Patriots OL Isaiah Wynn Expected To Be Ready For Training Camp
The Patriots are coming off yet another Super Bowl win, but they had a lot of turnover from last year’s roster. Notably, they lost left tackle Trent Brown in free agency, so they’ll have someone new protecting Tom Brady‘s blindside in 2019. 
By all accounts, that’s supposed to be second-year player Isaiah Wynn. The Patriots drafted Wynn in the first round last year, but he missed his entire rookie season due to a torn Achilles he suffered during the preseason. He appears to be on track for the season, as sources told Jeff Howe of The Athletic that “is expected to be ready for training camp.” Achilles injuries can be very tricky, so that’s good to hear.
Howe also adds that Wynn has already begun running at full speed, which is another good sign. Recently we heard that the Patriots were preparing left guard Joe Thuney to play some tackle if Wynn wasn’t ready. It sounds like he will be though, and the Pats will need him. After Jared Veldheer retired during OTAs, New England was suddenly left very thin at tackle.
The 23rd overall pick of last year’s draft, Wynn was a standout at Georgia. He earned a first-team All-SEC selection in 2017, and had been competing for a starting job before going down with the Achilles injury. The Patriots have often shuffled around their offensive line in front of Brady, and this will be their third straight year with a new left tackle.
Nate Solder left in free agency following the 2017 season, which prompted them to bring in Brown. They have one of the league’s best offensive line coaches in Dante Scarnecchia, and things have always seemed to work out fine no matter who they throw in there. It’ll be very interesting to watch Wynn during preseason action to see how he holds up, although they may not want to push him too much.
Extra Points: Patriots, Caserio, XFL, Coaches
The prospect of the Patriots receiving compensation from the Texans for VP of player personnel Nick Caserio does not appear to be completely off the table, despite the recent Texans statement indicating they were no longer pursuing him. But the Patriots’ asking price might dissuade the Texans. The Patriots would likely demand a first-round pick from the Texans for Bill Belichick’s right-hand man, Tom Curran of NBC Sports Boston writes. This would be a steep price for an executive, especially one whose contract is up in 2020.
Conflicting reports have emerged about Caserio’s desire to leave New England, but the longtime Patriots exec seemingly has a great chance of becoming a GM after the contract that prevents him from doing so expires. Interestingly, Curran adds that Caserio and current Texans executive vice president Jack Easterby — a former Patriots staffer who has been in the middle of this story — share an agent. The Texans, however, admitted they were not aware of the clause in Caserio’s deal that prevented GM interviews.
Here’s more from around the football universe:
- We’ve been hearing a lot about the XFL recently, as the upstart league has held a series of showcases across the country, with some big names showing up. Vince McMahon’s reboot is looking to pickup where the AAF left off, albeit more successfully, and they’ve been coming up with some creative new twists on the game. Oliver Luck, the league’s commissioner, said recently that the XFL is “considering an overtime format much like penalty kicks in soccer or shootout in hockey. Teams alternate plays from the 5-yard line, five tries each, to determine winner,” per Greg Auman of The Athletic (Twitter link). It’s certainly an interesting idea, and Auman adds that Luck said it should take less than ten minutes to wrap up.
- There’s also been a lot of talk recently about the lack of diversity on NFL coaching staffs, particularly on the offensive side of the ball. The league is looking to address the issue, and recently held a minority coaches summit, per Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports. La Canfora writes that the “two-day seminar was put in place to shed light on the plight of minority coaches on the offensive side of the ball and to help identify and cultivate a pipeline of diverse coaches with a background coaching quarterbacks.” The whole piece is interesting and worth a read, as La Canfora breaks down everything that went down at the conference. The event was “punctuated by detailed and moving discussions” led by big-time NFL names like Jim Caldwell and Pep Hamilton.
- In case you missed it, Eli Manning said he isn’t particularly worried about Daniel Jones coming for his job.
