| Every player should listen to former NFL RB Marshawn Lynch: @NFL_DovKleimanInsane: Marshawn Lynch reveals that he didn’t touch any of the $56,769,878 he made while playing in the NFL. “On my off days, I’d go work with these brands and get a bag, bring in a couple 100 bands, and I could just eat off that and not worry bout my game check.” A true role model on and off the field 👏 Now, he is following in the footsteps of Randy Johnson and Ken Griffey, Jr. FiveLevelMedia.com: Former NFL All-Pro Marshawn Lynch has become an accomplished photographer in his retirement. He can now add “credentialed World Cup photographer” to his resume, thanks to his appearance at the United States’ 2-0 victory over Australia on Friday. Lynch, a former running back who racked up 6,381 yards and 58 touchdowns on the ground as a member of the Seattle Seahawks, was back in Seattle Stadium to shoot the United States’ second World Cup victory in as many games.Events & Listings Lynch, 40, has been a credentialed photographer since at least last August, when he was spotted throwing a stiff arm to protect his camera during a preseason content between Seattle and the Las Vegas Raiders. He was also seen rubbing elbows with several celebrities on hand, including NBA star Devin Booker. The five-time Pro Bowler, who also played for the Buffalo Bills and Raiders during a 12-year career that resulted in over 10,000 career rushing yards, was also seen delivering a pregame speech to fans outside the stadium. That type of versatility is par for the course for Lynch, who has worked as an actor, been a sports franchise owner (most notably with the NHL’s Seattle Kraken), and dabbled with cannabis and holoportation investments since his NFL career ended. |
| NFC EAST |
| NEW YORK GIANTSNick Baumgardner of The Athletic did a film study of QB JAXSON DART: Jaxson Dart’s journey to the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft was a slightly uphill trek. The main reason? He played quarterback at Ole Miss. And, more specifically, he played for Lane Kiffin. NFL scouts had become leery of quarterback success in Kiffin’s offense because of how good the head coach was (and still is) at making life as easy as possible on his passer. Matt Corral, for example, threw for nearly 7,000 yards — at a sizzling 69.4 percent completion rate — at Ole Miss from 2020-21, then was selected by the Carolina Panthers in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Within two years, he was out of the league and fighting for a spot in the UFL. So, when Dart looked great as a sophomore starter, and even better as a junior, scouts were rightly cautious with their evaluations. Close observers noticed real differences early on with Dart, though, and not just in his physical ability as a runner at 6 feet 2 and 225 pounds. By the end of Dart’s senior year, nearly everything about his profile said first-round pick — with that one Kiffin-colored “but.” The New York Giants didn’t care. They moved up to take Dart at No. 25, and the QB’s rookie season served as a shot in the arm for a lagging franchise. Now, with John Harbaugh in as head coach, Giants fans have reason for excitement. Let’s unpack the good, bad and in-between of Dart’s rookie year, and take a glance at what’s next. Rookie breakdownDart began to show he was more than a system quarterback during his second year as a starter at Ole Miss. Nearly one-quarter of his completions that season (22 percent) went for 20 yards or more. If you watched the tape, you saw a true pocket passer with a real arm and accuracy that held on downfield throws. Dart was comfortable and aggressive over the middle as a young QB. Kiffin’s offense doesn’t rely on full-field reads in the pass game, but when asked, Dart was capable. He also had answers against pressure. Dart started only 12 games last season for the Giants, but his numbers stack up well against those of his fellow rookie starters since 2020. Within that group (minimum 200 attempts), Dart per TruMedia ranks No. 6 in EPA per attempt (.04), No. 8 in EPA/dropback (.08), No. 2 in off-target rate (8.6 percent), No. 3 in EPA/pressure and No. 6 in time to throw. That’s not all, though. What really makes Dart unique is his legit rushing ability. Dart’s not a long-speed burner, but he has terrific short-area quickness and great athletic balance for his size. Quite simply, he runs the ball like a running back, with great vision in tight spaces and a desire to finish every carry. Dart rushed for 487 yards (5.7 yards per carry) and nine touchdowns last season, and he posted 24 total touchdowns (15 passing) in just a dozen starts. Former Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka did a great job of scheming an offense to accentuate Dart’s strengths last year. That process should only get better now with Harbaugh in New York. Where he struggledStarting with the obvious: Dart’s impact as a runner is sustainable, but his style is not. The Giants were not bashful about designing runs for Dart early and often last season. There’s nothing wrong with that. Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen and Jalen Hurts all make that sort of thing work. But those quarterbacks are so much smarter in how they manage the damage on their bodies. Again, Dart runs like a running back: he’s always falling forward, he doesn’t slide, he doesn’t run out of bounds, he cuts back into traffic. In part because of that approach, he was evaluated for a concussion five times in 12 games last year. Dart has to be more mindful of avoiding big hits when possible, and the Giants will have to be careful about the number of designed QB runs they call. If Dart has the option to keep the ball and cut it between the tackles, he’s going to do it, which new offensive coordinator Matt Nagy needs to keep in mind. As a passer, Dart knows how to process. However, he was guilty of holding the ball a tick too long in college and again as a rookie. That also ties into the punishment Dart took, with many of the hits he absorbed last season not necessary. One of Dart’s biggest problem areas at Ole Miss was his anticipatory throwing — if he couldn’t see his target’s numbers, hesitation followed. He’s still working to improve that area of his game.