NFL News

[mason reese]

Tension reportedly rise between Daniel Snyder, other owners

Posted by Mike Florio on February 27, 2023, 11:31 PM EST

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When did Dan Snyder turn into Dan Le Batard?

[chemiclord]

It must be annoying as all hell for all these free agent QBs to know they aren't going anywhere until the league knows what A. A. Ron decided while in the dark.

[whatever_gong82]

I'll post where the Lions rank on the Detroit Lions thread in a few minutes.



NFLPA player survey: Vikings, Dolphins voted best working conditions, Commanders worst

By Mike Jones

3-1-2023

INDIANAPOLIS – For prospective NFL free agents in search of the best working conditions, the Minnesota Vikings, Miami Dolphins and Las Vegas Raiders may rank among the most desirable destinations. But players may want to steer clear of the Arizona Cardinals, L.A. Chargers and Washington Commanders.


That determination was made following a league-wide player survey conducted by the NFL Players Association in hopes of better learning how teams treat players and their families. After compiling the results of the study, the players union is now handing out report cards to the NFL’s 32 franchises.



NFLPA president J.C. Tretter and the union unveiled the results of the survey, which gathered information from players regarding eight specific categories: Treatment of families, nutrition, weight room conditions, strength coaches, training rooms, training staffs, locker rooms and team travel.

The Vikings, Dolphins and Raiders consistently ranked among the top three in those eight categories while the Commanders (dead last), Cardinals (second worst) and Chargers (third worst) fell well short. Washington’s players also gave owner Daniel Snyder low votes of confidence when asked if they believed he would improve conditions following the release of the survey.

According to the NFLPA, 1,300 out of the NFL’s 2,200 players took part in the confidential survey. Tretter, who retired last year after eight NFL seasons, explained that the survey was conducted anonymously because he didn’t want players to receive punishment from teams for their honest assessments. He also explained that the union’s goal for the survey is two-fold: 1. Encourage poorly-graded teams to improve the working conditions and basic services offered to players and their families, and 2. educate players on the state of teams as they prepare to make decisions in free agency.

“There were a lot of positives and a lot of examples of teams doing great things for players,” Tretter said during a small meeting with national reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine on Wednesday. “That puts in stark contrast the results of the teams that are not.”



Tretter added that the driving force behind the survey was to provide players answers to the question “What are the decisions your team is making when (the) quality of life is involved?”

In some cases, the survey found that teams go to great lengths to provide players with great support while also offering their family members quality settings during game days. Others, however, fell short in the area of basic needs, which include failing to fix drainage issues in team showers, neglecting to offer players dinner despite holding mandatory evening meetings (three teams do not), failing to offer family rooms for nursing mothers on game days, which has left some players’ life partners to feed their babies while sitting on the floor in public restrooms at the stadiums. Some teams offered the wives of coaches nursing rooms, but not their players.

Some teams made first-class seats available to players during flights, while six offered first-class seats to coaches, but not players. Seven teams force teammates to share hotel rooms on the road while the other 25 give players individual rooms.



The Cincinnati Bengals are the only team in the league that doesn’t offer health supplements to their players.

The quality of working conditions doesn’t always translate into on-field success, the survey revealed. The Kansas City Chiefs ranked 29th overall in the grading while a team that traditionally owns a losing record, the Carolina Panthers, ranked 12th overall.

The survey also showed that long work days, marked by extensive and demanding practices and meetings, don’t make for top on-field results either. The teams that had the most time-efficient work days frequently produced the best results in the win column.

Tretter said that in some cases, the poor working conditions can be attributed to ignorance on the part of some owners, who rarely spend time in their team facilities, while other teams’ poor setups stem from owners willfully withholding amenities to save money.




However, the former offensive lineman said he hopes that the results of the survey will encourage teams to improve in their problem areas.

“We’re not expecting teams to knock down facilities and rebuild them in three months,” Tretter said. “But you can change the way you treat players.”

Tretter predicted that the results of next year’s survey (the NFLPA aims to make this an annual tradition) will prove telling in terms of ownership’s desire to offer players quality working conditions.

“I think there will be some (teams) that read about it, take it personally or (think) ‘I didn’t know about this. This isn’t fair, this isn’t right,’” Tretter said. “But there are some really basic things where things shouldn’t have been going on.”

Tretter stressed, however, that above all, he hopes the survey helps players make better decisions when choosing the best work environments to select in free agency.

