AROUND THE NFL

ESPN.com has its 32 correspondents make predictions for their team’s offseason moves.  Some are sprinkled in below, the whole thing is here.

BRADY RUMOR

The Chargers, Las Vegas, Tennessee, Indianapolis and Tampa Bay are teams the DB has heard mentioned for QB TOM BRADY in 2020.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com hears another and it makes a lot sense:

Tom Brady‘s deliberate decision to send a cryptic message about his coming-or-going football future has sparked even more speculation about a situation that already was rife with it. It also has fueled rumors regarding where Brady may play, if he doesn’t play for the Patriots.

And the destination that continues to get the most buzz is the place where the Super Bowl will be played in two days: Miami.

The rumor makes sense, for various reasons. Long-time Patriots assistant coach Brian Flores coaches the Dolphins. The Dolphins could use Brady’s help at the quarterback position, allowing them to devote their draft capital to young players who would improve the roster around him.

Miami also would put Brady and his wife, Gisele Bundchen, in much closer proximity to Costa Rica (where the family has a home) and Brazil (Bundchen’s native country). Given her line of work, the fashion scene in Miami would be a much stronger attraction than cities like Nashville or Indianapolis.

Then there’s the Bruce Beal factor. The partner of Dolphins owner Stephen Ross has an option to buy the team whenever Ross decides to sell it. Some believe Ross may decide to sell much sooner than later, with Beal buying the team and selling a sliver of it to Brady. (At least one league source has suggested that a sale to Beal is possible not long after Miami’s concludes its Super Bowl hosting duties.)

If Brady ends up in Miami, the stadium would be full and the jerseys would sell like none other in the game. And the two games between the Patriots and Dolphins instantly would become must-see TV, along with every other Dolphins’ game in 2020 — especially since the schedule will include games against the Chiefs, Chargers, Raiders, Broncos, 49ers, Rams, and Seahawks.

We’re surprised that Florio did not include the ultra-competitive Brady’s presumed desire to play against the Patriots.  If Miami could end New England’s long streak of division titles in 2020 that would further cement Brady’s status as GOAT, and that just might be do-able if Miami adds Brady and a superior haul of well-drafted rookies.

Who is this Bruce Beal?  We found this from back in 2016 at the Daily Dolphin blog:

Bruce Beal Jr., a 46-year-old executive who works for Dolphins owner Stephen Ross’ real estate firm, has been officially named Ross’ successor with the Dolphins.

Owners at last month’s league meetings approved the succession plan that gives Beal, president and general partner of Ross’ Related Cos. real estate firm, the first option to buy the Dolphins when Ross dies.

He would also have the first right to buy the team if Ross sells the team, which isn’t considered likely.

While the Dolphins denied comment, a league source verified the move to the Palm Beach Post and said that Ross has no intentions to sell the team. The move was described as responsible succession planning.

CBS Sports first reported the succession plan.

NFL teams are now required to submit a succession plan to the league because of an ongoing ownership mess in Tennessee but Beal is considered a legitimate successor to Ross.

Beal is a Harvard graduate. His father, Bruce Beal Sr., is a long-time executive at Related.

Ross is close with the family.

Ross, the NFL’s third-wealthiest owner, will turn 76 next month. He’s still heavily active in the real estate company that he founded while also owning the Dolphins.

But Ross has denied a sale is imminent:

Owner Stephen Ross said Friday that he won’t be selling the team during his lifetime.

“I have no interest in selling,” Ross said, via Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald. “Zero. Got it? That I can tell you. People want to write, they can write whatever they want. I’m the owner ‘til I die. I love it.”

There had been talk in some circles that Ross, who turns 80 in May, could soon be selling to Beal. The two men are partners in a real-estate business based in New York.

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

Rob Demovsky at ESPN.com thinks the Packers go WR in the first round:

The Packers will finally draft a wide receiver in the first round.

This is something they haven’t done since 2002, when they took Javon Walker at No. 20 overall. It’s a receiver-rich draft, so even at No. 30 there’s a good chance they can find an impact pass-catcher. In fact, don’t be surprised if they take more than one. GM Brian Gutekunst took three receivers in the 2018 draft, but none higher than Round 4, and only one played last season

NFC EAST

DALLAS

TOM BRADY may not be the only long-time mainstay to move on, or so says Todd Archer of ESPN.com:

Jason Witten will play a 17th season … but it won’t be with the Cowboys.

At the end of 2019, Witten said he would make a quick decision on his future, which led many to think he would retire and potentially get into coaching. He still hasn’t made one, which brings the playing element into focus. Witten is the franchise leader in length of service, games played, catches and receiving yards. He is one shy of equaling Dez Bryant’s team record for touchdown catches. He is a Cowboy through and through. The Cowboys like Blake Jarwin’s development and could look to add a tight end early in the draft. Witten was productive in his return as a blocker and receiver in 2019, but he turns 38 in May and the arrival of Mike McCarthy as coach could mean the right time for an amicable separation. —

NEW YORK GIANTS

Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com thinks the Giants have to deal in the first round:

General manager Dave Gettleman will trade down in the draft for the first time.

There is a first time for everything; this is the time. The Giants have the fourth overall pick. With quarterback Joe Burrow and defensive end Chase Young expected to go 1-2 in the draft, it puts the Lions (3) and Giants in ideal positions. The demand for QBs Tua Tagovailoa and Justin Herbert will be intense and the price steep, prompting Gettleman to act out of character and make a move down, where the Giants can still get a defensive playmaker or offensive tackle while adding valuable draft assets. — Jordan Raanan

NFC SOUTH

ATLANTA

Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com thinks TE AUSTIN HOOPER will leave for the North:

The Falcons will lose free-agent tight end Austin Hooper to the Packers.

Sure, they’ll offer Hooper a contract before free agency, but it won’t be enough to satisfy the two-time Pro Bowler. And the Packers, with more cap space and coach Matt LaFleur’s familiarity with Hooper, will make a move.

CAROLINA

Here is what ESPN.com’s David Newton thinks will happen (but we’ve got news for him – TUA won’t be there at #7):

The Panthers will sign Saints backup quarterback Teddy Bridgewater in free agency and trade or release Cam Newton.

