MINNESOTA

While RB DALVIN COOK has been the Viking most linked to a trade, DE DANIELLE HUNTER is drawing interest.  Tyler Forness of USA TODAY:

The situation with Minnesota Vikings pass rusher Danielle Hunter is getting more complicated. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, teams are calling about a potential trade for Hunter and they have been for some time.

Rapoport – “Here is my understanding of where it stands. Sources say that teams have been calling the Minnesota Vikings regarding Danielle Hunter. He has in fact generated some trade interest.”

Last week, we wrote about a potential extension for Hunter since he is due only $4.9 million in cash in 2023. That number is at least $10-15 million below his market value, which sits around $20 million per season.

Would the Vikings trade Hunter now? It’s hard to say. A trade before the draft makes a lot more sense due to the nature of the NFL offseason. They would have had the opportunity to replace him in the draft with multiple quality pass rushers between picks 20 and 75.

His value is also fluid due to the two serious injuries that ended both his 2020 and 2021 seasons, but he is still just 28 years old and won’t turn 29 until October 29th.

WASHINGTON

Amidst the dystopian smoke of the Canadian hellfires, Josh Harris made his way to Park Avenue to plead the case for his bid to buy the Commanders.  Ben Standig of The Athletic:

Josh Harris made “progress” with members of the NFL finance committee regarding his group’s $6.05 billion bid to purchase the Washington Commanders, according to two people briefed on the discussions that took place Wednesday in New York City. There was enough movement that a completed deal with Daniel Snyder by July is possible.

The primary hurdles with the Harris bid coming out of May’s owners’ meeting in Minneapolis involve the debt limit exceeding the $1.1 billion allowed by league rules and vetting the roughly 20 limited partners.

“Progress was made, but more work to do,” a league source briefed on the matter who was not authorized to speak publicly told The Athletic.

Another source briefed on the Harris bid but not authorized to speak publicly said the sale is moving toward ratification based on the positive conversation in Wednesday’s meeting.

The Washington Post first reported about the productive meeting that ran roughly 2 1/2 hours and fell nearly two months after Harris and Snyder agreed to terms in principle. Harris, owner of the NBA’s Philadelphia 76ers and the NHL’s New Jersey Devils, and Snyder announced an exclusive agreement on May 12.

Mitchell Rales, one of Harris’ lead investors and co-founder of Danaher Corporation, also attended the meeting.

Owners expressed optimism about the sale’s completion in Minneapolis.

“It takes time. A lot of people have a lot of things to do,” Cowboys owner Jerry Jones said. “I know we’re all anxious, especially the fans, but we’re on a good course. … likely to happen.”

League rules against using institutional and private equity money are likely factors in Harris’ satisfying the finance committee’s requirements. The league is invested in seeing Snyder out as owner, but not enough to change ownership standards.

“That’s something we continually review and look to see if there are modifications that we would make,” NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said in Minneapolis. “I think it’s important for membership to be engaged. But it’s … not how we create greater value but how do we create stability in our league amongst the 32 teams. That’s the most important aspect of our ownership policies.”

The subsequent owners’ meeting is scheduled for October. The NFL could arrange a special interim meeting to vote on the Commanders sale. Approval requires 24 of 32 votes.

JACKSONVILLE

Even with London Calling, the Jaguars are talking about a massive renovation of their stadium in Jacksonville.  Michael DiRocco of ESPN.com on this Clash of Cities:

he Jaguars on Wednesday released an early look at a renovation of what they’re calling “the stadium of the future,” a multibillion-dollar project that includes developing the area around TIAA Bank Field and a critical piece of the franchise’s future in Jacksonville.

The base 62,000-seat open-air stadium includes a shaded canopy the team says will reduce the heat factor by more than 70%, a main concourse four times wider than the current one, and lookout decks that offer views of the city. The two pools, added in 2014 as part of a $63 million renovation, remain, as do the large video boards that span the length of each end zone.

The stadium can expand to seat 71,500, and the nearly five-minute video presentation included references to hosting music festivals, concerts, international soccer matches and tournaments, and potentially the NFL draft. It also included a brief clip of an NCAA Final Four, but no mention of potentially hosting a second Super Bowl.

The entire cost of the project — including the development of the area around the stadium — could be as much as $2 billion, with the stadium improvements costing between $1.3 billion and $1.4 billion, according to Jaguars president Mark Lamping. Lamping also said constructing an entirely new stadium, whether that’s on the current site or somewhere else in the Jacksonville area, would cost an additional $1 billion.

Per a memorandum of understanding the city and Jaguars owner Shad Khan would split the cost of the entire project (including the development around the stadium) 50-50 and that the stadium renovation could take as long as four years.

“What we’ve discussed with the city and what’s contained in this memorandum of understanding is we get to 50-50, but more of their [the city’s] 50% is going to have to go into the stadium because that’s what the league’s going to look at and more of Shad’s 50 is going to have to go into the development around the stadium,” Lamping said. “And when you combine them, you get to 50-50.”

The Jaguars’ current lease at TIAA Bank Field expires after the 2029 season. A new lease would need approval from the NFL and 75% of the league’s owners. Renovating or building a new stadium is expected to be a critical part of getting the approval.

