I guess Paul Depodesta was correct when he said Wentz was not a franchise QB. He made that statement when Wentz was being drafted and was roundly criticized about it by some on this board.

What rotten luck!
Gotta feel sorry for the guy. Lost all that money AND is probably not a FQB. Bad pizza. smh

2023 NFL free agency: Ranking best free agent crops from every team as Eagles, Bills lead top-heavy list

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...eam-as-eagles-bills-lead-top-heavy-list/

15. Cleveland Browns
Top free agents: Deion Jones (LB), Kareem Hunt (RB), Jacoby Brissett (QB), D'Ernest Johnson (RB), Jadeveon Clowney (EDGE)

The Browns don't have a great crop of free agents, but a group of players that would be beneficial to a roster. Jones had a career resurgence in his half season with the Browns and is worth monitoring in free agency. Hunt and Johnson are looking for expanded roles in their next offense as Hunt can still be a No. 1 running back in the right system. Brissett will be one of the best No. 2 quarterbacks on the market.

Hunt and Johnson are intriguing running backs in a crowded market, which elevates this class.

It seems like the cap is such an fluctuating thing that can be manipulated however possible to never have it be an issue lol

No surprise here.

Daron Payne gets the franchise tag.

https://www.nfl.com/news/commanders-place-franchise-tag-on-pro-bowl-dt-daron-payne

Owner news.

https://www.yardbarker.com/nfl/arti..._commanders_sale_demands/s1_127_38518936

This Snyder guy is a piece of work. No way that the NFL and the other owners let this guy skate.

He is guilty as Jeffrey Dahmer.

Another miss.

When Mariota was in the draft. Man, I thought he was going to be really good.

He seemed to have all you could look for in a qb. First class guy who was loved by his teammates. All the physical characteristics you look for.

He was fast. He had a good arm. He was accurate.

It is not like he has had a terrible career. It just he is not a franchise qb. I am sure he will get picked up as a backup if he wishes to continue.

I still am angry with the fact that we lost to the Falcons and Jets last year within 3 weeks. Just unacceptable

Watching Hunt leave will hurt. I love that guy. TBH, I think he's only moderately less impressive than Chubb. I would be fine with Hunt as our 1 in a world were Chubb was not.

The Browns are not listed as a Best Team Fit for any of these top available free agents. Not knowing whether any of these players are on the Browns radar or not, does this indicate that the Browns will have to overpay to secure any of these free agents coming to Cleveland? With as many holes as the Browns have on defense, you'd think at least one of the top defensive positions would have Cleveland as a potent6ial landing spot - but not according to this article.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...-available-free-agent-at-every-position/

I do not believe that these types of speculation articles mean a thing right now.

They are not written by agents, players, or teams.

Players and their agents decide free agency. Writers have no clue what teams will offer what to which players.

Well, Bonefish, we should all recognize that these types of articles are much easier to write at this point in the season. It is the story they want to write, but I won't stoop so low as to call it journalism. Just some artificial sports noise that can run any day of the week, and signifies less than nothing IMO. Desperate for a sale, apparently any sale. Can't swing cat nowadays without hitting multiple self-appointed and self-anointed" experts, reputations are as artificial as their hype. Nothing to see here. Easier to jigger up and manufacture "news" than it is to report it.

Well I guess things in Baltimore are not so Hunky Dory.

https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2023/...rashod-bateman-hollywood-brown-afc-north

j/c:

No doubt tell.

Done in SF

No source on Lance, quick computer check lead to ZERO stories on Lance being gone. Personal opinion.

Did you watch the video? It was designed to be humorous.

It's an accounting tool. Saints have been doing this forever...

Notoriously. They were 100M over last year and 55M this year. The GM talks about "working their way back towards the middle" as casually as a wrestler talks about cutting weight before the next match.

Somehow it's never the dire straights people make it out to be... or the Saints would have filed Chapter 11 a few years ago.

NFL salary cap cuts 2023: Team-by-team tracker of players released into NFL free agency

https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl...nfl-free-agency/cemegysldgcsk2xfqqvvz86c

how they did not see it...lol

Ahhh, this is what happens when you keep "kicking that can down the road"


Taysom Hill’s restructured contract might make a Broncos trade tough to pull off
John Sigler
Sun, March 5, 2023 at 3:52 PM EST

So how long will it take Sean Payton to trade for Taysom Hill? That’s been a common refrain in the weeks since Payton was hired as the Denver Broncos’ new head coach, and it’s easy to see why — he made no secret of his appreciation for Hill’s game when they were together on the New Orleans Saints. Hill was one of Payton’s favorite players in black and gold, and it kind of does feel like only a matter of time until he’s wearing navy and orange. He joked about trading for Hill before he even accepted Denver’s offer.

But the Saints’ decision to restructure Hill’s contract may have bought them some more time with No. 7. By converting most of Hill’s base salary into a signing bonus, they reduced his 2023 salary cap hit to just $6,869,000. But the downside (for interested Broncos fans, and possibly Payton) is that trading Hill now becomes cost-prohibitive for much of the offseason.

The Saints would have to fork over an addition $15,826,000 in salary cap penalties if they traded Hill before June 1 after this restructure, meaning he would be going to another team and leaving behind $22,695,000 in dead money on New Orleans’ spreadsheet. Denver would have to pay a ridiculously steep price in draft picks to make that worthwhile for the Saints. It just isn’t realistic, and it insures Hill will stay in New Orleans for the immediate future.

We aren’t out of the woods yet, though. If the Saints trade Hill after June 1, they will actually save a little money with a new team (like the Broncos) paying his $1,080,000 base salary. They’d be left with $5,789,000 in dead money this year and a staggering $16,906,000 next year, but they could be sweet-talked into accepting that if the compensation is strong enough. But you have to imagine Broncos general manager George Paton would step in and stop Payton from bartering with the first- or second-round picks it would probably take to get New Orleans to offload Hill.

And they didn’t have to do this restructure. If the Saints were open to trading Hill this offseason, it would have made more sense to leave his contract alone (with its $13,925,000 cap hit) until after June 1, at which point they could have traded him to another team like Denver and saved $9.9 million against the cap, fully getting him off their hands. That isn’t the route they chose, though.

So, what does this mean? By restructuring Hill’s contract, the Saints have basically reinvested in him and made it clear that he’s in their plans moving forward. And he should be. There have been times when he was the most exciting player on the field with a fleur-de-lis on their helmet. He took over some games last season and proved he can be an asset with a heavier workload so long as the vision for his role is clear. Hopefully offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael doesn’t take so long to get him up to speed in 2023. The Saints are paying Hill too much money to have him on the sidelines.

Reality of Just "KICKING THAT CAN DOWN the ROAD." How soon does this reality hit the Browns? The Browns are going full speed down this road and the window is closing extremely fast. A swing and miss in 2023 would be disastrous going forward for the Browns.


It looks like the Bucs may be admitting defeat, and that’s a good thing
John Romano, Tampa Bay Times
Sat, March 4, 2023 at 9:00 AM EST

TAMPA — There’s an old joke about a man who asked his brother to housesit his cat while he goes on a family vacation. When the man calls home to check on everything, the brother blurts out that the cat has died.

“For goodness sakes,” the man cries, “couldn’t you have thought of a better way to break the news? Tell me the cat climbed on the roof and wouldn’t come down. Tell me you called the fire department for assistance. Tell me the cat fell and broke its back. Tell me the vet had to put the poor thing down.”

The brother apologized profusely for being so insensitive.

A day later, the man called home for an update.

“Well,” the brother says, “mom climbed on the roof and won’t come down …”


It’s that time of the year for football fans in Tampa Bay. The games are completed, the draft is still weeks away and unbridled passion has taken a well-deserved holiday. Except for this:

The quarterback has climbed on the building’s roof at One Buc Place …

Really, there’s no softer way to break the news. The evidence suggests the Bucs are heading for a rebuild, even if the people in charge are hesitant to enunciate it quite so boldly.

Tom Brady has left and is not coming back. Roughly half the defense is heading to free agency, and the salary cap situation is unsightly. The Bucs do not have a cache of high draft picks and the jury is still out on the head coach and the first-year offensive coordinator. Shaquil Barrett, Mike Evans, Ryan Jensen and Shaq Mason will all be in their 30s, and the Bucs are coming off a season in which they were outscored for the first time since 2018.

Other than that, everything is spiffy.

Recent headlines suggest plans for the remodeling are already underway. Leonard Fournette, Cameron Brate, Donovan Smith and Ryan Succop could all be released in the coming days, and that will be a savings of more than $19 million on the salary cap. That sounds promising, except the Bucs would still have another $36 million to trim.

And that’s before signing any free agents or draft picks.

Now, there’s a school of thought that the Bucs could manipulate the salary cap with contract renegotiations that spread the pain over the coming seasons. And those kind of maneuvers absolutely made sense in 2020. And 2021. Even in 2022.

But it would be foolhardy today.

When Brady was here, the Bucs owed it to themselves to jump through whatever hoops possible to maximize their chances of winning with a once-in-a-lifetime quarterback. And that’s exactly what they did. Tampa Bay had three consecutive playoff appearances, two division titles and one Super Bowl to show for it.

They also ended up with the bloated salary cap situation you see today.

When asked about financial constraints by reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis, general manager Jason Licht basically described a rebuild in the most optimistic way possible.

“We’re still trying to restock and eventually build another championship team and it’s just going to look a little different and be done a little bit differently,” Licht said. “We were in a position in 2020, after we won the Super Bowl, to be able to re-sign all of our players, which hadn’t been done, or hadn’t been done in a very long time. The goal is eventually to get back into a position like that but, in the short term, we still want to win and compete for this division. And we think we can.

“We just want to do it without sacrificing our long-term plans, our long-term goals, as well. I think we can find a way to do both at the same time.”

The relative weakness of the NFC South might make it tempting to cheat the Grim Bookkeeper one more time with salary cap shenanigans, but that’s a shortsighted plan. The Bucs are in no position to challenge for the next Super Bowl, and it makes no sense to jeopardize future seasons by gambling on another one-and-done playoff appearance.

Does that mean the Bucs should just give up on 2023? Not at all.

Their division really is winnable and, if they can avoid key injuries, the Bucs could conceivably finish somewhere around .500. They just can’t sacrifice the future to pull it off.

They’re better off finding out if quarterback Kyle Trask has a future in the league. If he shows promise, they’ll be one step closer to figuring out a new direction. If he bombs, they’ll likely be near the top of the 2024 draft and can go quarterback shopping at that point.

Either way, it’s time to face reality in Tampa Bay.

The glory days are dead. And that’s no joke.

The #Vikings are releasing veteran linebacker Eric Kendricks, per sources.

A first-team All-Pro in 2019 and one of the NFL’s most consistently productive LBs, Kendricks now heads to free agency.


https://twitter.com/TomPelissero/status/1632743065814220800?s=20

Link to above post.

I'm not sure exactly how Elliot's contract is structured but I think if practical his days are numbered with the Cowboys.

This is the second time I've heard rumors about the Titans shopping Henry. If true, it will be interesting to see what the market is for him. We might be doing the same w/Chubb next year.

Looks like the league may be redefining the cost of RBs by making them one year rentals. The more high quality RBs end up on that list, the faster the tag cost will fall as well.

The chants to "free Calvin Ridley" have finally been answered. Yay!

It'll take him a while since he will have been away from the game for over 700 days and may be rusty, but the Jaguars have put together a fearful WR/TE group.

Dude got hosed by the NFL. Put some money on games while he wasn't even on the team. He was away from the team for "mental health" reasons and there was no way he could influence the outcome of the game. Meanwhile, the NFL partners w/sites that engage in gambling.

Btw: The NFL is such a caring organization. Let's hammer a guy while he is dealing w/a mental health issue to show the public we really care about the integrity of the game.

Easy buddy, I didn't make any comment as to the validity of his suspension. I was just pointing out the Jaguars now have a WR/TE group that will instill fear into opponents.

Easy buddy?

Uhhhh, boy. This place is a riot. 🤣

What? I wasn't criticizing you. My comments were aimed at the NFL. I thought you were responding to me because he's finally been freed.

