AROUND THE NFL

NFL teams did not like the pass interference review as administered in 2019 – and if having it again is the choice, they will say no thanks.  Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com:

Pass interference replay review looks to be one-and-done.

In the annual postseason survey taken by the nine-member NFL Competition Committee, teams came out overwhelmingly agent retaining the PI replay rule that was instituted for the 2019 season, NFL Network’s Judy Battista reported Tuesday night.

According to Battista, when asked if they were favor of making the rule permanent, 21 teams said no and eight said yes. When asked if the rule should be extended for one more year, 17 teams said no and five said yes.

While the survey does not officially change the rule, it indicates that the competition committee and the league are trending toward killing the rule for the 2020 season.

The decision to either make the PI replay rule permanent or to extend it one more year will be put to a vote during the Annual League Meeting at the end of March. For the rule to pass, it would need 24 affirmative votes, or three-quarters of the league. If the survey is any indication, support for the rule is hovering around one-quarter of teams.

So here (likely) lies the pass interference review rule (July 2019 – March 2020). We hardly knew ye, but hardly was enough.

Instituted last summer just for the 2019 season, the rule allows offensive and defensive pass interference calls and non-calls to be challenged, and for pass interference reviews after the two-minute warning of each half and during overtime to be initiated by the replay official. Calls for such a rule were amplified following the controversial conclusion to the 2018 NFC title game between the Rams and Saints.

The results confused and frustrated coaches and players alike. The standards for overturning or confirming calls were inconsistent and appeared to change midseason.

Of the 100 pass interference calls that underwent review during the 2019 regular season, 24 were reversed. Of the 80 calls that were challenged by teams, just 16.3% were reversed, while of the 20 calls initiated by official review, 55% were reversed.

Next year, it is now likely that zero pass interference calls will be reversed or upheld by replay review.

Also in the survey, Battista reported, teams said quarterbacks are being adequately protected by the roughing the passer rule; teams said the use of helmet was more consistently officiated in 2019; and teams are heavily in favor of allowing the league office to instruct the on-field officiating crew to eject a player for a football act.

– – –

The NFL’s game of tag will begin as scheduled later this week.  NFL.com:

The franchise tag window will indeed be opened on Thursday.

Originally set to open on Tuesday, the franchise tag window was pushed back two days this past Saturday and is set to open on the newly planned first day, NFL Network’s Judy Battista reported Wednesday on NFL NOW.

The rules in the current collective bargaining agreement will apply, meaning teams are still permitted to use the franchise and transition tags. The window will open two days after the NFL Players Association board of representatives voted late Tuesday night to send the proposed CBA to the full player membership for a vote.

Hence, while a vote on ratification looms — the hope is the vote comes in less than two weeks, Battista reported — teams will conduct tag business according to plan.

Originally, the tag window was scheduled for Feb. 25-March 10, but on Saturday it was announced it had been moved back two days on each end, officially becoming Feb. 27-March 12.

On Friday, a seminar will be held for general managers and player personnel executives for a briefing on “all of this,” Battista added.

Obviously, one large question is what would happen should a team use the franchise and transition tags and the new CBA is ratified and the rules change.

“It will be addressed at the appropriate time,” a league source told Battista.

NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported that, if and when a new CBA is ratified, the NFLPA’s expectation would be that any team that used both tags would have to vacate one.

As the impending vote hangs over the window, guidance was needed for GMs who are attempting to work out contracts and decide on whether to apply the tag or not, Battista reported.

“In the interim, they are sort of in limbo right now until this vote is taken up or down,” Battista said. “They needed to know how to proceed. This is a critical period in the offseason. Not only are they preparing for the draft by being at the combine, they’re ramping up for free agency. They’re trying to get all their ducks in a row for free agency. So they had to give teams some guidance on how to proceed.”

NFC NORTH

MINNESOTA

Mike Zimmer expresses optimism that longtime Vikings DE EVERSON GRIFFEN will continue with the team.  Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com:

Upon choosing to void the final three years of his contract, Minnesota Vikings defensive end Everson Griffen put himself in line to become a free agent at the start of the new league year. However, it doesn’t appear the 32-year-old pass rusher will make it very far on the open market.

According to Minnesota coach Mike Zimmer, the Vikings anticipate re-signing Griffen for the 2020 season, which would undoubtedly come at a reduced price.

“We met with his agent, yesterday I think it was,” Zimmer said Wednesday at the NFL combine. “Everson’s a terrific person for us. I think our situation is the right one for him, and we expect him to be back. I think he wants to be back, so those kinds of things usually work their way out.”

Griffen restructured his deal last offseason, signing a four-year extension that was set to keep him under contract in Minnesota through 2022. As one of two NFL players last season with a player-controlled void written into his deal, per a league source, Griffen had the option to void the remaining three years of his contract if he totaled at least six sacks and played 57 percent of his team’s snaps. The veteran defensive end finished 2019 with eight sacks and played 78 percent of defensive snaps.

By exercising his right to void the remainder of his deal, Griffen avoided becoming a cap casualty. The move created $13.1 million in cap space for Minnesota, which is now estimated to be $2.4 million under the cap, according to ESPN’s Roster Management System.

Griffen was drafted in the fourth round by Minnesota in 2010 and is currently fourth in franchise history with 74.5 sacks. He is coming off his fourth Pro Bowl season, and Zimmer called the defensive end’s play “excellent” in 2019, “maybe as good as I’ve seen him play since he’s been here.”

NFC EAST

NEW YORK GIANTS

A pair of cuts at linebacker by the Blue.  Paul Schwartz in the New York Post:

The purge has begun.

