Don’t count on four preseason games in 2020.  Paul Schwartz of the New York Post on rumors emanating from the NFL Office.

Everyone is hankering for real, live NFL football and salivating at the thought of the season kicking off as scheduled in September. Fans are almost universally in agreement in their distaste for the preseason games, though, and a plan could be in place cut the number of those unwanted exhibition games in half.

With sports ramping up everywhere as COVID-19 restrictions are slowly lifted, the NFL and the NFL Players Association are talking about possibly shortening the 2020 preseason, according to NFL Network, and that could lead to playing only two preseason games this summer, rather than the customary four.

This would allow teams to take a more measured approach to training camp, with the first preseason games pushed back a few weeks. Teams can report to camp 47 days before their first regular season game, meaning most teams will be able to open camp July 28. The Giants, with a “Monday Night Football’’ season opener Sept. 14, can open up July 29.

Having only two preseason games would also greatly mitigate the travel teams must undertake, with only one road game per team on the reduced preseason schedule.

There is some thought that, amid this unprecedented all-remote offseason for NFL teams, players might be allowed to report to camp a few days earlier than normal in order to get up to speed on new health protocols and ensure injured players are given full medical evaluations.

Shortening the preseason has been a popular subject for some time and if it comes to be this summer, it could be something that is adopted in the coming years.

– – –

American opinion has evolved on players kneeling.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

NFL players who kneel during the national anthem this season will have the backing of most Americans.

That’s the finding of a Yahoo News/YouGov poll, which found that 52 percent of Americans answered yes to the question, “Is it OK for NFL players to kneel during the national anthem to protest police killings of African Americans?” The poll found 36 percent of Americans answered no and the rest were not sure.

This poll shows a significant increase in support for players kneeling compared to the last time the question was asked. In 2018, another Yahoo News/YouGov poll found only 35 percent agreed with kneeling to protest.

Democrats are much more likely than Republicans to be OK with players protesting: 77 percent of Democrats said they were OK with it, compared to only 20 percent of Republicans. Protesters have the support of 77 percent of blacks, 57 percent of Hispanics and 47 percent of whites. Americans age 18-29 are strongly supportive, with 68 percent saying they support the protesters, while only 36 percent of Americans over 65 support the protests.

The increase of support comes after NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell acknowledged that the league had not done enough to support its players’ protests. This poll suggests that the majority of Americans will be glad the NFL has come around to supporting its players.

The DB would be thinking that players that stand for the Anthem in 2020 are the ones who are going to be under the microscope.

– – –

Even more NFL money will be spent in the fight to stop what it calls “systemic racism.”  Judy Battista of NFL.com:

The NFL, which first began a social justice program after players protested police brutality and racial injustice several years ago, announced Thursday it will commit a quarter of a billion dollars over 10 years to a fund to combat systemic racism and support the battle against injustices faced by African Americans.

For a league that was roiled when Colin Kaepernick first took a knee in protest nearly four years ago — and which has seen players be the target of attacks from elected officials, including the president, who sought to conflate the protests with disrespect for the flag and military — the contributions are a significant step toward backing players, and immerse the league in an issue that has galvanized Americans in protest for nearly three weeks since the death of George Floyd while in the custody of Minneapolis police.

One person familiar with the league’s program even said the league would be willing to work with Kaepernick on social justice initiatives.

“We wouldn’t be where we are today without the work Colin and other players have led off,” the person said. “That is a key point here. We listened to our players. We needed to listen more, we needed to move faster. We heard them and launched a social justice platform because of what Colin was protesting about. The players have always been an essential piece of this effort and this campaign. It would be awesome to engage Colin on some of the work we are doing. He’s doing real impactful work. Getting him in some way would be amazing for us. There’s a lot of work to do to get to that point. We’re certainly open and willing to do that.”

Last week, after a group of star African American players demanded action from the league, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell released a video in which he declared “Black Lives Matter”, said the league had been wrong for not listening to players earlier and encouraged players to speak out. He said he wanted to be part of much-needed change. The video itself was stunning, because Goodell’s support of player protests represented a substantial turnaround for the league that had created — though never implemented — a policy that allowed players who wanted to protest to remain in the locker room, but insisted they stand for the national anthem if they were on the field.

Even before last week’s videos and today’s announcement, the league had donated $44 million to its social justice programs. That money had funded 20 national social justice grant partners and made matching contributions to 350 local grassroots organizations identified by players and former players. Now, that fund will balloon to $250 million in all, with the league working with players to identify and work with programs that address criminal justice reform, police reform and economic and educational advancement for African Americans. The league also announced it will continue to leverage NFL Network and its other media properties to “place an increased emphasis on raising awareness and promoting education of social justice issues to our fans.”

“As someone who has personally lived through episodes of racism and injustice, and can unfortunately relate to what the majority of the NFL players encounter on a daily basis, I can say with complete conviction that we now have a real effort at the NFL to bring real and overdue change,” Jacksonville Jaguars owner Shad Khan said. “Results won’t come automatically. Success will require constant attention, partnership and hard work. But, as a league, we’ve never been in a better position to answer our obligation to the payers, everyone who loves the NFL, and to the community we serve.”

The person familiar with the league’s decision said conversations had taken place over the last week, with Goodell and owners wanting to make it clear that the league’s commitment to social justice work was for the long term. The expanded commitment to the league’s existing initiatives, said the person familiar with the program, should make clear that the NFL does not have an end date in sight for how long it will work on social justice causes.

“There was just a real desire to put another stake in the ground and say, we’re not done here yet,” the person said. “There is so much more work to do and this is not a short term problem we can fix in the next couple of years.”

The NFL has been criticized in the past for throwing its vast financial resources at problems and the person familiar with the program acknowledged that while investment and funds are needed to generate change, the NFL also needs to show the impact the donations are having. Among the organizations that have received social justice grants from the NFL are the Alabama Appleseed Center for Law and Justice, which documents and confronts drivers of poverty and inequity in Alabama’s criminal justice system and changes systems through legislative action, the Anti-Recidivism Coalition, which advocates for transformational criminal justice reform, the National Urban League, a civil rights and urban advocacy organization with 90 affiliates serving 300 communities, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America and the United Negro College Fund.

“What are we doing to make sure we see change over that period of time,” the person said. “It is real action being taken here. It is not just dollars.”

Former NFL exec Amy Trask does some math:

@AmyTrask

$250 million dollars is lotsa money – but as I always did while in the league, I immediately started the per team per year math – happily, @ProFootballTalk did it first (thanks PFT) – it’s about $780K per team per year, or what a team spends on a player signed for camp.

We think she meant to say “what a team spends on players signed just for camp” because one player who is camp fodder would not cost $780,000.    Twenty or thirty of them might.

NFC EAST

NEW YORK GIANTS

Like a good veteran, QB DANIEL JONES has brought his receiving teammates to an undisclosed location in the Free State of Texas.  Paul Schwartz of the New York Post:

Daniel Jones has succeeded in getting his Giants teammates to follow his lead – a huge step in the development of a young quarterback who turned 23 two weeks ago.

Jones, entering his second NFL season, organized an off-site throwing and catching program with his skill players – ones scattered across the country, forced to stay out of the Giants facility amid the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Last week and again this week, Jones brought the group together in Austin, Texas, The Post has learned. The arrangements were helped along by Colt McCoy, the former University of Texas quarterback, who signed this season with the Giants and has strong connections to his alma mater.

Wide receivers Sterling Shepard and Darius Slayton and tight end Kaden Smith were among what was described as “a pretty good group of guys” in attendance during the two weeks of sessions, which included plenty of football and also a fair amount of golf.

This was a come-as-you-go deal, with as many as 15-20 players participating at various points in time. Based on social media posts, receivers Golden Tate and Corey Coleman, star running back Saquon Barkley and Jon Hilliman made their way to Austin as well.

