Steve Apostolopoulos Still In Contention To Purchase Commanders?
The news of an agreement being reached between Dan Snyder and the group led by Josh Harris for the latter to purchase the Commanders appeared to mark a conclusion in the team’s latest saga. As far as one party involved in the sales process is concerned, though, that may not be the case.
During an appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos said that he considers himself to still be “in the hunt” (video link). He, along with Harris, submitted fully-funded bids for the Commanders, which appeared to narrow the field to the two of them (with Amazon founder Jeff Bezos representing a notable absentee).
While Brian Davis has reportedly entered the fray with a $7 billion offer, Apostolopoulos added that he sees the situation as a “head to head process” between himself and Harris. The latter, owner of the Philadelphia 76ers, New Jersey Devils and Premier League club Crystal Palace, has a standing bid of $6.05 billion – a figure which would comfortably exceed the sales price of the Broncos last offseason which broke the North American sports record.
The NFL will formally review the Harris bid, something which should take less time than the vetting process he went through in 2022 as a bidder for the Broncos. At first glance, no major major obstacle to his deal with Snyder being ratified – which will require the approval of at least 24 owners – exists.
As detailed by Mark Mask and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post, there are thought to be only minor issues in the Harris bid, which should be resolved with relative ease. As a result, they report that Harris’ offer “almost certainly will be ratified” by the NFL and its owners, which would officially take Apostolopoulos out of the running and conclude Snyder’s scandal-ridden tenure at the helm of the organization.
The matter of indemnity could be a key factor in the Harris bid being accepted. His offer currently contains a clause which would partially protect Snyder from future legal action, and the willingness shown by other owners to approve it could go a long way in bringing the agreement over the finish line. For now, at least, Apostolopoulos is holding firm in his belief that he could ultimately overtake Harris as the successful bidder.
Draft Notes: Hooker, Texans, Avila
For much of the pre-draft process, it has been widely assumed that four quarterbacks will be taken in the first round. The next highest-rated passer, Hendon Hooker, could increase that number to five.
The Tennessee product had a promising 2022 season cut short by an ACL tear, which will keep him sidelined for at least part of his rookie campaign. That, along with his age (25), has hurt his stock to the point that many see him as a second-round prospect. Hooker has met with a number of teams across the Day 1 order, however, and the Raiders are one squad which came away impressed with him.
ESPN’s Matt Miller confirms that Hooker is gathering steam to be picked in the first round. He cites multiple scouts who believe he can safely be penciled into the Day 1 order, with one prediction even connecting him to the Commanders at No. 16. Washington is committed to Sam Howell as their starter, and they have signed Jacoby Brissett as an experienced backup. While teams set to pick later in the round could therefore be better fits, it may not come as much a surprise if one of them elects to add Hooker compared to earlier in the offseason.
Here are some other notes from the same ESPN piece:
- Both Miller and colleague Jordan Reid are in line with the prevailing thought in league circles that the Texans will not use the second overall pick on a quarterback. Recent reports have increasingly pointed to Houston preferring a defensive prospect to any quarterback other than Bryce Young, who is widely expected to go first overall. Miller adds that Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. is the name “most often connected” to the second pick – something which goes against previous reports listing fellow edge rusher Tyree Wilson as the favorite for GM Nick Caserio and Co. In any case, the Texans (who also hold the 12th pick) will certainly be a team to watch in the early going on Thursday, as their QB situation may not be addressed on Day 1.
- Reid names Kansas State cornerback Julius Brents and TCU guard Steve Avila as players who could find their way into the back of the first round. The latter delivered strong performances both in the run game and in pass protection during the Horned Frogs’ run to the national title game and is among the top interior linemen in the 2023 class. Per Reid, both the Cowboys and Saints have their eye on Avila. Both Dallas and New Orleans used first-round picks (Tyler Smith and Trevor Penning, respectively) to bolster their offensive fronts last year, but Avila could be an immediate starter for whichever team adds him late on Day 1 or early on Day 2.
NFL Suspends Lions WR Jameson Williams For Gambling; Four Others Banned
A year after Calvin Ridley drew an indefinite suspension for gambling, the NFL will ban another prominent wide receiver. Jameson Williams received a suspension for violating the NFL’s betting policy, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms (Twitter link).
The NFL also suspended Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus for gambling. Williams will be sidelined six games, according to the Lions. The Lions have since waived Cephus and released safety C.J. Moore, whom the league also hit with a suspension. The NFL also suspended Lions wideout Stanley Berryhill and Commanders edge rusher Shaka Toney, Rapoport reports.