If the city and the Jaguars agree on a two-year stadium renovation plan, the Jaguars would be forced to play their home games elsewhere. Options include the University of Florida’s Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and Orlando’s Camping World Stadium. Other sites mentioned include the nearby 11,000-seat baseball stadium that houses the Triple-A affiliate of the Miami Marlins and a 9,400-seat stadium at the University of North Florida, but Lamping said it would cost $125 million to add 20,000 seats to either facility to get them NFL-ready.

The Jaguars play one home game annually in London, and multiple home games in the United Kingdom also could be on the table.

If the team and city agree to a four-year renovation plan, the team could still play its home games at TIAA Bank Field, but Lamping said that would add an additional $190 million.

“The most efficient and the cheapest route is to do it over two years and go to a stadium that you don’t have to add a lot to, which would either be Florida Field [in Gainesville] or Camping World,” Lamping said. “We’ve had conversations with both. We’ve given them the specs and I think it’s fair to say that both would be interested, assuming that the schedules would work.”

The team is hosting 14 events across Jacksonville over the next two weeks to allow residents and fans to learn more about the stadium renovations. Lamping said the hope is the team and city can reach an agreement by the spring and be able to present it at the NFL’s owners meetings in May 2024.

If the sides do reach an agreement on the project — which would require approval from the city’s new mayor (who takes office July 1) and the Jacksonville city council — it will cement the team’s future in Jacksonville for decades, Lamping said.

“The assignment is no different than it was the first day that he [Khan] walked in here,” Lamping said. “He wants to make sure we do everything we possibly can to make sure we have a stable, consistently competitive NFL franchise in northeast Florida for generations to come.”

Here are some Jaguars talking points:

Design highlights include:

 * Drawing inspiration from Jacksonville’s lush landscapes–a network of biking and walking trails, parklands, greenways, beaches and marshes—the striking design captures the essence of Florida. Fans will enter through a subtropical Floridian park, leading them to the main concourse. The concourse is elevated 30 feet above the ground, offering expansive views for Downtown Jacksonville and the St. Johns River.

*  The 360-degree concourse, four times wider than before, will feature interactive social bars and a variety of unique experiences alongside culinary delights native to Jacksonville. Every fan will discover something unique during each visit to the venue, which offers a wide range of premium offerings and communal spaces.

*   The seating bowl flexibility provides for a base capacity of 62,000 with expansion capabilities up to 71,500 for a college football game and more for a concert. The venue can transform its appearance through lighting and digital technology that will create distinctive game-day experiences while ensuring that fans stay connected.

*   The stadium is designed with sustainability in mind. With a first-of-its-kind mirrored material, the energy-efficient facade reflects Jacksonville’s waterfront, vegetation and distinct spirit. The open-air venue features a large shade canopy that reduces heat retention by more than 70 percent, lowers temperatures 10 to 15 degrees and protect fans from the weather. The façade is raised at the northern and southern ends to optimize airflow, enabling passive cooling throughout the stadium.

*  The stadium will feature lookout decks that offer citywide views. A fritted roof membrane introduces dispersed ambient light throughout the stadium interior.

*  The new stadium design addresses key fan requests, including a 185-percent increase in main concourse surface area, a 260-percent increase in upper concourse surface area, 360-degree connectivity in the upper concourse, 13 new elevators and 32 new escalators to support vertical movement, 220 new food and beverage points of sale and 14 new restrooms.

TENNESSEE

Free agent WR DeANDRE HOPKINS has scheduled his first known visit – to the Titans. Not PATRICK MAHOMES and the Chiefs, not JOSH ALLEN and the Bills, not DESHAUN WATSON and the Browns.  The Titans.  Jim Wyatt of NFL.com:

Free agent receiver DeAndre Hopkins is scheduled to visit with the Titans early next week.

Titans head coach Mike Vrabel confirmed the news at his post-practice press conference on Wednesday after news of the visit was first reported by Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

“The first thing is we want players that want to be here,” Vrabel said. “We’ll work through anything else. We brought in a bunch of different players, and DeAndre will be somebody that we’ll bring in next week, early next week, at the end of this week, and go through the same visit we’ll go through with everybody and start the process.”

Hopkins has spent the past three seasons with the Arizona Cardinals after playing seven seasons with the Houston Texans. He was released by the Cardinals last month, and became a free agent.

Vrabel was a member of the Texans coaching staff from 2014-2017 when Hopkins was on the team. Titans offensive coordinator Tim Kelly also served on Houston’s staff when Hopkins was with the team.

“I’m past the recruiting – I did that in college,” Vrabel said. “Again, we really just want people that want to be here. And if that works out, then you go on to the next step.

“This will be pretty much it until either sign or don’t sign the next player.”

Vrabel answered two questions about Hopkins, and then steered questions elsewhere.

“I’m going to talk about the players that are here, and when DeAndre is here I’ll visit with him,” Vrabel said, “and then we’ll move on when we make any other transactions from there.”

BUFFALO

QB JOSH ALLEN is the Madden ’24 cover subject – and it means a lot to him.

Josh Allen thought back to his past not too long ago, back to when the Buffalo Bills quarterback could have never imagined what happened Wednesday becoming reality, when he was named as the cover athlete for the Madden NFL 24 video game.

