Steelers’ Martavis Bryant Requests Trade
Martavis Bryant wants out of Pittsburgh. The wide receiver recently requested a trade, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com hears (Twitter link). Rapoport adds that his teammates and coaches are “well aware that he’s unhappy.” 
Bryant was suspended for all of last season after repeated violations of the substance abuse policy. The league granted him full reinstatement in September, allowing him to get back to work with the Steelers. However, he found that his role was downsized this season. After just two catches on Sunday, Bryant is itching to get more targets elsewhere.
Bryant, 25, has only appeared in 27 out of 54 possible regular season games over the course of his career, but he has been productive in his limited action. Heading into this week’s game against the Chiefs, he boasted a career average of 17.3 yards per catch over the last three years.
If the Steelers want to grant Bryant’s request, they’ll have to move quick. The NFL’s trade deadline is on Oct. 31.
Cowboys To Host LB NaVorro Bowman
The Cowboys will host free agent linebacker NaVorro Bowman following his visit with the Raiders, which will take place on Monday, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (Twitter link). Meanwhile, the Saints have also emerged as a possible suitor for Bowman, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (Twitter link).
Dallas recently witnessed linebacker Anthony Hitchens return from injury, but All Pro Sean Lee missed Week 5 with a hamstring issue and could potentially be sidelined going forward. Former second-round pick Jaylon Smith, meanwhile, has struggled in his first live action since suffering a devastating knee injury in his final collegiate game. The Cowboys rank just 29th in defensive DVOA and are dead last in rush defense DVOA, so adding a free agent of Bowman’s caliber should be able to improve those marks.
New Orleans’ defense isn’t much better than the Cowboys’, as the Saints ranks 30th against the run per DVOA. They’ve dealt with injuries at linebacker as well, as rookie Alex Anzalone was recently placed on injured reserve, while the team lost a bit of depth by trading Stephone Anthony to the Dolphins earlier this season. A.J. Klein and Craig Robertson are currently garnering most of the second level snaps for New Orleans.
Given the level of interest he’s generated, Bowman is expected to sign quickly — he hopes to have a new deal in place by Wednesday, reports Florio.
Colin Kaepernick Files Collusion Lawsuit
Free agent quarterback Colin Kaepernick has filed a lawsuit that alleges collusion by the NFL’s owners to keep him out of the league, according to Mike Freeman of Bleacher Report (all Twitter links). Kaepernick, who has hired high-profile attorney Mark Geragos, will release a statement on the lawsuit in the near future, per Freeman.
Kaepernick, of course, originated kneeling during the national anthem as a form of silent protest during the 2016 season, and has since been unable to land an NFL contract. While Kaepernick certainly doesn’t fit every offense in the league, it’s difficult to argue that his social activism hasn’t played at least some role in his failure to earn a roster spot.
As Jason La Canfora of CBSSports.com reported last week, Kaepernick has been diligent about contacting clubs with potential vacancies at quarterback, but as of yet, no team has been willing to enter negotiations or even met with the former 49ers signal-caller aside from the Seahawks, who ultimately chose journeyman Austin Davis as their backup selection. Kaepernick reportedly reached out to the Titans following Marcus Mariota‘s recent injury, but Tennessee had no interest.
Kaerpernick’s lawsuit wasn’t filed in conjunction with the NFLPA, but the union will still support him in his legal battle, reports Mike Jones of USA Today (Twitter link). Still, proving collusion could prove tough, as Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap explains (Twitter links) simply arguing Kaepernick is a better player that other quarterbacks who have landed contracts may not satisfy the contractual bargaining agreement’s “burden of proof.”
Aaron Rodgers Has Broken Collarbone
Packers Aaron Rodgers suffered a broken collarbone in today’s contest against the Vikings and could potentially miss the rest of the season, the club announced. Jay Glazer of FOX Sports (Twitter link) first reported that Rodgers had likely broken his collarbone.
It’s difficult to overstate the potential loss of Rodgers, who was slammed down by Minnesota linebacker Anthony Barr on the offending play. Arguably the best quarterback in the league, Rodgers seemingly single-handedly leads Green Bay to victories, as evidenced by his comeback efforts against the Cowboys in Week 5. This year, Rodgers is among the NFL’s top-10 in both completion percentage and quarterback rating, and has tossed 13 touchdowns against only three interceptions.
