2023 September - Pro Football Rumors

Month: September 2023

QBs Carson Wentz, Matt Ryan Reached Out To Jets

September 25th, 2023 at 11:00am CST by Adam La Rose

SEPTEMBER 25: In an interview with colleague Brandon Baylor, Ryan shot down speculation he has discussed a Jets deal (video link). Citing an enjoyment of the early days of his broadcasting career, Ryan added he has “no interest in doing that right now” with respect to taking on a mid-season New York starting gig. Jets head coach Robert Saleh has repeated his confidence in Wilson anyway, so a return to the playing field for Ryan remains unlikely at this point.

SEPTEMBER 24: The Jets have yet to make an addition at the quarterback position in response to Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles tear, with Zach Wilson in place to serve as the team’s starter in his absence. New York has received interest from a pair of notable free agent veterans, though.

Jay Glazer reported on Fox Sports’ pregame show that Carson Wentz and Matt Ryan have reached out to the Jets about a potential deal. Notably, though, he adds the team has not shared their interest in working out an agreement. Both veterans are among the experienced signal-callers available to the Jets, a team which has held talks with free agent passers but has yet to add an outside option.

Ryan was released from the Colts after his one-season Indianapolis tenure proved to be a disappointment. The former MVP has taken a broadcasting gig with CBS, but he has made it clear on multiple occasions he would be interested in another playing opportunity if one presented itself. Ryan’s name has been floated as a potential option for the Jets, but it has not been expected the 38-year-old would find himself in New York’s plans.

Wentz likely represents the top signal-caller still unsigned at the moment, but he has burned through multiple starting opportunities in recent years. After leading the league in interceptions in 2020, the season in which he lost the Eagles No. 1 role to Jalen Hurts, Wentz followed that up with a one-and-done campaign with the Colts. He spent last year with the Commanders, and his Washington release came as no surprise with the decision to move on to Sam Howell in the nation’s capital.

The Jets have been adamant about keeping Wilson atop the depth chart, citing confidence in the former No. 2 pick’s growth this past offseason under Rodgers’ tutelage. Only Tim Boyle remains in place as a backup for the time being, but the team has been linked to the likes of Brett Rypien, Colt McCoy and Chad Henne regarding potential free agent additions. Only the latter two have been contacted by the team so far, but other options are willing to explore a deal if the Jets wish to expand their pool of targets.

NFL Eyeing Games In Spain, Brazil

September 25th, 2023 at 10:18am CST by Adam La Rose

Week 4 will begin the 2023 season’s run of international games in the NFL, with a trio of contests in England and a pair in Germany. The idea of regular season contests in new foreign markets is currently being explored.

The NFL has sent officials to Spain and Brazil to “investigate the possibility” of playing there, per executive vice president Peter O’Reilly. Regular season games could be scheduled as early as 2024, he added, depending on the success of the league’s fact-finding missions and the feasibility of playing games in Madrid, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo, specifically.

“That’s the diligence that we do constantly,” O’Reilly said during an appearance on the Adam Schefter Podcast. “What is the stadium like here? Could we play a game here? What does the support look like? So we’re not there yet in terms of timing on that. But we are spending time in those markets, building relationships and looking at the stadia there.”

In the wake of last year’s debut Germany game, Spain was listed as one of the European markets the league was interested in exploring regarding new hosts. Two teams – the Bears and Dolphins – have international marketing rights there, meaning they would be logical choices to take part in a game played in Spain in the near future. Stadiums being explored as possible host sites include the iconic Santiago Bernabeu, home to Real Madrid.

The Dolphins are the lone NFL team with marketing rights in Brazil, a country which, like Spain, has yet to host a game. Given the success of the league’s expanding international series, though, it would come as no surprise if at least one of the two countries being looked into was granted hosting rights sooner than later. Brazil and Spain are each home to one active NFL player (Bears kicker Cairo Santos and former Eagles draftee JJ Arcega-Whiteside, who is currently unsigned).

