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Utah TE Dalton Kincaid Cleared Before Draft

April 16th, 2023 at 6:38pm CST by Ely Allen

This year’s draft class is extremely deep at the tight end position, and one of the top prospects faced the additional challenge of a recent injury. Despite a back injury suffered late in the season, Utah tight end Dalton Kincaid has officially been cleared for football activity prior to the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.

Dr. Robert Watkins sent an email to NFL teams fully clearing the 23-year-old. “Dalton Kincaid sustained a back injury while playing football on 11/26/2022,” the email said. “Subsequent MRIs have shown appropriate healing, and he has been asymptomatic with no pain and no limitation of function for at least 3 months. He is cleared to play football with no restrictions.”

The injury caused him to miss the Senior Bowl and NFL scouting combine, and a shoulder injury forced him to miss time earlier in the year, as well. The injury issues don’t help concerns about his smaller frame for an NFL tight end. Yet, Kincaid is still a stellar pass-catching option who caught at least eight touchdowns in four of five college seasons (the fifth being the COVID-shortened season).

The full clearance is big for Kincaid, who is expected to be selected in the first round later this month. He and Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer are widely anticipated to go on Day 1, while Oregon State’s Luke Musgrave and Georgia’s Darnell Washington have a chance, as well. With such a deep class, a nagging back injury could’ve really hurt Kincaid’s draft stock; a full clearance should keep Kincaid with his status as a consensus top two tight end in the draft.

With injury concerns out of the way, Kincaid has had several visits planned with NFL teams. The Ute met with the Bengals and Patriots this past week and has plans to visit the Packers in the week to come. Prior to those visits, Kincaid had spent time with the Texans, Raiders, Chargers, Jaguars, Titans, Lions, Chiefs, and Cowboys.

Texans Not Sold On Non-Bryce Young QBs?

April 14th, 2023 at 1:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Panthers-Bryce Young connection intensifies, the focus could soon shift to the Texans’ decision at No. 2 overall. Thanks to a fourth-and-20 Davis Mills-to-Jordan Akins touchdown heave in Week 18, Houston may have a difficult call to make.

The Texans attempted to acquire the Bears’ No. 1 pick in early March but backed out of the talks late, leaving the door open for the Panthers’ eight-spot jump. That leaves the Texans faced with the prospect of drafting the second-best quarterback available. C.J. Stroud has also been linked to Carolina at 1, but Matt Miller of ESPN.com notes a belief in league circles suggests Houston is not sold on any of the non-Young QBs on the board.

Stroud, Young, Will Levis and Hendon Hooker have visited the Texans during the pre-draft stretch, giving GM Nick Caserio plenty of intel ahead of his third draft in charge. But the team has also hosted Alabama edge rusher Will Anderson Jr. Houston making the surprise move of drafting Anderson should not be completely ruled out, with Miller adding the team is very high on the two-time Bronko Nagurski award winner. The Texans have Anderson as the highest-ranked player on their board, per Miller.

It is not uncommon for teams with quarterback needs to have non-QBs ranked higher on their draft boards. The Panthers admitted this last year when they faced a quarterback-or-left tackle decision at No. 6 overall. Carolina went with Ikem Ekwonu over ex-Matt Rhule recruit Kenny Pickett. The Texans face a slightly higher-stakes choice at 2, given their draft slot and the team not addressing its QB need since Deshaun Watson‘s off-field trouble surfaced.

Texans ownership is believed to be more involved this year; that could certainly complicate a potential plan to take Anderson over Stroud. But smoke continues to emerge on the team shocking the draft world by passing on the Ohio State product. If the Panthers take Stroud, it would seem the Texans will have an uncomplicated start to the draft. But Young going to Carolina may bring considerable intrigue to the second draft slot. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has Houston taking Stroud at No. 2. A trade-down maneuver may also be in play, and if the Texans do make a non-QB pick at 2, the Cardinals figure to field more interesting offers — with Stroud viewed as a safer bet than Levis or Anthony Richardson — at No. 3.