Running the routes designed by new offensive coordinator Jason Garrett, discussing the concepts in the passing game, together, on the field, and having Jones get in sync with his targets are all necessary steps that Jones made sure he and his teammates would be able to take during this unusual offseason.

Jones back in mid-May acknowledged he felt an increased responsibility to emerge as a team leader, saying “that’s something I need to take seriously, and I certainly do.”

WASHINGTON

WR TERRY McLAURIN says we shouldn’t judge QB DWAYNE HASKINS by his iffy rookie season.  Nick Shook of NFL.com:

In the months since the Redskins’ final game of 2019, Haskins has zeroed in on improving as much as possible before his second season begins. Look no further than his trimmed physique. The 6-foot-4 quarterback who tended to play north of 230 pounds is now below 220.

“I just cut off a lot of toxic stuff in my life,” Haskins explained Wednesday. “I feel really good right now, I’ve lost a lot of weight. I’m 218 [pounds] right now, I started training this year at like, 227, 228. Before I even came to the Redskins, I was like almost 235, 237, so I’ve just been dropping weight.”

Haskins’ teammate and fellow former Ohio State star Terry McLaurin sees a bright future for the both of them in the DMV.

“He looks really good,” McLaurin said Thursday of Haskins, via the team’s official website, “and I’m happy with how far he’s come.”

The next steps toward a prosperous season (or more) will take place on the practice field, where McLaurin said he might try to make his quarterback comfortable by going first in drills and running clean routes. McLaurin can do this because he’s already taken his first significant steps as a professional. His rookie season was a success, catching 58 passes for 919 yards and seven touchdowns. He’s earned a little bit of clout.

McLaurin will return to a corps in which he’ll be considered the No. 1 target and might also be asked to take on an expanded role within the offense. He’ll do so while running routes for a quarterback who spent much of his offseason bettering himself in all facets.

“I just wanted to be a man about my business and that’s on and off the field,” Haskins explained. “Not that I wasn’t prior too, but now turning 23, still being young and growing, whenever there were questions about immaturity or lack of whatever it was, I was going to change that whether it was true or not just for myself because I needed to do that for me. I applied pressure with everything I did this offseason with my body and how I studied and it’s making a big difference.”

Washington is a team led by youngsters and a seasoned coach in Ron Rivera, who has the chance to prove he’s still a legitimate head man after he was fired last year. Their first campaign together begins next month. The results remain to be seen.

– – –

Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com with a non-negotiable demand for the NFL’s Washington franchise.

In Richmond, Virginia, protesters recently toppled a statue of Christopher Columbus. The assault on the Columbus statue happened as part of the broader reexamination of systemic racism engrained in the very soul of the New World, from the moment Europeans first arrived.

Racism is racism, regardless of the specific race whose members find themselves on the wrong side of unequal treatment. As argued last week, a true commitment by the NFL to combat systemic racism must include an effort to eradicate all evidence of it, including the most obvious evidence of it in all of pro sports: One of the NFL’s 32 franchises is a contemptuous term used to refer to a Native American Indian.

There has been little traction, yet, for using this moment as the catalyst for making that specific change. There should be. NASCAR has used this moment to rid itself of a flag that symbolizes a violent insurrection against America aimed at preserving slavery. The musical group Lady Antebellum has used this moment to change its name to Lady A, given the association of the word “antebellum” with slavery — even though most weren’t even making that connection or demanding that change.

Although the current movement happened after the murder of a black man by police in Minneapolis, our national awakening to decades of passive tolerance of systemic racism should spark an eradication of any and all forms of racism inherent to our society. That’s why the Columbus statue in Richmond is gone. And that’s why the name of the team that has held training camp in recent years in Richmond also should be gone.

Washington coach Ron Rivera, one of four minority coaches in the NFL, conducted a videoconference with reporters on Wednesday. Rivera expressed support for the protests regarding inequality experienced by black Americans, along with support for players who may choose to peacefully protest during the anthem.

“I have been tasked with leading this entire organization and I have always believed in the mantra that actions speak louder than words,” Rivera said.

At this time in history, two actions from the NFL would scream louder than anything else the league could say or do: (1) repair Colin Kaepernick; and (2) change the Washington name.

Somewhat surprisingly, none of the reporters on the videoconference asked the simple, straightforward question of whether Rivera believes the team’s name should change. That possibly happened because of the common dynamic that happens during press conferences, when an uncomfortable topic becomes the elephant in the room and everyone waits for someone else to be the one to point it out. Sometimes, the uncomfortable topic is never mentioned.

It needs to be. Rivera needs to be asked for his thoughts on the team’s name. Does he agree that it is a dictionary-defined slur? If not, why not? If so, what will be done to address it? Does he, as the man “tasked with leading the entire organization” have the ability and the willingness to tell owner Daniel Snyder not what should happen, but what will happen?

For now, the push for equal justice will understandably focus on the chronic mistreatment of black Americans. At some point, the movement must shift its focus to the chronic mistreatment of Native Americans, if the goal is (as it should be) to end all forms of racism in America, as to all races. Washington and the NFL can lead from ahead, and not from behind, by changing the name before the pressure to do so inevitably mounts to a point where it won’t be a topic that is nonchalantly omitted from a press conference with the head coach.

NFC WEST

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Sean McVay has been on the extremely timid side of things when it comes to exposing his starters to the toils of playing in an actual preseason game – but the NFL’s 2020 schedule may change that.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

Rams head coach Sean McVay was not a proponent of playing starters in the preseason during his first three years on the job, but those years played out much differently than this one.

Players haven’t been on the field in an organized setting this offseason because of the COVID-19 pandemic and they won’t get on the field until training camp gets underway this summer. On Thursday, McVay said that the change in circumstances could lead to a change in his approach to exhibition games.

“Committing to one approach right now wouldn’t be the smartest way to go about it,” McVay said, via Gary Klein of the Los Angeles Times. “I think guys need to get work. How we deem that ends up getting done, whether it’s in our practices or whether we’re going to play guys in the preseason I think will be something that we’ll determine at a later date.”

As of now, the Rams and the league’s other 31 teams are scheduled for four preseason games but there are talks about cutting that schedule in half in order to give teams more practice time

AFC NORTH

BALTIMORE

Coach John Harbaugh doubts that NFL teams can do all the many things that the NFL’s health advisors are commanding.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com:

The NFL has communicated a detailed protocol for limiting the spread of the coronavirus in facilities and stadiums. One NFL coach isn’t a fan of the widespread rules and regulations.

“I’ve seen all the memos on that, and to be quite honest with you, it’s impossible what they’re asking us to do. Humanly impossible,” Harbaugh said Thursday on 105.7 The Fan in Baltimore, via Aaron Kasinitz of PennLive.com. “We’re going to do everything we can do. We’re going to space, we’re going to have masks. But, you know, it’s a communication sport. So if we want to get out there and have any idea what we’re going to be able to do, we have to communicate with each other in person. We have to practice.”

The protocol mandates physical distancing in locker rooms, meeting rooms, and elsewhere in the facility. Eventually, however, guys will be playing football — which entails the exact opposite of physical distancing.

“I’m pretty sure the huddle is not going to be six feet spaced,” Harbaugh said. “Are guys going to shower one at a time all day? Are guys going to lift weights one at a time all day? These are things the league and the [NFL]PA needs to get a handle on and needs to get agreed with some common sense so we can operate in a 13-hour day in training camp that they’re giving us and get our work done. That’s the one thing, you can tell by my voice, I’m a little frustrated with what I’m hearing there. And I think they need to get that pinned down a little better.”

Harbaugh hopes that more clarity will come before training camp opens.

“Now maybe we’ll know more in two months and they’ll be able to be a little more realistic and practical in what they’re asking,” Harbaugh said. “I expect that to be the case. I think good people, smart people are involved in this. But the way I’m reading these memos right now, you throw your hands up and you go, ‘What the heck? There’s no way this can be right.’”

Whatever the rules, Harbaugh wants to be confident that everyone is complying.

