AROUND THE NFL

Daily Briefing

Today’s negativity. Giants player rep T NATE SOLDER doesn’t feel safe, without details, with the NFL’s proposed health protocols: NFL players haven’t signed off on an NFL season yet.   As the league and NFL Players Association negotiate the details of an unprecedented season amid the COVID-19 pandemic, Giants left tackle Nate Solder, the team’s union rep, made it clear the sides aren’t close to an agreement regarding health and safety protocols.   “If the NFL doesn’t do their part to keep players healthy there is no football in 2020,” Solder tweeted Friday. “It’s that simple.”   With training camps scheduled to begin July 28, the league and players’ union are scheduled to speak Monday, still needing to come to terms on matters such as coronavirus testing, financial compensation and the ability of players to opt out of the season, according to NFL Network.   The NFL has not yet revealed any contingency plans, expecting the season to start on time. Some owners still haven’t ruled out the possibility of fans attending games, even as the NBA, NHL and MLS isolate in bubble cities, MLB prepares to play in empty stadiums and some college football programs have canceled their seasons. Bruce Arians of the Buccaneers chips in some gloom.  Jeremy Cluff of the Arizona Republic: Tampa Bay Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians has never been afraid to speak his mind.   The former Arizona Cardinals coach did just that earlier this week when he opened up about the impact the pandemic could have on the health of players, coaches and himself.   “We’ve got to be careful, Arians told the Tampa Bay Times on Monday. “The players, they’re going to all get sick, that’s for sure. It’s just a matter of how sick they get.”   Arians, 67, said he is going to take extra precautions this season.   “I got to be real careful,” Arians told the Tampa Bay Times. “I’ll probably double with a mask and a (face) shield. You know, because l already had my scare out there (in Arizona) once a couple of years ago.   “For me personally, I’ve got a plan and I just have to be smart enough to stay with it.”   Arians has had cancerous tumors removed from his prostate, skin and kidney, the most recent of which helped him decide to stop coaching the Cardinals after the 2017 season.   As for his plans, Arians detailed some of them in the interview with the Tampa Bay Times.   “All my team meetings, we’ll do in the indoor facility like a big auditorium and I’ll use a microphone, which I hate using, but I have to,” Arians said. “If I’m going to take my mask off, I’ve got to be far enough away to get my point across and the Bucs have some big TV screens to put my messages on.”   As for his approach during the games, Arians said: “I don’t think it will look too different other than I will still wear a mask for sure. And we’ll see how the headsets work and stuff talking through a mask. That part of it. And being outside. Being in an indoor stadium, that worries me a bit more. And I’m really concerned about the away hotels and away locker rooms. That’s a big point of emphasis. The ventilation in those locker rooms is terrible with guys getting out of the showers and getting treatment.” QB AARON RODGERS was able to play in a golf tournament this weekend – and the PGA TOUR has basically functioned just fine for a month now.  But he has his doubts about the NFL in 2020.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com: Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers participated in this weekend’s American Century Championship. He hopes to be participating (along with all other NFL players) in this year’s football season.   Asked for his “top of mind” concern as Rodgers enters his 16th season and chases his second Super Bowl win, Rodgers was blunt.   “I think top of mind is are we gonna have a season?” Rodgers said. “I think there’s a lot of things yet to be figured out. We’re hopeful, we’re hopeful that it’s with fans and we can get all the testing procedures down the way the want it for the utmost amount of safety. But I think we’re kind wating for the league and the [NFL Players Association] to figure some things out.”   Rodgers serves as the Packers’ NFLPA representative, so he presumably has had access to most if not all of the discussions among union leadership and between the league and the union.   The NFL and NFLPA are due to confer on Monday, as they try to resolve important lingering issues, like testing procedures and frequency, roster sizes, the use of face shields, preseason games, opt-out rights, and economic issues. The spectator-free American Century Championship usually is dominated by retired borderline celebreties – but active NFL players did well this year (scores are by a Stableford system and not to par).  We put active players in red and bold, retired NFLers in bold: Pos      Player                        Total      Thru 1          MARDY FISH             76        F 2          KYLE WILLIAMS       67        F 3          JOHN SMOLTZ         58        F 4          STEPHEN CURRY    56        F 5          CASE KEENUM        54        F 6          MARK MULDER        52        F T7        DELL CURRY             50        F T7        DEREK LOWE           50        F T7        VINNY DEL NEGRO 50        F 10        JACK WAGNER        48        F 11        CARSON PALMER   47        F 12        ADAM THIELEN       46        F 13        DERON WILLIAMS    39        F 14        MICHAEL PEÑA        38        F 15        JEROME BETTIS     37        F 16        AARON RODGERS  35        F 17        KEVIN MILLAR          34        F T18      BRET BAIER              33        F T18      JERRY RICE              33        F T20      OZZIE SMITH             32        F T20      ALFONSO RIBEIRO  32        F T20      PATRICK PETERSON 32    F 23        BRIAN MCCANN       29        F 24        TIM WAKEFIELD       28        F 25        LARRY FITZGERALD 25     F