Cephus and Moore received indefinite suspensions, which will cover at least the 2023 season. A former fifth-round Lions pick, Cephus had been with the team since 2020. Moore resided as a core Lions special-teamer over the past four seasons.
Williams and Berryhill remain with the Lions. Berryhill joined the 2022 first-round pick in drawing a six-game ban. Toney, a 2021 seventh-round Washington draftee, received an indefinite suspension. Toney remains with the Commanders.
“As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league’s gambling policy,” Lions GM Brad Holmes said. “These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately. We are disappointed by the decision-making demonstrated by Stanley and Jameson and will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”
This obviously represents a bad look for the two franchises and the NFL, coming not long after the league reinstated Ridley from his year-long suspension. The league’s policy permits players to bet on sports — just not NFL games — but prevents player bets while in team facilities. The NFL did not find the four Lions or Toney used inside information, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson (on Twitter), but Friday’s news still stands to alter the Lions’ plans at wide receiver. Williams and Berryhill made mobile bets on non-NFL sporting events while in the Lions’ facility, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com adds.
The Lions traded up 20 spots to draft Williams 12th overall last year, doing so despite the Alabama-developed speedster suffering a torn ACL in the previous national championship game. Williams missed 11 games last season and caught just one pass — a 41-yard touchdown — upon returning; the Lions used their rehabbing receiver sparingly. But Williams was set to be a key component of the Lions’ 2023 offense. Those plans are on hold. Williams and Berryhill will be permitted to participate in offseason workouts, training camp and preseason games, per NFL rules, but the receivers will then be shut down until Week 7.
Additionally, the Lions fired several staffers last month for violating the gambling policy, Woodyard reports. The Lions first learned of the NFL’s investigation in March. The staffers’ dismissals coupled with the four player suspensions point to a widespread problem — regarding rule awareness at the very least — among the Lions here. Williams’ agency indicates (via Rapoport) the second-year wideout accepts responsibility for his infraction but notes the penalty stems from an otherwise-legal bet — just one that took place on team property. Players are also prohibited from making bets on team planes or in hotels on the road.
For decades, the NFL featured a short list of players banned for gambling policy violations. That number has grown substantially over the past four years. Friday’s news runs the number of NFL players suspended for gambling to seven since 2019, following Ridley and defensive back Josh Shaw. Ridley is on track to return to action as a Jaguar; Shaw never played again after his ban.
A former UDFA, Berryhill played four games for the Lions last season. Toney served as a backup pass rusher in 16 with the Commanders in 2022. He did not record a sack last season but registered 1.5 as a rookie in 2021. Toney’s future with the NFC East team should certainly be considered in doubt. Should Toney be back with the Commanders in 2024, two years will still remain on his rookie contract. This suspension will lead to the deal tolling.
As for the Lions, their receiver situation suddenly looks quite different. Williams was set to join Amon-Ra St. Brown and the recently reacquired Marvin Jones as the team’s top receivers. Josh Reynolds also remains under contract. The Lions signed Jones on March 29; it is fair to wonder if the NFL’s investigation into Williams and Cephus played a part in that move. Of course, the Lions re-signed Moore on March 18; the organization clearly learned of this investigation after that date. Cephus joined Berryhill in only playing in four games last season, but the three-year veteran represented depth for a position group that lost DJ Chark this offseason.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/17/23
Here are Monday’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: OL Ethan Greenidge
Chicago Bears
- Signed ERFA tender: DL Andrew Brown
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: OL Michael Dunn
- Signed ERFA tender: DB Thomas Graham, DL Ben Stille
Detroit Lions
- Signed ERFA tender: TE Brock Wright, TE Shane Zylstra
Green Bay Packers
- Signed RFA tender: OL Yosh Nijman
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed ERFA tender: OL Blake Hance
Los Angeles Rams
- Signed ERFA tender: CB Shaun Jolly, LB Christian Rozeboom
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: CB Joejuan Williams
New England Patriots
- Signed RFA tender: CB Myles Bryant
New York Jets
- Signed ERFA tender: DT Isaiah Mack
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed ERFA tender: WR Jauan Jennings
Seattle Seahawks
- Waived: T Jarrod Hewitt, CB Chris Steele, RB Darwin Thompson, WR Connor Wedington
- Signed ERFA tender: DT Myles Adams, CB Michael Jackson, LB Jon Rhattigan
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed ERFA tender: G Nick Leverett
Washington Commanders
- Signed RFA tender: S Jeremy Reaves
Teams with returning head coaches are now free to begin offseason workouts, leading to this high number of RFA and ERFA tenders being signed. Bryant and Reaves signed the low-end tender, while the Packers gave Nijman a second-round tender. Bryant and Reaves are tied to $2.62MM salaries; Nijman is attached to a $4.3MM number. Nijman has both played left and right tackle, settling in at the latter spot after the Packers moved Elgton Jenkins back to guard last season. ERFAs are two years from unrestricted free agency; RFAs are one year away.
