Drew Brees Was Serious About 2021 Comeback
Those whispers of a potential Drew Brees return in 2021 were apparently more than rumors. While speaking with reporters today following his selection into the Saints Hall of Fame, the former quarterback acknowledged that he was serious about coming out of retirement in 2021.
[RELATED: Drew Brees: “I Would Absolutely Still Be Playing” If Not For Shoulder Injury]
“Very,” Brees answered when asked about his past interest in a comeback attempt (via Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football). “I’ll just leave it at that.”
Brees decided to hang up his cleats following the 2020 campaign. His replacement, Jameis Winston, suffered a torn ACL and MCL damage only seven games into the 2021 season, leading the Saints to ask Brees if he’d consider returning for the stretch run. Brees publicly rejected the invite, but is sounds like he gave the opportunity more consideration than he let on.
Brees hinted that part of his decision was attributed to injury, a factor he’s acknowledged in the past. The quarterback didn’t believe he could properly overcome his surgically repaired throwing shoulder, although he joked with reporters that he could have just reverted to his high school playbook.
“At the end of the day, it’s like, how capable … am I to do the job, right?” Brees asked reporters (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell). “I would’ve run QB draws, I would’ve done whatever. I would’ve done some veer option. We would’ve pulled out all the stops. I was ready. Pull out the high school playbook.”
While the 2021 rumors didn’t lead to a reunion, rumors continued to persist. When Brees announced that he was stepping away from his television role, there were immediately rumblings that the quarterback could look to return to the NFL. The player himself often helped flame these rumors, and Brees believes he never completely shut the door on a return because his career lacked “closure.”
“Certainly to have it be in a situation like that where you’re not able to really be with the fans and celebrate it with all those who are so important, I felt like there was a little bit of a lack of closure,” Brees said of playing in front of mostly empty stadiums in 2020. “I try not to think about, like, the glance back in the Dome because I wish it would’ve been with a packed house. That energy that is so synonymous with the Superdome that I’ll always remember and what we always fed off every game day. My image of the Dome is much different than that last one.”
Latest On Brandon McManus Lawsuit
TODAY, 5:25pm: Florio has provided more insight into the lawsuit and the impending impact it could have on the Jaguars organization. Florio understands that the suit will cite witnesses who claim that Jaguars players brought alcohol on the team flight.
As Florio noted earlier this week, the NFL prohibits the serving and consumption of alcohol on team flights. Following a pair of 2022 incidents, the NFL warned of severe punishment for future violations. While the Jaguars may claim ignorance (as coach Doug Pederson did earlier this week), Florio adds that it’s the “obligation” of NFL teams “to ensure players follow” the rule.
TUESDAY, 7:50pm: Veteran kicker Brandon McManus has been accused of sexually assaulting two flight attendants while he was playing with the Jaguars in 2023. After the news broke yesterday, we heard from McManus’s camp, the Jaguars, and his current team, the Commanders. Now, we’re hearing from his former coach, as Doug Pederson revealed that he only learned about the lawsuit when the news broke yesterday.
[RELATED: Commanders K Brandon McManus Named In Sexual Assault Lawsuit]
“I saw the article that came out,” Pederson said today (via Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com). “Obviously, disappointing to hear the news that took place. You know, other than that, honestly, being that it’s a legal matter at this time, I can’t really comment until more information is gathered.”
McManus is accused of rubbing himself against the anonymous plaintiffs during the Jaguars’ flight to London on September 28, 2023. The suit claims that the player was passing out cash to have the plane’s staff members “drink and dance inappropriately for him.” The suit also alleges that the kicker was among the members of the team who turned the flight into a “party,” a crucial note that could drag the Jaguars further into the controversy.
As Florio notes, the NFL frowns upon teams serving and consuming alcohol on team flights. Florio cites a pair of 2022 incidents. First, Titans OC Todd Downing was arrested for DUI “under a timeline that suggested he was drinking on the plane.” Later, Commanders players were disciplined for having beer on a return flight. At the time, the NFL sent a “strongly worded” memo that future penalties for consumption “would be even worse” and could include “significant discipline.”
“A typical flight is not that way, it’s a business trip,” Pederson said today (via Florio). “It’s a business trip. And that’s how we approach it from an organizational standpoint, you know, from the league standpoint. So, for that — when I read that, that part was disappointing.”