In a scenario in which Stroud remains on the board at No. 3, two of the Texans’ AFC South rivals — the Colts and Titans — would figure to be involved in trade-up talks with the Cards. The Colts’ Stroud visit is set for Friday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Latest On Texans GM Nick Caserio’s Job Security

April 12th, 2023 at 7:40pm CST by Ben Levine

Nick Caserio has found himself on the hot seat for months now, but it doesn’t sound like he’ll be leaving the Texans any time soon. According to John McClain of Sports Radio 610 (via Twitter), the Texans general manager “isn’t going anywhere.”

Caserio made a name for himself during his two-decade stint in New England that eventually culminated in him earning the role of director of player personnel (despite the title, Bill Belichick still retained final personnel decisions). Following multiple attempts at recruiting the executive, the Texans finally landed Caserio as their new GM in 2021.

From a glass-half-full perspective, Caserio has done an admirable job restocking the team’s draft assets as they embarked on a total rebuild. Deshaun Watson‘s sudden trade request (and subsequent sexual misconduct headlines) led to the organization deactivating the QB, but the Texans emerged from the year-long soap opera with three first-round picks from Cleveland. Houston had zero first- or second-round picks during Caserio’s first offseason at the helm, but the team had multiple firsts last year (resulting in Derek Stingley and Kenyon Green) and will be armed with a pair of firsts and a pair of seconds in both 2023 and 2024.

From a glass-half-empty perspective, Caserio saw his organization fall from 4-13 in 2021 to 3-14 in 2022. The team was never expected to compete right away, but Caserio has seemingly acknowledged some of his mistakes along the way. The organization surprisingly fired David Culley after only one season, and they let go of Lovie Smith following his one season as head coach in 2022. DeMeco Ryans will now mark the third head coach in Caserio’s three years with the organization, and just the idea of that coaching carousel had the Texans losing confidence in their GM back in December. Further, the organization fired Jack Easterby, the executive who played a major role in bringing Caserio from Foxborough to Houston.

Following a 2022 campaign that featured few highlights, there were whispers that Caserio could end up getting canned. The organization decided to stick with Caserio through yet another head coaching search, and it sounds like they’re committed to him running another draft. However, if the Texans fail to show any progress in 2023, there’s a good chance the organization could be looking for a new general manager next offseason.

Latest On Draft’s QBs: Young, Panthers, Texans, Hooker, Vikings, Richardson, Levis

April 12th, 2023 at 2:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

With each passing day, the reality of Bryce Young leading off the 2023 draft looks more likely. C.J. Stroud does not seem to be gaining momentum and looks set to be available when the Texans go on the clock at No. 2 overall. Although Stroud-to-Charlotte buzz emerged recently, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes the Panthers have been leaning in Young’s direction for weeks. They have not deviated from that plan, and SI.com’s Albert Breer adds Carolina sees special qualities in the 5-foot-10 passer.

Buzz regarding Frank Reich preferring the 6-3 Stroud has died down, with multiple reports last week indicating the Panthers — who hosted Young on Tuesday — are big fans of the 2021 Heisman winner. This will put the Texans to a decision; their previously reported Young meeting is on tap for today, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Here is the latest from this draft’s QB crop:

