Mike Florio has a plan for the NFL to rise from the ashes of the staggering Sunday Ticket judgment.

It doesn’t take a crystal ball to know that the NFL wants to expand the regular season to 18 games. It also doesn’t require psychic powers to know that the league needs to be ready to potentially write a check for $14.088 billion (plus prejudgment interest, post-judgment interest, and attorneys’ fees) after all appeals are exhausted.

Put the two together, and the league could build a worst-case war chest between now and whenever the Supreme Court either declines to take the case or finds against the NFL. (If the Supreme Court does indeed take the case, it likely will find for the league — especially if Clarence Thomas can be counted on to earn his free Super Bowl ring.)

It will take roughly three years to get there, maybe four. In the interim, why not accelerate the inevitable?

Nothing prevents the NFL and the NFL Players Association from agreeing to new terms, whenever they want. The CBA is a living, breathing document that doesn’t have to expire before it is replaced. (From 1993 through 2011, it was always extended a year or more before its term ended.)

Although the players won’t have to pay any of the $14.088 billion, changes to Sunday Ticket could impact revenue, either by reducing the value of the package or impacting the payments received from the Sunday afternoon broadcast deals.

One way to ensure that the rising tide lifts all boats is by adding games and windows. One extra game and one extra bye becomes 20 weekends of regular-season football. As previously explained, the NFL would have to be willing to re-take Labor Day weekend in order to have the Super Bowl land on Presidents’ Day weekend.

Which would be fine, because it would lead to more. Thursday night, Friday night, Saturday night, Sunday night, Monday night to start the season. Max out the money, in order to make up the $14.088 billion.

With 18 games and a new five-night season-kickoff extravaganza, the NFL could go to the networks and re-do the TV deals, too.

Then, if the NFL eventually wins the Sunday Ticket case in the Supreme Court, all that new money would be gravy.

Pigs get fat, hogs get slaughtered? If the NFL makes the right moves while the Sunday Ticket case moves forward, the hogs will keep doing the slaughtering.

NFC EAST

DALLAS

The word from the camp of WR CEEDEE LAMB is no contract, no training camp.  Josh Alper of ProFootballTalk.com:

The calendar has flipped to July, but nothing has changed on the contract front for Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb.

Lamb is looking for an extension and the failure to land one kept him from taking part in the team’s offseason program this spring. It also earned him more than $100,000 in fines for skipping the team’s mandatory minicamp and there may be more fines coming later this month.

Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News reports that Lamb is not expected to report to training camp in Oxnard, California if he has not come to an agreement with the team on a new pact. The Cowboys hold their first training camp practice on July 25.

Other wideouts have landed deals around the league this offseason and those have provided some shape to the top of the market at the position, but it remains to be seen if it will help Lamb and the Cowboys finally settle on a number that works for both sides.

NFC WEST

SAN FRANCISCO

Albert Breer of SI.com thinks the 49ers could be in play for S JUSTIN SIMMONS:

I love the idea of Justin Simmons in either the Vic Fangio–style of defense he’s played in for the Broncos since 2019, or in a Seattle Seahawks–type of defense. That’s why I’d really love to see him as the center fielder in the Niners’ defense—which has historically played the Seattle three scheme, and also just brought aboard Brandon Staley (whom Simmons knows well) from the Fangio tree. Houston would be another fun fit for Simmons, for some of the same reasons.

AFC WEST

KANSAS CITY

Fresh from his singing debut in England, TE TRAVIS KELCE says there is only one team he would rather play for than the Chiefs.  Ed Easton Jr. of USA TODAY:

The broad appeal of the NFL internationally has helped build it into the powerhouse league it is today. The Kansas City Chiefs and their larger-than-life stars, including Travis Kelce, have reached fans in many countries, especially London, England.

The latest episode of New Heights with Jason and Travis Kelce (Presented by Wave Sports + Entertainment) discussed Travis’ prospects of playing for a London-based NFL team.

“I’m waiting for that team (London) to play for another team other than the Chiefs,” said Kelce. “That’s the only situation is if I get to play abroad.”

The brothers recorded the latest episode from the Passyunk Avenue Bar in London, England. They were recapping their recent trip to London, including attending Taylor Swift’s ‘The Eras Tour’ and meeting the Royal family. Travis believes an NFL franchise could potentially be awarded to London.

“Less than ten years,” said Travis, “I don’t know for a fact it’s London.” Kelce has experience playing football in the UK. In 2015, the Chiefs defeated the Detroit Lions 45-10 at Wembley Stadium. He finished with six catches for 49 yards and a touchdown.

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH

Rookie T TROY FAUTANU has made a seamless move to right tackle is the report from Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

In each of the last two NFL drafts, the Steelers have used their first-round pick on a player who played left tackle in college. In 2023, that was Broderick Jones, who is now the Steelers’ starting left tackle. In 2024, it was Troy Fautanu, who will move to right tackle in Pittsburgh.

The move to the other side can be difficult for a lineman, but Steelers offensive line coach Pat Meyer says Fautanu has made fast progress in figuring out how to play on the right side.