Meanwhile, lawyer Tony Buzbee will be representing the pair of women in the lawsuit, per Florio. Buzbee is known for representing the 20 women who accused Deshaun Watson of sexual misconduct. In a statement, the lawyer hinted that he tried to settle with McManus before filing the suit.
“We filed the case on Friday, but before that filing we attempted, without success, to resolve this matter without the need for litigation,” Buzbee wrote. “Our efforts at resolution were met with arrogance, ignorance and stupidity, strikingly similar to how Deshaun Watson’s team responded when we tried to resolve those cases pre-filing.”
McManus’s representation called the allegations “absolutely fictitious and demonstrably false.” The lawsuit is calling for a jury trial and damages in excess of $1MM.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/28/24
A couple of draft pick signings to pass along:
Minnesota Vikings
- CB Khyree Jackson (fourth round, Oregon)
Tennessee Titans
- LB Cedric Gray (fourth round, North Carolina)
Gray earned first-team All-ACC honors in both 2022 and 2023, collecting 266 totals tackles at North Carolina over that span. Despite being selected in the fourth round, Gray was still only the seventh linebacker off the board, with scouts lauding the former UNC captain’s defensive savviness. The linebacker’s four-year rookie contract is worth $4.85MM, including $834K in guaranteed money (per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston).vWith the signing, the Titans only have one unsigned draft pick: second-round defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat (Texas).
Jackson joins the Vikings following a productive lone season at Oregon. After transferring from Alabama, the defensive back had his best collegiate season, finishing with 34 tackles, three interceptions, and a pair of sacks for the Ducks. With this signing, Minnesota only has two unsigned rookies: first-round QB J.J. McCarthy and first-round edge rusher Dallas Turner.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/28/24
Today’s minor moves:
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: DT Deadrin Senat, NT Josh Tupou
- Waived/injured: DT Ja’Mion Franklin
Houston Texans
- Waived/injured: DE Marcus Haynes
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Waived from IR (with injury settlement): WR Keilahn Harris
The Ravens added some veteran depth to the middle of their defensive line today. Josh Tupou heads to Baltimore after spending the first chunk of his career with their division rival in Cincinnati. The nose tackle got into 65 games (23 starts) in seven years with the Bengals, collecting 86 tackles and a pair of sacks. He also got into five postseason games, compiling another six stops. He topped 400 defensive snaps in 2019 and 2021 (Tupou opted out of the 2020 campaign), but he’s been limited to around 280 snaps over the past two seasons. Senat spent the past two seasons with the Buccaneers, collecting 18 tackles in 15 games.
Haynes, a former UDFA out of Old Dominion, signed a reserve/futures contract with the Texans in February. The defensive end suffered a quadriceps injury that will likely lead to an injury settlement, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston.
Giants WR Darius Slayton Attends OTAs
While the Giants and Darius Slayton have yet to resolve the receiver’s salary concerns, it sounds like the player was at practice today. As Dan Duggan of The Athletic observes, Slayton was in attendance at Giants OTAs.
[RELATED: Trade Candidate: Darius Slayton]
Slayton was absent during the early portions of organized team activities as he pursues a new contract. The wideout re-signed with the Giants last offseason on a two-year, $12MM pact. He’s already earned a $2.6MM roster bonus this year, and he’s attached to a base salary of $2.5MM for the 2024 season.
GM Joe Schoen previously expressed optimism that the two sides would come to a resolution, and Slayton hinted that his camp was having conversations with the organization. However, since news first broke of Slayton’s contract pursuit, the Giants have only made it easier on themselves to move on from their top wide receiver. The team used the sixth-overall pick on LSU’s Malik Nabers, although Schoen did say the selection wouldn’t impact the front office’s handling of the Slayton situation.
While Slayton is apparently back at practice, his future in New York will continue to be murky until he signs an extension. The receiver has already been mentioned as a trade candidate, and even though the Giants couldn’t command a significant return for the veteran, they still might see some incentive in moving off his $8.15MM cap hit for 2024.
