HEADLINES

Year: 2023

Colts Did Not Receive Jonathan Taylor Trade Offers

October 9th, 2023 at 9:41am CST by Adam La Rose

Week 5 saw the return of Jonathan Taylor to the Colts’ lineup, after he agreed to a three-year extension over the weekend. That deal marked an end to the questions surrounding his future in Indianapolis, and confirmed a lack of interest on the part of other teams with respect to acquiring him.

Taylor’s trade request – borne out of the team’s decision not to engage in extension talks – was initially denied, but in time the 2021 rushing champion was allowed to seek out a deal sending him elsewhere. The teams most closely linked with Taylor were the Dolphins and Packers, both of which were reported to be willing to pay him at or near the top of the market. That ended up being the case for the former second-rounder, but his $42MM pact came from Indianapolis after trade talks slowed down.

As The Athletic’s Dianna Russini confirms, the Colts did not receive any firm offers or engage in “serious conversations” regarding a potential Taylor swap (subscription required). Indianapolis was believed to have included wideouts Jaylen Waddle and Christian Watson in their asking price for hypothetical deals with Miami and Green Bay, respectively. To no surprise, those players proved to be non-starters. Another factor which represented a barrier to a deal getting done, of course, was Taylor’s contract status.

2023 marks the final year of the Wisconsin alum’s rookie contract, meaning he would have needed to be franchise tagged or signed to a multi-year extension by an acquiring team to justify sending draft capital to the Colts to finalize a trade. Indianapolis initially set the price at a first-round pick (or a package of similar value), but that later came down as the relationship between team and player seemed to be beyond saving. Instead, Taylor’s return to practice paved the way for a warming of relations and an agreement being struck which will seem him earn $26.5MM in guaranteed money. Russini notes that the commitment required on a new deal, rather than the cost of a trade, was the main roadblock to a swap being worked out.

With Taylor having secured the third-highest AAV ($14MM) amongst running backs, it will be interesting to see if the position’s market can rebound in the coming free agent period after seeing its downward trend continue in 2023. With a long list of notable names on expiring contracts, though, it would come as a surprise if teams spent considerable resources at the RB spot, as their aversion to acquiring Taylor illustrated.

Colts QB Anthony Richardson Suffers Injury To Throwing Shoulder

October 9th, 2023 at 8:50am CST by Ely Allen

OCTOBER 9: Pelissero’s colleague Ian Rapoport reports that Richardson’s injury is indeed believed to be a Grade 3 AC joint sprain, which would come with a recovery timeline of several weeks. Confirmation of that diagnosis via further testing could open the door to an IR stint, a move which would guarantee at least a four-week absence.

Josina Anderson of CBS Sports adds that Richardson is currently seeking three opinions on the injury to determine his next course of action, which could include surgery. Much will depend on the particulars of his sprain, which has seen some quarterbacks briefly sidelined while, most recently, Saints passer Derek Carr managed to avoid missing any time with a similar (albeit seemingly less severe) ailment. In any event, Minshew should be expected to handle starting duties for the time being.

OCTOBER 8: Colts quarterback Anthony Richardson‘s rookie season continues its rocky progression. The rocky start isn’t necessarily reflective of his performance on the field, but it’s more so reflective of his inability to stay on the field. In today’s win over the division-rival Titans, Richardson was forced to leave a game for the second time in the first five weeks of his rookie year, this time due to an injury to his throwing shoulder.

After losing in his NFL debut, Richardson was forced to exit the second game of his career due to a concussion. He remained in concussion protocols going into a Week 3 matchup with the Ravens, so Indianapolis was forced to rely on Gardner Minshew.

Today, Richardson was forced to leave the game late in the second quarter after suffering a shoulder injury on a rush he kept for himself. Once again, Minshew was able to come into the game in relief of Richardson and help lead the team to victory.

Despite the fact that the Colts have won every game Minshew has played meaningful snaps in, the team renewed their confidence that Richardson was their quarterback moving forward. That likely remains the stance in Indy, as they appreciate the play they get from Richardson, but if the rookie continues to miss time this season, they’ll be thankful to have one of the league’s better backup quarterbacks in their clubhouse.

According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, the initial diagnosis of Richardson’s newest injury is an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder. He was in a lot of pain after sustaining the injury, and one has to imagine that pain will keep him from being able perform as a starting passer if the injury is persistent. X-rays taken in the locker room were negative for any breaks or fractures in his shoulder.

In order to determine the severity and exact diagnosis of his shoulder sprain, Richardson went directly to the hospital to get an MRI on the area of injury, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini. The results of the scan are expected to be made public later tonight, revealing just what the situation will be for the Colts at quarterback in the near future. If Richardson is forced to miss more time, Minshew will continue to play in his place.