While there’s no immediate timeline as to Rodgers’ recovery period, he’s dealt with this injury before. Rodgers broke his left collarbone during the 2013 campaign and missed seven games, as Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk tweets. In that case, however, Rodgers broke his left collarbone, while this latest injury is to his throwing shoulder, which could further impede a return.
With Rodgers sidelined, the Packers have turned to backup Brett Hundley, whom Green Bay selected in the fifth round of the 2015 draft. Although he had attempted only 11 NFL passes before today, Hundley had drawn trade interest in the past, and general manager Ted Thompson almost shipped him away this offseason. Hundley has completed four of eight passes the Vikings today for one touchdown and one interception.
Green Bay only has two quarterbacks on its current roster, so the club will be forced to add another signal-caller in the coming days. Former undrafted free agent Joe Callahan resides on the Packers’ practice squad and could be promoted, while Green Bay could also target a veteran free agent. Colin Kaepernick, Robert Griffin III, Matt Barkley, and Matt McGloin are among the options on the open market.
Heading into today’s game, the Packers had posted an NFC North leading 4-1 record and had a 69.6% chance of earning a postseason berth, per Football Outsiders. Without Rodgers, those odds certainly figure to decrease, and Green Bay faces the 15th-most difficult schedule going forward, according to FO. Over the next several weeks, the Packers will face the Saints, Lions, Bears, Ravens, and Steelers, with a bye mixed in during Week 8.
Steelers Likely To Franchise Tag Le’Veon Bell In 2018
Le’Veon Bell turned down a lucrative extension offer from the Steelers just prior to the deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign long-term deals, and Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports reports that the two sides are likely headed down the same path in 2018.
Bell turned down the deal, which would have paid him $30MM over the course of the first two seasons but an average of $13MM per year over the life of the contract, in his quest to earn $15MM per year. According to La Canfora, however, Pittsburgh just will not go that high, which means that if Bell does not adjust his expectations, the Steelers will slap him with the franchise tag again this offseason.
If that happens, then Bell’s decision to reject Pittsburgh’s offer this year will have been to his detriment. Instead of earning $30MM under the first two years of the extension, Bell will earn just shy of $27MM under two successive franchise tags. While he would still be eligible for free agency again in 2019, he would have to continue playing at an All-Pro level in order to have any chance of achieving his financial goals.
He is not off to a good start in the regard this season, as his rushing and receiving numbers are down across the board. And though he will not turn 26 until February, his injury and suspension history will always make teams wary of committing top-dollar to him over multiple years.
Latest On Luke Kuechly
Panthers star linebacker Luke Kuechly left the team’s Thursday night game against the Eagles and subsequently entered Carolina’s concussion protocol. This morning, ESPN’s Adam Schefter offered some encouraging news on Kuechly, reporting that he has passed all tests and that the team does not believe he suffered another concussion, which would be his third in three seasons.
Nevertheless, David Newton of ESPN.com clarifies that Kuechly is still in the concussion protocol, and although he “looks good,” there is no timetable on his return. As defensive coordinator Steve Wilks said, “It’s always encouraging, not just from a standpoint of Luke getting back on the field, but with his health. It’s good to know he was feeling a lot better today, in good spirits, and being his old self. I’m excited about that.”
Head coach Ron Rivera did not offer any comments as to Kuechly’s long-term future, saying, “I have not talked with the doctors. I have not talked with Luke about this. I will eventually, but we’re going to wait till he’s no longer in the protocol before I say anything about this.”
Should Kuechly be forced to miss games, David Mayo and Ben Jacobs will share his duties.
49ers Agreed To Trade NaVorro Bowman To Saints
We learned last night that at least two teams had serious interest in trading for former 49ers linebacker NaVorro Bowman before he was released by San Francisco, and it turns out that one of those interested teams was the Saints. As ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports, the 49ers agreed to trade Bowman to New Orleans for a seventh-round draft pick, but the Saints learned the veteran linebacker preferred to be a free agent and talk to all teams before deciding on one. As such, the 49ers opted to grant Bowman’s wish and give him his release instead of going forward with the trade.
Schefter adds that San Francisco also engaged in trade talks with the Ravens, Browns, and Panthers, but none of those teams appear to be vying for Bowman’s services in free agency. Instead, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, there is strong mutual interest between Bowman and the Raiders, and Bowman appears set to visit Oakland in the coming days.
In related news, Schefter reports that the 49ers have not had any trade talks involving running back Carlos Hyde — despite speculation to the contrary — and they do not plan to have any such talks. We heard just last week, of course, that San Francisco was attempting to extend the oft-injured RB, who is set to become a free agent at the end of the year.
