NFL News

[Futureshock]

Cam Newton still insists he’s a starter, but he’s willing to be a backup in certain spots

Posted by Mike Florio on April 5, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT

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Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton continues to believe “there ain’t 32 guys that’s better than me.” He nevertheless says he’s willing to be a backup, in certain circumstances.

Explaining on YouTube that there’s a false narrative about his insistence that there aren’t 32 players better than him (it’s unclear what’s false about, you know, his own words), Newton says he’d be willing to be a backup for a list of specific starters.

Newton says his phone hasn’t rung in the aftermath of his recent participation in Auburn’s Pro Day workout. He also takes issue with Shannon Sharpe calling Cam a “random” for 2023.

But Cam now insists he’s content to be a backup, for certain specific quarterbacks. And that, in any other setting, he’d want to compete to be the starter.

Here’s the list of quarterbacks for whom he’d willingly serve as an understudy: Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson; Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson; Bears quarterback Justin Fields; Titans quarterback Malik Willis; incoming rookies C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson; Jets (eventually) quarterback Aaron Rodgers; Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts; Bills quarterback Josh Allen; and Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

The inclusion of Malik Willis makes little sense, since he’s currently not the starter in Tennessee — and given that he was benched for Josh Dobbs (a current backup to Deshaun Watson) late in 2022. And Howell hasn’t even earned the starting job in D.C. Surely, at some level, Cam would want to have a chance to beat him out.

Newton didn’t mention Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, or Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Newton said that the omissions were either players who are completely and fully entrenched and need no support or assistance from Newton, or players that Newton would want to compete with.

Newton was out of football in 2022. He’s good enough to be on a depth chart. The question is whether he’s truly willing to humble himself to be a backup, anywhere.

In our view, and as we said recently on PFT Live, his best fits would be Buffalo or Kansas City.

Cam seems to recognize the concerns raised by the perception that his ego won’t allow him to accept the No. 2 spot on a depth chart. But he likely didn’t say enough in his 17-minute video to make this perception anything other than his reality.

[Futureshock]

Panthers making a “color correction” to their uniforms for 2023

Posted by Charean Williams on April 5, 2023, 7:01 PM EDT

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The Panthers are joining the Cardinals in tweaking their uniforms for 2023, Andrew Lind of sportslogos.net reports.

The Panthers’ primary home and road uniforms have changed little since their inaugural season of 1995, with a silver helmet and black jerseys with silver pants or white jerseys and pants. The team introduced a “process blue” alternate jersey in 2002, black alternate pants in 2012 and a brief Color Rush promotion that included “process blue” pants.

Last year, the Panthers used a black alternate helmet.

A team spokesperson confirmed to Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer that the Panthers are making minor changes to their uniforms for this season. But the team denied it is removing silver from the color scheme, something the initial report indicated would happen.

According to Kaye, the Panthers will have a “color correction” to their uniforms. Nike didn’t have the Panthers’ “process blue” color in 2012 and now has a close match and will make the adjustment in color.

In addition, the shoulder stripe stops short of going under the armpit as part of change made by Nike for new technology related to increased mobility.

The team’s logo will remain the same.

[Futureshock]

Richard Sherman: John Schneider “tried to mess up” Bobby Wagner negotiations

Posted by Mike Florio on April 5, 2023, 4:26 PM EDT

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Linebacker Bobby Wagner is back in Seattle. According to former Seahawks cornerback Richard Sherman, it almost didn’t happen.

Appearing on KJR radio in Seattle, Sherman said that he talked to Wagner “all the time,” and that Sherman knew a return to Seattle by Wagner “was in the works.”

“I was hoping that John [Schneider] didn’t mess it up, and he didn’t,” Sherman said, via Michael-Shawn Dugar of TheAthletic.com. “He tried. He tried on multiple occasions.”

Sherman was later asked how Schneider almost messed it up.

“Just lowballing a guy,” Sherman said. “There’s a difference between lowballing and being disrespectful and they got borderline disrespectful. Thankfully, Bobby really wanted to be with the Seahawks, and he really wanted to come back home. Because other people offered him more money.”

That’s part of the negotiating tactics in which teams will engage, if they think a guy really wants to play in a certain place. Wagner has wanted to stay on the West Coast, both last year when looking for a team (he picked the Rams) and this year.

The Seahawks apparently knew it, and negotiated accordingly. And ultimately got it done, even if Sherman thinks Schneider “tried” to “mess it up.”

[Futureshock]

Report: Cardinals to have new uniforms in 2023

Posted by Josh Alper on April 5, 2023, 1:35 PM EDT

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The Cardinals will reportedly be getting a new look to go with their new head coach Jonathan Gannon.

According to a report from former Cardinals website writer and current Compare.bet editor Kyle Odegard, the team will unveil new uniforms before the NFL Draft gets underway later this month. The Cardinals have been wearing their current uniforms since 2005.

Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill was asked during an appearance on Arizona Sports 98.7 last year about the possibility of a uniform change.

“We look at all these things. You probably know, these things, there’s a timeline for them. It takes time,” Bidwill said. “Among the array of things we look at around the team, it’s on the radar. We’re going to honor tradition at the same time. It’s part of the array of things we look at. It’s on the radar screen.”

Assuming the report is correct, the Cardinals’ new look will get some prime exposure once the team uses it’s first-round draft pick early on April 27.

[edindetroit]

Cam Newton still insists he’s a starter, but he’s willing to be a backup in certain spots

Posted by Mike Florio on April 5, 2023, 8:49 PM EDT

Getty Images

Former NFL quarterback Cam Newton continues to believe “there ain’t 32 guys that’s better than me.” He nevertheless says he’s willing to be a backup, in certain circumstances.

Explaining on YouTube that there’s a false narrative about his insistence that there aren’t 32 players better than him (it’s unclear what’s false about, you know, his own words), Newton says he’d be willing to be a backup for a list of specific starters.

Newton says his phone hasn’t rung in the aftermath of his recent participation in Auburn’s Pro Day workout. He also takes issue with Shannon Sharpe calling Cam a “random” for 2023.

But Cam now insists he’s content to be a backup, for certain specific quarterbacks. And that, in any other setting, he’d want to compete to be the starter.

Here’s the list of quarterbacks for whom he’d willingly serve as an understudy: Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson; Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson; Bears quarterback Justin Fields; Titans quarterback Malik Willis; incoming rookies C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, and Anthony Richardson; Jets (eventually) quarterback Aaron Rodgers; Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts; Bills quarterback Josh Allen; and Commanders quarterback Sam Howell.

The inclusion of Malik Willis makes little sense, since he’s currently not the starter in Tennessee — and given that he was benched for Josh Dobbs (a current backup to Deshaun Watson) late in 2022. And Howell hasn’t even earned the starting job in D.C. Surely, at some level, Cam would want to have a chance to beat him out.

Newton didn’t mention Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, Bengals quarterback Joe Burrow, Chargers quarterback Justin Herbert, or Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. Newton said that the omissions were either players who are completely and fully entrenched and need no support or assistance from Newton, or players that Newton would want to compete with.

Newton was out of football in 2022. He’s good enough to be on a depth chart. The question is whether he’s truly willing to humble himself to be a backup, anywhere.

In our view, and as we said recently on PFT Live, his best fits would be Buffalo or Kansas City.

Cam seems to recognize the concerns raised by the perception that his ego won’t allow him to accept the No. 2 spot on a depth chart. But he likely didn’t say enough in his 17-minute video to make this perception anything other than his reality.

He's already a back up for the Detroit Lions, signed by a drunk Brad Holmes and Dan Campbell.

[Futureshock]

A cautionary tale...
Steve Keim: Robert Nkemdiche didn’t succeed because he didn’t love football enough

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 7, 2023, 4:22 AM EDT

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No one ever doubted Robert Nkemdiche’s talent: Coming out of high school he was the top recruit in the country, and coming out of Ole Miss he was one of the most talented prospects in the 2016 NFL draft. But Nkemdiche never did much in the NFL, and the general manager who drafted him thinks he knows why.

Former Cardinals G.M. Steve Keim says the problem with Nkemdiche is that he didn’t have the passion for football that would lead a player to put in the kind of work it takes to be great.

“In Arizona, I drafted Robert Nkemdiche with the 26th pick overall who we thought was a Top 10 talent and there were some concerns and questions about him coming out,” Keim said in an appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, via the Arizona Republic. At the end of the day really, the guy just, in my opinion, didn’t love football enough. He didn’t succeed or play at a high level because he was in love with the process of going through the draft, being the top pick, getting money. But when it was time to grind, that wasn’t his focus.”

Nkemdiche was cut by the Cardinals after three years, then played just two games for the Dolphins and nine for the Seahawks before his NFL career came to an end. Nkemdiche is now with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL.

[Futureshock]

Aaron Rodgers trade likely will happen three weeks from tonight, during round two

Posted by Mike Florio on April 7, 2023, 9:48 AM EDT

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Several weeks ago, some were surprised by the notion that a trade of Aaron Rodgers from the Packers to the Jets wouldn’t happen until the draft. At this point, any other outcome would be a surprise.

The draft starts in 20 days, with round one. Round two starts three weeks from tonight. Given that the presumed package of picks starts with a second-rounder in 2023, and in light of the reality that negotiations in any industry last until the moment the clock strikes midnight, it makes no sense at this point to do the deal at any point before round two arrives.

Frankly, it makes plenty of sense at this point to not agree to the trade until the pick the Packers will be acquiring is on the clock.

Currently, the Jets hold consecutive second-round picks, No. 42 (via the Elijah Moore trade to Cleveland) and No. 43. That will give the Jets, as a practical matter, 10 minutes once pick No. 42 is on the clock to do the deal.

