Bills DT Poona Ford Unhappy With Limited Playing Time
The Bills’ offseason acquisition of Poona Ford appeared to give them experienced depth along the defensive line. The veteran has played sparingly this year, however, and his lack of usage is understandably not sitting well. 
Ford inked a one-year deal with Buffalo in May. The pact contained $1.5MM in guaranteed compensation but a maximum value of $3.25MM based on playing time and sack incentives. The 28-year-old appeared to be set up for a rotational role, but instead he has been a healthy scratch five times this season. Ford’s snap share sits at 32%, by far the lowest of his career since his rookie campaign.
“I don’t know, it’s just been weird for me,” the former Seahawk said, via Jay Skurski of the Buffalo News. “This isn’t what I was expecting coming here… I thought I was going to be able to contribute and help this team win.”
Over the course of a five-year stint in Seattle, Ford made 81 appearances, including 64 starts. He proved to be a consistent producer, racking up between 32 and 53 tackles each season between 2019-22. He collected 7.5 sacks during that span, demonstrating an ability to chip in as a pass rusher as well. In his limited playing time this season, however, Ford has recorded just seven tackles and a pair of quarterback pressures.
Buffalo added veteran Linval Joseph last month, and he has established himself as a contributor along the D-line. Joseph, along with Ed Oliver, Jordan Phillips and Tim Settle, are in place atop the depth chart for the Bills. Injuries to one or more members of that quartet will likely be needed for Ford to receive an extended look, although the team’s coaching staff has expressed support for his professionalism in handling the situation.
Given how the season has shaken out so far, it would come as no surprise if Ford were to depart Buffalo in free agency this spring. His market value will take a hit given his lack of production, but it could receive a boost if circumstances were to change for him late in the campaign.
Browns HC Kevin Stefanski, GM Andrew Berry Not In Danger Of Being Fired
The 2023 season has not gone according to plan for the Browns from an injury perspective, but the team is in a playoff spot entering Week 13. As a result, the job security for head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry is not a talking point. 
Both entered the season with considerable expectations given the strength of Cleveland’s roster, and the annual regression in the win-loss department which had taken place during their three-year tenures. However, season-ending injuries to the likes of running back Nick Chubb and, more recently, quarterback Deshaun Watson have not prevented a 7-4 start and the strong chance of a postseason berth. The team’s success so far has chased away the possibility of a change on the sideline or in the front office.
Both Stefanski and Berry are “here to stay,” Dianna Russini of The Athletic reports (subscription required). The former earned Coach of the Year honors in 2020 after leading the team to a record of 11-5 and making it to the divisional round of the playoffs. A step back to 8-9 followed, though, along with a 7-10 mark in 2022, the first year with Watson at the helm (though his suspension delayed his Browns debut until Week 12 during that campaign). That regression led some to believe the heat could quickly increase on the Stefanski-Berry regime barring improvements.
No coaching change took place this past offseason, to no surprise, and Stefanski’s coaching performance in 2023 has likewise unsurprisingly earned him a longer leash. The Browns are tied to the decision to acquire Watson – a move which included a trade package of three first-round picks followed by a fully guaranteed $230MM contract – and the repercussions which will come from it. The former Texans Pro Bowler has not lived up to expectations so far in Cleveland, but the team’s ability to win without him in the lineup or playing to his previous level when on the field has drawn rave reviews.
That will continue to be tested as Joe Flacco is set to start in Week 13 with rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson sidelined. Adding the veteran late in the season could prove to be a shrewd move if it allows the Browns to continue winning with a severely shorthanded offense and push for a postseason berth in the crowded AFC. Even if that does not prove to be the case, though, both Stefanski and Berry appear to have earned themselves extra leeway heading into the offseason.
Buccaneers Expected To Retain HC Todd Bowles Through 2023 Season
The Buccaneers began the season 3-1, but they have secured only one victory since then. That has led to speculation about a potential midseason coaching change, but one does not appear to be on the horizon. 
Team officials inform Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times Todd Bowles is safe for at least the rest of the 2023 season. The Buccaneers sit at 4-7 on the year, but by virtue of residing in the NFC South, a postseason berth is still well within reach. Tampa Bay sits just one game behind the Falcons and Saints for the top spot in the division.