Raiders Eyeing Edge Rush Addition

October 8th, 2023 at 10:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

Having moved on from Chandler Jones, the Raiders are without a projected starter amongst their edge rush contingent. The team is eyeing a replacement for at least the remainder of the season.

[RELATED: Davante Adams Not Expected To Request Trade]

Jones was inactive throughout the beginning of the campaign as his off-field situation spiraled quickly. After the four-time Pro Bowler was arrested, though, Vegas made the expected move of releasing him. The Raiders still have Maxx Crosby in place as their pass-rushing anchor, but a new veteran presence would be welcomed. The team is eyeing a trade acquisition in that regard, Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required).

Russini adds that Vegas has been active contacting teams for a potential addition, and that a player-for-player swap would be preferred. That comes as little surprise, as the 1-3 outfit would be well-suited to retain as much of its draft capital as possible. The Raiders might not be prepared to pay a signficant price in a rental move, Russini notes.

Crosby has posted a team-leading four sacks this year, but no other Raider has recorded more than one, and no other edge rusher has any. Collectively, Vegas’ total of seven ranks just 26th in the league, proving the need for reinforcements along the edge. Given the fact any move would likely involve a player on an expiring deal being acquired, a relatively small addition would likely be involved. A starting-caliber arrival would, on the other hand, allow first-round rookie Tyree Wilson to continue operating in a rotational role.

The No. 7 pick in April’s draft was originally ticketed for a part-time workload behind Crosby and Jones, but the latter’s departure altered those plans. Wilson has logged a 41% snap share through four games, and he has yet to register a sack or QB pressure. Providing a veteran insurance policy would be a welcomed move for his development, but it will be interesting to see how interested teams are with respect to moving on from a depth member of their own edge rush group.

The Raiders currently have just under $11MM in cap space, which puts them in better financial shape than most teams around the league. While their record would suggest a seller’s status, their interest in making at least one addition before the October 31 trade deadline will be an interesting story to follow.

Latest On Panthers’ Trade Deadline Plans, Bryce Young’s Struggles

October 8th, 2023 at 10:06pm CST by Rory Parks

Reports over the past week have suggested that the Panthers are seeking to add not just a wide receiver, but a top-flight wide receiver, which they believe will accelerate rookie quarterback Bryce Young‘s development. Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) echoed those reports today, writing that Carolina has placed calls to other teams and has inquired on wideouts and players at “other positions” (including, perhaps, safeties).

Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports offers something of a contradictory report and says that the team has no interest in trading “legitimate” draft capital. After all, the Panthers do not presently have a first-round pick in 2024 thanks to the offseason trade that netted them the first overall pick of the 2023 draft and allowed them to select Young, and they are not just one wideout away from being a championship contender. But even if a team were inclined to trade an elite receiver at the deadline — and such deals are usually consummated during the offseason — it would be difficult to imagine that happening unless Carolina parts with high-end draft picks.

Some sort of player package could theoretically allow GM Scott Fitterer to acquire a wideout without a major sacrifice of draft capital, though the only players that would likely intrigue a club looking to move a Pro Bowl-caliber receiver are foundational players that Fitterer would presumably want to keep. Russini does note that the Panthers have told other teams they are not looking to sell — i.e. trade players for picks — at the October 31 trade deadline, so as of right now, it could be that only minor transactions are on the horizon for Carolina.

The 0-5 outfit is the only winless club left in the league, but as ESPN’s David Newton writes, head coach Frank Reich is not panicking.

“It’s terrible we’re 0-4,” Reich said this week. “It’s terrible that we haven’t had more success on offense for [Young] to feel that a little bit more. But I really believe and know that’s coming. There will be stuff that we gain, that he gains, that going through this difficulty, the mental toughness and the grit, fighting through that will pay dividends later.”

To that end, the team is trying to simplify matters for Young, as Jones reports. Between Reich, offensive coordinator Thomas Brown, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown, and senior offensive assistant Jim Caldwell, there are a number of well-respected minds on the staff, but there may be too many voices in Young’s ear.

While Young’s intelligence and processing ability are attributes that convinced the Panthers to draft him, those same attributes may also be holding him back right now. He absorbs and tries to put into action all of the input he receieves from the staff, and according to Jones, that “information overload” has contributed to Young’s disappointing start to his pro career.

It makes sense that a simpler, more streamlined offense would be beneficial for any rookie passer, regardless of that player’s mental acuity. It is unclear what that means for Carolina’s short-term gameplans, but we may see it in action today, as the Panthers try to secure their first victory of the season.