Back in high school in Firebaugh, California, or even in college at the University of Wyoming — nah, it wasn’t something plausible. Let alone becoming the first Bills player to be selected as the main cover star.

“It’s such a small group of people who have ever touched the face of Madden, so now to be on that list, it’s very surreal. It’s very humbling,” Allen told ESPN. “To think about where I was not too long ago and coming out of high school with zero offers, going to junior college and have one offer, University of Wyoming of all places, and then fast-forward to now.

“I don’t know if I would have believed you at that point, if you were to tell me in high school. It’s so surreal. Madden has such a special place in my heart.”

Allen grew up a Madden gamer — he often would play as his childhood favorite team, the San Francisco 49ers, and would sometimes sub in his now-offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey for Jeff Garcia and Tim Rattay. Playing Madden is how he learned the fundamental basics of the game. Now, his face gracing that game will be one to teach the next generation of football players.

Other than last season, when John Madden was on the cover of all editions of the game as an homage to the death of the game’s namesake and Hall of Fame football coach, quarterbacks have dominated the cover in recent years.

Tom Brady and Patrick Mahomes were on the cover of Madden 22, Lamar Jackson on Madden 21, Mahomes on Madden 20 and Brady on Madden 18. The only non-quarterbacks in recent years were Antonio Brown in Madden 19 and retired receiver Terrell Owens was on the cover of the Madden 19 Hall of Fame edition.

Allen began last season as a 92 overall in Madden and got as high as a 96 before finishing the season as a 93. It was a good progression in the ratings from his first three seasons, when he started in the 70s, but he’s hoping his initial rating is higher this year. Along with his overall, Allen said he would like to see his strength and break tackle ratings increase, knowing each attribute receiving a bump could raise his overall rating.

“I’m hoping it’s above 92. I would assume it’s going to be, but you never know,” Allen said. “I’m an honest man. I’m a realistic man. I’m a logical man and I think it’s going to be a little bit above 92, but until I get to that 99 club, I’ll be working hard.”

Allen began last season as the No. 4-rated quarterback in Madden. Last season’s top quarterback at launch, Brady, has retired. No quarterbacks started last season in the 99 Club — a 99 rating is the highest a player can have in the game — after Mahomes had been there in Madden 22.

Allen, 27, completed 63.3% of his passes last season for 4,283 yards, 35 touchdowns and 14 interceptions. He also had 124 carries for 762 yards and seven touchdowns for the Bills. A two-time Pro Bowler, Allen has led the Bills to the playoffs the past four seasons and three straight divisional titles.

Now, he’s the first Bills player to say he’s also on the main cover of Madden as well.

“It’s surreal for me,” Allen said. “But I think Western New York and Bills Mafia is going to be super pumped about it. Validate maybe some of the respect that they feel they haven’t gotten in a long time. I think they are going to be very pumped about the cover.

“It’s going to be a very special Madden, I will say that.”

A young John Madden was the cover subject of Madden 23, in case you were wondering.

NEW YORK JETS

DT SOLOMON THOMAS notices that things are different in 2023 with QB AARON RODGERS in the locker room.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Jets defensive tackle Solomon Thomas is in his second season with the team, but something is different this year: The presence of a Hall of Fame quarterback.

Thomas said Aaron Rodgers has made a major difference during the offseason program in the feeling within the Jets’ locker room, with the team feeling more confident and more enthusiastic.

“The room is buzzing right now — the building is buzzing — and it’s buzzing for a reason,” Thomas said, via ESPN. “You bring in a solidified Hall of Famer like Aaron Rodgers and it’s going to change some things. His leadership, his knowledge, the way he plays the game — you know he’s going to put up points and you know he’s going to play smart football. It brings a whole new youthfulness around this team, even for the vets.”

After typically staying away during the offseason in his last few days in Green Bay, Rodgers has been active and engaged in the Jets’ offseason program. Thomas believes Rodgers’ presence is already paying dividends.

THIS AND THAT

RANKING THE CORES

Seth Walder of ESPN.com ranks the NFL teams 1 to 32 in terms of their top 5 building block players.

An NFL roster is made up of 53 players, but there are a few core playmakers who serve as the cornerstones for every team. And some of these cores are better than others. We set out to rank them, as is our legal obligation for all June football musings.

A core was defined as the five most important players to a team — the guys each roster is built around. The ranking is for 2023, but there was a consideration of age in deciding which players made each team’s core. For some teams, there were too many good candidates to choose from, while even getting to five was tough for others.

Let’s dive into the rankings. Average ages were calculated by taking each player’s age as of Sept. 7, 2023 — when the Lions and Chiefs are set to kick off the 2023 NFL season.

1. Kansas City Chiefs   Average core age: 28.6

Roster core: QB Patrick Mahomes, TE Travis Kelce, DT Chris Jones, C Creed Humphrey, G Joe Thuney

It’d be very possible for another NFL team to have a better five-man core than the Chiefs if they were solely relying on Mahomes; the 27-year-old QB is a true star, but many rosters are loaded with young talent. But finding a core better than one with Mahomes, Kelce and Jones? That would be awfully tough. Having the league’s clear top quarterback, a high-end receiving threat and an elite interior pass-rusher is just too big an advantage for the Chiefs to rank anywhere but

2. Cincinnati Bengals   Average core age: 25.6

Roster core: QB Joe Burrow, WR Ja’Marr Chase, WR Tee Higgins, DE Trey Hendrickson, OT Orlando Brown Jr.