No problem - wires just got crossed.

Courtland Sutton is a very good receiver in my opinion. Wonder what he would cost in a trade?

Leaking this to the media seems like the opposite of "quietly shopping."

Sutton has 3-years left on his deal between 13.5M and 14.5M each year.

Good for Geno. I'm happy for him!!!

Yikes.

LMAO Seattle throwing money away.

I wonder how much money the best quarterback since Joe Montana will make this year?

that's two players viewed as top talent with injuries getting non-exclusive tags.

Guessing Hargrave is a Browns' target.

Those are three excellent players. Hargrave was ranked as the 3rd highest ranked FA, trailing only Lamar and Geno Smith. I thought Philly would franchise him.

Gardner-Johnson is the #2 ranked safety and I think he is actually better than Bates.

Bradberry is an excellent corner.

It would be quite the coup if the Browns can sign Hargrave. I imagine that there will be a lot of suitors for him.

I wonder why they aren't re-signing some of their better players?

Because they're wanting to extend Jalen Hurts (the most expensive position) and maybe keep Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham....their other good players that are FA, perhaps better players.

As I just wrote in the Salary Cap thread ... the implication by many since we signed DW was that the salary cap is a non-factor - that Steve was constantly talking about the impact of the salary cap but he was stupid because the Cap would be manipulated and Berry is smarter than the average NFL Cap manager ... are you suggesting Philly just aren't as smart as the Browns/Berry --- or are you saying the Salary Cap is real and has obvious consequences.

Literally no one is implying the cap is a non-factor.


Who called Steve stupid and who said Berry is smarter than the avg. NFL cap manager?

Come with a little less hyperbole next time.

That's a funny post right there.

It's amazing how easy lying comes to you.

Because the Eagles want the most bang for their buck, and none of those guys play QB.

So sacrifices do have to be made when you didicate a large portion of salary cap to the QB position. Who'da thunk it!?

Talking to yourself on a message board might indicate that help is needed.

Exactly. No one is arguing that. It's a fact. It's only guys like you who are trying to make it look like breaking news and trying to forecast salary cap hysteria.

Gee, if only we could go back to the days of not having a QB, having the most cap space in the league and going 1 and 31.

You act as if there's no alternative but one extreme or the other. Several NFL teams have QB's as good or better than watson that didn't reach to the extreme the Browns did. In most of those cases they actually draft and develop a QB. But even in the case of Mahomes when he was re-signed it was structured in a way KC wasn't crippled by his contract. It's not an all or nothing proposition. Except in Cleveland.

Okay, so what should the Browns have done at the QB position after the 2021 season? What were their options? The draft? Like Malik Willis or whatever his name is? Stuck w/Baker, a player no other NFL teams values? Marcus Mariota? Carson Wentz? Tyrod Taylor? Andy Dalton?

It's a fact that multiple teams were after Watson. They were willing to give up a ton of assets for him. They were all going to pay him big money because ultimately, Lamar had leverage in that he could pick a team to play for as long as that team agreed to Houston's compensation demands. But again, a lot of you b**** and moan every single day, but you never offer any alternatives in regards to what the Browns should have done w/the qb position.

I think most of us understand why you don't and many of us understand that is why you are so butt hurt about the subject.

I've posted very little on the board in the last 3 weeks or so ... funny how I come back and express some opinions on how many posters repeatedly down played the Salary Cap ... and you instantly start the name calling.

That's right classy. Well done.

The Boss got what he wanted...now it's up to our Ivy League management to make it work without destroying the team just to pay one player.

Winning the Super Bowl is the #1 priority in Cleveland...now it's up to the Browns 'financial wizards' to make the math works out ...everyone needs to just do their job and make it happen by wining on the field as well as off the field...even if it takes some fuzzy math.

Just win..!

You don't understand anything. It's some BS you've made up in your own mind and tried selling. Nobody here is butt hurt it seems except the person who keeps bringing up baker and making excuses for that contract.

Like I said, it's not an all or nothing proposition. And BTW Malik Wills was a third round draft pick. Not a first round pick. You seem to be concentrated on the "2021 season". Why is that? You used to be a long term picture kind of guy. You used to be a guy who said that getting a good QB on a rookie deal was the way to do it because once that rookie deal was over you had to dedicate too much money to the QB position it was next to impossible to keep a good team together when you were put in that position.

Where the hell did that guy go?

Yeah, it's been great not having to read your posts. I made that post to Pit because he said that "many since we signed DW was that the salary cap is a non-factor," and "that Steve was constantly talking about the impact of the salary cap but he was stupid because the Cap would be manipulated and Berry is smarter than the average NFL Cap manager"

Those are both lies.

How did I know that you would reply w/insults and personal comments and evade the question?

I bring up the 2021 season because it was after that season that we had to make a decision on our QB. So, please tell us what the Browns should have done at the QB position instead of trading for Watson?

Until there is no other way around it. It doesn't go away...you don't "save" money off the cap...you just push it around...unless you kick a guy off the team. It seems like I've read that before on here.

No they aren't lies as much as you would like to use a classless approach to the contrary. You yourself have claimed that it can be manipulated and that the Saints have done so for years. That's the perfect description of something being a non factor. I don't need to point the finger to show who it is that's lying here.

Well, bring that up to Berry. It was his comment, not mine. Of course, you probably know more about manipulating the salary cap than he does.

According to how the 2022 season played out the Browns should have went with Brissett until a reasonable alternative could have been found. Unless of course you didn't think a top 10 offense looked good.

They were lies. I have said the salary cap can be manipulated. I never said it was non-factor and that steve was stupid. Those are lies. Spin away.

So, your plan would have been to pass on Watson and sign Jacoby Brissett [who has been a backup for almost his entire career] and roll into the future w/him? Hey, if you thought that was a good plan, so be it. I don't think anyone else considered that as a plan to fix the qb situation.

It was you who stated Brissett ran a top 10 offense in 2022 and it was you who concentrated on what should have been done at the end of the 2021 season. Not me.

I don't have to spin anything. You have pointed to the Saints who have been in cap hell for years of how the cap had no impact on them. Your words speak for themselves.

Laughable considering what you've just written. You are a very toxic and unstable individual.

As for what people wrote about the Salary Cap - people most definitely completely tried to shout Steve down and completely downplay the impact of the Salary Cap - it's all in black and white. Nothing is a lie. And if you DISAGREE - then that's your OPINION.

j/c:

SEE WHAT YOU STARTED STEVE?!

j/c...

This is a great read.

So, in other words..........you can't come up w/a better plan than signing Watson and you deflect yet again.

Like I said earlier. You, and your constant insults, were not missed.

This is interesting...

Too late now but what we could have done is never sign DW keep Jacoby as our starter and draft Anthony Richardson in April. BRILLIANT!!!!!

Is that sarcasm or are you serious?

Just a bit of levity Vers. Although I do think AR might be a guy someone could draft and develop. He has the physical tools.

You are the King of Name Calling.
You are the Tsar of telling posters what to post.
You are the Sultan of crying Victim.
You are the Emperor of hypocrisy.

None of us can hold a candle to you.

I understand, but how were the Browns supposed to plan on drafting Anthony Richardson two years later? Also, Richardson is tied for the 2nd highest odds of being the #1 overall pick. We would have drafted 12 this year if we had kept our pick. Furthermore, JB was 4 and 7 and Watson was 3 and 3, so perhaps we would have been even lower if JB played all year. Another thing, while Richardson is a great athlete and physical specimen, he wasn't very good in college. His completion percentage was barely above 50% and he struggled w/accuracy and winning games all year. Watson has proven to be an elite QB in the NFL and he was far superior to Richardson in college.

I think there are a lot of sour grapes, mostly from Baker fans, about Watson. But none of them can offer a realistic alternative plan.

I concur that trading for and then signing DW was the best move for us at QB regardless of the baggage. I hope he still is the QB he was. I think he will be.

Who knows. He might not be. But, we did not have a lot of options at the time. Our FO is in a win now mode. They knew their current qb was not the guy. The draft class sucked. The FA QBs were not good other than R. Wilson. But, thank God we did not end up w/him. He was a disaster in Denver and Seattle got better w/out him.

The constant talk that insinuates that the Browns were so dumb for making the trade is irritating because none of those guys can offer a better plan. When challenged to do so, they move the goal posts and make things personal.

It's powerful.

The gambling being the biggest mistake of his life part kind of stinks of the NFL making a public "apology" a condition of his reinstatement. I wonder how the league feels about the misdiagnosis and excessive painkiller injections part.

The table is set, now it's up to those in charge to produce...

2023 NFL free agency: Dre'Mont Jones, Jamel Dean among 7 less-heralded players who could get PAID
Published: Mar 09, 2023 at 07:30 AM

Tom Pelissero
NFL Media Insider

The NFL's negotiating window for free agents opens this coming Monday at noon ET, with the free agency period officially beginning at the start of the new league on Wednesday at 4 p.m. ET. The record salary cap of $224.8 million per club is good news for those hitting the open market.

There are notable names -- such as safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, receiver Jakobi Meyers and 2022 franchise players Orlando Brown Jr., Jessie Bates and Dalton Schultz -- among those in line for big second contracts. But some less-heralded young players are in position to break the bank, too.

Here's a short list, with help from PFF stats compiled by NFL Research's Katherine Baker.

Dre'Mont Jones
DL · Age: 26

With Daron Payne getting the franchise tag in Washington, a lot of the defensive line focus in free agency will be on veteran Javon Hargrave, who is set to bank another lucrative contract at age 30. But Jones -- a third-round pick in 2019 who only became a full-time starter in Denver last season -- could end up being one of the biggest winners in the open market. He has 22 sacks in 56 career games (29 starts) and was just enjoying his best pro campaign before suffering a season-ending hip injury in Week 14. Per PFF, Jones generated 45 total pressures (tied for 11th among interior DL) with a 10.6 pressure percentage (11th, min. 200 pass rushes) in 2022, while also racking up 6.5 sacks. Jones figures to have multiple suitors, which could drive the price to the $18 million-per-year range.

One more name to watch in the secondary D-line market: Zach Allen, who logged 9.5 sacks in two seasons as a full-time starter for the Cardinals.


Jamel Dean
CB · Age: 26

Byron Murphy
CB · Age: 25

Veterans James Bradberry (age 29), Jonathan Jones (29) and Cam Sutton (28) figure to do well on their third multi-year deals. But don't be surprised if Dean paces the CB market, with a contract that could start in the range of $16 million a year. A third-round pick by the Buccaneers in 2019, Dean quietly has emerged as one of the NFL's better young cornerbacks, with seven interceptions and 41 passes defensed in 57 career games (38 starts). Per PFF, Dean allowed a 50 percent completion rate (fourth among CBs with at least 50 targets) and 6.1 yards per target (T-10th) in primary coverage last season, with a forced incompletion rate of 16.2 percent (T-12th).


Murphy potentially could push toward $16 million per year, too, as a do-it-all corner whom the Cardinals used at times to shadow the likes of Davante Adams. By PFF's count, Murphy allowed 9.7 yards per reception in primary coverage last season (ninth among CBs, min. 50 targets) and yielded just seven plays of at least 15 yards (tied for fourth).



Tremaine Edmunds
LB · Age: 24

Perhaps Edmunds doesn't fit the "less-heralded" label, with two Pro Bowl appearances in 2019 and '20 -- the only player on this list ever selected to the NFL's all-star game -- but the man isn't exactly a certified star, either. And if one linebacker gets the proverbial bag in this free-agent class, it'll probably be Edmunds, a first-round pick by the Bills in 2018 whose age (turns 25 in May) and productivity (five seasons with 100-plus tackles) may well yield a contract topping the $15 million-per-year figure Foye Oluokun got from the Jaguars a year ago. Per PFF, Edmunds had an 88.1 coverage grade last season (sixth-highest in the entire NFL, min. 25 targets), allowing just 5.3 yards per coverage target (third among LBs).