The NFL later issued a statement in response to the survey:

“We welcome the player feedback and look forward to reviewing the data from the NFLPA’s poll. On Monday, during joint NFL and NFLPA meetings in Indianapolis, we discussed the process by which we would conduct the next comprehensive player survey to continue to work together to improve players’ experiences at NFL clubs. The NFL and NFLPA have a history of jointly commissioning an expert third party to conduct a scientifically rigorous survey of all NFL players on a variety of topics important to the player experience, as outlined in our Collective Bargaining Agreement.”




Mike Jones joined The Athletic as a national NFL writer in 2022 after five years at USA Today, where he covered the NFL, and eight years at The Washington Post, where he covered the Washington Commanders. He previously covered the Washington Wizards for The Washington Times. Mike is a native of Warrenton, Va.

[Futureshock]

Jonathan Gannon: I’m not sure if DeAndre Hopkins will be with Cardinals in 2023

Posted by Myles Simmons on March 1, 2023, 9:46 AM EST

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One player whose name has likely come up in several conversations among the top football brass in Indianapolis this week is DeAndre Hopkins.

The Cardinals have not exactly been shy about making it known that Hopkins is available for a potential trade as the club begins a new era with G.M. Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon.

Ossenfort told reporters on Tuesday that he’s talked with Hopkins and his representation. And Gannon also confirmed the uncertainty about Hopkins’ status with the team.

“I’m not sure,” Gannon said when asked if Hopkins will be on the team in 2023, via Darren Urban of the team’s website. “We are evaluating everyone. I know this – he’s a premier receiver you have to have a plan for [to defend]. He limits you with how you have to play defense. … He’s a valuable asset for us.”

That value could come on the field as a receiver or in the form of draft picks in compensation.

Hopkins still has two seasons left on his contract, though he has no guaranteed money. The Cardinals could extend him to lower his $30.75 million cap number in 2023. They could also trade or release him. If they cut him before June 1, the team would only save $8.15 million against the cap with $22.6 million in dead cap space.

[Futureshock]

Aaron Rodgers says he’ll make a decision “soon enough”

Posted by Mike Florio on March 1, 2023, 9:01 AM EST

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Packers (for now at least) quarterback Aaron Rodgers has emerged from his darkness retreat. His first interview happened on the Aubrey Marcus Podcast.

Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com has transcribed the key portion of the conversation, regarding the timing of Rodgers’s decision as to whether he’ll retire or play.

“It’s best for anybody who has an interest in this to make a decision sooner rather than later,” Rodgers said. “I remember before [Brett] Favre retired, there were times in April and May, we weren’t sure if he was going to come back because he didn’t come to any of the offseason program. Then in 2008, he actually did retire in March and then said, ‘No, no, no,’ in June after OTAs, I actually want to come back and play. That’s when he was traded to the Jets. There was obviously a lot of tension that summer. For everybody involved directly and indirectly, it’s best for a decision earlier.

“I feel really good about the conversations that are going to be had, that have been had with important people in my life. Yourself included. But I’m not looking for somebody to tell me what the answer is. All the answers are right inside me. I touched many of the feeling on both sides in the darkness. I’m thankful for that time.

“There’s a finality to the decision. I don’t make it lightly. I don’t want to drag anybody around. I’m answering questions about it because I got asked about it. I’m talking about it because it’s important to me. If you don’t like it and you think it’s drama, and you think I’m being a diva or whatever, then just tune it out. That’s fine. But this is my life. It’s important to me. I’lI make a decision soon enough and we’ll go down that road. I’ll be really excited about it.”

For now, he’s framing his decision as retire or play. If he chooses to play, the next question will whether he plays for the Packers or someone else.

Regardless of what he decides and when he decides it, the clock is ticking loudly for the Packers and potentially interested teams, especially those who have other options.

[Futureshock]

Packers restructure Kenny Clark’s contract

Posted by Josh Alper on March 1, 2023, 7:50 AM EST

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The Packers have freed up some more space under the salary cap.

Field Yates of ESPN reports that the team has restructured the contract of defensive tackle Kenny Clark. The team converted $13.835 million of his compensation for the 2023 season into a signing bonus, which creates $11.068 million in cap room in Green Bay.

Clark is signed through the 2024 season and his contract includes void years that will enable the Packers to further spread out his remaining cap hit. He started every game last season and recorded 53 tackles, four sacks, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery.

The Packers previously reworked the deals of cornerback Jaire Alexander and edge rusher Preston Smith to create $16 million in cap space and they could do the same with left tackle David Bakhtiari to free up more room before the new league year gets underway.

