Giants Hire Dave Gettleman As GM
The Giants have themselves a new GM. The team announced the hiring of Dave Gettleman on Thursday afternoon. He’ll be formally introduced to local media at a Thursday morning news conference. 
“Given where we are as a team, we thought it was important to bring in someone with experience as a General Manager and a proven track record,” president John Mara and chairman Steve Tisch said in a joint statement. “Dave’s experience is unparalleled. He did an outstanding job as general manager in Carolina, and he was vital to our success during his tenure here. Dave is going to bring his own approach to our organization in how we draft and acquire players through free agency.”
Gettleman takes the wheel during a critical time for the Giants. After losing their three top receivers to injury in the opening weeks of the season, the Giants have had one of their worst seasons in franchise history. Heading into Week 17, the G-Men have one of the league’s worst records at 2-13.
Finding a new coach will be at the top of Gettleman’s to-do list. Ownership has indicated that interim coach Steve Spagnuolo will be among those interviewed for the job, but the rest will likely be up to Gettleman. This year’s top candidates include Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels, Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia, and Panthers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks. It’s possible that Wilks could have a leg up on the rest given his history with Gettleman.
Beyond that, the Giants will have to figure out how to handle the Eli Manning situation. The team’s previous regime ignited a firestorm of controversy by benching Manning this year in favor of backup Geno Smith. Days later, Manning was re-installed as the starter while Reese and coach Ben McAdoo were shown the door. Manning says he wants to stay in New York, but the team owes him a $5MM roster bonus in March. The Giants can escape that obligation by releasing him, though they do not have an obvious replacement in-house. Smith, of course, is not a viable option and rookie Davis Webb has yet to see the field.
Gettleman boasts 30 years of experience in the NFL, including four seasons as the Panthers’ GM and 15 seasons in the Giants organization. His history with the team and close relationship with Ernie Accorsi, who served as a hiring consultant in the team’s search, helped him land the job.
The Giants also interviewed interim general manager Kevin Abrams, vice president of player evaluation Marc Ross, and former NFL executive and current ESPN analyst Louis Riddick for the position. Accorsi has a history of guiding teams to a quick hire, but it was widely expected that a new GM would not be appointed until the New Year. However, it appears that the Giants were unwilling to risk losing Gettleman to another team in need of a GM.
Gettleman, 66, first came to the Giants in 1998 as as assistant to then-pro personnel director Tim Rooney. Soon after, he was promoted into Rooney’s role. He remained with the organization until 2013 when Accorsi, acting as a hiring consultant for the the Panthers, pushed Carolina to hire him as GM.
Gettleman is the Giants’ fourth GM since 1979, following the lengthy runs of George Young, Accorsi, and Jerry Reese.
CFL To Allow Johnny Manziel To Join In 2018
The CFL has announced that it will approve a contract for Johnny Manziel to play in 2018. However, the approval is conditional and Manziel must meet certain requirements in order to take the field for the Hamilton Tiger-Cats.
“[The eligibility process] has included an ongoing assessment by an independent expert on the issue of violence against women, a review by legal counsel, and an in-person interview of Mr. Manziel conducted by the commissioner,” Canadian Football League Commissioner Randy Ambrosie said in a statement. “As well, Mr. Manziel has been required to meet a number of conditions set by the league. As a result of this process, the Commissioner has now informed Mr. Manziel and the Tiger-Cats he is prepared to approve a contract for Mr. Manziel should one be negotiated. “The process that led to this decision does, however, continue. Mr. Manziel has been informed he must continue to meet a number of conditions in order to remain eligible. These conditions, while extensive and exacting, remain confidential.”
Rumors of Manziel taking his talents north of the border have been circulating for more than a year. However, the CFL has declined to get into business with Manziel given his ugly off-the-field behavior, including accusations of domestic violence. Now that he has satisfied his legal requirements here in the United States, Manziel may try to resurrect his career north of the border.
Manziel, 26, has not played in the NFL since the 2015 season. In eight career starts for the Browns, the former first-round pick completed 57% of his passes for 1,675 yards, seven scores, and seven picks. His overall passer rating was just 74.4. Still, he remains a celebrity in the sport for his incredible performances at Texas A&M as well as the hard partying that derailed his NFL career. If Manziel can demonstrate that he is back on the right track, the CFL may be a springboard for an NFL return.
