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Panthers Request HC Interviews With Mike Macdonald, Raheem Morris, Dan Quinn, Frank Smith

January 8th, 2024 at 7:43pm CST by Ben Levine

We’ve got four more candidates to add to the Panthers head coaching search. The Panthers have announced that they’ve requested interviews with nine head coaching candidates, with four new names joining our list:

  • Mike Macdonald, Ravens defensive coordinator
  • Raheem Morris, Rams defensive coordinator
  • Dan Quinn, Cowboys defensive coordinator
  • Frank Smith, Dolphins offensive coordinator

These four coaches join a growing list of candidates, a grouping that also includes Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken, Texans offensive coordinator Bobby Slowik, Buccaneers offensive coordinator Dave Canales, and Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan.

Macdonald joins his offensive counterpart in Baltimore in interviewing for the open Carolina gig. The second-year Ravens DC helped guide the NFL’s top-scoring defense in 2023. Macdonald also managed to squeeze unexpected production from his pass rushers; despite Kyle Van Noy signing in September and Jadeveon Clowney catching on late in the summer, the duo combined for 18.5 sacks this past season. The Commanders have already requested an interview with Macdonald for their head coaching vacancy.

Morris also got an interview from the Commanders, the organization in which he served as the secondary coach between 2012 and 2014. Morris has spent the past three seasons as the Rams defensive coordinator, and he’s been a popular name on the interview circuit in recent years. He interviewed twice for the Vikings job in 2022, and he was linked to the Broncos and Colts gigs in 2023. Morris is seeking his second head coaching job after leading the way in Tampa Bay between 2009 and 2011.

After withdrawing from head coaching interest in each of the past two offseasons, we heard recently that Quinn is now believed to be “more receptive to the right offer.”After a hot start to his Falcons head coaching tenure, Quinn was fired in 2020 following two-straight 7-9 campaigns and an 0-5 start to the 2020 season. He’s spent the past three seasons as the Cowboys defensive coordinator, overseeing a unit that’s finished top-five in points allowed and top-10 in yards allowed each season.

This is the first job that Smith has been connected to, although we previously heard that the Dolphins offensive coordinator was expected to generate some head coaching interest. Smith and head coach Mike McDaniel finally saw their offensive vision come to fruition in 2023, with the unit finishing second in points scored and first in yards. Both the passing offense and rushing offense have taken off this season, making Smith an intriguing candidate regardless of personnel.

Commanders Request HC Interviews With Ben Johnson, Aaron Glenn, Raheem Morris, Anthony Weaver

January 8th, 2024 at 11:35am CST by Adam La Rose

Moving quickly in the wake of Ron Rivera‘s expected firing, the Commanders have already begun identifying targets for his replacement. The team has sent out a number of interview requests.

Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn are among the candidates being sought out, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. Both staffers, and Johnson in particular, are believed to be hot commodities in the 2024 hiring cycle. As a result, it comes as little surprise that Washington will speak to each of them.

Johnson has enjoyed a successful second season in his current posting, helping the Lions remain on the league’s most efficient offenses. His work with quarterback Jared Goff has earned considerable praise, and it made him a firm target of the Panthers last year. Johnson, 37, is one of the younger coaches set to be on the market, but he has been an NFL staffer for 12 years.

Once again, Carolina is prepared to make a serious run at Johnson for the team’s latest head coaching vacancy. The Panthers are in need of a new HC and also a GM, and much of the franchise’s ability to rebound from the struggles of the past few years will depend on quarterback Bryce Young‘s development. Johnson would be a welcomed addition in that regard, but the presence of Justin Herbert in Los Angeles has made the Chargers gig an attractive one. A mutual interest is thought to exist between Johnson and the Bolts.

Glenn’s tenure with the Lions has been less consistent than Johnson’s, but he could likewise be connected to several openings this year. Detroit put together an extension for him last winter, as a sign of his success as part of Dan Campbell‘s staff. Glenn did make it clear in the summer, however, that he has his eyes on a head coaching gig at some point in his career.

In addition to the Lions duo, the Commanders have requested to speak with Rams DC Raheem Morris, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Morris has been in Los Angeles for the past three years in his second defensive coordinator gig at the NFL level. The 47-year-old’s coaching career includes a stint as secondary coach in Washington from 2012-14. A return to the nation’s capital would give the Commanders a veteran staffer and, like Rivera, one with a background on the defensive side of the ball.