“Brazil and Spain are two strong markets and two important markets,” O’Reilly added. “And importantly, there are also markets that clubs are interested in… Marrying where clubs are now building their fan base is important.”

O’Reilly also mentioned Australia is on the league’s radar as a potential destination for regular season games, but logistics on that front represent more of a roadblock than they do for Europe and South America. In the immediate future, attention will soon turn to London and Frankfurt for their role in the 2023 International Series, but new locations for NFL games could soon be in place.

Bengals Split On Joe Burrow Playing At Less Than 100%?

September 24th, 2023 at 8:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

8:30pm: NFL insider Jordan Schultz reports Burrow will, to no surprise, take part in a workout Monday morning to determine his pain level and help determine his availability for the game. All sides remain intent on pushing a final decision all the way until game time with plenty at stake for the Bengals as they look to avoid an 0-3 start.

4:03pm: During Fox Sports’ pregame coverage, Jay Glazer noted that Burrow’s “serious” calf issue limited him to scout team work yesterday. He was, however, able to serve with the first-team offense in a walkthrough earlier today. The extra recovery time granted by the Bengals’ matchup with the Rams coming on a Monday will no doubt play a huge role in Burrow’s ultimate availability, and all eyes will be on his health come tomorrow.

9:58am: Ranking 20th in QBR after two concerning performances, Joe Burrow is questionable for the Bengals’ Super Bowl LVI rematch against the Rams on Monday night. Cincinnati’s star quarterback has logged two limited practices ahead of that suddenly pivotal matchup, but the calf injury he suffered during training camp has clearly left him at less than 100%.

Some among the Bengals want Burrow to hold off on playing at less than 100%, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, but others in the building are concerned about the prospect of dropping to 0-3 and thus would prefer the recently extended standout in the lineup regardless (subscription required).

Burrow is among those taking Cincy’s 0-2 record into account, per the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway. Since the NFL expanded its playoffs to six teams per conference in 1990, only four teams — the 1992 Chargers, 1995 Lions, 1998 Bills and 2018 Texans — have qualified for the postseason after starting 0-3. With the league now at seven teams per conference, that number should be expected to grow. But history certainly points to 0-3 being a barrier the Bengals would have a difficult time negotiating.

The consensus among Burrow’s teammates may not be especially bullish, with ProFootballNetwork.com’s Jay Morrison noting Bengals players expect the fourth-year passer to be inactive for Monday’s game. That said, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport notes Burrow has improved this week, increasing his practice snaps from “just a couple” Friday to more on Saturday. While Burrow has missed the past three preseasons — due to ACL rehab, appendicitis and this calf injury, respectively — he has not missed a regular-season game due to injury since the November 2020 ACL tear cut his rookie year short.

This is expected to go down to the wire Monday, per Russini. The Bengals have Jake Browning in place as their Burrow emergency signal-caller. A 2019 Vikings UDFA, Browning has been with the Bengals since September 2021. He has yet to play in a regular-season game and spent the past two seasons as the third-stringer behind Burrow and Brandon Allen. The 49ers signed Allen in May.

Two quarterbacks — Reid Sinnett and ex-Andy Dalton backup A.J. McCarron — now reside on the Bengals’ practice squad. Sinnett joined the 16-man unit Friday, while McCarron returned Saturday. McCarron, 33, played in the XFL this past season; he has not seen NFL game action since 2020. A summer 2021 ACL tear ended McCarron’s 2021 Falcons season early. McCarron played out his rookie contract with the Bengals from 2014-17.

Jets HC Robert Saleh Endorses Zach Wilson As Starting QB

September 24th, 2023 at 6:27pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets’ offense endured another underwhelming performance on Sunday, but a change under center does not appear to be forthcoming. Head coach Robert Saleh confirmed in his post-game press conference that he is committed to Zach Wilson as the team’s starting quarterback.

Saleh said, via NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, Wilson is the passer “who gives us the best chance to win.” That remark comes after the team publicly endorsed Wilson as their QB1 following Aaron Rodgers‘ season-ending Achilles injury. The Jets have been in contact with a small number of veteran passers, but no additions have been made at this point.