AFC North Notes: Burrow, Lamar, Ravens

October 8th, 2023 at 9:51pm CST by Ely Allen

Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow took a big step towards a return to normalcy with a strong performance in today’s win over the Cardinals. Still, he is not back to 100 percent and, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic, he’s likely still a few weeks away from that.

Cincinnati has been working with the understanding that Burrow’s calf injury is continually improving with time, as long as he doesn’t tweak it, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. They’re risking reinjury by continuing to put him on the field, but they aren’t hindering his recovery, and they likely feel his presence, even if not fully healthy, is more impactful than the QB2, Jake Browning‘s.

With one more game standing between them and a bye week, the Bengals will be counting on Burrow to avoid reaggravating his calf for one more week in order to get to a two-week rest that should really help him get back to full-strength.

Here are a few other rumors from around the AFC North, starting with another injured Bengal:

  • Cincinnati rookie return man Charlie Jones was placed on injured reserve a little over a week ago after sustaining a thumb injury. Jones underwent surgery a few days ago, per Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network, and expects to make a return as soon as he is eligible after the four-week period. This should put Jones back on the active roster in time for the team’s Week 9 matchup against the Bills.
  • Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has remained healthy through five weeks this season, but it sounds like Baltimore isn’t taking any chances. According to Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, head coach John Harbaugh reiterated that the team is committed to keeping three quarterbacks on their roster. With the injuries in recent years to Jackson, and subsequently to the backup quarterbacks, having multiple backup options has likely become a necessity.
  • Baltimore long snapper Nick Moore was set to play out a contract year in 2023 before suffering a torn Achilles tendon in offseason training. Since Moore will be spending the entire season on the team’s reserve/non-football injury list, the Ravens decided to sign him to a one-year extension, pushing his free agency until after the 2024 season.

NFC Injury Updates: Zavala, Jefferson, Jones

October 8th, 2023 at 8:43pm CST by Ely Allen

The Panthers experienced a scare when starting left guard Chandler Zavala collapsed on the field and remained facedown after experiencing a neck injury in today’s loss to the Lions. The team’s medical staff placed him on a backboard, and as he was carted off the field, Zavala gave the stadium a thumbs-up.

The rookie fourth-round starter was taken immediately to a hospital where he was alert, responsive, and had movement in all his extremities. He underwent several tests, all of which came back well, was released from the hospital, and rejoined his teammates at the airport to return to Charlotte with the team, according to Panthers staff writer Darin Gantt.

In Zavala’s absence, second-year guard Cade Mays finished out the game at left guard. If Zavala’s neck injury forces him to miss any additional time, Mays will likely have an opportunity to prove his worth as a consistent starter after only starting two games his rookie year.

Here are a few other injury updates from today:

  • Early in the fourth quarter of today’s loss to the Dolphins, Giants quarterback Daniel Jones was knocked out of the game with a neck injury. This was cause for concern in New York, knowing that Jones missed the final six weeks of the 2021 season with a neck injury. While not an official diagnosis, head coach Brian Daboll relayed that Jones had told him after the game that he would be okay, per Dan Duggan of The Athletic. ESPN’s Jordan Raanan informed that Jones had negative X-rays at the stadium and would undergo an MRI tomorrow for an accurate diagnosis.
  • Late in the Vikings loss to the Chiefs, star wide receiver Justin Jefferson exited the game with a hamstring injury after slipping on the field. After what appeared to be a pep talk with his young wideout, head coach Kevin O’Connell told the media that it’s “still very early” to establish a timeline for Jefferson’s return, according to Kevin Seifert of ESPN, seemingly putting some doubt on the All-Pro’s status moving forward.

AFC East Rumors: Jones, Jackson, Jets

October 8th, 2023 at 7:57pm CST by Ely Allen

The NFL’s franchise in New England had been spoiled with their consistency at the quarterback position over the 20-year reign of Tom Brady. This season, though, many are wondering if Brady’s eventual successor, Mac Jones, has what it takes to retain his seat atop the depth chart. According to several different sources, his starting job as the Patriots‘ quarterback is safe for now.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network was the first to report this morning that the Patriots would be sticking with Jones at quarterback for today’s game against the Saints and that “no change was imminent.” He did mention that second-year quarterback Bailey Zappe, who got about a quarter of the team’s offensive snaps is last week’s blowout loss to the Cowboys, got more practice snaps than usual throughout the week.

Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated detailed that a lot of the struggles seen with Jones last week were things that have been noticed at practice in New England. He asserts that Jones still has a bit of leeway with the coaching staff, but Jones is going to need to remedy those issues in order to keep it that way.