“[A]s a coach, you don’t want to hear that you’re limiting your operations as far as preparing your team and then you hear 10 other teams aren’t paying attention to the rules,” Harbaugh said. “I just think it needs to be fair and it needs to be reasonable.”

The rules are fair, given that they apply to everyone. Harbaugh would seriously question whether they are reasonable.

AFC SOUTH

TENNESSEE

The Titans have some interest in EDGE JADEVEON CLOWNEY, but only at the right price.  Erik Bacharach of The Tennessean:

Nearly three months after free agency first opened, Jadeveon Clowney continues to loom on the open market, tantalizing a Titans fan base that has been waiting for a Clowney-sized splash.

For them, Thursday’s update on the Titans’ pursuit of the coveted pass rusher was met with disappointment.

“No conversations (with Clowney’s representation) of recent,” Titans general manager Jon Robinson said on a conference call. “I think we’re going to continue to monitor it.”

Clowney, a three-time Pro Bowl player who was drafted No. 1 overall in 2014, reportedly entered this offseason seeking $20 million per season, though he’s reportedly lowered that steep asking price.

The Seahawks and Browns have extended one-year offers (Seattle’s was for around $15 million, Cleveland’s around $18 million), according to Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio, but Clowney hasn’t budged.

“I’ve seen what you guys have seen that’s been posted on social media,” Robinson said. “I know he wants to play. I think we would be a pretty good fit for him.”

Robinson said on April 1 that he’s had discussions with Clowney’s agent, Bus Cook.

“There was some mutual interest there when we started the discussions,” Robinson said, “but I would say that it really hasn’t grown any legs since we spoke last.”

More: Taylor Lewan doing his part to lure Jadeveon Clowney to Titans

The Titans have bolstered their edge-rushing group this offseason by re-signing Kamalei Correa to a one-year deal. Still, the unit, led by Harold Landry and recently signed Vic Beasley, would take a significant step forward with the addition of a player of Clowney’s caliber.

AFC EAST

BUFFALO

QB JOSH ALLEN pledges to continue to push the ball downfield and into tight pockets.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has no plans to discard his gunslinger mentality.

“I’m not going to be Captain Checkdown,” Allen said Thursday, via ESPN’s Marcel Louis-Jacques. “I’m going to continue to play the game the way I love it.”

No one would mistake Allen with a checkdown king. Pro Football Focus published a study that showed over the past two years, Allen threw just 20 checkdowns on 880 attempts. His 2.3 percent was the lowest among all qualifying quarterbacks. On third downs, Allen particularly refuses to give up on plays. He’s thrown just one checkdown on 245 third-down attempts (0.4 percent).

The goal for Allen is balancing his aggressive nature with smart play. It’s not always bad to take the checkdown as opposed to forcing a pass downfield, to, say, a double-covered fullback.

Allen admitted he must improve his completion percentage. To get better, the third-year pro has been watching tape of Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Russell Wilson and Aaron Rodgers this offseason.

“Late in games, they’re not trying to force things,” Allen said, via NFL Network’s Kimberly Jones, noting he’s been too “eager” to make a play when he should let things come to him.

The addition of Stefon Diggs rounds out Allen’s receiver corps with a trio — coupled with John Brown and Cole Beasley — that can all get separation off the line of scrimmage. The wideouts should make life easier on Allen. He doesn’t have to become Charlie Checkdown but must make the right reads to get his weapons in space and let them do work for him this season.

NEW ENGLAND

If the Patriots are sure that they will peacefully protest, then we can probably expect all 32 teams to take part.  Mike Reiss of ESPN.com:

Running back James White said Thursday that he expects New England Patriots players to protest during the 2020 NFL season.

“I’m sure we’ll figure something out as a team. I’m not sure exactly what that will be, but I’m sure guys will peacefully protest in some type of form or fashion,” White told reporters during a video conference.

White was among 17 Patriots players who kneeled during the national anthem for one game in September 2017 in support of former NFL quarterback Colin Kaepernick. All Patriots players stood on the sideline and locked arms during the national anthem for the remainder of the season.

White, who has served as a captain the past two years, said the decision to kneel at the time was “difficult” but that “we wanted to stand with Kap. Being black people in America, we understood exactly what he was talking about.”

In 2016, his final season with the San Francisco 49ers, Kaepernick kneeled during the pregame national anthem to protest racial inequality and police brutality.

White said Thursday that with more people now speaking out after George Floyd’s death, things feel different to him than in 2017.

“I think people’s awareness wasn’t as heightened back then,” he said.

Floyd, who was black, died May 25 in Minneapolis after Derek Chauvin, a white police officer, kneeled on his neck for more than eight minutes.

Patriots cornerback Jason McCourty echoed his teammate’s thoughts, noting that there seems to be more support for protests now. McCourty was with the Cleveland Browns in 2017.

“Back in [2017], it was clear as day that they weren’t on board with anything Kap was trying to say and it was more about, ‘Hey, how do we get guys to stand up for the national anthem? How do we get guys to not have fans booing us? How do we get guys to stand up so we don’t lose sponsors?’ It was all from a business standpoint,” he said in the most recent edition of his “Double Coverage” podcast.

“I think everything that has gone on since then will push the envelope. Only time will tell what their actionable reaction will be, as opposed to just words. I think what’s going to be special is that there are going to be a lot of players that are willing to do things and change those words into action.”

The Patriots, like other NFL teams, talked about Floyd’s death during their video conferences. Rahsaan Hall, the director of the racial justice program at the Massachusetts American Civil Liberties Union, was part of one discussion.

“It was cool to speak with him,” White said, noting Devin McCourty’s prior connection with Hall. “You educate yourself so the world has a better understanding, so that can we make change in a positive light. It’s not going to change in one day.

“I think everybody is trying to speak out a little bit more, a lot more people being more comfortable letting everybody know how they feel. I think that’s important because some people might not understand that racism and things of that nature still exist, but it does. The color of your skin unfortunately comes with different things in America.

“So just trying to raise people’s awareness, trying to make changes. It’s sad that things like that the George Floyd situation have been going on for year after year and time after time. People have to be held accountable for things like that. Some laws need to be changed. It all starts with a conversation. All these people speaking up is only going to help.”

– – –

RB SONY MICHEL had foot surgery somewhere while Massachusetts was locked down.

New England Patriots starting running back Sony Michel is recovering from surgery on his foot in May, according to sources. The surgery was viewed as more maintenance-based to help relieve discomfort that Michel had been experiencing.

The Patriots are scheduled to return for training camp in late July, but Michel is already back in Foxborough as part of his rehabilitation. How Michel progresses will ultimately determine whether he starts training camp on the physically unable to perform list.

Michel has been the Patriots’ leading rusher each of the past two seasons, finishing last year with 912 yards on 247 carries (3.7 average), with seven touchdowns. In 2018, he totaled 931 yards on 209 carries (4.5 avg.) with six touchdowns, and was instrumental in the team’s late-season surge to winning Super Bowl LIII.

Michel has battled multiple knee injuries since the Patriots selected him in the first round of the 2018 draft (31st overall), but he has missed only three games.

During training camp of his rookie season, he had fluid drained from his knee, which sidelined him through the first game of the year. Then in the seventh game of that season, he twisted his knee against the Chicago Bears and missed the next two games.

In June 2019, Michel underwent a knee scope. He spent the first two days of training camp on the physically unable to perform list before returning to practice, and played every game of the season.

In addition to Michel, the Patriots have James White, Rex Burkhead, Brandon Bolden, Damien Harris and J.J. Taylor on the running back depth chart.

Harris, a 2019 third-round draft choice from Alabama who played in just two games as a rookie, could provide valuable insurance for Michel. In college, he averaged 6.4 yards per carry on 477 attempts, which set the Alabama career mark for those with at least 400 carries.

White is the team’s “passing back” while Burkhead and Bolden have been valuable backups whose contributions on special teams have locked in their spots on the game-day roster. Taylor is an undrafted free agent from Arizona.