The former fifth-round pick has transformed into New York’s top receiver in recent years. Despite an inconsistent offensive role, the 27-year-old has still topped 700 receiving yards in four of his five NFL seasons, including a 2023 campaign where he finished with a career-high 770 receiving yards. While he’s sat atop the depth chart in recent years, Slayton would never be confused with a true No. 1 receiver, but the player could still justify a pay raise as a No. 2 wideout.
Cardinals Sign Round 1 DL Darius Robinson
The Cardinals are one step closer to completing their rookie signings. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Cardinals have signed first-round defensive lineman Darius Robinson. The rookie inked a four-year, fully guaranteed $13.8MM deal.
[RELATED: Cards Sign Round 1 WR Marvin Harrison Jr.]
The Cardinals entered the draft armed with a pair of first-round picks. After selecting star wideout Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth-overall pick, the front office used pick No. 27 on the Missouri defensive lineman.
Considering the unprecedented run on offensive players to begin the draft, Robinson was still one of the first defenders to hear their name called. The 22-year-old was the eighth defensive player off the board (and the sixth defensive lineman). This wasn’t a huge surprise considering the prospect’s breakout 2023 campaign. After establishing himself as a starter at Missouri in 2022, he took it to another level this past year, finishing with 14 tackles for loss and 8.5 sacks. For his efforts, Robinson earned a first-team All-SEC nod after the season.
The Cardinals’ 33 sacks last season ranked 30th in the NFL, so the organization is hoping the rookie can provide a spark. Likened to Arik Armstead, Robinson has the ability to play multiple positions on the defensive line, but it wouldn’t be a surprise if he slots in at defensive end during his first season in the NFL.
With Robinson now signed, the Cardinals have two unsigned rookies: third-round running back Trey Benson (Florida State) and fourth-round safety Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (Texas Tech).
Latest On Potential Brandon Aiyuk Extension
Brandon Aiyuk is looking to approach the top of the WR market on his next deal. The 49ers wide receiver is eyeing Amon-Ra St. Brown‘s recent extension with the Lions, and Aiyuk is hoping to sign a new deal “at that number or higher,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com).
[RELATED: Brandon Aiyuk Skipping OTAs]
Both St. Brown and Eagles wideout A.J. Brown helped to reset the receiver market this offseason. St. Brown inked a four-year, $120MM extension with the Lions that included $77MM in guaranteed money. While Brown’s contract with Philly was for only three years, he still managed to put himself atop the position in AAV ($32MM) and total guarantees ($84MM).
At the very least, it sounds like Aiyuk is hoping to approach a $30MM AAV, a mark also reached by Dolphins wideout Tyreek Hill. Aiyuk is currently tied to a $14.12MM fifth-year option salary, and he’d be attached to a projected $24.7MM salary in 2025 if he’s hit with the franchise tag next offseason (h/t to OverTheCap).
While the 49ers don’t necessarily have to extend Aiyuk to retain him beyond the 2024 season, it’s uncertain if even that franchise-tag value would be untenable. The team is currently projected to be more than $38MM over the cap next season, and the front office has already committed big money at the position to Deebo Samuel.
Aiyuk is currently following Samuel’s strategy from 2023, as the receiver is skipping OTAs as he pursues a new deal. There were whispers that the 49ers were shopping both of their receivers ahead of the draft, and until Aiyuk signs a new deal, he’ll continue to be mentioned among trade candidates. The 49ers may have been preparing for a potential Aiyuk divorce during the draft. The team used a first-round pick on Ricky Pearsall, adding the Florida product to what was already one of the NFL’s most dynamic offenses. The 49ers are also rostering Jauan Jennings and fourth-round rookie Jacob Cowing,
AJ Dillon Discusses Decision To Re-Sign With Packers
While the Packers underwent some major changes atop their RB depth chart, AJ Dillon will be sticking around Green Bay after re-signing with the organization this offseason. While the running back acknowledged that he probably could have earned more money on a new squad, he believes the extra cash wasn’t enough to uproot his family.
“Obviously money-wise, there was maybe a little more here or a little more there, a little less there,” Dillon said (via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette). “It wasn’t really that big of a deal. It was more so where I felt like I could just be the best, and be the best for the team.
