It’s almost April, and the NFL and NFLPA are getting around to discussing their 2021 “offseason work structure.”  Kevin Seifert of ESPN.com says the players have no interest in seeing each other up close and personnel.

NFL owners hope to resume in-person offseason workouts this spring, sources tell ESPN’s Chris Mortensen, but the NFL Players Association is continuing to advocate for another fully virtual program.

The sides have begun a complex set of negotiations to determine the parameters of offseason work as vaccinations against COVID-19 become widely available. NFLPA president JC Tretter said in December that the virtual 2020 offseason should be made permanent, citing the reduced wear on players’ bodies, and the talks are also connected to the owners’ looming vote on expanding the regular season to 17 games and cutting the preseason to three games.

Owners are expected to approve the 17-game season during virtual meetings next week, a decision the NFLPA maintains would trigger a revision of offseason workout terms in the sides’ collective bargaining agreement.

If owners demand in-person workouts, the sources said, the NFLPA will ask the league to conduct daily COVID-19 testing. Owners believe daily testing will not be necessary by the time training camps open in July because most players will be vaccinated by then. The league spent more than $100 million in 2020 on COVID-19 protocols, with daily testing representing one of the largest line-item expenses.

In 2020, players met with coaches via videoconference and followed prescribed training regimens at home or in nearby gyms. The arrangement was deemed by both sides to be suitable in a pandemic, but coaches have long advocated for more, not fewer, offseason workouts. Tretter, however, said the 2020 season demonstrated that in-person workouts were not needed.

“The argument in favor of these offseason practices is based on the assumption that players need reps during OTAs to develop and learn while teams need the practices to gel,” Tretter wrote in a December blog post on the NFLPA website. “Yet, the lack of OTAs this year demonstrated that those theories aren’t substantiated. New and first-year head coaches had success. Newly assembled teams had success. Rookies stepped in and played at a high level all across the league. …

“We do not need to be brought in during April-June to practice against each other — it’s simply unnecessary.”

NFC NORTH

GREEN BAY

TE MARCEDES LEWIS is an enduring performer.  He signs with the Packers for two more years.

@AdamSchefter

Green Bay and TE Marcedes Lewis reached agreement on a two-year, $8 million deal that includes $4 million in guaranteed money, per source. Lewis will be returning for his 16th season, he’ll be 37 in May, and he still shows no signs of letting up.

NFC EAST

DALLAS

The Cowboys are not bringing back EDGE ALDON SMITH.  ESPN.com:

The Dallas Cowboys have informed free-agent pass-rusher Aldon Smith that they are not going to re-sign him after one season, a source told ESPN’s Ed Werder on Wednesday.

After serving an indefinite suspension from 2016 to 2019 for multiple off-field incidents and violations of the league’s substance abuse policy, Smith joined the Cowboys in 2020 on a one-year deal that could have paid him up to $4 million based on certain incentives.

The 31-year-old Smith finished the season with five sacks — including three in Week 3 against the Seattle Seahawks. He was second to DeMarcus Lawrence on the Cowboys with 33 quarterback pressures and had 48 tackles, 5 tackles for loss and 2 fumble recoveries, returning one for a touchdown.

The decision not to bring back Smith was reinforced by the Cowboys’ signing of veteran free-agent defensive end Tarell Basham.

Also on Wednesday, the Cowboys agreed to a one-year deal with safety Jayron Kearse after his visit to The Star, a source told ESPN.

WASHINGTON

Instead of the minority owners buying out Dan Snyder, they are being eliminated from the WFT ownership structure.  John Keim of ESPN.com:

Washington Football Team owner Dan Snyder will gain almost complete control of the franchise after the NFL’s finance committee cleared the way for him buying out his minority investors.

The finance committee approved Snyder’s application for a $450 million debt waiver, an NFL spokesperson confirmed. The other owners will vote at the league’s annual meeting next week on whether to approve the deal. Snyder needs 24 of the 32 owners to vote in favor of the transaction. The news was first reported by Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com.

This move does not impact the independent investigation into the franchise by attorney Beth Wilkinson. The investigation stems from a series of Washington Post articles detailing sexual harassment allegations in the organization over 15 years by past employees. No report has been turned in to the league.

If the deal goes through, Snyder would end up buying another 40.5% of shares in the organization from minority owners Fred Smith, Robert Rothman and Dwight Schar. Those three had purchased their shares in 2003. Snyder currently owns 40.59% of the team, with his mother, Arlette, owning 6.5% and his sister, Michele, owning 12.55%.