Wilson went 18-of-36 for 157 yards as the Jets lost 15-10 to the Patriots in Week 3. New York’s offense converted just two of 14 third downs, adding to the major struggles the unit has endured with the former No. 2 pick at the controls. Wilson’s poor showings led to his benching midway through the 2022 campaign, and they were a driving factor in the Jets’ pursuit of an upgrade at the QB position this offseason. Calls for another switch will intensify in the wake of another forgettable outing.

Tension on the Jets’ sideline was visible during Sunday’s contest, and many have pointed to the possibility of the team’s locker room fracturing given the struggles of the offense relative to the defense. SNY’s Connor Hughes speculates a shake-up in the form of offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett losing play-calling duties to Todd Downing could be on the horizon if things continue as they have early in the year.

“I feel like I’m in a really good spot as far as my ability and I don’t feel like I’ve been able to put that on display,” reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year Garrett Wilson said after the game, via ESPN’s Rich Cimini. “And that’s for multiple reasons. I don’t know what it may be, but I just know I’m ready.”

Indeed, increased production in the passing game will be required for the Jets to rebound from their lackluster offensive start to 2023. Better health and play along the offensive line – a unit which is without left tackle Duane Brown for the foreseeable future – would no doubt go a long way in helping Wilson or a new face under center moving forward. In any case, the status quo can be expected as the Jets prepare to face the Chiefs in Week 4.

Nick Chubb Diagnosed With MCL Tear; Browns RB Likely Facing Multiple Surgeries

September 24th, 2023 at 5:33pm CST by Adam La Rose

Nick Chubb‘s season-ending knee injury has led some to question his ability to return to football given the nature of the damage seemingly done during the Week 2 Monday night contest. Further testing has indicated the worst-case scenario has been avoided for the Browns back, however.

Testing revealed Chubb suffered an MCL tear in his left knee, as detailed by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Crucially, though, his ACL is believed to be intact. Surgery will likely take place in the coming days, and there is optimism that no further damage in the knee will be discovered during that process.

Presuming that winds up being the case, Schefter adds Chubb will be facing a 6-8 month recovery timeframe. Given how early in the season the injury occurred, that timetable could put him in line to return to action by the start of next season, a relatively encouraging development considering the nature in which he departed Cleveland’s loss to the Steelers.

On the other hand, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes Chubb will likely require two surgeries to addresses the damage done to his knee (something which is common practice in cases such as his). A full ACL reconstruction may be required, though determining whether that is the case or not will take place during the first procedure. Plenty thus remains to be seen regarding the extent of Chubb’s injury and the specifics of his rehab process to come.

With the four-time Pro Bowler sidelined, Cleveland turned to 2022 fifth-rounder Jerome Ford as the team’s new lead back. That decision came with the knowledge a backfield addition of some kind would be made, and the Browns made the unsurprising move of reuniting with Kareem Hunt earlier this week. The tandem logged 19 total touches in Sunday’s lopsided win over the Titans, with Ford scoring a pair of touchdowns.

Notably, Schefter adds that the Browns – named as a suitor for Cam Akers, who was ultimately dealt to the Vikings – also considering poaching Bam Knight off the Lions’ practice squad. The latter was added to Detroit’s active roster earlier this week with David Montgomery suffering an injury, but he would have added a depth presence to the Browns’ backfield had the team enticed him to head to Cleveland. In the end, though, Hunt is back for a fifth campaign with his hometown team while all parties move forward in Chubb’s absence.

Latest On Colts, Jonathan Taylor

September 24th, 2023 at 3:16pm CST by Adam La Rose

One more week remains until Jonathan Taylor will be eligible to be activated from the PUP list. Plenty remains to be seen what will happen next for the Colts running back, but the chances of a trade appear to be dwindling.