Giants Suspend Eli Apple For Week 17
A historically tumultuous season for Giants cornerbacks will end with a third being suspended for a game. The Giants suspended Eli Apple for Week 17, the team announced.
This comes a day after Landon Collins publicly referred to the second-year corner as “a cancer.” Steve Spagnuolo met with Collins and Apple today in what was called a “really productive” summit, one that included a Collins apology. But the Giants banned Apple nonetheless. He received the news in a meeting with Spagnuolo and interim GM Kevin Abrams.
“We have suspended Eli for a pattern of behavior that is conduct detrimental to the team,” Abrams said.
This pattern of behavior looks to have produced a final-straw moment Wednesday. ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan and Dan Graziano report Apple argued with coaches, including cornerbacks coach Tim Walton, at practice. That argument looks to have been catalyzed by Apple’s refusal to take the field with the Giants’ scout team, Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport of NFL.com report (Twitter link). Apple was already arguing unspecified matters with coaches prior to refusing the scout-team assignment, Garofolo tweets. This wasn’t the first argument between Apple and Walton, per Ralph Vacchiano of SNY.tv (on Twitter).
Apple played only on special teams in Sunday’s game against the Cardinals, ceding his spot to less-heralded cogs — and first-year Giants — Brandon Dixon and Ross Cockrell. The Ohio State product started in seven games this season after opening with the first unit 11 times as a rookie. He finished with exactly the same amount of tackles as last season (49) and recovered two fumbles as well. Pro Football Focus slotted Apple as its No. 73 full-time corner this season, putting him fourth among Giants.
The Giants surprised many by taking Apple No. 10 overall in 2016, with Big Blue eschewing an offensive line need to take a corner in spite of Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie and Janoris Jenkins‘ statuses. Now, Apple follows in their footsteps by incurring a one-game suspension. Ben McAdoo suspended the starting duo at different junctures this season before being fired.
Apple and Collins would not have shared the field this weekend because Collins is now out for the year due to injury. The defensive backs’ beef goes back to at least to a point earlier this month, when Collins had to be restrained from going after Apple inside the team facility. A report in November also indicated Apple nearly left the Giants’ facility because of a film-room session featuring harsh critiques from teammates and coaches. Apple’s mother also underwent brain surgery this fall, and the second-year defender was given time off because of it.
“(Landon and I) had a quick conversation this morning and then I had a quick conversation with Eli,” Spagnuolo said about the aforementioned summit involving himself and the two at-odds defensive backs. “And then all three of us had a really good conversation and it was very productive and I’ll just leave it at that. It’s between them and they were really great.”
One of several Ohio State corners to be first-round picks in recent years, Apple is under contract through 2019.
Browns Clinch 2018 No. 1 Overall Pick
As a result of their loss to the Bears today, the Browns have officially clinched the No. 1 overall selection in the 2018 NFL draft.
While Cleveland’s recent rebuilding strategy has certainly focused on future assets instead of current results, the Browns likely didn’t envision collecting the first overall pick in consecutive seasons. The Browns, who have the opportunity to conclude a winless campaign with a loss to Steelers in Week 17, have already made changes to their front office by replacing general manager Sashi Brown with John Dorsey. But alterations could also come to the club’s coaching staff, as Hue Jackson isn’t necessarily guaranteed to return.
The Browns, who will also secure another top-10 pick thanks to a 2017 trade with the Texans, seem overwhelmingly likely to draft a quarterback early in 2018. Dorsey has already spoken positively about Oklahoma signal-caller Baker Mayfield, while other first-round options include UCLA’s Josh Rosen — who reportedly prefers to land in New York — and (if he declares) USC’s Sam Darnold.
Latest On Jon Gruden, Buccaneers
While Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht is expected to remain in place, the “current thinking” is that Tampa Bay head coach Dirk Koetter will be fired, reports Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. Former Bucs head coach Jon Gruden is a candidate to return to Tampa Bay, per Florio, and many in league circles are “convinced” the Buccaneers will indeed make a run at Gruden, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.