Burrow isn’t the second-best quarterback on this list, but an exceptional 1-2 punch at receiver, a high-end pass-rusher and a strong offensive tackle boosts the Bengals to first in the non-Mahomes division. Of the group, Hendrickson is perhaps most overlooked but is very deserving to be here, ranking fourth in pass rush win rate among edge rushers last season.

3. Philadelphia Eagles   Average core age: 28.8

Roster core: QB Jalen Hurts, WR A.J. Brown, OT Lane Johnson, OLB Haason Reddick, CB Darius Slay

The Eagles’ elite core checks every positional value box, with high-end players at quarterback, wide receiver, offensive tackle, edge rusher and corner. And in reality, this exercise undersells the strength of the Eagles as a whole, because there are very talented players left off the list, including cornerback James Bradberry, receiver DeVonta Smith and center Jason Kelce. But even just looking at the five above, it’s easy to see why the Eagles are favorites to win the NFC again.

4. Miami Dolphins      Average core age: 27.6

Roster core: QB Tua Tagovailoa, WR Tyreek Hill, CB Jalen Ramsey, WR Jaylen Waddle, OT Terron Armstead

The Dolphins’ offensive core proved its potential in 2022. When all four of Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle and Armstead were on the field, the team averaged a massive 0.24 EPA per play. For context, the Chiefs led the league with 0.17 EPA per play overall. Add Ramsey in to spice up the defense, and this core looks dangerous.

5. Buffalo Bills             Average core age: 29.4

Roster core: QB Josh Allen, WR Stefon Diggs, OLB Von Miller, CB Tre’Davious White, LB Matt Milano

Allen is carrying the load in making the Bills a serious Super Bowl contender, because this core could be better. White and Miller suffered ACL injuries in 2021 and 2022, respectively. And while Milano is coming off a fantastic 2022 season, he’s still an inside linebacker, which is a devalued position. But this ranking just goes to show how far an elite QB and receiver can take you.

6. Dallas Cowboys          Average core age: 26.8

Roster core: QB Dak Prescott, LB Micah Parsons, WR CeeDee Lamb, G Zack Martin, CB Trevon Diggs

The Cowboys’ core is a clear display of why they are a true — perhaps even underrated — Super Bowl contender. Prescott isn’t at a Mahomes or Allen level, but he’s supported by a Defensive Player of the Year candidate in Parsons, a star No. 1 wideout in Lamb and a future Hall of Fame offensive lineman in Martin. And no player has more interceptions over the past two seasons than Diggs (14).

7. Los Angeles Chargers                 Average core age: 27.0

Roster core: QB Justin Herbert, OLB Joey Bosa, OT Rashawn Slater, WR Keenan Allen, S Derwin James Jr.

On paper, this should work. You have one of the game’s top young quarterbacks, a really good receiver and franchise left tackle on offense, paired with two defensive stars. This group hasn’t lived up to its potential, but the recipe is there for success. Bosa is overshadowed by his brother, Nick, in San Francisco, but don’t sleep on him as a superstar edge rusher. Over the past four seasons, Bosa’s 23% pass rush win rate at edge ranks fifth in the league — two spots better than his brother.

8. New York Jets                                 Average core age: 26.8

Roster core: QB Aaron Rodgers, CB Sauce Gardner, DT Quinnen Williams, WR Garrett Wilson, G Alijah Vera-Tucker

Questions will linger until the regular season regarding which version of Rodgers the Jets will get, but this group has unquestioned upside. Gardner is a true Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Wilson could easily ascend to a top-10 wide receiver after a strong rookie campaign and Williams is a top-five defensive tackle.

9. Baltimore Ravens                              Average core age: 27.2

Roster core: QB Lamar Jackson, TE Mark Andrews, CB Marlon Humphrey, LB Roquan Smith, OT Ronnie Stanley

I doubt we’ll ever see the 2019 MVP version of Jackson again. But with the help of this relatively strong group of core players, it seems feasible that Jackson could return Baltimore to title contention. Andrews’ 86 Open Score in 2022 was the highest by any tight end in the history of ESPN’s receiving metric, dating to 2017.

10. San Francisco 49ers                           Average core age: 28.4

Roster core: DE Nick Bosa, OT Trent Williams, RB Christian McCaffrey, TE George Kittle, LB Fred Warner

You could absolutely make the case for quarterback Brock Purdy to be on this list. But the 49ers are a great team because of what’s around their QB — whoever it might be. This exercise also sells them short, because there are just too many quality players on San Francisco’s roster; receiver Deebo Samuel and defensive tackle Javon Hargrave would make the core for almost every other team, and receiver Brandon Aiyuk might, too.

11. Cleveland Browns                                   Average core age: 27.6

Roster core: QB Deshaun Watson, DE Myles Garrett, RB Nick Chubb, CB Denzel Ward, G Joel Bitonio

A few years ago this group could have challenged for the No. 1 spot in these rankings. But after Watson played so poorly in his return to football in 2022, posting a Total QBR of 38.0, it’s fair to wonder whether he holds the rest of the players on this list back going into 2023. If he gets back to his Houston level of play, Cleveland would fly up the list.