Morris was a high-profile candidate for a number of vacancies in recent years. He interviewed twice with the Vikings in 2022 before Minnesota elected to add Kevin O’Connell. Morris was also linked to the Broncos‘ and Colts‘ gigs last year. It would come as little surprise if he were to land his first head coaching opportunity since his three-year run at the helm of the Buccaneers (2009-11).

Lastly, Washington has also submitted a request with Ravens D-line coach Anthony Weaver, per Schefter. Weaver holds the title of associate head coach, and his strong showing in Baltimore over the past three seasons has landed him on the HC radar. Ravens coordinators Todd Monken and Mike Macdonald are also expected to receive interest, but Weaver has experience at the coordinator level (with the Texans in 2020) and is a well-regarded staffer.

More names will no doubt emerge with respect to the Commanders’ search process, but for now a strong quartet has surfaced. Each candidate could speak with any number of teams currently looking to fill a vacancy, so Washington will have competition on the coaching market. Virtual interviews with candidates on playoff teams cannot take place until at least January 16 given this year’s adjustments to the interview procedure.

Updated 2024 NFL Draft Order

January 7th, 2024 at 10:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

Week 18 is in the books, meaning the top 18 draft slots are locked in going into the offseason. The Commanders, Patriots, Cardinals and Chargers all lost. Only the Bolts changed positions, by virtue of the Giants’ win over the Eagles. The Giants, however, only dropped one spot through their home win.

The Falcons and Saints’ efforts to upend the Buccaneers in the NFC South did not pan out, with Tampa Bay beating two-win Carolina in its regular-season finale. This will keep Atlanta and New Orleans in much better draft positions. Despite finishing 8-9, Tampa Bay now cannot move past No. 19 without a trade.

While the Bears’ seminal decision — Justin Fields or Caleb Williams, seemingly, with all the trade and contract factors that go along with this forthcoming choice — will headline the leadup to this draft, the Commanders have secured the No. 2 selection and will have their own call to make. New owner Josh Harris showed he will help drive his front office to moves that will load up draft capital, as the Montez Sweat and Chase Young trades showed, and he is all but certain to hire a new regime in the coming weeks.

The draft’s second-best quarterback will be available to Washington, which saw its Sam Howell wire-to-wire season fail to solidify him as the team’s surefire long-term QB. Will Washington become closely connected to Howell’s North Carolina successor (Drake Maye)? The Commanders’ call will help shape how the Patriots proceed, unless New England — which is also all but certain to move on from Bill Belichick and start anew — completes a trade-up effort.

As the postseason determines the bottom 14 draft slots, here is how the top 18 look after the regular season:

  1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers)
  2. Washington Commanders: 4-13
  3. New England Patriots: 4-13
  4. Arizona Cardinals: 4-13
  5. Los Angeles Chargers: 5-12
  6. New York Giants: 6-11
  7. Tennessee Titans: 6-11
  8. Atlanta Falcons: 7-10
  9. Chicago Bears: 7-10
  10. New York Jets: 7-10
  11. Minnesota Vikings: 7-10
  12. Denver Broncos: 8-9
  13. Las Vegas Raiders: 8-9
  14. New Orleans Saints: 9-8
  15. Indianapolis Colts: 9-8
  16. Seattle Seahawks: 9-8
  17. Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-8
  18. Cincinnati Bengals: 9-8
  19. Green Bay Packers: 9-8
  20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 9-8
  21. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans)
  22. Los Angeles Rams: 10-7
  23. Pittsburgh Steelers: 10-7
  24. Miami Dolphins: 11-6
  25. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-6
  26. Kansas City Chiefs: 11-6
  27. Houston Texans (via Browns)
  28. Detroit Lions: 12-5
  29. Buffalo Bills: 11-6
  30. Dallas Cowboys: 12-5
  31. San Francisco 49ers: 12-5
  32. Baltimore Ravens: 13-4

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/6/24

January 6th, 2024 at 8:33pm CST by Ely Allen

The last week of pregame transactions and gameday callups for several teams this season:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Cincinnati Bengals