– – –Dart was a consistent playmaker as a rookie, but not a consistent passer. He still played with too much college-level footwork, which led to early or late timing throws and, ultimately, into him taking unnecessary hits. Where he thrivedDart is a fearless quarterback with a big frame, short-area burst and the type of functional athleticism that could turn him into an absolute terror over time. But for my money, Dart’s greatest and most repeatable asset is his natural accuracy. Dart was an all-state infielder in high school, and that baseball background shows on the football field. He throws the ball with a calm, grounded base and a quick, smooth motion every time. He changes speeds, mixes angles and delivers a very catchable ball at every level of the field. He’s also confident and talented enough to drive the football into tight windows, either between or outside the numbers. Since 2020, the only rookie starter with a better off-target rate than Dart is Joe Burrow. Dart’s accuracy was actually good enough to overcome some of the hiccups he showed on tape. There were times last year when Dart was late with his delivery on downfield in-breakers but still wound up with completions because of the accuracy of his throw. It’s no way to live week to week, but it does show Dart’s arm talent. Eight NFL starting quarterbacks rushed at least 75 times last season. Their off-target rates: 1. Dart, 8.62. Josh Allen, 9.13. Drake Maye, 9.83. Justin Herbert, 9.85. Jalen Hurts, 9.96. Trevor Lawrence, 10.47. Bo Nix, 11.88. Caleb Williams, 14.6 The most encouraging thing about Dart’s rookie season is how productive he was despite the general rookie sloppiness he showed in the pocket. Dart’s starting point, development-wise, is so much further along than many feared it might be coming out of college. He showed on his Ole Miss tape an ability to process full-field reads, but he just wasn’t asked to do it very much. The opposite happened with Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy, who had a similar college experience. Perhaps because he at least played in a pro-style offense, many scouts believed he’d be further along when it came time to start. But he’s struggled to get up to speed, while Dart probably should’ve been awarded the starting job out of camp last season. Talent has a lot to do with that, of course. But let’s not underestimate Dart’s ability to fit into a locker room and earn on-field respect from teammates. It was a huge plus on his college scouting report, too. Dart needs to be less aggressive as a runner, but part of that is who he is — and it’s why his teammates wind up fighting for him. There are areas of Dart’s game that remind me of the playing version of Jim Harbaugh. Dart is a better athlete (although probably as athletic as Harbaugh saw himself), and, like Harbaugh, will basically cut his left arm off before he throws the ball away. He’s accurate and makes good decisions, but his ability and willingness to make a play when there’s not one to be made is another area in which Dart shines. Bottom lineThere’s an awful lot of hype around Dart right now. Although at least part of that comes from a starved Giants fan base, a big part of me wants to buy in on all of it. Dart is a unique player who presents unique challenges — not just for opposing defenses, but for his own team. Dart’s playing style and skill set can make him a danger to himself if he’s not reeled in. The best news, though, is that John Harbaugh is now Dart’s head coach. Kafka did a great job creating an offense around Dart last year, but Harbaugh’s staff will be better equipped to help him as a dual-threat player. Health permitting, I expect a sizable jump from Dart, who has the ability to finally give the Giants the franchise QB for whom they’ve been searching. |
| AFC NORTH |
| BALTIMOREJoel Curry of CBSSports.com on how QB LAMAR JACKSON can re-set the already stratospheric QB market. The Kansas City Chiefs surprised the NFL world a couple of weeks ago by renegotiating quarterback Patrick Mahomes’ contract. The presumption was there wouldn’t be a renegotiation this year after the Chiefs freed up $43.56 million of 2026 salary cap space in February when $54.45 million of Mahomes’ $56.75 million in 2026 compensation was converted into signing bonus. Typically, if a team does a contract restructure creating significant cap room, a new deal isn’t done until the following offseason at the earliest. The Chiefs reworked Mahomes’ contract by adding two new years worth $239.05 million to put him under contract through 2033. The total value for the eight years is $504.75 million for an average of $63,093,750 per year, making Mahomes the NFL’s highest-paid player. The deal is worth as much as $522.25 million thanks to base salary escalators and incentives. There are $237 million in conventional guarantees, which is the cash in the first four contract years running through 2029, in the deal. Out of this $237 million, $150 million is fully guaranteed at signing. The $150 million fully guaranteed is the second most ever in an NFL contract. The remaining $267.75 million in the 2030 through 2033 contract years, which is completely unsecured