NFC EAST

WASHINGTON As of Monday, Washington will have a nameless band of football players if Ben Fischer of SportsBusinessDaily has good sources: The Washington Redskins intend to announce on Monday that the team will retire its nickname, two sources said. The move comes 11 days after stadium naming-rights sponsor FedEx’s public statement asking for a change to the controversial moniker. The new nickname will not be announced immediately because trademark issues are pending, the sources said, but insiders were told today that the “thorough review” announced July 3 has concluded. The team felt it was important to remove any doubts as to the future of the name, one source said.   The timeline for announcing a new name was unclear, but the sense of urgency inside the organization is clear. In a private letter on the same day as its public statement, FedEx threatened to take its name off the team’s Landover, Md., stadium after the end of the season if the name was not changed. Pepsi, Bank of America and Nike later joined with their own public statements, and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell also said he was supportive of the review. A team spokesperson did not immediately return a message seeking comment. In related news, they still will be Braves in Atlanta – albeit The Chop is under review.  ESPN.com: The Atlanta Braves said in an email to season-ticket holders Sunday that they will not be changing their nickname but will take a further look at the future of the tomahawk chop.   The email was shared on Twitter by Paul Lukas, a journalist who runs the Uni Watch blog. He received it from a Braves season-ticket holder. The Braves confirmed the contents of the email when contacted by ESPN.   “The Atlanta Braves honors, respects and values the Native American community,” the letter says in part. “As an organization, we have always drawn strength from our diversity and respect for everyone. That will never change.   “We have had an active and supportive relationship with the Native American community for many years. Last fall, we furthered this relationship and pledged to meet and listen to Native American and tribal leaders from many areas, including the Eastern Band of the Cherokees [EBCI] in North Carolina. As a result, we formed a cultural working relationship with the EBCI and have also formed a Native American Working Group with a diverse collection of other tribal leaders to collaborate on matters related to culture, education, outreach, and recognition on an on-going basis.   “Through our conversations, changing the name of the Braves is not under consideration or deemed necessary. We have great respect and reverence for our name and the Native American communities that have held meaningful relationships with us do as well. We will always be the Atlanta Braves.   “As it relates to the fan experience, including the chop, it is one of the many issues that we are working through with the advisory group. The chop was popularized by our fans when Deion Sanders joined our team and it continues to inspire our players on the field. With that in mind, we are continuing to listen to the Native American community, as well as our fans, players, and alumni to ensure we are making an informed decision on this part of our fan experience.” – – – Two Washington personnel executives are looking for work.  Matthew Paras of the Washington Times: The Washington Redskins have fired two members of their front office, according to multiple reports.   The Redskins dismissed its director of pro personnel, Alex Santos and his assistant director of pro personnel, Richard Mann II. Santos and Mann had been with Washington since 2006 and 2010, respectively.   The moves are the latest overhaul of the team’s front office, which has changed since the arrival of coach Ron Rivera late last year. Team president Bruce Allen was fired after the 2019 season and Eric Schaffer, vice president of football operations, left as well.   Kyle Smith was promoted to vice president of player personnel while the team brought in Rob Rogers to handle the team’s salary cap. Rogers worked with Rivera in Carolina.   Santos and Mann played a role in evaluating free agents and keeping track of players around the league.   Santos had been with Washington for 14 years, rising through the ranks from a pro personnel assistant to scout. He was named as the team’s director of pro personnel in 2014. The Redskins credited him for identifying unheralded players who became contributors for Washington, such as former running back Kapri Bibbs.     Mann had been in his role since 2017, when he was promoted from pro scout.