The total amount of the deal for the remaining shares would come to $875 million, according to The New York Times. Snyder would have to repay the debt by 2028. The Washington Post reported in November that a group of investors had offered the minority shareholders $900 million to sell but that Snyder blocked the move.

The battle among the minority owners and Snyder spilled into the public eye this summer and continued into the winter, with numerous court filings as the sides accused each other of bad-faith dealings and spreading misinformation.

Washington also is in the middle of a rebrand, having decided to retire its previous name last summer. It hasn’t yet settled on a new name or logo, but there will be a permanent one in place for the 2022 season. It will continue as the Washington Football Team this season.

The organization set out to improve its culture shortly after the Post’s articles. Among other moves, it hired Jason Wright as the first Black team president and Julie Donaldson as the senior vice president of media and the first woman to be part of an NFL team’s radio broadcast.

And, per Keim, that team he owns could continue to be the WFT for a long time.

The Washington Football Team name has gone from being a generic placeholder to one that will be strongly considered as a permanent one. As the organization inches along in its rebranding, team president Jason Wright said fans have warmed to the name.

Wright stressed that there is not a leading contender for the new name. However, the fact that some fans have warmed to WFT highlights what Wright said they want most in a name: a strong connection to the past.

Wright has previously said, and reiterated during an interview with ESPN on Tuesday, that Washington Football Team will remain in 2021. He said the permanent name would be in place for 2022.

The organization announced in July that it would retire its former name, which it had used for 87 years.

“There are a set of folks that have warmed to the Washington Football Team,” Wright said of input the organization has received. “Some of the things that are emerging from that are the Washington Football Team has something that ties deeply to our history. It feels like that isn’t jettisoning all the things we have been in the past, whereas something that’s completely new might feel that way.

“It’s important for a substantial part of our fan base to feel that this is a continuation of something versus a complete reset, something brand new.”

Wright also said there’s a chance a new name could be announced before the end of the 2021 season, although no timetable exists.

“The sooner the better — that’s one thing I hear from the fan base,” he said. “I would like it sooner than later, but it’s hard to commit to timing because the importance here is thoroughness, rigor and ensuring that we have been inclusive of all the folks that we need to listen to. That works against speed in some ways, but we’re moving as fast as possible.”

Wright said the team has received 15,000 submissions — from 60 countries and six continents (all but Antarctica) — regarding the name or a new logo.

The organization will continue to accept submissions on the name and logo through April 5.

Washington has been active in seeking input from fans, saying the team long ago made the decision to keep the burgundy-and-gold color scheme based on fan opinion. ESPN reported in July that Washington was likely to keep the color scheme, and nothing in the process has altered that thinking.

Wright said he will be on the social media site Clubhouse on Wednesday morning to discuss the rebranding. The organization will have a series called “Making the Brand” — a play on MTV’s old “Making the Band” series — to take fans inside the process.

Wright said the rebranding goes beyond just a new name and logo, citing the game-day experience — everything from entertainment to parking to concessions, and even ticketing and Washington’s charitable foundation. The cheerleader program was changed in favor of a coed dance team — Wright said he was a dancer in musical theater before sticking with football — and the marching band, which also paused, will return with a new look as well.

Wright and his team has communicated with alumni, fans overseas, young fans, the military and longtime fans. He said owner Dan Snyder and his wife, Tanya, aren’t involved in the process on a daily basis but have roles akin to being on the “board of directors.” Snyder was a fan of the team long before he bought the franchise in 1999.

“The pressure is felt from the fan base to us,” Wright said. “Dan feels it. I feel it. Our entire team feels it. This fan base deserves something that is thoughtful, that has taken their input into consideration very deeply.”

Washington will use focus groups as well. Wright also listens to local sports talk radio and podcasts to gain as much insight as possible into what others are thinking. He actively engages on social media, especially Twitter.

“How can I steward a rebrand if I don’t understand deeply held beliefs?” Wright said.

The team is approaching the expiration of its FedEx Field lease after the 2027 season and can use feedback gathered now when it comes to plans for a new stadium.

“Part of our rebrand will incorporate technology and things that Gen Z are engaged with, whether that’s legal gambling or fantasy football or VR technologies, ways to engage socially, how to bring those folks in,” Wright said. “The whole league and sports in general need Gen Z to remain as robust and healthy as it is today.”