THIS AND THAT

KAEP

Pete Carroll could have changed the course of the NFL, indeed the nation, if he had signed Colin Kaepernick back in 2017.  Instead, the Seahawks signed Austin Davis.

Now, in the aftermath of the protests and riots of 2020, Carroll says he is helping another team do the right thing.  Nick Shook of NFL.com:

Colin Kaepernick was without a team in 2017, but it wasn’t without at least some interest from one club.

The Seattle Seahawks indicated they were interested in the quarterback’s services after he became available in 2017. Kaepernick had been in San Francisco for the duration of his NFL career — which included a trip to Super Bowl XLVII — but became a free agent when he opted out of his contract after the 49ers, led by the newly hired John Lynch and Kyle Shanahan, made it clear to him he’d be released by the team if he didn’t opt out.

Kaepernick made a visit to the Seahawks during that offseason, and while it didn’t produce a contract, the meeting in 2017 stuck in the mind of at least one other NFL franchise. Seahawks coach Pete Carroll told reporters he got a call from another team for the first time Thursday regarding Kaepernick and asking why Seattle was interested in the signal-caller in 2017.

“Someone is interested,” said Carroll, who declined to provide additional details about who was calling, according to Gregg Bell of the Tacoma News Tribune.

Looking back, Carroll said he regrets not signing Kaepernick, explaining Seattle didn’t add Kaepernick because the Seahawks viewed him as a starting quarterback, and they already had one in Russell Wilson.

“Really simply put, we all held him in great regard as a player. We had coached against him in championship games and watched him go to the Super Bowl. He beat us and we beat him” Caroll said. “I think we knew Kap as well as anybody could have known a player. Just because of the depth of the competition we had against him.”

Carroll then detailed the conversation he had with Kaepernick prior to his offseason visit, and added more context on the visit and what his impressions of Kaepernick were at the time.

“Kap called me, during the season before that offseason. He called out of the blue to ask me for some advice about where he would go next. I was flattered that he would even think to call me because we had never talked before other than greetings. From that point, I was kind of rooting for him and hoping that things would work out,” Carroll said. “When it came back around and we had a chance to visit him and it came up, I was thinking, ‘This is an incredible football player. Let’s find out if it can possibly fit football-wise and all that.’ And also because he hadn’t visited anywhere yet, maybe this would help open up doors with him if our thing didn’t work out. We had great meetings. I don’t know that I’ve explained it in as much depth, but we spent half a day together. He spent time with our people throughout the building almost a full day. He was awesome.

“He just backed up even more of the play that we had seen and the character and his smarts and his togetherness and his competitiveness. To the point that it was so obvious that he’s a starter in the NFL that I think I eventually wound up saying to you guys that he’s a dominant figure as a football player and that’s how we saw him. The fact that it didn’t work out for us, I figured he’d wind up starting somewhere for sure and it just didn’t happen. I regret that that didn’t happen in some fashion. I wish we had contributed to it because the guy deserved to play.”

Carroll added: “In our situation as a backup I didn’t feel it was right at that time, I had to make that football decision, it was about our team and the situation. We had our starting quarterback and all of that. It wasn’t going to be the open competitive situation that I like to think all of our spots are because Russ was such a dominant figure. … When you look back, I felt like we missed the opportunity. So when I look back at it I wish we could have figured it out knowing what we know now and give him the chance because I would have loved to see him play football all those years.”

The visit with Seattle was the closest Kaepernick came to signing with a team following the 2016 season. He’s been out of the NFL since then, though recent efforts and a shift in general opinion on the fight to end police brutality and systemic racism has vaulted the quarterback’s name back into the conversation. Sure, he hasn’t played since 2016, but he was prescient in his protests and might still have something left in him on the football field.

Carroll’s words at the very least indicate a minimum of one team is intrigued by the idea of bringing Kaepernick back to the NFL. Whether that leads to a signing remains to be seen.

Of course, Wilson has been indestructible in the intervening three years and Seattle’s back-up quarterbacks have not thrown a single pass.  So Kaep would have had a contract, but presumably played hardly at all.  Michael-Shawn Dugar of The Athleticrefreshes our memory:

On the “Flying Coach” podcast he co-hosts with Golden State Warriors head coach Steve Kerr, Carroll recently relayed what amounted to a Kaepernick tribute, calling the quarterback’s protest an “extraordinary moment,” saying his mission was “beautiful” and contending that “we owe a tremendous amount to him, for sure.” On Thursday, the coach talked up the quarterback again in a conference call with local media.

But Carroll’s comments don’t necessarily jibe with Seattle’s dealings with Kaepernick in the years since he became a free agent. The Seahawks are sometimes credited with being the only franchise to grant Kaepernick a job interview, which they did twice over consecutive offseasons, but the result of their interest was the same as the 31 other teams in the league.

Kaepernick, 32, would still like to play in the NFL. He’d still be willing to interview and work out with the Seahawks — or any team. Signing him would be a step toward showing true solidarity and add weight to the beliefs Carroll and Goodell have espoused over the past few weeks.

During a heartfelt conference call with local media on June 3, Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson was asked whether Seattle missed an opportunity by not signing Kaepernick in 2017 and ’18. “That’s a Pete question, ultimately,” Wilson said.

Indeed.

On Thursday’s call, Carroll related a previously untold story from 2016, when he said Kaepernick called him seeking advice about where he should go next. Flattered by the phone call, Carroll, who had no prior history with Kaepernick other than opposing him on the field, began “rooting for him and hoping that things would work out.”

That same year, Wilson suffered his first bites from the injury bug, battling through ankle and knee injuries the entire season. Though he never missed a start, the Seahawks were looking to upgrade their backup position in the offseason since Trevone Boykin and Jake Heaps, both undrafted free agents, were the only other QBs on the roster. To avoid a drastic scheme deviation in the event of a Wilson injury, Seattle considered going with mobile options in Robert Griffin III and Kaepernick.

“We are looking at all of those guys,” Carroll said in May 2017.

On May 24 of that year, Seattle hosted two in-person meetings with potential backup quarterbacks. The first was Austin Davis, who had started 10 games over five seasons with the Rams and Browns after joining the league as an undrafted free agent in 2012. The other was Kaepernick, whom Carroll described as a “fantastic” football player.

Carroll would know. The Seahawks saw Kaepernick’s elusiveness, playmaking ability and arm strength up close in legendary battles with the 49ers during the 2012-13 seasons. The jump pass he threw to Anquan Boldin in the 2013 NFC title game might be the best throw ever completed against the Legion of Boom.

Kaepernick spent “half a day” visiting the Seahawks, meeting with multiple people at the team facility. “He was awesome,” Carroll said Thursday. “He just backed up even more of the play that we’d seen — the character, his smarts, his togetherness, his competitiveness — to the point where it was so obvious he’s a starter in the NFL.”

On May 25, the morning after Kaepernick’s meeting with Seattle, ESPN.com ran an explosive piece on the Seahawks’ locker room culture, detailing how many defensive players — Richard Sherman in particular — were upset about Wilson’s perceived inauthenticity and his cozy relationship with the front office, believing the quarterback was handled with kid gloves while the defense was more heavily scrutinized despite being one of the best units in the league.

Knowing that Kaepernick had allies on the Seattle roster because of his skills and the message behind his protests, perhaps Carroll felt uneasy about bringing such a polarizing presence into the building. Carroll on Thursday described Kaepernick as a “dominant figure” at the time of their in-person visit. Moments later, he used that same term to describe Wilson, whom Carroll didn’t want to put in a position battle.

With that in mind, Carroll’s first comments after the meeting with Kaepernick now seem easier to understand.

“He’s a starter in this league,” Carroll said June 2, 2017, “and we have a starter.” That sentiment might not correspond to Carroll’s “always compete” mantra, but the message he was delivering might have been aimed directly at some in his own locker room.