NFC WEST

ARIZONA Covid-19 sent an NFL owner to the hospital.  Scott Polacek of Bleacher Report: Arizona Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill, who was hospitalized following a positive COVID-19 test, issued a statement after he was released from the hospital Sunday.   ESPN’s Adam Schefter shared the statement that said, in part, “This week I learned first-hand just how serious COVID-19 is. … I’m very fortunate to have this experience behind me and strongly encourage everyone to continue practicing the important measures to avoid it themselves.”   On Friday, the Cardinals announced Bidwill tested positive and noted the team believes he contracted COVID-19 while traveling and spending time on the East Coast. He admitted himself to the hospital and was expected to be released this weekend when doing so.   The announcement also specified Bidwill had been working remotely since March and did not have any in-person contact with members of the team, including players and those on the coaching staff.   Darren Urban of the Cardinals’ official website noted in March that the Cardinals donated $1 million to the AZ Coronavirus Relief Fund as part of the Arizona Together initiative. The story is unclear, but Bidwill was hospitalized in Newport, Rhode Island.

SEATTLE AS you may recall, Seahawks S QUINTON DUNBAR, along with Giants WR DeANDRE BAKER, seemed to have been nailed on armed robbery charges a couple of months ago.  The details were pretty clear, their cars distinctive, they were known to the victims.  Then the witnesses started recanting.  This from the AP: It was both the crime and the cover-up.   At least that’s what a search warrant obtained exclusively by the Daily News seems to indicate in the case against Giants corner DeAndre Baker and Seahawks corner Quinton Dunbar for an alleged armed robbery that occurred on May 13 in Miramar, Fla.   The explosive warrant, obtained as a public record from the Broward County (Fla.) Clerk of Courts, seeks access to iCloud accounts associated with Baker and Dunbar. The warrant cites evidence collected through previous warrants, which includes video footage and direct messages that allegedly show witness Dominic Johnson oversaw the payoff of Baker’s and Dunbar’s four alleged victims on May 15 at the office of Dunbar’s attorney, Michael Grieco.   “I made them same n—– that said they got robbed come in and say them Boys ain’t have nothing to Do with it,” Johnson allegedly wrote on May 16 in a series of incriminating direct messages on his Instagram account, @powerballnick_305.   Johnson is the witness referred to as “Coach” in the original arrest warrant who told police that he has known Baker and Dunbar since they were children.   He advertises himself as the CEO of LOCKDOWN PROMOTIONS, a nightlife promotions company based in Miami, and has connections to several NFL players through coaching locally.   Baker’s attorney, Bradford Cohen, recently claimed to have testimony from two witnesses that they never saw the Giants corner pull a gun or rob anyone.   But Johnson’s own written words in his Instagram direct messages also “corroborate a robbery had occurred and those who were charged were the participants,” the warrant summarizes.   All four victims have given sworn statements that they were paid at the office that day to recant their sworn initial statements against Dunbar by signing affidavits. Combined, the four men say they were paid a total of $55,000.   Detective Mark Moretti of the Miramar Police Department, who submitted the warrant reviewed by Judge Marina Garcia Wood, also reveals alarming direct messages between Baker and Johnson on Instagram that implicate Baker in the payoff. “Johnson is telling Baker to come to Dunbar Lawyer’s office,” Moretti writes. “Baker replied, ‘Yo I’m in the city now getting cash how much to bring ?? I’m tryna get there too u ASAP.’”   “There appears to be several phone calls between Baker and Johnson,” the warrant continues. “Johnson appears to be nervous by telling Baker,” Yooooo these people finna leave.”   Then, according to the warrant, CCTV video evidence shows Grieco, Johnson, an unknown individual, and the four alleged victims at the attorney’s office on May 15 appearing to make the payoff.   This new warrant says that in the video, Grieco is seen leaving his 24th-floor office, taking the elevator to the lobby, and bringing Johnson and the four alleged victims back to his office at 2:26 p.m.   Johnson eventually leaves the office and meets an unknown person in the lobby, according to the warrant. And then Johnson and the unknown person take the elevator up from the lobby at 2:34 p.m.   During that elevator ride, the unknown person removes a “black bag” from his shoulders, “opens it and removes money.” The person also “shows the open bag to Johnson and you can see a large quantity of money. Johnson then takes the bag,” the warrant reads.   