  • Teams continue to look into Hendon Hooker, who dazzled at Tennessee before tearing an ACL in November 2022. The Texans look to have gotten a head-start with the rehabbing passer, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson indicating the former Virginia Tech recruit trekked to Houston for a meeting not long after the Combine (Twitter link). Hooker would be an interesting option for the Texans if they take the unexpected route and pass on a QB at 2. While the Texans’ No. 12 overall pick would be a bit early for Hooker, who turned 25 earlier this year, they hold the No. 33 overall pick as well. Of course, the team might be in a bit of trouble at QB1 this season were it to take this highly unexpected path. Case Keenum and Davis Mills are Houston’s current QBs.
  • It should not be assumed Hooker will drop out of Round 1, however, given the annual demand at this rather important position. Rival executives are connecting Hooker to the Vikings, La Canfora adds. Minnesota would make for an interesting landing spot, having merely restructured Kirk Cousins‘ contract — after extending him in 2020 and 2022 — this offseason. Cousins going into a contract year will put the onus on new Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah to find a successor, but Hooker would make for an unusual developmental candidate due to his age. The previous Vikes regime tried to trade up for Justin Fields two years ago. Hooker’s Lions, Buccaneers and Raiders visits are this week. Detroit’s second first-round pick (No. 18) and Tampa Bay’s only Round 1 choice (No. 19) check in ahead of Minnesota’s (No. 23).
  • Mel Kiper Jr.’s most recent mock draft calls for what would be a draft first: a QB-QB-QB-QB start. Part of that equation would require a team to trade into the Cardinals’ No. 3 draft slot. Arizona has received extensive interest in that pick, though some of the teams exploring a move up might be hoping Stroud falls to No. 3. A value gulf may well exist between this draft’s top two arms (Young and Stroud) and the next two options (Anthony Richardson and Will Levis), with Breer expressing doubt a team would trade to No. 3 for the Florida or Kentucky QBs. Kiper has the Titans moving up from No. 11 to No. 3 for Richardson, who displayed elite athleticism at the Combine but has just one season as a full-time starter. Similar to the Vikings’ Cousins situation, the Titans have Ryan Tannehill contracted for one more season. Trade rumors have emerged regarding the fifth-year Titan, and Ran Carthon‘s team has been connected to a trade-up.

Draft Rumors: Murphy, Banks, Branch, Forbes, Torrence

April 12th, 2023 at 12:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

One of the top edge defenders available in the draft, Clemson’s Myles Murphy will have a busy week. The 6-foot-5 pass rusher met with the Jaguars earlier this week, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets, and Bengals, Falcons and Texans visits are on tap for one of Clemson’s two first-round-caliber D-line talents. Joining D-tackle Bryan Bresee on this front, Murphy submitted a consistent resume at the ACC power. In three seasons, the 268-pound edge recorded 18.5 sacks and 36 tackles for loss. The Jaguars, who have drafted an edge in Round 1 three times since 2019, go on the clock at No. 24. The Bengals, who have Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard signed beyond 2023, hold the No. 28 pick. The Texans (Nos. 2, 12) and Falcons (No. 8) are needier on the edge, but their draft slots might not align with a player ranked just outside the top 20.

Here is the latest from the draft:

  • Both Scouts Inc. and NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah grade Maryland cornerback Deonte Banks just outside the top 20 as well, but he appears to be interviewing well with teams and trending upward. The Commanders, Ravens and Steelers are three of the teams impressed by Banks, per the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora, who adds others are intrigued by the 6-foot cover man. The Raiders will host the former Big Ten defender today, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets. The Steelers will be connected to Round 1 corners, having lost Cameron Sutton, and the Ravens have not re-signed Marcus Peters. Both Washington and Pittsburgh cut William Jackson over the past seven months. The Raiders, who have not re-signed Rock Ya-Sin, seemingly have a perpetual cornerback need.
  • In addition to Emmanuel Forbes‘ Lions visit, the Mississippi State corner is a popular pre-draft guest. The Cowboys, Eagles, Patriots, Steelers, Titans and Vikings are on his visit schedule, Jon Sokoloff of WCBI tweets, with Wilson adding the Bengals and Commanders will take a look as well. Forbes’ frame will certainly come up at these meetings. Despite posting a Division I FBS-record six pick-sixes and intercepting 14 passes in three seasons, Forbes being 6-foot and 166 pounds will be an issue for teams. Nevertheless, he profiles as a late-first-round talent.
  • Staying on the DB front, Alabama’s Brian Branch might be the best bet for safety-needy teams in what is viewed as a weak class at the position. The Falcons, Commanders, Raiders, Texans and Vikings are on Branch’s pre-draft itinerary, per Wilson, who adds the Bills have a workout scheduled for the multiyear Crimson Tide contributor as well. Branch has extensive slot experience as well, providing potential flexibility for teams considering him in the late first round.
  • Like Branch, Florida guard O’Cyrus Torrence profiles as the top player at his position going into the draft. The Louisiana transfer became a consensus All-American in 2022, and the Bills, Commanders and Steelers have auditioned him thus far, per Wilson and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter links). Each of these teams have added at guard already this offseason. The Steelers signed both Isaac Seumalo and Nate Herbig, while the Bills signed Connor McGovern. The Commanders signed ex-Giant Nick Gates but have plans to use him at center, where he played before a severe September 2021 injury sidetracked his career.