To the surprise of no one, the Giants on Wednesday began what figures to be a hefty roster cleanup, releasing linebackers Alec Ogletree and Kareem Martin. The moves saves the Giants $13 million on the 2020 salary cap, providing valuable financial resources with NFL free agency arriving March 18.

These are not equal salary dumps of 28-year-old players who came to the Giants in 2018.

Ogletree was the first significant addition by general manager Dave Gettleman, who traded with the Rams (in exchange for a fourth- and a sixth-round pick) for the inside linebacker to be a leader and run-stopper in the middle of the defense. It never worked out that way. In two seasons, Ogletree started 26 games, had a team-high 173 tackles and was a team captain both years. But he was far from a dominant player, and his issues dropping in coverage – despite a career-high five interceptions in 2018 – were glaring. Still, Ogletree was the first Giants linebacker with two interception returns for touchdowns in the same season.

Ogletree was scheduled to make $10 million in base salary and count $11.75 million on the salary cap. The Giants save $8.25 million on this year’s cap by parting ways with him.

One day after obtaining Ogletree, Gettleman signed Martin to a three-year deal worth $15 million, believing his experience with defensive coordinator James Bettcher from their time together with the Cardinals would be beneficial. For that investment, the Giants got 16 games in 2018 and only five in 2019 and not much production. Martin was to cost the Giants $4.2 million in base salary and cutting him saves $4.8 million on the cap.

Clearly, the Giants need to replace these players on the roster at a position that has been lacking for more than a decade. Outside linebacker Markus Golden, who led the team last season with 10 sacks, is set to be an unrestricted free agent and his comeback year might entice a team to outbid the Giants for his services. The most promising inside linebacker on the roster, Ryan Connelly, was having a fine rookie year before he tore his ACL; he is expected back sometime in training camp this summer.

Two young pass rushers, Lorenzo Carter and Oshane Ximines, represent the best hopes for development from within.

Does this mean the Giants have their sights on taking Clemson’s Isaiah Simmons with the No. 4 pick in the NFL Draft? Well, no, but the most versatile defender in this class is certainly a consideration, and there is no doubt the Giants will add to the position in free agency and also somewhere in the draft.

PHILADELPHIA

GM Howie Roseman signals a slight change in the Eagles plan for free agency.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

After spending the last couple of years in win-now mode, Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman enters this offseason with a different approach in mind.

“We’re hopeful that if we go into the free-agent market that maybe we’re signing guys, more core guys,” he said Tuesday. “More one- or two-year guys, and we look at it from building our team over a two-year perspective as opposed to this one-year window.”

That sounds like the Eagles could be bigger spenders than past seasons. Roseman noted, however, that he’s always aware of getting too tied down with bulky non-quarterback contracts.

“I think the one thing we have to be careful of is the amount of cap room we have this year, and then how it’s affected next year and the years going forward because we don’t want to be in the position where we lose flexibility totally by doing that,” he said.

And yet, Roseman noted that as he goes offseason fishing in free agency, he’s looking at team-building from a more long-term perspective rather than keeping the Super Bowl window cracked open.

“I think it will be fair to say that the past two years coming off the Super Bowl (win), we had a different amount of resources going forward, and we were looking at team-building over that ’17, ’18, ’19 period,” he said. “And we knew that in ’20 we were going to have to change that a little bit. Now, we’re looking at it over the course of a window. Not that we don’t want to win this year, we desperately want to win this year, but more building this team over 2020, 2021, hopefully, 2022 — it’s hard to look three years out really, but keep our eye on that. But I think that maybe changes the complexion of our decisions this offseason that is different than coming off the Super Bowl or coming off losing to the Saints in the divisional round.”

With a projected 10 draft picks this year, Roseman hopes to inject more youth in the roster, and that plan could pertain to free agency as well.

“I think the scenario changes a little bit,” he said. “If we can get the right free agents, we’re not in a mode now where maybe we try to find the undervalued older guys that we tried to find the last couple of years. Going forward, we’re trying to build this over a period of time. We’re not in this one-year window … looking at this 2020, 2021, 2022, in this three-year period of getting guys for a part of it. I guess similar to how we looked at free agency in 2016 and 2017.”

Atop the priority list should be finding weapons for Carson Wentz after injuries and inconsistent play stymied the Eagles’ offense for stretches.

“We’re always looking to add weapons and help for our quarterback,” Roseman said. “It’s a big part of our job, is to surround him with playmakers, protect him, of course. And so that’s something that will always be a focus as we start an offseason.”

Along with the possibility of adding free agents, the Eagles have their own players set to hit the open market, including veteran left tackle Jason Peters.

“As it pertains to all of our free agents, I think it’s important as we go through this process that we keep an open mind with everyone, and try to figure out as we get more information,” Roseman said. “A big part of this week is accumulating information. That’s what we’ll do here. Obviously, when you talk about Jason Peters, you’re talking about a Hall of Fame player, Hall of Fame person, someone who is very special to us. Played at a really high-level last year. We’ll go through all those decisions this week, and that will kind of be my stock answer as it goes for every free agent we talk about here.”

With last year’s first-round pick Andre Dillard waiting in the wings, a decision on Peters’ future could shape the Eagles offensive line decisions. Roseman noted having several starting-caliber offensive linemen is a “good problem” to have, especially in an O-line deficient league.

WASHINGTON

Is this what the Cardinals said last year about QB JOSH ROSEN?  John Keim of ESPN.com:

Washington Redskins coach Ron Rivera remains excited about quarterback Dwayne Haskins and continues to mention the plan they have to develop him. That won’t stop Rivera from looking around, however, as the Redskins plan to host quarterbacks Tua Tagovailoa and Joe Burrow in pre-draft visits. Just in case.