It's been tricky in recent years for free-agent linebackers, but there should be a strong secondary market at the position, as well. Two names to monitor: Bobby Okereke, who has started every game but one over the past two seasons and put up a career-high 151 tackles with the Colts in 2022; and T.J. Edwards, an undrafted free agent who turned into a three-year starter with the Eagles and was among the NFL leaders with 159 tackles last season.

Jawaan Taylor

RT · Age: 28

Four-time Pro Bowl selection Orlando Brown Jr. was a somewhat-surprising addition to the free-agent pool when the Chiefs didn't tag him a second time, and he should get his bag as the clear top left tackle available. But three right tackles also figure to cash in.



The going rate for top RTs these days is $15 million to $19 million a year, and it won't be a surprise if Taylor lands on the high end of that range after starting all 68 games (including the playoffs) since he joined the Jaguars as a second-round pick in the 2019 draft. Per PFF, Taylor allowed a 2.5 percent pressure rate last season (third-lowest among tackles with at least 300 pass-blocking snaps) and posted a 98.4 pass-blocking efficiency grade (fifth-best). McGary also could land in that price range, benefiting from the Falcons' decision to decline his fifth-year option last year. Per PFF, McGary earned a 91.6 run-blocking grade last season (second among tackles) and was also effective in pass protection, allowing a 3.9 percent pressure rate. Another name to watch is McGlinchey, the No. 9 overall pick in 2018 who returned from a season-ending torn quadriceps in 2021 to start all 20 games (including playoffs) for the 49ers last season. On PFF's charts, McGlinchey recorded a 5.1 percent pressure rate and a 96.9 pass-blocking efficiency grade last season, both career bests in a season with at last 300 pass-blocking snaps.

https://www.nfl.com/news/2023-nfl-f...eralded-players-who?campaign=Twitter_atn

Baker Mayfield loyalists- reality check- FORMER 1 picked player- compare his performance to Miles Garrett- which has performed better, has most value- ain't close. Baker has been released by TWO teams besides BROWNS- got to be a reason-----bottomline- very poor number one choice- small, over-achieving little man, who has classic little man problem- constant chip on his shoulder. Has he performed, yes, but three teams has said- see ya. How many more to come? Browns make a GREAT decision NOT paying him......GO Browns!!!

Wow!

No, actually when looking at performance based results, which is actually all that matters in the NFL, in 2022 Brissett was by far the better option. It's not my fault you're unwilling to admit that.

Great football post! You just make crap up and call it gospel. You sound like a televangelist.

Now if only the premise of your post were true. There are no "Baker Mayfield Loyalists". This has been the made up excuse those trying to justify the terrible contract the Browns gave watson and attempting to undermine those who hate the idea of having a sexual predator as being the QB of the team they've been a fan of all their life. Your and Vers BS isn't going to work.

What the Browns agreed to pay watson along with who and what he is have nothing to do with Baker Mayfield.

Definitely not great to see for the Cardinals. I think at the same time it reads worse than it was meant without the context.

It probably was taken out of context a bit. However, it's pretty clear to see that Murray is immature. Some of his body language and pouty looks are cringe worthy.

Not unlike one Lamar Jackson.

Not arguing, but I don't view Lamar that way. I see him as fiercely competitive. He scowls. Murray pouts and throws his arms up in the air when someone drops a ball. But, my perspective could be wrong when it comes to Lamar.

JC...

I hope we take a look at Braxton Berrios, he is someone whom I thought would have fit nicely in here last year. He is small, but electric and fast...and is one of the best returners. In 2021 the players and coaches voted him as their team MVP....this past year he took the backseat to the likes of a vastly improved WR core (Davis, Garrett, Mims, Moore) I know we brought back Jakeem Grant, and they may just consider that a neutral move (as they are both rather similar) But considering the WR market has been getting paid, he may present a solid deal.

They are just kicking the can down the road. They're doomed.

I wonder if he would consider playing for us? He could really be an important piece for us.

NO...!

The Eagles have a lot of guys they have to pay or let go.

You really need to make up your mind here.

It looks like the Dolphins are going all in for this year. They will be a heavy competitor in the FA market it looks like.

The way I'm seeing things we should be able to strengthen our weak areas if we make the right moves. There will be a good amount of decent players available to us at #42 and now we have 2 #3's. Not to mention there will be some decent options available in FA. Make the right moves AB and we will be solid contenders in "23.

Bummer.

Just kickin' the can down the road.

That is correct.

It seems to be his new favorite line pretending as if the bill won't come due.

The bill comes due for all teams. Pretending that our situation is unique is an attempt to deceive others and you are the Master of that trick.

Sorry. This post was obviously meant for Pit. Purp rarely posts and Pit shoves this garbage down on our throats multiple times a day.

I'm sure PPE will enjoy your reply.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...ading-into-start-of-the-new-league-year/

NFL free agency 2023: Ranking the most intriguing teams from 1-32 heading into start of the new league year
Which NFL teams will be a must watch as free agency begins? Let's rank them all
By Jeff Kerr
58 mins ago
•
The new NFL league year is almost here and teams will be scrambling to get below the salary cap in order to make a run at the top free agents. While the new league year starts Wednesday, all 32 teams will have the opportunity to talk to free agents on Monday as part of the legal tampering period.

Not only will there be negotiating with free agents, but trades for star players will also be in the works (and agreed upon). Some teams are one leg up on the opposition thanks to the large amount of salary cap space available (see Chicago Bears, Atlanta Falcons, Houston Texans, Las Vegas Raiders) -- and are expected to be active come the start of the legal tampering period.

Other teams have set their sights on the 2023 NFL Draft, as four (Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks, Detroit Lions, and Philadelphia Eagles) have multiple first-round picks at their disposal. These teams are also expected to be active in free agency, adding more intrigue in what is to be an exciting offseason.

With the new league year set to begin, let's take a look at the most intriguing teams entering free agency. These rankings are based on the franchise's available salary cap space, the players they could be in play for over the coming days, and the amount of high draft picks at their disposal.

Note: Salary cap space per Over the Cap as of Friday morning


1. New York Jets
2. Baltimore Ravens
3. Chicago Bears
4. Miami Dolphins
5. Philadelphia Eagles
6. Las Vegas Raiders
7. Green Bay Packers
8. Cincinnati Bengals
9. Detroit Lions
10. Houston Texans
11. Seattle Seahawks
12. Atlanta Falcons
13. Indianapolis Colts
14. Washington Commanders
15. Kansas City Chiefs
16. New York Giants
17. Arizona Cardinals
18. New England Patriots
19. Jacksonville Jaguars
20. Carolina Panthers
21. Los Angeles Rams
22. Tennessee Titans
23. Buffalo Bills
24. Minnesota Vikings
25. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
26. San Francisco 49ers
27. Dallas Cowboys
28. Los Angeles Chargers

29. Cleveland Browns
Salary cap space: -$14,049,131
Draft picks in first 3 rounds: 2
Deshaun Watson has the largest cap hit in NFL history this offseason. The Browns have to clear cap space and have some major holes on the roster this offseason.

There's not much Cleveland can do, unless they're aggressive in the trade market. They also don't have a first round pick.

30. Pittsburgh Steelers
31. New Orleans Saints
32. Denver Broncos

Fortunately, in the NFL, the road keeps getting wider.

This is Player News thread. Not the Salary Cap thread.

I feel bad for DJ Moore. Has all the talent in the world and has not been in a system or has had a QB to promote his talents. I don't think that changes in Chicago.

Please read the article that can be accessed via the link. To save space, I just listed the order and the clip about our team. It is absolutely about players if you had read the entire article. Again, I respectfully made a gentleman's agreement with you. I'm mature enough to stay within those boundaries. You, not so much.

Hmmmm

Hmmmmm

Yet his reply to the word is what you continually complain about. I just agreed with him. You're such a classy guy.

Lolz.

Rams waive 8 players before start of new league year

The Los Angeles Rams have to get under the salary cap by next Wednesday when the new league year begins and they’ve begun taking steps toward getting there. On Friday, they released outside linebacker Leonard Floyd after three season, which cleared $3 million off the books.

Later on, they waived eight other players from the 90-man offseason roster, none of whom made the 53-man roster last season.

Below is the list of players waived by Los Angeles.



https://theramswire.usatoday.com/20...gbKx6CYEZ_L3KMMAYyr-j3Rbutsxbze9g8xAexFc

Wasn't sure where to put this. 95 is a ripe old age. It wasn't that long ago when this happened.

I wonder how the they keep doing this year after year?

More on the Workman's Comp news...


NFLPA publicly bashes the Bengals, issue could impact Browns
Issues of workers’ compensation benefits lead to public statement

By JaredMueller@JaredKMueller Mar 12, 2023, 8:35am EDT 0 Comments / 0 New

The messy world of politics and the messy world of professional sports intersect it many ways and have over the years. We have another example of that on the eve of NFL free agency with an issue that could impact all professional sports in Ohio.

The NFLPA has been more vocal lately about the care that their players get. Recently, they released the results of a players’ survey about the treatment of players by each team. The survey brought out problems within the Baltimore Ravens and a number of other teams.

With one of the more exciting parts of the NFL offseason just around the corner, the NFLPA put out a statement yesterday deriding the Cincinnati Bengals:


A copy of the letter sent to players was then acquired by a Cincinnati reporter:




Since we are not attorneys, the layman's understanding seems to be that Mike Brown and the Bengals ownership group want professional athletes treated differently than traditional employees.

While Cincinnati’s ownership is pushing the bill, according to the NFLPA, the Cincinnati Reds, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Cavaliers, Cleveland Guardians and Columbus Blue Jackets and Columbus Crew, and any other professional teams in the state, would be impacted.


In the NFLPA’s letter, there are assertions that if Ohio has this pass it could impact ever NFL club in the future.

With free agency right around the corner, it will be interesting if the release of this information has any impact on free agency. The Bengals were not expected to be big players in the market, including losing Jessie Bates III, as they prepare to try to sign Joe Burrow, Tee Higgins and Ja’Marr Chase to big, long-term deals.

https://www.dawgsbynature.com/2023/3/12/23636201/nflpa-bengals-browns-workmans-comp

My guess if the CBA has language that includes the workers compensation as indicated in point 1 this would go poorly for this. The state could make a change but doubtful it would impact NFl players if the language is in the contract. It might be a sticking point in the next iteration.

can't blame him for trying tho.

Good luck with that Odell.

He will be lucky to get a one year deal at $10.

He is coming off two acl tears and did not play last year. He will be 31 in Nov.

He will not get $20.

Yea, it's a pipe dream for certain.

I'm sure many teams making cuts to get under the cap are asking the same question.

j/c...

Can we petition the league to move to the NFC?

Good God! What a steal of a deal for Miami.

Ramsey is getting $36.9 million 2 year fully guaranteed contract in Miami.

Here is confirmation from a more reliable source than myself about Ramsey's reworked contract.

Wow! They got taken behind the wood shed.

Ouch. Not a fan of what that likely means for the DT market.

It's like the market for most NFL positions. As the salary cap rises the cost of talent also rises. We see it eluded to on this very forum a lot.

ie.... "The contract looks expensive now but in a year or two it will look like a bargain."

Big time DTs at reasonable rates have proven to be rather elusive on the open market.

Isn't this report from Mike Florio? The idiot who talked from both sides of his mouth during the Watson signing?

Here is a report from a more reputable source.

Jonu Smith was very productive when he was in Tennessee. The OC was Arthur Smith, who is now the HC in ATL.

This is kind of a big deal.

A huge deal! Wow!

Get that ageless wonder to Berea.

I can't post the tweet due to profanity, but Jason Kelce is returning for another year. You can view it on Josina Anderson's twitter page.

The Steelers have a history of knowing what they are doing with LB's...Not sure I want someone with whom they are cutting bait.

Nice. And of course he got the pick against Watson and the Browns. LOL

He was one of those I really rooted for (beyond my love for the Browns) since The Return - Chud and Courtney Brown were a couple others.

I'm wondering if it's time for him to come back closer to home and do a little entry-level coaching, broadcasting. Or, does he have a season left as a back-up mentor in the league?

I wish him the very best.