According to those with knowledge of the meeting, Seattle and Kaepernick never talked about a potential salary; no formal or informal contract offer was made, yet Kaepernick was widely perceived to be in search of a starting job and a salary to match. On the morning of June 5, Kaepernick retweeted the following message from Bleacher Report’s Mike Freeman: “The story that Kaepernick isn’t being signed because of his salary demand is a lie. It’s a straight-up lie.”

That same day, Seattle signed Davis, who hadn’t started a game since 2015.

Kaepernick was no doubt the superior talent — Davis is now on Seattle’s coaching staff — which suggests the team’s decision at the time wasn’t about on-field capabilities. Fortunately for the Seahawks, Wilson stayed healthy, though Seattle missed the postseason for the first time in his career.

If, Kaepernick was amenable to a back-up level contract (which he may not have been in 2017) and supportive back-up role and if he still has the talents that put him somewhere between the 20^th and 60^th best QB in the world – Alex Didion of NBCSports.com has this list of five teams for whom he might be an upgrade.

Colin Kaepernick’s last game in an NFL uniform came on January 1, 2017. The 49ers lost to the Seattle Seahawks 25-23, and Kaepernick was 17-of-22 passing with 215 yards and one touchdown.

The signal-caller hasn’t been able to find another team in the NFL willing to sign him since he opted out of his contract with the 49ers. Many have speculated that teams wouldn’t bring Kaepernick in as a free agent due to his choice to kneel during the national anthem throughout the 2016 season. Kaepernick sued the NFL for collusion in 2017, as he felt he was blacklisted by the owners due to his protest. The two sides settled out of court.

The NFL arranged a tryout for Kaepernick in November, but disagreement between the league and Kaepernick’s attorneys led to the QB hosting his own workout at a high school in the Atlanta area, about 60 miles from the Atlanta Falcons facility. Kaepernick showed he’s still got some of that trademark arm strength.

Teams reported to have had representatives in attendance for the workout:

Washington

New York Jets

Kansas City

Chicago

Jacksonville

Philadelphia

Now that the tragic death of George Floyd in the custody of the Minneapolis Police Department has brought the issue of police brutality and racism front and center in the United States, many have reflected on the roots of Kaepernick’s protest more than three years ago. The NFL also has acknowledged that it hasn’t done enough to combat the issue, and vowed to listen to its players more during a social media post from commissioner Roger Goodell on Friday. Goodell, however, did not mention Kaepernick specifically in his statement.

If the league finally reversed course and an organization decided to consider signing Kaepernick, what team would be the best situation for him to join after three full seasons away from the NFL? Here are five squads that could benefit from bringing the 32-year-old quarterback in.

Pittsburgh Steelers

After franchise staple Ben Roethlisberger injured his elbow in Week 2 against the Seattle Seahawks, Pittsburgh wasn’t left with a lot of talent at the game’s most important position. Mason Rudolph and Devlin Hodges put together an admirable effort the rest of the way, but the Steelers finished 8-8 despite featuring a top-five scoring defense in 2019.

Roethlisberger also turned 38 in March, and likely doesn’t have many starter-quality years left in the NFL. Kaepernick is six years younger — and with Big Ben coming off an injury — the ex-49er could help keep the offense afloat for Pittsburgh in case Roethlisberger can’t return to his previous form.

New England Patriots

This likely would provide Kaepernick the best opportunity to be a starter right away. Franchise icon and proverbial GOAT QB Tom Brady departed this offseason in free agency, and many expect coach Bill Belichick to hand the keys over to untested young quarterback Jarrett Stidham. Kaepernick at the very least could give Stidham some stiff competition in training camp, if not win the starting job outright.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft is a vocal supporter of President Donald Trump, which could decrease the odds New England signs Kap. Trump famously called Kaepernick a “son of a b—h” and said he should be “fired” for kneeling during the national anthem back in 2016.

Jacksonville Jaguars

The Jaguars have dealt with ineptitude at the quarterback position for many years. Gardner Minshew didn’t exactly set the NFL on fire in his rookie season, but 21 touchdowns with just six interceptions over 14 games did inspire some hope in Jacksonville.

Quarterbacks have shown a tendency to regress in their second season, and Kaepernick could serve both as a solid backup option and a mentor for the 24-year-old Minshew. Jacksonville traded former Super Bowl MVP Nick Foles to Chicago this offseason, and currently, has Mike Glennon slated to be the backup for the Jaguars.

Detroit Lions

Matthew Stafford has been one of the most prolific passers in the NFL over the past decade. The gunslinger topped 4,500 yards in three consecutive seasons from 2011-13 but has dropped off in recent years.

He only played eight games in 2019 after breaking bones in his back. Stafford reportedly is 100 percent recovered from the injury, but has taken plenty of shots over his 11-year career.

Trade rumors swirled around Stafford early last season, and he even put his $6.5 million Michigan home on the market in May. Kaepernick would be a nice insurance policy for Stafford, and even has a similarly powerful throwing arm.

The Lions did agree to terms with Chase Daniel on a three-year deal in March to be Stafford’s backup.

Atlanta Falcons

Matt Ryan did win the NFL MVP just four years ago, but he hasn’t returned to near that level since offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan departed for the 49ers.

Ryan’s numbers have declined, and he led the NFL after being sacked 48 times in 2019. Although Matt Schaub has been a serviceable backup, including throwing for 460 yards in his lone start last season, he’s 38 years old and likely isn’t much of an upgrade over Kap, if at all.

Kaepernick’s added athletic ability also could bring a different element to Atlanta’s offense in case of Ryan’s absence.

We certainly think the Steelers should be a viable alternative, just like they were last year when they opted to play with free agent rookie DEVLIN HODGES.

CONTINUITY

With a disrupted offseason, ESPN theorizes that teams with greater continuity will have an advantage in 2020.  And then they analyze what teams are relatively unchanged.

We are surprised to see the Colts and Buccaneers so high when they have changed out at the quarterback position.

And the Panthers really are in a class by themselves when it comes to upheaval.

The coronavirus pandemic forced NFL teams to shut down this spring and summer, creating an offseason devoid of in-person organized team activities and minicamps.

This could be especially problematic for teams that made a lot of moves this offseason, or advantageous for clubs that maintained continuity from 2019 to 2020.

The Buffalo Bills top the league with 95.4% of their offense returning, while the defending NFC champion San Francisco 49ers lead the way on defense with 88.3% coming back. Meanwhile the Super Bowl champion Kansas City Chiefs return nearly their entire starting lineup and coaching staff. On the flip side, the Carolina Panthers return a league-low 58.2% of their offense and an even worse 36.2% of their defense under new coach Matt Rhule.

Here’s a look at what all 32 teams have coming back, ranked from most to least total snaps returning, courtesy of ESPN Stats & Information.

1. Buffalo Bills: 88.0% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 95.4% (1st in NFL)

Defensive snaps returning: 80.4% (7th)

Starters returning: 23 (10 offense,10 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Brian Daboll, OC; Leslie Frazier, DC; Heath Farwell, ST)

Starting QB: Josh Allen, 3rd year

Head coach: Sean McDermott, 4th year (25-23)

What it means: Continuity is everything for a Bills team looking to take the next step as contenders. GM Brandon Beane has almost completely flipped this roster since he arrived in 2017 and turned Buffalo into a playoff team. The talent and depth in Buffalo in 2020 should produce its first division title since 1995. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

2. Kansas City Chiefs: 84.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 84.5% (7th)

Defensive snaps returning: 84.9% (3rd)

Starters returning: 22 (10 offense, 10 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Eric Bieniemy, OC; Steve Spagnuolo, DC; Dave Toub, ST)

Starting QB: Patrick Mahomes, 4th year (3rd as starter)

Head coach: Andy Reid, 8th year (77-35)

What it means: If continuity counts for anything in this most unusual of seasons, the Chiefs are in good shape. Their theme for 2020 is “Run it back,” and with just about all of their key players from 2019 still around, that’s exactly what they’re shooting for. In addition, the only departure on the coaching staff is an assistant special-teams coach. — Adam Teicher