“Troy’s learned a lot of the different techniques very quickly,” Meyer said, via ESPN. “The first couple days his timing was off because the speed of the game is different — now we don’t have any pads on yet, so nothing’s going to be determined until we get into camp — but his timing’s much better in terms of his get-off and run game and his sets and throwing his hands and being aggressive with his hands and whatnot. He’s improved tremendously from rookie minicamp to now.”

The Steelers are optimistic that they’ve found their two starting offensive tackles for many years to come.

AFC SOUTH

TENNESSEE

QB WILL LEVIS has been working hard to improve his passing.  Turran Davenport ofESPN.com:

Something just wasn’t right for Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis.

So he finally relayed the thought to his new coach, Brian Callahan, during OTAs last month.

When Levis executed a play-action pass, he realized he was moving his feet too much and wanted to be “more stationary.” The pair made it a point to discuss it after practice.

Levis, obsessed with being in tune with his mechanics, is always searching for a correlation to the results, whether they are positive or negative.

“I’m not sure I’ve ever been around a guy who’s so in touch with all of his mechanical things,” offensive coordinator Nick Holz said.

As Levis looked back on his rookie journey where he took over as the starter seven games into the season, he recalled how he didn’t like the way throwing the ball felt at times.

“Quarterbacks are weirdos,” Levis said at the start of minicamp. “We’re always tweaking something, feeling like something might be off. The ball wasn’t coming out the way that I would’ve liked it to, and I just started looking at what could potentially be the cause of it.”

THE DECISION TO make the tweaks became a joint project for Levis, Callahan, Holz and quarterbacks coach Bo Hardegree. Levis’ personal position coach, Rob Williams of QB Motion, will join that mix as well this summer.

After studying Levis’ game film, they found some specific areas to work on and focused on the changes throughout the spring and into the summer.

What are they looking to tweak?

“One of the big things we’ve emphasized with Will is his base, how important that is to playing quarterback,” Callahan said at the start of mandatory minicamp earlier this month. “Being able to play on time, being able to get the ball out quickly.”

Callahan said Levis has always had a natural quick release. But they’re dialing in on consistently playing with a great base. Two areas of focus include more discipline in his footwork leading into the base of the top of the drop and being able to take a shorter first step before the ball comes out. Tightening the footwork and combining that with Levis’ already quick release will help him be more on time within the system Callahan is implementing.

Callahan’s scheme is comprised of various offenses he’s been involved with that featured an impressive list of quarterbacks. Levis watches cutups of Hall of Famer Peyton Manning, Matthew Stafford and Joe Burrow — all of which have worked with Callahan over the years — to get a visual idea of how playing with a great base can help him play within the timing of the offense.

On the field, Hardigree spent the most time with Levis during OTAs and minicamp. He’s been the driving force behind nailing down the targeted adjustments. Hardigree puts the quarterbacks through a drill in which he throws small bags at their feet for them to avoid while throwing to a designated pass-catcher.

“It’s really for him to just tie in his lower body with the timing of the play and kind of learning what drops, what movements are required,” Hardigree said. “Certain routes take a certain concept, so we’re practicing it.”

AFC EAST

NEW YORK JETS

RB BREECE HALL is eager to prove he’s elite this year.  Rich Cimini of ESPN.com:

Breece Hall was in a race against the calendar last summer, rehabbing his surgically repaired knee with the goal of playing in the New York Jets’ season opener.

Once again, Hall has attached added significance to Week 1. This time, instead of just being on the field, he wants to own it.

The Jets face the San Francisco 49ers on Sept. 9, and Hall sees it as an opportunity to measure himself against Christian McCaffrey, whom he considers the best running back in the NFL. No longer concerned about his left knee — by then, he will be nearly two years removed from his ACL tear — Hall believes he’s ready to ascend to an elite level.

“McCaffrey’s the best in the league and, to me, he sets the standard,” Hall said at last month’s minicamp. “We’re going to see him Week 1, and we’re playing against some of the best linebackers, so for me it’s exciting just to see where I stand and really let everybody see my full talent now that I’m healthy.”

Hall also is looking forward to competing against his old college roommate from Iowa State, 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy. (More on that later). For now, the real story is Hall and how, after a strong finish to 2023, he appears on the verge of leaping into McCaffrey territory.

He doesn’t mind admitting that McCaffrey is a player he has studied closely.

“If you go on my YouTube and you look at Christian McCaffrey and my history, you’ll see I watched like 10 videos of his highlights and everything,” Hall said.

Their styles are similar in that they pride themselves on being two-dimensional backs, pass receivers as well as runners. Hall finished with 591 receiving yards last season, tops among running backs and 27 yards more than McCaffrey. As rushers, McCaffrey held a sizeable advantage, a league-leading 1,459 yards to Hall’s 994.

Hall suffered a mid-season slump due, in part, to an ever-changing offensive line. In retrospect, he acknowledged that his knee was a factor, too. It was his first serious injury, prompting him to admit, “I don’t think I had a super-high pain tolerance.” In November, he got called out by coach Robert Saleh for running tentatively.

But say this for Hall: He didn’t miss a game and pushed through the slump, closing the season with 507 yards from scrimmage in the final three games. He did that with Trevor Siemian at quarterback — their fourth stringer — and with defenses overplaying the run.