Hoyer seemed like a good dude. Shanny got more out of him that year than any other coach was able to during Brian's many travels around the league. I'm not sure what his playing status is. He looked pretty bad when he last was on the field. I think he left that game w/a concussion, but I'm not positive.

Edit: This might NOT be true. I just remembered that Milk said he was starting to wonder if this Dov guy is even a real person.

He retweets what others report. Fowler reported it so I believe it.

He's real guy but as far as how reputable he is I have no idea. His report of Rodgers deal with the Jets being a done deal was actually a retweet from Trey Wingo and not his own. But it did bring about a lot of speculation. Here's an article about it and about him.....

Who is Dov Kleiman? Solving sports media’s biggest mystery

https://nypost.com/2023/03/15/who-is-dov-kleiman-solving-sports-medias-biggest-mystery/

Thanks guys.

Sorry for the confusion. I was posting this and had to take a call from a customer. I pretty much botched the entire thing.

I think this guy is the best FS in the NFL. Obviously, we won't be interested, but someone will.

Hopefully it doesn't end up being the Bengals.

Ouch. That would suck!

27 INT in the last six years... while starting every game and playing 99% of his teams defensive snaps.

Agreed. What are the thoughts on their Orlando Brown signing. Is he really that much of an upgrade from Jonah? I see Brown is a converted RT similar to Wills.

Yeah, he's a guy that doesn't get a lot of national recognition. I'm guessing because he plays in Tennessee???? But again, I have thought he was the best FS in football for a few years now. Not saying I am right and I haven't researched how others rank the FSs, but dude balls every time I watch the Titans. Great instincts. Covers the field well. Can diagnosis the play quickly. Excellent run defender. I don't think they blitz him much, but then again, why would they?

Hey Kash.

I think the Bengals want to keep both [just guessing] but as you probably saw, Jonah might want out.

Hey Vers!

I saw that Jonah might want out. You are good evaluating OL, is Brown that much better than Jonah? Was it an upgrade for them in your opinion?

I heard ideally for them, they would just slide Jonah over to RT.

If Wills' QBs had been Lamar Jackson and Patrick Mahomes, he'd probably be thought of more highly. When your QBs are magicians at avoiding pressure, you give up fewer sacks.

Orlando Brown is a fine player, but he's not someone I'm worried about. One advantage over Jonah is durability. Don't think Brown has missed a game in his career. Jonah missed his entire rookie year with a shoulder injury. He played 10 games in 2020 then missed the rest with a knee injury. Last season he dislocated both knee caps, one in week 5 (but kept playing,) the other in the Wild Card game.

Orlando Brown is definitely the more impressive specimen walking off the bus as well.

I haven't studied either guy since their college days, but I have watched a lot of their games in the NFL.

Williams is a very smooth player. He plays w/good technique. He's also very athletic and fluid for a man of that height. On the negative side, he is not very strong and doesn't have long arms.

Brown is a monster of a man. Long arms and strong as an ox. You are not running through him. He is not as athletic as Williams. His technique is poor. He plays too high at times. The crazy thing is that he has been doing it since college and is able to compensate for it. He doesn't get beat all that often.

I think both guys could play on either side. Williams played some RT at Alabama. For our sake, I hope Williams does leave the Bengals. That would be a very good set of bookend tackles for the Bengals.

Thanks for the insight Bull and Very. I am with you, I hope Jonah leaves lol

Orlando Brown is a huge upgrade Over Jonah Williams. 5 days ago I think
The Bengals had all intents to start Williams at LT. But when
Brown fells into their lap it was no question they had
To make that move. It's all about keeping Burrow clean

Williams gave up the most sacks of any starting LT last year
And that's missing 4 games. Myles Garrett abused him
Every match-up. Williams has issues with speed rushers.
The Bengals I think we're going to move him to RT
But he said no thanks
If they trade Jonah it's a win win. They get a decent draft pick
And his money comes off the books.

I remember good teams in the past, especially the Steelers, always had 4-5 DL they would rotate in and out of the lineup every game to keep them fresh all game long. The same with RB's they would rotate 2-3 all game long to keep them fresh. That's why they were always good at stopping the run and running the ball. We seem to be doing the same thing now. I'm sure we are still going to draft another DL and even a RB with a late round pick. JMO

Well..........damn!

Dang.

No idea where else to put this.

The seems to have flown under the radar.

John Elway no longer with Broncos as contract ends

Denver Broncos legend John Elway is no longer employed by the franchise, as his consulting contract ended and will not be renewed.

Elway confirmed his departure to 9News in Denver on Tuesday, saying the new ownership of the team puts the Broncos "in good hands." His contract as a consultant expired on the first day of the 2023 NFL league year, March 15.

Elway, 62, said the decision was made after a meeting with new co-owner Greg Penner, who has called Elway the "ultimate Bronco."

From 2011 to 2021, Elway ran the Broncos' front office as general manager and executive vice president of football operations. The Broncos hired George Paton as general manager in 2021, and Elway transitioned to a consultant role.

"I've enjoyed the relationship with the Broncos for a long, long time," Elway told 9News. "I told Greg I'd be happy to be a resource for him and help in any way that I can. I just wanted the flexibility. They're in great hands. I still plan on being around to watch and be a resource for Greg or George, if I can."

The move closes a storied chapter for Elway and the Broncos. He won three Super Bowls during his 28 years with the franchise -- two titles as a quarterback and another as a GM -- and is in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

"I've been with the Denver Broncos for so long that it was nice to have some sort of connection, which is what I wanted," Elway told 9News about his consultant position. "I didn't want an obligation. I'm getting a little older, I want to be able to do some things I haven't done. I'm ready to have a flexible schedule."

https://abcnews.go.com/Sports/john-elway-longer-broncos-contract-ends/story?id=98380377

Is it just me, or does it seem the last few years, the number of players requesting to be traded is growing?

White said he is upset w/the direction of the franchise. Bucs signed Baker. Can anyone blame him? It's like they are purposely tanking.

Wasn't Okudah the #3 overall pick in the draft? Man.........what a crash and burn.

You need to grow up...must you diss Baker in every post you make.

j/c:

Should the Browns sign DeAndre Hopkins if he is cut by the Cardinals?

https://www.cleveland.com/browns/20...pkins-if-he-is-cut-by-the-cardinals.html

If he's cut I'd let him come in for a chat and if he is willing to take a modest contract I think we could give him a chance to make the team.

Yes. Okudah was hurt most of his rookie year. Looked lost when he finally got on the field. One of the many reasons Patricia and Quinn were fired. If he is healthy and playing on a better defense, Okudah may finally live up to his potential in Atlanta.

When the Brown made the trade for Watson, they knew he was going to be suspended but probably not for 11 games. This is the year they were thinking about when they made the trade. We will find out if it was a great move or a flop.

So you think they paid him 230 million guaranteed for hopefully a chance to get to the SB for four years?

No matter how you slice it and dice it - Watson's contract is here to stay. He is not going to take less money. So let's put the illusion trick away we are in cap hell for a long time. We were not prepared to take the hit of a big time QB contract. So we are winging it. All this should we sign this guy or that is not realistic. Sure Berry can shove things around like he's Chris Angel or something. But no matter how you slice it after the illusionists trick is done the cap hell is still there!

jmho

Hurts is a great story, but the reality is that he has only had one very good year. I'm happy for him, but the lesson is that you pay the money when you have the chance to get--or retain--a very good qb.

Simply OBSCENE! Applies to (most) all of professional sports....

So, looks like we got a sensible bargain. Don't you think the numbers will continue heading up? Or after the froth of the guarantees and trade capital, might they settle down some so as to be only somewhat and mildly obscene? They are eye poppers for sure. Get while the getting is good. Some agents have to be rejoicing. "Show me your money!"

That's awesome. I wish him well.

That is extremely good news!

I thought I read that Robinson's cap was like 20 mill and the Steelers are only taking on 5 of it?

EO...we are just Browns fans with expectations...as long as the Browns are in the playoffs, there's a chance..!

NO EXCUSES..JUST WIN..

Stupid is as stupid does...

J/c

I’m just kinda getting caught up here, but I’m growing tired of seeing Winfrey’s name in the headlines for dumb stuff

Five players suspended for violation of gambling policy, check local listings.
Detroit hardest hit,
3 Detrioit Lions Wr among them,,, Detriot may draft an extra receiver or two, no?
Most players unknown.

That is interesting. You'd think we are pretty good there unless there is something to the talk about Newsome wanting a trade. Trade bait for a trade up??

Always looking for depth, and keeping a fresh list of players to maybe add duo to injuries in camp and during the season.

That's a blow.

The deadline for teams to pick up the fifth-year option for players selected in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft is May 2, 2023. The salaries are based on position, playtime, and performance, and are guaranteed at the time the option is exercised.

1. Cincinnati Bengals: Joe Burrow, QB, LSU - $29.504 million | Exercised
2. Washington Redskins: Chase Young, DE, OSU - $17.452 million | Declined
3. Detroit Lions: Jeff Okudah, CB, OSU - Traded to Atlanta 2023 - $11.514 million
4. New York Giants: Andrew Thomas, T, Georgia - $14.175 million
5. Miami Dolphins: Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama - $23.171 million | Exercised
6. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon - $29.504 million| Exercised
7. Carolina Panthers: Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn - $11.665 million
8. Arizona Cardinals: Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson - $12.722 million
9. Jacksonville Jaguars: CJ Henderson, CB, Florida - Traded to Carolina - $11.514 million
10. Cleveland Browns: Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama - $14.175 million
11. New York Jets: Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville - $13.565 million
12. Las Vegas Raiders: Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama - CUT
13. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from San Francisco): Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa - $18.244 million | Exercised
14. San Francisco (from Tampa Bay): Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina - $10.455 million
15. Denver Broncos: Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama - $12.987 million
16. Atlanta Falcons: A.J. Terrell, CB, Clemson - $12.344 million | Exercised
17. Dallas Cowboys: CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma - $17.991 million | Exercised
18. Miami Dolphins (from Pittsburgh): Austin Jackson, OT, USC - $14.175 million
19. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chicago): Damon Arnette, CB, OSU - CUT
20. Jacksonville Jaguars (from LAR): K’lavon Chaisson, DL, LSU - $12.141 million
21. Philadelphia Eagles: Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU - Traded to Minnesota - $12.987 million
22. Minnesota (from Buffalo): Justin Jefferson, WR, LSU - $19.743 million | Exercised
23. Los Angeles Chargers (from New England Patriots): Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma - $11.727 million
24. New Orleans Saints: Cesar Ruiz, C, Michigan - $14.175 million
25. San Francisco 49ers (from Minnesota Vikings): Brandon Aiyuk, WR, ASU - $14.124 million | Exercised
26. Green Bay Packers (from Miami): Jordan Love, QB, Utah State - $20.272 million
27. Seattle Seahawks: Jordyn Brooks, LB, Texas Tech - $12.722 million
28. Baltimore Ravens: Patrick Queen, LB, LSU - $12.722 million
29. Tennessee Titans: Isaiah Wilson, OT, Georgia - Traded to Miami then CUT
30. Miami Dolphins (from Green Bay): Noah Igbinoghene, CB, Auburn - $11.514 million
31. Minnesota Vikings (from San Francisco): Jeff Gladney, CB, TCU - Cut 2021/domestic violence, signed with Arizona in 2022 and Died in Car Crash 2022
32. Kansas City Chiefs: Clyde Edwards-Helaire, RB, LSU - $5.461 million

There’s some pretty good players there, especially QBs. I always wanted CeeDee Lamb. Thought he was a no-miss WR

To update:

Simmons was a guy many of us were very high during the draft. He just hasn't lived up to expectations. He has been moved around during his career and has played ILB, Safety, and even Corner. He lost playing time and sent mostly to the bench last year in games 2 and 3. He played much better afterwards. The problem w/him is that he does not have a true position. The big question right now is where the Cards are going to play Simmons this year. He still hasn't secured a position. Great athletic talent, but he is one of those guys who doesn't really fit the criteria for any one position.