Draft Rumors: Young, Panthers, Stroud, Texans, Colts, Smith, Lions, WRs, Cardinals, Titans, Falcons, Johnston, Jaguars, Vikings

April 10th, 2023 at 8:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Panthers have not locked onto Bryce Young just yet, but the pendulum continues to swing toward the Alabama prospect over C.J. Stroud. David and Nicole Tepper spent extensive time with Young’s parents at Alabama’s pro day last month, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, and Michael Lombardi said during his GM Shuffle podcast the Carolina owner met with Nick Saban in the Crimson Tide HC’s office during the pro day. This comes after reports last week began to stray from the Stroud-to-Charlotte narrative, one that formed largely because Young stands 5-foot-10 and plays under 200 pounds (despite his 204-pound Combine weight).

Carolina will meet with Young on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, with Breer adding Young has already impressed Frank Reich in previous settings. It will be interesting to see if more smoke emerges here, as the Panthers do not exactly have to keep this a secret given their updated draft position, or if Stroud remains in the mix. Many scouts and execs polled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Stroud’s 6-3, 214-pound frame make him safer and will help him become Carolina’s choice, though that poll still produced a slim advantage for Young to go No. 1 overall. Despite the Panthers meeting with Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, it certainly looks like Young or Stroud will be the pick.

Here is the latest from the draft scene:

  • The Colts discussed the No. 1 pick with the Bears before the Panthers won out, but Breer adds Indianapolis was not ready to do a deal before free agency. The team was still in the process of evaluating the QB prospects and was not prepared to part with significant capital to move up from No. 4 to No. 1. Houston also backed out, having been farther down the road in trade talks with Chicago. Bears GM Ryan Poles spoke of his team trading down twice — moving from 1 to 2 to 9, allowing the Texans and Panthers to climb up for QBs — but Breer notes Nick Caserio‘s team became uncomfortable with the deal later in the process.
  • Texans ownership is more involved in this year’s draft process, per Breer, who is less bullish on Houston selecting a quarterback compared to how this situation looked ahead of the Combine. The Texans’ negotiations with the Bears unmasked them as being willing to trade up for one particular quarterback, potentially pointing to the team being high on either Stroud or Young but not as sold on the other. Since the Panthers obtained the pick, the Texans have been connected to possibly punting on their QB need and taking Will Anderson Jr.. A trade-down scenario, per Breer, should also not be discounted.
  • Nolan Smith is gaining steam during the pre-draft process, with Fowler noting some scouts are pegging the edge rusher as a top-10 pick. The Lions (Nos. 6, 18) have done homework on the Georgia outside linebacker, per Fowler, and the Patriots (No. 14), Buccaneers (No. 19), Ravens (No. 22) and Jaguars (No. 24) have met with Smith. Scouts view the 238-pound defender as a better fit for a team in a 3-4 scheme, and the Steelers (No. 17) — long users of that base alignment — have emerged as a potential Smith floor.
  • More teams are bringing in TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Following a report that indicated the Ravens, Cowboys and Chiefs were hosting Johnston, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes the 6-foot-3 pass catcher will meet with the Cardinals, Falcons (No. 8), Vikings (No. 23) and Jaguars. Most of these visits will occur this week, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who adds the Titans (No. 11) huddled up with the ex-Horned Frog on Monday (Twitter link). Barring a fall into Round 2 or the Cards moving down considerably from No. 3 overall, Johnston would not seem in their range. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Vikings selecting Johnston. This receiver class has generated mixed reviews, with NBC Sports’ Peter King adding teams have the higher-end wideouts in varying orders on their respective boards, but Johnston has consistently been mocked as a first-rounder.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Visits Falcons; WR To Meet With Ravens, Texans, Bills, Cowboys

April 10th, 2023 at 3:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2023 draft class isn’t seen to have the star power at the top of the board that previous ones did when it comes to the receiver position. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen by many as the headliner in this year’s class, though, something which is reflected by his travel schedule this month.