12. Jacksonville Jaguars                    Average core age: 25.2

Roster core: QB Trevor Lawrence, WR Calvin Ridley, CB Tyson Campbell, OLB Josh Allen, WR Christian Kirk

Lawrence was better in 2022 than most give him credit for, succeeding despite a porous offensive line and weak receiver group. Ridley is a big boost for the latter, but Lawrence could still use more help from the rest of this roster, which is why the Jaguars are down at No. 12 despite the quarterback’s considerable upside.

13. Minnesota Vikings                                Average core age: 27.4

Roster core: QB Kirk Cousins, WR Justin Jefferson, OLB Danielle Hunter, OT Christian Darrisaw, TE T.J. Hockenson

If you can’t have an elite quarterback, the next-best thing is an elite wide receiver. There’s perhaps no one better at the position than Jefferson, and he’s the primary reason the Vikings are in this spot.

14. Seattle Seahawks                                    Average core age: 26.6

Roster core: QB Geno Smith, WR DK Metcalf, WR Tyler Lockett, CB Tariq Woolen, OT Charles Cross

When Russell Wilson left Seattle, he struggled. When Smith stepped into the starting role in Seattle, he thrived. There were other factors, but I have to wonder if Metcalf and Lockett’s role in their quarterbacks’ success has been underrated. Plus, an A-plus draft in 2022 led by Woolen and Cross (but also including offensive tackle Abraham Lucas and running back Kenneth Walker III) means Seattle is well-stocked with young talent.

15. New York Giants                                        Average core age: 25.4

Roster core: QB Daniel Jones, DT Dexter Lawrence, OT Andrew Thomas, OLB Kayvon Thibodeaux, TE Darren Waller

Huge seasons from Lawrence — who managed to rank fourth among defensive tackles in pass rush win rate (17%) despite playing nose tackle — and Thomas mean the Giants have major talent in the trenches, with more upside available from Thibodeaux. Jones is coming off a career year but remains somewhat of a question mark.

16. New Orleans Saints                                     Average core age: 29.0

Roster core: QB Derek Carr, WR Chris Olave, OT Ryan Ramczyk, CB Marshon Lattimore, LB Demario Davis

With a solid quarterback now under center, the top of the Saints’ roster looks pretty good. ESPN’s receiver tracking metrics suggest Olave is a franchise wide receiver after he tied for seventh in overall score during his rookie season. With better QB play via Carr, Olave’s box score stats will come. This ranking might oversell New Orleans, though — the roster drops off quite a bit from the core.

17. Las Vegas Raiders                                            Average core age: 28.0

Roster core: QB Jimmy Garoppolo, WR Davante Adams, DE Maxx Crosby, OT Kolton Miller, RB Josh Jacobs

Adams and Crosby were top-20 players a season ago, Miller is a good pass-blocking left tackle and Jacobs led the league in rushing in 2022. The question of Garoppolo’s true ability — and ability to stay on the field — holds this group back, but the high end of Las Vegas’ non-QB roster is impressive. In fact, receiver Jakobi Meyers, one of the most underrated players in the league, didn’t make the cut.

18. Detroit Lions                                                        Average core age: 23.6

Roster core: QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown, DE Aidan Hutchinson, OT Penei Sewell, WR Jameson Williams

I’m surprised I ended up with Detroit this low, but Goff still comes with questions. Think of what we thought of him 12 months ago! Hutchinson’s underlying numbers (including a 12% pass rush win rate) didn’t match his sack production (9.5), and Williams is unproven and will miss six games this season due to a suspension for violating the NFL’s gambling policy.

19. Pittsburgh Steelers                                 Average core age: 27.0

Roster core: QB Kenny Pickett, OLB T.J. Watt, S Minkah Fitzpatrick, DT Cameron Heyward, WR George Pickens

If Pickett hits, this group gets scary quick. While Heyward is 34 years old, Pickens is just getting going and combines with Diontae Johnson to make up a strong receiver duo for the young QB. And while injuries marred Watt’s 2022 season, he remains one of the league’s truly elite defenders.

20. Denver Broncos                                     Average core age: 27.4

Roster core: QB Russell Wilson, CB Pat Surtain II, WR Jerry Jeudy, S Justin Simmons, WR Courtland Sutton

This group hinges on whether Wilson can turn it around, but this ranking is based on there being some chance that Wilson can at least return to his 2021 level of play, if not better. Surtain is a star, and Jeudy led the league in yards per route run against man coverage last season, a sign of his breakout.

21. Los Angeles Rams                                   Average core age: 28.6

Roster core: QB Matthew Stafford, DT Aaron Donald, WR Cooper Kupp, LB Ernest Jones, G Steve Avila

Looking only at five-man cores certainly works in Los Angeles’ favor, yet the Rams’ list still turns to relatively unknown players after the first three. Even so, I have a hard time keeping a group that includes Kupp and this generation’s best defensive player too low on a five-player list.