An August shoulder injury cost Williams his 2022 season, but the former second-round pick was trending in the wrong direction with the Patriots. New England chose Williams 45th overall in 2019 but used him as a starter only once. New Vikings DC Brian Flores was no longer with the Pats when they drafted Williams, 25, but the team will take a flier on the Vanderbilt alum.
NFL To Review Dan Snyder-Josh Harris Commanders Sale Agreement
7:49pm: Harris and Snyder’s agreement includes language that would partially indemnify Snyder for future litigation, Daniel Kaplan and Ben Standig of The Athletic report (subscription required). It is unclear how far this language extends, but the NFL has not yet approved the clause.
Embroiled in a few investigations since the House Oversight Committee wrapped its probe late last year, Snyder has sought indemnity from both the buyer and the league, per The Athletic. This could explain why there have not been any Snyder-driven complications since reports of talks with Harris surfaced last week. The league has been against an agreement that provided Snyder this sort of protection, but seeing as it has been widely reported the NFL wants the 24-year Commanders owner gone, this could be an interesting test on that road.
5:09pm: Although some uncertainty about who exactly will buy the Commanders surfaced this weekend, Josh Harris still looks to be the favorite. The Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner’s bid has been sent to the NFL for review, Sportico reports (on Twitter).
Harris is believed to have submitted a $6.05 billion bid for Dan Snyder‘s franchise. Former Duke basketball player (and Washington D.C. native) Brian Davis is believed to have come in with an unexpected offer of $7 billion and reported preparations to satisfy Snyder’s request for indemnification, but Harris, who is also a D.C.-area native, is by far the safer choice here.
The NFL vetted Harris during his pursuit of the Broncos last year, and while Rob Walton‘s $4.65 billion bid won out, Harris finished second in that race and is well-regarded by NFL owners. Monday’s development moves this process closer to completion, as Harris is not expected to run into any hurdles in clearing the 24-vote barrier to be approved as the next Commanders owner. Harris’ group also includes NBA legend Magic Johnson and billionaire Mitchell Rales.
Following the review, the next step will be for the league to send the papers back to Snyder and Harris for signatures or ask the parties to amend the agreement. Signatures would put this sale in position for a league vote, potentially as soon as the next round of owners’ meetings — set for May 22-24 in Minneapolis.
Until signatures emerge, however, the door remains open for other bidders to step in. Canadian real estate billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos remained in the running as of late last week, but Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta said he would not raise his bid from the $5.6 billion place. Amazon founder Jeff Bezos‘ refusal to submit a bid looks to have accelerated this process, with a Harris acquisition appearing imminent hours later.
Not previously known to be involved in this pursuit, Davis either came in at the 11th hour or led the aforementioned mystery fourth ownership group. WUSA9 reported Davis is willing to indemnify Snyder — meaning he would assume any legal liability stemming from the investigations currently surrounding Snyder — and would pay the first billion within 24 hours. The remaining $6 billion, per WUSA9, would be paid out within a week. For now, at least, Harris still looks like the clubhouse leader.
Neither the Broncos nor the Panthers went to the highest bidder, with Albert Breer of SI.com noting the Pat Bowlen Trust passed on Harris’ $5 billion offer because the proposal could not be shopped. Walton had long been expected to top any bid that came in; shopping that offer would have likely put Harris to a decision on raising his price. Even though Ben Navarro‘s Panthers bid came in higher than David Tepper‘s, Jerry Richardson sold to Tepper, a former Steelers minority owner who sailed through the vote process.
