico

NFL Rumors: Could NFL Punish Robert Kraft More Harshly Than Jim Irsay?
Will the NFL make an example of Robert Kraft? The New England Patriots owner recently was charged with two first-degree misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution after allegedly paying for sex…

Who is your favorite non-Bears player?
In our last WCG Chicago Bears’ Offseason Roundtable topic, we asked you guys to give us your least favorite (non-Packer) player, so this time out we want to take it…

NFL announces two new refs for 2019
The NFL has two new referees for the 2019 season. V.P. of Officiating Al Riveron announced today that Adrian Hill and Scott Novak will be refs this season. Hill has…

Chiefs GM on Justin Houston’s future: ‘Everything is fluid’
Kansas City Chiefs general manager Brett Veach spoke about OLB Justin Houston trade rumors Thursday, calling the entire process “fluid.” Powered by WPeMatico

Kelly: Dolphins need to be patient while riding quarterback carousel
Think of the quarterback carousel as a game of musical chairs. Round and round we go, and when the music stops everyone needs to find a seat. The Miami Dolphins,…

Odell Beckham Jr. not on NFL trade market — Giants GM makes it clear
While 49ers fans can dream of Jimmy Garoppolo throwing passes to Odell Beckham Jr., it sounds like that won’t happen anytime soon. Powered by WPeMatico

Bruce Arians: Jameis Winston doesn’t have to be Superman with every throw
Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians stopped by PFT Live at the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday to discuss his first months in the new job and said one of the…

NFL lags behind Ole Miss on freedom of speech
If, a few years back, you had told me that the University of Mississippi would be more progressive and exhibit more moral integrity than the NFL, I probably would have…

Despite 3 OU injuries, Katy ex Rodney Anderson believes in his NFL ability
Oklahoma running back Rodney Anderson contemplated the question for a moment Thursday afternoon, his intensity building as he reflected on all of the pain he’s endured and scars he’s racked…

Value free agent fits: Wide receiver
The combine is about to open for business, and free agency is just a few weeks away. That faint noise you’re hearing is the whirring engine of the NFL media…

Packers made correct call on Josh Sitton, T.J. Lang
Over a 12-month period, former Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson parted ways with Josh Sitton and T.J. Lang, a tandem of Pro Bowl guards that helped the team…

The Top 20 Patriots Moments of 2018
Although the NFL never really stops, does it? The NFL Combine is already in the books, Free Agency is just around the corner, and then we’ll have mini camps and…

Jaguars seem comfortable with the receiver position
While a lot of the talk surrounding the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason will rightfully be about the quarterback position, something that will go hand-in-hand with the decision there is the…

Report: Minnesota Vikings shopping Trae Waynes at Scouting Combine
With the eyes of the National Football League focused on the Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week, there are rumors flying fast and furious. One, from Jason LaCanfora of CBS…

Richard Sherman says he’s trying to recruit Earl Thomas to the 49ers
San Francisco 49ers cornerback Richard Sherman told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday that he has been recruiting former Seahawks teammate Earl Thomas to the 49ers, and believes…

‘Sometimes, relapse is part of rehab’: Why Cowboys aren’t giving up on Randy Gregory after fourth suspension
What I’m Hearing: Mike Jones discusses what he heard regarding quarterback Nick Foles while in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. INDIANAPOLIS – The Cowboys aren’t giving up on Randy…

NFL, news, rumours: Combine, Nick Foles, Antonio Brown
With the NFL Combine underway and the start of free agency just a couple weeks away, journalists are firing questions and general managers are doing their best to avoid saying…

Don’t confuse Randy Gregory’s struggles for the foolishness that exhausts even Jerry Jones’ patience
Even by Jerry Jones’ standards, Tuesday was a big day: Two stories about the Cowboys made the “Top Headlines” on ESPN’s web page, both about looming suspensions. The difference is…

Steelers’ issues go well beyond Brown and Bell
If the Steelers want to get back on track in 2019, it will take everyone in the organization’s leadership structure to hold each other accountable and set the right example….

Rebooting the Steelers will take more than getting rid of Antonio Brown and Le’Veon Bell
GM Kevin Colbert says he doesn’t see “huge drama within the Pittsburgh Steelers’ locker room.” That lack of perspective from on top is a problem. Powered by WPeMatico

John Elway: Kyler Murray’s height matters if he’s taking snaps under center
Broncos general manager John Elway praised Kyler Murray, but wondered if the Oklahoma quarterback could play from under center. Powered by WPeMatico

Best guard in NFL? Patriots’ Shaq Mason earns impressive Pro Football Focus grade
The New England Patriots dominated the line of scrimmage during the 2018 regular season and throughout their run to Super Bowl LIII, and offensive guard Shaq Mason was a huge…

