NFC Notes: Hester, Urlacher, Sproles
In an interview with WFAN’s Boomer & Carton show, Lions tailback Reggie Bush said that embattled Vikings running back Adrian Peterson should be allowed to play football, writes NFL.com’s Marc Sessler. “Adrian Peterson, I’ve known for a while, and he’s a good guy,” Bush said. “... I don’t know all the details of the situation what happened, but I know me and like a lot of other guys who were born in the ’80s, and even before then, were raised differently and disciplined differently. And I was one of those kids. I got what we called ‘whoopings,’ whooped with belts and stuff like that. For me, growing up, it was normal. And not to say, not to try to downplay the situation at all, I think that this is genuine, and obviously, I’m sure there’s no ill intent against his own son.” More from the NFC..
- Coach Lovie Smith definitely wanted Devin Hester in Tampa but the money situation simply didn’t work out in the Bucs‘ favor, tweets Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com (on Twitter). The former Bears standout wound up signing with the Falcons this offseason.
- Former Bears linebacker Brian Urlacher resigned his job as a broadcaster job at FOX Sports 1 Tuesday and the Bucs have an injury to starting middle linebacker Mason Foster. Some may be wondering if Urlacher would be a fit for Tampa Bay but if it does happen, it won’t be this week, writes Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. The Bucs plan to go with backup middle linebacker Dane Fletcher in Thursday night’s game at Atlanta.
- Former Eagles president Joe Banner tweeted that he tried to sign Darren Sproles when he a free agent after his time with the Chargers. However, the speedy tailback badly wanted to reunite with Drew Brees in New Orleans and wound up with the Saints. Sproles’ presence in Philadelphia years earlier might have made a big difference for the team, Banner writes.
- Jason Fitzgerald of Over The Cap gives his thoughts on Robert Quinn‘s extension with the Rams. The contract is similar to what Fitzgerald envisioned for J.J. Watt initially – it underpays him for his production, but it gives him a window for another mega-contract in just a few years. Quinn also gets a decent guarantee package from St. Louis.
- The Peterson case shows a lack of leadership on the NFL’s part, writes Tom Powers of the Pioneer Press. The Vikings said they’ll let things play out in court for the running back but Powers notes that defensive back Chris Cook, cornerback A.J. Jefferson, and running back Caleb King were never given the same benefit of the doubt when they were in hot water.
Drew Brees Wants To Play 10 More Seasons
Drew Brees turned 35 in January, and is entering his 14th NFL season this fall, but in his view, his career is far from winding down. As Albert Breer of the NFL Network details, Brees told the media today that he’d like to play to age 45, pointing to contemporaries like Brett Favre, Peyton Manning, and Tom Brady to prove that maintaining a high level of production into one’s late-30s and early-40s is possible for quarterbacks.
“I’m not getting ahead myself, like it’s a pipe dream, at 45,” Brees said. “I understand the challenges that come along with that. But why not? If I can stay healthy, and I’m having fun and playing at a high level, why wouldn’t I wanna do that? The biggest challenge is physically, the maintenance, the recovery, the way you train. You gotta hope that you stay healthy, but why not?”
While playing at a high level until he’s 45 may be overly optimistic, Brees hasn’t showed any signs of slowing in recent seasons. In 2013, he topped 5,100 passing yards for the third straight year, tossing 39 touchdowns and just 12 interceptions. With Jimmy Graham now under contract, and rookie receiver Brandin Cooks added to the mix, the eight-time Pro Bowler looks poised for another big year in 2014.
Brees also isn’t the only veteran quarterback who has expressed optimism about playing into his 40s. Manning, 38, is coming off a record-setting season, and hasn’t given any indication that this will be his last year. Meanwhile, Brady hinted earlier today that he hasn’t ruled out the possibility of playing beyond his current contract, which runs through his age-40 season.
NFC Links: Graham, Davis, Giants
It’s been more than a week since the beginning of Jimmy Graham‘s hearing over his franchise tag designation. Those who are antsy for a solution may have to wait a bit longer – sources tell ProFootballTalk.com’s Mike Florio that a ruling isn’t expected until next week. Even then, the losing party will likely appeal the decision. The entire process could stretch beyond July 15, the deadline for inking a long-term deal.