Rivera told reporters at the NFL scouting combine in Indianapolis on Wednesday that hosting those two quarterbacks goes beyond doing due diligence.

“Everything is an option,” Rivera said. “We’re not closing the door on anything.”

The Redskins drafted Haskins in the first round last April, but that was a different regime. Ever since he was hired on Dec. 30, Rivera has been consistent whenever discussing Haskins: He likes his potential but is not ready to anoint him as the starter for 2020.

However, a key part of Rivera’s interviews, both with owner Dan Snyder and prospective coaches, was about having a plan to develop Haskins. Rivera pointed out that new offensive coordinator Scott Turner was with Carolina as an offensive quality control coach when the Panthers drafted Cam Newton in 2011. Turner also was with Teddy Bridgewater after he was drafted with Minnesota, and new quarterbacks coach Ken Zampese was with Cleveland when it picked Baker Mayfield.

But that doesn’t mean they won’t do their homework on quarterbacks in the draft. They could be bringing them in to create a smokescreen — and perhaps increase the value of the No. 2 overall pick. If teams don’t feel the Redskins would take a quarterback, they might be more inclined to try to trade up to No. 3.

The team also wants to interview them to get a feel for how other teams might perceive them after their own meetings. That could help them realize what they might be able to get if they traded back. Or they could end up having legitimate interest.

“We have to go through this process,” Rivera said. “You don’t know what’s going to happen in front of you. You don’t know what’s going to happen with you. We’re going to prepare and get ourselves ready.”

He also said they would meet with defensive end Chase Young and others expected to go high in the draft.

Alex Smith is the only other quarterback on the Redskins’ roster, and there is still question about whether he will return from his compound fracture of the right leg. Rivera wants more competition for Haskins — someone, he said, who can challenge him.

But even while meeting with other quarterbacks and possibly seeking another veteran as competition, Rivera remains upbeat about Haskins.

“We have a very good young player,” Rivera said. “The more I learn about him, it puts us in a pretty good spot. I’m excited about him. One thing I have seen is his commitment. He’s been around a lot. I walk by the weight room, there he is. I walk by the locker room, there he is. That’s a sign of a young man learning that he needs to be around.”

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

Chiefs GM Brett Veach spoke to Pro Football Talk about an extension for QB PATRICK MAHOMES:

Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is eligible to sign a contract extension this offseason and there’s little doubt that the Chiefs will do what it takes to ensure he’s in Kansas City for a long time, but there is a question of when that deal will get done.

The team had the quarterback’s next deal in mind well before Mahomes won them their first title in 50 years and Chiefs owner Clark Hunt said before the Super Bowl that the team was looking for the “right time” to do such a deal.

During an appearance on PFT Live from the Scouting Combine, General Manager Brett Veach said that the team is still working out the best path to securing a long future with Mahomes.

“I think the cool thing about Pat and his agent is they realize he’s gonna make a lot of money, no one operates in the sense of taking the extreme team discount, but Pat is also very cognizant of wanting to be in a place like Kansas City and win a lot of Super Bowls. There are some things to help the team to make sure there’s always talent around him. It’ll take time, it’ll get done,” Veach said.

Whatever concessions Mahomes may make at the negotiating table, he will almost certainly be the highest-paid player in the NFL when he signs his next deal. That will create other challenges for Veach, but he’ll gladly accept them if it means more years with Mahomes.

LAS VEGAS

In a year filled with exciting wide receiver prospects, GM Mike Mayock is an ardent shopper. Nick Shook of ESPN.com:

Mike Mayock might be wearing a Raiders shield on his chest, but he sure hasn’t lost any of the ability that made his press conferences a must-attend event.

Mayock held court Tuesday in the Indianapolis Convention Center, as he has annually for years as one of the most respected voices in the football scouting community, and provided plenty of excellent quotes and insight as always. But his most coveted knowledge is confidential these days, as Mayock is no longer here to share his research with the rest of the world, but use it to make the Las Vegas Raiders into a winner.

First order of business in this upcoming draft: Address the receiver position.

“We’re a pretty good offensive team, and I think everybody standing here knows we need help at wideout,” Mayock said. “We need to be better. The Antonio Brown thing left a void that we weren’t really able to fill. So we need to get better there.”

While most coaches and general managers keep their responses as vague as realistically possible, Mayock wasn’t afraid to admit his pass-catching corps needs an upgrade. His defense does, too, he said.

“We have so many needs over there, it’s just ‘who’s a dynamic football player who makes us better?'” Mayock said.

As for any rumors of a potential reunion with one formerly notable receiver, Mayock said that ship has sailed.

“Antonio Brown, I have very little to comment about,” Mayock said. “I think he had his time with the Raiders, and I think his time there is up.”

Meanwhile, Jason LaCanfora of CBSSports.com provides insight on what Mayock and Jon Gruden are thinking at QB:

“Derek played at a high level last season. I’m very happy with Derek. But as I’ve said before, we will evaluate every position on our roster, and if there’s a chance to upgrade, we will look into that.”

Translation: We heard that Don Yee, Tom Brady’s agent, is landing sometime Wednesday afternoon in Indianapolis. We will have people staking him out at the airport. He’s not going to be here that long and we are going to do whatever we can to land a meeting with him. Also, don’t forget about us unloading Khalil Mack and Amari Cooper a year ago to land maximum draft capital. That wasn’t just for 2019. If Tua’s hip checks out, we can move up into the top five no problem. And we could trade Carr even after the draft if we had to, with that contract being so team-friendly. We’re moving to Vegas, baby. And we’re thinking big.