Extra Points: Montgomery, Bears, Miller, XFL
The Bears drafted running back David Montgomery in the third round back in April, not long after they traded away Jordan Howard. Montgomery has the opportunity to earn a large role this offseason, and so far it sounds like he’s been seizing it. Per Adam Jahns of The Athletic, Montgomery was lighting up the Bears’ OTAs and minicamp. Jahns writes that the Iowa State product “led the rookies, if not the entire team, in highlights made during the offseason program.”
Montgomery was somewhat of a bruising runner at Iowa State, so there was some concern coming out of college about how he’d fare in the passing game. That hasn’t been an issue so far, as Jahns writes that he “excelled in running routes and catching passes,” and that he “looked like a problem for the Bears’ defense.” Per Jahns, Montgomery has both teammates and coaches excited. Tarik Cohen will play his usual role, but he’s never going to be able to handle a full allotment of snaps with his frame. It’s early, but it sounds like Montgomery could take over a featured role as a rookie.
Here’s more from around the league:
- The Bears sound pleased with Montgomery’s development, and that isn’t the only good news Chicago fans are getting. In the same piece, Jahns reports that the team expects both tight end Trey Burton and receiver Anthony Miller to be ready for training camp. Burton underwent offseason sports hernia surgery, while Miller had surgery to repair a torn labrum. Both players had missed the team’s recent minicamp and OTAs. Burton’s first year in Chicago was a bit of a disappointment after the big contract that he signed, while Miller showed a lot of flashes in a rookie season that was limited by recurring shoulder issues. Both players could be in for a big 2019 if they can stay healthy.
- The XFL has been gearing up for their first season back recently, holding a series of showcases across the country. A bunch of familiar names have popped up, and we have a new one tonight courtesy of Greg Auman of The Athletic (Twitter link). Tommy Streeter, a 2012 sixth-round pick of the Ravens, will participate in the XFL’s Tampa showcase on Saturday, Auman reports. Streeter won Super Bowl XLVII with Baltimore, although he was on injured reserve at the time. He was cut by the Ravens following his rookie season, and the receiver then had stops with the Bills, Buccaneers, Dolphins, and Jaguars. Most recently, the Miami product played in the CFL in 2016.
- In case you missed it, 2017 Seahawks second-round pick Malik McDowell is facing charges of assault, resisting arrest, and operating a vehicle while intoxicated.
Tyreek Hill, Chiefs Could Reopen Extension Talks
Everything seems to be looking up for embattled Chiefs receiver Tyreek Hill. We’ve heard over the past couple of days that Hill’s meeting with the league’s investigator went very well, and that he could be looking at a maximum suspension of four games.
The most recent reporting also indicates that Hill will attend the team’s training camp next month. While it once looked like the Chiefs were on the verge of moving on from Hill once and for all, it now appears they still view him in their longterm plans, according to Terez Paylor of Yahoo Sports. Assuming Hill comes out relatively cleanly with the league, which it looks like he will, “the Chiefs and his representation could potentially re-engage in contract negotiations for an extension in the not-too-distant future,” a source told Paylor.
Back in March, before this scandal got started, we heard that the two sides had begun negotiating an extension. Allegations of child abuse and domestic violence, of course, put those talks on hold. The Chiefs used their first pick in April’s draft on receiver Mecole Hardman, which many interpreted as a sign they weren’t expecting to have Hill.
The tide has slowly started to turn in Hill’s favor since then, and at this point it would be a major surprise if he isn’t playing for the Chiefs in 2019. Recent reporting indicates that if Hill is suspended it won’t be for the injuries his son sustained, but rather the recording where he can be heard threatening his fiance.
Hill will certainly need to avoid any additional off-field incidents, and any potential extension would likely include provisions to void the deal if Hill gets into further trouble, but it sounds like he may get the mega-deal he was initially angling for. A fifth-round pick in 2016, Hill is heading into the final year of his rookie contract. Assuming they do start talking about a new contract again, it’ll be interesting to see if this ordeal ends up effecting his potential price.