This all got the DB thinking it might not be long, the way things are going among those who are offended, before the “W” part of the name might have to go.

We presumably would have the DC Football Team.

But that is problematic as well, because Columbia relates to an individual who is in disfavor.

And there is a move afoot to remove the D for District part of the land upon which our Capital sits.

But is the District of Columbia becomes a state, it presumably would no longer have District in its name, it couldn’t be Washington since there already is a State of Washington (for now) and Columbia might not pass muster with those mustering.

We found this from 2016:

District of Columbia leaders have come up with a new name for the city in the unlikely event that it becomes a state.

For decades, statehood advocates have pushed for the state to be called “New Columbia.” But on Tuesday, the D.C. Council voted unanimously for the state to be called the “State of Washington, D.C.” The “D.C.” would stand for “Douglass Commonwealth,” in a nod to abolitionist Frederick Douglass, who lived in the District.

But we also saw this:

It’s as thorny a question as is the proposal that’s prompting it: If D.C. were to become the 51st state, as city officials say they will demand next year, what will the state be called?

There’s now an answer: New Columbia.

A D.C. commission on Tuesday evening approved a draft state constitution that will be used for the city’s renewed push for statehood in the coming year, and as part of the document’s text, settled on New Columbia as the name for what they hope will be the 51st state.

The issue wasn’t without lively debate — according to city officials, of the hundreds of public comments the New Columbia Statehood Commission heard throughout June on the proposed constitution, the one that came up most often was what the new state would be known as.

Some argued that it should remain unchanged; Washington, D.C. would simply become, well, the State of Washington, D.C. But others said a new name was an opportunity to distinguish local Washington from federal Washington, and even pay homage to local landmarks and historical figures. Anacostia and Potomac were both considered, as was Douglass Commonwealth, after abolitionist Frederick Douglass. Less creative options were also floated: Capital State was one, as was New Washington, D.C.

New Columbia was neither overwhelmingly loved nor hated. Proponents argued it kept some attachment to the current District of Columbia, while critics decried it for its association to Christopher Columbus.

But when it came down to voting, the five-member commission — made up of Mayor Muriel Bowser, Council Chairman Phil Mendelson, Shadow Representative Franklin Garcia and Shadow senators Michael Brown and Paul Strauss — opted for New Columbia. For Brown, the reason was simple: public approval.

“It’s the only name that’s even been voted on by the people of the District of Columbia,” he said, referring to a 1982 referendum when D.C. voters approved a state constitution as part of a push for statehood. “For 34 years, people have used this name to push this movement forward.”

What remains unclear is what the new state’s postal abbreviation will be, of course. “NC” is already taken, say many critics of the name.

NFC WEST

SEATTLE

Will CB RICHARD SHERMAN be back in Seattle?  Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times:

Could the Seahawks’ efforts to fill out their cornerback position lead them back to maybe the best cornerback in their history — Richard Sherman?

At least one national NFL pundit, Tom Pelissero, says not to rule it out.

In an appearance on the NFL Network show “Good Morning Football” Wednesday morning, Pelissero said it is his understanding that Sherman “is open to returning to Seattle.’’

Further, he said: “I believe the Seahawks would also be open to having Sherman back.’’

Asked to rate on a scale of 1-10 “how crazy would it be” of Sherman returning to the Seahawks, Pelissero said five.

That may not be too high, but as Pelissero noted, the belief is the relationship between the Seahawks and Sherman was amicable at the end, despite some rocky moments during his last few seasons. Amicable enough not to rule out a reunion.

AFC NORTH

CINCINNATI

DE RYAN KERRIGAN, a longtime mainstay of the WFT, has been spotted in Cincinnati. Matthew Paras of the Washington Times:

Ryan Kerrigan reportedly visited the Cincinnati Bengals on Wednesday as the former Washington pass rusher searches for a new team in free agency.

Kerrigan, 32, remains unsigned after the first wave of free agency. Washington’s all-time sack leader, Kerrigan is in search of a team that can provide more playing time next season. Kerrigan spent the 2020 season in a reduced role behind edge rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat, playing only 38% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Despite the smaller workload, Kerrigan was still productive last season — recording 5 1/2 sacks, his same total as 2019. In Week 1 against the Philadelphia Eagles, Kerrigan broke Dexter Manley’s franchise record for most career sacks in a Washington uniform.