“I don’t think people realize or appreciate the road it takes to recover from an ACL,” Saleh said. “Breece really wasn’t full Breece until right around the midpoint [of the] season, and he was still producing.”

Hall rushed for 177 yards and a touchdown in a Week 5 win at Denver, the scene of his devastating knee injury in October 2022, but he was relatively quiet until his late-season surge. Athletes often say it takes more than a full year before they feel like themselves again after a major knee injury.

In Hall’s case, his entire 2023 offseason was focused on rehabbing, which can detract from other areas of conditioning. This year, he was able to get back into a regular offseason routine, adding strength to his left knee and left quadriceps. His did miss some OTA practices and the minicamp with an undisclosed “lower half” injury, but it was out of precaution, according to Hall.

“I feel like I’m back to my old self,” Hall said.

With Aaron Rodgers returning from Achilles surgery, Hall could be the focal point of the offense early in the season, giving the 40-year-old quarterback some time get his sea legs, so to speak. Hall, still only 23, is good enough to be the focal point for the entire season, but you’d be naive to think Rodgers — a four-time MVP — will defer all the time.

They’d be wise to keep Hall heavily involved, considering his big-play potential — a career average of 4.8 yards per rush.

“He ran much faster at the [scouting] combine than I thought he would on film because he’s always making lateral cuts,” said new running backs coach Tony Dews, who is coaching him for the first time. “But when you see him take off on a straight line, he can separate. And then he’s got impressive ball skills. He does a great job of catching the football in all three zones — short, the screen game and intermediate.”

For the record, Hall ran his 40-yard dash at the 2022 combine in a blistering 4.39 seconds. That speed enabled him to rush for nearly 4,000 yards and 50 touchdowns at Iowa State. His quarterback from 2019 to 2021 was Purdy, also his roommate.

No, he doesn’t expect to talk with Purdy before Sept. 9.

“Me and him are like overly competitive with each other,” Hall said. “Even in college, when we played Madden and stuff, whoever won, we wouldn’t talk to each other for the rest of the day. So that’s how it’s going to be until after the game.”

A game Hall has circled on his calendar. Same as last year, but for different reasons.

THIS AND THAT

CRYSTAL BALL

Various CBSSports.com writers offer the teams they think will surprise and disappoint.

With training camp around the corner and the 2024 season under three months away, we asked a panel of our CBS Sports NFL writers: Shanna McCarriston, Cody Benjamin, Tyler Sullivan, Garrett Podell, Bryan DeArdo and Jordan Dajani to give their predictions for which teams will surprise people with how well they perform and which will surprise people with how they struggle.

Teams that will exceed expectations

McCarriston — Chargers: Maybe I haven’t learned my lesson from the past, but I am once again counting on the Chargers to do something with their talented, well-paid quarterback. They finally have a competent head coach in Jim Harbaugh and while he may not have made as many big splashes as expected this offseason, I can see him leading the Chargers to a winning record and dare I say, possibly a playoff bid.

They fired Brandon Staley late in the 2023 season and replaced him with a proven winner. The Chargers have had high expectations in the past and failed to meet them, but I believe this will be the year they are a team that gives their opponents a bigger challenge and certainly will rack up more wins than last year.

Their offensive losses will take some time to adjust to, but saving money to lose aging players can help them in the end. Keeping defensive end Joey Bosa and linebacker Khalil Mack in L.A. at a cheaper price was huge for a team that needs that veteran presence and experience on defense.

They won’t win the division, since the AFC West includes the defending champion Chiefs, but they have the easiest strength of schedule in the AFC, which will help them heaps.

Last year’s record: 5-12

Offseason losses: RB Austin Ekeler, LB Kenneth Murray, WR Keenan Allen, WR Mike Williams

Offseason acquisitions: Head coach Jim Harbaugh, T Joe Alt, RB J.K. Dobbins, CB Kristian Fulton, RB Gus Edwards

Over/Under win total: 9.0

Benjamin — Vikings: The Minnesota Vikings may not have a clear-cut quarterback for the 2024 season, or at least a confirmed plan for both Sam Darnold and J.J. McCarthy, but the talent level around them under Kevin O’Connell is top-notch. Throw in Brian Flores’ defense, which has a potentially deeper pass rush, and this club could muddy up an NFC North race between the Detroit Lions and Green Bay Packers.

Last year’s record: 7-10

Offseason losses: QB Kirk Cousins, DE Danielle Hunter

Offseason acquisitions: QB J.J. McCarthy, RB Aaron Jones

Over/under win total: 7.0

Sullivan — Jets: I think people are sleeping on New York. Yes, Aaron Rodgers is maddening at times, but he’s a four-time MVP. Even if he is 80% of his former self coming off of his torn Achilles last season, that’s still the best quarterback play the Jets have had in decades. Pair that with a stellar defense, a refurbished offensive line, and superstar weapons like Garrett Wilson and Breece Hall, you have the makings of a very dangerous team. They also have the fourth-easiest schedule in the league based on their opponents’ projected win total, which makes them an outside threat for the No. 1 seed.