They’ll then draft Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa with the No. 7 overall pick. OK, maybe they don’t get Bridgewater and Tagovailoa. If they get Bridgewater, they could use the seventh pick on a defensive player to replace Luke Kuechly. But they will make a bold move at quarterback in some form or fashion. –

– – –

DE WES HORTON has retired.  Jeremy Bergman of NFL.com:

Wes Horton is the latest Panthers player to leave the organization.

The veteran defensive end announced his retirement in an Instagram post Tuesday.

“I’ve been back and forth on my future playing football and after coming to a conclusion I will be stepping away from the game of football,” Horton wrote. “I’ve made this decision off two reasons. The first is my overall health. The little injuries I’ve accumulated over the years have finally caught up to me and when weighing the risk, I’d rather preserve what’s left of my body. Second reason being the conviction Christ has put on my heart to help teach and mentor the next generation.”

Horton added that he will transition to coaching defensive line and “to help these next generation of rushers” at his alma mater Notre Dame High School in Sherman Oaks, California.

His departure comes following an exodus of veteran Panthers following the 2019 season. Ron Rivera was fired in December. Luke Kuechly retired from the game in January. Greg Olsen “parted ways” with the team during Super Bowl week.

Undrafted out of USC, Horton, 30, spent seven seasons in Carolina, playing 83 games and starting 35. The defensive end will leave the game with 15.5 sacks, 24 QB hits and seven forced fumbles. Horton briefly spent time with the rival New Orleans Saints in 2019 before signing back with the Panthers, with whom he played six games and logged four tackles in his final season as a professional.

On the other side of the ball, Carolina re-signed running back Reggie Bonnafon to a one-year deal in 2020. Bonnafon was set to be an exclusive rights free agent, but will instead spend next season with the Panthers. In his second season in the NFL, Bonnafon picked up 173 total yards and a touchdown on 22 touches.

NFC WEST

ARIZONA

The Cardinals have signed a QB from Canada who can do some TAYSOM HILL-like things.  Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic on former Coyote (pronounced ky-ote) Jackrabbit CHRIS STREVELER:

The Cardinals have added their own version of the Saints’ Taysom Hill, formally announcing Tuesday they have signed former CFL quarterback Chris Streveler to a futures contract, as previously reported.

Streveler isn’t projected to be the backup to Kyler Murray, but rather a third-stringer like Hill who possibly can make the roster because of his explosiveness as both a passer and a runner who could get a handful of snaps from week to week.

If nothing else, Streveler will get a chance to spend the entire offseason and much of training camp in coach Kliff Kingsbury’s offense. That will allow him to at least compete for a roster spot with Drew Anderson, the only other quarterback presently under contract with Arizona.

Brett Hundley, who was the Cardinals’ backup last season, is set to become an unrestricted free agent in March, although he has expressed an interest in returning to the team this year.

Streveler, who turns 25 on Thursday, helped the Winnipeg Blue Bombers to the Grey Cup championship this past season. In two seasons with Winnipeg, Streveler passed for 2,698 yards and 19 touchdowns and rushed for 1,167 yards and 22 more scores.

Like the Saints’ Hill, Streveler has great speed and athleticism. He’s 6-foot-1 and 218 pounds and runs the 40-yard dash in 4.45 seconds and has a 38.5-inch vertical leap. Despite those measurables, he went undrafted in 2018 and instead, signed with the Blue Bombers.

On Monday, he asked for his release from Winnipeg to pursue a career in the NFL and in addition to having worked out for the Cardinals in recent weeks, was also drawing interest from both the Dolphins and Buccaneers.

A native of Naperville, Ill., Streveler played collegiately at Minnesota as both a wide receiver and quarterback before transferring to South Dakota, where he became the school’s starting quarterback from 2016-17.

During his two years at South Dakota, he threw for 6,081 yards and 54 touchdowns. In 13 games as a senior, he completed 65.7 percent of his passes for 4,134 yards and 32 touchdowns (with eight interceptions) and ran for 720 yards and 11 touchdowns (4.3 yards per carry). He was named the Missouri Valley Football Conference’s Offensive Player of the Year and finished runner-up for the Walter Payton award.

Streveler’s stats don’t really tell the story of his time with Winnipeg, as he was not the starter to begin 2019, moving into the lineup after an injury to someone named Max Nichols.  This from Wikipedia:

The 2019 season began with Streveler as the backup quarterback to Matt Nichols. Nichols suffered an injury in Week 10 and was placed on the six-game injured reserve list, which promoted Streveler to the starting role. Despite completing only seven passes for 89 yards Streveler was able to lead the Bombers to a win thanks in part to his rushing performance in which he gained 95 yards and scored a touchdown.

Streveler remained the Bombers starting quarterback for eight matches, winning three of those games and losing five. He suffered an injury in Week 19 and was relegated to the injured list for the Bombers final game of the regular season, as the team announced veteran Zach Collaros as the starting quarterback; whom the Bombers had traded for on trade deadline day only a couple weeks prior. Streveler finished 2019 with 1,564 yards passing and 8 touchdowns, compared to 14 interceptions in 17 games played. On 127 carries, he put up 726 yards and 12 more majors.

Competing as a running option to Collaros, the West Semi-Final victory over the Calgary Stampeders saw Streveler set a CFL playoff record when he took 23 snaps at quarterback without attempting a pass. Streveler played a limited role in the West Final against the Saskatchewan Roughriders, with only one pass attempt and four carries for 10 yards, the Bombers still won and got a chance to compete in the 107th Grey Cup in Calgary. In the championship game (against Hamilton) Streveler played a much larger role, throwing a touchdown pass to Andrew Harris, rushing for thirty yards, and catching a pass from Darvin Adams, as the Bombers won their 11th Grey Cup, their first in 29 years.

SAN FRANCISCO

Ross Tucker of The Athletic on whether Kyle Shanahan was too aggressive or too conservative:

You can’t have it both ways.

You can’t criticize San Francisco 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan for being too conservative at the end of the first half while in the next breath saying he was too aggressive in the fourth quarter.