Owners have shot down Snyder’s aim at indemnification, but that may well remain a wild card here. Snyder is still the subject of multiple investigations, including the NFL’s second probe into Commanders workplace misconduct and financial impropriety and an inquiry by D.C. Attorney General Brian L. Schwalb’s office. The latter investigation is ongoing, with the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala indicating (on Twitter) a Commanders sale will have no bearing on the AG’s investigation into Snyder, Roger Goodell and the NFL. The NFL reversed course on releasing a public report in its first Snyder investigation, generating widespread scrutiny, but NBC Sports’ Peter King adds a sale will not change plans for the current Mary Jo White probe to include a summary of findings.
A desire for Snyder to be out of the league has led to the NFL’s silence regarding a potential sale thus far, King adds. Snyder has owned this franchise since 1999, buying it for $800MM. The embattled owner’s return on investment aside, his tenure has sunk the reputation of a three-time Super Bowl-winning franchise. The investigations of recent years — and the report of Snyder gathering dirt on Goodell and select owners — led to the prospect of a sale, a path Snyder had insisted he would not take. That journey now nears the end zone, though it is not yet final.
Josh Harris Raises Bid For Commanders; Brian Davis Still In Play
APRIL 16: The fact that Snyder’s agreement with Harris is a non-exclusive one could be a factor as the sale of the Commanders nears its conclusion. Per Darren Haynes, Laura Wainman, and Erin Spaht of WUSA9, Washington, D.C. native Brian Davis has made a $7 billion cash bid to purchase the club. Davis would become the NFL’s first Black owner if his bid were to accepted.
The WUSA9 trio add that Davis is willing to indemnify Snyder — meaning he would assume any legal liability stemming from the investigations currently surrounding Snyder — and would pay the first $1 billion within 24 hours. The remaining $6 billion would be paid out within a week.
It is easy to see the appeal of such a proposal, and as of Thursday evening, Bank of America — which is handling the the sale offers — was still in communication with Davis.
APRIL 13, 7:15pm: The finish line appears in sight as Snyder has reportedly reached an agreement with Harris’ group to sell the team for $6.05 billion, according to Rapoport of NFL Network. Rapoport tempers the excitement a bit by pointing out that the agreement is not exclusive, meaning another bidder could theoretically still come in and bid higher for the franchise. The deal has been agreed to but is not yet official. Barring any snags in the process, however, Harris is expected to become the next owner of the Washington Commanders.
2:58pm: Harris looks to have increased his offer. The NBA and NHL owner submitted a $6.05 billion bid for the Commanders, Rapoport reports (on Twitter). This is expected to be the winning bid for the franchise. No papers have been signed just yet, and Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (via Twitter) Apostopoloulos is not completely out of the running. But Harris appears on the cusp of buying the team from Snyder.
This can be classified as a preliminary agreement, according to the Washington Post, and the Commanders are close to becoming the first American sports franchise to sell for more than $5 billion. This approximately $6 billion price will smash the record the Broncos set last year. Walton’s Denver offer obliterated the previous NFL record; Harris’ bid will be worth nearly triple what Tepper paid to acquire the Panthers in 2018.
12:48pm: Apostolopoulos has not bowed out of the pursuit yet. The Canadian billionaire real estate developer is believed to be in a “head-to-head race” with Harris, according to ESPN.com’s John Keim. Apostolopoulos joined Harris, Houston Rockets owner Tillman Fertitta and an anonymous group in bidding on the team.
Citing a recent Forbes valuation, Fertitta bid $5.6 billion as well, Jhabvala adds (Twitter link). Harris is not planning to increase his bid, and Fertitta does not sound like he will move much higher. No NFL vote on either Harris or Apostolopoulos will likely be held, per Keim, until the next round of owners’ meetings, which are set for May 22-24 in Minneapolis. But it does not appear the Commanders’ next owner is known just yet.
12:15pm: Less than 24 hours after reports indicated Jeff Bezos did not plan to bid on the Commanders, a sale is near the finish line. Josh Harris and Dan Snyder are nearing an agreement, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (on Twitter).
Harris, who owns the Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils, bid $5.6 billion for the franchise, Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post report. No terms have been submitted to the league, and Harris’ prospective purchase will still need to be approved by at least 24 NFL owners. Snyder has not informed the NFL he is selling just yet, but Maske adds (via Twitter) the hope is an agreement will be reached in the coming weeks. The approval part of a deal is expected to be a formality, with Harris having been vetted during his run at buying the Broncos last year.
This process, which began late last year when Snyder hired a firm to explore selling the team after 23 years as owner, looks to be close to the goal line. Sportico reports Snyder and Harris have agreed in principle (Twitter link). Harris’ ownership group includes NBA legend Magic Johnson and billionaire Mitchell Rales.