“And also, in all honesty, picking up my family and going ahead and moving. I’ve got a 1-year-old son, and obviously I love Green Bay. Take that away from the Packers – no disrespect to the Packers – but Green Bay will be my home after, regardless if I go somewhere else, or I did go somewhere else.”
The running back ended up re-signing with the Packers via the rarely used four-year qualifying offer, a decision that locked him into a $1.2MM cap hit in 2024. That drop-in-the-pan commitment all but assures that he’ll end up making the roster, even as the front office completely revamped the rest of the running backs room.
The organization ended up joining the RB carousel, replacing Aaron Jones with Josh Jacobs. The Packers also added rookie MarShawn Lloyd in the third round, perhaps leading to Dillon’s most uncertain role in years heading into 2024. The former second-round pick had his best season in 2021, finishing with 1,116 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. His yardage dropped to 967 in 2022, and despite starting a career-high six games in 2023, he collected 836 yards on a career-low 4.2 yards per touch.
OL Billy Price Announces Retirement
Billy Price is retiring from the NFL due to health complications. The offensive lineman revealed on Instagram that he recently underwent emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove blood clots in his lungs. Price decided to retire because the “risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk.”
“In the blink of an eye, everything can be taken away,” Price said in his statement. “On April 24th I had emergency pulmonary embolism surgery to remove a saddle clot that was entering both of my lungs. As a healthy 29 year old, an unprovoked pulmonary embolism with no further medical explanation is terrifying. I am truly thankful to be alive today. Unfortunately, I will be retiring from the NFL as the risk of an internal bleed while on blood thinners creates tremendous risk.
“I am truly thankful for the opportunity to have played in some of the greatest atmospheres around the world. I am thankful to have trained and played alongside men who will continue to make Pro Bowls, All Pro Rosters and Hall of Fame recognitions.”
The Ohio State product was a first-round pick by the Bengals in 2018. After earning PFWA All-Rookie Team honors following his first NFL campaign, he saw a reduced role in Cincinnati over the next two seasons. This culminated in a 2020 season where the lineman only started one of his 16 appearances, leading to him getting traded to the Giants.
He’s since bounced around the league, also spending time with the Raiders, Cardinals, Saints, and Cowboys. He started all 11 of his games for Arizona before splitting the 2023 campaign between the New Orleans and Dallas practice squads.
OL David Bakhtiari Receives Positive Health Update
As free agent David Bakhtiari continues to seek his next job, the offensive lineman received some positive news this week regarding his health. After undergoing knee surgery last October, Bakhtiari had a positive follow-up exam with expert Dr. Brian Cole, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. Cole, the chairman of Orthopedics at Rush University Medical Center and chairman of surgery at Oak Park Hospital, “proclaimed” that the offensive lineman is on schedule for a “2024 season return.”
[RELATED: LT David Bakhtiari Aiming To Play In 2024]
Once one of the NFL’s premier offensive tackles, Bakhtiari’s last three-plus seasons have mostly been defined by his absences. His 2020 season ended early thanks to a torn ACL, and the lineman only returned for one game in 2021. Back to full health for the 2022 campaign, Bakhtiari was still limited to only 12 games that season. Then, this past year, the veteran got into one game before undergoing season-ending knee surgery.
The long-time Packers lineman was cut by the organization back in March. At the time, Bakhtiari made it clear that he still wanted to play in the NFL next season, but it’s been relatively quiet for the veteran through the first chunk of the offseason. This latest update may convince teams to have the 32-year-old in for a workout.
Considering the player’s track record, Bakhtiari would represent a low-risk move for a lineman-needy squad. While the five-time All-Pro lineman hasn’t performed like one of the league’s top offensive tackles since the 2020 season, Pro Football Focus was still fond of his production when he was on the field over the past three years.
Considering his connection to Aaron Rodgers, the Jets will continue to be mentioned as a suitor for the free agent. The team has already invested heavily in the position this offseason, adding veterans Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses before selecting Olu Fashanu in the first round of the draft. Of course, the Jets front office is well aware of the need for OL depth, so the team probably wouldn’t reject Bakhtiari if he comes cheap.
Considering his recent injuries, Bakhtiari may have to also wait for some other free agent OTs to find home. The current grouping of unsigned veterans at the position also includes D.J. Humphries and Charles Leno.