[Futureshock]

George Toma: Super Bowl LVII field was overwatered

Posted by Mike Florio on March 2, 2023, 9:59 AM EST

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In the pilot episode of Seinfeld, Jerry explains to George that, when it comes to laundry, you can’t over dry and you can’t over wet. Football fields (spoiler alert) are not laundry.

George Toma recently explained to Josh Weinfuss of ESPN.com that the Super Bowl LVII playing surface was slick and slippery because NFL field director Ed Magnan overwatered the grass, and that he rolled the portable turf into the stadium before it was dry.

“So what he does,” Toma said of Magnan, “he waters the hell out of it and puts it right into the stadium and that’s it. Never sees sunlight again. He can’t do that.”

Toma also pointed to the tarp that was on the field for too long, giving it (per Toma) a “rotten smell.” Toma likewise complained that Magnan didn’t put enough sand on the field.

“He sanded it two weeks too late,” Toma said. “He had only one sanding. He should have had two or three sandings, but he didn’t do shit. And that was it. And not only that, he didn’t take care of it. He wouldn’t listen to anybody.”

The NFL circled the wagons, as it always does, when questions emerged about the quality of the field.

For the 94-year-old Toma, his time working with the NFL is over.

“I can’t take it anymore,” Toma said. “Me and the league are finished. They can’t tell me what to do anymore. We’re done.”

Through it all, the Eagles haven’t complained. We recently tried to get G.M. Howie Roseman to sound off about it, given that it took steam out of the team’s pass rush. He continues to say the field was the same for both teams.

[Futureshock]

Report: Buccaneers are expected to release Cameron Brate

Posted by Josh Alper on March 2, 2023, 12:28 PM EST

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It looks like tight end Cameron Brate‘s run with the Buccaneers is coming to an end.

Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that the Bucs are expected to release Brate in the coming days. He has been with the team since signing as an undrafted free agent in 2014.

Brate dealt with a concussion and a neck injury in 2022 and he only appeared in 11 regular season games. He had 20 catches for 174 yards and added an eight-yard touchdown catch in Tampa’s playoff loss to the Cowboys.

Brate has 273 catches for 2,857 yards and 33 touchdowns for his career. He was part of the Bucs’ Super Bowl LV champions.

The Buccaneers would clear just over $2 million in cap space if they process the cut immediately and $4 million if Brate is designated a post-June 1 cut. 2022 draft picks Cade Otton and Ko Kieft remain under contract at tight end.

[Futureshock]

Rashod Bateman to Eric DeCosta: Play to your players strength and stop pointing the finger at us

Posted by Myles Simmons on March 2, 2023, 12:21 PM EST

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During his Wednesday press conference, Ravens General Manager Eric DeCosta was asked about his team’s track record of drafting receivers.

As part of his response, DeCosta said, “If I had an answer, that would probably mean I would have some better receivers. … We’re gonna keep swinging.

“There have been some guys that have been successful players for us that were draft picks. We’ve never really hit on that All-Pro type of guy, which is disappointing, but it’s not for a lack of effort. … It’s one of those anomalies that I really can’t explain, other than to say that we’re not going to stop trying.”

Current Ravens receiver Rashod Bateman saw a tweet of that quote and he didn’t take kindly to it.

“How bout you play to your player’s strength and & stop pointing the finger at us and #8 [quarterback Lamar Jackson] …blame the one you let do this…. we take heat 24/7,” Bateman posted on Twitter. “And keep us healthy … care about US & see what happen..ain’t no promises tho … tired of y’all lyin and capn on players for no reason.”

Former Ravens receiver Marquise Brown quoted a screenshot of Bateman’s tweet and added, “Let him cook” in support.

Baltimore has been criticized in recent years as a team that is not receiver friendly because of its offense. That could change under new offensive coordinator Todd Monken, but the Ravens have had a tough time with developing and signing premiere receivers.

Bateman was a first-round pick in 2021 but has dealt with significant injuries in his first two seasons. He missed much of 2021 with a groin injury. In 2022, he played only six games due to a foot injury, recording 15 catches for 285 yards with a pair of touchdowns.

DeCosta said this week that Bateman is doing well in his recovery from foot surgery and he’s excited to see what the receiver can do in 2023.

Brown was traded to Arizona last spring after spending his first three seasons with the club. In his first year with Arizona, Brown caught 67 passes for 709 yards with three touchdowns in 12 games.