Connor Barwin Wants To Play For The Eagles, Plans To Sign Soon
It’s getting pretty late in the free agency process and pass-rusher Connor Barwin hasn’t signed yet, but that doesn’t mean he isn’t planning on playing in 2019. During a recent interview with Heavy.com, the veteran revealed he still wants to play, and that he even has a specific team in mind.
“I’m trying to come back and play for the Eagles,” Barwin said. “I’m training right now and I’ve talked to [Eagles GM] Howie [Roseman] and they’re going to see if they need any depth on the edge and so I’m going to wait until camp starts before I sign anywhere else, but obviously I’m not going to wait too long. But the Eagles know that’s where I want to be.”
Barwin was with the Eagles from 2013 through 2016 and had some of his best years with the team, so it makes sense why he wants to return. By far the best season of Barwin’s career came in Philly in 2014 when he racked up 14.5 sacks and made the Pro Bowl. He was also a second-team All-Pro that year. He signed a one-year deal with the Rams in 2017, and although he had five sacks he was a bit of a disappointment.
He signed a two-year deal with the Giants last offseason and was an even bigger disappointment in New York, getting released back in February. He took a meeting with the Dolphins last month, but nothing materialized. In his one season with the Giants he made only three starts, and finished with just one sack. Barwin is 32 now, but still thinks he has something left in the tank. That being said, he understands he won’t be signing anywhere in an every-down role.
“I’m going into my 11th year and I’m ready to just be a situational player. Howie knows. I’ll be there if one of the three guys get hurt or if something happens, or to mentor the younger guys,” he said. Barwin said his preference is the Eagles, but that if they pass he won’t hesitate to go elsewhere. “Me and Howie are talking. I might wait a week into camp, but that’s about as far as I’m going to wait. Other teams are going to be like, ‘You better sign now or we’re going to sign someone else.’ If not, I’ll try to go to another contender. I would love for it to be in a good situation where I can contribute,” he continued.
While Barwin is clearly over the hill, he seems confident that he’ll be able to find a team. There will probably be a club looking for some veteran pass-rushing help, and after Philadelphia traded away Michael Bennett this offseason it’s quite possible it’ll be the Eagles.
Eli Manning On Daniel Jones, Potential QB Competition
There’s been growing speculation that the Giants’ quarterback situation is far from settled. Recently, the notion that rookie Daniel Jones could push Eli Manning for the starting job in training camp has been picking up steam. At the end of minicamp head coach Pat Shurmur’s comments seemed to suggest the door was open for Jones to start, although there hasn’t been much clarity. 
Speaking at his Manning Passing Academy, the longtime veteran told Rhett Lewis of NFL Network Friday that he isn’t worried. Here’s a look at some of the most notable topics from the interview, which will air in full later this evening.
On the prospect of competing for his job with Jones:
I mean no, I don’t feel like it’s a competition. I feel like I’ve got to do my job and I’ve got to compete every day and try to get better every day. That’s the way it’s been my whole life and that’s just the way I’ve always approached practice every day to improve, to earn my place on the team, to earn the respect of the teammates and do it each year
On mentoring Jones:
I’ve always been good with young quarterbacks, whoever’s been in there, trying to get them up to speed, teaching them about defenses or styles or what our defense plays. So I’m doing the same thing with Daniel and I’m going to be a good teammate, I’m going to do the best that I can do and help everybody on the Giants be successful.
On his own battle for the starting job in 2004, and how it relates to the situation now:
Definitely drawing back on that and I talk to Daniel and I see so many similarities in the situation and how things are going and just what he’s trying to do, his personality. He’s coming into this team, he’s just trying to learn the playbook, learn the names of everybody, got to earn the respect of his teammates. He’s got so much going on. He’s got the New York media, dealing with them; all of a sudden they’re saying things Day 1. … So just work hard, take your job seriously, but don’t take yourself too seriously — if you can do that — enjoy your teammates, listen to your coaches and we’re all in this together and we’ll get through it
On people pointing out similarities between him and Jones:
I see it. He’s a good kid, he’s quiet and he’s just trying to learn, get a good feel for when to let his personality come out. I was the same way. My rookie year I wasn’t going to say — Tiki Barber, Michael Strahan, you got these big personalities — I’m just going to keep my mouth shut, be on time, work my tail off in the weight room, ask my questions to the coach after the meeting is over and make sure I know what I’m doing before tell Tiki what his route is or I tell Amani Toomer, ‘Hey, I don’t think you did that right.’ You got to earn the respect. You got to get hit in the mouth a few times and get up … before you do a whole lot of talking.