AFC NORTH

CLEVELAND

Longtime Cleveland media figure Tony Grossi is suspended for calling QB BAKER MAYFIELD “a f—— midget.”  We are guessing the profanity was okay, but the term midget was deemed inappropriate.  Let’s find out.  Drew Schofield at News5:

Tony Grossi has been suspended after apparently calling Baker Mayfield a “f***ing midget” during a show on ESPN Cleveland WKNR.

Grossi made the comment while the mics were still hot during a discussion about NFL quarterbacks, according to bustedcoverage.com.

Good Karma Brands issued a statement Tuesday about the incident.

 “The term Tony used is a derogatory slur to describe Little People. Good Karma Brands will not tolerate derogatory language that demeans others or groups of people,” the company said Tuesday in a media release.

“We are addressing this matter with Tony directly, and while we normally do not comment on personnel matters, we do want to share that we have made the decision to immediately and indefinitely suspend Tony Grossi. In addition, we will pursue sensitivity and inclusion training for everyone on our content teams across our company,” Good Karma Brands stated.

According to the company, Tony Grossi has been indefinitely suspended.

“From Good Karma Brands, to our fans, our partners, the Browns and Baker Mayfield – we are sorry.”

Tuesday afternoon, Grossi issued an apology on Twitter stating that there is “no excuse for using that language in any context. It was said without malice but also without thought.”

You can read Grossi’s full apology below:

“I am truly sorry for my language and choice of words in a remark I made about Baker Mayfield that was captured on our live feed on TheLandOnDemand.

I sincerely apologize for using a word that is a derogatory slur.

There’s no excuse for using that language in any context. It was said without malice but also without thought.

It is well known that Baker and I have had our differences, and in the course of this experience,

I’ve had to question my role in the erosion of the relationship. I have always endeavored to report and comment on him and the team fairly, and am shaken by these events.

I will strive to be a better person and professional.

I apologize to little people, Good Karma Brands, the Cleveland Browns, Baker Mayfield, to our listeners and to anyone who was offended by my remark.”

According to the NFL, Mayfield is 6 feet, 1 inch tall and weighs 215 pounds.

Presumably “dwarf” or “munchkin” would also be inappropriate, with or without the f-bomb.

Is it suspendable to just refer to someone as “little” or “short” – as in that “little Sooner?”

He can’t get taller, but Mayfield does promise to be fitter when camp rolls around.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

In the aftermath of a disappointing 2019 season, the Browns’ onus going forward as it relates to quarterback Baker Mayfield is for the former No. 1 overall pick to become a slimmer and trimmer version.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday morning that heading into 2020, an important focus for the Browns will be Mayfield’s fitness and body makeup.

According to Rapoport, Mayfield’s approach ahead of his second NFL season in 2019 was to bulk up and he, in turn, lost some quickness. Never exactly regarded for having phenomenal mobility, Mayfield still was noticeably slower when he scrambled.

Rapoport adds the emphasis for Mayfield will be on him being in better shape overall along with being faster.

The Oklahoma product had an outstanding rookie campaign in 2018 when he completed 63.8 percent of his passes in 13 starts for 3,725 yards, an NFL rookie-record 27 touchdowns to 14 interceptions and was sacked 25 times.

In 2019, however, despite starting all 16 games, Mayfield threw 22 touchdowns and had 21 picks, his completion percentage dropping to 59.4 and his yards sitting at 3,827. He was sacked 40 times — 15 more than the previous year despite starting just three more games.

Change is afoot in Cleveland with new coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry leading the way. And it seems one hopeful change is how Mayfield will look when the season comes around and then perhaps how he will perform.

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS

Colts coach Frank Reich does not sense any waffling on the part of retired QB ANDREW LUCK.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Colts head coach Frank Reich is still in contact with quarterback Andrew Luck, but they relate to each other simply as friends, and not as a coach trying to lure a player out of retirement.

Reich said this morning on PFT Live that when he talks to Luck, he gets the sense that Luck is firmly retired and is interested in football only in the sense that he wants to see his friends do well, not in the sense that he’s considering a comeback.

“He’s a friend. I talk to him, we communicate. I sense none of that. We don’t talk about that. I think he’s retired,” Reich said. “He’s like any other ex-player. You’re always going to miss your buddies in the locker room. That’s normal. I don’t read into that a clue that he wants to come back. He’s just a good friend.”

The Colts have some decisions to make at quarterback this offseason, and it’s unclear whether Jacoby Brissett will be the starter in Week One, or if the Colts could sign, draft or trade for a quarterback who might compete with Brissett or replace him as the starter. But in Reich’s mind, Luck will definitely not be his starting quarterback this season.

JACKSONVILLE

The Jaguars official position is that they do not have a starting quarterback at this time.  Grant Gordon of ESPN.com:

Though the Jacksonville Jaguars are no doubt looking to move beyond a forgettable 6-10 campaign last season, 2019 left them with a dilemma at quarterback that still needs to be resolved.

For now, coach Doug Marrone and general manager David Caldwell are offering no leanings or thoughts on whether Nick Foles or Gardner Minshew will be the 2020 starting quarterback — only that they currently stable two very good options at the most important position.

“We’re in a position where we feel we’ve got two guys who can play,” Marrone told the media Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine, per John Oehser of the team website.

Marrone’s comments mirror those of owner Shad Khan and Caldwell.

“Like Shad said a couple of weeks ago, that we have two quarterbacks we really feel good about,” Caldwell said.

No matter the spin, this wasn’t the plan for the Jaguars when they signed Foles, a former Super Bowl MVP for the Eagles, ahead of the 2019 season to a lucrative four-year, $88 million contract.

However, Foles broke his clavicle in his Jaguars debut. Minshew, a rookie sixth-round selection, took the reins and responded, with Minshew Mania born out of the opportunity.