at signing, can become fully guaranteed at different points throughout the life of the contract. For example, the $30 million May 5 roster bonuses in the 2030, 2031 and 2032 contract years become fully guaranteed more than a year early before being due (i.e.; 2030 roster bonus is fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2029 league year). The base salaries in these contract years don’t become fully guaranteed until March of that particular year (i.e.; $32.75 million 2030 base salary is fully guaranteed on the third day of the 2030 league year). Mahomes isn’t getting any new money in 2026. The $56.75 million Mahomes was making prior to the renegotiation is unchanged. He only gets a $5.1 million raise in 2027. Mahomes was making $109.65 million through 2027 before the renegotiation. He has $114.75 million through 2027 under the new deal. There is $38.5 million of new money through 2028. Mahomes’ new deal puts the quarterback market spotlight back on Lamar Jackson’s contract situation. Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti didn’t get his wish of a Jackson contract extension by the start of the 2026 league year on March 11. General manager Eric DeCosta had publicly expressed optimism about a new deal during his NFL combine press conference in late February. The Ravens resorted to the backup plan when a new deal wasn’t done. Jackson’s contract was restructured similarly to Mahomes’ where $49.95 million of his $51.25 million 2026 base salary was converted into signing bonus to create $39.96 million of 2026 cap room. A dummy/voiding 2030 contract year was added in the process for bonus proration purposes. The contract restructure raised Jackson’s 2027 cap number to an untenable $84.34 million, which is the final year of the five-year, $260 million deal he signed in 2023, making him at the time the league’s highest-paid player at $52 million per year. The Ravens are reportedly still interested in extending Jackson’s contract this year. Jackson, who represents himself and has never had an agent, continued his practice of keeping his contract matters private when speaking to reporters in late May. He did share that he isn’t seeking a fully guaranteed contract like he did during negotiations in 2022. Jackson also expressed an affinity for the Ravens organization and the city of Baltimore. “Absolutely. I love the Ravens. I love this organization. I love this city,” Jackson said. “This is the team that drafted me. I love Baltimore. Everybody should know that by now.” Jackson has been a “model citizen” since Jesse Minter replaced John Harbaugh as head coach and Declan Doyle was named the new offensive coordinator early in the offseason. “There’s nobody I’d rather have as the quarterback of this team, this franchise,” Minter said. “The way that [Jackson] operates, how infectious he is, how much joy he brings to the preparation and the practice field — yes, he’s been everything.” For the first time since signing his contract in 2023, Jackson participated in enough of the offseason workout program to earn a $750,000 workout bonus that’s in each of the final four years of his contract. The optimal time for the Ravens to try to get something done with Jackson is before Ravens veteran players report to training camp on July 28. Since Jackson represents himself, it’s hard to imagine that he will want to deal with a contract negotiation during training camp while trying to master a new offense system or once the regular season starts. Jackson has two years worth $104 million remaining on his contract. His salary in both 2026 and 2027 is $52 million. Jackson’s contract has a no-trade clause. There’s also a provision preventing the Ravens from designating Jackson as a franchise or transition player when his contract expires following the 2027 season. Jackson holds most of the cards in any contract negotiations. It doesn’t matter that Jackson had an injury-plagued and subpar 2025 season by his standards. After a fast start, the two-time NFL MVP was slowed by injuries (hamstring, ankle, toe, knee and back). Jackson missed four games because of the hamstring and back ailments. The injuries limited Jackson’s mobility. He rarely played at an MVP level after the hamstring injury in Week 4 until the fourth quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers in the regular-season finale. The Ravens, who were favorites to win Super Bowl LX before the 2025 season started, missed the playoffs with an 8-9 record. Mahomes just changed the NFL salary landscape following a worse 2025 season than Jackson had. He had career lows with a 62.7% completion percentage and 89.6 passer rating, which ranked 23rd in the NFL. The Chiefs had a losing record at 6-11 for the first time since 2012. Mahomes tore the ACL and LCL in his left knee late in the fourth quarter of Week 15’s contest against the Los Angeles Chargers last season. He plans on being ready for the start of the 2026 regular season. Mahomes hasn’t earned All-Pro honors since 2022 when he was named NFL MVP for the second time in his career. Nonetheless, Mahomes has been widely considered to be the gold standard for quarterbacks because he has three Super Bowl rings and has been named Super Bowl MVP three times. Any new deal Jackson signs should make him the league’s highest-paid player provided he is willing to exploit the contract leverage that exists because of his tremendous ability, those clauses in his contract and the exorbitant 2027 cap number. One benchmark Jackson could focus on is exceeding Mahomes’ league-leading total $366.75 million in total cash after six years, which runs through the 2031 season. When Jackson reset the NFL pay scale in 2023, his $52 million per