Last year’s record: 7-10

Offseason losses: RB Dalvin Cook

Offseason acquisitions: WR Mike Williams, DT Javon Kinlaw, OT Olu Fashanu

Over/under win total: 10.0

Podell — Packers: The Packers earned the distinction of being the youngest team to win a postseason game since the 1970 NFL/AFL merger (average age of 25 years and 214 days) following their 48-32 demolition of the NFC’s No. 2 seed, the Dallas Cowboys, in the wild card round. They led that game 27-0, and quarterback Jordan Love set the Packers’ single game playoff records for passer rating (157.2) and yards per pass attempt (13) after carving up Dallas’ top-five defense for 272 passing yards and three touchdowns while completing 16 of his 21 passes.

Green Bay nearly toppled the San Francisco 49ers, the No. 1 seed and eventual NFC champs, on the road in a 24-21 defeat —  a game in which they led for most of the night. Since, they have aggressively added to their roster with the signings of two-time Pro Bowl running back Josh Jacobs (four years, $48 million) and Pro Football Focus’ best safety in coverage (91.2 coverage grade) in Xavier McKinney (four years, $67 million). They also addressed key positions of need by firing Joe Barry and hiring a more aggressive, man coverage based defensive coordinator in Jeff Hafley on top of drafting well to plug spots at offensive line, linebacker and safety. The Packers came away with USC running back Marshawn Lloyd in the third round, a player some viewed as the draft’s top running back.

In summary, the Packers could take a big leap to true Super Bowl contention with the youngest team in football getting a year older and because general manager Brian Gutekunst did what he needed to do this offseason.

Last year’s record: 9-8

Offseason losses: RB Aaron Jones, OT David Bakhtiari

Offseason acquisitions: SAF Xavier McKinney, RB Josh Jacobs

Over/under win total: 9.5

DeArdo — Commanders: I personally love just about everything the Commanders did this offseason, especially the hiring of Dan Quinn as head coach, Kliff Kingsbury as offensive coordinator, the free agent signings of Austin Ekeler, Tyler Biadasz and Bobby Wagner (among others) and the selection of rookie QB Jayden Daniels with the No. 2 overall pick. Don’t sleep on D.C. in 2024.

Last year’s record: 4-13

Offseason losses: QB Jake Fromm, TE Logan Thomas

Offseason acquisitions: QB Jayden Daniels, head coach Dan Quinn, offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, RB Austin Ekeler, LB Bobby Wagner, TE Zach Ertz

Over/under win total: 6.5

Dajani — Titans: Some fans in Nashville have declared this offseason the most exciting offseason in Titans franchise history. Mike Vrabel was replaced by the offensive-minded Brian Callahan, who has a young, big-armed quarterback to develop in Will Levis. That development could be expedited by the moves Tennessee made in free agency, signing center Lloyd Cushenberry, running back Tony Pollard and creating what appears to be one of the best WR trios in the league with Calvin Ridley, DeAndre Hopkins and Tyler Boyd. Levis is going to have a shot to prove he’s the guy in an offense that should feature plenty of passing. What’s the Titans’ ceiling if he’s a legitimate QB?

Defensively, the Titans hired a new coordinator in Dennard Wilson, who has excited everyone with his approach to that side of the ball. Tennessee’s pass defense hasn’t finished in the top half of the league since 2018, but will have a chance now that it added cornerbacks Chidobe Awuzie and L’Jarius Sneed. Could the Titans surprise in 2024?

Last year’s record: 6-11

Offseason losses: RB Derrick Henry, head coach Mike Vrabel

Offseason acquisitions: Head coach Brian Callahan, WR Calvin Ridley, RB Tony Pollard

Over/under win total: 6.5

Teams that will underperform

McCarriston — Bills: Some may look at the Bills as a successful team because yes, at a glance, a team that gets to the playoffs and wins divisional titles is a successful team. For me, they are one of the most disappointing teams in the league, because their ceiling is so much higher than where they are reaching. Making one conference championship in the Josh Allen Era is the definition of underperforming and while it is a difficult road through the Chiefs, it has been a history of small mistakes and unpreparedness that resulted in those losses.

Do I think the Bills will be a playoff team next year? Absolutely, but I do not believe they will meet the high expectations that are set for them for as long as Allen is running the offense. With a salary cap to address, they lost a lot of key players and there will be an adjustment period as they look to replace holes left on all sides of the ball.

When you toss in playing a strong Miami Dolphins team and a potentially revitalized New York Jets team lead by Aaron Rodgers twice each, as well being tied for the sixth toughest schedule in the league, we could see some serious struggles from a team that has already shown some shakiness.

Last year’s record: 11-6

Offseason losses: WR Stefon Diggs, C Mitch Morse, S Jordan Poyer, WR Gabe Davis, CB Tre’Davious White

Offseason acquisitions: WR Keon Coleman

Over/under win total: 10.5

Benjamin — Colts: The Indianapolis Colts are a popular pick to take a leap forward after Anthony Richardson’s hot start to an abbreviated rookie season. Coach Shane Steichen certainly seems cut out for the job. But Richardson’s style of play lent itself to multiple injuries in a short period of time, and his team isn’t exactly loaded with proven play-makers on the perimeter, both offensively and defensively.