Marked by an everpresent headband and classic mustache, Minshew grew a fan base and performed pretty well, but Foles’ return saw him take over as the starter. When Foles struggled, Minshew was reinserted and by disappointing season’s end, a choice at QB has carried over into the unknown that is 2020.

“The best thing to do is have those guys go out there and have them compete,” Marrone said. “When one of them separates themselves, and there’s been enough body of work for it, then that person’s going to be the starting quarterback.

“We’re trying to create that at all of the positions. Quarterback’s no different.”

In total, Foles played and started just four games for the Jags, with Jacksonville going 0-4 and Foles throwing only three touchdowns with 184 yards per game. Minshew saw action in 14 games with a dozen starts, averaging 233.6 yards per game, going 6-6- as a starter and throwing 21 touchdowns to six picks.

“I think every year’s a new year,” Caldwell said. “You hope that every player takes a jump up, and that’s not just Gardner but that’s Nick, too — another year being in Jacksonville. We’ll see how that plays out.”

AFC EAST

MIAMI

Would the Dolphins try to go up to the top spot of the draft for either QB JOE BURROW or EDGE CHASE YOUNG?  They want you to think they could.  Grant Gordon of ESPN.com:

There is little doubt the Miami Dolphins will loom large over the upcoming 2020 NFL Draft.

Currently locked and loaded with 14 draft picks, including three first-rounders and five within the opening two rounds, might the Dolphins continue to make moves, perhaps all the way up to No. 1?

“I don’t think you rule out anything right,” Dolphins general manager Chris Grier told reporters Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine when asked if he would rule out any move, including moving up to No. 1. “I think we’re wide open to everything.”

Current owners of the Nos. 5, 18 (via the Steelers) and 26 (via Texans) picks in the first round, the Dolphins have two more picks in the second round and a seemingly never-ending amount of selections that provide the amount of draft capital needed to move all the way up to No. 1 — which is owned by the Bengals.

Following a 5-11 season of rebuilding, the Dolphins’ needs are abundant, but the common belief is they need a franchise quarterback. Many have prognosticated Tua Tagovailoa is the QB the Dolphins desire, but perhaps the No. 5 pick isn’t high enough to ensure his selection.

Grier, as with just about any general manager at this time, offered no clues of where the Dolphins are pointed, only stating the obvious that with all their needs, they haven’t zeroed in on any particular position.

“I don’t think we can rule out any position,” Grier said.

In addition to the fabulous 14, the Dolphins have a spree’s worth of cap room at $88,075,174, per Over The Cap. Thus, Grier knows he has his franchise ready — and perhaps willing — and able to make some serious noise at the draft.

“I think history shows with the things we’ve done and the picks we’ve acquired, and the money, that we feel good about our standing,” Grier said, “and the flexibility to move up and down or stand pat.”

THIS AND THAT

THE PENDING VOTE

Some big name players are opposed to the new CBA.  One is Seahawks QB RUSSELL WILSON.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson usually avoids controversy. When it comes to the proposed CBA deal, Wilson is embracing it.

“The NBA & MLB are doing it right,” Wilson said on Twitter. “Players come first. ALL players deserve the same. WE should not rush the next 10 YEARS for Today’s satisfaction. I VOTE NO.”

Wilson is not active in the NFL Players Association. However, he surely has influence. As do others who have spoken out about the proposed CBA, and who will.

NFLPA president Eric Winston responded to Wilson on Twitter, with this message: “No one is rushing into anything. We have spent the last 300 days listening to our guys and negotiating this deal. The proposal will be sent to all players and if somebody doesn’t like the terms once they’ve seen the entire package, I understand. That’s why every player gets a vote on it and every vote counts. I’m happy to hop on the phone with any player at any time and anyone is always welcome to come to our annual Rep meeting or to join any of the numerous calls we have had or will have in the future. Let me know.”

Winston undoubtedly would prefer to keep the opposition to the deal private. In the 12 hours or so since the board of players representatives voted narrowly to send the CBA to a vote of all union members, more than a few players have taken their opposition public. There’s a good chance that plenty of others will do the same.

QB AARON RODGERS is opposed, primarily it seems because the new deal doesn’t reduce an offseason regimen that many already think is too soft.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

Aaron Rodgers has spoken.

Like other high-profile players who are against the proposed CBA, the Packers’ franchise quarterback has shared his opposition to the deal. Unlike those other players, Rodgers’ position has extra credibility because he’s involved in union leadership, as the Green Bay player representative.

Rodgers has taken to Twitter to explain his position. Here’s what he wrote.

“I voted no last night,” Rodgers said. “My decision to vote No is based off of the conversations I have had with the men in my locker room I’m tasked to represent. This deal will affect every player that ever plays this game and we have made this decision with only an abbreviated version of the deal and this isn’t good enough. Although I do see that there are many things in the proposal that improve the lives and care for past, present, and future NFL players, there are issues with others.

“16 games to me, was never something to be negotiated. The owners made it clear that the 17th game is about paying for the ‘added’ benefits, and had nothing to do with positive feedback received about any extra risks involved with the added regular season game (also an extra game for every 2 seed moving forward on Wild Card weekend, i.e. [Packers] 2019 = no bye).

“There were also many issues raised about the workplace, the workload and the offseason program. Some have been addressed, while others have not. With an extra game added to the schedule, aded risk, and longer stretches before and after the bye week, we felt it was important to address adding more offseason recovery time. The ideas discussed would not add cost for teams, in fact if anything, would lessen some of them.

“My involvement has been far less than the negotiating team, the EC and the owners in these conversations, and I’m sensitive to that and appreciate of the time and sacrifices made. My involvement as a player rep, and a 15 year player in this great game though, allows me this platform to share my opinion, and at the same time, requires me to speak on behalf of the sentiment I hear from my teammates.