Colts Place Jack Mewhort On IR
The Colts injury bug hits again. Stephen Holder of the Indianapolis Star reports (via Twitter) that offensive guard Jack Mewhort is headed to the injured reserve. The lineman’s knee swelled up yesterday, and a subsequent MRI revealed that he needed surgery.
Mewhort, 26, has started each of his 45 NFL games since entering the league as a second-round pick in 2014. This isn’t the first time the lineman has experienced knee issues. After suffering an injury during the 2016 preseason, Mewhort missed the first few weeks of the regular season. He went on to play in 10 games for the Colts, but his campaign ultimately ended on the IR.
This is yet another blow to a Colts offensive line that has allowed 18 total sacks this season. The team has previously lost Denzelle Good and Deyshawn Bond, although neither of those players were as essential as Mewhort. While Pro Football Focus wasn’t particularly fond of his performance in 2017 (he only ranks 48th among 72 eligible guards), he was rated much higher in previous seasons. With Mewhort done for the season, one of Le’Raven Clark, Mike Person, or Kyle Kalis could be promoted to the starting lineup.
Fortunately, there is some good news for the Colts. ESPN’s Mike Wells tweets that tight end Jack Doyle has cleared the concussion protocol and will play on Monday night. The 27-year-old missed last week’s game against the 49ers.
49ers Release LB NaVorro Bowman
NaVorro Bowman’s time in San Francisco has come to an end. The Niners announced that he has been released. 
[RELATED: No Offset Language In Bowman’s Deal]
“NaVorro gave his heart and soul to this team for the last eight years, and for that we are all extremely grateful,” said 49ers GM John Lynch. “During that time, NaVorro was a key component of one of the best teams in the League and his passion for the game allowed him to quickly become a favorite of our Faithful fans. Thursday evening, Kyle and I met with NaVorro, and from our conversation it became evident that going in different directions was best for both him and our team. Although NaVorro may be moving on, he will always be looked at as one of the great players to wear the red and gold. We wish him and his family great success.”
On Friday, it was reported that the Niners were working to trade the veteran linebacker. Earlier this week, Bowman’s agent Drew Rosenhaus sent a letter to the league’s other 31 teams saying he had permission to seek a trade (Twitter link via Ian Rapoport of NFL.com). Even with Rosenhaus working to find a suitor, it couldn’t be done. Apparently, no one was willing to take on Bowman’s mammoth contract, which included a $12MM cap hit for the 2018 season.
Bowman first entered the league as a third-round pick of San Francisco in 2010. In the eight seasons since, he has earned First-Team All-Pro honors four times and three Pro Bowl trips. He also led the team in tackles in four of the previous six seasons (2011, 2012, 2013, and 2015).
Despite his impressive resume, Bowman has been subbed out frequently by the coaching staff this offseason. The pitch count was devised to keep Bowman fresh and healthy, but the veteran wanted no part of the linebacker rotation. He’ll finish out the SF portion of his 2017 season with 37 tackles, one pass defensed, and no sacks in five games. According to the metrics at Pro Football Focus, Bowman was playing some of the worst football of his career this year. His poor 45.0 grade puts him near the bottom of the league’s qualified linebackers, a precipitous drop from his past work.
Luke Kuechly In Concussion Protocol
Luke Kuechly did not come out for the second half of Thursday night’s Eagles-Panthers game due to being evaluated for a concussion.
Those evaluations led to the All-Pro linebacker going into Carolina’s concussion protocol, the Panthers announced. Kuechly left the game during the second quarter.
This is the third concussion Kuechly has suffered in the past three seasons. He missed the final six games of last season due to a concussion, one also suffered during a Thursday-night home game. The Panthers’ cornerstone defender missed three games because of a concussion suffered during the franchise’s 2015 Super Bowl season.
Kuechly has met twice with Dr. Micky Collins, a concussion specialist, over the past two years, per Tom Pelissero of USA Today (on Twitter) in an effort to take his health “very seriously,” and it’s possible a third summit could commence as this problem’s now encountered another troubling chapter. A three-time first-team All-Pro, the 26-year-old Kuechly’s in his sixth season with the Panthers.
The Panthers lost Kuechly backup A.J. Klein to the Saints in free agency. A fifth-round 2015 pick out of Texas State, David Mayo is in the game at middle linebacker for Carolina.