year was 1.96% more than Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts’ $51 million per year. A comparable increase over Mahomes’ $366.75 million would be $374 million. This would be a four-year, $270 million contract extension, averaging $67.5 million per year after subtracting out Jackson’s two remaining contract years worth $104 million. A structure like Mahomes’ where his salary stays the same this year and has just a small raise over the remaining two years of his contract should be a non-starter for Jackson. Increasing Mahomes’ 2026 compensation wasn’t practical considering the Chiefs currently have a little more than $4.5 million in 2026 cap space, according to NFLPA data under offseason accounting rules where only the top 51 salaries matter. The Ravens are in a much better position for Jackson to get a raise in 2026 with just over $17.5 million in cap space. Jackson’s new signing bonus wouldn’t come close to the $72.5 million he received in 2023, which was an NFL record, given Baltimore’s salary cap situation, unless the Ravens would be willing to restructure existing contracts for additional 2026 cap space. The smaller the signing bonus, the more of a necessity for Jackson to beat the NFL-record $250 million of overall guarantees Josh Allen received from the Buffalo Bills in March 2025 when he signed a six-year, $330 million contract, averaging $55 million per year. The Ravens created a roadmap for Jackson’s yearly cash flow last year with the four-year extension Kyle Hamilton signed with two years left on his rookie contract that dramatically reset the safety market. Hamilton’s deal is player-friendly. He has 43.33%, 60.26% and 79.08% of his new money, respectively, in his first new contract year (2027), his second new contract year (2028) and his third new contract year (2029). In a neutral deal which isn’t front-loaded or back-loaded, there would be 25%, 50% and 75% of the new money, respectively, after these junctures. Presumably, the cash in Jackson’s first two years (2026 and 2027) would be fully guaranteed under the Hamilton model. This should be more than Mahomes’ $150 million. The overall guarantees would be the money in the first four contract years (2026 through 2029). This could be upwards to $267.5 million. Having $163.5 million of new money through Jackson’s first two new contract years running through 2029 would be 60.55% of the new money in a $67.5 million per year extension where there’s $270 million in total new money. Jackson’s best deal will likely come from being patient by playing 2026 under his existing contract. Just imagine the type of negotiating leverage Jackson would have in 2027 by having a bounce-back 2026 season. The Ravens would be fortunate to sign Jackson for less than $70 million per year. The quarterback market could dramatically escalate in 2027, as 2024 draft picks, Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and Caleb Williams will be eligible for contract extensions. At least one of the three should reset the quarterback market. Jackson could let the market further develop with these quarterbacks before doing a new deal. By Jackson returning to some semblance of his previous form in 2026, he would practically be able to name his own price in a 2027 contract extension since the Ravens would be powerless to prevent him from leaving in 2028 free agency if his contract expired. |
| AFC SOUTH |
| HOUSTONOC Nick Carey says Texans fans shouldn’t worry about QB C.J. STROUD in 2026. Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com: Texans quarterback C.J. Stroud had a solid regular season last year, but he melted down in the playoffs, with four interceptions in Houston’s divisional round loss at New England. Texans offensive coordinator Nick Caley says Stroud shouldn’t be judged on that one game. “There was a lot of progress that C.J. and the offense made last year,” Caley told the Houston Chronicle. “We continued to get better from the start of the season to the end of the regular season and just continued to make progress from week to week. So we’re going to continue to build on that. It’s a new year. C.J. has done a great job out here. Looks good. Locked in.” Caley, who was in his first year as an offensive coordinator last season, says he has grown along with Stroud. “All these reps are invaluable not just for the players but for the coaches too,” he said. “Starting with me. I’ve had a good spring, continuing to get better, continuing to stay hungry and keep rolling and growing through training camp. For me, it’s no different than what we tell the players — it’s just continuing to work at it and being honest with yourself along the way.” Stroud has led the Texans to the divisional round of the playoffs in all three of his seasons as their starter, but they’d like to take the next step. Caley thinks he’s ready to do that. |
| AFC EAST |