If Isiash Simmons went to a team who's DC has a resume
Of producing top 14 defenses he could really shine.
These DCs get this unicorns yet have no idea how to get
The best out of them .
If Simmons played in KC, Philly, Pittsburgh or Cincy he
Would be a playmaker for them. Simmons is probably
Best suited to play OLB in a 4-3 or a safety in 4-2-5

Agreed - and I agree that a top DC would find a way to use Simmons freakish athletic ability despite him not having a true position in most traditional defences. In a similar vein I am hoping that Schwartz finds a way to make JOK shine because he has some of same physical tools and has pretty good instincts but was a non impact factor for the Browns last year.

I disagree. How many DCs has he played for? And his new HC who was the DC for a team that was in the SB last year still doesn't know where to play him. He is a great talent. He doesn't have a position. It's a struggle to find ways to utilize his strengths while masking his weaknesses at certain positions.

I do.

What else do you think they did? All you can hope for is a chance, so you make moves to give you the best chance.

Just because we guaranteed money doesn't mean we have a guaranteed Super Bowl.

I understand your point...I think...I expect us to be good and compete with the best teams in the league but you understand as well as I do that somewhere in there is a luck factor.

j/c:

luck factor?
I wish I could post a clip of the scene from the movie called "trading places" nineteen eighty two, near the beginning part of the movie where the Dan Akroid character says,
"it's not luck, todd" ...

with Andy Reid it's not luck
with sean mcvay, with Bill Bellichic, with the coach in seattle, it's not all luck.
some yeah.

j/c:



I remember quite a bit of terrible takes without any knowledge on this situation.

This is a clear example why it is so important to let the facts play out before a rush to judgement is made. Public opinion should not factor in guilt and innocent of players and just people in general.

It's why I think media reporting specific names is a bad idea until more details come out.

In reality, until charges are filed, and facts are investigated, there should be no public release of information.

Doesn't matter what they prove or say now, he lives with the stigma, and many will always view him as guilty.

Is that actually true?

Yes. He retired, but is technically still under contract with the Colts. If he came out of retirement, he would immediately be on their roster.

"If it bleeds, it leads."
If they don't run with it, someone else will, and nobody wants to be "scooped". Since people don't actually want News, but rather want to be entertained while pretending to stay informed, this is what we get.

.

He should sue the hell out of them then.

How about this player news comparison, forgive me if, this is on a whim, and all from my foggy memory.
00 0I year, Head Coach Butch Davis, Def Coordinator unknown,
Nineteen Ninetyfour, Head Coach, Belichic, Def Coordinator Nick saban
2023, Head Coach, Kevin stefanski, Def Coordinator, unknown.

Backup Runningbacks, Whoa I think ninetyfour takes because not only was Eric Metcalf technically the 3rd Rb, but Leroy Hoard was technically the backup to Touchdown Tommy Vardell.

2nd place, 00' because JJ pp, James Jackson was an underrated threat behind Travis Prentice, or was William Green around,
either way, the point is that
James Jackson was more proven and more used than current day Jerome Ford.
and while we have a RB/WR today, Felton, he is not as proven as about the 3rd year of Eric Metcalf. and 00 didn't use one, I think

The D line would be tricky to rank, b/c in ninety four, you had 8 future starters but none of them were the de threat of either Jamir Miller in 00, or of course Myles Garret,
but clearly, the ninety four DL was clearly the best in pass pressure and all around ability.

The Browns Wr's in 00, 0I, Kevin Johnson, JuJuan Dawson had been released after 00, Darrin Chivarini, I'm not sure if he was still around, he was the right side #2 in ninetynine, so, Kevin Johnson, Dennis Northcutt, < instrumental in beating the steelers one time,
andre Davis, the WR, not andra the linebacker, and @uincy Morgan, the four deuces as they were all five with Dawson 2nd round picks

Wr in ninetyfour, WOW, I don't remember a much better group after the 86 group broke up,
Michael Jackson, Derreck alexander, < a late first round pick when they had 2 firsts in ninetyone,ish, a group which would later include not only Metcalf, but andre Rison, and a young and unused Keenan McCardell, dummys, I liked him from the start knew he would be good and 80 percent of his career went in san diego? Puke that, what the hey browns? Come on.
plus, Bellichic had a way of efficiency with one of his TEs, 3 which were all forgettable, until you looked back on a loss at their hidden contributions

The Browns Wr. today Probably have a better one and two but only b/c Cooper is included, how would one rank
amari Cooper
Kevin Johnson and
Michael Jackson as one.

Derrick alexander
D.P. J
and Dennis Northcutt

andre Davis
Eric Metcalf
and Elijah Morre.

@uincy Morgan
Keenan McCardell
and Cedric Tillman or Mar@uise Goodwin

somebody told me andre Rison didn't come until a later year, or half the year,

Either way, if Rison were included, the ninetyfour team even outclasses todays group by a nose imo.

The ninetyfour Browns left tackle, or occaisionally right, Tony Jones, was better than Joe Thomas imo, and I've always felt that, Thomas' hall of fame ness aside, Jones was bigger stronger, more dominant, POW and he neutralized Reggie White in the super bowl for the broncos spit, for gosh sake he was better than JT, come on.
Who was LT in 00? who, Roman Oben? in 00, ok,
wait... did he, Oben, also play in a super bowl in a buccaneers uniform against the raiders? some ex browns OL did.

Comparing the ninetyfour, 2000, and 2023 groups by Browns position could be slightly interesting.

THROW… Well… that was… interesting.

Tony Jones better than JT…?… for realz brah?… hit that one last time then pass it over. I obviously need more to see it how you’re seeing it.

??
Did you fire Jim Schwartz?

And to think he was just hired a few months ago. It really is Not For Long. 🙄

Why would they do that? I mean the salary cap can be so easily manipulated surely his cap hit of $29,988,890 in 2023 and $25,453,886 in 2024, the final two years of an extension he signed when he was traded to the Cardinals in 2020 didn't have anything to do with it, right?

I remember Nancy Grace, who I think worked for CNN at the time, trashing the Duke Lacrosse team, calling them all kinds of vile names. The truth comes out and she just moves on down the road.

To quote a nurse from one of my favorite movies, The Verdict, with Paul Newman. "You're all a bunch of whores, you only care about the money. you don't care who you hurt"

Eight players entering a make-or-break year in 2023

The average NFL career is barely three years long, which means you don't get a lot of time to prove you belong once you make it to the league. With that in mind, Chris Trapasso made a list of eight players who need to have a big year in 2023.

Here's a look at half of his list:
Jets (Browns) WR Elijah Moore. "Last year was ghastly for Moore. Not only were there intermittent rumors about his displeasure with the team and offense, but he also had to deal with bad quarterback play. His reception total, receiving yards, and touchdowns all dropped from 2021 totals, and his yards-per-route run average sunk to 0.91. The Jets traded him to Browns this offseason, and with Deshaun Watson, Moore should have drastically more dynamic play from his quarterback. With Amari Cooper in the mix, Moore will not be asked to save Cleveland's offense. If the light doesn't come on this year, though, Moore will be dangerously close to being considered a bust of a former top 35 pick."

Steelers RB Najee Harris. "Harris has yet to average 4.0 yards per carry throughout the course of an NFL season. We all applauded his rookie campaign, though, when he was the heart and soul of an otherwise stagnant, predictable Steelers offense with a shoddy offensive line. In 2022, strides were made up front, but Harris' yards-per-carry average actually dipped from 3.9 to 3.8 and his yards after contact rate reduced from 2.98 as a rookie to 2.74 in Year 2."

Browns OT Jedrick Wills. "As a rookie, Wills looked the part of the second offensive tackle selected in a loaded class -- that featured Andrew Thomas and Tristan Wirfs -- at that position in 2020. Only 18 pressures allowed all season? That's budding star stuff from a then-21-year-old rookie. Since then, Wills hasn't taken that ever-elusive next step from budding star to legitimate superstar. Rushers beat him for 28 pressures in 2021 and that number ballooned to 41 last season."

Broncos WR Jerry Jeudy. "Jeudy was drifting near Bust Island, and, ironically, had his best season as a pro during the abysmal 2022 season for Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense. After not scoring a touchdown in an irritating 2021, Jeudy scored six times last year. ... Jeudy falls into this very specific category because he could continue to build momentum toward a monster extension in his fourth season, or has he already reached his peak performance capability in the NFL? If the latter is ultimately the case, there's a strong chance he inks a deal elsewhere next March."

For a full look: https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...jerry-jeudy-falcons-kyle-pitts-and-more/

Top 10 NFL QBs of 2023: AFC reigns supreme as Jets' Aaron Rodgers joins Bills' Josh Allen, other stars
Assessing the best of the best signal-callers going into the new year

By Cody Benjamin

An elite quarterback may not be the only ingredient in a championship recipe, but it sure goes a long way. Just ask the last two Super Bowl contenders in the Chiefs and Eagles, who went head-to-head with the MVP (Patrick Mahomes) and the MVP runner-up (Jalen Hurts) after respectively edging other star signal-callers, like Buffalo's Josh Allen and Cincinnati's Joe Burrow, in the playoffs.

Football will always be a team sport, which means it's still possible to make a run with a supporting cast that elevates the QB, rather than the other way around. It's just a lot harder to win, let alone sustain success, that way.

It's with that in mind we decided to reassess the best of the best NFL QBs going into the 2023 season. Not all of these would necessarily qualify as "elite" in our book, and yet they represent 10 of the best at their position entering the new year:

10. Kirk Cousins (Vikings)
The inclusion of Cousins on any list of "top QBs" inevitably evokes some scoffing, namely because of the lackluster big-game resume (he's won just a single postseason appearance in eight years as a full-time starter). He may well be entering his final season with the Vikings, who have mirrored his solid-but-unspectacular resume. And yet, in a league full of volatility, he's been consistently durable and accurate, while proving underrated as a big-play thrower. The athletic upside isn't there, and if his pocket isn't cozy, the miscues can snowball. But his on-script efficiency will keep you on the verge of contention every single year.

9. Dak Prescott (Cowboys)
If his old NFC East rival Kirk Cousins can be knocked for crunch-time hiccups, so can Prescott, who's managed a 2-4 postseason record in seven years with a typically high-octane Cowboys offense. As PFF argues, few QBs have also been more sensitive to changes in their supporting cast; he's flashed MVP-level production but also had some serious interception sprees depending on the health of the elite line and weapons around him. His own health is also a question -- he's missed 17 combined games since 2020. When upright, however, he does all the little things well, with the vision to go blow for blow with the best.

8. Lamar Jackson (Ravens)
An unmatched athlete with a mercurial track record, Jackson is under more pressure than most here after securing Baltimore's big-money commitment. His effortless arm hasn't produced efficient, above-average passing production in at least three years, and back-to-back seasons with lingering injuries calls into question his durability. When active, however, he's a true and resilient game-changer, particularly with his slippery, speedy scrambling. Now supported by a new coordinator, deeper receiving corps and more freedom to control his play calls, he's got some of the tools for a playoff leap in year six.

7. Trevor Lawrence (Jaguars)
Of the top 10 QBs here, Lawrence benefits most from projection. But if he went from overmatched and unsupported as a rookie to decisive and aggressive as a sophomore, the former No. 1 overall pick is now poised to sniff MVP territory under Doug Pederson and alongside new No. 1 wideout Calvin Ridley. Lawrence isn't afraid to put the ball in tight windows, which can get him in trouble, but he's got one of the zippiest arms in the league and showed veteran-level fight in his historic comeback of a playoff debut. Just 23, he's got both plenty of room to grow and all the physical traits of an elite pocket gunslinger.

6. Aaron Rodgers (Jets)
Remember when Tom Brady neared the end of his 20-year Patriots tenure, and plenty of respected voices wondered if he'd finally lost his magic, only to then watch him reach new heights amid new scenery? It's the kind of story the Jets are hoping unfolds with Rodgers, who looked mildly resigned to the Packers' makeshift setup in a disappointing 2022 that followed two straight MVP seasons. At 39, A-Rod may well be past his prime. But he's freshly motivated, he's still got pinpoint touch, and with deep weaponry and defensive support in New York, he's got what it takes to make a legit title push.