That’s cherry-picking, hindsight analysis once you already have access to the results and frankly it’s not really analysis at all.

I’ve got no problem with being critical of the 49ers head coach in the wake of his team blowing a 10-point lead in the Super Bowl with less than seven minutes remaining in the fourth quarter. He deserves some blame for his role in the collapse which left his team with a 31-20 loss to the Chiefs on the biggest stage in the sport. Just, please, pick a lane when you do.

Personally, I had no issue with him declining to call a timeout after his defense stopped the Chiefs on third down at their own 49-yard line on a play that began with 1:53 seconds remaining in the first half.

At the time, the Chiefs were at midfield and Shanahan had no way of knowing what his field position would eventually be. In fact, the Dustin Colquitt punt was very nearly downed at the one-yard line. If Shanahan had called a timeout immediately after the stop on third down, he very likely would’ve been helping the Chiefs have a chance to get another score at the end of the half under that scenario.

You see, it’s not as simple as “be aggressive” or “he’s too conservative,” it’s about the probabilities that each team would score given the circumstances. When the Chiefs were going to punt I believe Shanahan not calling timeout was a fine decision.

The result of the punt, however, was a touchback and so the Niners got the ball at their own 20-yard line with 59 seconds remaining and three timeouts.

This is where Shanahan lost me.

With three timeouts and one of the best kickers in the NFL, a minute of football is an eternity and his team was not backed up on its own goal line but rather at the 20. Calling run plays on first and second down with no sense of urgency was way too conservative. When he finally called a simple, relatively risk-free pass on an angle route to running back Jeff Wilson out of the backfield there were only 14 seconds left once they called their first timeout and were at the 45-yard line. Why they didn’t call that on first or second down I’ll never know but ultimately those first two plays very likely cost them a chance at points to take a lead into halftime.

Even so, the Niners still had a 20-10 lead in the fourth quarter and it was Shanahan’s run-to-pass ratio on those drives that has come under fire. Since the 49ers couldn’t sustain drives people want to point to Shanahan and say he should’ve run the ball more. Give me a break. If Shanahan had run the ball more, not only would there still have been plenty of time for Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs to come from behind but more importantly you know the same people criticizing Shanahan for throwing too much would instead be saying he got too conservative because that’s how it works in Hindsightville.

The reality is a throw to Kittle over the middle on the first drive for 12 yards allowed the Niners to get their only first down on their series that followed Mahomes’ second interception. Then on the next series, after the Chiefs had closed the gap to 20-17, Shanahan called a great play that got Kittle, the Niners’ best player, wide open in the middle of the field against Chiefs defensive end Terrell Suggs. You can’t get a better matchup than that and it would have been an easy first down had Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones not tipped the ball despite being double-teamed and stoned on the line of scrimmage. Did you want Shanahan to then run the ball on third-and-5 after that?

And, really, Shanahan and the 49ers’ offense wouldn’t have even been in the position where they were only up three points if not for the defense inexplicably dropping a coverage on third-and-15 during the prior series. Tyreek Hill was able to get behind the defense without a defender within 10 yards of him for a 44 -yard gain that was unquestionably the turning point and play of the game.

Is it Shanahan’s fault that defensive coordinator Robert Saleh called for a cover three-zone on the play that put young cornerback Emmanuel Moseley in a position of conflict? Or should we blame Shanahan that Moseley bit on the underneath crossing route and vacated his zone, allowing Hill all of that unencumbered green grass?

Even the series after the Chiefs took the lead has been criticized which is comical because the Niners moved the ball swiftly to midfield before Garoppolo missed Emmanuel Sanders on a deep post that would have given the Niners a lead. On the next play, Jimmy G took a sack on fourth-and-10. Were both of those plays on Shanahan as well?

Look, Shanahan is the head coach, offensive coordinator, and play-caller. Any failure of the offense to move the ball, sustain offense, and score points ultimately falls on his shoulders and when they don’t do those things he is going to be criticized. I’m fine with that. He probably is, too.

Just please pick a consistent argument when doing so.

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Lindsey Thiry of ESPN.com sees a fire sale for RB TODD GURLEY:

In a pinch to find space under the salary cap, the Rams will attempt to trade running back Todd Gurley.

Whether L.A. can pull it off remains another question, given Gurley’s massive contract that includes $45 million in guarantees and runs through the 2023 season, as well as the uncertainty that continues to surround the long-term health of his surgically repaired left knee. This past season, Gurley played a diminished role in the offense, rushing for 857 yards, his fewest since the 2016 season (885).

 – – –

It looked to many like T ANDREW WHITWORTH had hit an overdue wall in 2019, but it looks like he is saddling up for another go-round with the Rams.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

The conclusion to an excellent career will wait for at least another season for left tackle Andrew Whitworth.

The 38-year-old offensive lineman is expected to return for 2020 and to re-sign with the Rams, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday morning.

A 14-season veteran and four-time Pro Bowler, Whitworth finished his third year with the Rams in 2019 and his future was seemingly in doubt. However, he underwent surgery to clean out his ankle and is feeling great, Rapoport added.

Set to become a free agent when the new league calendar begins on March 18, Whitworth is likely to return to Los Angeles, where he was crucial in the Rams’ ascent to the Super Bowl in the 2018 season, as Rapoport reported “there is confidence” a deal will come to fruition.

Whitworth, who started all 16 games for the second straight year with the Rams and allowed just one sack, tallied a 72.8 overall grade in 2019, per Pro Football Focus. His skill, experience and leadership bodes well for a rebuilding offensive line that graded out at 31st, per PFF.

SEATTLE

Brady Henderson of ESPN.com thinks that DE JADAVEON CLOWNEY is one-and-done in Seattle:

The Seahawks will not re-sign Jadeveon Clowney.

He was the only consistent threat on one of the NFL’s worst pass-rush units, which made it all too evident that the Seahawks need more than just him. But they would have a hard time adding a second high-priced pass-rusher if they have to pay Khalil Mack-type money to keep Clowney, who might command that much since Seattle can’t tag him and thus can’t keep him from reaching free agency. The guess here is that GM John Schneider lets Clowney walk and puts that money toward a pair of pass-rushers a la the Packers, who got a combined 25.5 regular-season sacks from 2019 free-agent additions Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith and then four more of Russell Wilson in their playoff victory over Seattle.