[Futureshock]

Kevin O’Connell: Lewis Cine is in a great spot right now

Posted by Charean Williams on March 2, 2023, 3:14 PM EST

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The Vikings drafted safety Lewis Cine with the 32nd overall choice in the 2022 draft. He played only two defensive snaps and 34 on special teams in three games before a compound fracture of his lower left leg.

The broken tibia and fibula and dislocated ankle required surgery at the Cleveland Clinic London before he could travel home.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell gave an update on Cine’s recovery, which hit exactly five months Thursday.

“Lewis is in a great spot right now,” O’Connell said. “He’s well ahead of his rehab process. I see him [every day]. It’s unique to see a player every single day this time of year at the facility, but that’s been Lew. Been in my office a bunch, asking, ‘Hey, when do we get started? Have you set the schedule for OTAs? What’s training camp going to be like?’ I said, ‘Just hold on, man. We’re going to be just fine.’ But he’s doing a great job, really excited about Lewis and his mental growth through how he handled adversity of that injury, stay connected with his teammates, and ultimately hopefully this is just going to be a small bump in a great road to Lew becoming the player he’s going to become.”

Camryn Bynum, a fourth-round pick in 2021, beat out Cine for a starting job at safety last offseason. But with the Vikings’ secondary a work in progress, Cine will get a chance to compete for a starting job this offseason.

[Futureshock]

Dan Campbell: If anyone can get things turned around in Denver, it’s Sean Payton

Posted by Myles Simmons on March 2, 2023, 2:58 PM EST

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Dan Campbell spent a lot of his playing and coaching career around Sean Payton, most recently as the Saints’ assistant head coach and tight ends coach from 2016-2020.

So Campbell knows plenty about what Payton is capable of as a head coach.

At the Combine this week, Campbell said Payton returning to lead the Broncos did not surprise him.

“I felt like he just needed a breather, he needed a change of scenery. I had a feeling he would be back,” Campbell said in his press conference. “I didn’t know when that was going to be, but I would say this, he looks rejuvenated. He definitely looks rejuvenated.

“So, if anybody can get that thing turned around there it’s him.”

Payton has a tough job in fixing the Broncos, starting with quarterback Russell Wilson. But his extensive experience with crafting strong offenses should at least put Denver in a better position to win more games in 2023.

[Futureshock]

Appeals court reinstates assault lawsuit filed against Jerry Jones

Posted by Mike Florio on March 2, 2023, 1:53 PM EST
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Cowboys owner/G.M. Jerry Jones is rarely at a loss for words. A recent court development may have him saying very little at the Scouting Combine.

Earlier this week, a Texas appeals court ruled that a previously-dismissed personal injury lawsuit against Jones should proceed, via Lana Ferguson of the Dallas Morning News. The case had been thrown out by a lower court in February 2022.

The case flows from an alleged incident at AT&T Stadium on September 16, 2018. Jones allegedly kissed the plaintiff “on the mouth” and “forcibly grabbed her without her consent.”

The attorney for the plaintiff, who is proceeding under the initials J.G., expressed approval of the decision to reinstate the case.

“We always knew we were going to win because the law was on our side,” Thomas Daniel Bowers said. “A victim’s finally going to get her day in court, and that’s very important.”

As the litigation moves forward, Jones inevitably will be questioned under the oath, in a deposition.

A separate issue arises from whether the NFL will investigate and/or punish Jones under the Personal Conduct Policy. Some believe there’s a double standard when it comes to holding players and owners accountable; a section of Playmakers is dedicated to that dynamic.

[jaadam4]

DeCostsa’s quote about his WRs isn’t cool. Holmes would never say some garbage like that

[Topweasel]

Atlanta drafted a QB last year. Desmond Ritter. They're gonna give him a shot. This changes nothing for us. Atlanta isn't in the draft a QB business this year.

If they like Ridder and think that they might have something if he gets a full season you might be right. But realistically they don't trade up because of Ridder but if a QB they like falls to them using a third last year isn't going to stop them from using a first on a QB this season.

[Futureshock]

If they like Ridder and think that they might have something if he gets a full season you might be right. But realistically they don't trade up because of Ridder but if a QB they like falls to them using a third last year isn't going to stop them from using a first on a QB this season.

Right I was responding to ATL trading up and the 6th pick being even more valuable because...

Originally posted by ghandi View Post
Marcus Mariotta waived by Atlanta.....That 6th pick gets more valuable in trade scenarios every day.