The former Ohio State receiver has already visited the Falcons, and will also do so with the Ravens, Texans, Bills and Cowboys (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). That list is sure to grow given his status as one of the most highly-touted players at the position, but it already covers a large stretch of the first round in terms of draft positioning.

The Falcons are set to pick eighth overall, and most analysts have tapped them for a defensive addition. The team is also looking into its options along the offensive line, however. Atlanta has used its top choice on a pass-catcher in each of the past two years, taking tight end Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in 2021 and wideout Drake London with the No. 8 selection last year. Using a premium pick for that purpose once again in 2023 would come as a surprise, though the Falcons ranked second-last in passing yards last season, and have yet to make a major addition to their WR room in free agency.

Houston owns the second overall pick, which is expected to be used on a quarterback (though the door remains open a different course of action). The Texans also have the 12th selection as a result of the Deshaun Watson trade, and that spot could be used on Smith-Njigba to boost their passing game. With the trade of Brandin Cooks, Houston is lacking in established receivers outside of Robert Woods. The arrival of Cooks in Dallas, on the other hand, has eased the pressure the Cowboys face to use their top selection (No. 26) on a wideout.

Both the Bills and Ravens have been linked to splashy additions to their pass-catching corps this offseason. The latter made one yesterday with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr., something which could free them up to look elsewhere with the 22nd pick. The Bills, scheduled to select 27th, continue to search for a consistent secondary option to effectively compliment Stefon Diggs. It appears unlikely Smith-Njigba will be in range of teams at the back half of the opening round, in any case.

The Buckeyes alum had a massive campaign in 2021, but was limited to just three games this past season due to a hamstring injury. A strong showing at the Combine, however, helped garner interest from the Giants along with today’s list of potential suitors. The strength of his sophomore performance has many teams assigning Smith-Njigba the only first-round grade amongst this year’s receivers, as noted by Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy (Twitter link).

While that could have a notable effect on other top prospects at the position later this month, Smith-Njigba can comfortably be considered a lock to hear his name called on Day 1. Teams could find themselves jockeying for position to acquire him if their interest in him on draft night is matched by the breadth of meetings he has and will continue to take part in.

DE Tyree Wilson Visits Texans, Bears

April 8th, 2023 at 4:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Tyree Wilson‘s final Texas Tech season ended early; a foot injury closed the book on the talented edge defender’s college career. That has not stopped him from becoming one of the top prospects available.

Most teams who are holding top-10 picks will look into Wilson. The Texans and Bears started this process this week, with KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reporting the 6-foot-6 D-lineman met with both teams. Tyree Wilson’s pre-draft tour will be extensive. He will visit nearly every team in the top 10, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Wilson grades as the second-best edge player in this class — behind only Will Anderson Jr. — and neither ESPN’s Scouts Inc. nor NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranks the former Big 12 pass rusher too far behind the SEC star. Wilson sits as Jeremiah’s No. 4 overall player and slots fifth in ESPN’s view. He finished with seven sacks in each of the past two seasons, compiling the seven in 2022 despite playing only 10 games.