3. Indianapolis Colts: 82.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 87.9% (4th)

Defensive snaps returning: 77.3% (12th)

Starters returning: 20 (8 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Nick Sirianni, OC; Matt Eberflus, DC; Bubba Ventrone, ST)

Starting QB: Philip Rivers, 1st year with Colts (17th overall)

Head coach: Frank Reich, 3rd year (17-15)

What it means: Coach Frank Reich and general manager Chris Ballard have consistently talked about building a roster that sticks together to help with the team’s continuity. Returning 20 starters should pay dividends. The biggest question remains at quarterback because they signed Rivers from the outside. Rivers is an upgrade over Jacoby Brissett, who started in 2019, but he’s yet to do any work with his skill position players. The Colts hope Rivers’ experience — 16 years in the NFL — and having played in Reich’s system since 2013 will help overcome those issues. — Mike Wells

4. San Francisco 49ers: 82.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 77.3% (17th)

Defensive snaps returning: 88.3% (1st)

Starters returning: 21 of 25 (8 offense, 10 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 4 of 4 (Mike McDaniel, run game; Mike LaFleur, pass game; Robert Saleh, DC; Richard Hightower, ST)

Starting QB: Jimmy Garoppolo, 3rd year with 49ers (7th overall)

Head coach: Kyle Shanahan, 4th year (23-25)

What it means: The departures of defensive tackle DeForest Buckner and receiver Emmanuel Sanders were particularly painful, but the Niners replenished both spots with first-round picks. Perhaps more importantly, the Niners kept all but two coaches from last season, including all of their coordinators, allowing the many players still on the roster to remain in systems they know well and, presumably, improve because of it. “I think us having a lot of the same people in the building this year is going to be good for us, having that chemistry and being familiar with one another,” linebacker Fred Warner said. — Nick Wagoner

5. Pittsburgh Steelers: 82.4% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 80.1% (12th)

Defensive snaps returning: 84.4% (4th)

Starters returning: 23 (10 offense, 10 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Randy Fichtner, OC; Keith Butler, DC; Danny Smith, ST)

Starting QB: Ben Roethlisberger, 17th year

Head coach: Mike Tomlin, 14th year (133-74-1)

What it means: Not much is changing for the Steelers entering 2020 — and that’s mostly a good thing. Returning the bulk of the defense is key for the Steelers to end their brief playoff drought, and Roethlisberger’s return should bolster an offense that was stagnant at times in his absence. The Steelers have new faces on the coaching staff in quarterbacks coach Matt Canada and wide receiver coach Ike Hilliard, but they’ll be working with mostly veteran position groups. — Brooke Pryor

6. Houston Texans: 79.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 83.3% (9th)

Defensive snaps returning: 75.7% (14th)

Starters returning: 20 (9 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Tim Kelly, OC; Brad Seely, ST)

Starting QB: Deshaun Watson, 4th year

Head coach: Bill O’Brien, 7th year (52-44)

What it means: There’s been turnover on offense at the skill positions (trading DeAndre Hopkins and trading for Brandin Cooks and David Johnson). The Texans return the majority of the defense and coaching staff that won the AFC South in 2019. One challenge will be having two coordinators in new roles in an offseason that lends itself to familiarity. The Texans promoted Anthony Weaver from defensive line coach to defensive coordinator, and offensive coordinator Tim Kelly is calling plays for the first time next season. — Sarah Barshop

7. New Orleans Saints: 79.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 80.6% (11th)

Defensive snaps returning: 77.5% (11th)

Starters returning: 21 (9 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Pete Carmichael Jr., OC; Dennis Allen, DC; Darren Rizzi, ST)

Starting QB: Drew Brees, 15th year with Saints (20th overall)

Head coach: Sean Payton, 15th year (131-77)

What it means: The Saints are better equipped than most to handle a lost offseason. They’ve had the same head coach and quarterback for 15 years and have nearly every starter returning from a team that has gone 13-3 in back-to-back seasons. Coach Sean Payton and GM Mickey Loomis have compared this offseason to the 2011 lockout — after which the Saints went 13-3. “One of the things we do well is adjust,” Payton said. — Mike Triplett

8. Jacksonville Jaguars 79.0% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 88.1% (3rd)

Defensive snaps returning: 69.8% (20th)

Starters returning: 20 (10 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 4 (Todd Wash, DC; Joe DeCamillis, ST; Mike Mallory, co-ST)

Starting QB: Gardner Minshew, 2nd year

Head coach: Doug Marrone, 4th year (22-28)

What it means: Owner Shad Khan has shown remarkable patience with his coaches despite minimal success since he took ownership of the team in 2012. The Jaguars are 38-90 in his eight seasons, with only one winning season (2017). Khan has had two head coaches during that span: Gus Bradley (14-47) and Marrone. — Michael DiRocco

9. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: 78.8% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 70.9% (26th)

Defensive snaps returning: 86.9% (2nd)

Starters returning: 22 (8 offense, 11 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Byron Leftwich, OC; Todd Bowles, DC; Keith Armstrong, ST)

Starting QB: Tom Brady, 1st season with Bucs (21st overall)

Head coach: Bruce Arians, 2nd year with Bucs, 8th overall (7-9 Bucs, 65-42-1 overall)

What it means: The Bucs have all 11 starters returning on defense, which should allow them to go deeper into coordinator Bowles’ 3-4 scheme now that they’ve gotten that transitional first year out of the way. The team made some key upgrades on offense by signing Brady and trading for tight end Rob Gronkowski. It’s really a matter of how quickly Brady can digest coach Arians’ playbook and if he can still make those home-run-deep throws Arians loves so much. — Jenna Laine

10. Miami Dolphins: 78.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 75.6% (20th)

Defensive snaps returning: 81.6% (6th)

Starters returning: 23 (10 offense, 11 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Danny Crossman, ST)

Starting QB: Ryan Fitzpatrick, 2nd year with Dolphins (16th overall)

Head coach: Brian Flores, 2nd year (5-11)

What it means: The Dolphins bring back many of the same pieces from a bare-bones 2019 roster, and they have an enormous load of incoming talent to compete with the incumbents. It should look a lot more like Flores’ team, featuring a multiple defense in 2020, but a dramatic overhaul of the coaching staff (changes at offensive and defensive coordinator) combined with a bunch of incoming talent creates questions about how quickly everyone will be able to adjust in a largely virtual offseason. — Cameron Wolfe

11. Green Bay Packers: 78.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 79.8% (13th)

Defensive snaps returning: 76.4% (13th)

Starters returning: 21 (9 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Nathaniel Hackett, OC; Mike Pettine, DC; Shawn Mennenga, ST)

Starting QB: Aaron Rodgers, 16th season (13th as starter)

Head coach: Matt LaFleur, 2nd year (13-3)

What it means: LaFleur has said several times during the virtual offseason he’s glad he’s not a first-year coach, but his second offseason was supposed to be one in which he and Rodgers revised the offense from their first year together. As Rodgers said after the NFC title game loss to the 49ers, there was room for the offense to evolve. “We really haven’t gotten into the tempo stuff at all,” Rodgers said at the time. “The scheme is there. The scheme and what Matt and his staff put together every week was fantastic. The execution and the moving pieces will continue to improve.” How much of that they can still implement without a full offseason may dictate how much they improve. — Rob Demovsky

12. Las Vegas Raiders: 77.4% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 94.0% (2nd)

Defensive snaps returning: 60.4% (28th)

Starters returning: 21 (11 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 12 of 14

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Greg Olson, OC; Paul Guenther, DC; Rich Bisaccia, ST)

Starting QB: Derek Carr, 7th year

Head coach: Jon Gruden, 3rd year of this stint with Raiders, 14th year overall (11-21 this stint with Raiders; 106-102 overall)