Even after another blowout loss today that saw Jones pulled from the game in the fourth quarter, head coach Bill Belichick confirmed that Jones will remain the team’s starter, according to Josh Alper of NBC Sports. Belichick reportedly said that “the team will be ‘starting over’ as they move toward next Sunday’s game against the Raiders, but the new start won’t include a new” starter.

Here are a few other rumors out of the AFC East, starting with a new familiar face who recently returned to Massachusetts:

  • Recent trade acquisition from the Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson was once a prized free agent addition in Los Angeles after his original stint with the Patriots. But things this year deteriorated to the point that Jackson, who was a healthy scratch for the Chargers in Week 3, was asked to enter the game to fill in for an injured Michael Davis, and he refused to do so, per a joint report from Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Jackson, who had already sustained a serious injury during his time in Los Angeles, knew he had no future with the team and didn’t feel comfortable risking further injury. Additionally, the arrest warrant issued for Jackson in late September for reckless driving has reportedly been lifted, according to David Linton of The Sun Chronicle. Jackson paid the fine and agreed to probation in order to avoid arrest.
  • Along with Aaron Rodgers‘ former Green Bay teammates, wide receiver Mecole Hardman was considered a big addition to the Jets‘ receiving corps in the offseason. And despite his once prominent role on the perennial contender in Kansas City, Hardman has been a non-factor in the first five weeks of the season, including his status as a healthy scratch today. Hardman voiced his frustration to ESPN’s Rich Cimini saying, “I’m probably the best in the league in space. Maybe (the coaches) see something different. I’m just waiting for the opportunity to present itself. I think when I was in K.C., I proved that I was probably the most dangerous guy on the jet sweep, or whether it be on the end-around or on the screen, I think I proved year-out that I was that guy you had to worry about doing that.”
  • Sticking with the Jets, many expected a change to the composition of the quarterbacks room coming into the week. Cimini relayed head coach Robert Saleh‘s assessment that the room was “status quo” today. Tim Boyle remained as Zach Wilson‘s primary backup, while Trevor Siemian stayed down on the practice squad today.

Latest On NFL’s International Series

October 8th, 2023 at 1:44pm CST by Adam La Rose

Week 5 saw the Jaguars play their second straight game in London as a continuation of this year’s NFL International Series. As the league continues to stage regular season contests overseas and explore new markets, the possibility remains that games played in foreign locations becomes a regular fixture for all teams.

With a 17-game schedule in place, many have pointed to an arrangement being made down the road in which teams play eight games at home and on the road, along with one international contest. Expansion or relocation seeing a full-time team established in London – or even an all-European division – remains on the NFL’s radar, but for the time being a likelier scenario would see all teams playing a single contest per season outside of the U.S.

“I think both or either of those paths… is in the realm of possibility,” NFL EVP Peter O’Reilly said when asked about further additions to the international schedule. “And I think it just is a testament to what we’re seeing in these markets. The passionate fan response. The great partnerships with stadiums and government officials in these markets. So, that’s why we’re doing this diligence around the opportunity to potentially expand number of games played or have the capacity and the infrastructure in place if there were a scenario in the future where there was potential relocation or as discussed maybe even expansion” (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).

2023 will see one more game played in London, followed by two in Germany. An increase in overseas games would, of course, require new markets in future seasons. As O’Reilly recently noted, the league has conducted fact-finding missions in Spain and Brazil to explore the possibility of playing games there. The Dolphins have marketing rights in both countries, while the same is true of the Bears in Spain. Other potential sites are under consideration as well, though.

O’Reilly also mentioned (via Mark Maske of the Washington Post) France and Australia as hypothetical locations for NFL games. Logistics in the latter country in particular would be a notable challenge to overcome, and no league officials have been sent to conduct due diligence as of yet. If the NFL remains intent on making international contests an annual staple for all teams, however, it will be worth watching how aggressive the league is in the future with respect to finding new foreign markets.

Broncos’ Frank Clark Generating Trade Interest; Team Not Inclined To Trade Offensive Talent

October 8th, 2023 at 10:33am CST by Rory Parks

We heard just last week that the 1-3 Broncos are not planning to be early sellers in advance of the October 31 trade deadline. Naturally, the team’s decision-making will be impacted quite a bit by how it fares over the next several weeks, and as ESPN’s Adam Schefter writes, Denver has received calls about a number of players on the roster and could be an active participant in deadline activity.

Specifically, the Broncos are willing to listen to offers for any defensive player, according to sources around the league. The team just dealt edge defender Randy Gregory to the 49ers for a minimal return, and fellow pass rusher Frank Clark could be next. Per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com, Clark has drawn interest from rival teams, and if he performs well in the coming weeks, that interest will only increase.