As Stroud notes, the Glazer family (which owns the team) is not known for authorizing in-season changes on the sidelines. For that reason, along with the injuries which have hampered an already in-flux roster, it would come as little surprise if Bowles were to be given the rest of the campaign to salvage the season. The 60-year-old has been in place since Bruce Arians‘ retirement at the end of March in 2022.
Tampa Bay went 8-9 last year, a mark which was sufficient to win the NFC South. The Buccaneers lost their playoff opener, but it was expected before the game that Bowles would remain at the helm for 2023. An offseason headlined by Baker Mayfield replacing the twice-retired Tom Brady saw a number of inexperienced players take on increased roles in the wake of numerous veteran departures. Inconsistent play on both sides of the ball has followed, leading to calls for Bowles to be dismissed. He is aware of the pressure he faces in general and heading into tomorrow’s game against the 1-10 Panthers in particular, but it is not something at the front of his mind.
“Not at all. Not at all,” Bowles said when asked if he feels he is coaching for his job. “I’ve been coaching way too long. You coach for your job every time you’re in this business. Good or bad. As a coach, you understand that… You’re never going to be at the top of your game. You coach, you get better and that’s all you do.”
If the Buccaneers can effectively navigate their remaining schedule (which includes two games against Carolina and one each against Atlanta and New Orleans) and secure another playoff berth, Bowles will improve his case for being retained after an offseason evaluation. As things currently stand, that is the earliest point at which a coaching change will be coming in Tampa Bay.
Joe Schoen: Giants Owners “On Board” With Long-Term Rebuild
The 2023 season has been a signficant step back for the Giants compared to their first year under general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll. It would come as a surprise if either were to be let go at the end of the year, however, a sentiment which was recently confirmed by the former’s public remarks. 
Schoen’s press conference earlier this week stated owners John Mara and Steve Tisch were aware of the long-term requirements of a sustainable rebuild given the roster and cap situation he inherited from the Dave Gettleman era. As Schoen said in no uncertain terms, and as Ralph Vacchiano of Fox Sports reports, a change at neither the GM or HC spots is anticipated to take place.
“Yeah, absolutely. They’re on board with it,” Schoen said, via Vacchiano, of New York’s owners regarding a multi-year rebuild. “As much as it hurts to go through this, there are a lot of young players that are getting valuable experience. Another offseason, another draft, we will continue to build it… The fact that John Mara is here on a daily basis, we can explain the ‘why’ — why we’re doing things, how we’re going to do them. They’re in the loop and they’re on board.”
The Giants have been known to move on quickly from coaches, with Ben McAdoo, Pat Shurmur and Joe Judge each being let go late in their second seasons with the team. Daboll is now in that territory, and the 2022 Coach of the Year has been the subject of widespread criticism as the Giants have gone 4-8 this campaign. Struggles on offense both before and after quarterback Daniel Jones‘ ACL tear, as well as reported tension with defensive coordinator Don Martindale have led to questions about Daboll’s job security. He appears to be in the clear for now, however.
“It takes time, takes a couple of offseasons, it takes a few drafts to build it the right way,” Schoen added. “Trust me, it hurts when you lose and you’re 4-8… But you don’t want to lose sight of the big picture and the proper way to build a roster.”
The Giants are currently slated to have the No. 6 pick in the 2024 draft, a selection which could allow them to add a Jones successor. Having just inked the 26-year-old to a $160MM extension last year, though, New York could elect to go in a number of different directions during the draft. Regardless of how the Giants proceed, the team’s top decision-makers will be operating with assurances about their job security for the time being.
Updated 2024 NFL Draft Order
With Week 13 underway, the picture at the top of the NFL draft board continues to become clearer. Plenty is yet to be determined with respect to the top of the order, however.
The Panthers’ ongoing struggles led to Frank Reich‘s firing, but the Bears own Carolina’s top pick this year due to the 2023 swap which landed Bryce Young via the No. 1 selection. Chicago being able to have the top pick once again – coupled with their own selection landing in the top-10 – would make the Bears a team to watch closely come April. The race for the top two or three slots (and, as such, the ability to draft QBs Caleb Williams and Drake Maye, along with wideout Marvin Harrison Jr.) will also be a key late-season storyline for the Cardinals and Patriots.