What it means: Continuity is key for the Raiders, especially in the middle of their move to Las Vegas. And while they do have a lot of starters returning, the front office upgraded and diversified several spots in free agency and the draft, especially at the offensive skill positions (WRs Henry Ruggs III, Lynn Bowden Jr.) and at linebacker (Cory Littleton, Nick Kwiatkoski) and in the secondary (CBs Damon Arnette, Prince Amukamara). There are few, if any, excuses now for Carr as he prepares to play in the same system for the third straight season. — Paul Gutierrez

13. Denver Broncos: 75.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 73.2% (23rd)

Defensive snaps returning: 78.1% (8th)

Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 9 defense, 1 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Ed Donatell, DC; Tom McMahon, ST)

Starting QB: Drew Lock, 2nd year

Head coach: Vic Fangio, 2nd year (7-9)

What it means: Offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello was fired a week after the season. Fangio hired Pat Shurmur to replace Scangarello and Mike Shula as quarterbacks coach. Much of the draft was used to add more help around Lock, and as a result, the Broncos have several returning players who started games at receiver, for example, who will have a far more difficult time starting games this season. So, the Broncos’ “returning starters,” especially on offense, is a deceiving number in some ways, given the influx of rookies. — Jeff Legwold

14. Baltimore Ravens: 75.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 81.7% (10th)

Defensive snaps returning: 68.5% (21st)

Starters returning: 21 (10 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 4 of 4 (Greg Roman, OC; Wink Martindale, DC; Chris Horton, ST; David Culley, pass game)

Starting QB: Lamar Jackson: 3rd year

Head coach: John Harbaugh, 13th year (128-81)

What it means: The Ravens are among the Super Bowl favorites because they bring virtually everyone back from a team that had the best regular-season record last season. NFL MVP Lamar Jackson returns on a mission to win his first postseason game, along with 12 Pro Bowl players and the entire coaching staff. The biggest question is how Baltimore will replace guard Marshal Yanda, the second-best offensive lineman in team history. Continuity has long been a strength of the Ravens, who’ve had two owners, two general managers and three head coaches in their 25 years of existence. — Jamison Hensley

15. Tennessee Titans: 74.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 78.6% (15th)

Defensive snaps returning: 71.7% (16th)

Starters returning: 22 (10 offense, 9 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Arthur Smith, OC; Craig Aukerman, ST)

Starting QB: Ryan Tannehill, 2nd year with Titans (9th overall)

Head coach: Mike Vrabel, 3rd year (18-14)

What it means: The Titans are banking on continuity being a plus for them on the offensive side of the ball. Having Tannehill execute Smith’s offense for a full season should bode well for the Titans. But the defense was hit with turnover, and Vrabel will have to shoulder more of a role following the departure of coordinator Dean Pees. The loss of veteran leadership through trades and free agency places a burden on younger players. — Turron Davenport

16. Los Angeles Chargers: 73.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 69.6% (27th)

Defensive snaps returning: 77.8% (T-9th)

Starters returning: 17 (6 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Shane Steichen, 1st full season as OC after 8 games as interim in 2019; Gus Bradley, DC; George Stewart, ST)

Starting QB: Tyrod Taylor, 1st year with Chargers (9th overall)

Head coach: Anthony Lynn, 4th year (26-22)

What it means: The Chargers made aggressive moves in free agency and the NFL draft to upgrade their roster to contend in the AFC West. But two big questions remain in their effort to chase down the Chiefs: Will they be able to form an identity without Philip Rivers, and how quickly can a plethora of new starters meld with the returners with an abbreviated offseason? — Lindsey Thiry

17. Chicago Bears: 73.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 84.1% (8th)

Defensive snaps returning: 62.8% (25th)

Starters returning: 19 (8 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Chuck Pagano, DC; Chris Tabor, ST)

Starting QB: Nick Foles, 1st year with Bears (9th overall) or Mitchell Trubisky, 4th year

Head coach: Matt Nagy, 3rd year (20-12)

What it means: Change was inevitable after the most unfulfilling Bears season in recent memory. Chicago lost (or could lose) three starters on each side of the ball depending on what happens in the highly anticipated quarterback derby between Mitchell Trubisky (incumbent) and Nick Foles (challenger). The coaching staff also took a hit — primarily on offense — as Nagy brought in trusted confidants (Juan Castillo, John DeFilippo and Bill Lazor) with ties to Philadelphia. Until the quarterback situation is settled, it’s impossible to predict whether the changes will have any impact. — Jeff Dickerson

T-18. Arizona Cardinals: 73.4%

Offensive snaps returning: 76.6% (19th)

Defensive snaps returning: 70.3% (18th)

Starters returning: 16 (9 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Jeff Rodgers, ST; Vance Joseph, DC; Tom Clements, pass game)

Starting QB: Kyler Murray, 2nd year

Head coach: Kliff Kingsbury, 2nd year (5-10-1)

What it means: With so many players returning, the Cardinals are in a prime spot to take a major step forward following a five-win season. It’ll also help that Kingsbury has had a season to make NFL adjustments to his high-octane offense. But the Cardinals do have key additions such as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, defensive tackle Jordan Phillips, and linebackers Devon Kennard, Isaiah Simmons and De’Vondre Campbell who will need to get up to speed fast. — Josh Weinfuss

T-18. Minnesota Vikings: 73.4%

Offensive snaps returning: 85.1% (6th)

Defensive snaps returning: 62.9% (24th)

Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 6 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 4 (Marwan Maalouf, ST)

Starting QB: Kirk Cousins, 3rd season with Vikings (9th overall)

Head coach: Mike Zimmer, 7th year (57-38-1)

What it means: Continuity is the buzzword for the Vikings’ offense. Zimmer liked what he saw from Cousins & Co. last year and said the same system, playcalls, motions and formations will remain in place to help this unit take another step forward. Defensively, it’s a different story. With two new co-defensive coordinators in Andre Patterson and Adam Zimmer, who will continue to coach their respective positions, along with a host of new position coaches and starters, the Vikings’ defense is set to undergo a period of evolution. — Courtney Cronin

T-20. Atlanta Falcons: 72.3% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 74.3% (21st)

Defensive snaps returning: 70.1% (19th)

Starters returning: 17 (8 offense, 8 defensive, 1 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Dirk Koetter, OC; Ben Kotwica, ST)

Starting QB: Matt Ryan (13th year)

Head coach: Dan Quinn, 6th year (43-37)

What it means: Ryan and Koetter working in unison for the second consecutive year will be key, especially as they work out the kinks from Koetter’s return to the Falcons last season. There is cohesion, in a sense, on defense. New defensive coordinator Raheem Morris has been a member of Quinn’s staff from the beginning and was a big part of the turnaround last season after being switched from receivers coach to work with the defensive backs. Now it’s about accelerating the growth of a handful of youngsters who missed on-field instruction during the virtual offseason. — Vaughn McClure

T-20. New York Jets: 72.3% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 60.2% (31st)

Defensive snaps returning: 83.5% (5th)

Starters returning: 16 (6 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Dowell Loggains, OC; Gregg Williams, DC; Brant Boyer, ST)

Starting QB: Sam Darnold, 3rd year

Head coach: Adam Gase, 2nd year with Jets, 5th overall (7-9 with Jets, 30-34 overall)

What it means: The Jets have rare continuity on the coaching staff. In fact, this marks the first time since 2011 that all three coordinators are back under the same head coach. The theme continues on defense, where they have the fifth-highest percentage of returning snaps. The concern is the offense, which ranks 31st in returning snaps. Darnold will have two new receivers and at least three new linemen, a difficult transition that will be exacerbated by the truncated offseason. — Rich Cimini

22. Washington Redskins: 71.6% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 64.2% (29th)

Defensive snaps returning: 77.8% (T-9th)

Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Nate Kaczor, ST)

Starting QB: Dwayne Haskins, 2nd year

Head coach: Ron Rivera, 1st year with Redskins, 10th overall (76-63-1 overall)