Last year’s record: 9-8

Offseason losses: QB Gardner Minshew, RB Zach Moss, WR Isaiah McKenzie

Offseason acquisitions: QB Joe Flacco, DL Raekwon Davis, DE Laiatu Latu, WR Adonai Mitchell

Over/Under win total: 8.5

Sullivan — Ravens: A year ago, I had Baltimore as my pick to come out of the AFC and reach the Super Bowl. I’m singing a different tune now. Currently, they own the second-best odds to win the AFC only trailing the Chiefs, and I feel like that may be a bit too rich. Their division should be more competitive with Cincinnati getting Joe Burrow back, and if that’s the bar we’re holding them to (winning the AFC North), I can see a scenario where they come up short. The road is also pretty rough for them this year as they own the fourth-toughest strength of schedule based on their opponents’ projected win total. Also, don’t underrate the departure of defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald and linebacker Patrick Queen this offseason either.

Last year’s record: 13-4

Offseason losses: OL Kevin Zeitler, RB Gus Edwards, S Geno Stone, LB Patrick Queen, LB Jadeveon Clowney

Offseason acquisitions: RB Derrick Henry

Over/Under win total: 11.0

Podell — Browns: The Cleveland Browns scratched and clawed their way into the postseason in 2023 on the strength of the No. 1 total defense (270.2 total yards per game allowed) in the entire league powered by Defensive Player of the Year edge rusher Myles Garrett. Cleveland became just the second team ever to make the playoffs with five different starting quarterbacks, joining the 1984 Chicago Bears.

However, Deshaun Watson returning from having surgery on his throwing shoulder may be more of a negative than a positive: he has ranked 35th or worst in completion percentage (59.8%, 41st), passing yards per attempt (6.5 (36th) and passer rating (81.7, 37th) among 45 qualified quarterbacks since 2022 when he became a Cleveland Brown. Plus, four-time Pro Bowl running back Nick Chubb is attempting to return from a gruesome knee injury in which he suffered the following: a torn left MCL, meniscus tear and a partially torn ACL. Naturally, Chubb required two separate surgeries last fall to fix his knee.

It wouldn’t be surprising if Cleveland’s offense doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain once again in 2024, which could lead to the Browns missing the postseason if their defense doesn’t bring its A-plus game every single week.

Last year’s record: 11-6

Offseason losses: Offensive line coach Bill Callahan, LB Anthony Walker

Offseason acquisitions: RB Nyheim Hines, QB Jameis Winston, RB D’Onta Foreman

Over/Under win total: 8.5

DeArdo — Bears: Chicago’s wins over/under has been seen at 8.5, which seems a bit high. I know that the Bears went 7-10 last year, and — at least on paper — Chicago is a much better outfit in 2024. While both of those things are true, I’m leery when it comes to putting too high of expectations on a rookie starting quarterback, which is what Caleb Williams will be this season. Add in the fact that they play in one of the NFL’s toughest divisions is another reason why I’m hesitant to buy too much Bears stock this season. Talk to me in 2025, after Williams has had a full season under his belt.

Last year’s record: 7-10

Offseason losses: QB Justin Fields, NT Justin Jones, C Cody Whitehair

Offseason acquisitions: QB Caleb Williams, RB D’Andre Swift, S Kevin Byard, WR Rome Odunze

Over/Under win total: 9.0

Dajani — Bears: Caleb Williams may end up being a star, but will he hit the ground running? Chicago has a head coach fresh off the hot seat in Matt Eberflus, and a new offensive coordinator in Shane Waldron. Quarterbacks selected No. 1 overall haven’t surpassed six wins in their first seasons since Andrew Luck in 2012, and the NFC North isn’t exactly a cakewalk. The Bears Over/Under win total is set at 9. Is that too high?

Taking only teams that weren’t mentioned, the DB would throw in the Cardinals and Buccaneers (both 7.5 over/under wins) to exceed expectations and the Dolphins (9.5) to disappoint.

In a similar vein, Albert Breer offers his “dark horse” picks to make a Super Bowl run.  His NFC pick is a doozy:

In the AFC, the Houston Texans can’t be considered a dark horse since they won their division a year ago. I don’t think the Los Angeles Chargers can be either, because Jim Harbaugh’s presence makes them less of an underdog. I thought about the New York Jets, but they’re not really one either, not with Aaron Rodgers at quarterback.

So with all that established, I think I’d go with the Colts. They went 9–8 last year, in Year 1 under Shane Steichen, and with Gardner Minshew II at quarterback. The staff returns largely intact, and Anthony Richardson is back from injury. And we’ve seen quarterbacks in this sort of spot explode in their second year.

In the NFC, I think I’d give you the New York Giants, if you want a true dark horse. They need development from 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux. They need to figure it out at quarterback, whether it’s Daniel Jones or, if things break wrong for him, Drew Lock. But their rookie class looked dynamite in the spring, I think Brian Burns might be the best acquisition of the offseason, and they were really good two years ago.