It makes sense Wilson is a popular name on the pre-draft interview circuit. Medical intel serves as one of the central purposes for “30” visits, and it is interesting that Wilson has surged near the top of the prospect board after suffering an injury that required surgery. Wilson underwent a foot procedure in November, but Aaron Wilson adds the coveted prospect has been medically cleared. He should not have an issue being ready for minicamp or training camp. Wilson only performed bench press reps at the Combine and did not participate

The Texans eschewing a long-rumored quarterback pick for an edge rusher has entered the equation at No. 2 overall, and while Anderson is rumored to be the prospect Houston would consider if it took that unexpected route, Wilson has obviously generated considerable buzz during the pre-draft process. The defensive line led the way for DeMeco Ryans‘ 49ers defenses; San Francisco used a No. 2 overall pick — Nick Bosa — to reshape that unit in 2019. The Texans also have another first-round pick this year (No. 12) and two next year, in the event Ryans and GM Nick Caserio view one of this class’ pass rushers as too good to ignore. Having lost Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Rasheem Green in free agency, the Texans are certainly need on the edge.

The Bears, who hold the No. 9 pick after their blockbuster Panthers trade, have made multiple signings up front, but neither Green nor DeMarcus Walker profile as players who would prevent the team from making a major investment at the position in the draft. Chicago, which dealt Khalil Mack and Robert Quinn last year, finished last in sacks (20) last season and is eyeing pass-rushing help in the draft. The Bears have already brought Jalen Carter in for a visit.

Contract Notes: Jaguars, Singletary, Packers

April 8th, 2023 at 10:05am CST by Ben Levine

The Jaguars reworked safety Rayshawn Jenkins‘ contract earlier this week, creating a chunk of cap space. Per Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap.com, the team converted more than $6.4MM of Jenkins’ salary into a signing bonus and added three void years to the contract. As a result, the team dropped the defensive back’s cap number from $10.5MM to $5.3MM, thus opening more than $5MM in cap space.

Jenkins’ 2024 cap number will rise by more than $1MM. In the event the Jaguars eventually move on from the player, they’ll be left with a dead cap hit of $5.1MM in 2024 or $3.85MM in 2025.

We’ve collected more contract notes below:

  • Calais Campbell‘s one-year, $7MM deal with the Falcons includes a $4MM guaranteed salary and a $3MM signing bonus, per Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com (via Twitter). He can earn another $2MM via incentives, including marks for sacks and playing time. According to ESPN’s Michael Rothstein (on Twitter), $500K of Campbell’s incentives are likely to be earned.
  • Defensive tackle Johnathan Hankins inked a one-year, $1.16MM deal with the Cowboys that also includes an $152K signing bonus, per Wilson (on Twitter). After starting 116 of his 117 appearances between 2014 and 2021, Hankins only started four of his 10 appearances for the Raiders and Cowboys last season.
  • Running back Devin Singletary‘s new deal with the Texans includes up to $1MM in incentives, per Wilson (on Twitter). Half of those bonuses come via playing time incentives, and he can earn another $500K for certain statistical milestones above 1,000 yards from scrimmage.
  • Dallin Leavitt’s one-year contract with the Packers is worth $1.4MM, including a $1.08MM base salary, according to ESPN’s Rob Demovsky (on Twitter). He can earn up to $170K in roster bonuses, all via $10K per-game roster incentives. Demovsky also passes along that Justin Hollins got an $155K signing bonus and $45K workout bonuses from the Packers, while Eric Wilson got an $152K signing bonus.
  • Defensive lineman Carlos Watkins got a one-year, $1.67MM deal from the Cardinals, according to Howard Balzer (on Twitter). This includes a $250K signing bonus, an $1.08MM signing bonus, and up to $340K in per-game roster bonuses. That all results in an $1.57MM cap hit.
  • Jordan Phillips‘ contract with the Bills is for one year worth $3MM, per Ryan O’Halloran of The Buffalo News (on Twitter). He’ll earn $1.22MM in guaranteed money, and he can earn up to $4.6MM thanks to incentives.

Tension Remains Between Bill Belichick, Mac Jones; Patriots Shopped QB?

April 4th, 2023 at 10:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Patriots placed Mac Jones at the center of a historically unusual experiment last season, giving career defensive coach Matt Patricia the keys to the offense. It backfired, and Jones expressed steady frustration with the plan.