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

  • Placed on IR: T Mike McGlinchey
  • Activated from IR: T Alex Palczewski
  • Signed to active roster: CB Art Green
  • Elevated: S Devon Key

Detroit Lions

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

  • Placed on IR: TE Hunter Henry
  • Signed to active roster: TE La’Michael Pettway
  • Elevated: TE Matt Sokol, OL Andrew Stueber

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Philadelphia Eagles

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

Several teams whose season is set to come to an end tomorrow have elected to move injured players to injured reserve in order to create roster spots for practice squad options, particularly those who have had their three gameday elevations exhausted. In the case of the Broncos, McGlinchey will see his debut campaign in the Mile High City come to a premature end. Signed to a five-year, $87.5MM deal, the 28-year-old was part of a revamped O-line which did not produce the desired rebound on offense. Manning his usual right tackle spot, McGlinchey was charged with eight sacks and 49 pressures allowed by PFF, resulting in an overall grade of 67.5.

While the Giants will have an interesting decision to make with respect to Xavier McKinney‘s future, they will have Pinnock on the books for at least one more season. The latter’s rookie contract is set to expire following the 2024 campaign, one in which he will no doubt remain a vital member of New York’s secondary. Pinnock has recorded 85 tackles, two interceptions (including a 102-yard pick-six), six pass deflections and a pair of forced fumbles while logging over 1,000 defensive snaps this season. A return to health and a continuation of his 2023 level of play will be sorely needed next fall.

Rams To Start Carson Wentz In Week 18

January 3rd, 2024 at 1:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Rams have clinched a playoff berth, doing so after a lower-key offseason pointed the team toward a retooling year. But Los Angeles is not locked into a seed just yet. Nevertheless, the team will rest its starting quarterback in Week 18.

Matthew Stafford will take a seat for the Rams’ regular-season finale, per NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo, with Carson Wentz taking the reins for the first time since his November arrival. The Rams added Wentz after Brett Rypien struggled in relief of Stafford in Green Bay.

Los Angeles’ loss in Green Bay is suddenly relevant. If the Packers beat the Bears and the Rams lose to what will likely be a cast of 49ers second-stringers, Green Bay becomes the NFC’s No. 6 seed and Los Angeles drops to the No. 7 spot. The Cowboys and Lions, respectively, are the likely Nos. 2 and 3 seeds in the NFC. This could conceivably derail a Stafford return to Detroit in Round 1, though the 49ers will not be at full strength after having clinched home-field advantage in the NFC bracket.

Wentz signed a one-year deal worth $733K with the Rams on Nov. 7 and immediately became Stafford’s backup. The Rams have seen their starter return to form this season, operating as one of the NFC’s best quarterbacks after multiple injuries nagged him in 2022. Wentz, 31, has now had nearly two months to learn Sean McVay‘s playbook. This represents an audition opportunity for the scrutinized passer, who was not closely linked to a team before the Rams agreement came to pass.

The Eagles, Colts and Commanders have respectively moved on from Wentz over the past three offseasons. After he produced a solid TD-INT ratio in Indianapolis (27 TDs, seven picks), Wentz finished poorly and saw Jim Irsay effectively order him to be dealt. The Commanders traded two third-round picks for the former No. 2 overall choice, but after a season in which Wentz did not get his job back for several weeks after returning from a hand injury, Washington released him to create considerable cap space. Last season, Wentz threw 11 touchdown passes and nine INTs — three of the picks coming in a Week 17 start against the Browns. The Commanders benched him for Sam Howell in Week 18 of last season.

Baker Mayfield‘s signs of life in McVay’s offense helped land him a starting job this season, but Wentz will obviously have a smaller window to showcase his form. But the former Eagles extension recipient will have a chance to play before likely returning to free agency in March.

Sean McVay To Remain With Rams Through 2024 Season

January 2nd, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

Sean McVay has been the subject of speculation in recent years with respect to his coaching future, but he provided another update in that regard on Tuesday. The seventh-year Rams head coach confirmed he will remain with the team for the 2024 season (video link).

The news comes as little surprise given the success McVay has enjoyed in general with the organization and in particular this campaign. In the midst of a financial reset, Los Angeles entered the 2023 season with limited expectations. McVay has instead guided the team to a postseason berth and a 9-7 record so far.

