List/Grid Monthly Archives: February 2021

Mock Draft Watch: Touchdown Wire gives the Browns 3 rounds of defense
4 picks in 3 rounds and it’s all on defense Powered by WPeMatico

2020 Cardinals player grades: Interior offensive line
A look at the performance of every lineman who got any playing time at guard or center last season. Powered by WPeMatico

Free agent safety Karl Joseph: Performance, market value and potential replacements
A profile of Karl Joseph and his prospects for returning to the Cleveland Browns Powered by WPeMatico

Chris Godwin: Tom Brady changed Bucs’ mentality to make us know we would win
Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin says the arrival of Tom Brady changed the team’s entire outlook in 2020. Godwin says Brady turned the Buccaneers into a team so confident that…

La’Mical Perine wants Sam Darnold to remain as Jets quarterback
While the New York Jets look to chart a path forward under new head coach Robert Saleh, determining the fate of the quarterback position will be among the biggest decisions…

2021 Raiders Offseason Preview
Hayden Winks analyzes what type of players the Raiders are searching for on offense and defense this offseason. (Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports) Powered by WPeMatico

CB William Jackson III listed as an ideal free agent target for the Vikings
Do you want the Minnesota Vikings to sign William Jackson III, a Bengals cornerback who is set to be a free agent? Powered by WPeMatico

Dak holds all the cards in Cowboys contract talks
Dak Prescott’s injury only showed how indispensable he is to the Dallas offense, but the Cowboys were too stubborn in past negotiations. That’s going to cost them. Powered by WPeMatico

Report: Jags one of several teams to meet with offensive playmaker Rondale Moore
The Jags need playmakers on offense and have shown interest in Rondale Moore as a result. Powered by WPeMatico

Better know a prospect: 49ers meet with experienced Oregon CB
The San Francisco 49ers and Oregon cornerback prospect Deommodore Lenoir met ahead of the 2021 NFL draft. Powered by WPeMatico

The only fitting ending? Jimmy G. finding his way back to the Patriots
Even after John Lynch’s public vote of confidence in Jimmy Garoppolo this week, our Tom E. Curran still thinks the 49ers aren’t all in and that it makes too much…

Packers have virtual meeting scheduled with Purdue WR Rondale Moore
The Packers will have a virtual pre-draft meeting with playmaking Purdue WR Rondale Moore next month. Powered by WPeMatico

Colts’ 2021 free agency target: DE Bud Dupree
Previewing Bud Dupree as a potential free agent target for the Colts. Powered by WPeMatico

NFL rumors: 49ers meet with two intriguing 2021 NFL Draft prospects
The NFL is going virtual ahead of the 2021 Draft. Powered by WPeMatico

Roger Goodell: Virtual meetings here to stay
Without the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL never would have done many of the things it did in 2020. Some of the changes made out of necessity will become permanent, commissioner…

Brad Holmes: Even I don’t have all the answers at Detroit Lions’ NFL draft meetings
Brad Holmes admits even his doesn’t have all the answers for the Detroit Lions’ draft meetings. General manager wants to listen everyone’s input. Powered by WPeMatico

CB Kelvin Joseph’s buzz is skyrocketing, potential Cowboys fit
Kelvin Joseph has been a hot name in NFL Draft circles as of late but how does he fit in with the Dallas Cowboys? Powered by WPeMatico

Will Panthers draft a QB in 2021 NFL Draft?
NFL Network’s Willie McGinest and LaDainian Tomlinson discuss whether it is a good move or bad move for the Carolina Panthers to draft a QB with the 8th overall pick…

Devin White reacts to Willie McGinest’s suggested nickname for him
Tampa Bay Buccaneers linebacker Devin White reacts to NFL Network’s Willie McGinest’s suggested nickname for him. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL…

Why Marcus Mariota’s contract could make trade difficult for Raiders
The Raiders could eventually have to release Mariota if they don’t find a trade partner. Powered by WPeMatico

McGinest, Tomlinson discuss whether Jimmy G is ‘the guy’ in San Francisco
NFL Network’s Willie McGinest and LaDainian Tomlinson discuss whether quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo is ‘the guy’ for the San Francisco 49ers. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile…