In with the old? Buccaneers’ Bruce Arians bucks NFL trend of young coaches
What I’m Hearing: Mike Jones discusses what he heard regarding quarterback Nick Foles while in Indianapolis for the NFL Scouting Combine. INDIANAPOLIS — Once again, the man in the funny…

NFL coaches weigh in on expanding instant replay; some want change ‘soon,’ others indifferent
INDIANAPOLIS — Newly hired Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians chuckled when he heard the question. It was about expanding instant replay. “You don’t want to get me started on…

Eagles agree to let Foles seek starting job in free agency
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Nick Foles rejuvenated his career in Philadelphia. Now he wants to turn his success into an NFL starting job — and the Eagles intend to give him…

The NFL veterans who could be cut this offseason
The 2019 offseason is underway, and clubs across the NFL have until March 13 to get their free agency plans in order. And, for some long-tenured veterans, it could mean…

Texans trying to get a handle on Keke Coutee’s durability issues
Caption Close INDIANAPOLIS – The durability issues of Texans wide receiver Keke Coutee severely limited his impact as a rookie. Due to chronic hamstring pulls, Coutee only played in six…

Luke Juriga looks like Western Michigan’s next big NFL prospect
Western Michigan football 2019 schedule Broncos senior offensive lineman has been a pillar of team’s success for last three seasons KALAMAZOO – Luke Juriga is good with his very large…

NFL Combine 2019: What made Jets’ Gregg Williams stick with 3-4 base defense? Adam Gase says …
INDIANAPOLIS – Word emerged last week that the Jets would stick with a 3-4 defense under Gregg Williams – a surprising move, given the new defensive coordinator’s recent history working…

Steelers hope to see less of Brown if they pull off trade
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pittsburgh Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert insists he would gladly welcome back Antonio Brown next season. Powered by WPeMatico

Cards GM didn’t do Josh Rosen, Kliff Kingsbury any favors – and he increased Kyler Murray speculation
When the team could have publicly expressed unwavering support for the former 10th overall pick, GM Steve Keim only added to the intrigue surrounding the Cardinals’ plans for the No….

Giants GM says Odell Beckham isn’t being traded, but never say never in this NFL
“We didn’t sign Odell to trade him,” Giants GM Dave Gettleman said Wednesday. Powered by WPeMatico

49ers announce additions of Wes Welker, Miles Austin
The 49ers announced changes to the team’s coaching and health and performance staffs. The changes included the additions of former NFL receivers Wes Welker and Miles Austin. Welker will coach…

Bears notes: Pace confirms Cody Parkey’s impending release, vows to solve PK riddle
INDIANAPOLIS — In what was called a “good” and “honest” conversation last week, the Bears informed maligned PK Cody Parkey of his impending release when the new league year opens…

Nick Foles will be a free agent as Eagles GM says Philly will not slap the franchise tag on Super Bowl-winning QB
If you want Nick Foles, go get him. Eagles GM Howie Roseman announced at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday that the team will not slap the franchise…

How might the NFL handle the Robert Kraft allegations?
Patriots owner Robert Kraft has been charged with two first-degree misdemeanor counts for allegedly soliciting prostitution at the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter, Florida, State Attorney Dave Aronberg…

NFL combine 2019: Draft prospects with most riding on Indianapolis performance
Workouts at the NFL combine begin on Friday as the latest crop of draft prospects look to wow decision-makers with displays of athletic prowess and composure in the interview room. While…

Giants name Everett Withers new defensive backs coach
James Madison also set a school record with a 14-game, regular-season winning streak after the Dukes won the final seven games of the 2014 season and began the 2015 campaign…

Defensive linemen dominate this year’s combine class
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — This year’s class of quarterback prospects isn’t as sexy as last year’s group led by Baker Mayfield and Sam Darnold. Nor does it feature the tantalizing talents…

Wildcats Represented At NFL Women’s Career Forum
INDIANAPOLIS – The home of the Big Ten Football Championship Game this week hosts an enormous professional opportunity for Wildcats Nate Hall, Montre Hartage, Clayton Thorson…and Ashley Cohrs. While the…

Opinion: NFL should drop hammer on Patriots owner Robert Kraft if he’s guilty
State Attorney Dave Aronberg details the sting operation involving Robert Kraft and the possible punishments for all 25 men involved. If Robert Kraft is found guilty or admits guilt in…

Daring moves for all 32 NFL teams this offseason
Football Outsiders Each NFL team’s offseason is filled with small moves and marginal personnel decisions. Sometimes, that series of small moves will build a winner. But a big, bold move…

Mike Mayock’s old draft takes should give the Raiders hope
Oakland Raiders general manager Mike Mayock has been providing the football watching world with his opinions of draft prospects for over a decade. But — like all of us here…