Gruden, now an ESPN commentator, has been linked to a number of vacancies in recent seasons — including the Rams and Colts during the 2017 hiring cycle — but has always opted to return to the booth. However, Gruden didn’t rule out a return to coaching earlier this year, and has in fact been contacting former assistants regarding their availability, per Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (video link).
While Gruden hasn’t been on a sideline in nearly a decade, he’s still only 54 years old. He’s reportedly worked through any issues with the Buccaneers ownership group that would prevent a return to Tampa Bay, and while the club typically waits until after the season to finalize coaching hires, a Gruden addition could occur quickly, reports Pelissero.
In seven seasons with the Buccaneers, Gruden posted a 57-55 record and won a Super Bowl trophy. Prior to leading Tampa Bay, Gruden managed a 38-26 mark with the Raiders.
UCLA QB Josh Rosen Prefers Giants To Browns
One of the top quarterback prospects might stay in college if he’s forced to play for the Browns. ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter reports that UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen prefers to play for the Giants over the Browns, and the prospect will be hesitant to come out in next year’s NFL draft “if Cleveland planned on taking him with the top overall pick.”
Rosen has reportedly expressed concern about landing in Cleveland, and he’s stated a desire to land with a more stable organization. Still, if the UCLA signal-caller is in the draft, Schefter notes that Browns general manager John Dorsey wouldn’t be dissuaded “from taking the player he believes is the best fit for his franchise.” Rosen will ultimately sit down with his parents following the Cactus Bowl to make a decision about his future, and Cleveland’s spot atop the draft could ultimately influence his decision. The Browns can clinch the top pick in the draft with a loss against the Bears today.
Rosen, a junior, is having another productive season in 2017. The quarterback has completed 60-percent of his passes for 3,670 yards, 23 touchdowns, and 11 interceptions. The prospect sits atop several draft boards, with ESPN’s Mel Kiper projecting him to be selected fourth overall and Todd McShay projecting him to go first overall.
Teams Claim Packers Violated IR Rules With QB Aaron Rodgers
Last week, Aaron Rodgers was activated off the injured reserve and proceeded to play against the Panthers. Two days later, the Packers placed their franchise quarterback back on the injured reserve. Now, opposing teams are saying the organization “violated the rules regarding players who are eligible to be placed on injured reserve.”
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that “multiple teams” have complained to the NFL about the apparent violation. NFL rules say a player needs to suffer a new injury that would sideline them for six weeks in order to be placed back on the injured reserve. If a team violates that rule, they’re required to release the player once they’re healthy.
Rodgers played the majority of the game last weekend, completing 26 of his 45 pass attempts for 290 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions. The Packers did pull him from the game because he was “sore,” and the team placed him back on the injured reserve on Tuesday. Had the team still had a chance at the playoffs, the Packers could have continued to roll with Rodgers, but the team ultimately decided to shut him down for the season… which many teams claim breaks the IR rule.
As mentioned, if Rodgers didn’t suffer a new injury, the Packers would be required to release him once he’s healthy. As Schefter writes, no one expects the NFL to force Green Bay to cut their franchise quarterback, but these rival organizations want an explanation on why the Packers “were being granted immunity.”
Rodgers ultimately finished his 2017 campaign having completed 64.7-percent of his passes for 1,675 yards, 16 touchdowns and six interceptions. His seven games played was his lowest total since he became a full-time starter back in 2008.
Steelers Cut James Harrison
The Steelers’ latest Super Bowl push will not include James Harrison come playoff time. Pittsburgh cut the veteran outside linebacker, per a team announcement.
Harrison’s departure coincides with the Steelers activating right tackle Marcus Gilbert off the reserve/suspended list. Harrison re-signed with the Steelers on a two-year deal in March. He will now be placed on waivers.
While this move is certainly a surprise given Harrison’s impact in Pittsburgh and his success as recently as last season, the 39-year-old edge rusher has not played much this year. The Steelers used Harrison on just 40 snaps throughout the season, making him a healthy scratch in some games and failing to deploy him in others.
Harrison said earlier this month he would not have re-signed with the Steelers had he known how little he would play. He will now see if another contending team values him more. He’s attached to a two-year, $3.5MM deal with little guaranteed money remaining. He was a full participant in Steelers practice today.