“The value of our players and the strength of the NFLPA can only be realized, if we ourselves know and believe in our worth. I respect the democratic nature of this process and have been, and will continue to talk with my teammates on the Packers, and my colleagues across the league.”

Rodgers’ primary concern seems to come from the lack of information provided to the board of player representatives regarding the details of the deal. But he’s also trying to reduce the offseaon program dramatically; per one source aware of the dynamics of the discussions, Rodgers would like the league to wipe out the offseason program entirely.

Of course, for established players like Rodgers, there’s an easy alternative to the league scrapping the offseason program. It’s voluntary, so he doesn’t have to show up for anything other than the annual three-day mandatory minicamp.

(He easily could skip that, too. The fines for missing the event represent pressed peanut sweepings in comparison to what he earns.)

Regardless, Rodgers has shared his views. And because he’s directly involved in the union process, his views merit more consideration than those from stars playerwho choose to drop a drive-by deuce onto a deal that they spent none of their personal time working to understand and negotiate.

As we detailed last week, NFL players already have the shortest season – 23 weeks counting training camp of any major sport (17 season plus 6 preseason-camp).  The rest are at something like 30 weeks.

RIVERS

Dan Schneir of CBSSports.com with some thoughts on QB PHILIP RIVERS:

Tom Brady may be the winningest quarterback set to hit the open market in free agency this March, but the expectation is he will re-sign with the Patriots. The same cannot be said about the next highest-profile veteran quarterback set to hit the market. Philip Rivers is set to become a free agent when the new league year turns and the Chargers have already decided to move forward without their longest-tenured player. Since that news broke, the market for Rivers has heated up. Now, as NFL execs gathered at the combine, some of the reported interest in Rivers — and nuggets on which teams will look to go hard after him in free agency — have all started to bubble up to the surface.

Although the Chargers’ franchise stalwart’s best days are likely behind him, Rivers still has a lot left in the tank. In 2019, Rivers threw for the fourth-most single-season passing yards of his career and completed 66% of his pass attempts with more touchdowns than interceptions. Rivers is now 38 years old, but he was a Pro Bowl quarterback as recently as the 2018 NFL season, the last of a three-year stretch of consecutive Pro Bowl appearances.

As we move forward toward the start of NFL free agency in mid-March, this will serve as the hub for all Rivers-related free agent updates. From the latest rumors to Rivers’ projected contract on the open market, the top landing spots, and a lot more; when it comes to his free agency we will have it all here.

Without further ado, let’s jump into the latest on Rivers.

Top free agent landing spots for Rivers

Now that Rivers will all but officially be moving on from the Chargers, it’s time to start speculating about where he will be playing during the 2020 season (and beyond). Several teams make sense for Rivers in free agency given their quarterback situation and the roster surrounding that position, but five teams stand out as the best fits for him. Cody Benjamin broke down the five best landing spots for Rivers, and although the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the most heavily-linked to Rivers thus far, another team lands at No. 1 on the list.

Colts

Buccaneers

Bears

Panthers

Raiders

Projected market value for Rivers in free agency

Over at Spotrac, one of the leading providers of NFL contract and salary cap information, they have projected Rivers’ estimated free-agent market value. Based on several factors including Rivers’ age and the market at the quarterback position, Spotrac projects Rivers to have a current calculated market value (and this could change if, say, Dak Prescott signs a long-term extension) of $24,337,191 annually. They project Rivers to receive a two-year, $48,674,382 contract in free agency. You can find the full details for Rivers’ market value projection at Spotrac.

Scouting report on Rivers (pros and cons):

Pros:

Short and intermediate accuracy

Rivers throws a “runner’s ball” — more simplified: the placement of his throws allows his receiving options the most room to operate after the catch

Rivers throws with excellent anticipation — specifically to running backs (might still be NFL’s best in this regard) and tight ends

Rivers is still willing and unafraid to push the ball downfield (7.81 yards per attempt during a down 2019 season) — even with diminishing arm talent, Rivers wins downfield by anticipating where the defenders won’t be

Cons:

Turnover rate spiked in 2019; specifically in late-game situations

Touchdown rate plummeted in 2019; Rivers’ 23 touchdowns were his lowest total since 2007 season

Overall efficiency dropped; Rivers’ 88.5 quarterback rating was his lowest since 2007 season

Diminishing arm talent; Rivers can still make all the throws, but his arm talent has taken a noticeable dip and he would be best-suited signing with a warm-weather team (or a team that plays home games in a dome)

DB aside – how can you do a scouting report on Rivers and not mention his lack of mobility?  He has to compensate with quick reads, quick throws and sacks taken.

2020 DRAFT

There do not seem to be any red flags concerning the hips of Alabama QB TUA TAGOVAILOA.  NFL.com:

Tua Tagovailoa told reporters Tuesday in Indianapolis that he expects his surgically repaired hip to be medically cleared March 9, and it appears his tests at the NFL Scouting Combine back up that notion.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday that the former Alabama star quarterback received overwhelmingly positive reports on his dislocated hip from teams who examined him, per sources. Rapoport added that the MRIs came back clean, Tagovailoa’s hip fracture is healed and there is no loss of blood flow. One source went on to tell Rapoport that Tagovailoa “looked great.”

Tagovailoa’s health is one of the 2020 NFL Draft’s top storylines as QB-needy teams evaluate the potential top-five pick.

During his widely attended news conference Tuesday at the combine, Tagovailoa told reporters that he plans to have his personal pro day for NFL teams on April 9, which would occur exactly one month after he expects to be cleared for full-speed, unlimited workouts.