Harbaugh: NFL’s credibility at stake as it falls behind other leagues with replay
Says officials have ‘worst spot to watch the game’ – on the field INDIANAPOLIS – The majority of NFL head coaches asked Wednesday to weigh in on the issue of…

Ten Thoughts on the NFL and the Bears
1) Antonio Brown to the Green Bay Packers has been a hot rumor, but it’s a real possibility when you look at how their roster is constructed (plus cap space…

Recapping Stephen Jones discussing contracts and Randy Gregory getting suspended
The day seemed to start well for the Cowboys. News came from Stephen Jones that the Cowboys had made an offer to DeMarcus Lawrence and felt pretty confident that they…

NFL appears unlikely to use replay system for penalties
INDIANAPOLIS, Ind. — John Mara hears the cries to change the NFL’s replay system. He doesn’t think it has the votes. After the New York Giants owner emerged from the…

NFL free agency: What the Rams and Chargers could do
The top of the 2019 free-agent class features edge rushers who will likely be franchise tagged or receive extensions from their respective teams. If you’re hoping your favorite team lands…

Training for NFL combine about details, not athleticism for NFL hopefuls
NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WZTV) — I am far too slow to play in the NFL. As the son of a college football player who once ran a 4.4, I simply tell…

NFL free agency could be impacted by expiring CBA
The NFL and NFLPA have a collective bargaining agreement in place that will expire following the 2020 season. The two sides are reportedly interested in talking about an extension before…

Upon further review, NFL’s replay system could remain intact
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — John Mara hears the cries to change the NFL’s replay system. He doesn’t think it has the votes. Powered by WPeMatico

Upon Further Review, NFL’s Replay System Could Remain Intact
FILE – In this Jan. 20, 2019, file photo, Los Angeles Rams’ Nickell Robey-Coleman breaks up a pass intended for New Orleans Saints’ Tommylee Lewis during the second half of…

These three free-agent wide receivers could be good fits for Patriots
On the latest Next Pats Podcast, Phil Perry breaks down three intriguing wide receivers the Patriots could target in free agency. Powered by WPeMatico

Cowboys star defensive end Randy Gregory indefinitely banned again
Dallas Cowboys defensive end Randy Gregory was suspended indefinitely Tuesday for violating the NFL’s substance-abuse policy, the fourth time the troubled player has been banned by the league. The suspension…

Rams’ Andrew Whitworth will play his 14th NFL season. Here’s his secret to durability
Whitworth’s best tip for any middle-aged big man who wants to drop weight or stay strong and limber like him: Get out and move, no matter what it is. Powered…

Former QB bust looks to catch on in NFL as a WR
West Virginia’s David Sills was offered a scholarship as a QB when he was 13. But after things fell apart at that position, he found a new calling at wide…

From phenom to QB bust, WVU’s David Sills looks to catch on in NFL as a WR
He once received a scholarship offer from Lane Kiffin as a 13-year-old quarterback. A couple of transfers and a position change now have the talented athlete close to his dream….

Year after historically bad NFL Combine, Orlando Brown offers advice for evaluators
Orlando Brown had a “historically bad” NFL Combine performance in 2018, but he wants others to know that, at this point, it doesn’t mean much. The Ravens offensive lineman sent out a string…

The best throwback gear available at the NFL Shop
NFL mascots are constantly changing, some for the better – and some for theworse Powered by WPeMatico

Brian Flores, Chris Grier to kick Dolphins’ rebuild in gear during NFL scouting combine
New Miami Dolphins coach Brian Flores and his coaching staff have spent their first two weeks together, getting to know the players on the roster, identifying positions of need and…

NFL reportedly will consider tweaking rules for player celebrations
Once upon a time, NFL players were flagged for celebrating following a touchdown. That rule changed in 2017 and players have clearly enjoyed expressing themselves after scoring a touchdown or…

Bump and Run: Franchise Tag Fever
It’s Band-Aid season in the NFL because isn’t that what the franchise tag really is? Sure, it will run you a bit more than the generic brands on the shelves…

Revisiting every Ravens draft since SBXLVII: 2013
Since winning Super Bowl XLVII, the Ravens have made the playoffs just two times. A major criticism among fans has been the lack of talent drafted since 2012, especially on…

15 free agent safeties for Cowboys to consider in 2019
This is a huge offseason for the Cowboys, who have $50 million in cap space. One area that desperately needs playmakers is the safety position, with the front office admitting…

Broncos Mailbag: Is it worth pursuing Antonio Brown and Josh Rosen?
Denver Post Broncos writer Ryan O’Halloran posts his Broncos Mailbag weekly during the season. You can pose a Broncos- or NFL-related question for the Broncos Mailbag here. Follow Ryan for more…