The Colts have explored a deal sending the 24-year-old elsewhere, something which would be difficult to sort out given the price required in a trade and a subsequent extension handed out by an acquiring team. Indianapolis was originally thought to be seeking a first-round pick (or a package of draft capital with equal value), but that may no longer be the case. A report from earlier this week indicated a lesser asking price might be sufficient to get a deal done.

In spite of that, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reports it is increasingly likely Taylor remains with the Colts. He notes executives around the league doubt that Indianapolis has ever truly intended to move on from the 2021 rushing champion, whose PUP designation came amidst speculation his ankle injury is not serious enough to keep him out of game action. A few teams have been brought up in Taylor trade negotiations, but at least one of them (the Packers) is no longer interested in a swap.

The first few weeks of the NFL season has seen several major injuries at the running back spot, including J.K. Dobbins and Nick Chubb being lost for the year due to Achilles and knee injuries, respectively. As Jones notes, those examples of the injury risk the position is marked with “have not helped” Taylor’s market. The Ravens and Browns have looked elsewhere for depth options (reuniting with Kenyan Drake and Kareem Hunt) in lieu of a Taylor trade. The Bears, Jones adds, never emerged as an interested party.

With few obvious suitors in place at this point, the likeliest outcome in this situation is that Taylor remains with the Colts through Week 4, when he will first be eligible to be activated. As Jones notes, though, the true calendar point to watch in Taylor’s case will be the Oct. 31 trade deadline. Taylor must play six total games (with the Colts and/or another team) in 2023 to accrue another year toward free agency. He is on the final year of his rookie pact, meaning the franchise tag looms as a viable option for 2024 from the Colts’ perspective.

General manager Chris Ballard has publicly expressed optimism the team’s relationship with Taylor can be repaired. With a trade still Taylor’s preference, per Jones, it will be worth watching how active Indianapolis is in working out a potential deal. For the time being, though, it seems unlikely Taylor will be on the move in the immediate future.

Latest On Bears DC Alan Williams’ Resignation

September 24th, 2023 at 12:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bears had a tumultuous week in preparation of their Week 3 contest today, including the sudden resignation of defensive coordinator Alan Williams. Plenty of speculation has emerged regarding why that took place, and specifics on that front remain elusive at this point.

Williams cited personal health as the reason for his absence in Week 2, which was quickly followed by his decision to resign his post. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Williams engaged in “inappropriate activity,” which was part of the cause of his tenure coming to an end, though he adds the 53-year-old was not involved in any criminal activities.

The Bears’ human resource department was involved in the resignation process, Schefter adds, and a digital forensic search was conducted in line with standard procedure. Head coach Matt Eberflus has publicly cited Williams’ privacy when addressing the latter’s departure, and subsequent reports have attempted to pour cold water on online speculation naming Williams as the target of an FBI raid at his home. Eberflus – who will retain defensive play-calling duties for the rest of the season – recently spoke about his and the Bears’ collective response to the sudden news.

“I said, ‘hey all those rumors and stuff going on right now, that crazy stuff, none of that is true,'” he said while informing players on a position-by-position basis of the situation. “‘Alan is resigning,’ and I said, ‘We’ll be keeping all the same responsibilities on defense and I’ll be calling the plays on game day. Any questions?’ It was better that way, with fewer people in the room. It took me more time, but that’s the way I wanted to do it” (h/t Ian Rapoport of NFL Network).

Questions will no doubt continue to be asked regarding Williams’ specific actions and their role in his decision to step aside. For the time being, though, the Bears will move forward with an otherwise-intact coaching staff in place as they look to rebound from an 0-2 start. With a matchup against the Chiefs on tap today, though, they will be hard-pressed to enter the win column for the first time this season. In any event, improvement on Chicago’s 31st ranking in scoring defense will be welcomed.

Chargers Make J.C. Jackson Healthy Scratch

September 24th, 2023 at 10:48am CST by Sam Robinson

J.C. Jackson represented a central part of Brandon Staley‘s 2022 defensive overhaul, coming over from New England as one of last year’s top free agents. The ex-Patriots standout, however, has not displayed the same form with the Chargers.