Packers meet virtually with Auburn LB K.J. Britt
The Packers met virtually with a linebacker prospect who participated at the Senior Bowl. Powered by WPeMatico

4 lessons the Texans need to learn from the Bill O’Brien era
The Houston Texans may have underachieved in the Bill O’Brien era, but here are four lessons they can learn from the experience. Powered by WPeMatico

NFL Network to air pro day workouts in absence of NFL Scouting Combine
With no NFL Scouting Combine this year, NFL Network is set to air many of this year’s top pro day workouts for 2021 NFL draft prospects Powered by WPeMatico

Scouting potential salary cap casualties in the AFC
It’s no secret that the Pats have money to spend this offseason. Our Phil Perry identifies potential salary cap casualties from the AFC that the Patriots might find an interest…

Packers get WR Rondale Moore in Doug Farrar’s first mock draft
Farrar’s first mock draft for Touchdown Wire provided an exciting option for the Packers at No. 29 overall in the 2021 draft. Powered by WPeMatico

Hopeful for full stadiums, Patriots delay season-ticket deadline from March to June
The New England Patriots had no fans in 2020. They hope to have many fans in 2021. Specifically, they hope to have full stadiums. Via Ben Fischer of Sports Business…

Arlington Park, Bears could give Chicagoland the stadium it needs
Arlington International Racecourse is officially up for sale. The Bears and the NFL should take advantage. Powered by WPeMatico

Arthur Smith plans to lean on Dean Pees’ defensive experience
Longtime NFL defensive assistant Dean Pees retired for the second time following the 2019 season. This retirement lasted a year, rather than just a few weeks like in 2018. But…

John Clayton says Packers among 3 teams in contention for J.J. Watt
The Packers are one of three teams in contention to sign free agent DL J.J. Watt, according to John Clayton. Powered by WPeMatico

John Clayton: Titans among 3 teams in contention for J.J. Watt
The Titans have been in contact with Watt’s camp since he became a free agent. Powered by WPeMatico

Detroit Lions owner Sheila Ford Hamp: Even Pete Rozelle couldn’t get me a job in the NFL
Sheila Ford Hamp notes how far the NFL has come in hiring women after commissioner Pete Rozelle couldn’t get find her a job in the NFL in the 1970s. Powered…

Seattle Seahawks re-sign running back Alex Collins
The 26-year-old Collins ran 18 times for 77 yards and scored two touchdowns in three games for Seattle in 2020. Powered by WPeMatico

Free-agent WR Tyrell Williams has traits that should intrigue Rams
Tyrell Williams could be a big-bodied downfield threat for the Rams at WR. Powered by WPeMatico

Texans release DT Eddie Vanderdoes
The Houston Texans have released defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes, who opted out of the 2020 season due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Powered by WPeMatico

2021 Unaccounted For Carries
John Daigle tracks unaccounted for carries for every team throughout the offseason. (Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports) Powered by WPeMatico

Cowboys prime candidate for summer starring in HBO’s Hard Knocks
The Dallas Cowboys are a prime candidate to host next season of HBO’s Hard Knocks. Powered by WPeMatico

Raiders officially release WR Tyrell Williams
Today the Raiders made official the expected move to release wide receiver Tyrell Williams. Previous reports had them releasing Williams at the start of the league year, but the team…

Seahawks re-sign Alex Collins
Running back Alex Collins ended the season with the Seahawks and he’ll have a shot to make the team again in 2021. Collins re-signed with the Seahawks on Wednesday. Collins…

Raiders cut Tyrell Williams
Two years ago, the Raiders signed wide receiver Tyrell Williams to a four-year, $44 million contract. Williams caught just 42 passes in a Raiders uniform, and now he’s done. The…

NFL QB trade market ‘pretty stuck right now’ per Ian Rapoport
Don’t hold your breathe for the Bears to make a move. Powered by WPeMatico