Interest in the 37-year-old from TV networks has been present over several years, but McVay put those concerns to rest on at least a temporary basis when committing to the Rams this past January. Plenty of changes have taken place on the field and the sidelines since that decision, but Los Angeles’ unexpected degree of success have proven it to be a sound one. When elaborating on his status, McVay said in March that he wished to avoid his future being a year-to-year talking point.

McVay has posted a 69-45 regular season record in the regular season, and he now sits in a tie for second in franchise history in wins. The top spot – currently occupied by John Robinson, who coached the franchise from 1983-91 and recorded 75 wins – is very much within reach for next season. McVay has guided the Rams to the postseason for the fifth time in his tenure, and his attention will of course remain on their upcoming playoff matchup.

Beyond that, the organization will have much more flexibility in terms of cap space and draft capital than previous years. Given the impressive showing from the Rams’ 2023 rookie class, expectations will be high next fall if the transition to a younger core continues in the offseason. General manager Les Snead signed an extension in 2022, providing the Rams with stability in the front office. The same will now hold true on the sidelines.

McVay entered the 2023 campaign as the league’s seventh-longest tenured head coach, and his ability to oversee this year’s impressive run will allow him to continue his run in Los Angeles. A third Super Bowl appearance this winter would come as a surprise, but his postseason track record (which includes one championship) will give him a solid footing heading into 2024. Many questions amongst the Rams’ players will need to be answered in the coming months, but McVay’s future is not uncertain.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/2/24

January 2nd, 2024 at 6:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Tuesday’s practice squad moves:

Arizona Cardinals

Baltimore Ravens

  • Signed: S Jeremy Lucien

Carolina Panthers

Cleveland Browns

Denver Broncos

  • Signed: TE Johnny Lumpkin

Green Bay Packers

Indianapolis Colts

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

  • Signed: TE E.J. Jenkins
  • Placed on practice squad injured list: TE Cole Fotheringham

Los Angeles Rams

  • Signed: QB Dresser Winn
  • Released: LS Alex Matheson

Minnesota Vikings

  • Signed: LB Abraham Beauplan

New Orleans Saints

New York Jets

Washington Commanders

Teams can begin signing players to reserve/futures contracts Jan. 8. P-squad contracts expire seven days after the regular season concludes, and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero reminds teams are not limited regarding the number of times they can elevate a player from a taxi squad during the playoffs. In the regular season, players are capped at three gameday elevations.

The Panthers are expected to sign Boone to a futures deal next week, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. After three years with the Vikings and two with the Broncos, Boone played in nine games with the Texans this season. As for Wright, this marks a reunion. While Wright’s first Panthers stay did not last long (Aug. 26-30), Carolina may need him due to Eddy Pineiro‘s hamstring injury.

Amid the Jets’ wave of O-line injuries, they signed Saffold. While the former Rams, Titans and Bills starter was with the Jets for several weeks, he did not see any game action in his 14th NFL season.

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/2/24

January 2nd, 2024 at 5:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Tuesday’s minor moves:

Carolina Panthers

Indianapolis Colts

Los Angeles Rams

New York Giants

A foot injury will end Mingo’s season a game early. Struggling with drops as a rookie, Mingo will finish his season averaging 9.7 yards per catch (43/418). The No. 39 overall pick’s rookie contract runs through 2026.

Updated 2024 NFL Draft Order

January 1st, 2024 at 7:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

It took the Bears until Week 18 for the No. 1 draft slot to become a reality; the Panthers did not make them wait that long this year. Carolina’s struggles will give Chicago the No. 1 overall pick for a second straight year. How the Bears will proceed with that pick will become one of the NFL’s defining 2024 storylines.

The Cardinals’ unexpected conquest in Philadelphia knocked them down two slots in the 2024 draft order. As a result, the Commanders — who resided in the fourth position before the Patriots’ Christmas Eve upset ended the Russell Wilson era in Denver — hold the No. 2 pick going into the regular season’s final Sunday.