Saints DT David Onyemata Suspended One Game
It’s an otherwise slow Friday afternoon, but we already have our second suspension of the day. Not long after Rams center Aaron Neary was slapped with a four-game ban, Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata is being suspended for the first game of the 2019 season, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link).
Schefter reports that it’s for a violation of the league’s substance abuse policy. Onyemata was cited for Marijuana possession back in February, and the suspension likely stems from that incident. Onyemata was drafted in the fourth round back in 2016, and he’s taken on a big role in New Orleans. He played nearly 60 percent of the defensive snaps for the Saints last year, so this is a big loss.
Onyemata had an interesting path to the NFL, as he grew up in Nigeria. After moving to Canada, he became a breakout football star despite never having played the sport prior to moving. He was invited to the East-West Shrine Game despite never playing American college football, and the Saints drafted him 120th overall.
After playing a rotational role as a rookie, he started playing a lot more the last couple of years. In 2018 he racked up 35 tackles and 4.5 sacks while appearing in all 16 games and starting four. He received very strong marks from Pro Football Focus, grading out as their 24th-best defensive lineman last year. Sheldon Rankins tore his Achilles at the end of last season, and with Onyemata now on the shelf the Saints could be pretty thin at defensive tackle in Week 1.
Rams OL Aaron Neary Suspended 4 Games
The Rams’ offensive line depth is getting a bit thinner. Center Aaron Neary has been suspended for the first four games of the 2019 season, per veteran NFL reporter Howard Balzer (Twitter link).
Neary originally entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Eastern Washington back in 2016. He’s been with the Rams for most of the last two seasons, and spent almost all of last year on the practice squad. The suspension was for violating the league’s substance abuse policy, and it almost certainly stems from his arrest back in September for DUI.
The Rams stuck by him after that arrest, so this suspension shouldn’t come as too big of a surprise to them. They recently re-signed him to a reserve/futures deal back in February. The Rams let starting center John Sullivan walk in free agency, and will be rolling with unproven second-year player Brian Allen as the starter. Neary was going to compete for a backup role in camp, and the Rams are now a bit thin at center.
Neary originally signed with the Broncos back in 2016, and has bounced around a few stops. He’s had stints with the Eagles and Browns as well, but the only regular season action of his career came when he started a game for the Rams in Week 17 of 2017.
Chargers sign OT Brant Weiss, waive OT Koda Martin
The Chargers shuffled around the bottom of their roster Friday. The team is bringing in offensive tackle Brant Weiss, and waiving offensive tackle Koda Martin with an injury designation to make room for him.
Weiss went undrafted out of Toledo back in 2018, and signed with the Cardinals. After spending training camp and the preseason in the desert, he was cut by Arizona. He latched on with the AAF, playing for the ill-fated Arizona Hotshots. After the AAF folded, Weiss was re-signed by the Cardinals, but didn’t last very long on their roster.
Martin is a rookie undrafted free agent out of Syracuse. He started his college career at Texas A&M before moving on to Syracuse, where his father-in-law Dino Barbers is the head coach. Martin earned a third-team All-ACC selection for his work last season protecting Eric Dungey.
While neither of these players were ever likely to make much of an impact, Weiss can’t be counted out yet. The Chargers have an uncertain situation at tackle, to say the least. Right tackle Sam Tevi graded out as Pro Football Focus’ 74th-best tackle last year, and we still don’t have an update on left tackle Russell Okung‘s mysterious injury. The Chargers might end up needing tackle depth, and it wouldn’t be shocking if Weiss stuck around.