| BUFFALOTim Graham of The Athletic takes a deep look at S C.J. GARDNER-JOHNSON who made the Bills his seventh team in three years in March: You know that GIF of Tom Brady, seething so deeply on the Tampa Bay Buccaneers bench that he smashes his tablet to bits? C.J. Gardner-Johnson made him do that. His trash-talking antics and ball-hawking prowess have caused those around him to react abruptly. His belligerence prompted two opposing receivers — plus New Orleans Saints teammate Michael Thomas at practice — to throw punches at him. Every boss Gardner-Johnson played for has either traded him, declined to re-sign him or released him. When the versatile defensive back signed a one-year, $3.5 million contract with the Buffalo Bills in March, it made his seventh roster in three and a half years and fourth in the last 15 months despite being among the NFL’s most dangerous takeaway artists. A ruthless trash talker, skeleton-rattling tackler and serial confrontationist, Gardner-Johnson — or maybe more accurately his volcanic alter-ego, Ceedy Duce — wears people out. He has been accused of being self-absorbed, too much of a locker-room lawyer, unwilling to hold himself accountable. His welcome eroded in New Orleans after he was excused from training camp practices amid a contract squabble. His second turn with the Philadelphia Eagles included public friction with star cornerback and captain Darius Slay. Gardner-Johnson has been named the NFL’s most annoying player and its biggest trash talker in The Athletic’s anonymous annual player polls. He also has been fined 13 times for $194,924 over his seven NFL seasons. Beyond his rookie contract, he hasn’t been anywhere longer than a season. Last year alone, the Houston Texans dumped him after three games, and the Baltimore Ravens cut him from their practice squad after a week before he finally stuck with the Chicago Bears. “This is a scary statement for me: I make plays and still don’t know my future,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Guys who make plays have guaranteed futures. You’ve got guys running people over in their cars, DUIs, killing people, hitting females. “I make plays, but they say, ‘We’re only going to keep you for three months out the year.’” Gardner-Johnson, however, has won almost everywhere he has been. With five different defensive coordinators, countless schemes and all the various ways he has been used, Gardner-Johnson’s teams never have posted a losing record; they’ve missed the playoffs only once. He helped the Eagles reach the Super Bowl in the 2022 season, was not re-signed, then was brought back two years later for their Lombardi Trophy run. For a recent interview with The Athletic in the Bills’ field house, Gardner-Johnson didn’t want to sit. He wanted to walk while he talked. For the next half-hour, he paced along the practice field, frequently stopping when he wanted to emphasize his point. “One of the narratives is I’m a cancer in the locker room,” Gardner-Johnson said. “That just came out when? After Houston? Where was that after the Super Bowl loss? Where was that after the Super Bowl win? When we do our homework and really think about it, where have I been a cancer? “My grandma always told me, ‘You need to be patient to be cocky.’ That’s just what it is. I’ve been patient enough to be blessed, patient enough to win a Super Bowl. That’s my ultimate goal. “I’ve been slapped in the face by the business so many times to the point where it’s, like … I don’t look at other guys no more. I look at myself and how I can affect things, just go in the building, make plays.” The disconnect has followed Gardner-Johnson throughout his career. He is a Super Bowl champion, one of the game’s most passionate players and a proven difference-maker. Yet every stop has been relatively short, often ending in a complicated breakup. Can that change in Buffalo? Gardner-Johnson is his own best hype man. He brags in part because he doesn’t think he has gotten the praise he deserves. In the process, he occasionally exaggerates his accomplishments. He repeatedly claimed he has led the NFL in interceptions twice; he tied for the 2022 title and tied for third in 2024 with six interceptions each season. He’ll also widen his resume to include almost-achievements. He claimed he should have three Super Bowl rings, citing Jared Cook’s fumble against the Buccaneers in the playoffs following the 2020 season and the atrocious field conditions when the Kansas City Chiefs edged the Eagles in State Farm Stadium. “You can’t name no other safety in the NFL that has done what I’ve done,” Gardner-Johnson said. “Go look at the body of work.” Gardner-Johnson has gone by many names. He was Chauncey Gardner at the University of Florida, added Johnson in honor of his stepfather and became known as C.J. as a Saints rookie. His rapper persona goes by SOG Ceedy. Gardner-Johnson is vague when explaining another nickname — Ceedy Duce, the alter ego he says emerges only for games. “I just don’t want anybody to talk to me as Ceedy Duce,” Gardner-Johnson said. “When I’m on the field, that’s when it’ll come out. Somebody would have to bring it out of me. You gotta get me pissed. “People in the NFL always be, like, ‘Oh, why you got so many names?’ Well, I went through a lot of s—. So I had to separate who I was to where I feel like Ceedy is a person that nobody ever wants to see. If you ever meet him, you might be in trouble. That’s why I keep away from it.” As he continued to pace and talk in the Bills’ practice facility, he carried his helmet by the facemask with white Nike cleats stuffed inside. He writes reminders on them. Near the swooshes are “TRUST HIM,” “ALL ACTION,” “NO WORDS” and “NO REGRETS.” On each heel is “EOM.” “Eyes on me,” he explained. “For my kids. My kids are watching me, so I’ve got to be the best me. I’ve got to be the best dad, the best student, the best whatever it may be. Whether they can see me or can’t see me, those eyes are always on me.” Asked for his kids’ names, he grabbed a notepad and jotted them down along with their ages: 15, 12, 7, 3, 3, 2 and 1. Gardner-Johnson is 28. The math is impossible to ignore. How did he handle it? That’s one part of his life he doesn’t choose to talk about. “Don’t worry about that,” he replied. “I told you I had to go through some s—. I was young, 13, 14 years old, really going through a lot. But that don’t bother me.” In July 2025, after the Eagles traded him and before he and the Texans got crossways, Gardner-Johnson appeared on “The Pivot Podcast” with co-hosts and former NFL players Fred Taylor, Ryan Clark and Channing Crowder to discuss all the controversy that follows him. That interview began with Gardner-Johnson addressing and denying an ex-girlfriend’s claim that he put out a hit on New York Giants receiver Malik Nabers. The third topic detailed the vulgar hoodie Gardner-Johnson wore in the Eagles’ championship parade to troll Taylor Swift’s fans. The hourlong podcast was another reminder of the outrageousness that ensues wherever he goes — and why he doesn’t stay in one place long. “I did ‘The Pivot’ interview, and people said, ‘Oh, he’s crazy! We told you that’s why Philly got rid of him.’ That’s my life,” Gardner-Johnson told The Athletic. “That’s why I say ‘F— my critics.’ “I love the media, but I truly don’t know what’s going to happen next. They put something out and people go, ‘Well, you said this!’ I did. I apologize. If I’m going to jail for it, let me know. Past couple years, I just try to stay out of the way.” But he doesn’t always succeed in keeping thoughts to himself — in the moment, or when looking back. Gardner-Johnson seemed to take glee in what he considers a dismantling of Philadelphia’s championship squad. The Eagles on June 1 traded star receiver A.J. Brown to the New England Patriots. Gardner-Johnson also chided them for losing free-agent safety Reed Blankenship to the Texans as a roundabout replacement for himself. “Saquon (Barkley), I hope you’re happy!” Gardner-Johnson said. “You see that band’s getting broken up.” When the Texans dumped Gardner-Johnson after Week 3, ESPN reported he had struggled to learn DeMeco Ryans’ defensive scheme, was at fault for several costly coverage breakdowns and “refused to take responsibility for his mistakes, rubbing his teammates the wrong way.” Houston’s KPRC Channel 2 reported Gardner-Johnson exhausted the team by complaining about his role, requesting a trade and criticizing teammates, notably the size of one player’s contract. “That’s a lie,” Gardner-Johnson said. “I never said s— about nobody’s contract. I’m on a $33 million deal. Why the f— would I talk about somebody’s contract?” Gardner-Johnson said his experience with the Texans began to go south at training camp in West Virginia, where he said he got into a confrontation with “the GM’s friend.” “If y’all going to cut me, cut me,” Gardner-Johnson said. “But I’ll give nobody reasons to cut me. I haven’t. I don’t. I’m not a cancer. There’s nobody in this locker room that says, ‘Chauncey’s a problem.’ The media loves me. The only thing that’ll do it is something that triggers somebody that has a say in the building that can alter somebody else’s mind. That happens every time. “That’s how I got (cut) in Houston. One person that’s not technically a part of the organization called me a B-word at Greenbrier. I get out my body; he says something to the GM, and the next thing I’m cut.” The Texans declined to comment. The Ravens signed Gardner-Johnson on Oct. 7, the same day they traded outside linebacker Odafe Oweh and a seventh-round draft choice for Los Angeles Chargers safety Alohi Gilman and a fifth-round pick. Gilman played at Notre Dame alongside Ravens All-Pro safety Kyle Hamilton and was named the starter. “How does that sound?” Gardner-Johnson said, stretching his arms out wide with his palms up. “They sign you in the middle of the night with the plan for you to play that week, then literally 14 hours later they trade for a safety and tell you, ‘Oh, we’re going to start him and keep you on the practice squad.’ I’m a Super Bowl champion!” He signed with Chicago two weeks later, a move that reunited him with his old Saints defensive coordinator, Dennis Allen. In 11 games, including in the playoffs, Gardner-Johnson recorded two interceptions, a forced fumble and a career-high three sacks. But he knew he wouldn’t be back. “I’m a firecracker, but let’s take the body of work: never legally been in trouble; never physically harmed a person,” Gardner-Johnson said. “But I haven’t been a captain ever in my life. They say, ‘You gotta lead the right way.’ My definition of leading is winning. “There’s a lot of captains in this league — and I want this to come out — that’s just for jersey sales. I can show you three, four captains right now that I wouldn’t get behind. Why would I get behind anybody that doesn’t believe in himself? I’ve played for plenty of false captains, but I gotta fake it, like, ‘That’s my leader!’ “I’ll lead by my actions on the field. That ‘C’ don’t make me. Because when somebody comes up to me on the sideline and says, “We need a play from you,” that lets me know everything I need to know.” Gardner-Johnson is proud of his community service. Two days after making his Bears debut last season, Gardner-Johnson began making appearances around the Chicagoland area with his freshly created Ceedy Cares Foundation. The nonprofit’s stated mission is “to uplift and empower the next generation, building better futures for kids both on and off the field” through mentorship and community outreach. “When I win Walter Payton Man of the Year, I’m going to thank everybody who doubted me,” Gardner-Johnson said. “That’s everybody until now. People already thinking I’m going to get cut from Buffalo.” The Bills signed him to start at safety alongside Cole Bishop, but they are aware of Gardner-Johnson’s reputation. They also brought back former starter Damar Hamlin and added Geno Stone, a Cincinnati Bengals starter the past three seasons. Buffalo has been unstable at safety since Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer anchored the defensive backfield. Each was brought back to help settle a position that endured Bishop’s early learning curve, Hamlin’s