The Commanders benched Sam Howell in back-to-back weeks and were set to, prior to a midweek Jacoby Brissett setback, shelve him for Week 17 as well. The Ron Rivera era is in its final days, with front office changes likely as well. A Commanders-Caleb Williams connection has emerged, which would make Washington quite interested in what Chicago does at No. 1 overall — or key another round of Bears talks about dropping from 1 to 2, which took place with the Texans this offseason. With the Bears likely considering another Justin Fields season and the Cardinals having Kyler Murray tied to a $46.1MM-per-year contract, the Commanders are suddenly a team to watch regarding a QB investment.

Bill Belichick is also perched as a key 2024 domino, but with the legendary HC not eager to leave New England, one of the most important decisions in franchise history awaits Robert Kraft. Belichick or his replacement could hold a top-three pick in 2024, though another Pats win — they have the Jets in Week 18 — would complicate an effort to land a top-tier QB prospect.

Entering Week 18, here is how the 2024 draft order looks:

  1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers)
  2. Washington Commanders: 4-12
  3. New England Patriots: 4-12
  4. Arizona Cardinals: 4-12
  5. New York Giants: 5-11
  6. Los Angeles Chargers: 5-11
  7. Tennessee Titans: 5-11
  8. New York Jets: 6-10
  9. Atlanta Falcons: 7-9
  10. Chicago Bears: 7-9
  11. Las Vegas Raiders: 7-9
  12. Minnesota Vikings: 7-9
  13. New Orleans Saints: 8-8
  14. Denver Broncos: 8-8
  15. Seattle Seahawks: 8-8
  16. Cincinnati Bengals: 8-8
  17. Arizona Cardinals (via Texans)
  18. Pittsburgh Steelers: 9-7
  19. Green Bay Packers: 8-8
  20. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 8-8
  21. Indianapolis Colts: 9-7
  22. Jacksonville Jaguars: 9-7
  23. Los Angeles Rams: 9-7
  24. Buffalo Bills: 10-6
  25. Kansas City Chiefs: 10-6
  26. Philadelphia Eagles: 11-5
  27. Detroit Lions: 11-5
  28. Houston Texans (via Browns)
  29. Miami Dolphins: 11-5
  30. Dallas Cowboys: 11-5
  31. San Francisco 49ers: 12-4
  32. Baltimore Ravens: 13-3

Rams Waive K Lucas Havrisik, To Bring Back K Brett Maher

January 1st, 2024 at 3:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

3:05pm: A new face may not handle kicking duties in the postseason after all. When addressing the latest switch, head coach Sean McVay announced the Rams intend to bring Maher back. He has not played since being let go by Los Angeles earlier in the year, and now he will have the opportunity to reclaim his old gig. Given Maher’s struggles in his first Rams stint (along with his extra point issues in the playoffs with the Cowboys last year), however, it will be interesting to see if competition is brought in over the coming days.

1:36pm: In the wake of their continued struggles at the position, the Rams are set to make another change at the kicker spot. The team announced on Monday that Lucas Havrisik has been waived.

Los Angeles began the season with Brett Maher in place, but he missed six field goals (along with one extra point) in seven games. That required a change to be made, and Maher was let go. Havrisik was signed off the Browns’ practice squad to take his place. However, the Rams also auditioned a number of more experienced options, leaving the door open to a third option seeing game time.

Havrisik had a nine-game run with the Rams, but he was unable to lock down the kicking gig on a permanent basis. The 24-year-old went 15-for-20 on field goal attempts, including four misses from inside 50 yards. He also missed three extra points in his tenure with Los Angeles; two of those occurred in Week 17’s narrow win over the Giants. That victory secured a playoff spot for the Rams, but their special teams situation is once again uncertain with the postseason looming.

Los Angeles briefly added Mason Crosby, but Havrisik remained in place long enough to lead the veteran elsewhere. Crosby (who missed a 54-year game winner on Sunday) is set to finish out the season with the Giants. While New York’s campaign will come to an end in Week 18, the same is not true for the Rams. As a result, their actions in the coming days will be worth watching.

No other kicker currently resides on the team’s roster or practice squad, so an addition will need to be made soon. It would come as little surprise if the Rams were to again host several options on the free agent market as they look to solidify the kicker position ahead of the playoffs. Havrisik will now be available to all teams via waivers; he will become a free agent if no team puts in a claim.

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