Kerrigan admitted to being frustrated with the smaller role last year and he reportedly requested a trade. Washington ended up keeping Kerrigan past the deadline, valuing the leadership and effort the former first-rounder provided.

Washington reportedly has an interest in retaining Kerrigan if Kerrigan accepts a rotational role. The team also needs a rotational pass rusher as 2017 second-rounder Ryan Anderson left for the New York Giants.

PITTSBURGH

Steelers WR CHRIS CLAYPOOL was involved in a bar altercation in California, where we didn’t think bars were open.  Ray Fittipaldo of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette:

Steelers receiver Chase Claypool was involved in an altercation outside a bar in Costa Mesa, Calif. TMZ released a video of the fight outside the Wild Goose Tavern.

Claypool is shown pushing some people and appears to swing his leg in the direction of someone on the ground. That prompted a man to charge at Claypool, who avoids the man diving at him before the video cuts off.

A look at the other moves made around the AFC North in free agency (so far)

A Steelers spokesman declined comment on the matter.

Claypool played in all 16 games as a rookie last season and had 62 receptions for 873 yards and nine touchdowns. He led all rookie receivers in touchdowns and was fourth among rookies in receiving yards.

AFC SOUTH

HOUSTON

The Texans have a new president, promoted in house.  This from HoustonTexans.com:

The Houston Texans announced today the promotion of Greg Grissom to team president. Grissom, most recently the senior vice president of corporate development, has been instrumental in the organization’s business operations and external relationships since its inception.

“Greg’s extensive industry knowledge is evident by the meaningful relationships he continues to develop with our partners, our community and Texans teammates,” said Chairman and CEO Cal McNair. “While going through the interview process, Greg’s intentional, forward-thinking approach showed an authenticity and commitment to championship-caliber excellence that made him the ideal choice to take on this role.”

Grissom will oversee the direction and management of all Texans’ business operations including marketing, communications, broadcasting, ticket sales and services, event services, corporate sponsorship, community relations, accounting, legal, human resources and general administration, as well as overseeing all aspects of Lone Star Sports & Entertainment.

Throughout Grissom’s tenure, he spearheaded partner integration on platforms that includeHoustonTexans.com, Texans Radio and Texans TV, utilizing these vehicles to create a wealth of new opportunities for sponsors and fans. In addition, he oversaw the launch of the Houston Texans Luxe program in 2017, establishing the Texans as a leader in value creation for the team’s suite holders.

Grissom possesses more than two decades of experience in sports sponsorship sales, planning, execution and event marketing. Prior to joining the Texans, he worked as a sports marketing specialist and spent more than four years with the Houston Astros as an account services manager and promotions coordinator.

An active member of the greater Houston community, Grissom represents the Texans on the Board of Directors of the Houston Food Bank. A native of Austin, he attended Baylor University.

INDIANAPOLIS

After some hesitancy, the Colts are bringing back WR T.Y. HILTON (whose given name is Eugene Marquis) per Nick Shook of NFL.com:

T.Y. Hilton‘s team, the only one he’s known in his NFL career, has the second-most cap space in the league.

After waiting out the free-agent market, they’re spending some of that space to keep Hilton in town. Hilton is returning to the Indianapolis Colts on a one-year, $10 million deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday, per Hilton’s agents, the Katz Bros. He is expected to earn $8 million in guaranteed salary.

Hilton’s departure felt possible but not inevitable, largely because the Colts were working with such an excess of cap space unseen with most teams in the current financial landscape. With quarterback already answered by the Carson Wentz trade, the Colts still had a few other areas to address, with receiver being among the highest priorities.

Hilton has made clear he’d like to continue his Colts career, and after a peculiar free-agent market unfolded at the receiver position, he was there for the taking — even if he never technically left. Hilton’s resurgence in 2020 proved this isn’t just some honorary signing of a fan favorite, either. After battling through injuries in recent seasons, Hilton was available for all but one game, catching 56 passes for 762 yards and five touchdowns, helping the Colts finish 11-5.

The Colts will fill in a starting receiver spot with a player they know intimately, who has been one of the leading faces of the franchise’s successes in the last decade, and who will likely end up in the franchise’s ring of honor. After five seasons of 1,000-plus yards, four Pro Bowl selections and four playoff victories, Hilton has earned that accolade. And he’ll be back for more in the same uniform he’s worn for his entire career.