5. Justin Herbert (Chargers)
Is it wrong to ding Herbert for making a single, unsuccessful playoff appearance through just three seasons? Sure, but when your regular-season standard is so high, the natural expectation is for big-game results to follow. Herbert hasn't been perfect, falling into a conservative approach in a 2022 season that saw him average just 6.8 yards per attempt (well below average among starters). But you don't throw 94 touchdowns to 35 interceptions before age 25 by accident; that's the sixth-best TD:INT ratio in NFL history to this point. And you simply cannot teach his elite build (6-6, 236) and laser arm.

4. Josh Allen (Bills)
Though he's been both durable and victorious, with a 47-18 record in his four seasons as a full-year starter, the supersized Allen invites more danger than most, not only as a frequent power runner but a gung-ho passer. His turnover tendencies are also underrated; since 2019, he's averaged 11 fumbles and 12 picks per year. And yet, with the risk comes great reward. No one comes closer to Patrick Mahomes as a big-play artist through the air, threatening opponents until the last second with an arm built for crunch-time bombs. He's also been plenty stellar in eight postseason bids, with 17 TDs to just four picks.

3. Jalen Hurts (Eagles)
No QB made a more substantial leap in 2022, but Hurts has also gotten better basically every year since the start of his college career. He's far more compact (6-1, 223) than Josh Allen but just as physical as a regular ball-carrier, making his durability a long-term question. And yet he lives up to the dual-threat billing with vastly improved downfield vision and touch, feeding both A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith en route to an MVP-caliber Super Bowl shootout with Mahomes. The X-factor here is his leadership -- a stoic, unshakeable poise that steadies the Eagles organization from top to bottom.

2. Joe Burrow (Bengals)
The former No. 1 pick doesn't boast nearly the athleticism as most of his peers here. But that should speak volumes about his handle on the game -- his instincts, his vision, his reliable precision passing. He's so good at simply being a quarterback -- at owning the pocket, getting the ball where it needs to be when it needs to be there -- that his well-documented on- and off-field swagger is just a bonus. He's not immune to an occasional pick spree, and his damage comes almost exclusively through the air, but there are few better field generals, as evidenced by his two AFC title-game bids in three years.

1. Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs)
The easiest QB to rank by far, Mahomes is the definition of a real-life cheat code in this sport. His freestyling can afford opponents chances to steal the ball, but more often than not, his greatest threat seems to be, well, the possibility of getting bored of his own dominance. A whopping 64-16 as the star point guard of Andy Reid's motion-heavy attack, not including an 11-3 playoff record that includes two Super Bowl titles and already makes him a virtual Hall of Fame lock at 27, Mahomes is a sneaky scrambler. But his video-game numbers are chiefly fueled by those signature acrobatic arm angles, and an inherent big-play mentality that emerges when the lights are brightest and stage is biggest. Chiefs fan or not, he's a wonder to watch, and with wins to show for it.

Honorable mention
A brief word on some of the notable names who didn't quite make the cut: Tua Tagovailoa (Dolphins) flashed elite confidence in his first stretch under Mike McDaniel but has yet to play a full NFL season due to injuries. Justin Fields (Bears) certainly has top-10 traits, especially as a runner, but has a ways to go as an aerial decision-maker; he should benefit from a competent supporting cast this time around. Deshaun Watson (Browns) was once a polished pocket passer, but he hasn't played a full, above-average season in three years. Daniel Jones (Giants) and Geno Smith (Seahawks) must prove their 2022 breakouts weren't a fluke. Derek Carr (Saints) is gutsy and likable, and Jared Goff (Lions) is accurate and underrated, but neither has proven particularly adept at elevating teams without dynamic help. Brock Purdy (49ers) had veteran-level poise in his half-season debut but is coming off a serious elbow injury. And Matthew Stafford (Rams) is another durability concern amid Los Angeles' rebuild. Russell Wilson (Broncos) may still have playoff-caliber play-action material, but Sean Payton has to prove he can get him in rhythm first.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...kelce-lead-chiefs-ol-greats-pace-eagles/

it's hard to make a @uarterback list, what happened to Kyler Murray?

Injured - Murray tore the ACL and meniscus in his right knee Week 13 last season and is not expected to be ready for Week 1.

NFL WR1 TIERS


[img]https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=736772328452214&set=a.621881076608007&__cft__

I think what is actually the most helpful thing to do is to take things in context. There are 32 NFL teams. Each team has what they have designated as their #1 WR. From your link there are a total of 14 WR's listed in the top 3 tiers. As a result based on the findings of your chart, the Browns have 2 WR's listed as mid tier #1 WR's across the league. Having 2 of the top 20 WR's in the league I take as being a good thing. It's like having two #1 WR's.

Purely a reflection upon the Browns "Draft Team"...and their ability to judge Offensive Line talent.

According to Andrew Berry, "Tackles are Tackles"... even if they score only a 9 on the wonderlic test, which Wills did.

Not sure what chart you were looking at, but the chart posted listed 32 teams and their WR1. There is only 1 Brown listed and that's Cooper as a Tier 4 as being the Browns WR1. I'm thoroughly confused where you determined that the Browns have 2 of the top 20 WR's in the league. That is not currently factual by any stretch of the imagination.

Yeah, my bad. That's D.J. Moore pictured beside Cooper, not Elijah Moore.

Speaking of WRs- I'm glad we don't have Hill on team-"Hill said, "I can buy you and the boat," and, "I'm No. 10 with the Miami Dolphins," a police source told Fox Sports "- he's up on assault charges in Fl. It is the silly season- post Tee Shirts and waiting for Training Camp.....dang, I hope we don't have anymore 3am robberies or massage parlor visits while waiting for camp===be smart, men. Go Browns!!!

Ranking NFL 2023 'Triplets,' Part III: Bengals and Chiefs in a league of their own
But which AFC powerhouse landed in the top spot?

By Jared Dubin
14 hrs ago

Just as we did last year and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that, the crew here at CBSSports.com recently set out to rank each NFL team's "triplets." Why not, right? It's the middle of the offseason, and it's an offseason tradition around these parts.

So, in the space below, we're once again counting down the NFL's best QB-RB-WR/TE trios, grading the expected starters at quarterback and running back and their presumed top pass-catcher for the 2023 NFL season. For some teams, it was obvious who would fill each role. For others, less so. Where we had to make judgment calls on which player would start at quarterback or who would be the top target, we did.

In the space below, you'll see our rankings of these triplets. The first number in parentheses is the team's average ranking based on the votes of several of our staff writers and editors at CBSSports.com, while the second number reflects the high and low end of where our staffers ranked that individual team.

For example, our No. 6 team -- the Dallas Cowboys -- had an average ranking of 6.8, with a high ranking of 5 and a low of 13. We have denoted tier breaks in any place where the difference between the average ranking of one team and another exceeded 2.0. For example, the aforementioned Cowboys had an average ranking of 6.8 and the Chargers had an average of 4.4, so the Chargers begin a new tier.


The panel included myself, John Breech, Jeff Kerr, Tyler Sullivan, Jordan Dajani, Cody Benjamin, Shanna McCarriston, Chris Trapasso, Kevin Steimle, Brett Anderson, Garrett Podell, Joel Magaraci, Kyle Stackpole, R.J. White, Eric Kernish and Eric Kay. The rankings reflect the collective wisdom of this crowd, while the corresponding analysis is mine.

We began this exercise on Tuesday with the bottom third of the league. We continued Wednesday with the middle of the pack,and conclude today with the very top tiers. Without further ado ...

Tier 3: The Cowboys
6. Dallas Cowboys (Avg: 6.8, High: 5, Low: 13)
Last year: 7th

QB: Dak Prescott RB: Tony Pollard WR: CeeDee Lamb

Pollard is at long last the lead back in Dallas, and it looks like his recovery from a fractured ankle has gone well enough that he's been a full participant in the offseason program. If he weren't getting overshadowed by draft-class-mate Justin Jefferson, there would be a whole lot of talk about Lamb getting off to one of the best three-year starts in league history. The only players to match or exceed Lamb's first-three-year totals in receptions (260), receiving yards (3,396) and receiving touchdowns (20) are Jefferson, Odell Beckham Jr., A.J. Green and Michael Thomas. Meanwhile, the people hung up on Prescott's interception total from last season are willfully subjecting themselves to recency bias. Even after last year's disaster, Prescott has the fifth-lowest interception rate among 165 players with 2,000 or more pass attempts in their career. The dude is really good, full stop.


Tier 2: Great, but just short of the best
5. Los Angeles Chargers (Avg: 4.4, High: 3, Low: 7)
Last year: 1st

QB: Justin Herbert RB: Austin Ekeler WR: Keenan Allen

A change in offensive coordinator from Joe Lombardi to former Cowboys coordinator Kellen Moore should finally get Herbert throwing the ball down the field more often. A player with his skill set ranking 31st out of 35 qualifying quarterbacks in air yards per attempt over the past two seasons is inexcusable. Prescott ranked a much more respectable 11th among the same group of players, and if Moore can nudge Herbert in that direction, L.A. will be better for it. Still, his top two targets are likely to remain Ekeler and Allen, who excel at finding the soft spots underneath and remain absolute target monsters who produce at a high level whenever they're healthy.

4. Buffalo Bills (Avg: 4.2, High: 3, Low: 6)
Last year: 3rd

QB: Josh Allen RB: James Cook WR: Stefon Diggs

Allen has a ceiling as a quarterback that is matched or exceeded by only one player, given his unique physical gifts. Prior to his elbow injury last season, he was hitting that ceiling pretty much weekly. Buffalo's short-and-quick passing game pretty much disappeared after the injury, though, as Allen's underneath accuracy became much more scattershot. That affected Diggs' role in the offense, and he appeared none too happy about it. And yet, this remains one of the best QB-WR connections in the entire league, able to threaten defenses to every level of the field and connect at a high rate. Cook will likely split backfield duties with Damien Harris, but his versatility and facility as a pass-catcher gets him the nod here.

3. Philadelphia Eagles (Avg: 4.1, High: 2, Low: 6)
Last year: 16th

QB: Jalen Hurts RB: You Tell Me WR: A.J. Brown

Hurts took a significant step forward last season after the Eagles added Brown, who proved the perfect complement to DeVonta Smith and tight end Dallas Goedert. They were particularly effective on RPO slants and pure deep balls, each of which allow Brown to use his physicality to win at the catch point and his athleticism to turn plays into even bigger gains. Hurts' ability to morph from a dropback passer into a rushing threat is elite, and the only area where he relatively struggled last season was against the blitz. It remans to be seen how this all looks without former offensive coordinator Shane Steichen, and we have absolutely no idea who among Rashaad Penny, D'Andre Swift, Kenneth Gainwell, and Boston Scott will eventually emerge in the backfield, but there's a lot to like here no matter what.


Tier 1: A league of their own
2. Kansas City Chiefs (Avg: 1.6, High: 1, Low: 3)
Last year: 4th

QB: Patrick Mahomes RB: Isiah Pacheco TE: Travis Kelce

1. Cincinnati Bengals (Avg: 1.5, High: 1, Low: 2)
Last year: 2nd

QB: Joe Burrow RB: Joe Mixon WR: Ja'Marr Chase

Kansas City received one stray third-place vote, and that ultimately proved the difference between first and second in this exercise. Patrick Mahomes is the best player on the planet, able to reach heights no other quarterback can achieve due to his unique combination of accuracy, timing, out-of-structure playmaking and arm strength. He and Kelce are the most unstoppable duo in the league, and it almost doesn't matter what running back you slot alongside them.

That said, I have a feeling the perceived difference between Mixon and Pacheco is what ultimately landed the Bengals in first -- even if Mixon was seemingly on the verge of being cut for a portion of this offseason. Burrow and Chase are basically a big play waiting to happen, and the work the entire offense did last year to counteract top-down defenses taking away the deep ball will help them deep into the future.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...als-and-chiefs-in-a-league-of-their-own/

Ranking NFL 2023 'Triplets,' Part II: Jaguars lead teams in middle of pack; QB situation doesn't affect 49ers
Several AFC contenders lead the way in the middle tiers

By Jared Dubin
Jun 21, 2023 at 5:48 pm ET

Just as we did last year, and the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that, and the year before that and the year before that, the crew here at CBSSports.com recently set out to rank each NFL team's "triplets." Why not, right? It's the middle of the offseason, and it's an offseason tradition around these parts.