Clark was released by the Chiefs prior to the opening of free agency in March, and after he lingered for a couple of months on the open market, he and the Broncos agreed to a one-year contract in June. The plan was for Clark and Gregory to spearhead the Denver pass rush, but as has been the case for most aspects of Sean Payton‘s Mile High tenure thus far, things have not gone according to plan.

Gregory played in just six games in 2022, his first season in Denver, and his lack of effort in the club’s historic drubbing at the hands of the Dolphins in Week 3 of the current campaign led to his losing his starting job for the Broncos’ Week 4 tilt with the Bears (although he entered that game in the second defensive series and ultimately played nearly half of the defensive snaps). Pro Football Focus has Gregory graded as a bottom-10 edge defender through the first four games of the year, and the Broncos needed to eat nearly all of his 2023 salary just to coax a late-round pick swap in 2024 out of San Francisco.

Clark, meanwhile, played in the Broncos’ season-opening loss to the Raiders but suffered a partial abductor tear in practice several days later. He is expected to be back on the field for Denver’s bout with the Jets today, which could be an audition of sorts for potential trade partners. Most of Clark’s compensation came in the form of a signing bonus, so an acquiring team would be on the hook for only the remaining portion of his $1.21MM base salary.

Wide receivers Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy have generated trade interest in the past several years, and Schefter expects teams to again inquire on both players as October rolls along. Likewise, Armando Salguero of Outkick.com hears that GM George Paton has fielded calls from clubs that believe Denver could be in sell mode, with those calls focusing on Clark, Sutton, Jeudy, and LT Garett Bolles. Quarterback Russell Wilson has not been the subject of any trade inquiries.

Dianna Russini of The Athletic (subscription required) reports that the Broncos are not looking to move any of their offensive talent at present. As the team currently ranks last in both total defense and points allowed, it makes sense that Paton would be more inclined to move defensive pieces.

Steelers OC Matt Canada, Saints OC Pete Carmichael Could Be On Hot Seat

October 8th, 2023 at 9:24am CST by Rory Parks

Last month, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin addressed offensive coordinator Matt Canada‘s job status and noted that he would not make a “knee-jerk reaction” with respect to Canada’s position. Given that the Steelers generally refrain from making a major coaching move during the season, and since Canada was retained for 2023 to offer some continuity for second-year quarterback Kenny Pickett, it seemed reasonable to expect that the OC would at least finish out the year in Pittsburgh.

However, that may not be the case. While Tomlin again said several days ago that he would not be making a change “at this juncture,” sources close to the situation tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com that Canada could find himself on the hot seat if Pittsburgh’s offensive output does not improve.

Based on the offense’s performance under Canada to date, it is difficult to forecast such improvement. Since getting promoted from quarterbacks coach to offensive coordinator in 2021, Canada has been unable to coax much production out of his unit. The Steelers dropped from 22nd in points scored in 2021 to 24th in 2022, and while they jumped from 25th to 19th in total yards, the passing offense took a major step back.

Of course, there are always going to be growing pains with a young passer like Pickett. Nonetheless, it is easy to understand why the Steelers faithful are frustrated and have taken to gracing their team with “Fire Canada” chants. Pittsburgh presently ranks 29th in total offense, is averaging just 15.5 points per game, and is one of four teams that have scored fewer than ten points in multiple games in 2023. As a result, Canada could soon find himself on the wrong side of Steelers history; the last time the team made a significant in-season coaching shakeup was in 1998, when then-HC Bill Cowher removed then-OC Ray Sherman’s play-calling duties.

Like the Steelers, the Saints are averaging just 15.5 points per game, and according to Rapoport, offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael is not necessarily a safe bet to make it through the end of the season. In fairness, New Orleans was 2-0 and was leading its Week 3 contest against the Packers 17-0 when a shoulder injury forced quarterback Derek Carr out of that game, which the team ultimately lost by an 18-17 score. Then, the Saints dropped a 26-9 decision to the Bucs in Week 4 while deploying a less-than-healthy Carr under center.

Still, even the Saints’ victories and near-victories have been earned largely on the strength of the defense, and they are just one of three teams that have scored fewer than 20 points in every game this season. Carmichael, a longtime Sean Payton lieutenant, has been New Orleans’ OC since 2009, so it would be somewhat jarring to see someone else in that role. But while HC Dennis Allen noted on October 2 that it was too soon to make a staff change, it sounds as if a change could be in the offing if there is no substantial improvement.

Load More Posts