Returning from a ruptured patellar tendon, Jackson has not enjoyed a full-time role to start his second Bolts season. The team has now taken the surprising step to make Jackson a healthy scratch for Week 3. The former UDFA signed a five-year, $82.5MM deal with the Chargers. That contract included $40MM fully guaranteed.

The sixth-year corner has lined up on 64% of the Chargers’ defensive plays in two games. Pro-Football-Reference’s coverage metrics, albeit in a small sample size, chart Jackson as performing better than he did in his first Bolts season. Jackson has allowed just a 46.2% completion rate as the closest defender and a 72.0 passer rating. Those numbers are well down from a disappointing 2022, when Jackson yielded a 66.7% completion rate and a ghastly 149.3 passer rating. Pro Football Focus, however, ranks Jackson 85th among cornerbacks to start this season.

While Jackson did make his return from knee surgery and was not on Los Angeles’ injury report this week, Staley said recently (via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper) the well-paid corner is still ramping up to full usage. While a deactivation without an injury designation is certainly notable, it will be interesting to hear if Staley views this as a long-term move or if it relates to his recovery. The Bolts deactivating their highest-paid corner in what looms as a potential must-win game — after an 0-2 start and as the team prepares to face arguably the game’s top wideout (Justin Jefferson) — points to issues with Jackson’s performance.

The Chargers have Michael Davis and Asante Samuel Jr. as their other top cornerback investments. Samuel, a 2021 second-round pick, has played both inside and outside for the Bolts. He won the competition to be the team’s slot cornerback in training camp, but Staley has confirmed Ja’Sir Taylor — said competition’s initial loser — will be playing there for the foreseeable future. On the outside, Staley said Davis, Samuel and Jackson will compete for playing time. With Jackson out, however, Davis and Samuel should be expected to be the Chargers’ outside CBs today.

L.A.’s secondary has struggled this season, allowing Tua Tagovailoa to go off for 466 yards in Week 1 and Ryan Tannehill to deliver a bounce-back effort — complete with 70- and 49-yard completions — in Week 2. The temperature on Staley’s seat will increase with a loss in Minnesota, and the third-year HC is shaking up his CB corps. Deane Leonard, a 2022 seventh-round pick, is the only other corner on the Bolts’ active roster.

Jets Place LT Duane Brown On IR

September 24th, 2023 at 10:37am CST by Adam La Rose

SEPTEMBER 24: Saleh’s comment about Becton’s position switch notwithstanding, SNY’s Connor Hughes reports it will be Becton taking over at left tackle. Right guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is shifting back to right tackle — a rumored move during training camp — and second-round pick Joe Tippmann is moving into the starting lineup at right guard.

The Jets had preferred to keep Vera-Tucker at guard, but the team’s long-running tackle problems will bring the 2021 first-rounder back to tackle. Becton spent the offseason insisting he would return to left tackle, his position as a rookie back in 2020. Becton criticized the Jets shifting him to right tackle last year but has been back at that post since midway through camp. This will be Becton’s first regular-season left tackle work since Week 1 of the 2021 season.

SEPTEMBER 23: Zach Wilson‘s second start in 2023 will come without the Jets’ starting blindside blocker in place. Left tackle Duane Brown has been ruled out for Week 3, per a team announcement.

The Jets have since placed Brown on IR, meaning he will miss at least the next four weeks. New York’s plan at the blindside will become increasingly important with Brown’s replacement(s) now tasked with filling in on a medium-term basis.

Brown has been dealing with hip a injury, and the ailment kept him out of practice this week. In spite of that, head coach Robert Saleh had expressed optimism Brown would be able to suit up on Sunday against the Patriots. Now that the team will be shorthanded up front, questions have been raised regarding who will fill in at the left tackle spot, with Mekhi Becton representing an option.

Pointing toward a right-to-left tackle switch being unlikely, however, Saleh said “[Becton’s] been practicing a certain way this entire week, so to move him at the last second would be irresponsible on our part” (h/t ESPN’s Rich Cimini).