That’s how the Packers should want it, frankly. As a general proposition of draft strategy, it always makes sense to acquire a pick when that pick is on the clock. If the team gets the pick before the time comes to use it, the teams drafting behind that spot will start wondering: (1) who the Packers may be taking; and (2) whether to leapfrog them.

Of course, it’s probably a safe assumption that the Packers will be picking at No. 42 or No. 43. But it’s not official until it’s official. At this point, why make it official before the last possible minute?

[ghandi]

Wouldnt it be great if the Jets say forget Aaron Rodgers we will sign Lamar! The drama in Green Bay would be priceless!

[chemiclord]

Problem there is that the Ravens really don't want Lamar going anywhere; they just think they can keep him (relatively) cheap. If the Ravens were ACTUALLY interested in trading him, he'd be gone yesterday.

That's really what all this gamesmanship is about over there in Baltimore. The Ravens know they are fucked if he leaves, but also won't give him what he thinks he's worth.

[Topweasel]

Problem there is that the Ravens really don't want Lamar going anywhere; they just think they can keep him (relatively) cheap. If the Ravens were ACTUALLY interested in trading him, he'd be gone yesterday.

That's really what all this gamesmanship is about over there in Baltimore. The Ravens know they are fucked if he leaves, but also won't give him what he thinks he's worth.

It's the highest example of it but Ravens have let other teams negotiate the deal for their FAs then match them so they will come back. This isn't like Redskins whom really didn't want to lock in on Cousins but couldn't move on. Ravens want to keep Lamar but they don't want want to set the market, so either other teams work on a deal and they match it, Lamar takes a slightly under market deal rather than play on the tag, or he plays on the tag.

I just can't legitimately see him playing for anyone else besides the Ravens.

Edit: For at least this year.

[Whitley]

It's pretty self serving for Kiem to blame it on the tired trope of player not loving football enough.

[jaadam4]

A cautionary tale...
Steve Keim: Robert Nkemdiche didn’t succeed because he didn’t love football enough

Posted by Michael David Smith on April 7, 2023, 4:22 AM EDT

Getty Images

No one ever doubted Robert Nkemdiche’s talent: Coming out of high school he was the top recruit in the country, and coming out of Ole Miss he was one of the most talented prospects in the 2016 NFL draft. But Nkemdiche never did much in the NFL, and the general manager who drafted him thinks he knows why.

Former Cardinals G.M. Steve Keim says the problem with Nkemdiche is that he didn’t have the passion for football that would lead a player to put in the kind of work it takes to be great.

“In Arizona, I drafted Robert Nkemdiche with the 26th pick overall who we thought was a Top 10 talent and there were some concerns and questions about him coming out,” Keim said in an appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast, via the Arizona Republic. At the end of the day really, the guy just, in my opinion, didn’t love football enough. He didn’t succeed or play at a high level because he was in love with the process of going through the draft, being the top pick, getting money. But when it was time to grind, that wasn’t his focus.”

Nkemdiche was cut by the Cardinals after three years, then played just two games for the Dolphins and nine for the Seahawks before his NFL career came to an end. Nkemdiche is now with the Michigan Panthers of the USFL.

Nkemdiche was such a good player. I remember the red
ags but I didn’t care, I wanted the Lions to draft him.

glad they didn’t

[jaadam4]

It's the highest example of it but Ravens have let other teams negotiate the deal for their FAs then match them so they will come back. This isn't like Redskins whom really didn't want to lock in on Cousins but couldn't move on. Ravens want to keep Lamar but they don't want want to set the market, so either other teams work on a deal and they match it, Lamar takes a slightly under market deal rather than play on the tag, or he plays on the tag.

I just can't legitimately see him playing for anyone else besides the Ravens.

Edit: For at least this year.

Those are my thoughts as well for just about all of it

[whatever_gong82]

It's pretty self serving for Kiem to blame it on the tired trope of player not loving football enough.

That's why he's a Former General Manager.

He basically did a Millen, draft someone that everyone knew had Red Flags and did it anyway.

I'm praying and hoping that Brad Holmes won't draft Carter due to the same reason.

If he does, and Carter turns out to be the next Warren Sapp in effectiveness and longevity, I'll come online and admit that I was wrong.

[ghandi]

That's why he's a Former General Manager.

He basically did a Millen, draft someone that everyone knew had Red Flags and did it anyway.

I'm praying and hoping that Brad Holmes won't draft Carter due to the same reason.

If he does, and Carter turns out to be the next Warren Sapp in effectiveness and longevity, I'll come online and admit that I was wrong.

Well thats the difficulty of the draft...jalen Carter may be the next Warren Sapp, no one knows....Christian Gonzalez, Tyree WIlson, or whomever the Lions draft may be a bust.....Teams do their work, make their best guess, and hope they get lucky.....You never know who will have that critical career altering injury or some other issue.