Tagovailoa sustained the season-ending injury during a November game against Mississippi State — the most serious of several injuries he sustained during his college career.

– – –

QB JALEN HURTS is going the route of QB LAMAR JACKSON before him.  Terez Paylor of YahooSports.com:

Jalen Hurts is famously level-headed. His gracious handling of his gut-wrenching benching in the middle of the 2017 national championship game will always serve as an unfailing testament to that.

So when Hurts, who eventually transferred to Oklahoma and posted one of the most productive college seasons ever in 2019, was asked Tuesday at the NFL scouting combine if he’d consider switching positions in the NFL — just the latest African-American quarterback to have that question posed to him — it was fitting that his answer was calm, but resolute.

“Yeah you know, I’ve always been a team-first guy,” Hurts told reporters. “But I think I’m a quarterback. I think that’s that.”

The question brought to mind shades of past black quarterbacks who have been asked the same question at the combine. One of the latest, Lamar Jackson, went on to become only the second unanimous MVP in NFL history last season.

Former Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts answers questions from the media during the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday in Indianapolis. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

Former Oklahoma quarterback Jalen Hurts answers questions from the media during the NFL scouting combine on Tuesday in Indianapolis. (Photo by Zach Bolinger/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)

More

Jackson, though, was more prolific as a passer than Hurts was in college, and more highly regarded in that area, too. Hurts’ NFL.com draft profile — which lists Tim Tebow as his comparison — suggests that he must improve his patience, eye level and decision-making as a passer, among other things, to stick as a QB1 in the NFL.

As such, Hurts’ draft stock is currently all over the place. While one NFL scout told Yahoo Sports this week that Hurts is projected to be a mid-to-late-round pick in rounds 5-7, another said he can be slotted into rounds 2-4.

Hurts can help himself with a strong performance Thursday, when quarterbacks are scheduled to throw at Lucas Oil Stadium. Provided he does, it’s not hard to see him wooing a team interested in what he can bring to the table at pro football’s spotlight position.

For one, Hurts is a proven winner: He went 38-4 as a starter at Alabama, where he won a national championship in 2016, and Oklahoma, where he threw for 3,851 yards and 32 touchdowns while rushing for 1,298 yards and 20 more scores last fall, when he was a Heisman Trophy finalist.

What’s more, Hurts has weathered plenty of upheaval during his college career, so he has zero doubt in his ability to go into any NFL situation and thrive.

“The reality is, I’ve had six different coaches in four years, and all six coaches — whether it be position coach or [the offensive coordinator] — have had different approaches to how they’ve taught whatever it is they’re teaching, so that shows the ability to adjust,” Hurts told Yahoo Sports during a sit-down interview on Tuesday.

“I’m able to adjust to any type of coaching style, offense or whatever we’re running, whether it’s a lot of play-action under center, or taking shots from certain ways or running this a certain way or reading this a certain way. So the ability to adjust is there for me.”

That said, Hurts knows he has areas he needs to improve on, including one previously mentioned in his NFL.com draft profile.

“I think I want to continue to grow and see things from a coach’s perspective,” Hurts said, a nod to his desire to improve his decision-making. “I want to think like my head coach is thinking, my OC is thinking, so when I’m on the field, I can be more situationally aware of what’s going on.”

Hurts’ unfailing belief in himself will continue to propel him forward, just like it did at Alabama, where he started 28 consecutive games for the Crimson Tide only to be benched at halftime against Georgia in January 2018. Even after that moment — which he handled with class as his younger replacement, Tua Tagovailoa, led Alabama to a come-from-behind win over Georgia — Hurts waited a whole year to transfer, largely because he believed he could beat Tagovailoa for the job. After he failed to do it in 2018, it might have broken or wounded a lesser man.

By going through all that, only to re-establish himself as one of college football’s pre-eminent players during his one-year stop at Oklahoma, Hurts proved that his mental toughness and football character is A-1, something NFL evaluators love in quarterbacks.

His willingness to be hard on himself and strive for perfection won’t hurt, either.

“I firmly feel that there is not a play that I can’t make right,” Hurts said. “Whether it’s a missed assignment on somebody else’s behalf, or whatever, I hold myself accountable.”

So of course, it’s hardly a surprise that Hurts easily dismissed the “switch position” question on Tuesday. The way he was forced to navigate his whirlwind college career not only reinforced his belief in himself, but also taught him how to maintain focus in the face of distractions.

“In this business,” Hurts said, “you can never get too high or low — that’s what I’ve been my entire career, just keeping the main thing the main thing, keeping steady and trying to get better every day.”

– – –

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com offers this Mock Draft:

In this mock, you get four receivers inside the top 15, with the Philadelphia Eagles moving up to get their guy.

Now, to the picks.

1. CINCINNATI BENGALS

Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The Bengals couldn’t care less about Joe Burrow’s hand size. He’s going No. 1 overall.

2. WASHINGTON REDSKINS

Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

Last week, I had the Redskins trading out of this pick. This week, let’s check how the board falls if Ron Rivera’s club stays put and picks the best defensive player in this class.

3. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS (MOCK TRADE WITH DETROIT)

Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

Let’s try on this trade for size. The Chargers aren’t absolutely desperate at quarterback with Tyrod Taylor on the roster, but would probably want to plan for the future. They figure Tagovailoa won’t fall to them and they like the nucleus they have on defense for the next few seasons.

4. NEW YORK GIANTS

Henry Ruggs III, WR, Alabama

When Ruggs runs in the low 4.2s, it’s going to boost his already high draft stock, and if he’s that much faster than Jerry Jeudy and CeeDee Lamb, he could go ahead of them. If there’s one GM who likes flashiness, it’s Dave Gettleman, so this pairing happens in this mock.

5. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

With two quarterbacks already gone, the Dolphins instead stay put and go with Herbert as the experienced prospect with all the tools to be an All-Pro.

6. DETROIT LIONS (MOCK TRADE WITH LOS ANGELES)

Jeff Okudah, CB, Ohio State

In their trade back from No. 3, the Lions get the best press man corner in the draft by a wide margin, No. 37 overall (second round), No. 71 (third round) and Los Angeles’ 2021 second-round pick.

7. CAROLINA PANTHERS

Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Simmons’ talent and legitimate versatility are too tantalizing for the rebuilding Panthers to pass on here.

8. ARIZONA CARDINALS

Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

Does the D.J. Humphries extension indicate the Cardinals won’t go tackle in Round 1? Possibly. So, they select Jeudy to bring some serious juice to the receiver group.

9. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Derrick Brown, DL, Auburn

With Marcell Dareus reportedly set to be gone, and Calais Campbell a likely cap casualty, the Jaguars suddenly have to rebuild the interior of their defensive line. Enter the super-powerful Brown.

10. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Tristan Wirfs, OL, Iowa

This is a dream come true for Cleveland, with its pick of the litter at the tackle position. Wirfs is NFL strong with versatility and high-end athleticism at the premier position that’s of great need for this franchise.

11. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES (MOCK TRADE WITH NY JETS)

CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Howie Roseman strikes as he sees Lamb fall outside the top 10 and makes a deal with former colleague Joe Douglas. While many Jets fans scoff at the idea of moving back for a team to pick a receiver that could’ve helped Sam Darnold, Douglas decides to gather more picks in a deep receiver class.

12. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

The Raiders have gotten scorched by Patrick Mahomes in Jon Gruden’s first two seasons with the team, so Mike Mayock and Co. grab a quarterback with a similar style.

13. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

Jalen Reagor, WR, TCU

That makes five receivers inside the top 15, and I think Reagor could sneak in there thanks to what should be an awesome showing at the combine at over 200 pounds.

14. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Javon Kinlaw, DL, South Carolina

This is a pairing I absolutely adore. Kinlaw is a long, jarring interior penetrator who can play anywhere up front.

15. DENVER BRONCOS

Mekhi Becton, OL, Louisville

John Elway goes with Becton to help fortify the future for Drew Lock in Denver, as Garret Bolles isn’t trending in the right direction on the left side.

16. ATLANTA FALCONS

A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

Even if Epenesa isn’t a freak at the combine, Dan Quinn will love his ability to win with power on the inside and pass-rushing moves around the corner.

17. DALLAS COWBOYS

Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

So maybe Fulton isn’t a huge corner. Who cares? A bunch of sub 6-foot corners have gone early in the draft in recent years, and Fulton has two years of outstanding film at the top of his resume.

18. MIAMI DOLPHINS

K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

With their eyes still firmly on the long-term future, the Dolphins go with the youthful, springy, and impressively polished Chaisson to be their alpha edge.

19. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

Laviska Shenault Jr., WR, Colorado

Shenault is almost built like Saquon Barkley and has similar springiness and contact balance in space. He’s a yards-after-the-catch monster, which is precisely what Jon Gruden wants in his West Coast offense.

20. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

Andrew Thomas, OL, Georgia

It’s back to the drawing board at left tackle for the Jaguars, and I have to think Doug Marrone would love the run-blocking prowess of Thomas as a blindside protector.

21. NEW YORK JETS (MOCK TRADE WITH PHILADELPHIA)

Josh Jones, OL, Houston

Douglas gets his ultra-athletic left tackle to be the foundation of the line for the Jets for many years to come. In the trade down, New York grabs this pick, No. 53 overall (second round), and Philadelphia’s 2021 third-round selection.

22. BUFFALO BILLS

Curtis Weaver, EDGE, Boise State

Banking on the depth at receiver in this class, Brandon Beane goes with Weaver, a bulky but bendy edge rusher with good hand work and three years of high-level production in college.

23. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

Grant Delpit, S, LSU

The safety spot in New England is in a state of flux, and Delpit would stabilize that group going forward.

24. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

The Saints have to get more complementary receivers, and with Aiyuk’s incendiary speed and gigantic wingspan, he’s the perfect No. 2 to Michael Thomas.

25. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

Henderson is a sticky, twitched-up man cornerback who can play on the outside or in the slot because of his athleticism. He’s the type of corner Minnesota will need in 2020.

26. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Jedrick Wills Jr., OL, Alabama

The Dolphins go best offensive lineman available with Wills here due to positional value and the Alabama blocker’s athletic prowess and pure strength.

27. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

 Diggs is more of a man corner than one who specializes in zone, but he’s likely to have the length Seattle covets at the position.

28. BALTIMORE RAVENS

Yetur Gross-Matos, EDGE, Penn State

The Ravens need more edge-rushing help beyond Matthew Judon, and Gross-Matos is a large, lengthy, improving pass rusher with a nice collection of counter moves.

29. TENNESSEE TITANS

Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

Baun would give the Titans another springy off-ball linebacker, but he doubles as a speedy, bendy edge rusher.

30. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Ross Blacklock, DL, TCU

Blacklock is a freaky athlete on the inside and would give the Packers a dangerous tandem up front with him and Kenny Clark.

31. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

Xavier McKinney, S, Alabama

Home run pick here for the 49ers, as they get a playmaking safety who can carry out all the responsibilities asked of him by Robert Saleh right away after his experience in Nick Saban’s scheme.

32. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Jordan Elliott, DL, Missouri

If Chris Jones signs elsewhere in free agency, the reigning Super Bowl champs will have a giant need at defensive tackle. Elliott is a Jones-type of tall, disruptor with good hand use.