AFC WEST

DENVER

Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com expects a busy offseason from the Broncos:

The Broncos will be the most active team in the offseason.

If the Broncos are going to break their streak of three consecutive losing seasons — their first such streak since the 1970s — John Elway will have to do the best work of his front office career. The Broncos have the biggest combination of cap space (more than $60 million) and draft picks (projected to have 12) since Elway took over in 2011. They will certainly be willing to make trades during the draft, but the Chiefs are the Super Bowl champions with a 24-year-old franchise quarterback in Patrick Mahomes so this is also about improvement and playing the long game. The Broncos will finish out the draft with the largest class in Elway’s tenure as the top football decision-maker to help bolster a roster that has needs in the secondary, offensive line, linebacker and wide receiver.-

KANSAS CITY

Prior to the playoffs, the Chiefs voted on their MVP and it wasn’t QB PATRICK MAHOMES.  Now, in the fashion of the Democrat Iowa caucus, the result is finally announced.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

Patrick Mahomes is a regular-season MVP and the latest Super Bowl MVP. But he’s not the Chiefs’ 2019 team MVP.

That honor has gone to safety Tyrann Mathieu.

The Chiefs — who wisely hold the announcement of all team awards until the season has ended — have announced that Mathieu is the MVP. He joined the Chiefs as a free agent last March, and his impact as both a player and leader was immediate. His teammates noticed, placing greater value on his contributions than those of the greatest player on the planet.

The Chiefs also announced that receiver Mecole Hardman has been named the team’s rookie of the year.

Mahomes won the team MVP award, named for Derrick Thomas, in 2018. The awards are determined by a vote of players and coaches. According to the team, the ballots are cast at the same time the players and coaches vote on the Pro Bowl.

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com urges the Chiefs to spend MVP money on Mahomes:

The moment the 2019 regular season ended, Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes became eligible for a second contract. The longer the team waits to give him one, the more expensive it will get.

Chiefs chairman and CEO Clark Hunt suggested last week that the team could wait until after the 2020 season to extend Mahomes. That would give the Chiefs another ultra-affordable year with the best player on the planet, at a salary of $735,000, a roster bonus of $1.969 million, and a cap number of $5.226 million. In 2021, the option year under Mahomes’ first-round deal, he’d be entitled to an amount equal to the 2020 transition tag for quarterbacks, which should be in the range of $24 million.

Eventually, he’ll break the bank. The question becomes how much he’ll get, how much will be guaranteed for injury at signing, and how much will be fully guaranteed at signing.

On Monday, Mahomes downplayed the situation, specifically acknowledging that giving the Chiefs the ability to put a team around him will be a factor in the negotiations. Whether that puts him closer to Tom “Always Took Less” Brady than Peyton “Eff You, Pay Me” Manning remains to be seen. Still, it’s more than fair for Mahomes to take the position that it’s his job to play football, and that it’s the team’s job to figure out how to manage the salary cap.

The new-money analysis inevitably becomes a factor here, especially if the Chiefs tear up the current deal in a season that pays out only $2.7 million in 2020 and $24 million in 2021. To get Mahomes to a new-money average of $40 million (the number many have pegged as his value) on a five-year extension, the Chiefs would have to sign Mahomes to a seven-year deal worth $226.7 million. At signing, that’s an average of $32.38 million.

And if Mahomes insists on $40 million per year at signing on a five-year extension, that’s a seven-year, $280 million deal. And that’s equates to a new-money average of $50.66 million.

Getting through the fourth year of the deal narrows the gap between value at signing and new-money average, which could be one of the reasons for the potential delay. Mahomes, who makes plenty in endorsements and surely has insurance, has said nothing to suggest he’ll insist on a deal now.

There’s another factor to keep in mind here. Over the years, several players have tried to secure a term that guarantees a percentage of the cap, as the cap keeps going up. If Mahomes insists on that, Mahomes should be able to get it.

And he should insist on it. With the cap always climbing, contracts quickly become obsolete. Mahomes is worth 20 percent of the total cap in any given year, and the Chiefs should be happy to pay that to him.

It’s sort of like the justification for paying a lot in taxes. It’s the price of making a lot of money, which is a good thing. Having Mahomes is a very good thing, and the Chiefs should realize sooner than later that they need to treat him differently than they would treat any other player they ever have, will, or would employ.

LAS VEGAS

For all the rumblings, Paul Gutierrez of ESPN.com thinks QB DEREK CARR is heading to Vegas:

The Raiders will stand pat with Derek Carr at quarterback.

What, the purported franchise quarterback keeping his job isn’t bold enough for you? Well, Carr has become the most polarizing figure in recent franchise history, and predicting that the team would move on from him for the likes of (gulp) Tom Brady as it sets sail for Las Vegas would seem, well, trite. Plus, as Carr has pointed out, he is coming off career bests in passing yards (4,054) and completion percentage (70.4%) and he expects to excel playing in Jon Gruden’s offense for the third consecutive season … so long as the Raiders add a WR1.

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

The DB has thought that the Chargers need some kind of shakeup to get people buzzing as they head into SoFi Stadium as the secondary tenant to the Rams.  But at the top, it looks like same GM, extended coach and now a retention of a no-name offensive coordinator.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

Shane Steichen is indeed sticking around with the Chargers.

Promoted to offensive coordinator midway through Los Angeles’ 2019 season, Steichen has officially been signed by the team as OC, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday. The team later announced the Steichen news along with other staff changes.

Rapoport and NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo previously reported the impending move at the onset of the new year.

During a 5-11 2019 season of struggles for the Bolts, Ken Whisenhunt was wished well in his future endeavors by the Chargers after eight weeks with head coach Anthony Lynn turning to Steichen.

Steichen had previously coached quarterbacks and was in his fourth season with the Chargers doing so.

There’s likely to be plenty of change for the Chargers in terms of personnel, but Steichen is staying put.