Then everyone meets in front of Grieco’s office before going inside. By 3:15 p.m., everyone has left the building. And at approximately 4 p.m., Moretti says he received notification from Grieco indicating there had been a change in testimony from the victims and witness. But their couldn’t be any skullduggery as the players’ attorney is an upstanding member of the Florida House of Representatives (party unknown in this report from Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com): Yes, the case against Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar and Giants cornerback Deandre Baker is guaranteed to get stranger.   Friday night’s news that witnesses allegedly received $55,000 to recant their allegations against Dunbar and Baker has led to the seemingly inevitable disclosure that the lawyer who allegedly orchestrated the payments, Michael Grieco, was under criminal investigation for the incident, as of last month.   According to the Miami Herald, police reports filed in early June includes ominous statements about Grieco, a member of the Florida House of Representatives.   “Grieco’s office was the background that facilitated a cash transaction that later obstructed the integrity of an investigation,” one report said. The report also noted that evidence was still being collected and that “the final charging decision will rest with the Broward County State Attorney.” Per the Herald, however, the police reports indicate that the Florida Department of Law Enforcement did not believe that Grieco’s conduct amounted to criminal behavior.   A spokesperson for the Miramar police department told the Herald that she could not comment on whether Grieco remains under investigation.   Still, there’s evidence that isn’t great for Grieco. One of the police reports includes quotes from one of the witnesses, who claims to have gotten $5,000 in Grieco’s office.   “The lawyer said, you know, I’m not supposed to be in any of this type of situation . . . so whatever you guys have going on . . . you know, that’s between you guys. I’m just here for the affidavit,” the witness told police regarding Grieco. “He said that he was going to step out because he couldn’t take any part in it.” The witness then confirmed that Grieco stepped out because he knew that the payment was about to be made.   Another witness said Grieco returned to the room at one point, when “the money was like being just dumped out.”   Here’s where it gets even weirder: Although a Seattle Times story regarding the statement Grieco issued to reporters on Friday claims that he denies payments were made, the story from the Miami Herald characterizes the same statement as follows: “Grieco did not deny that a meeting had taken place in his office or that money changed hands.”   And so the case will continue. Per the Herald, Florida House Speaker Jose Oliva said he would “follow the case closely,” given the possibility that Oliva and the House of Representatives may have to eventually take action against Grieco.   Another member of the House, Miami-Dade County Legislative Delegation chairman Joseph Geller, defended Grieco in comments to the Herald.   “Mike Grieco is a valued member of our delegation,” Geller said. “He does a great job in Tallahassee. I think the fact that in a very turbulent Miami-Dade political world he was re-elected unopposed says something about the way he’s viewed politically. I tend to be skeptical about wild accusations against defense lawyers as a general rule. They have a habit of making people in authority uncomfortable.”   Regardless, Grieco himself has to be feeling a little uncomfortable given the possibility that someone in authority eventually will claim that his role in the alleged payments creates either criminal jeopardy or a threat to his license to practice law. And: MICHAEL “MIKE” GRIECO District: 113 — Democrat

AFC NORTH

PITTSBURGH EDGE BUD DUPREE is aggrieved.  As is Buccaneers EDGE SHAQ BARRETT: Bud Dupree is contesting the value of the position he plays for the Pittsburgh Steelers.   The outside linebacker filed a grievance with the NFL on Friday, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, because he believes he should be paid as a defensive end as part of the league’s franchise-tag payment structure.   Dupree, who signed his franchise-tag tender in April, will be paid $15.82 million this season if the NFL plays a complete schedule of games amid the coronavirus pandemic. The franchise-tag tender for a defensive end, however, is $17.788 million – a difference of nearly $2 million.   Tampa Bay’s Shaq Barrett filed a similar grievance.   Dupree, who had a career-high 11.5 sacks in his fifth NFL season, has played outside linebacker in the Steelers’ 3-4 defense since he was taken in the first round of the 2015 draft. He would be considered a defensive end in a 4-3 system, although Dupree hasn’t lined up with his hand on the ground in the NFL.   The Steelers and Dupree have until 4 p.m. Wednesday to sign a multi-year contract. If no deal is reached, Dupree must play the 2020 season under the terms of the franchise tag.   General manager Kevin Colbert said in March that the Steelers tagged Dupree with the intention of signing him to a longer contract. However, there are no indications the Steelers and Dupree are close to a deal.