PFR Originals: 6/16/19 – 6/23/19
The original content and analysis produced by the PFR staff during the past week:
- PFR’s ‘This Date in Transactions History’ series saw five more chapters added.
- Ben Levine took a look at the Patriots’ signing of David Harris. Harris was a ten-year veteran of the Jets who had spent his entire career in New York, so his decision to go to their AFC East rival was a big deal. Harris ended up only spending one year with New England before retiring.
- Sam Robinson discussed the Dolphins extending Sam Madison, which at the time was the largest contract in team history. Overall the contract worked out pretty well for both sides, as Madison kept up his stellar play. Eventually the Dolphins cut him after the 2005 season, and Madison went on to win Super Bowl XLII with the Giants.
- Zach Links reflected on the Bengals cutting Terrelle Pryor back in 2015. At the time Pryor was still a quarterback, and his release from Cincinnati would end up greatly altering his career path. Pryor had previously insisted he wouldn’t play any other position, but after the Bengals cut him he changed his mind. He agreed to line up at receiver, and ended up having a breakout 1,007 yard 2016 season.
- Zach also took a look at the Panthers’ unwise decision to extend offensive tackle Michael Oher in 2016. They signed Oher to a three-year deal with $21.6MM in new money, but Oher never played a snap under the new contract. Oher missed most of the 2016 due to concussion issues, and then was released with a failed physical designation following a few bizarre offseason incidents.
- Sam broke down the extension Robert Mathis got from the Colts in 2006. Mathis had only started one game his first three years in the league, but had shown a ton of promise coming off the bench. Indianapolis showed a lot of confidence in him, making him one of the league’s highest-paid pass-rushers despite his inexperience. The move paid off, as Mathis would go on to play another 11 years with the team and rack up a franchise-record 123 sacks.
- As part of our offseason glossary refreshers, Zach broke down what each of the following terms entail. The glossary terms explain specific rules relating to free agency, trades, or other aspects of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement
- Zach also took a look at two potential release candidates this summer
- Kenneth Dixon. Dixon looked like the Ravens’ running back of the future for a while, but now finds himself squarely on the roster bubble. He’s put up pretty good numbers when on the field, but he’s been plagued by injuries and was also slapped with a four-game suspension for PEDs. The Ravens signed Mark Ingram this offseason, making Dixon expendable, and it appears as of right now that he’s on the outside looking in.
- Tavon Austin. When the Cowboys traded for Austin during the draft last year, they initially insisted they had big plans for him. But a groin injury ended up limiting Austin to just seven games, and Dallas barely used him even when he was on the field. Austin only has $500K guaranteed for this season, and the Cowboys now have Randall Cobb in the slot and rookie Tony Pollard as a returner/change of pace back behind Ezekiel Elliott. Austin is going to face an uphill battle to crack Dallas’ 53.
- Zach looked at the quarterbacks with the biggest cap hits for 2019.
- Zach broke down the remaining draft picks that have yet to sign their rookie deals, and as of June 19th there were only 16 picks left unsigned.
- The Patriots have dominated the AFC for many years, and Sam asked readers in a poll who their biggest threat in the conference is in 2019. The Chiefs were the overwhelming winners, getting over 33 percent of the vote.
- As part of our ‘Extension Candidate’ series, Zach examined where things stand between Julio Jones and the Falcons. Jones still has two years left on his deal, so it’ll be tricky. As Zach points out, former NFL agent and current CBS Sports analyst Joel Corry recently suggested adding on three new years with $60MM in new money. The two sides have been inching closer to a deal, and something should get done at some point.
- Being an NFL head coach is one of the toughest jobs in all of sports, and inevitably some of the new head coaches hired this cycle won’t pan out. Last year, Steve Wilks was canned by the Cardinals after just one season. With that in mind, Zach asked readers in a poll which new head coach will have the least successful 2019 season. It was a close three-way race between Kliff Kingsbury with the Cardinals, Brian Flores with the Dolphins, and Zac Taylor with the Bengals, but Kingsbury ended up ‘winning’ with just over 24 percent of the vote.