The Commanders have lost three straight games, overshadowing a promising season from first-year starter Sam Howell. After deciding to move on from defensive ends Chase Young and Montez Sweat at the trade deadline, the team’s defense has continued to struggle. DC Jack Del Rio is out as a result, and head coach Ron Rivera‘s position is not believed to be on strong footing. A top-five pick could make the job in Washington more attractive presuming a opening arises this offseason.
For non-playoff teams, the draft order will be determined by the inverted 2024 standings — plus a series of tiebreakers, starting with strength of schedule — with playoff squads being slotted by their postseason outcome and regular-season record. Here is an updated look at the current draft order:
- Chicago Bears (via Panthers)
- Arizona Cardinals: 2-10
- New England Patriots: 2-9
- Chicago Bears: 4-8
- Washington Commanders: 4-8
- New York Giants: 4-8
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 4-7
- New York Jets: 4-7
- Los Angeles Chargers: 4-7
- Tennessee Titans: 4-7
- Las Vegas Raiders: 5-7
- New Orleans Saints: 5-6
- Green Bay Packers: 5-6
- Los Angeles Rams: 5-6
- Cincinnati Bengals: 5-6
- Buffalo Bills: 6-6
- Arizona Cardinals (via Texans)
- Denver Broncos: 6-5
- Atlanta Falcons: 5-6
- Minnesota Vikings: 6-6
- Seattle Seahawks: 6-6
- Indianapolis Colts: 6-5
- Pittsburgh Steelers: 7-4
- Houston Texans (via Browns)
- Miami Dolphins: 8-3
- Detroit Lions: 8-3
- Jacksonville Jaguars: 8-3
- Dallas Cowboys: 9-3
- Kansas City Chiefs: 8-3
- San Francisco 49ers: 8-3
- Baltimore Ravens: 9-3
- Philadelphia Eagles: 10-1
Jim Harbaugh Leaning Toward 2024 NFL Return; Latest On HC’s Potential Destinations
The 2024 coaching cycle will involve at least two openings for full-time positions (Raiders and Panthers), but more vacancies will likely emerge in the coming months. Jim Harbaugh remains a highly talked-about candidate, and indications continue to point to an NFL return in time for the 2024 season. 
Harbaugh has been embroiled in controversy this season, but his second three-game suspension served during the campaign – stemming from Michigan’s sign-stealing scandal – is not believed to be sufficient to steer away NFL interest. As a result, he is set to be a notable coaching prospect this winter. Numerous people in league circles believe 2024 will be the year Harbaugh makes his return to the pro sidelines, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.
The longtime Wolverines coach has routinely been a name to watch during hiring cycles, having interviewed with the Vikings in 2022 and the Broncos last year. His latest commitment to Michigan delayed his next round of interest until at least 2024. While Harbaugh has previously closed the door to future NFL interest, he is regarded as being “less than 50-50” to once again stay in Ann Arbor, per Sportkeeda‘s Tony Pauline.
Pauline’s report details the potential connection between Harbaugh and four teams which could be on his radar. The Chargers reside on that list, which comes as no surprise given the growing belief Brandon Staley is on the hot seat. Los Angeles is one of several potential suitors for Lions OC Ben Johnson, though, and Harbaugh’s conditions for an NFL deal could turn the Chargers elsewhere. The latter is expected to seek an annual salary of $15MM, Pauline reports, a figure more than triple that of Staley’s current compensation.
Especially with interim HC Chris Tabor unlikely to land the full-time Panthers gig, Carolina could be another Harbaugh destination. Pauline adds, however, that the 59-year-old is not enamored with quarterback Bryce Young, whose struggles as a rookie contributed to Frank Reich‘s dismissal. That, coupled with the Panthers’ lack of a 2024 first-round pick and owner David Tepper‘s reputation for meddling and impatience, would make it a surprise for Harbaugh to find himself in Charlotte next season.