22. Tennessee Titans                              Average core age: 29.4

Roster core: QB Ryan Tannehill, RB Derrick Henry, DT Jeffery Simmons, S Kevin Byard, OLB Harold Landry III

The Titans’ core is better than their actual roster, which looks bleak on offense. But you can do a lot worse than Tannehill at quarterback. His 49 QBR last year is partially due to having little help at receiver or along the offensive line. And even though Henry’s play has fallen off, he still remains an asset. Simmons, Byard and Landry are all valuable defensive players, too. The biggest question is how long all these players will remain on the roster.

23. Carolina Panthers                                   Average core age: 24.8

Roster core: QB Bryce Young, DE Brian Burns, CB Jaycee Horn, DT Derrick Brown, OT Taylor Moton

The four names after Young are good-to-very-good players either entering or in their prime. But none are truly elite at their respective positions, so it’s hard to see Carolina being any higher here with a totally unproven quarterback, even if he was the No. 1 overall pick in April.

24. Green Bay Packers                                 Average core age: 26.0

Roster core: QB Jordan Love, CB Jaire Alexander, OT David Bakhtiari, WR Christian Watson, OLB Rashan Gary

There’s risk and reward here. Can Bakhtiari stay healthy? Will Watson build on the strong second half of his rookie campaign? And can Love show why the Packers were ready to move on from Aaron Rodgers? If you answer “yes” to all three, there would be no rebuild in Green Bay. But none of those are guarantees.

25. Chicago Bears                                         Average core age: 25.6

Roster core: QB Justin Fields, WR DJ Moore, LB Tremaine Edmunds, S Eddie Jackson, OT Braxton Jones

The Bears improved this offseason, but their non-QB core still doesn’t stack up against that of most NFL teams. In Fields, Chicago has a midlevel QB, though there is certainly a world where Fields ascends beyond that. But we haven’t seen it yet, as he ranked 17th in QBR last season and took sacks at an egregious 12.5% rate.

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers                                 Average core age: 27.6

Roster core: WR Mike Evans, OT Tristan Wirfs, CB Jamel Dean, DT Vita Vea, OLB Shaquil Barrett

The Bucs have a strong non-QB core. But not having a quarterback in the mix hurts the Bucs’ ranking, and frankly, the prospect of Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask doesn’t elicit much hope for 2023. If the Bucs had a little more at QB (Tannehill, perhaps?), they would be a sneaky dangerous team in a weak NFC South.

27. New England Patriots                                Average core age: 26.4

Roster core: QB Mac Jones, OLB Matthew Judon, S Kyle Dugger, OLB Josh Uche, G Mike Onwenu

It seems plenty plausible that Jones’ 2021 rookie season, in which he ranked 16th in QBR, is more indicative of the player he’ll become than what he did last season (28th) with Matt Patricia as his playcaller. Judon and Uche combined for 27 sacks in 2022, but this core lacks superstars.

28. Washington Commanders                             Average core age: 26.4

Roster core: WR Terry McLaurin, DT Daron Payne, DT Jonathan Allen, DE Montez Sweat, DE Chase Young

Uncertainty at quarterback (and therefore, the lack of one on this list) dings Washington. But this is a solid collection of players in their prime, and the case could be made for the Commanders to rank higher. I believe Young can still be a good player, as he posted a 19% pass rush win rate at edge as recently as 2021.

29. Houston Texans                                             Average core age: 23.4

Roster core: QB C.J. Stroud, OT Laremy Tunsil, OLB Will Anderson Jr., CB Derek Stingley Jr., RB Dameon Pierce

Talk about draft capital — the Texans have three core players selected with a top-three selection from the past two drafts! It means there’s major potential here, but the group is still totally unproven. Though the Texans paid too much to move up and draft him, Anderson scored incredibly well in my sack projections for prospects, even relative to top pass-rush prospects of recent seasons.

30. Indianapolis Colts                                             Average core age: 26.0

Roster core: QB Anthony Richardson, WR Michael Pittman Jr., G Quenton Nelson, DT DeForest Buckner, LB Shaquille Leonard

This is a tough group to figure out. Injuries forced Leonard out for most of last season, and Nelson wasn’t close to the same player he has been in the past, with a 91% pass block win rate at guard that ranked 41st out of 63 qualifiers. But of all the wild cards, we’re burying the lede in regard to Richardson. The Colts’ season — and future — will rest on his shoulders more than anyone else’s. Note that running back Jonathan Taylor also could have made this list.

31. Atlanta Falcons                                                 Average core age: 24.8

Roster core: QB Desmond Ridder, WR Drake London, G Chris Lindstrom, DT Grady Jarrett, TE Kyle Pitts

London recorded a 63 overall score in our receiver tracking metrics last season, a very strong number for a rookie. Jarrett is a perpetually underrated player but is starting to decline, while Pitts still has major potential after a disappointing start to his career. Lindstrom is well regarded, though the pass and run block win rates aren’t anything special. But most of all, Ridder, a former third-round pick, remains a huge question mark. Safety Jessie Bates III was a candidate for the core, but I felt like the team made enough of a commitment to Ridder this offseason (by not pursuing real alternatives) to warrant putting him on the list over the veteran safety.

32. Arizona Cardinals                                            Average core age: 26.0

Roster core: QB Kyler Murray, WR Marquise Brown, S Budda Baker, OT Paris Johnson Jr., OT D.J. Humphries

We’re including Murray in the core even though we’re also working under the assumption that he will miss most of the 2023 season due a torn ACL in his right knee. That Johnson and Humphries made this list speaks to the lack of roster strength on this rebuilding team.