Other coaching additions announced on Tuesday were: James Campen joining the team as offensive line coach, David Diaz-Infante will be assistant offensive line coach, Alfredo Roberts returns as tight ends coach, Mark Ridgley will coach running backs, Rip Scherer is now a senior assistant, Addison Lynch will coach defensive backs and Ryan Milus has been named quality control/defensive, per the team.

We’re not saying these are the wrong moves (or lack thereof) from a football standpoint.  History well tell us whether or not the Chargers were right to remain committed to a plan or fatefully stubborn.

Will the Chargers draft a QB like Oregon’s classic JUSTIN HERBERT or Utah State’s JORDAN LOVE?  Or finagle a mid-level vet like JAMEIS WINSTON, MARCUS MARIOTA, NICK FOLES, or RYAN TANNEHILL? Or go for the temporary veteran splash of TOM BRADY?  Or some combination of the three options?

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

Jamison Hensley of ESPN.com makes a bold prediction of a Baltimore free agent signing:

The Ravens will sign Calais Campbell in free agency.

Baltimore’s top priority is to upgrade its pass rush after recording a league-low nine sacks with its four-man rush. Campbell, an expected salary-cap cut in Jacksonville, has totaled 31.5 sacks over the past three seasons — seventh most in the NFL over that span (and just one fewer than Denver’s Von Miller). Even though he’s 33, Campbell has many of the traits the Ravens love: durability, versatility (can provide rush on the edge and interior) and strong leadership skills. While adding Jaguars pass-rusher Yannick Ngakoue would create a bigger splash, Campbell would represent bigger value for a defense looking to restock its front seven.

CLEVELAND

Look for Joe Woods to be the new Browns DC.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

After a lengthy wait, the Cleveland Browns can finally hire the man they’ve targeted for new coach Kevin Stefanski’s defensive coordinator position.

Joe Woods is in Cleveland today to interview with the Browns, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported Wednesday morning.

Woods, assuming all goes well, is expected to be named the Browns’ new defensive coordinator.

The 49-year-old has been the favorite to land the Cleveland DC job but was just a tad busy until this week coaching in the Super Bowl as the San Francisco 49ers’ defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator.

Woods got his start as an NFL assistant in Tampa Bay in 2004 as a defensive quality control coach. When Mike Tomlin got the DC job in Minnesota, Woods followed him from the Bucs to the Vikings, where he spent eight seasons as the defensive back’s coach from 2006-2013. It was there Woods met Stefanski, who was in Minnesota during Woods’ entire run.

Woods has long credited Tomlin as a role model as a coach.

After eight seasons in Minnesota, Woods had a one-year stop in Oakland, then moved to Denver from 2015-2018. The final two years with the Broncos, Woods got his first chance to wear the defensive coordinator title under Vance Joseph.

A longtime DBs coach, Woods has worked with many stud defensive backs including the likes of Richard Sherman (49ers), Aqib Talib (Broncos), Chris Harris (Broncos), Charles Woodson (Raiders), Xavier Rhodes (Vikings), and Ronde Barber (Bucs), among others. The Browns have a good young duo in Denzel Ward and Greedy Williams for Woods to help mold. Along with pass rusher Miles Garrett (if cleared from an indefinite suspension), Olivier Vernon, Larry Ogunjobi, Damarious Randall, et al., the pieces are there for the Browns defense to take a giant step forward in 2020 under Woods.

AFC SOUTH

INDIANAPOLIS

Mike Well of ESPN.com thinks the Colts will try to jump Miami for QB TUA TAGOVAILOA:

The Colts will attempt to move up from the No. 13 pick in the first round of the draft to select Alabama’s Tua Tagovailoa.

Indianapolis has questions at quarterback, and general manager Chris Ballard will try to move ahead of Miami, which has the No. 5 pick, to get Tagovailoa. In Ballard’s favor is that Indianapolis has nine picks in this year’s draft.

– – –

Banished from the Eagles, Mike Groh rejoins Frank Reich in Indianapolis. E.J. Smith of the Philadelphia Inquirer:

Mike Groh’s unemployment didn’t last long.

The former Eagles offensive coordinator is joining the Indianapolis Colts’ coaching staff as a wide receivers coach less than a month after being fired by the Birds, according to several media reports. Groh will reunite with Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich, who was hired by the Colts after spending two seasons as the Eagles’ offensive coordinator, including the team’s 2017 Super Bowl run.

Groh was the Eagles’ wide receivers coach in 2017, while Reich was offensive coordinator, and was promoted when Reich left. With Groh leading the wideouts, Nelson Agholor had a turnaround season, catching 62 passes for 768 yards and eight touchdowns.

The Eagles were 16th and 14th in offensive efficiency in Groh’s two years running the offense. The team saw an immediate dip in production from Reich’s final season, when the group was eighth in efficiency with Carson Wentz in contention for MVP honors before a season-ending knee injury.

Eagles head coach Doug Pederson gave Groh and wide receivers coach Carson Walch a vote of confidence during his year-end press conference, but the two were fired the next day.

Tom Pelissaro of NFL Network reported that current wide receivers coach, Kevin Patullo, is expected to stay on the staff in a different role that is unknown at the moment.

JACKSONVILLE

Playing 5-dimensional chess, the Jaguars announce they will only play six games in Jacksonville next year in order to give Jax a better downtown.  Here it is, straight from Jaguars.com:

The Jacksonville Jaguars today announced that the Jaguars will play two of their home games at Wembley Stadium, connected by EE, over consecutive Sundays in London in 2020, making them the first team in NFL history to play two home games outside of the United States in the same regular season.

While the opponents for the games to be played in Wembley Stadium have not been determined, the Jaguars can confirm that their home games against the Pittsburgh Steelers and Chicago Bears in 2020 will be played in Jacksonville at TIAA Bank Field. 

In 2020, Jaguars season ticket members will receive a 50 percent discount on preseason games and favorable variable pricing on the six regular season games that will result in an overall average ticket price reduction of 5 percent, representing a 15 percent savings off their invoice from last season.  In addition, season ticket holders will receive a strong benefits package with features both new and improved that will be announced during the renewal process.