Jones’ irritation spilled outside the building, with NBC Sports Boston’s Tom Curran noting the former first-round pick was asking for assistance from coaches not on New England’s staff. Those efforts getting back to Bill Belichick has affected the sides’ relationship, Curran said during a WEEI interview (video link).

Alabama staffers received calls from Jones regarding the Patriots’ plan on offense, NBC Sports’ Chris Simms reports. This comes after a report that indicated Jones had said during the 2022 offseason he would be teaching the Pats’ offense to Joe Judge, who was moved into position as the team’s de facto quarterbacks coach following his Giants ouster. Judge remains on New England’s staff; Patricia is not currently with the team but has a potential path to stay.

This looks to be a storyline to monitor. Belichick has since shopped Jones this offseason, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, who notes the 24th-year head coach has discussed his starting QB in trades with multiple teams. It is not known who Belichick discussed Jones’ potential availability with, but the Raiders were mentioned as a potential suitor before free agency. Las Vegas has since signed former Josh McDaniels pupil Jimmy Garoppolo. McDaniels worked with Jones in 2021.

The Texans also came up, per Florio. Houston GM Nick Caserio was not with the Patriots when they drafted Jones, but he obviously has deep New England ties due to his run as Belichick’s right-hand personnel man. Were the Patriots to attempt to trade Jones outside the AFC, teams like the Buccaneers and Commanders emerged as potential suitors. Those teams have since added Baker Mayfield and Jacoby Brissett, respectively. These veterans would not seemingly be an impediment to a Jones pursuit, so how each organization proceeds in the draft could be relevant to the Patriots.

Jones talks may well have reached the offer stage, with AtoZsports.com’s Doug Kyed adding no offer was good enough to prompt the Patriots to act here. Tension remains between Belichick and Jones, per Kyed, who adds both Robert and Pats president Jonathan Kraft are fond of of the third-year quarterback. This makes it worth wondering if Belichick would have the green light to move on from the former No. 15 overall pick. Jones’ rookie contract can run through 2025, via the fifth-year option. After 2022, it cannot be assumed the Pats will pick up that option. The former national championship-winning QB’s deal has been mentioned as a barrier in the way of a Lamar Jackson pursuit; the Pats are one of the many teams planning to steer clear of the Ravens superstar.

“I’m a big fan of Mac,” Kraft said at the league meetings. “He came to us as a rookie. He quarterbacked in his rookie season and did a very fine job I thought. We made the playoffs. I think we experimented with some things last year that frankly didn’t work when it came to him, in my opinion.”

Belichick’s unusual Patricia-based plan also may have bothered Brian Hoyer. The off-and-on New England backup was not on board with installing a former defensive coordinator as the play-caller, Curran adds. He was not the only one, with veteran NFL reporter Mike Giardi noting (via Twitter) every position group observed the dysfunction on offense last season.

The Patriots released Hoyer this offseason, eating $1.6MM in dead money to do so, and the 15th-year veteran agreed to terms with the Raiders on Tuesday. Following Hoyer’s 2022 concussion, the Pats used third-stringer Bailey Zappe in place of Jones. A mini-QB controversy developed after the Western Kentucky one-and-done won both his starts. Jones regained his job after recovering from the high ankle sprain he sustained, but Zappe is now believed to have a chance at pushing Jones this offseason.

A fourth-round pick who played one season of Division I football — albeit a record-setting showing in a pass-crazed offense — Zappe would be an underdog against Jones, who now has Bill O’Brien in place as OC. On his way out of Tuscaloosa in 2021, Jones helped teach Nick Saban’s then-new OC the Crimson Tide’s offense. After Kraft called Belichick’s decision to install Patricia as the Pats’ primary play-caller a mistake, O’Brien — in his second tour of duty as New England’s OC — is now in place to help clean up the mess.

After elevating the Patriots’ passing attack — at least, compared to their Cam Newton season — and helping the 2021 team to the playoffs, Jones has seen his New England tenure veer off course. It will be interesting to see how he, Belichick, Judge and O’Brien coexist moving forward.

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