Snyder, 58, bought the franchise in 1999 for $800MM. Snyder’s ownership tenure has been roundly criticized, and scandals have engulfed him for years. The repeated investigations into workplace misconduct and financial impropriety moved a possible vote to remove Snyder from his post onto the radar. A sale, however, has always been the NFL’s preferred outcome. No owner has ever been voted out. Instead, Snyder looks to be stepping away on his own. Further pointing to an NFL exit, Dan and Tanya Snyder have since named England as their usual place of residence.
The embattled owner had insisted for years he would never sell the team. But investigations — including two by the NFL and one by the House Oversight Committee — overshadowed the final years of his tenure. A 2022 ESPN report that indicated Snyder had hired firms to collect dirt on some of his fellow owners, along with Roger Goodell, emerged just before sale rumors began. Snyder denied having done so, but sale rumors surfaced shortly after that denial.
Mary Jo White’s investigation is ongoing, but that probe — one that will lead to a written report of the findings, as opposed to the 2021 investigation which did not produce a report — is believed to be nearing a conclusion. Snyder, whom the NFL fined and handed a de facto suspension at the end of its initial probe, had previously demanded indemnification to protect him against further repercussions. Owners have shot down that demand.
From 1972-91, Washington appeared in five Super Bowls and won three. During Snyder’s ownership, the team has never advanced to the playoffs in consecutive years and has won 10 games in a season only three times. Snyder’s ownership tenure has never produced more than 10 wins in a season. Front office, coaching and quarterback instability have plagued the team. Should Harris indeed take over, his restoration task will dwarf the ones David Tepper or Rob Walton needed to complete.
Walton outbid Harris for the Broncos, but the latter remained on the ownership radar. He joined Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos in submitting record-setting bids late last month. Harris, 58, will end up paying over a billion more for the Commanders than Walton paid for the Broncos (an American sports-record $4.65 billion), but the NBA and NHL owner has moved close to entering the country’s most popular sports league.
Harris is a Chevy Chase, Maryland, native who bought the Sixers in 2011. His ownership group acquired the Devils two years later. Harris also owns English Premier League franchise Crystal Palace. In June 2020, Harris purchased a stake ($140MM, approximately 5%) of the Steelers. Tepper also bought an NFL team after having been a Steelers minority owner. Like Tepper, Harris will need to sell that stake before taking over in Washington.
The Oversight Committee’s investigation into Snyder and the Commanders wrapped late last year. Its report accused Snyder of permitting and participating in a longtime toxic workplace culture. Snyder is believed to have leaked the emails that led to Jon Gruden‘s Raiders exit, and the Committee accused the NFL in assisting the Washington owner in preventing the 2021 Beth Wilkinson probe from producing a written report. The forthcoming White report likely represents the next shoe to drop for Snyder, who is also being investigated by the office of Virginia’s attorney general. A lawsuit from the D.C. attorney general, one that also included the NFL, has accused Snyder of “colluding to deceive and mislead customers.”
Commanders HC Ron Rivera On LG Competition
Last March, the Commanders signed Andrew Norwell to a two-year, $10MM contract and installed him as their starting left guard. Aside from the last game of the season, Norwell played every offensive snap for Washington in 2022, but his roster spot could be in jeopardy.
When recently asked about his club’s LG competition, head coach Ron Rivera said he expects a real battle between fourth-year pro Saahdiq Charles and second-year blocker Chris Paul (Twitter link via JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington). As for Norwell, Rivera simply said, “he’s going to be there.”
That is hardly a strong vote of confidence for a player who was brought in as a worthy replacement for Brandon Scherff, who defected to the Jaguars in free agency last year after a brilliant seven-year tenure with Washington that included five Pro Bowl bids and one First Team All-Pro designation. Unfortunately for Norwell, his performance in his first year with the Commanders was not especially compelling.
After earning First Team All-Pro acclaim himself in 2017, his final season with the Panthers, Norwell secured a then-record contract with Jacksonville, and his play in Duval County, while generally solid, did not necessarily match the club’s financial commitment. In 2022, Norwell received a 59.8 overall grade from Pro Football Focus, which was the lowest mark of his nine-year career and which positioned him as the 47th-best guard out of 76 qualifiers. He was charged with five penalties and 29 total pressures allowed, including four sacks.