The timing of this announcement is strategically aligned with the team’s ambitious and big-picture plans for Jacksonville and, specifically, the planned Lot J development.When completed, Phase One of the proposed $500 million Lot J project in partnership with Cordish Companies would feature an entertainment district, a 200-room hotel, residential buildings offering 405 units and additional parking. 

Overall, the Lot J project is designed to redefine the downtown experience and landscape while stimulating further development in the downtown and stadium area.  It is also the latest, and biggest, endeavor spearheaded by the Jaguars to help Jacksonville realize its full potential. 

Over the past eight seasons, initiatives led by the Jaguars have included more than $100 million privately invested in enhancements for the publicly owned TIAA Bank Field that have resulted in the world’s largest outdoor videoboards, pools, cabanas, club seat areas and unique premium seating offerings, as well as the successful and popular Daily’s Place amphitheater and adjacent Dream Finders Homes Flex Field at Daily’s Place complex that bring thousands of residents and visitors downtown for many music events annually. Major stadium concerts like The Rolling Stones, Green Day and Def Leppard-Motley Crue, combined with the team’s partnership with the TaxSlayer Gator Bowl, have similarly delivered benefits for the team, the economy and quality of life for the community.

Similarly, playing one home game annually in London since 2013 to grow the team’s brand internationally and forge business opportunities in Jacksonville while generating team-record revenues that are reinvested in the franchise has been essential in the team’s goal to keep pace with NFL franchises of all market sizes.Playing home games in London will continue to be very be important to the Jaguars during the transition period expected during the Lot J construction.

 “Our work to create new sources of revenue to help us improve our long-term outlook and commitment to operating a thriving franchise in Jacksonvillewill continue and never end,” said Mark Lamping, president of the Jacksonville Jaguars. “For the past seven seasons, our London strategy has been a game-changer. No single approach, including London, will answer the many challenges that are common with any market the size of Jacksonville. However, playing two games in London at Wembley Stadium, where we have outstanding relationships, at least next season and perhaps in future years during construction, will help us bridge the gap between now and when we expect the Lot J development to open. Jacksonville’s potential is unlimited, and I am confident we can realize it, with the Jaguars serving as the catalyst.”

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

Look for a big contract for CB Tra’DAVIOUS WHITE predicts Marcel Louis-Jacques of ESPN.com:

The Bills will sign Tre’Davious White to a market-setting contract extension.

The 2017 first-round pick also has a fifth-year option available, but since earning All-Pro honors in his third season, he has established himself as one of Buffalo’s franchise cornerstones. As one league source told ESPN, White is simply too good to have to prove himself again with the fifth-year option. Expect him to be one of the highest-paid cornerbacks in the league, if not the highest-paid, once his extension kicks in. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

NEW YORK JETS

Rich Cimini of ESPN.com thinks that the Jets will let S JAMAL ADAMS stew:

All-Pro safety Jamal Adams will not receive a new contract before the start of the season.

Adams says he expects to have a new deal, but the Jets will slow-play the negotiations because they have the leverage. They have rights to him for two more years, plus a third if they use the franchise tag, so there’s no sense of urgency. They will prioritize other needs before getting to Adams’ contract, which won’t make him happy.

THIS AND THAT

MARVIN LEWIS

Veteran coach Marvin Lewis will be lending his expertise to Herm Edwards and the Arizona State Sun Devils in 2020.  Grant Gordon of NFL.com:

After a year away, Marvin Lewis is back on the sidelines. Just not in the NFL.

The longtime Cincinnati Bengals coach was named the co-defensive coordinator at Arizona State on Tuesday, sharing the position with former New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce.

After Cincinnati cut ties with Lewis following the 2018 season, the veteran coach wound up as a special advisor to coach Herman Edwards and the Sun Devils. Lewis filled in as interim defensive backs coach during ASU’s win in the 2019 Sun Bowl. Pierce was ASU’s linebackers coach and recruiting coordinator for the past two seasons.

This is Lewis’ first official return to coaching since the Bengals fired him on New Year’s Eve, 2018.

At NFLPA Collegiate Bowl practice on Jan. 14, where Lewis coached the National Team to victory, he told NFL.com‘s Jelani Scott that he intended to return to Arizona State in 2020.

“I’m going to continue on doing what I did with coach Edwards at Arizona State,” Lewis said. “I’m excited to continue to assist those guys there in anything that he needs me to do.”

Lewis compiled a 131-122-3 record in 16 years as Bengals head coach. The all-time franchise leader in wins, Lewis led Cincinnati to four division titles and seven playoff appearances.

The Bengals coach was interviewed for the Cowboys’ head coaching vacancy in January, but the job went to another former head coach: Mike McCarthy.

Perhaps a promising stint overseeing a power-five defense will help get Lewis back in the league.

Here’s hoping that the Sun Devils’ Sunshine Boys coaching staff has a great year.

BROADCAST NEWS

2020 DRAFT

Here is a tasty Mock Draft, chock full of trades, from Dane Brugler of The Athletic:

Mock drafts within 48 hours of the NFL Draft are about accuracy. Mock drafts any other time are about examining plausible scenarios, especially this far out.

And trade action is part of those scenarios.

Over the last four years, there have been at least five draft-day trades involving first-round picks, including seven first-round trades last year. With some teams willing to push all the chips in the middle of the table and others targeting specific players (i.e. quarterbacks), it is a good bet that we will see over five draft-day trades on Day 1 again this April.

Free agency and other offseason moves could alter these scenarios, but with what we know right now, these five trades in the first round make sense for a variety of reasons.

1. Cincinnati Bengals – Joe Burrow, QB, LSU

The Bengals’ ownership and front office march to the beat of their own drum, making them unpredictable on draft weekend. But until the commissioner steps to the podium and says a different name, I’m using a Sharpie to write “Burrow” here.

2. Washington Redskins – Chase Young, EDGE, Ohio State

The Redskins will receive trade offers for this pick, putting them in an interesting situation. While they should consider a package of draft picks to help build up the roster, Young is staring them in the face and they shouldn’t pass on the chance to draft the Ohio State backfield wrecker.