AFC EAST

NEW ENGLAND The Patriots had pending grievances over contracts with long-departed Antonio Brown and Aaron Hernandez.  Now, they have been resolved.  Jalani Scott of NFL.com: The New England Patriots gained some much-needed cap flexibility on Saturday.   The Patriots settled two salary cap grievances recently, gaining $6.55 million back in the process, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported, via informed sources.   Former Pats receiver Antonio Brown was involved in one of those grievances, stemming from his two-week stint with the franchise last season, Rapoport added. After being cut by the team in September due to allegations of sexual misconduct, Brown filed a grievance in October seeking his full $1 million base salary and $9 million signing bonus. Brown will now receive $5 million of his bonus while the other $4 million goes back to the team.   The other grievance involved the estate of late tight end Aaron Hernandez. Rapoport noted that Hernandez’s estate was seeking $6 million in total, but $3.45 million went to him and the remaining $2.55 million went back to the team. The NFLPA initially filed the motion on Hernandez’s behalf in October 2013.   In all, the Pats, who have restructured Rex Burkhead’s deal and made a big yet cost-effective splash with the signing of Cam Newton over the past couple weeks, now have $7.8 million in cap space.

THIS AND THAT

COPING WITH CORONA So NASCAR great Jimmie Johnson survived Wuhan Covid-19, without knowing that he had it.  There could be a lot of this with full player testing in football: Seven-time NASCAR champion Jimmy Johnson tested positive for coronavirus Friday, July 3.   He didn’t have any symptoms, but he got tested because his wife, Chani, tested positive.   The following Wednesday, Johnson was allowed to race again after he tested negative twice.   “I followed the protocol,” Johnson said. “It brings a lot of questions to where I was in the journey of being positive, all of that. There’s a lot of speculation there. I don’t know those answers and believe me, I’m the most frustrated person out there, especially living in a world of facts that I do. To not have the facts drives me bananas, but I have followed protocol and I have been reinstated.”   Johnson said it was an emotional week. He said his experience with coronavirus has been frustrated because he didn’t know when he got the virus and he wants to make sure his loved ones stay safe.   “This thing shows no mercy and it moves so quickly as we all know,” Johnson said. “Once it’s in your bubble or your community, I don’t know how you slow it down. Take care of yourself. Take care of your loved ones. Be smart. We know the ways to help it not spread. I think we need to get more serious about that and really protect yourself and our loved one. I fear that we’re all going to have it at some point.”

TOP 10 QUARTERBACKS Not sure we’ll print this ESPN.com exercise for every position, but everyone likes a list of the top 10 quarterbacks: To preview the 2020 NFL season, we asked more than 50 league executives, coaches, scouts and players to help us stack the top 10 players at 11 different positions (sorry, special-teamers). The results might surprise you. They surprised me.   Here’s how it worked: Voters gave their best 10 to 15 players at a position, then we compiled the results and ranked candidates based on number of top-10 votes, composite average, interviews and research. We had several ties, so we broke them by isolating the two-man matchup with additional voting and follow-up calls. Each section is packed with quotes and nuggets from the voters on every guy — even the honorable mentions.   The objective is to identify the best players right now for 2020. This is not a five-year projection or an achievement award. Who’s the best today? Pretty simple.   Create your own shot. The top quarterbacks must be able to make plays outside of the pocket in today’s game, making Drew Brees and Tom Brady outliers in 2020.   They are still top-10 quarterbacks in their 40s, but the grip is slipping, and you can see it with the results of this list. Mobility, athleticism and throwing on the run are qualities prioritized by all teams now, which explains why four of the league’s top five quarterbacks use those traits as a weapon. Aaron Rodgers is the rare late-30s quarterback who can still pull off that routine.   The pass rushes are too good, the secondaries too sophisticated for quarterbacks to drop back and wait five seconds before throwing. Another thing evaluators prioritize when evaluating QB greatness: universal skill sets. Which quarterbacks truly could play for any team, in any system? Many of these players fit that description.   This year’s top-10 quarterback list features a few surprises, a few legacies cemented, the Dak vs. Wentz debate settled, and an incredibly tough call at the 10th spot.   1. Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs Age: 24 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 4   Nearly 30 voters were polled, and all but one picked Mahomes first overall.   “Everything else is a grab bag,” one AFC exec said. “He’s the face of the league.” That was evident by the Chiefs’ signing Mahomes to a record 10-year, $450 million extension Monday, with a total package that can push the 12-year pact (he had two years left on his rookie deal) up to $503 million.   It’s easy to detail Mahomes’ dominance statistically and anecdotally:   second player to win a Super Bowl and MVP in his first three seasons   QB ratings of 113.8 and 105.3 as a two-year starter   304 yards and 2.53 passing touchdowns per game   arm talent to complete passes from all bodily contortions   leads NFL with 22 touchdown passes of 20-plus yards downfield and 17 touchdown passes on the run since 2018   But the biggest impact is creating big plays when he decides it’s time to win — like uncorking a 44-yarder to Tyreek Hill from deep in the pocket on third-and-long in the Super Bowl.   “Talk to 31 defensive coordinators, they’d all say they are least excited about playing this guy,” one NFL veteran assistant coach said. “Only getting better with dealing with defenses, too.”   The Chiefs rave about his relatability and leadership, as well.   One knock is unnecessary risk-taking.   “Our coach came in our meeting room [before a Chiefs game] and said, ‘Listen guys, his model is touchdown or touchback,'” one veteran NFL cornerback said. “He’s gonna launch it. You saw it in the Super Bowl. They keep airing it out. So there are chances to get him.”   2. Russell Wilson, Seattle Seahawks Age: 31 | Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 9   Wilson dominated the second-place voting as he leans into his prime years, gaining strength while his peers age. He’s coming off one of his most efficient seasons with a 6.2 touchdown-interception ratio, tops for anyone who also ranked top-10 in passing yardage.   He was the only NFL quarterback to rank top-five in QBR inside the pocket (fifth, 67.9) and outside (fourth, 82.8).   “He can do it all: stand in the pocket, extend plays, kills you on the move, has the magic to him,” one veteran offensive coach said. “Stage gets bigger, he plays better.”   Wilson thrives off unscripted plays so much that some don’t consider him a rhythm-and-timing passer. Former Seahawks receivers are known to have to recalibrate their route running after years of just scrambling to get open in Seattle.   But who really cares when Wilson is tied with Mahomes with 17 touchdowns under duress since 2018, despite having a lesser supporting cast?   “He’s never really had a top-10 receiver, his tight ends are just OK, line isn’t great, and yet he keeps doing it every year,” one NFC exec said.   3. Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers Age: 36 | Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 7   What’s shocking about the Packers’ decision to draft Jordan Love is that Rodgers isn’t a fringe guy. He was No. 3 on this list by a wide margin, and voters swear it’s not based on reputation.   “When he’s humming, he’s still Tier 1, without question,” one NFL coordinator said. “The things he can do, maybe outside Mahomes, nobody can do. He’s lost a little bit of athleticism. But when he can move around, and beat you inside out, holy s—, he’s scary.”   Rodgers’ numbers from the past few years are just OK. The Packers looked woefully underwhelming at times in 2019. A player who used to reside annually in the 100-plus QB rating tier sagged to 95.4 last season.   But many believe Rodgers will be much better in Year 2 of Matt LaFleur’s system — and expect a huge response in light of the Love pick. Rodgers was Mahomes before Mahomes with the arm strength, and stories of his football mind are legendary. He can still attack anywhere on the field on split-second reaction plays.   One prominent NFL defensive coach recalled Rodgers trying to toy with him between each snap, looking his way from the line of scrimmage and saying, “Call it,” knowing he’s got the perfect counter for whatever the defense does. Call it justified arrogance.   “One time our safety ran out with the running back, Rodgers checked into something to beat the safety, then proceeded to kill him all game,” a veteran NFL defensive back said. “He notices matchups like no other.”   4. Deshaun Watson, Houston Texans Age: 24 | Highest ranking: 3 | Lowest ranking: 11   Watson was engaged in a tight race with Drew Brees for much of the voting, but he was consistently in the top six because of his toughness and the dynamic plays he creates.   “That Buffalo playoff game — they won that game because of that guy. Nobody else,” one veteran offensive coach said. “They had at least three free runs on him late and he made huge plays.”   Added an NFC exec: “He’s running for his life and he’s still doing some special stuff.”   That has played out in Watson’s late-game consistency. Watson has 10 game-winning drives since 2018, the most of any NFL quarterback during that span.   