“There was no animosity or bad feelings. It’s just the business of the NFL. I believe he still wants to play,” Harrison’s agent, William Parise, told ESPN’s Josina Anderson (Twitter link). “We’ll have to wait and see what happens with waivers.”
A team submitting a waiver claim for Harrison could get him for just $70K weekly, Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap tweets.
If another team does not take on that contract, it’s conceivable Harrison — who began his NFL career with the 2002 Steelers — could return to the team if he clears waivers despite his sporadic usage. The other time he ventured away from Pittsburgh, with the 2013 Bengals, did not go well and led to a sudden retirement. Upon unretiring with the Steelers later that year, Harrison re-emerged as an edge force. As recently as last season, he was one of Pro Football Focus’ top-graded edge defenders. This year, though, Harrison has just five tackles and one sack.
Should this be it with the Steelers, Harrison crafted an impressive resume. He stands atop the storied franchise’s sack hierarchy with 80.5 — 3.5 ahead of Jason Gildon — and earned defensive player of the year acclaim in 2008. That season ended with Pittsburgh’s sixth Super Bowl title, one Harrison helped cement with his 100-yard interception return in Super Bowl XLIII.
Bud Dupree, T.J. Watt, Arthur Moats and Anthony Chickillo comprise the Steelers’ edge-rushing contingent. Gilbert has missed the past four games because of a performance-enhancing drugs suspension.
Saints To Place Kenny Vaccaro On IR
Saints safety Kenny Vaccaro will be placed on the injured reserve list, sources tell Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). Vaccaro has been playing on an adductor completely torn off the bone as well as an injured wrist and he’ll need surgery to repair both. 
[RELATED: Saints Sign CB Sterling Moore To Replace Vaccaro]
At 10-4, the Saints are likely headed to the postseason, but they’ll have to forge ahead without the services of their starting strong safety. The advanced numbers aren’t presently fond of Vaccaro (he rates as Pro Football Focus’ worst safety out of any qualified player this year), but he is a valuable five-year veteran of the defense. It’s another tough blow to a Saints team that just placed middle linebacker A.J. Klein on injured reserve a few days ago.
Clearly, Vaccaro has been at less than 100% throughout the year. Although Vaccaro has started in all 12 of his games this year, the team has had to take him off the field for large chunks of time. The 27-year-old (28 on New Year’s Day) has tried to tough it out, but the maladies have finally caught up with him.
Last year, Vaccaro ranked an above-average 38th in performance among PFF’s 90 qualified safeties. He’ll be eligible for unrestricted free agency in March.
NFL Recommends Coaching Candidates
Each year, the NFL’s Career Development Advisory Panel releases a list of candidates for head coaching jobs. According to Mike Lombardi of The Ringer (Twitter link), that list includes: 
- Dan Campbell (Assistant Head Coach/TE coach, Saints)
- Jim Bob Cooter (Offensive Coordinator, Lions)
- John DeFilippo (Quarterbacks Coach, Eagles)
- George Edwards (Defensive Coordinator, Vikings)
- Josh McDaniels (Offensive Coordinator, Patriots)
- Matt Nagy (Offensive Coordinator, Chiefs)
- Matt Patricia (Defensive Coordinator, Patriots)
- Jim Schwartz (Defensive Coordinator, Eagles)
- Pat Shurmur (Offensive Coordinator, Vikings)
- Dave Toub (Special Teams Coach, Chiefs)
- Steve Wilks (Defensive Coordinator, Panthers)
- Mike Vrabel (Defensive Coordinator, Texans)
McDaniels, of course, comes with previous head coaching experience. He was probably too young to handle those responsibilities in Denver, but he has reasserted himself as an offensive wunderkind. Both McDaniels and Patricia will be hot candidates for head coaching jobs this year, so the Patriots may have to make serious changes on the coaching staff.
There is some overlap with the list of minority candidates recommended by the Fritz Pollard Alliance, though Lions defensive coordinator Teryl Austin and Titans offensive coordinator Terry Robiskie did not make the cut on this list. Austin received head coaching interviews in each of the last two offseasons, so he seems likely to garner some consideration this time around.