JACKSONVILLE

QB CJ BEATHARD is a 49er no more.  Kevin Patra of NFL.com:

The Jacksonville Jaguars added depth to their QB room.

NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported that the Jags are expected to sign former San Francisco 49ers quarterback C.J. Beathard, per a source informed of the situation. He’s set to receive a two-year, $5 million deal plus incentives, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reported, per a source. The team announced the move Wednesday.

The former third-round pick spent four years with the Niners, primarily as a backup splitting time with reserve signal-caller Nick Mullens under Kyle Shanahan.

Beathard started 12 games during his career with San Francisco, completing 58.6 percent of his passes for 3,469 yards, 18 TDs to 13 INTs, and averaging 7.0 yards per attempt.

A tough QB, Beathard is capable of running an offense, getting into the right play, and running a chain-moving offense. While he doesn’t boast high-octane attributes, his intelligence, mobility and starting experience give him an edge if called upon in a pinch.

With the Jags expected to draft Trevor Lawrence with the No. 1 overall pick, Beathard owns the experience to contribute to the QB room but not threaten the rookie who might go through ups and downs.

Adding Beathard could signal a trade of Gardner Minshew is coming down the pike. Coach Urban Meyer said last week the club hadn’t engaged in trade talks for the former Jags starter but shipping out the mustachioed man who jumpstarted a mania makes sense in the grand scheme.

AFC EAST

MIAMI

In all likelihood, here is why OT ISAIAH WILSON had such a speedy departure from Miami.

Former Tennessee Titans offensive lineman Isaiah Wilson was arrested and charged with multiple offenses after a high-speed car chase in Georgia on Jan. 7.

According to the Barrow County Sheriff’s Office incident report, an officer was operating a stationary radar system on University Parkway when he noticed a dark-colored Dodge Charger zoom by him.

The vehicle registered a speed of 123 mph on radar, causing the officer to turn on his sirens and begin the pursuit, the report said. The chase was called off because it reached dangerous speeds as high as 140 mph.

Wilson’s car had crashed, and he was eventually arrested by an undercover ICE officer who had witnessed the wreck moments after the chase was called off, the report said. The officer placed Wilson under arrest after approaching the car and seeing him standing in the vehicle with his upper torso extending out of the sunroof.

After being apprehended, Wilson was asked why he fled from the police. According to the report, he said that he had past experiences with law enforcement that scared him and was afraid he’d go to jail. Wilson also stated that there wasn’t anything illegal in the vehicle.

A female identified as Grace Barnett was also in the vehicle and was arrested after a metal grinder with 3.4 grams of marijuana was found in the vehicle despite her telling police there were no drugs in their possession. Both Wilson and Barnett were taken to the Barrow County Detention Center. A small bag containing 0.2 grams of acid was found in Barnett’s purse during the booking process at the jail, the report said.

Wilson was charged with felony fleeing or attempting to elude a police officer, speeding in a construction zone, reckless driving, reckless conduct, possession of less than 1 ounce of marijuana, and possession and use of drug-related objects.

Tennessee traded Wilson along with a seventh-round pick in the 2021 draft to the Miami Dolphins last week in exchange for a seventh-round pick. The Dolphins waived Wilson on Saturday after the team determined that he was not receptive to its offers to help him.

The Dolphins did have some knowledge of Wilson’s January arrest before the trade was finalized, but they weren’t aware of the full scope of it at that time, a team source told ESPN’s Cameron Wolfe.

The Titans declined to comment on Wilson’s arrest in January.

We’ve seen some high speeds for NFL players in vehicles, but 123 mph strikes us as a record.

FYI, Barrow County is located just west of Athens, home of UGa, which is in Clarke County.  University Parkway (also US 29) is not a limited access highway

NEW ENGLAND

An NFL player is involved in a sexual assault – and it is a good thing.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

Patriots offensive lineman Justin Herron is being described as a hero by police in Tempe, Arizona, who say he came to the aid of a woman who was being attacked in a public park.

Police say a man pushed a 71-year-old woman to the ground, started trying to pull her pants down and made comments about sexually assaulting her when Herron heard the woman screaming. Herron is doing offseason training in Arizona and happened to be walking through the park at the time.

“At that moment, I was in shock,” Herron said, via 12 News in Tempe. “It was 11 a.m., middle of the day, in a very open field and the fact that it happened there at that time was just very shocking. I wish I could tell you what I was thinking, but I could just tell someone needed help. All I could do was rush myself over there to make sure I could help the victim and I could comfort her and be the best person I can be.”