Pauline also names the Raiders and Bears as teams to watch on the Harbaugh front. Both Vegas and Chicago have previously been linked to him based on his playing and coaching history, but a path appears to exist for interim Raiders coach Antonio Pierce to earn the full-time position moving forward. After facing several questions about his job security, meanwhile, it remains to be seen if Matt Eberflus will be retained for 2024 and beyond by the Bears.
While Harbaugh will no doubt have numerous suitors should he decide to take an NFL position for the first time since his 49ers tenure ended in 2014, it very much remains to be seen if he elects to entertain pro offers. His attention will be on Michigan’s push for a national title, but regardless of how that plays out, speculation will continue as the coaching cycle takes shape.
Miami DT Leonard Taylor To Declare For Draft
Leonard Taylor has elected to forego his senior year in college and turn pro. The Miami defensive tackle is set to declare for the 2024 draft, per Susan Miller Degnan and Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald.
Taylor had considerable expectations coming out of high school. He was the top-rated defensive tackle in his recruiting class, and the five-star’s decision to remain in Florida was believed to be one which would pay dividends. He did not always deliver on the promise showcased by his size and athleticism, but he is still regarded as an intriguing NFL prospect.
A true junior, Taylor saw his production take a step back in 2023. He posted 19 tackles, including 3.5 for loss, along with one sack across 10 games. Last season, by contrast, he demonstrated a better skillset as a pass-rusher with 10.5 TFLs and three sacks. The 6-3, 305-pounder has showcased his athleticism at times during his tenure with the Hurricanes, but questions remain regarding how capable he is of reaching his ceiling.
As the Herald reports notes, Taylor admitted to conditioning issues which affected his performance on the field. That will no doubt be a factor NFL teams heavily scrutinize in the pre-draft process, though he will have opportunities to demonstrate improvement in that regard. In addition to the annual NFL Combine, underclassmen will be allowed to participate in all-star games – including the Senior Bowl – beginning this year.
In his pre-season draft rankings, Dane Brugler of The Athletic slotted Taylor 34th overall and second amongst defensive tackles (behind only Illinois’ Jer’Zhan Newton, who has declared). While Taylor’s underwhelming statistical output in 2023 will likely hurt his stock, ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has him rated No. 3 at the DT spot. With teams around the NFL always looking for a pass-rush impact from the defensive interior, Taylor could be a name to watch in the coming months.
Latest On Patriots, Bill Belichick
Speculation continues with respect to the Patriots and their 2024 coaching setup. Bill Belichick is believed to be under contract through next season, but it very much remains to be seen if he will be allowed to continue in his current post in the wake of a highly underwhelming campaign this year. 
[RELATED: Patriots Targeting 2024 QB Addition]
Owner Robert Kraft has made his frustrations clear during the season, and Belichick has been the subject of questions regarding his job security. The latter has been connected to a number of other potential coaching vacancies for the coming offseason, but the fact he has not been let go by this point suggests he will have a large say in how (if at all) he departs New England. A mutual parting of ways appears to be the desired outcome to this situation from at least one perspective.
Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated writes that Kraft’s “preference would be for an amicable separation” with respect to Belichick’s tenure coming to a close. A dismissal would require paying out the remaining term on his contract – a rather standard practice in the NFL – but Belichick deciding to retire or head elsewhere via trade would eliminate that concern. On that point, Breer adds that Kraft could insist on compensation with a trade, something which could complicate the situation.
Belichick – whom Breer notes is expected by some close to him to continue coaching next season, regardless of how New England’s season finishes – could try to insist Kraft fires him to save draft capital for his next employer. The Commanders and Panthers have been floated as possible landing spots for Belichick, while a high-profile post such as that of the Cowboys could be in play as well. For now, though, much will depend on the relationship between Kraft and Belichick and their ability to reach a consensus regarding a path forward.
The latter will be 72 by the start of the 2024 season, and any plans he makes with the Patriots or any other team will surely be short-term in nature. His intentions will be a major storyline in New England over the coming months and Kraft’s willingness to accommodate them will be as well.