BROADCAST NEWS

NINE TO RISE

Adam Schein of NFL.com has nine players he guarantees will improve in 2023:

As I say every year around this time, summer is the season of hope in the NFL. Mandatory minicamps spawn chatter of veterans getting back on track, of young players taking a leap. Last season is last season, with the promise of a new campaign coming down the pike.

But when it comes to offseason hype, how do you separate the wheat from the chaff? Which players are truly in position to level up in 2023? Well, I’m here for you.

With optimism running rampant across the league, I’m ready to take my annual endorsement plunge, Schein Nine style. I guarantee the following players improve on their 2022 output in the ’23 season.

1   Dak Prescott

Dallas Cowboys · QB

Bang on Prescott at your own risk. I still love Dak. Now, I didn’t love Dak’s NFL-high 15 picks last season. That was also a career-high for the seven-year veteran, and he reached that total in just 12 games, with a thumb injury sidelining him for five weeks early in the season. But I see the Cowboys quarterback bouncing back in a major way this fall, and not just because of the clean bill of health.

Head coach Mike McCarthy is taking the play-calling reins for the first time in his Dallas tenure, a development I strongly support. Don’t get it twisted: I think Kellen Moore — now the offensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Chargers — is a fine young mind. But clearly, McCarthy and Moore weren’t always on the same page. Now it’s McCarthy’s offense from stem to stern. No confusion, no conflicting strategies. And seeing how I believe McCarthy is a true quarterback/offensive guru, I really think Dak and the ‘Boys will reap the benefits of this change. Not to mention, Dallas acquired WR Brandin Cooks via trade back in March. Brilliant move. CeeDee Lamb actually headlined this file one year ago, and he proceeded to show significant improvement across the board, shattering previous highs in catches (107), yards (1,359) and touchdowns (nine). But Dallas’ second-leading wide receiver was Noah Brown, who contributed a ho-hum statistical line of 43/555/3. Lamb needed better support in the WR corps. Cooks provides that. Also, Michael Gallup should be closer to his former self in his second season back from an ACL tear.

I think Dak throws for 4,500 yards and 40 touchdowns while reducing his interception total by at least five. All in all, we’ve seen a nice body of work from Dak in the NFL. Last season was a blip. It’s his time to shine again.

2 Quenton Nelson

Indianapolis Colts · LG

Last season was … weird. A first-team All-Pro in each of his first three NFL campaigns and Pro Bowler in each of his first four, Nelson started his Colts career on a Hall of Fame track. But last year was strangely ordinary. Yeah, he still made his fifth Pro Bowl, but that was a reputation nod. According to every measuring stick, Nelson was far from elite. By PFF’s count, he allowed five sacks — a higher total than his first four seasons combined (four).

Now, to be fair, everything was a hot mess in Indianapolis last season, with the Colts stumbling to a highly disappointing 4-12-1 season. But Nelson took immediate accountability for not playing up to his standard.

“I gave up a decent amount (of pressure),” Nelson told The Athletic’s Zak Keefer back in January. “I need to be better in 1-on-1 protection.

“Everything’s fixable. I plan to have my best year next year. It starts with the offseason. I truly believe I can do that.”

And I truly believe in Nelson. With Shane Steichen taking over at head coach and No. 4 overall pick Anthony Richardson poised to receive the reins under center, the Colts could field a devastating ground attack with a healthier season from 2021 NFL rushing king Jonathan Taylor. I can see it now, with Nelson blowing open holes once again as a road-grading force. The man just turned 27 years old this offseason, after all — he’s still squarely in his prime.

3  Jerry Jeudy

Denver Broncos · WR

Speaking of hot messes, the 2022 Broncos didn’t exactly meet expectations. Shoot, Nathaniel Hackett didn’t even make it through one full year in the big chair, with the head coach fired the day after Christmas and Denver ultimately finishing the season at a disastrous 5-12.

Insert Sean Payton, one of the best offensive minds in football history. If anyone can get Russell Wilson back on track, it’s the man who brought the Lombardi Trophy to New Orleans. And if Russ is just cooked, well, Payton aggressively targeted Jarrett Stidham in free agency. One way or another, the new head man is going to produce better quarterback play in Denver, which will redound to the benefit of Jeudy.

Since becoming the highest-drafted receiver in Broncos history as the 15th overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jeudy’s yet to live up to the billing. Still, despite Denver’s lackluster season in 2022, the wideout set career bests in catches (67), yards (972) and touchdowns (six). And he really appeared to hit his stride with Wilson down the stretch, posting 100-yard outings in two of the final three games. I think the route-running specialist has another gear. Payton will maximize his talent and show that Jeudy is indeed a true No. 1 wideout.

4  James Cook

Buffalo Bills · RB

When you lose a fumble on your first NFL carry, you get buried. That’s what happened to Cook, who coughed up the football on his first snap of the nationally televised Kickoff Game against the defending champion Rams. The Bills wound up winning in blowout fashion, 31-10, but it took a while for the rookie to get back into the regular rotation. In fact, he didn’t log 20 snaps in a game until December. However, he sprinkled in plenty of promise as a runner and receiver. And with last year’s leading rusher (Devin Singletary) now in Houston, Cook is a prime candidate for a Year 2 breakout.