So in the space below, we're once again counting down the NFL's best QB-RB-WR/TE trios, grading the expected starters at quarterback and running back and their presumed top pass-catcher for the 2023 NFL season. For some teams, it was obvious who would fill each role. For others, less so. Where we had to make judgment calls on which player would start at quarterback or who would be the top target, we did.

In the space below, you'll see our rankings of these triplets. The first number in parentheses is the team's average ranking based on the votes of several of our staff writers and editors at CBSSports.com, while the second number reflects the high and low end of where our staffers ranked that individual team.

For example, our No. 13 team -- the Seattle Seahawks -- had an average ranking of 14.3, with a high ranking of 10 and a low of 23. We have denoted tier breaks in any place where the difference between the average ranking of one team and another exceeded 2.0. For example, the aforementioned Seahawks had an average ranking of 14.3 and the Vikings had an average of 11.9, so the Vikings begin a new tier.


The panel included myself, John Breech, Jeff Kerr, Tyler Sullivan, Jordan Dajani, Cody Benjamin, Shanna McCarriston, Chris Trapasso, Kevin Steimle, Brett Anderson, Garrett Podell, Joel Magaraci, Kyle Stackpole, R.J. White, Eric Kernish and Eric Kay. The rankings reflect the collective wisdom of this crowd, while the corresponding analysis is mine.

We began this exercise on Tuesday with the bottom third of the league. We continue Wednesday with the middle of the pack, and we'll finish up Thursday with the top tiers. Without further ado ...

Tier 5: Pretty Good! With Some Questions
20. Chicago Bears (Avg: 19.7, High: 15, Low: 26)
Last year: 30th

QB: Justin Fields RB: Khalil Herbert WR: D.J. Moore

This is a big step forward for Chicago's trio. Fields' performance as a runner last season was second to none, and the Bears did what several teams with young, ascending quarterbacks before them have done in going to get him a No. 1 receiver. Herbert seems likely to split the backfield duties with D'Onta Foreman and/or Roschon Johnson, but should be the leader among that group. If Fields can take a leap as a passer this season, Chicago could ascend significantly higher next year.


19. New Orleans Saints (Avg: 19.3, High: 12, Low: 23)
Last year: 17th

QB: Derek Carr RB: Alvin Kamara (or Jamaal Williams) WR: Chris Olave

Well, this seems about right for the Saints. Olave was fantastic as a rookie and looks every bit like a future star. But Carr has been somewhere between slightly above average and slightly below average for the majority of his career, and Kamara took a step back last year and may or may not be facing a significant suspension. (And Williams' effectiveness is likely overstated right now due to his absurd touchdown rate last season.)

18. New York Giants (Avg: 18.6, High: 11, Low: 23)
Last year: 28th

QB: Daniel Jones RB: Saquon Barkley TE: Darren Waller

Jones may have been the most improved player in the NFL last season, but most of that improvement was about limiting the downside of his play and not discovering the upside. New York took more off his plate and basically asked him to be a runner and short-passer and that was about it. What will things look like if and when the Giants ask him to do more? We're going to find out over these next few years, and at least the team went out and got him a higher-quality pass-catcher in Waller to aid that development.

17. Los Angeles Rams (Avg: 16.8, High: 13, Low: 21)
Last year: 6th

QB: Matthew Stafford RB: Cam Akers WR: Cooper Kupp

This is a steep fall for the Rams, and seems to be based mostly on health. What is the status of Stafford's elbow? Who the heck knows. Is Kupp fully recovered from his ankle surgery? We won't really find out until training camp. Can Akers rediscover any of what made him an exciting prospect before his Achilles tear? It remains to be seen.


16. Las Vegas Raiders (Avg: 15.5, High: 11, Low: 19)
Last year: 9th

QB: Jimmy Garoppolo RB: Josh Jacobs WR: Davante Adams

So, uh, is Jimmy G even going to suit up for the Raiders? Or is that clause in his contract about being released with no penalty before this season about to become very important? That's a situation that seems wildly up in the air. Jacobs is coming off a First Team All-Pro season, but his play last year was wildly out of step with his performance through the first three years of his career. What should we expect going forward? Adams is one of the small handful of best receivers in the NFL, but we don't know who will be throwing him the ball, or what Garoppolo will look like outside of the Kyle Shanahan cocoon if it's indeed him.

15. Detroit Lions (Avg: 15.4, High: 14, Low: 17)
Last year: 24th

QB: Jared Goff RB: David Montgomery WR: Amon-Ra St. Brown

Goff has shown at this point that if he is well protected, he can deliver the ball on time and on target with enough regularity to lead a pretty damn good offense. He doesn't present much of a ceiling beyond what is schemed up for him within the confines of the offense, but when the scheme and the line are as good as Detroit's, that's not as much of an issue. Perhaps Jahmyr Gibbs should be the back here, but Montgomery seems much more likely to be the team's leading rusher, with Gibbs operating as a secondary threat in both the run and pass game.

14. Cleveland Browns (Avg: 14.6, High: 9, Low: 19)
Last year: 11th

QB: Deshaun Watson RB: Nick Chubb WR: Amari Cooper

I'm honestly not sure how anybody chose their rankings for the Browns, because I have no idea what anybody should expect from Watson. He essentially did not play football for about a year and a half, and although it was due to a suspension and not an injury, that is a long time to be away and it is not like you come back and just automatically resume your prior level of play. Can he rediscover that form at all? There appears to be at least a mild degree of confidence here that he can.


13. Seattle Seahawks (Avg: 14.3, High: 10, Low: 23)
Last year: 31st

QB: Geno Smith RB: Kenneth Walker WR: DK Metcalf

The Seahawks were probably last season's biggest (pleasant) surprise, with Geno Smith enjoying a delayed breakout season the likes of which we have rarely seen in the NFL. His combination of accuracy and playmaking was up there with some of the best in the league for most of the season, though he did slow down toward the end of the year. Still, it looks like he's got the faith of our panel, which expects Seattle to be pretty firmly in the top half of the league once again.

Tier 4: Very Good, Maybe Not (Yet) Great
12. Minnesota Vikings (Avg: 11.9, High: 9, Low: 15)
Last year: 15th

QB: Kirk Cousins RB: Alexander Mattison WR: Justin Jefferson

Jefferson currently holds the crown as the best receiver in the league, but Cousins is basically the epitome of a league-average quarterback and we've only seen Mattison act as the lead back a few times in his career so it's fair to have some questions about how he'll fare in that role full time. A ranking just outside the top 10 seems about right.

11. San Francisco 49ers (Avg: 10.0, High: 5, Low: 18)
Last year: 13th

QB: ??? RB: Christian McCaffrey WR: Deebo Samuel

Do you have any idea who will be playing quarterback for the 49ers in Week 1? We don't. And it didn't much matter here. Brock Purdy is still recovering from his elbow surgery. Trey Lance is working his way back from a broken ankle. Sam Darnold might actually have to take some snaps! But CMC and Deebo are so good (and Kyle Shanahan's so good at establishing a high floor for quarterback play) that the Niners checked in just outside the top 10 anyway.


10. Miami Dolphins (Avg: 9.9, High: 3, Low: 13)
Last year: 18th

QB: Tua Tagovailoa RB: Raheem Mostert WR: Tyreek Hill

With the exception of a stray vote at No. 3, every other panelist placed the Dolphins between No. 8 and 13. That seems like the appropriate range for this group given the heights Tagovailoa achieved as a passer last year and the inherent risks involved with him as a player at this point. Hill showing what he did outside of Kansas City last season was pretty outrageous, and at least somewhat unexpected. Mostert will likely share work with Jeff Wilson Jr. and Devon Achane, and we didn't really know which direction to lean with the choice at running back here.

9. New York Jets (Avg: 9.1, High: 7, Low: 13)
Last year: 27th

QB: Aaron Rodgers RB: Breece Hall WR: Garrett Wilson

I'm at least a little surprised there weren't more varied opinions on the Jets. Rodgers took a pretty sizable step backward last season and Hall is coming off a torn ACL. I thought there would be less agreement on whether Rodgers could bounce back and whether Hall would be healthy enough to lead the backfiield, but there was a pretty narrow band of rankings here. Wilson is a future (if not already present) superstar, though, and was able to show that essentially whenever anyone but Zach Wilson was on the field last season.

8. Baltimore Ravens (Avg: 8.8, High: 6, Low: 11)
Last year: 8th

QB: Lamar Jackson RB: J.K. Dobbins TE: Mark Andrews

Baltimore is the only team to check in with the exact same ranking as it did last year. It helps that we're using the exact same three players, even if the Ravens have changed out a lot of the pieces surrounding them -- including the offensive coordinator. Jackson was on track to rediscover top form last season before injuries hit both him and the receiving corps, but the Ravens are clearly hoping Todd Monken can open things up for him and help find avenues to more explosive plays through the air.


7. Jacksonville Jaguars (Avg: 8.4, High: 5, Low: 13)
Last year: 23rd

QB: Trevor Lawrence RB: Travis Etienne WR: Calvin Ridley

I think it will be quite a long time before we find a Lawrence-led group outside the top 10 ever again. His rise last season was a bit overshadowed, but he is elite at avoiding negative plays and over the second half of the season began tapping into his outside-of-structure playmaking and high-level ability to read each layer of the defense. With a true No. 1 wideout now on board in Ridley, he should be able to ascend another level this season.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...e-dolphins-qb-health-among-top-concerns/

Ranking NFL 2023 'Triplets,' Part I: Cardinals have worst group, Steelers make slight leap from 2022
It was a unanimous bottom ranking for Arizona, Buccaneers drop significantly without Tom Brady

By Jared Dubin
Jun 22, 2023 at 10:45 am ET

Just as we did last year and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that and the year before that, the crew here at CBSSports.com recently set out to rank each NFL team's "triplets." Why not, right? It's the middle of the offseason, and it's an offseason tradition around these parts.

So, in the space below, we're once again counting down the NFL's best QB-RB-WR/TE trios, grading the expected starters at quarterback and running back and their presumed top pass-catcher for the 2023 NFL season. For some teams, it was obvious who would fill each role. For others, less so. Where we had to make judgment calls on which player would start at quarterback or who would be the top target, we did.

In the space below, you'll see our rankings of these triplets. The first number in parentheses is the team's average ranking based on the votes of several of our staff writers and editors at CBSSports.com, while the second number reflects the high and low end of where our staffers ranked that individual team.

For example, our No. 32 team, the Arizona Cardinals had an average ranking of 32.0, with a high ranking of 32 and a low of, well... 32. We have denoted tier breaks in any place where the difference between the average ranking of one team and another exceeded 1.5. For example, the Commanders had an average ranking of 28.1 and the Panthers had an average of 26.2, so the Panthers begin a new tier.


The panel included myself, John Breech, Jeff Kerr, Tyler Sullivan, Jordan Dajani, Cody Benjamin, Shanna McCarriston, Chris Trapasso, Kevin Steimle, Brett Anderson, Garrett Podell, Joel Magaraci, Kyle Stackpole, R.J. White, Eric Kernish, and Eric Kay. The rankings reflect the collective wisdom of this crowd, while the corresponding analysis is mine.

Today, we'll start with the bottom third of the league, then we'll continue tomorrow with the middle of the pack, and we'll finish up Thursday with the top tiers. Without further ado...

Tier 9: The Cardinals
32. Arizona Cardinals (Avg: 32.0, High: 32, Low: 32)
Last year: 14th

QB: Colt McCoy RB: James Conner WR: Marquise Brown

Kyler Murray tore his ACL in December and the Cardinals have what is pretty clearly the worst roster in football, so there is zero incentive for them to bring him back at any point this season, let alone a significant portion of it. For that reason, we went with McCoy at quarterback, and the Cardinals were a unanimous pick in dead last by our panel.