return from cardiac arrest and disappointing production from Taylor Rapp. Bills football boss Brandon Beane heavily vetted Gardner-Johnson before signing him and received two crucial endorsements. Defensive quality control coach Craig Robertson played linebacker for New Orleans when Gardner-Johnson was there. New receiver D.J. Moore played with Gardner-Johnson last year in Chicago. “We talked about just making sure, ‘You’ve got to be a good teammate,’” Beane said. “We don’t want any cheap shots in practice or anything like that. You want to keep it in between those lines, but you do want his edge.” The Bills needn’t worry whether Gardner-Johnson will deliver in that regard. Bills defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard has spoken about how loud, energetic and involved Gardner-Johnson has been despite being a newcomer. “He loves football, right?” Leonhard said. “The day-to-day, the workouts, the meetings, he’s a guy who loves being in the building. “He’s trying to be a leader, man. He really wants to be that. So it’s exciting, being able to work with guys that really want to be in front of the room and talk and hold people accountable.” Gardner-Johnson is wearing No. 22 with Buffalo because it was what he wore in New Orleans while fighting to establish himself. “I feel like a kid again,” Gardner-Johnson said. “I feel like me again, feel like the kid who got drafted and had to prove himself again.” Gardner-Johnson was asked if he’d ever felt truly appreciated. He paused for a few seconds and said Buffalo is the only place — so far. He expressed gratitude that Moore and Robertson vouched for him and said it felt good to hear how badly secondary coach Joe Danna and free-agent edge rusher Bradley Chubb wanted him. Gardner-Johnson made a long-term prediction with a caveat underscored by his short-term existence. “It’s humbling. I’ve got to be humble,” Gardner-Johnson said. “I’ve got to be grateful because you don’t know, but s— can change! You’ve got to look at how they did the offseason here. Everybody got a nice little deal except me. That’s not a shot at the organization. That’s more so offering me a chance to get what them guys got. “I’m going to win the next two out of three Super Bowls. How? Look where they placed me at. Look who’s my quarterback. If I got a f—— fighting chance, it’s over with.” |
| THIS AND THAT |
| RUSSINI Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com notes how when Dianna Russini learned of the incriminating photos, she didn’t immediately tell a boss – and when she did she went straight to the big boss. There’s a lot of stuff in the New York Times article about Dianna Russini. We’ve addressed several items and angles that appear in the very lengthy story. Every time I skim through it again, I notice something else that merits a mention. Here’s one that relates to the manner in which Russini responded to the news that the New York Post had acquired photos of her and Patriots coach Mike Vrabel at a Sedona, Arizona resort. Despite coordinating with Vrabel (which the Times article confirms), Russini waited two days to alert her bosses. The first call, however, was made not to her immediate supervisor, but directly to Meredith Kopit Levien, the CEO of the Times Company. “You’ve got to call Steven and David,” Levien said, a Times Company spokeswoman told the Times. Levien was referring to Steven Ginsberg, executive editor of The Athletic, and David Perpich, publisher of The Athletic and vice chairman of the Times Company. “The chief executive ‘had no other involvement after that,’ said the spokeswoman, who declined to make Ms. Levien, Mr. Perpich or Mr. Ginsberg available for interviews. . . . When The Athletic executives learned about The [New York] Post’s intention to publish the photos, the deadline for a response was just a few hours away. The executives were unaware that The Post had first contacted [Russini] two days earlier.” Ginsberg, who was on vacation at the time, went into “deadline mode.” From the Times article, “A person involved said it felt difficult to imagine that there could be any truth to what the photographs seemed to be insinuating: that The Athletic’s star [NFL] reporter was entangled in a personal relationship with one of the most prominent people on her beat.” The article explains that Ginsberg saw “at least one of the photos” that the Post would be publishing before responding to the situation; there’s no explanation given as to why he didn’t see all of them. Ultimately, he provided the Post with a statement supporting Russini, based on incomplete information. “These photos are misleading and lack essential context,” Ginsberg said in his statement to the Post. “These were public interactions in front of many people. Dianna is a premier journalist covering the NFL and we’re proud to have her at The Athletic.” Once the Post published all of the photos, The Athletic changed its tune — at least internally. “More photos were included in the story than Steven was originally shown or was made aware of,” the Times spokeswoman told the Times reporters. “The photos that ultimately ran raised new questions about Dianna’s conduct.” Implied but not expressly stated in the Times article is that Ginsberg saw only the photo(s) that Russini had shared with him. Once Ginsberg saw the full array of photos published by the Post, things changed. Which means that, if Ginsberg had seen all of the photos before issuing his initial statement, his initial statement may have been very different from what it was. The entire chain of facts, as spelled out in the Times article, is a bad look for both Russini and The Athletic. She waited too long to sound the internal alarm. When she