3. ***TRADE***

Miami Dolphins receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 3 overall)

Detroit Lions receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 5 overall)

2020 second-round pick (No. 39 overall)

2021 second-round pick

2021 fourth-round pick

Miami Dolphins (via DET) – Tua Tagovailoa, QB, Alabama

The first trade scenario in this mock is an obvious one with the Dolphins jumping to the third pick to secure Tagovailoa. Miami has more than enough ammo to go get their “franchise” quarterback and would only have to give up one first-rounder in his trade scenario. The wild card will be Tagovailoa’s medicals, but we will assume for this mock that he received two thumbs up from the doctors.

According to the trade value chart, this would be an overpay, but when drafting the quarterback whom you expect to lead your organization to the playoffs, there is no such thing as an overpay. In the 2018 NFL Draft, the Jets traded three second-round picks to move from No. 6 to No. 3, drafting Sam Darnold. The Dolphins are only surrendering two second-rounders in this scenario, along with a sweetener (2021 fourth-rounder).

4. New York Giants – Jedrick Wills, OT, Alabama

We all know the Giants aren’t trading this pick and that’s OK because they are in a good spot to draft an immediate playmaker. They could address the defense with Jeffery Okudah or Isaiah Simmons, but general manager Dave Gettleman and new head coach Joe Judge should prioritize upgrading the offensive line for their young quarterback. And Wills is arguably the best of a top-heavy offensive tackle class.

5. Detroit Lions (via MIA) – Jeffrey Okudah, CB, Ohio State

The Lions move down two spots, add three other draft picks and still get the player they likely would have drafted if they stayed at the No. 3 pick. Some fans might be upset they weren’t able to pry away one of Miami’s other first-rounders in this scenario, but if this is the best trade offer they receive, Detroit will still be in great shape.

6. Los Angeles Chargers – Justin Herbert, QB, Oregon

It is uncommon for a quarterback to be drafted in the top-10 without the drafting team having the No. 1 overall pick or using a trade-up. In fact, it has only happened once over the last four years: Daniel Jones with the No. 6 overall pick last year. And it could happen at No. 6 overall again this year with the Chargers and Herbert.

7. ***TRADE***

New York Jets receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 7 overall)

2020 fifth-round pick

Carolina Panthers receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 11 overall)

2020 third-round pick (No. 68 overall)

2020 third-round pick (No. 79 overall)

New York Jets (via CAR) – Mekhi Becton, OT, Louisville

The Jets need to help their young quarterback and upgrade three or four spots on the offensive line this offseason. Could they sit at No. 11 overall and hope a tackle falls to them? Sure, there is a decent chance one of the projected top-four tackles (Wills, Becton, Tristan Wirfs, Andrew Thomas) will be there. However, if the Jets have a clear top grade on one of the tackles, it makes sense to go and get him. And Becton, with his rare size, strength and movements, might be that guy.

8. ***TRADE***

Las Vegas Raiders receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 8 overall)

Arizona Cardinals receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 12 overall)

2020 third-round pick (No. 80 overall)

2020 fifth-round pick

Las Vegas Raiders – Isaiah Simmons, LB, Clemson

Watching the Raiders on defense last year, Simmons is the playmaker they are missing. A versatile talent, he is a four-down playmaker who can blitz, cover and stop the run. It is unlikely that Simmons makes it to the No. 12 pick, but if he is still available with the eighth pick, this is a move that makes too much sense for Jon Gruden and Mike Mayock.

9. Jacksonville Jaguars – Derrick Brown, DT, Auburn

The Jaguars have drafted on the defensive line in the first round each of the last two years. Would they really do it again? Brown might be too good to pass up, especially with other defensive playmakers (Okudah, Simmons) already off the board. Few teams have regretted going defensive line heavy early in the draft year after year (just ask the 49ers).

10. Cleveland Browns – Tristan Wirfs, OT, Iowa

With an analytically driven front office and approach to player acquisition, it is anyone’s guess who the Browns might favor with this pick. But there is no denying the team’s dire need to upgrade the offensive tackle depth chart and Wirfs was one of the highest-graded pass protectors in college football last season.

11. Carolina Panthers (via NYJ) – Javon Kinlaw, DT, South Carolina

With the Matt Rhule era just getting started, it wouldn’t be surprising to see the team trade back and look to acquire more draft picks as they reshape the roster. The Panthers trade out of the top-10 in this scenario but still end up with a top-10 caliber player in Kinlaw, who would be a great fit in Carolina’s scheme.

12. Arizona Cardinals (via LVR) – CeeDee Lamb, WR, Oklahoma

Reuniting Kyler Murray and Lamb? Sign me up. These players connected 65 times, including 11 touchdowns, for the Sooners in 2018. Lamb has big-time ball skills with the football IQ and route leverage downfield that reminds scouts of DeAndre Hopkins.

13. Indianapolis Colts – Jerry Jeudy, WR, Alabama

The Colts are missing a big play element in their offense, producing only three receiving plays of 40-plus yards in 2019, which ranked next-to-last behind only the Chicago Bears. Part of the blame rests with the quarterback, but adding a talent like Jeudy would certainly help whoever is under center.

14. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – Andrew Thomas, OT, Georgia

The Bucs should be looking for an upgrade at right tackle this offseason and the answer might fall in their laps in the first round. Thomas was the Bulldogs’ starting left tackle the last two seasons, but he started at right tackle as a true freshman when Georgia took Alabama to overtime in the national championship game.

15. Denver Broncos – Henry Ruggs, WR, Alabama

The Broncos have a budding No. 1 wideout in Courtland Sutton, but adding more speed opposite him would help open the offense. Ruggs has world-class speed and his ability to shift gears puts cornerbacks in a blender, creating passing windows downfield.

16. Atlanta Falcons – A.J. Epenesa, EDGE, Iowa

With the Falcons looking to upgrade on the edges, Epenesa would be a great fit, taking over for another former Iowa power rusher in Adrian Clayborn. He might not be an explosive speed player, but his rush savvy and heavy hands help create his own lanes to the quarterback.