2019 NFL Combine: 10 players for Titans to watch
The Tennessee Titans’ rocky 2018 showcased that roster holes in key positions has to be addressed this off-season if a NFL playoff return is possible. The Titans need to bolster…

NFL CBA quirks that could have a big effect on the 2020 offseason
Dan Graziano ESPN Staff Writer Close Joined ESPN in 2011 New Jersey native and author of two published novels Follow on Twitter The Dallas Cowboys, as you might have heard,…

Mizzou’s Lock ready for his spotlight at NFL Combine
• The NFL audition continues this week for Drew Lock and a handful of his former Missouri teammates at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the quarterback already passed a crucial…

St. Louis attorneys claim NFL isn’t responding to records requests
Lawyers representing the city of St. Louis in its lawsuit against the National Football League over the departure of the Rams to Los Angeles claim the league is not responding…

St. Louis attorneys claim NFL isn’t responding to records requests
Lawyers representing the city of St. Louis in its lawsuit against the National Football League over the departure of the Rams to Los Angeles claim the league is not responding…

Steelers, Cowboys and NFL teams I won’t be a lifelong fan of in 2019: “The FANtasy” Episode 1 recap
Matt Harmon runs through some of the teams he won’t be a lifelong fan of in 2019, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and more in Episode 1 of “The…

Steelers, Cowboys and NFL teams I won’t be a lifelong fan of in 2019: “The FANtasy” Episode 1 recap
Matt Harmon runs through some of the teams he won’t be a lifelong fan of in 2019, including the Pittsburgh Steelers, Dallas Cowboys and more in Episode 1 of “The…

Few free-agent safeties make sense for Buffalo Bills
Rafael Bush is among the higher-paid players slated to be a reserve for the Buffalo Bills in 2019. The 31-year old veteran was a solid role player for Buffalo in…

Not blocking elite defenders: A bold strategy that works sometimes
The NFL has dominant defenders who can wreck a game. At the risk of sounding obvious, these guys are difficult to block. You will have a tough time trying to…

Mizzou’s Lock ready for his spotlight at NFL Combine
• The NFL audition continues this week for Drew Lock and a handful of his former Missouri teammates at the NFL Scouting Combine, but the quarterback already passed a crucial…

NFL notebook: Kraft charged with soliciting prostitute
New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft was charged with first-degree solicitation of a prostitute in Florida on Monday. Kraft has a court date scheduled for April 24. He doesn’t need…

Is Dwayne Haskins being overshadowed by Kyler Murray?
Yahoo Sports’ Terez Paylor and Charles Robinson discuss Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins ahead of his appearance at the NFL Scouting Combine. Powered by WPeMatico

Phillip Lindsay sends inspiring message to players snubbed by NFL combine
Phillip Lindsay didn’t get invited to the combine and didn’t get drafted, but he still proved himself in the NFL. Powered by WPeMatico

Bengals’ Tyler Boyd lands as one of NFL’s biggest surprises
Tyler Boyd was the quarterback’s best friend in 2018. The Cincinnati Bengals breakout receiver landed the NFL’s top spot in passer rating when targeted per a recent Pro Football Focus…

Damian Lillard Recruits Le’Veon Bell to Join Raiders in NFL Free Agency
Damian Lillard is a four-time NBA All-Star for the Portland Trail Blazers, and he may be the perfect recruiter for the Oakland Raiders. Lillard, an Oakland native, knows who running…

Carnival krewes respond to Saints-Rams no-call with last-minute jabs at NFL: ‘We’ll show you’
Three weeks before they were set to march this year in Krewe du Vieux, the often X-rated Carnival parade known for its anatomically charged satire, one sub-krewe’s members hatched a…

Lincoln Riley “certainly wasn’t tempted” by NFL this year
Lincoln Riley signed a contract extension at the University of Oklahoma in early January, which took him out of the mix for head coaching openings in the NFL and there’s…

NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes, just as competitive in ‘Call of Duty’ as on the football field
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback and NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes says he is just as aggressive while playing ‘Call of Duty’ as he is on the football field. Powered by WPeMatico

AAF may be a long shot football league, but it’s the last chance for some players
San Diego Fleet running back Ja’Quan Gardner celebrates a touchdown with fans during an Alliance of American Football game against the San Antonio Commanders at SDCCU Stadium on February 24, 2019…

Kraft drama overshadowing combine spotlight
The Patriots are entering another offseason of drama, and we know how this goes – they will stay silent and hope actual football developments redirect the focus. Powered by WPeMatico

Robert Kraft, prostitution case threaten to steal NFL scouting combine’s spotlight
Among the questions that will generate buzz at the combine: If Kraft fails to escape prosecution or some level of plea, what will the league’s response sound like? Powered by…