(Reminder: These are my dark horses, not my picks.)

JaMARCUS RUSSELL

Former QB JaMarcus Russell may be the Mayor of Bustville, but apparently it’s not a well-paying position.  He’s also making news in his hometown of Mobile.

Former No. 1 NFL draft pick JaMarcus Russell was fired as a volunteer assistant coach at his alma mater, Williamson High School in Mobile, Alabama, and is facing a lawsuit accusing him of taking a $74,000 check meant as a donation to the school.

“JaMarcus Russell was relieved of his volunteer coaching duties at Williamson High School during the fall of last year,” Mobile County Public School officials told WKRG Sports.

A local business owner, Chris Knowles, wrote the $74,000 check, saying Russell approached him about a donation to help the Williamson football team purchase weight room equipment. The school allegedly never received the check, and Russell reportedly deposited it in a credit union and promptly withdrew $55,000 of it.

In addition to being fired as a coach, Russell is also not allowed to be on the school’s campus, according to a statement from Mobile County Public School officials. Russell attended an event for the football team this week, but was told he was not welcome.

“Earlier this week, it was reiterated to Mr. Russell that he is not permitted to be around the football program or on school campus,” the school district said in a statement to WKRG.

Russell, 38, was a star quarterback at Williamson before going to college at LSU, where he threw for 6,625 yards and 52 touchdowns in three years before turning pro.

Russell was the first pick in the 2007 NFL draft and started 25 games for the Raiders over three seasons. He ended his NFL career with a 52.1% completion rate, 18 touchdowns and 23 interceptions and is regarded as perhaps the biggest NFL draft bust.

He earned more than $36.4 million in salary and bonuses during his NFL career.

OFFENSIVE LINE RANKINGS

According to ProFootballFocus.com, here’s how the NFL offensive lines rank 1 (Lions) to 32 (Saints).

1. DETROIT LIONS

When healthy, the Lions’ offensive line was arguably the best unit in the NFL last season. Right tackle Penei Sewell was the league’s highest-graded offensive lineman, and Frank Ragnow earned the top spot among centers.

Although the unit lost right guard Jonah Jackson in free agency, the Rams signed veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who ranked 15th in PFF grade among guards in 2023.

2. PHILADELPHIA EAGLES

While the Eagles fielded the NFL’s best offensive line over the past couple of years, there are questions about the unit’s cohesiveness following center Jason Kelce‘s retirement.

Cam Jurgens, Kelce’s replacement, has played only 45 NFL snaps at center so far. Jurgens is being replaced at right guard by Tyler Steen, who played just 71 snaps on offense as a rookie and was not overly impressive.

3. INDIANAPOLIS COLTS

The Colts’ offensive tackle duo is arguably the best in the league, as left tackle Bernhard Raimann and right tackle Braden Smith each finished among the seven highest-graded offensive tackles in 2023. Veteran Ryan Kelly put together the best season of his career as the highest-graded center in pass protection. Continuity is also on the Colts offensive line’s side, as all five starting offensive linemen return for 2024.

4. CLEVELAND BROWNS

Injuries derailed the Browns’ 2023 offensive line, with neither offensive tackle finishing the season and the interior offensive linemen missing time too. The unit could still be among the best in the NFL when healthy, and it is also evident that the Browns have good depth in second-year offensive tackle Dawand Jones, who might even earn the starting job at right tackle.

5. NEW YORK JETS

After performing as one of the worst units of the 2023 season, the Jets’ offensive line mightily improved this offseason. Veteran tackles Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses both finished among the 10 highest-graded offensive tackles in 2023 and could form one of the best duos in the league in 2024.

The Jets also get back one of the best young guards in the league, Alijah Vera-Tucker, who missed most of the 2023 season due to an injury.

6. ATLANTA FALCONS

Drew Dalman’s breakout 2023 season significantly helped this unit, especially in run blocking, as Dalman finished with the third-highest run-blocking grade among centers. Chris Lindstrom was also once again the highest-graded guard in the NFL.

All five starting Falcons offensive linemen return for the 2024 season, and the unit can further improve if second-year guard Matthew Bergeron takes a step forward.

7. KANSAS CITY CHIEFS

Joe Thuney might be the best pass-blocking guard in the league, while Creed Humphrey is now often considered the best center in the NFL. Right guard Trey Smith could also be the league’s most underrated offensive lineman despite being the 10th-highest-graded guard in 2023. Those three form arguably the NFL’s top interior trio.

Whereas the interior is stout, there are many questions surrounding the Chiefs’ offensive tackles, including whether Jawaan Taylor can bounce back after a disappointing 2023 season.

8. BUFFALO BILLS

Right tackle Spencer Brown went from being the 73rd-ranked offensive tackle in PFF overall grade to the 32nd-best mark in 2023, taking this offensive line to a new level. We have yet to see how well the interior can hold up after center Mitch Morse‘s departure, though. The Bills will move Connor McGovern from guard to center and introduce David Edwards, who played mostly as a sixth offensive lineman in 2023, into the starting lineup.

9. PITTSBURGH STEELERS

The Steelers spent back-to-back first-round picks on offensive tackles and then selected center Zach Frazier in the second round of this year’s draft. Those investments should pay off soon, and the team already got solid play from its guards in 2023.