Still, his 127 career starts are unrivaled by Charles, who has taken all of 61 snaps at left guard in his three-year career, and Paul, a 2022 seventh-rounder whose only action of his rookie campaign came in the Week 18 contest that Norwell sat out. So it stands to reason that Washington would keep Norwell around at least long enough to see if the Charles-Paul battle yields promising results, or if running it back with Norwell is a better solution for a team that could be deploying a largely inexperienced Sam Howell at quarterback.
However, if Charles and/or Paul should prove themselves capable of a starting role in spring workouts and training camp, Norwell’s contract could work against him. Due to the void years that were tacked onto the end of his deal, releasing Norwell prior to June 1 would create $2.8MM in dead money versus a savings of only $2.3MM. A post-June 1 release, though, would create savings of $4.4MM on the 2023 ledger against just $700K in dead money.
If Rivera’s comments are any indication, Norwell may find himself a cap casualty this summer.
NFC Draft Rumors: Bucs, Commanders, 49ers, Seahawks
Every year, pundits and analysts debate the value of drafting a running back in first round. The Buccaneers are the latest to enter into this forum as they are reportedly considering doing just that, according to Buccaneers staff writer/reporter Brianna Dix.
The player in question for Tampa Bay is Texas running back Bijan Robinson. Robinson is far and away the consensus top running back on the board. In three years with the Longhorns, Robinson totaled 3,410 rushing yards and 33 rushing touchdowns while averaging 6.3 yards per carry. While not his main mode of attack, he can hurt in the passing game as well, as evidenced by his 60 catches for 805 yards and eight touchdowns over his collegiate career.
No running backs were taken in the first round of last year’s draft, with Breece Hall being the first off the board in the second round, but two years ago, we saw two running backs taken on Day 1. Despite durability being a main cause of concern for rookie rushers, Najee Harris rewarded the Steelers with a league-leading 381 touches and a Pro Bowl selection as a rookie. Travis Etienne unfortunately had to sit out his rookie season, but his debut season with the Jaguars in 2022 was nearly as impressive as Harris’s rookie year, despite only starting 12 games.
Beyond last year, we’ve seen the Chiefs move past Clyde Edwards-Helaire in favor seventh-round rookie Isiah Pacheco. We’ve seen a first-team All-Pro honor for Josh Jacobs in Las Vegas. We’ve seen the rollercoasters of Saquon Barkley and Sony Michel‘s careers, as well as the disappointment of Rashaad Penny‘s. The debate continues on into 2023. There has certainly been both hits and misses with first-round running backs, but where will Robinson fall in that storyline?
Here are a few other draft rumors from around the NFC:
- The Commanders have made it clear that they believe in second-year quarterback Sam Howell to take over the starting job in 2023, leading many to believe that taking a passer on Day 1 is off the table. According to ESPN’s John Keim, though, if a strong prospect like Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker is still available in the second or third round, Washington may not be able to pass them up. For the first round, though, it appears that the team has done their homework on the 2023 NFL Draft’s batch of offensive linemen. Jordan Reid, also of ESPN, specifically mentions Ohio State tackle Dawand Jones as a name that has been linked to the Commanders.
- The 49ers received a healthy amount of compensatory draft picks, including three third round picks. It’s a good thing, too, because without them, San Francisco’s first 2023 draft pick wouldn’t come until late in the fifth round. Surprisingly, despite needs at both offensive line and defensive back, Matt Miller of ESPN is hearing that the 49ers have done more work studying tight ends that any other team in the league. The team has lauded the depth of this year’s draft class, and Miller notes that this is a historically great tight end class. He mentions Michigan’s Luke Schoonmaker, South Dakota’s Tucker Kraft, and Old Dominion’s Zack Kuntz as potential options for San Francisco at the end of Day 2 who could end up working with George Kittle in the tight end room.
- The Seahawks can go in a couple of different directions in the first round with both the No. 5 and 20 picks. They may keep their eyes on the available quarterbacks, if they fall in love with any, to sit for a year or so behind Geno Smith and Drew Lock. What Miller really sees them doing is taking advantage of a potential early run of quarterbacks to nab one of the draft’s top defensive linemen like Alabama’s Will Anderson Jr. or Georgia’s Jalen Carter. If they don’t like any of their options at defensive line either, Miller reports that Seattle is reportedly in love with Illinois cornerback Devon Witherspoon.