did, she went over the head of her first-line boss. Then, she possibly failed to give her boss all of the photos. For Ginsberg’s part, he took her strong denial at face value. And he did nothing to ensure that he saw all of the photos before vouching for Russini. Then, once Ginsberg saw all of the photos that the Post published, neither Ginsberg nor The Athletic said anything to correct the impression his statement created. Even though, based on the Times article, seeing all of the photos significantly changed the assessment of Russini’s conduct. As it relates to the internal investigation that The Athletic continues to conduct regarding Russini’s reporting, Ginsberg becomes an even more central figure. Did he have any reason to suspect potential breaches of the very high editorial standards that apply to the Times and The Athletic? Did he act on those suspicions, or was he content in the knowledge that Russini’s methods were yielding results? That’s the heart of the tension between the Times and The Athletic. For the Times, how the information is obtained becomes as important (if not more important) than the information itself. For The Athletic — especially as it relates to the NFL insider role — does the method take a back seat to the product? |
| DeANDRE HOPKINSOnce one of the best, WR DeANDRE HOPKINS sends out an ad saying he is ready and motivated. Brad Crawford of CBSSports.com: Free agent wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins believes he still has much to offer a franchise in need of help ahead of the NFL’s 2026 season, but he’s taking his time with figuring out potential suitors. At his best, Hopkins was world-class at his position after eclipsing 1,300 yards receiving and at least 11 touchdowns in three of his first six seasons with the Houston Texans. Stops with four different teams since, including last year’s reserve role in Baltimore, leaves his level of desirability considerably lower than it once was, however. Heading into his 14th NFL season, Hopkins wants teams to know he’s still anxious to perform and recognizes his role. “I still got a lot ball left,” Hopkins said this week. “But it’s not a situation I’m sitting here trying to force or go out and be the regular-season superstar because that’s for the young guys, man. That’s for the people that they want to develop and give those contracts for the future. “I know in my position, I’m a utility guy. I’m a special situation kind of guy. I can go out there and beat anybody one on one at any time, but as of lately, I’ve been a third-down guy. I wasn’t used in the red zone last year. But (on) third down, they’re gonna put D-Hop in, they’re gonna come to me. I don’t think that’ll change anytime soon.” Hopkins understands at this point in his career, he’s likely a one-year rental for a team needing another passing target. “I would love to play for a competitor if that time came,” Hopkins said, “but I’m not in no rush to go out and be a regular-season superstar because for me, I’m not getting a contract extension.” Even at 34, Hopkins still has something plenty of NFL contenders covet entering the 2026 season: reliability. He’s no longer the explosive, game-breaking receiver who routinely torched secondaries during his All-Pro prime, but he remains one of the league’s smartest route runners with an understanding of leverage that few wideouts possess. For a playoff-caliber team needing another veteran weapon, Hopkins makes perfect sense. He’s capable of moving the chains on third down and serving as a dependable security blanket for a young quarterback or an experienced passer chasing a championship. Defenses still have to account for him because of his physicality at the catch point and ability to create separation with technique rather than pure speed. The numbers may never resemble the peak seasons that made him one of the NFL’s premier receivers, but Hopkins has plenty of productive football left. In the right offense, where he’s asked to complement rather than carry a passing attack, he can still deliver 50-plus catches, several touchdown grabs and the kind of veteran leadership every contender values once the calendar turns to January. Potential teams of interest The Cincinnati Bengals, Minnesota Vikings and Kansas City Chiefs are three potential fits for Hopkins, all of which have been discussed by the former first-round pick at some point this offseason. Joe Burrow is one quarterback Hopkins said he would enjoy playing with during an interview with Sports Illustrated. In Minnesota, Hopkins would reunite with former Arizona Cardinals teammate Kyler Murray. The pair played three seasons together from 2020-22, hooking up 17 times for touchdowns over that stretch. “Kyler, that’s my bro, man. Kyler’s like family,” Hopkins said in March. “I talked to Kyler throughout the year last year. I talked to Kyler after his situation in Arizona. Kyler’s like family, man. I would always embrace that journey with him. He’s on a one-year deal, if I’m not mistaken. Whatever I can do for someone like that — if Kyler needed me, if the Vikings need me, they know I’ll be there. Justin Jefferson, the Vikings got one of the best receivers in the game.” Hopkins played 10 games for the Chiefs during the 2024 season, finishing with 41 catches for 437 yards and four touchdowns after he was traded by the Tennessee Titans. A return to Kansas City would mean Hopkins could settle into a complementary role as a dependable possession receiver behind Rashee Rice, Xavier Worthy and others. For a franchise with annual Super Bowl aspirations expecting Patrick Mahomes back for camp, welcoming back a proven playmaker like Hopkins on a team-friendly deal feels like a low-risk move. |