Freshly minted Madden cover boy Josh Allen is a dynamic MVP candidate, but he needs more balance in the offense. Veterans Damien Harris, Nyheim Hines and Latavius Murray can have roles in the backfield rotation, but Cook needs to be the straw that stirs the drink. It’s why Buffalo took him in the second round of the 2022 draft. He has explosive potential as a playmaker in Ken Dorsey’s offense.

5  Bradley Chubb

Miami Dolphins · OLB

Acquired by Miami in a blockbuster deal with Denver just before last year’s trade deadline, Chubb abruptly received a five-year, $110 million extension from the Dolphins. But with 3.5 sacks in nine games with his new team (including the postseason), the former top-five pick got off to a slow start in the Magic City. Granted, he was pretty banged up health-wise, but Chubb knows his production wasn’t up to snuff.

“They brought me here for a reason,” Chubb told the Palm Beach Post in April. “And I’ve just got to make sure I live up to that reason.”

He will, especially now that he’s reunited with defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, who served as Chubb’s head coach for three seasons in Denver.

“This is one of my favorite coaches that I’ve been in the room with, just because he expects so much out his players,” Chubb said to the Palm Beach Post. “He’s going to keep it straight up with you. If he calls a play and you didn’t execute? He’s going to ask you: ‘Why didn’t you execute? I put you in a position to execute.’ “

Healthy and entrenched in Miami, Chubb will execute to the tune of at least 13 sacks. The Dolphins gave up a first-round pick and a whole bunch of dough for his services. Now he rewards their commitment.

6  D.J. Moore

Chicago Bears · WR

Let’s get one thing straight right off the bat: Moore wasn’t the problem in Carolina, which posted losing records in each of the former first-round pick’s five years with the franchise. Despite shoddy quarterback play throughout his entire Panthers tenure and multiple coaching changes, Moore valiantly eclipsed 1,000 receiving yards in three separate seasons. His talent was evident to anyone who watched Carolina. Now in Chicago, he’s poised to make a name for himself on the national scene.

Acquired by the Bears as part of the trade that gave the Panthers the No. 1 overall pick in April’s draft, Moore gives Chicago exactly what it needed to foster Justin Fields’ growth as a passer: a legit WR1. Still just 26 years old entering Year 6, Moore is set to blow past last year’s production (63 catches for 888 yards and seven touchdowns). Put him down for at least 1,200 yards and 10 scores, both of which would be career bests.

7  Travis Etienne

Jacksonville Jaguars · RB

After missing his entire rookie season due to a Lisfranc injury, Etienne burst on the scene with a dynamic showing in 2022. I loved him at Clemson, so I wasn’t surprised. But don’t lose sight of the fact that last year was essentially his NFL debut. 2023 is going to be special for this home run hitter.

Despite piling up 1,125 rushing yards at a healthy 5.1 per carry and catching 35 passes, Etienne somehow ended up hitting paydirt just five times. That’s confounding, given his big-play ability. I foresee a big jump to 12-15 touchdowns in 2023, along with 1,300 rushing yards and 50 catches. Trevor Lawrence loves his former Clemson teammate, and the Jaguars’ passing attack is going to flourish this fall. With Calvin Ridley joining the party on the perimeter, Etienne’s going to have room to operate out of the backfield.

8  Ikem Ekwonu

Carolina Panthers · LT

Ekwonu looked like a rookie early last season, but the No. 6 overall pick progressed over the course of Year 1, going one 10-game stretch without giving up a sack. He has the tenacity and tools to become a star on the blind side, especially with new leadership guiding his way.

I love the Panthers’ new coaching staff. Frank Reich is a gem. Overall, the offensive staff is experienced and filled with high-character teachers. This is not only a godsend to rookie QB Bryce Young, but also to the man tasked with protecting the No. 1 overall pick. Ekwonu has the makeup and tutelage to emerge as one of the elite tackles in the game right now.

9  Kyle Pitts

Atlanta Falcons · TE

After eclipsing 1,000 yards as a rookie, Pitts managed just 356 yards in an injury-riddled sophomore campaign that ended with knee surgery in November. But I still believe. And more importantly, so does Falcons coach Arthur Smith.

“We are expecting the next step for him as he comes back from his knee,” Smith said back in March, via the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. “Couldn’t be more excited about Kyle and his future.”

As the highest-drafted tight end in NFL history (No. 4 overall), Pitts entered the league with unparalleled hype. Consequently, while he earned Pro Bowl honors as a rookie, some still view him as a disappointment. That is wrong, especially just two years into his career. Don’t let your preconceived notions suffocate a developing player. Everyone praises Pitts’ work ethic, and given the pass-catching prowess that he entered the league with, his plus blocking has been a pleasant surprise. I anticipate the receiving numbers will come back in a big way in 2023.

Flanked by Drake London and now Bijan Robinson in Smith’s attack, Pitts won’t command all attention from opposing defenses. That said, with Desmond Ridder under center, you can bet the second-year quarterback will routinely lean on his 6-foot-6, 246-pound mismatch nightmare/safety valve.