One NFC exec says Watson isn’t an easy evaluation because his skill set isn’t overwhelming and he isn’t a true pocket passer, but he just “makes things happen. He’s comfortable doing what he’s been doing all his life.”   Scouts see shades of Wilson, with slightly less in the instincts and lower-body strength departments. He reduced his sacks from 62 to 44 in 2019, and finished sixth in completion percentage (67.3).   “Deshaun needs a little more structure,” one coordinator said. “Not as dynamic as Russell or Kyler [Murray] with getting it done. He plays too much streetball and they let him. I don’t see him coached.”   5. Drew Brees, New Orleans Saints Age: 41 | Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 11   This is where the QB picture gets complicated. Brees got many top-three votes because his pocket savvy is unreal and he’s working with a true guru in coach Sean Payton. He just posted a career-high 116.3 passer rating and can complete 70% of his passes without sweating at this point.   But more than a few people noticed when Taysom Hill had to enter a game just to throw a deep ball. Even so, Brees was eighth in air yards per attempt, at 8.8.   “The system he’s in is so ideal that I don’t necessarily feel like he’s dropped off that much,” an AFC scout said. “I would be more concerned about Brees than Brady if I were a DC.”   It’s all about anticipation and smarts at this stage, and since the ball is usually out of his hands in two seconds or less, arm strength can be minimized.   Many expect Brees to be off this list next year, thanks to retirement.   “I think this is it, so we should all enjoy it,” one NFL veteran linebacker said. “He’s got the weapons around him to win another one.”   6. Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens Age: 23 | Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 12   Jackson’s wide voter range is hardly a surprise for a player facing label issues since his Louisville days.   “I need to keep him high — the kid played his ass off last year,” one AFC exec said. “I hope he keeps doing it.”   Some passing purists have a tough time putting Jackson too high, despite his No. 2 ranking in QBR (77.5) inside the pocket, and throwing 11 touchdowns under pressure. They believe, despite playmaking perhaps never seen before and improving accuracy, that the Ravens’ offense built around his skill set masks a passer who is good but not great.   “He is who he is — always a threat, but as more teams figure out Baltimore’s offense, they won’t be as caught off guard,” an AFC exec said. “He’ll eventually make plays with his arm, but he’s not a guy you’d have a lot of confidence in doing it consistently.”   An NFC exec says the “figure Baltimore out” argument is cute — until Jackson runs through your gap assignment. Multiple coaches admitted Jackson simply made them look “stupid” last season.   “Defenses thought they were ready for him last year and he bludgeoned them,” the AFC exec said. “He’s doing things at a crazy elite level that no one has seen. They do such a good job with him, and he still wakes up a better athlete than 99% of the league.”   7. Tom Brady, Tampa Bay Buccaneers Age: 42 | Highest ranking: 1 | Lowest ranking: 12   Serious questions persist about whether Brady’s declining arm can drive the ball over 16 games.   “I wasn’t prepared for what I saw last year,” one NFC exec said. “It’s all anticipation and pre-snap ability now.”   Added a veteran NFL quarterback: “If he was still in New England, not sure I would put him on [the list]. I put him on there because he’s in Tampa, he’s got weapons. He processes at such a high rate that when you have pieces around you, it still works.”   Brady posted one 300-yard game after Week 6 last season, prompting speculation about whether the New England breakup wasn’t one-sided. But Brady’s pre-snap wizardry is still good enough to spark a Peyton Manning late-career arc.   “Tampa is gonna be really f—ing good,” one NFL coordinator said. “Good defense, more weapons than Brady’s ever had — very similar to when Peyton went to Denver.”   8. Carson Wentz, Philadelphia Eagles Age: 27 | Highest ranking: 2 | Lowest ranking: 14   We went into this exercise thinking Wentz vs. Dak Prescott would be tight, but it wasn’t all that close, with Wentz holding a lead of nearly a full point over Prescott. However, Wentz is hardly a slam dunk for many. Some left him off their ballots because of the injuries.   “Such a creator — no play is dead,” an NFL head coach said.   Added an NFL coordinator: “It’s hard to argue he’s not top-10. You just wish he had a complete season. If he wins that Super Bowl in Philly, he’s consensus top-five, because he’s a top-five talent.”   Wentz is elite outside the pocket, where he registered an 87.4 QBR with 7.5 yards per attempt and four touchdowns, production that ranks third leaguewide. Everyone saw that outrageous throw against Washington.   There’s a lot going on with Wentz, who watched Nick Foles win his Super Bowl and has struggled to relate to some teammates. He’s a nice guy who has probably isolated with his inner circle too much but is improving in that area.   