Additionally, we learned some more interesting information about the hearing. Florio reports that Saints head coach Sean Payton testified against Graham, but the specifics weren’t known. We can likely assume one thing, however – if Graham loses his case, Payton’s going to have some difficulty convincing his tight end to participate in “wide receiver drills” during training camp.
Let’s see what else is happening around the NFC…
- Graham’s quarterback, Drew Brees, weighed in on the subject on a SportsCenter conversation with reporter Ed Werder (about 1:15 into the video): “Of course as the quarterback, this is my guy. Jimmy’s my guy and I want what’s best for him. I want what’s best for the team. Certainly, there’s a way that everybody can be happy coming out of this deal.”
- 49ers tight end Vernon Davis signed a five-year, $37MM extension in 2010 and he’s now playing at a higher level. Davis ultimately decided to hold out because it’s “all about getting paid what you deserve,” he writes in SI.com’s Monday Morning Quarterback.
- NJ.com’ s Conor Orr ranked the Giants cornerback depth based on playing time, and ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano revealed some interesting notes in his analysis. Graziano opines that Orr’s top-five (Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie, Prince Amukamara, Walter Thurmond, Zackary Bowman and Trumaine McBride, respectively) are safe while Charles James and Bennett Jackson will likely fight for the final spot. Graziano adds that it will get even more interesting once Jayron Hosley returns from suspension.
Drew Brees Aims To Play Beyond Age 40
Drew Brees turned 35 in January, and will be entering his 14th NFL season this fall, but the eight-time Pro Bowler has no plans to retire anytime soon, as Brett Martel of The Associated Press writes. With three years remaining on his current deal with the Saints, Brees would like to play out that contract and then sign at least one more.
“Do I hope I can play into my 40s? Yes, I do,” Brees said. “As long as I’m healthy and playing at a high level, then why not?” Brees added. “I certainly don’t take it for granted and know that obviously you’ve got to prove yourself every year.”
While NFL players typically don’t thrive in their late-30s, quarterbacks are often the exception, as Peyton Manning exhibited last year with a record-setting season at age 37. Brees is in the midst of the best stretch of his career, having thrown for more than 5,000 yards in three straight years and earned Pro Bowl berths in each of the last six seasons. Assuming he stays healthy, there’s no reason to think he won’t continue to be one of the NFL’s top signal-callers.
Although Brees’ current contract doesn’t expire until after the 2016 season, it will be interesting to keep an eye on whether the Saints will be able to absorb his upcoming cap hits. In 2015, Brees’ cap numbers jumps from $18.4MM to $26.4MM, and it will increase a little more to $27.4MM in 2016. An extension may be necessary at some point to help to alleviate the impact those figures have on New Orleans’ cap.
Drew Brees Could Run For NFLPA Prez
Saints quarterback Drew Brees could run for president of the Players’ Association when the role will be up for a vote in March, writes USA Today’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). Current player president Domonique Foxworth retired in 2012 and rules prohibit him from serving on the board since he didn’t play this past season.
“I’ve given it thought,” Brees said of becoming union president. “There’s a lot of guys that I feel like would be great presidents. I think that it requires a lot of time. And regardless of whether I ever choose to do that or not, I’ll always be involved.”
The Saints’ signal caller, who has sat on the executive committee for six years, is considered a shoe-in for the presidency if he chooses to run. However, Brees has turned down nominations twice before, two people with knowledge of the process told Pelissero. Meanwhile, Brees says that the state of the union is strong despite the fact that some are said to be unhappy with executive director DeMaurice Smith over the last CBA. Multiple executive committee members say that confidence is high in Smith, but he has detractors among agents, player reps, and the rank and file
Executive committee members Charlie Batch, Brian Dawkins, Scott Fujita, Matt Light, Brandon Moore, and Jeff Saturday will also need to be replaced in March. An eighth member, Cowboys guard Brian Waters, may choose to give up his spot if he retires, which would leave just three holdovers in Brees, Colts quarterback Matt Hasselbeck, and Saints tight end Ben Watson.