What it means: The Redskins needed major change, but they also needed a typical offseason. Haskins, with seven starts during his rookie season, must learn a new offense. While he’s reportedly done well in Zoom meetings and has dedicated his offseason to working out and learning Carolina’s offense (where coordinator Scott Turner was previously), he needs to be on the field. And he’s not alone. Meanwhile, the defense is changing from a 3-4 to a 4-3 under coordinator Jack Del Rio and a big emphasis has been on communication. The Redskins have a chance to build something better under Rivera, but the change and the offseason could lead to a bumpy start initially. — John Keim

23. Philadelphia Eagles: 70.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 76.7% (18th)

Defensive snaps returning: 64.1% (23rd)

Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 6 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 2 of 3 (Jim Schwartz, DC; Dave Fipp, ST)

Starting QB: Carson Wentz, 5th year

Head coach: Doug Pederson, 5th year (38-26)

What it means: The Eagles are the only team in the division not changing head coaches and believe they’ll benefit from the consistency. Philly opted not to directly replace offensive coordinator Mike Groh but is hoping the promotion of up-and-comer Press Taylor to pass-game coordinator along with the additions of Rich Scangarello, Andrew Breiner and Marty Mornhinweg to the staff will help fuse fresh concepts to a proven offense. — Tim McManus

24. Los Angeles Rams: 70.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 87.4% (5th)

Defensive snaps returning: 53.8% (31st)

Starters returning: 19 (9 offense, 8 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 0 of 3

Starting QB: Jared Goff, 5th year

Head coach: Sean McVay, 4th year (33-15)

What it means: The Rams are undergoing their most significant changes since McVay’s arrival in 2017 and will face another uphill battle in a strong NFC West. Goff and the offense must find an identity without running back Todd Gurley, Brandon Staley must prove himself as an upgrade from legendary defensive coordinator Wade Phillips and a replacement must be found for dependable kicker Greg Zuerlein. — Lindsey Thiry

25. Cincinnati Bengals: 69.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 73.7% (22nd)

Defensive snaps returning: 64.3% (22nd)

Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 3 (Brian Callahan, OC; Lou Anarumo, DC; Darrin Simmons, ST)

Starting QB: Joe Burrow, 1st year, or Ryan Finley, 2nd year

Head coach: Zac Taylor, 2nd year (2-14)

What it means: Cincinnati didn’t have much staff turnover after the NFL’s worst season in 2019. QB Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall draft pick, inherits a lot of continuity and a slew of capable weapons, including running back Joe Mixon and receivers A.J. Green and Tyler Boyd. The Bengals spent the offseason overhauling the defense by adding pieces such as defensive tackle D.J. Reader, cornerback Trae Waynes and safety Vonn Bell. Cincinnati should show progress in ’20 and make strides toward ending a four-year playoff drought. — Ben Baby

26. Seattle Seahawks: 68.8% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 67.1% (28th)

Defensive snaps returning: 70.4% (17th)

Starters returning: 18 (7 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 6 of 6 (Brian Schottenheimer, OC; Ken Norton Jr., DC; Brian Schneider, ST; Dave Canales, offensive passing game; Brennan Carroll, running game; Andre Curtis, defensive passing game).

Starting QB: Russell Wilson, 9th year

Head coach: Pete Carroll, 11th year with Seahawks, 15th overall (100-59-1 with Seahawks, 133-90-1 overall)

What it means: The biggest change with the Seahawks will come along their offensive line, where they project to have at least three new starters in front of Wilson. The Seahawks can credibly say they upgraded their offensive line even without a big-name addition, but here’s where the potential problem lies: Continuity is as important to that position group as any, and a shortened offseason because of the coronavirus pandemic means Seattle’s revamped offensive line will get fewer reps together than it normally would. — Brady Henderson

27. Detroit Lions: 68.7% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 78.8% (14th)

Defensive snaps returning: 59.3% (29th)

Starters returning: 16 (9 offense, 5 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Darrell Bevell, OC)

Starting QB: Matthew Stafford, 12th year

Head coach: Matt Patricia, 3rd year (9-22)

What it means: The Lions have one of the better offensive groups in the league as long as Stafford & Co. stay healthy. Defensively there are questions, but the lack of continuity could be misleading. Detroit brought in three potential starters (Danny Shelton, Jamie Collins and Duron Harmon) from New England, where Collins and Harmon played under Patricia and Shelton is expected to have a similar role. Their understanding of the playbook and the roles they will have in the defense should go smoother than a typical free agent. — Michael Rothstein

28. Cleveland Browns: 67.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 77.7% (16th)

Defensive snaps returning: 58.5% (30th)

Starters returning: 18 (8 offense, 7 defense, 3 special teams)

Non-coordinator assistants returning: 2 of 17

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Mike Priefer, ST)

Starting QB: Baker Mayfield, 3rd year

Head coach: Kevin Stefanski, 1st year

What it means: The Browns are banking that a new coaching staff headed by Stefanski, combined with a pair of new starting tackles in Jack Conklin and 10th overall pick Jedrick Wills Jr., will revive a talented offense that struggled behind Mayfield last season. — Jake Trotter

29. New England Patriots: 67.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 63.0% (30th)

Defensive snaps returning: 71.8% (15th)

Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 3 of 4 (Josh McDaniels, OC; Steve Belichick/Jerod Mayo, de facto DCs)

Starting QB: Jarrett Stidham, 2nd year (1st as a starter) or Brian Hoyer, 1st year back with team (13th overall season)

Head coach: Bill Belichick, 21st with Patriots, 26th overall (237-83 with Patriots, 273-127 overall)

What it means: There is a lot of continuity, but this will be a test on how much not having it at QB will affect the team as a whole. For the first time in 19 years since Tom Brady became a starter, the Patriots are in transition at the game’s most important position. — Mike Reiss

30. Dallas Cowboys: 66.5% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 71.2% (25th)

Defensive snaps returning: 61.6% (26th)

Starters returning: 19 (8 offense, 8 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Kellen Moore, OC)

Starting QB: Dak Prescott, 5th year

Head coach: Mike McCarthy, 1st year with Cowboys, 14th overall (125-77 overall)

What it means: Not having a traditional offseason program hurts the Cowboys and McCarthy, but the makeup of the team could allow them to overcome it. Five of the eight returning starters on offense have played in at least one Pro Bowl. On defense, they have a number of key players back. The secondary lost two starters in free agency, but they have three corners who all saw significant time. McCarthy will keep most of the offense the same to aid Prescott’s development, which is a big reason why Moore was retained, but McCarthy will add his flair to the offense as well. — Todd Archer

31. New York Giants: 66.1% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 71.4% (24th)

Defensive snaps returning: 61.0% (27th)

Starters returning: 18 (9 offense, 7 defense, 2 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Thomas McGaughey, ST)

Starting QB: Daniel Jones, 2nd year

Head coach: Joe Judge, 1st year

What it means: The Giants are still near the beginning of their rebuild. They have a young quarterback learning a new system and a first-year head coach. This group will need time to be molded into the team Judge desires. The offense should be further along this year because of the heavy investment (three consecutive top-six picks) in recent years. The defense remains a work in progress, and could take at least another offseason to develop its new identity. — Jordan Raanan

32. Carolina Panthers: 46.9% snaps returning

Offensive snaps returning: 58.2% (32nd)

Defensive snaps returning: 35.2% (32nd)

Starters returning: 13 (5 offense, 5 defense, 3 special teams)

Coordinators returning: 1 of 3 (Chase Blackburn ST)

Starting QB: Teddy Bridgewater, 1st year with Panthers (7th overall)

Head coach: Matt Rhule, 1st year

What it means: This basically is a complete rebuild with a new staff led by first-year NFL coach Rhule and a roster that will be without most of the key leadership and talent on both sides of the ball. The offense has a chance to be decent with the return of running back Christian McCaffrey and wide receiver DJ Moore and addition of Bridgewater. The defense is a work in progress since middle linebacker Luke Kuechly surprisingly retired with all seven draft picks going to that side. — David Newton