He has eclipsed 64% passing once in four seasons, which isn’t ideal. But winning four consecutive games to squeak into last season’s playoffs with mostly practice-squad players earned him street cred.   “He can carry a team,” one NFL assistant said. “Only a few guys can say that.”   9. Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys Age: 26 | Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: 13   Prescott checks a lot of boxes. He averages 10 wins per season, he has never missed a game, he pushed for 5,000 yards last season and, as one NFL coordinator said after a recent film study, he has elite footwork in the pocket.   All this was enough to earn Prescott a few top-five votes, but he was mostly in the 7-to-12 range, with evaluators citing inconsistent ball placement as a core issue.   “He’ll get paid as one of the best, but he’s certainly not top-five and marginal top-10,” one AFC exec said. “That great rookie season set the stage for him to hit another level that he never really was going to hit. The bar got set high and I don’t know if he can reach it. Hasn’t thrown it as well since [2016].”   The numbers say Prescott deserves more serious consideration. He was among the top eight in QBR while inside the pocket (67.7), outside the pocket (78.3) and under pressure (25.7). He had the second-most deep-ball completions in the NFL.   “The evolution of him is great,” an AFC assistant coach said. “People said coming out he wasn’t the most gifted rhythmic passer on timing, but he’s really grown in that building. He’s a pure pocket guy now with the ability to win with athleticism, and a lot of quarterbacks out there are not.”   Many cite the Cowboys’ loaded offensive depth chart as a comparison for quarterbacks on lesser teams: Imagine what Player X would do in that offense. Prescott has done pretty well with it. But fair or not, one playoff win in four years isn’t enough for many.   10. Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions Age: 32 | Highest ranking: 4 | Lowest ranking: 14   Maybe the tightest race of the position was Stafford vs. Matt Ryan at 10. Ryan had slightly more top-10 votes, but Stafford’s average overall was higher. Expanding the voting to Ryan vs. Stafford exclusively gave Stafford the edge as well. He scares opposing teams more, can score from anywhere on the field, and where he plays counts.   “It’s the Stafford syndrome — he plays in Detroit, so he’s not in a position to maximize his ability,” one NFC exec said. “He’s a major talent who’d probably be a top-five quarterback with an established franchise. He can score from anywhere on the field.”   Most everyone agrees Stafford’s arm is top-five level. He was on pace for nearly 5,000 yards and 38 touchdowns before a back injury cut his 2019 season short.   He was phenomenal from inside the pocket, with a league-leading 82.7 QBR, 66.2 completion percentage, 8.8 yards per attempt, 17 touchdowns and three interceptions.   The core issue with Stafford is simple.   “What has he really done?” asked multiple execs, referring to his 0-3 playoff record.   Also receiving votes Matt Ryan, Atlanta Falcons (14): “He’s answered the bell with consistency and durability. Great leader. The arm is probably declining.” — AFC scout   Ben Roethlisberger, Pittsburgh Steelers (8): The elbow injury that cost him 14 games and required surgery affected several voters. “Without the health concerns, he’d be on this list, no doubt. He can still get it done at a high level. You just don’t know how he’ll respond to the injury. Is the body breaking down?” — AFC exec   Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals (5): “Kyler can take a normal drop, then make instinctual lateral slides in the pocket to get himself into an open throwing lane. That’s rare. That’s the baseball in him. And his arm talent is ridiculous.” — NFC exec   Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings (2): “I like Kirk. Developed into a good quarterback. Better arm than given credit for, and the system suits him perfectly.” — NFC exec   Jimmy Garoppolo, San Francisco 49ers (2): “He’s a pure pocket guy with a great release and his teammates love him. He’s probably got a ceiling, but I think he’s a really good quarterback in this league.” — veteran NFL coach   Derek Carr, Las Vegas Raiders; Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans; Jared Goff, Los Angeles Rams; Sam Darnold, New York Jets (1):   “Incredibly accurate, you just wonder if this is who he is.” — veteran NFL assistant on Carr   “Hard to pick a guy who threw the ball [14] times in a playoff game, but he really was good last year.” — NFC exec on Tannehill   “Throws the ball really well. Just never got the sense other teams fear him.” — NFL coordinator on Goff   “If we’re projecting out, I think Darnold is going to have a big year. He’s finally got a line to protect him.” — AFC exec on Darnold We can buy the list with the possible exception of Wentz at 8.  Would you really rather have him than Matt Ryan?