Tua Tagovailoa would trade popularity, jersey sales for Super Bowl win
Just before the Super Bowl, the NFLPA released numbers for player merchandising sales covering the period from March 1 to Nov. 30 last year. Tom Brady topped the list, followed…

Report: Trade talks have slowed for Raiders QB Marcus Mariota due to contract incentives
On the surface, Marcus Mariota’s contract looks perfect for a team looking for a potential starter this coming season. So, reports that the Raiders were fielding a lot of calls…

Seattle Seahawks among teams interested in Miami TE Brevin Jordan
Brevin Jordan is getting looks from several NFL teams, including Seattle. Powered by WPeMatico

49ers GM has no doubt Jimmy Garoppolo will be starter for San Francisco in 2021
The Patriots need a better quarterback for the 2021 NFL season, but it doesn’t sound like Jimmy Garoppolo is going to be an option for them, based on recent comments…

Trade market for Las Vegas Raiders QB Marcus Mariota has ‘dried up significantly,’ per report
If the Raiders decided to cut Mariota, they would save more than $11.35 million in 2021. Powered by WPeMatico

Buccaneers expect Ryan Jensen, Donovan Smith back next season
As the Buccaneers work on ways to keep their free agents on board for the 2021 season, they’ll have to consider moves with current members of the roster that would…

Leonard Floyd may not have to go far to find best fit in free agency
The team that shares SoFi Stadium with the Rams might be Leonard Floyd’s best landing spot. Powered by WPeMatico

John Lynch leaves little doubt Jimmy Garoppolo is 49ers QB, eyes backups
Jimmy Garoppolo looks like a strong bet to return as the 49ers’ starter, but San Francisco will look to strengthen depth behind him. Powered by WPeMatico

Bruce Arians: Tom Brady should be ready for 7-on-7 work around June
News emerged following Tom Brady‘s seventh Super Bowl victory that he would undergo offseason knee surgery. Ben Volin of the Boston Globe reported Brady’s surgery is “more than just a…

Chris Godwin gave up No. 12 to Tom Brady as a “respect thing”
Colts receiver Michael Pittman Jr. isn’t willing to give up No. 11 to new Colts quarterback Carson Wentz. Last season, Buccaneers receiver Chris Godwin didn’t hesitate to surrender No. 12…

What Chris Spielman’s philosophy of building ‘outside in’ could mean for Detroit Lions
The Detroit Lions have to clear cap space to execute the Jared Goff trade and may not have much room left over to spend in free agency. Powered by WPeMatico

Report: Four teams expressing interest in Nick Easton, including Saints
Veteran offensive lineman Nick Easton has drawn interest from four teams after his release from the New Orleans Saints two weeks ago, according to NFL reporter Josina Anderson. Easton was…

Report: “Mutual” interest between Dolphins, Aaron Jones
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones is expected to be the top running back on the free agent market when the new league year begins next month. According to…

Cowboys News: Lee mulls retirement as Prescott’s tag window opens
News and notes from February 23, 2021 for the Dallas Cowboys. Powered by WPeMatico

Candlestick Chronicles: Red-hot QB takes and ‘Chopped’
Chris and Kyle talk about the 49ers’ quarterback situation and give a couple takes about the position after talking ‘Chopped.’ Powered by WPeMatico

49ers’ Fred Warner tweets ‘stay tuned’ following breakout 2020 season
Fred Warner eyes more improvement after his stellar 2020 season. Powered by WPeMatico

Dez Bryant says ‘Baltimore wasn’t the place for me’ after comeback season
The wide receiver likely headed for free agency explained his view on his view on the Ravens’ offensive scheme. Powered by WPeMatico

Are the Steelers still willing/able to pay Ben Roethlisberger $19 million this year?
It’s one thing for the Steelers to want to bring quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back for another year. It’s quite another for the Steelers to want to pay him the full…

What is Vikings LB Eric Wilson’s value in free agency? It’s hard to say
Could Vikings LB Eric Wilson not be in for a big payday after all? Powered by WPeMatico

Texans have unnecessarily complicated the starting quarterback situation
The Houston Texans have made a mess of their starting QB situation, an area some teams haven’t resolved for years. Powered by WPeMatico

Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger will return to team in 2021
According to his agent, Ben Roethlisberger plans to play for the Steelers in 2021. Powered by WPeMatico

Falcons move up to draft QB in PFF’s two-round mock
The reason so many people are expecting the Falcons to pick a quarterback is because the top of the draft is loaded with QB prospects. Powered by WPeMatico

Kinkhabwala: ‘No more uncertainty’ regarding Roethlisberger’s 2021 status with Steelers
NFL Network’s Aditi Kinkhabwala shares Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger’s plan to remain with the Steelers in 2021. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or…

Rapoport: Art Rooney wants Big Ben back with Steelers in 2021
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports Pittsburgh Steelers owner Art Rooney wants quarterback Ben Roethlisberger back with the Steelers for the 2021 season. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo…

DeAngelo Hall’s Top 3 free-agent DBs
NFL Network’s DeAngelo Hall highlights his top 3 free agent defensive backs. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network Powered by WPeMatico

REPORT: Ben Roethlisberger met with Pittsburgh Steelers brass on Tuesday
The first of what I’m sure will be many meetings happened on Tuesday between Ben Roethlisberger and Steelers president Art Rooney II. The two sides have until mid-March to hammer…

Pro Football Focus ranks Chase Young as best defensive rookie of 2020, and it’s not even close
The rookie sensation beat out Chiefs CB L’Jarius Sneed by over 13 points–a huge gap. Powered by WPeMatico

Former 49ers receiver Dick Witcher dies at 76
Former 49ers receiver Dick Witcher has died, the team announced Tuesday. Witcher was 76. Witcher spent his entire eight-year career with the 49ers. The team selected him in the eighth-round…

Alex Smith has a point but the Washington coaching staff did too
Alex Smith feels like he wasn’t part of the Washington Football Team’s plan in 2020, and in some ways, he’s right. Powered by WPeMatico

Rapoport: Three potential franchise-tag targets
NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport highlights three potential franchise tag targets. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL.com Powered by WPeMatico

Cowboys’ Tyron Smith, La’el Collins progressing well after season-ending injuries
Tyron Smith and La’el Collins are progressing nicely according to Jane Slater after neck and hip injuries derailed their 2020 seasons. Powered by WPeMatico

Former Jags DT Terrance ‘Pot Roast’ Knighton joins Panthers’ coaching staff
Terrance Knighton is back in the NFL, this time as a coach, though. Powered by WPeMatico

Ben Roethlisberger’s agent says Steelers want the quarterback to return
Steelers team president Art Rooney II met with Ben Roethlisberger on Tuesday. The meeting went well, according to a report afterward. Apparently, the meaning of “the meeting went well” is…

2021 NFL Draft QB rankings
Thor Nystrom kicks off his 2021 NFL Draft rankings series by deep-diving an exceptional quarterback class. (Ken Ruinard-USA TODAY Sports) Powered by WPeMatico

2021 NFL Draft: Why Javonte Williams should be your RB1 in this draft class
While there are several great running backs in the 2021 class, the underrated Javonte Williams from North Carolina might just be the best. Powered by WPeMatico

Justin Herbert says ‘anyone should aspire to be like Tom Brady’
When Herbert was asked who he strives to emulate his game after, his answer was simple: the G.O.A.T. Powered by WPeMatico

How Giants might tackle dilemma of re-signing Leonard Williams and Dalvin Tomlinson
Giants GM Dave Gettleman tells his players he wants them to be so successful that “I want you to make me cry when it comes to negotiations.” Now it’s time…

Former Texans DE J.J. Watt tells fan to be patient as he chooses a new NFL team
Former Houston Texans DE J.J. Watt takes an hour to order on Door Dash. Of course it will take time for him to find a new NFL team. Powered by…

Miami TE Brevin Jordan says Patriots are showing pre-draft interest
The Patriots are among the teams interested in Brevin Jordan. Powered by WPeMatico

Texans release Senio Kelemete and Peter Kalambayi
The Texans re-signed a pair of pending restricted free agents on Tuesday, but they also cut a couple of players loose. Houston released offensive lineman Senio Kelemete and linebacker Peter…