17. ***TRADE***

New Orleans Saints receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 17 overall)

Dallas Cowboys receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 24 overall)

2020 third-round pick (No. 88 overall)

2021 third-round pick

2021 fourth-round pick

New Orleans Saints (via DAL) – Jordan Love, QB, Utah State

Drew Brees is undecided about retirement, Teddy Bridgewater is a pending free agent and Taysom Hill has convinced a faction of the fanbase that he deserves a shot at the full-time role. Basically, the Saints’ immediate and long-term future at quarterback is unsettled. However, the long-term might be answered if they make this trade and draft Love, who is raw but as physically talented as any quarterback in this draft.

The Saints have never shied from being aggressive on draft weekend and packaging picks to go get their guy. Meanwhile, the Cowboys will be opening the checkbook this offseason and it wouldn’t hurt to add more draft picks for 2020 and 2021 to help fill holes on the roster. Plus, several of Dallas’ targets at No. 17 have a decent shot to still be around at No. 24 overall.

18. ***TRADE***

Philadelphia Eagles receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 18 overall)

Miami Dolphins receive:

2020 first-round pick (No. 21 overall)

2020 fourth-round pick

2021 fifth-round pick

Philadelphia Eagles (via MIA) – Brandon Aiyuk, WR, Arizona State

It is no secret that the Eagles will be looking to add speed on both sides of the ball this offseason. And in this scenario, they jump ahead of the Raiders and Jaguars to secure one of the most explosive pass-catchers in the draft. Aiyuk has speed, length and playmaking skills that would immediately pay dividends in Philadelphia. The structure of this trade would be very similar to last year’s when the Eagles jumped up a few spots to nab Andre Dillard.

19. Las Vegas Raiders (via CHI) – Tee Higgins, WR, Clemson

The Raiders drafted three Clemson players in last year’s draft, why not two more in this year’s first round? Whoever is taking snaps under center for Las Vegas would benefit from a tall tree like Higgins, who uses his quick-twitch reflexes and length to expand his catch radius.

20. Jacksonville Jaguars (via LAR) – CJ Henderson, CB, Florida

It’s not realistic that the Jaguars will replace Jalen Ramsey with this pick, but that shouldn’t be the expectation. A tall, long athlete with a ton of ability, Henderson would help upgrade the Jacksonville cornerback depth chart immediately – that should be the expectation.

21. Miami Dolphins (via PHI) – Austin Jackson, OT, USC

With three first-round picks, it would be a surprise if the Dolphins don’t select an offensive lineman during the first day of draft weekend. Jackson is still rough around the edges with his mechanics and consistency, but he is a smooth mover with all the physical traits to be a long-time NFL starter.

22. Buffalo Bills – K’Lavon Chaisson, EDGE, LSU

With Shaq Lawson a pending free agent and Jerry Hughes entering his age 32 season, the Bills are in position to address their pass rush with a premium draft pick. Chaisson bursts off the edge to win the corner or convert his speed to power, also showing the athleticism to drop and cover.

23. New England Patriots – Xavier McKinney, DS, Alabama

Regardless of whether the Patriots’ 2020 roster includes Devin McCourty or Patrick Chung, the Patriots will likely get younger at safety this offseason. McKinney is an instinctive defender with terrific tackling skills and enough range to make plays in coverage.

24. Dallas Cowboys (via NO) – Grant Delpit, DS, LSU

In this scenario, the Cowboys trade back seven spots, add three draft picks and draft a player they likely would have considered at No. 17 overall. Delpit is far from a perfect prospect, but his coverage awareness and speed allow him to make plays sideline to sideline.

25. Minnesota Vikings – Josh Jones, OT, Houston

If Minnesota elects to move Riley Reiff inside to guard, offensive tackle shoots to the top of the Vikings’ wish list this offseason. Jones needs to strengthen his anchor, but players with his athletic feet and body control usually don’t make it out of the first round.

26. Miami Dolphins (via HOU) – Zack Baun, LB, Wisconsin

The Dolphins track record of drafting Big Ten linebackers aside, Baun is the type of versatile prospect who will appeal to Miami and Brian Flores. A former high school quarterback, he has the athletic traits to be a stack linebacker with plus blitzing ability.

27. Seattle Seahawks – Trevon Diggs, CB, Alabama

It wouldn’t be a surprise if Diggs is drafted top 20 or is still available in the late first round. He lacks polish as a man-corner, but his first-round measurables jump off the film with his blend of size (6-2) and speed (4.4). The younger brother of Stefon Diggs, he checks a lot of boxes that the Seahawks covet at the position.

28. Baltimore Ravens – Kenneth Murray, LB, Oklahoma

Do you prioritize play speed at linebacker? How about competitiveness? If your answer was a resounding yes to both then Murray is the prospect for you. He is still working through his ability to sort through the action, but coaches will be pounding the table for a player with his skills.

29. Tennessee Titans – Terrell Lewis, EDGE, Alabama

The lack of a steady pass rush was a constant issue for the Titans’ defense this season. Harold Landry has potential to be a double-digit sack player, but more help is needed and Lewis would certainly address that with his athleticism and length.

30. Green Bay Packers – Patrick Queen, LB, LSU

Throughout the 2019 season, Queen continued to get better with each game, going from a probable Day 2 pick to a possible Day 1 selection. With Blake Martinez not expected to be back, the Packers will have to replace his tackle production this offseason.

31. San Francisco 49ers – Cesar Ruiz, OC, Michigan

Weston Richburg is coming off a torn patellar tendon. Ben Garland and Mike Person performed above expectations in 2019, but both turn 32 years old this offseason and the 49ers could look to get younger and healthier on the interior. Ruiz is an athletic mover with experience at both center and guard.

32. Kansas City Chiefs – Kristian Fulton, CB, LSU

If Bashaud Breeland ends up being one-and-done in Kansas City, the Chiefs should have several cornerback options in the late first round. Fulton didn’t have the best performance in the national title game, but his body of work shows a highly aware cover man who can stay hip-to-hip with receivers.