Commanders Host CB Devon Witherspoon
The Commanders will have a number of directions they can go in when they select 16th overall in this month’s draft. One of those would be a cornerback addition, something the team continues to look into. 
Washington hosted former Illinois corner Devon Witherspoon on a top 30 visit, as noted (on Twitter) by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. That makes them one of several teams which no doubt has Witherspoon on their first-round radar, considering the senior’s status as arguably the top member of this year’s class at the position.
Witherspoon was a four-year contributor for the Fighting Illini, making noteworthy plays in run defense as well as in the passing game. Witherspoon took off in the latter regard in 2021 when he posted nine pass breakups. He was able to replicate that success last season, where he posted 14 PBUs along with three interceptions and 41 tackles.
Those totals helped earn Witherspoon All-American honors, and cemented his place as one of the best cover men in a strong CB class in 2023. Most analysts have either Witherspoon or Oregon’s Christian Gonzalez listed as the No. 1 option at the position, with both squarely in contention to hear their names called in the top 10. While that would put them out of Washington’s range, the team is looking into an addition to their secondary with the top selection.
The Commanders either already have spoken to, or will meet with, corners Deonte Banks (Maryland) and Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State), as well as hybrid safety/corner Brian Branch (Alabama). Each of those three are likely to be on the board if they stay put at pick No. 16 and choose to add to a defense which ranked fourth against the pass in 2022. Washington registered only nine interceptions last year, however, which leaves a vacancy for a playmaker on the backend.
Witherspoon would certainly fit that description, and immediately compete for a starting role with Kendall Fuller and Benjamin St-Juste. Other teams in need of corner help sit ahead of Washington in the draft order, though, so significant interest in the build-up to the draft from around the league can be expected.
Jeff Bezos Not Planning Commanders Bid
Lurking as the potential top bidder for the Commanders, Amazon founder Jeff Bezos is no longer expected to pursue this purchase. Bezos has no plans to submit a bid for the NFC East franchise, Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post report.
Dan Snyder‘s animosity toward Bezos notwithstanding, the bid the latter could have come in with would have certainly put him in strong position to buy the team. Many around the NFL expected a bid. Instead, this could pave the way for one of the ownership groups that have already entered the fray. Puck News’ Theodore Schleifer was first to report Bezos, 59, will not move forward in this process.
Groups headlined by Philadelphia 76ers owner Josh Harris and Canadian billionaire Steve Apostolopoulos have submitted bids. Harris, whose ownership group includes Magic Johnson, is viewed as the leader here, according to Schleifer. Harris’ bid checked in at approximately $6 billion, per the Washington Post. That does not hit Snyder’s $7 billion target, though SI.com’s Albert Breer notes the goal now may be closer to $6.5 billion.
It is not known if an agreement between Snyder and Harris is imminent, per Maske and Jhabvala, but Breer adds Harris is unlikely to raise his bid. Harris has already been vetted — due to his pursuit of the Broncos last year — and is believed to be well-regarded in ownership circles, per Breer. The NFL has shown little desire to hold a vote to remove Snyder as Commanders owner, despite steady rumblings of ownership’s dissatisfaction with Snyder’s behavior and the brigade of scandals engulfing him. But it would seem Harris, who also owns the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, would not have trouble being voted in by NFL owners. Twenty-four votes are required for an ownership transfer to commence.
A $6 billion sale would still shatter the record — set last year when Rob Walton bought the Broncos — for an American sports franchise, but Snyder has not fully committed to selling the team yet. A sale is expected, but it is not a lock. Removing a monster Bezos bid from the equation could provide a speedbump. Most around the league believe Snyder will sell, but Breer adds some nervousness exists the defiant leader will back out at the last minute. That could force owners’ hands, as Snyder remains ensnared in multiple investigations — including a second league-launched probe, which Mary Jo White has been leading for over a year — since the House Oversight Committee released its report.
No. 3 on the most recent Forbes list, Bezos has also been connected to a future Seahawks purchase. Not submitting a Commanders bid keeps that door open, though with the Seahawks not being for sale, Bezos not intending to submit a Commanders bid will keep him out of the NFL for the foreseeable future. Bezos has used a New York firm to evaluate a Commanders purchase, Maske and Jhabvala add. Snyder had previously blocked a Bezos path to Commanders ownership; his ownership of the Washington Post has rankled Snyder. As of March, however, Snyder was no longer believed to be dead-set against selling to Bezos. That appears a moot point now, and Harris negotiations may be on tap soon.