Becton was moved to right tackle on a permanent basis this offseason after tensions over his usage last year came to a (rather public) head. After dealing with a litany of injury issues, the former first-rounder has been able to play every snap so far, though, an accomplishment in its own regard considering the missed time which has dominated his Jets tenure. Given Saleh’s expectation Brown would play tomorrow, it would indeed come as a surprise if the team elected to shift Becton to the blindside (where he was originally drafted to play) on short notice.

Presuming the Jets keep Becton at the RT spot, Billy Turner could find himself in the starting lineup tomorrow. The latter has 75 starts to his name, including seven last year with the Broncos. One of several players with ties to quarterback Aaron Rodgers and offensive coordinator Nathaniel Hackett, Turner was brought in on a one-year deal to provide experienced tackle depth given the team’s uncertainty up front.

Turner last saw time at left tackle in 2020, though, so an adjustment period would be needed if he were to be called upon to man the blindside tomorrow. Likewise, swingman Max Mitchell‘s only time last season came at right tackle, so using him at the LT spot would mark a new endeavor for him. In any event, it will interesting to see how the Jets proceed along the O-line as they look to protect Wilson during his time at the helm.

Saints, Carl Granderson Agree To Extension

September 23rd, 2023 at 8:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

8:35pm: Per PFF’s Brad Spielberger, Granderson will receive an $11MM signing bonus, and his 2023 and ’24 compensation is guaranteed at signing. His salary in 2025 ($7.73MM) will become guaranteed on the third day of the 2024 league year, and the same holds true the following year for $5.44MM of his 2026 compensation.

Annual sack incentives are also present in the deal, beginning at $500K for 12 sacks up maxing out at $2MM for 15. The Saints will save $200K in 2023 cap space with this extension, and Granderson’s cap hits after this year will range between $9.93MM and $14.95MM. With his new pact in place, he is now the highest-paid former UDFA (in terms of guaranteed money) amongst defensive linemen.

1:27pm: In a year in which they have ensured Cameron Jordan will remain in place for the foreseeable future, the Saints have done the same with fellow edge rusher Carl Granderson. The latter agreed to terms on a four-year extension Saturday, reports Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter adds that Granderson will receive $52MM on this new deal. $35.3MM is guaranteed, making this quite the pay raise for the former undrafted free agent. Granderson was playing on the final year of his current contract, so he will now be on the books through the 2027 campaign, with this new pact taking the place of a void year in 2024.

The 26-year-old played sparingly during his first two Saints campaigns, but he has seen an uptick in playing time with each passing season. Granderson recorded five sacks in 2020, then set a new career high last year with 5.5. He also notched a new personal benchmark in tackles (53) and PFF grade (80.4) in 2022. That made his second New Orleans pact – a two-year, $5.63MM extension signed last March – seem like a bargain.

With Marcus Davenport having departed in free agency, a starting defensive end spot opposite Jordan was available this summer. Rather than former first-rounder Payton Turner, it was Granderson who got the nod for a first-team role on a full-time basis for the first time in his career. The latter has not disappointed to date, having racked up 2.5 sacks and seven QB pressures over the first two weeks of the season. He is currently PFF’s seventh-highest graded edge rusher in 2023.

Jordan and the Saints made it very clear during the offseason that they would work out a deal putting any speculation about his future to rest. They ultimately did just that in August, agreeing on a fully-guaranteed pact worth $27.5MM which will take him through 2025. The Jordan-Granderson pairing is now in place for the foreseeable future given today’s news.

With Turner currently sidelined with a turf toe injury, New Orleans has had to lean heavily on Jordan and Granderson as every-down rushers. They have shouldered the load effectively to date, with the Saints’ defense having led the team to a 2-0 start. With a $13MM-per-year deal now in place, Granderson (who has earned just over $3.2MM in the NFL to date) can carry on his encouraging start to the campaign with his long-term future having been taken care of in emphatic fashion.

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