Tier 8: The Bottom
31. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Avg: 30.2, High: 28, Low: 31)
Last year: 5th

QB: Baker Mayfield RB: Rachaad White WR: Mike Evans

The downgrade from Tom Brady to Mayfield is perhaps the most significant expected drop in quarterback play in the league, even accounting for Brady's relatively subpar 2022 season. Even if we subbed in Chris Godwin for Evans, I can't imagine the Bucs would have ranked much higher than this. As it is, they didn't get any votes above 28th.

30. Houston Texans (Avg: 30.1, High: 28, Low: 31)
Last year: 29th

QB: C.J. Stroud RB: Dameon Pierce WR: Nico Collins

This ranking begins a run on teams with young quarterbacks that mostly goes uninterrupted through the bottom third of the league. Stroud, the No. 2 overall pick in this year's draft, is supported in the backfield by a Day 3 pick from last year, and his presumed top wideout has 70 catches for 927 yards and three scores in two NFL seasons. The Texans have a chance to build things up in the future, but we shouldn't expect big things just yet.

29. Washington Commanders (Avg: 28.1, High: 22, Low: 31)
Last year: 22nd

QB: Sam Howell RB: Brian Robinson WR: Terry McLaurin

The Commies are signaling much more confidence in Howell than our panel apparently has. I feel like this ranking would be quite a bit higher if Jacoby Brissett were expected to start under center for Washington, but that's just an opinion. One of these days, McLaurin will hopefully have a surefire top QB throwing him the ball. He's capable of so much if he eventually gets that chance.


Tier 7: (Mostly) Young QBs, Part I
28.Carolina Panthers (Avg: 26.2, High: 21, Low: 29)
Last year: 26th

QB: Bryce Young RB: Miles Sanders WR: Adam Thielen

Like Stroud, Young is not exactly surrounded by a bevy of skill-position talent. He does have a stronger offensive line in front of him and a veteran back in Sanders, but his top receivers are likely Thielen and D.J. Chark, barring rookie Jonathan Mingo stepping in and immediately asserting himself as the best pass-catching option. For that reason, this group ranks pretty low leaguewide, and barely escaped being ranked inside the bottom tier.

27. New England Patriots (Avg: 25.9, High: 22, Low: 30)
Last year: 21st

QB: Mac Jones RB: Rhamondre Stevenson WR: JuJu Smith-Schuster

Had Matt Patricia not been in charge of New England's offense last season, I think the Pats would probably be in the next tier, rather than sitting way down here. Mac Jones took such a significant step back a year ago that it's tough to place New England much higher than this, but Stevenson is a stud and Smith-Schuster is at least a semi-reliable slot target. Perhaps after a year under Bill O'Brien, the Patriots can take a step forward.

26. Atlanta Falcons (Avg: 25.9, High: 21, Low: 29)
Last year: 32nd

QB: Desmond Ridder RB: Bijan Robinson TE: Kyle Pitts

How you feel about this ranking will likely depend almost entirely on how you feel about Ridder. Did you love him coming into last year's draft? Not much has happened to dissuade you of that opinion. Were you not so high on him? Same story. Most quarterbacks drafted in the third round do not become starter-quality players, though, and it seems like our panel expects that to hold true with Ridder, which drags down the ranking of a team that has drafted two explosive weapons in the top 10 in recent years.


25. Tennessee Titans (Avg: 24.9, High: 20, Low: 29)
Last year: 19th

QB: Ryan Tannehill RB: Derrick Henry WR: Treylon Burks

The exception to the young quarterback run, we have the Titans in a clear period of transition. It's entirely possible that next year's triplets rankings include Will Levis and Tyjae Spears alongside Burks. This definitely seems like a last hurrah for Tannehill and Henry.

24. Indianapolis Colts (Avg: 24.6, High: 16, Low: 30)
Last year: 15th

QB: Anthony Richardson RB: Jonathan Taylor WR: Michael Pittman

Richardson seems likely to be a fantasy football star in short order given his outrageous athleticism and rushing ability, but he may take a while longer to come along as a passer. Armed with Taylor to augment his skills in the run game and Pittman (and Alec Pierce) on the outside to make contested catches and take advantage of YAC opportunities, though, the immediate floor might be a bit higher than people would think for a player with his skill set. (Still, one vote as high as No. 16 seems a bit optimistic.)

Tier 7: Young QBs, Part II
23. Green Bay Packers (Avg: 22.8, High: 13, Low: 27)
Last year: 13th

QB: Jordan Love RB: Aaron Jones WR: Christian Watson

I was shocked to see the Packers get a vote at No. 13, given how little we know about Love and how relatively unproven Watson still is. Jones is one of the NFL's most explosive backs, but he is also heading into his age-29 season, and running backs typically begin to decline well in advance of that age. We haven't seen signs of him slowing down all that much yet, but the cliff typically sneaks up on backs pretty quickly.


22. Pittsburgh Steelers (Avg: 21.9, High: 15, Low: 25)
Last year: 25th

QB: Kenny Pickett RB: Najee Harris WR: Diontae Johnson

If there is any team from this group that is most likely to make a significant jump this year, it might be the Steelers. Second-year quarterbacks typically take a step forward if they are going to end up being any good, and Pickett has an improved offensive line in front of him as well as both Johnson and George Pickens, plus Allen Robinson, Pat Freiermuth, and Darnell Washington in his pass-catching corps. If he makes a leap, the Steelers can certainly jump into the top half of the league.

21. Denver Broncos (Avg: 21.6, High: 19, Low: 27)
Last year: 10th

QB: Russell Wilson RB: Javonte Williams (or Samaje Perine) WR: Courtland Sutton

This ranking seems like a show of faith that Sean Payton can get a lot more out of Wilson than did Nathaniel Hackett. That seems like a safe bet. Still, nobody even had the Broncos in the top half of the league, which is a big difference from last year, when they checked in 10th overall and didn't get any votes lower than 16th.

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...oup-steelers-make-slight-leap-from-2022/

that's a horrible contract for someone who is the most average NFL WR ever

In spite of your evident non fandom of Jed Wills, nobody would want an OT that got a hundred on their wonderlic test anyway. It's Probably not even a possible score.

It's like 'Tuco said in the movie "the good the bad and the ugly" when he said "when you have to shoot, shoot, don't talk.
You want a tackle to block. Block, Block, don't think about it, just block.
It's football not newspapers.

The unknown is how the D will play this year. And yes I forgot his name, b/c they change things so often.

Hope we dont caught up in any of these gambling suspensions, I’ve read Stefanski has been big on warning his players about gambling

Every employer has things that will get your in deep trouble from just the appearance. In the NFL it is gambling. No one should have to remind the players, the NFL seems so over the top strict on it. But I am glad he still gets in there to remind them regardless.

Hard to tell how good or bad it is without the details. It seems that RapSheet's info came from the agent, who would try to put it in the best light from the player's perspective. Lumping together guarantees and roster bonuses seems a bit weird. Reading between the lines, it seems like its probably a contract that's easy for the Patriots to cut bait on.

Just a general thought: Unless a contract is guaranteed, most are fairly seamless to get out of after a year or two for the team.

Players would rather get the bulk of their money early and teams like to be able to move on after 2 years.

From the owner's account.......Savage.

Interesting look at the NFL Salary Cap: Three Year Analysis.

Though our Browns rank high in Top 51 Veteran Valuation, it cannot be ignored that the Browns are rated dead last in 2023-25 available cap space and 29th in the entire league in the amount of current prorated money they have committed to the cap over the next 3 seasons ($334,647,784 currently). When money is converted into a bonus that prorates over a number of years — most typically signing bonuses — it can no longer be manipulated for salary cap purposes. These amounts are truly sunk costs on the salary cap, unlike guaranteed salaries that are effectively sunk cash amounts but could still be altered from a cap accounting perspective. Sitting at about 70M over next years proposed Salary Cap, those who don't believe this is a huge issue in the making is just blind to the facts.

Article quote:
"The Browns continue to go all in after years of frivolity, currently leading the NFL in cash spending for 2023, 2024 and 2025. Cleveland ranked first in top 51 veteran valuation in 2022,"

which resulted in a 7-10 last place finish in the AFC North,

"and got significantly better this offseason despite a small slide in the ranking down to sixth, but there are zero excuses for this team to not make the playoffs this season."


Enjoy the read:

https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-three-...IM3wMtww6aNWsRhk-_lDgSQ87uvZ02kvUpFCvaHw

this is a BIG year for our entire franchise, as noted by those numbers

Looks like the Bengals were considering an outright cut unless he took less money this year.

The Bengals need Mixon in order to get to the playoffs again.
Restructuring his contract tells me the deals for Burrows
And Higgins may be sooner than later.

A foreshadowing of what the Browns are going to do with Chubb next year. Restructure and extend.

Agreed and I'm sure we'll be fair with him on a new contract. Nick might be the best RB in the league and if our passing game is better with DW and our new WR's he will be even better and a more dangerous weapon.

NFL teams get 240 million dollars PER YEAR, from the television contract alone, ...
and that is up from 199 million per year in 2011,

..... if you google search the nfl tv contract, .......

but whether it is 24 dollars, or 2 billion dollars, what really matters

is the percentage of payout to what is received in.

but they're getting 240 million dollars before anyone buys a ticket,
Do they still have weight benches crowding up a FIFTY yard long indoor practice field? If they do, get the freak out of here.

j/c:



Interesting.

The RB position is just such a fleeting thing. It's nearly plug and play with guys who can be above average. Even the GREAT backs have such a short shelf life

And the better your passing game is the easier it is to have a productive running games with a lesser RB.

good point, especially as a little scat back type

Times are tough out there for the running backs. Blame it on Zeke. Blame it on Todd Gurley. Or just look at the last 10 Super Bowl-winning rosters — only one, 1,000-yard rusher (LeGarrette Blount, 2016 Patriots) and one Pro-Bowl RB (Marshawn Lynch, 2013 Seahawks).

and good RBs rarely win anything of substance, while good QBs do

Baylor WRs never pan out in the NFL. Just ask the Browns

Corey Coleman was so, so bad

Guess they found a trade partner after all.

The Jets have almost an entire new WR corp lol

Of course they do after filling Aaron Rogers wish list.

j/c:



#FreedToddMonken

During the draft process Flower's caught my eye.

He is one of those guys who just has it when talking about separation.

Super quick.

What we don't know and remains to be seen is how Lamar plays inside the Monken scheme.

Remember Roman built their offense around the skills of Lamar. I am unsure if the Monken offense fits Lamar?

Zay Jones had a ton of similar buzz leading up to the draft

it seems like Baltimore has more RBs every year than anyone lol

Why is it that I have ZERO problem with Lamar Jackson's offense going 4 wide and trying to throw that thang! It seems as if the Ravens are a team that has a LOT of question marks with the direction of their offense. The Ravens will always be sound in all 3 facets of the game BUT this new emphasis on letting Lamar just throw it around, I am totally fine with that and I think they will regress as a team. JMHO

I don’t know why you have zero problem with it. I won’t guess what kind of year he will have, but 4 wide / spread is exactly the offense I’d put him in if I was a coach. It’s close to perfect for him.

HAHAHAHA! I missed that the ravens signed OBJ. Let the suck fest and excuses begin. Let’s see if Daddy gets another QB shipped. SMH.

I can’t wait for him to miss a clutch game tying pass catch against us this year. I will LMAO@ravens.

There was no problem in L.A. It seems when he was with a good team it wasn't a problem.

the news out of Baltimore is that Zay Flowers is tearing it up and their best WR

that's too bad. He had electric kickoff returns

Phew.....just picked him up in a Best Ball League.

toney is one of those guys who always seems injured

Good.

On a personal level, Barkly is one of my backs in a keeper money league. I wasn't going to cut him but sure didn't want to be in a position to keep him if he wasn't going to play. We get to keep a certain number of players from year to year and cut the remainder of the roster a week before our draft.

it's crazy how little RBs get (and how short their windows are to get it).

He'll have a good year now