Isaac Seumalo, who Pittsburgh signed as a free agent last year, put together a good 2023 season after some initial struggles and finished the year as the 12th-highest-graded guard in the NFL.

10. DALLAS COWBOYS

Although the Cowboys’ offensive line had been among the five best units in the league for years, that position is in jeopardy going forward. The Cowboys let left tackle Tyron Smith and center Tyler Biadasz walk in free agency, and now rookie left tackle Tyler Guyton is set to replace Smith while Brock Hoffman is expected to play center.

It did not help Dallas that right tackle Terence Steele had a disappointing 2023 season coming back from injury. The team still has one of the better guard duos in Tyler Smith and Zack Martin, but it is unknown how much quality is around them.

11. CHICAGO BEARS

The Bears’ offensive line, as it got healthy, was one of the top units in the NFL toward the second half of the 2023 season. Center Ryan Bates is expected to complete the unit and bring it to the next level.

In Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright, Chicago has a promising young offensive tackle duo. And Teven Jenkins has performed extremely well since moving to guard, earning 70.0-plus PFF overall grades in 2022 and 2023.

12. LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

We may talk about the Chargers a year from now as having the NFL’s best offensive tackle duo. Joining Rashawn Slater at left tackle is rookie Joe Alt as right tackle, selected with the fifth overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. Los Angeles also signed Bradley Bozeman to play center, following Corey Linsley‘s retirement.

There is still room for improvement on the interior, where the Chargers hope that former first-round pick Zion Johnson takes a step forward in his third season.

13. MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Although left tackle Christian Darrisaw was not able to replicate his breakout 2022 campaign, he still finished 2023 as the third-highest-graded offensive tackle in pass protection despite battling injuries.

While the interior trio of Dalton Risner, Garrett Bradbury and Ed Ingram is average at best, the offensive tackle duo of Darrisaw and Brian O’Neill makes the Vikings’ line an above-average unit.

14. GREEN BAY PACKERS

Rasheed Walker, a 2022 seventh-rounder, appears to be David Bakhtiari‘s successor at left tackle. And while he went through some growing pains in 2023, his 66.3 PFF overall grade ranked 44th among offensive tackles.

On the other side of the line, Zach Tom built on a strong rookie campaign and was even better in 2023. The Packers lost Jon Runyan in free agency, but Sean Rhyan was rotating with Runyan at right guard toward the end of last season, bringing some experience to the position.

15. DENVER BRONCOS

Right tackle Mike McGlinchey got off to a rough start in Denver but improved as the 2023 season went on and ranked 39th in PFF grade among offensive tackles. Together with left tackle Garett Bolles, they form a strong duo on the edges.

Yet, Denver’s best offensive lineman plays inside. Quinn Meinerz finished 2023 with the third-highest PFF grade among guards.

Regardless, there are questions surrounding the other two members of the interior offensive line, especially after center Lloyd Cushenberry III‘s departure.

16. LOS ANGELES RAMS

The Rams’ shrewd trade acquisition of Kevin Dotson ahead of the 2023 campaign paid massive dividends. He put together a breakout season, finishing with the second-highest PFF grade among guards and earning himself a new contract with the Rams.

Los Angeles will hope Jonah Jackson, who the team signed in free agency, will yield similar results, as they are expected to be once again among the better run-blocking units in the NFL.

17. TAMPA BAY BUCCANEERS

Moving Tristan Wirfs from right tackle to left tackle paid off for the Buccaneers, with Wirfs finishing as the fifth-highest-graded offensive tackle in the league. Luke Goedeke also impressed at his new position on the right side, ranking 27th in PFF overall grade among all tackles.

There are quite a few question marks along Tampa Bay’s interior offensive line, where first-round pick Graham Barton is expected to start from Day 1 at center.

18. MIAMI DOLPHINS

Heavily aided by the system and Tua Tagovailoa’s quick release, the Dolphins’ offensive line got off to a strong start in 2023. Injuries soon hit hard, hindering the unit’s performance.

The Dolphins lost Robert Hunt and Connor Williams from the middle of the offensive line this offseason and Terron Armstead’s durability is a question mark, preventing this group from being ranked any higher.

19. LAS VEGAS RAIDERS

There is a lot to be optimistic about with the Raiders’ offensive line: Kolton Miller has developed into one of the NFL’s best left tackles, center Andre James had a breakout 2023 season (ranked ninth among centers in PFF grade) and right tackle Thayer Munford Jr. was promising in his second season on a limited workload.

The Raiders also selected Oregon offensive lineman Jackson Powers-Johnson in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft.

20. CAROLINA PANTHERS

The Panthers, who fielded a poor offensive line in 2023, invested in the unit during 2024 free agency and signed Damien Lewis and Robert Hunt to play guard. Hunt will pair up on the right side with tackle Taylor Moton, a perenially underrated offensive lineman, to form one of the better right guard-right tackle combinations in the league.