Richard Sherman has plenty to weigh with big NFL free agency decision
Richard Sherman does not believe he will return to the 49ers this offseason. NFL reporter Josina Anderson outlines what’s next for him. Powered by WPeMatico

Alex Smith on WFT: ‘They didn’t want me there’
Coming off a gruesome leg injury, the quarterback says the Washington Football Team wasn’t entirely supportive of his comeback. Powered by WPeMatico

Cole Kmet optimistic Bears offense improvements continue next season
It all starts up front. Powered by WPeMatico

Cam Newton is definitely better than plenty of starting quarterbacks
Soon-to-be-free-agent quarterback Cam Newton recently declared that there aren’t 32 quarterbacks better than him. He’s right. On Tuesday’s PFT Live, Simms and I went through all 32 teams and identified…

Chris Godwin details how Tom Brady ‘drastically’ changed Bucs’ mindset
Bucs wide receiver Chris Godwin explained how Tom Brady helped transform the Bucs from an NFL laughingstock to a Super Bowl champion in less than a year. Powered by WPeMatico

Wyche: Trey Hendrickson will be most sought-after FA pass rusher
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche explains why he believes New Orleans Saints DE Trey Hendrickson will be the most sought after pass rusher in free agency. This game is streaming live…

Seahawks should consider keeping Carlos Hyde, part ways with Chris Carson
If Carson moves elsewhere, the Seahawks will be fine with Hyde and Penny in the backfield. Powered by WPeMatico

Report: 49ers, Kyle Juszczyk have had preliminary contract exchanges
Fullback Kyle Juszczyk is scheduled to become a free agent next month. The 49ers would love to keep him off the market. The sides have had “a few preliminary exchanges”…

Josh Norman finally comments on Derrick Henry stiff-arm play
Norman had yet to talk about the play until now. Powered by WPeMatico

PFF predicts Falcons will lose Keanu Neal, Alex Mack in free agency
The NFL’s 2021 free agency period kicks off in just under a month but the Falcons won’t have the cap room to make any major moves. Powered by WPeMatico

Broncos are expected to franchise tag Justin Simmons again
Last year Broncos safety Justin Simmons played the season on the one-year franchise tag. This year he may do it again. The Broncos are expected to put the franchise tag…

Panthers re-sign Trent Scott to one-year deal
The Panthers have brought back offensive tackle Trent Scott on a one-year deal, the club announced on Tuesday. Scott was slated to become a restricted free agent next month. Carolina…

Wyche, Billick highlight two WRs Packers should try to pair with Davante Adams
NFL Network’s Steve Wyche and Brian Billick highlight two wide receivers the Green Bay Packers should try to pair with wide receiver Davante Adams. This game is streaming live on…

Panthers announce one-year deal for backup OT Trent Scott
The Panthers just announced they’ve re-signed backup offensive tackle Trent Scott to a one-year deal. Powered by WPeMatico

What must Raiders do this offseason to close the gap on Chiefs in AFC West?
What must Las Vegas Raiders do this offseason to close the gap on Kansas City Chiefs in AFC West? This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app,…

Alex Smith on his comeback: ‘I definitely threw a wrench in the team’s plan’
In a new interview with GQ, Alex Smith was as open as hes ever been about how Washington handled his comeback: “It wasn’t like open arms coming back after two…

Billick: Falcons drafting a QB at No. 4 would be ‘huge mistake’
NFL Network’s Brian Billick and Steve Wyche discuss the Atlanta Falcons’ quarterback situation and offseason priorities. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL…

Falcons GM: We’re always looking to bring in quarterbacks
Atlanta Falcons GM Terry Fontenot discusses the Falcons’ offseason plans. This game is streaming live on the Yahoo Sports mobile app, or on NFL Network Powered by WPeMatico

Sheldon Rankins proud of Saints accomplishments, excited for free agency
Saints DT Sheldon Rankins expressed pride in his defense’s accomplishments, but he is excited to audition for other teams in free agency. Powered by WPeMatico