Vikings To Consider QB Change During Bye Week
Josh Dobbs endured his worst performance during his brief time with the Vikings during last night’s loss, and it remains to be seen if he will remain atop the quarterback depth chart after the team’s bye week. Head coach Kevin O’Connell acknowledged changes could be made ahead of Minnesota’s next game. 
Dobbs was acquired at the trade deadline to provide depth in the wake of Kirk Cousins‘ Achilles tear. Fifth-round rookie Jaren Hall was initially set to take over starting duties, but his own injury thrust Dobbs into the lineup days after arriving with the team. The Vikings enjoyed early success with the latter in place, but he threw four interceptions in Week 12, bringing him to a total of eight turnovers in his four Minnesota appearances. Dobbs nearly received the hook yesterday, O’Connell said (via ESPN’s Kevin Seifert).
Hall has cleared concussion protocol, while Nick Mullens – initially in place as Cousins’ backup to start the season – has come off injured reserve. As a result, O’Connell will have multiple options to choose from during his evaluation of the QB situation over the team’s week off. Sitting at 6-6 on the year, the chances of a push for a wild-card spot need to be taken into account along with the upside of giving Hall developmental reps down the stretch.
“We’re going to take a look and really evaluate the inventory of plays we have of Josh,” O’Connell said, via Seifert. “We got healthy. We got Jaren back available to us, and then Nick Mullens is available as well.”
Dobbs and Mullens have similar levels of regular season experience and they have each bounced around to several teams in their respective careers. The latter has far more familiarity with O’Connell’s system, though, having been in Minnesota since 2022. On the other hand, Hall was drafted this past spring in the team’s only move to add a potential Cousins successor, so giving him an extended look could carry signficant importance for 2024 and beyond.
Cousins is set to hit free agency this offseason, though he and the team have expressed a desire to continue their relationship. While that situation will be a central one for the Vikings, their more immediate future under center is also uncertain as the stretch run looms.
Ravens OLB David Ojabo Out For Season; Tyus Bowser’s Status Remains Uncertain
The Ravens had been holding out hope that at least one of David Ojabo or Tyus Bowser would be able to suit up late in the season. The former is now out for the campaign, though, and the latter’s availability remains in the air at this point. 
Ojabo was diagnosed with a partially torn ACL, head coach John Harbaugh said (via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec). As a result, the second-year edge rusher underwent surgery last week. Harbaugh added that he expects Ojabo to be healthy by training camp, but the procedure confirms he will not play again in 2023. The 23-year-old was in danger of missing the rest of the campaign dating back to last month after after playing the first three weeks of the season.
Ojabo suffered an Achilles tear during his Pro Day in 2022, an injury which hurt his draft stock and forced him to miss much of his rookie campaign. The Michigan alum played just three combined regular and postseason games last year, but expectations were high for him entering the summer. A path to increased playing time was in place, and he did see an uptick in usage during his brief time on the field this September. He will now turn his attention to rehab, though, as the Ravens hope to see Bowser suit up for the first time in 2023.
The latter has been dealing with a knee injury since the summer, when a setback landed him on the NFI list. That threatened to delay Bowser’s 2023 debut, but the team has remained hopeful he will be able to play at some point down the stretch. On that point, Harbaugh said the 28-year-old’s knee will need to “calm down” before he is able to play, likely a reference to swelling which needs to be reduced.
If Bowser is able to play this year, his addition would be welcomed on a Baltimore defensive front which has relied heavily on veteran additions Jadeveon Clowney and Kyle Van Noy along the edge so far. That pair has combined to post 13.5 of the team’s league-leading 45 sacks, but added depth would be beneficial. The Ravens have Odafe Oweh – who has himself dealt with an injury-induced absence earlier this season – and fourth-round rookie Tavius Robinson in place as their other main edge rushing options.
Bowser is attached to a four-year, $22MM deal signed in 2021. That pact marked an understandable commitment on the team’s part for his development early in his career into a starter, but injuries have hindered his ability to live up to the pact. He is set to carry a reasonable cap hit of $7.5MM next season, but none of his $5.5MM base salary is guaranteed. Managing to play some role late in the current campaign could thus be highly beneficial for both team and player in Bowser’s case.