21. CINCINNATI BENGALS

The Bengals double-dipped at offensive tackle this offseason, signing Trent Brown in free agency and selecting Georgia’s Amarius Mims in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft. But the unit also needs left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. to get back to his old form. The former Chiefs and Ravens lineman earned a career-low 66.1 PFF grade in 2023 which ranked just 45th among offensive tackles.

22. HOUSTON TEXANS

We never got to see the true potential of the Texans’ offensive line in 2023 due to injuries. Houston boasts one of the best left tackles in the league in Laremy Tunsil, especially when it comes to pass protection, and Shaq Mason is still a reliable veteran at right guard. However, the other players on the line are either unproven or young players who so far have not proven to be long-term solutions at their positions.

23. JACKSONVILLE JAGUARS

All five projected Jacksonville starting offensive linemen were selected in either the first or second rounds of their drafts, although only the two offensive tackles — Cam Robinson and Anton Harrison — were picked by the Jaguars. That talent did not necessarily show on the field last season, as Jacksonville often had to rely on quarterback Trevor Lawrence’s quick release. The Jaguars signed center Mitch Morse in free agency, hoping that he can bolster the interior offensive line.

24. SAN FRANCISCO 49ERS

While the 49ers’ offensive line features a future Hall of Famer and arguably the best offensive lineman of the past few years in Trent Williams, those around him have so far failed to impress. The rest of the offensive line consists of either career journeymen, such as center Jake Brendel and right guard Jon Feliciano, or young offensive linemen who the 49ers hope can improve in 2024, such as Aaron Banks and Colton McKivitz.

25. BALTIMORE RAVENS

For parts of the 2023 season, the Ravens’ offensive line looked like a top-tier unit. However, the team lost three starters: Kevin Zeitler, John Simpson and Morgan Moses. And while Tyler Linderbaum is already one of the best centers in the NFL, Ronnie Stanley has not been the same since his injury in 2020. The rest of the offensive line will consist of either unproven young players or offensive linemen who flashed ability as backups but have yet to show they can repeat those outings as starters.

26. ARIZONA CARDINALS

The Cardinals’ offensive line is without any truly weak links but also lacks above-average players.

Moving from right side to left tackle, Paris Johnson Jr. is expected to live up to his potential in his second season after ranking just 57th in PFF overall grade among offensive tackles as a rookie in 2023. Arizona also signed Evan Brown and Jonah Williams in free agency to further stabilize the offensive line.

27. WASHINGTON COMMANDERS

The Commanders almost completely overhauled their offensive line, slotting in three new starters for 2024. Cornelius Lucas, a backup in recent years, is taking on the starting left tackle job, former Chiefs backup offensive lineman Nick Allegretti is expected to play at left guard and Tyler Biadasz, acquired in free agency, will start at center.

Sam Cosmi, who ranked fourth among guards in PFF grade in 2023, and Andrew Wylie represent the continuity on the right side of the line.

28. NEW ENGLAND PATRIOTS

The Patriots would rank even lower had not re-signed Mike Onwenu, who has been arguably their best offensive lineman, to play right tackle. While former Pittsburgh Steeler Chukwuma Okorafor is projected to start at left tackle, he has just two career snaps there.

New England can find itself further up on this list if its young guards — Cole Strange and Sidy Sow — show improvement in 2024.

29. NEW YORK GIANTS

The Giants’ offensive line was among the NFL’s worst in 2023, partially due to injuries. While they brought in a couple of new players in Jermaine Eluemunor and Jon Runyan to start at guard, they need their returners to improve drastically.

Center John Michael Schmitz Jr., a second-round pick in 2023, and right tackle Evan Neal, a top-10 pick in 2022, have been disappointing so far. Even left tackle Andrew Thomas staying healthy and getting back to his 2022 form wouldn’t make up for poor performances from the other young players on the line in 2024.

30. TENNESSEE TITANS

The Titans fielded arguably the NFL’s worst offensive line in 2023, they can expect improvements in 2024, at least on paper. After taking Peter Skoronski with the 11th overall pick in 2023 to play left guard, Tennessee selected JC Latham out of Alabama with the seventh overall pick this offseason.

The team also signed center Lloyd Cushenberry III in free agency after his breakout 2023 season during which he ranked 10th in PFF overall grade.

31. SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

Seattle battled offensive line injuries and their young offensive tackle duo did not necessarily make any expected improvements in 2023. And this season could be even worse.

The Seahawks moved on from starters Evan Brown and Damien Lewis, and their interior trio consists of former backups — Olusegun Oluwatimi and Anthony Bradford — and a former first-round pick who had a couple of recent disappointing seasons in Laken Tomlinson. They will desperately need offensive tackles Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas to reach the potential they flashed in their rookie seasons.

32. NEW ORLEANS SAINTS

On paper, the Saints’ offensive line features four former first-round picks. But their performance says otherwise.

Right tackle Ryan Ramczyk will likely need to miss the entire season, which will force New Orleans to play Trevor Penning at that spot after benching him in 2023.

Right guard Cesar Ruiz has failed to rank among the top 50 guards in PFF overall grade in any of his first four seasons. As a result, the Saints have to hope that Oregon State product Taliese Fuaga will hit the ground running at left tackle to improve the unit.