The 6-foot-5, 304-pound Herron grabbed the man and held him there until police arrived.

“I’m a football player, so I’m kind of big. I try not to be too aggressive with people knowing I could potentially hurt somebody,” Herron said. “I do have a loud voice. I yelled, told him to get off of her and then yanked him off and I told him to sit down and I told him to wait until the cops come.”

A 30-year-old man named Kevin Caballero has been arrested. The Tempe Police Department presented Herron and Murry Rogers, another man who came to the woman’s aid, with Outstanding Service Awards today.

– – –

RB JAMES WHITE is not going to re-join QB TOM BRADY in Tampa.  Chris Mason ofMassLive.com:

One of the league’s best third-down backs is staying in Foxborough.

After testing free agency for a week, James White is expected to re-sign in New England, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. A deal hasn’t been finalized yet, but all signs are pointing to the three-time captain returning.

It wasn’t always a sure thing that White would be back in New England.

With Cam Newton engineering a run-centric attack, the pass-catching back’s talents weren’t utilized the same way they’d been in Tom Brady’s offense. The ever-reliable White’s 62 targets and 49 catches last season were his fewest since 2015.

Of course, White was also dealing with terrible tragedy off the field.

White lost his father, Tyrone, in a fatal car accident before New England’s Week 2 game in Seattle. His mother, Lisa, was also injured in the crash. The running back missed the team’s next two games, and when he returned against Kansas City, White got emotional talking about how important his father was to him.

“He meant a whole lot. He’s one of the biggest reasons why I play football. Being a little kid, seeing my brother play, knowing that my dad played football. That kind of motivated me to go out there and play football,” White said. “My dad, he was a coach for me growing up. Obviously, it was not always fun having your dad be your coach, but he pushed me and made me who I am today.”

When White was missing while in mourning, it was clear just how revered the captain is in the Patriots locker room. After New England beat Las Vegas in Week 3, almost every player that spoke to the media just had White on their minds.

Meanwhile, after two seasons trying to develop their first round pick, the Patriots are looking to dump WR N’KEAL HARRY according to Nick O’Malley, also of MassLive.com:

The trade rumors continue to rumble about New England Patriots receiver N’Keal Harry as the 2019 first-round pick starts to get overshadowed by the team’s free-agent additions.

Last week, reports emerged that at least three teams were making calls about Harry. On Wednesday, we learned one of those teams as well as a possible price tag.

According to ESPN’s John Keim, the Washington Football Team is among the team’s interested in acquiring Harry. Citing a source, Keim reports that “it’s hard to imagine New England settling for anything less than a fourth-round pick.”

Harry has struggled to live up to his first-round billing in his first two seasons in New England. The No. 32 overall pick in 2019 was limited due to injury as a rookie and struggled to produce consistently in 2020.

Through two seasons, Harry has caught 45 passes (on 81 targets) for 313 yards and four touchdowns.

Harry is now part of a suddently more crowded receiver corps in New England with the arrival of veterans Kendrick Bourne and Nelson Agholor. Additionally, the Patriots have also upgraded at the tight end position with Jonnu Smith and Hunter Henry.

Harry remains under contract with the Patriots for two more seasons. However, given his struggles to start his career, the receiver might be a player who could benefit from a change of scenery heading into his third season.

The Patriots also drafted PK JUSTIN ROHRWASSER last year – and now he is waived  without ever firing a kick in anger.

Within hours of being drafted by the Patriots, Rohrwasser was already the center of controversy after reports emerged that he had a tattoo representing the far-right extremist group, the “Three Percenters.”

Rohrwasser responded to criticism by calling the tattoo a “teenage mistake” and reportedly had it removed in July.

Outside of the tattoo controversy, Rohrwasser struggled during his time in New England. After a rough go of things in training camp, Rohrwasser was part of the team’s final cuts and placed on the practice squad.

With Rohrwasser struggling as a rookie, the Patriots instead turned to veteran Nick Folk as their starting kicker. Additionally, the team also appeared to be looking elsewhere for developmental kickers, signing former second-round pick Roberto Aguayo to the practice squad as well.

Folk and Aguayo were both brought back for the 2021 season. Rohrwasser, it turns out, will not be joining them.

THIS AND THAT

NHL OFFICIAL FIRED

The NFL has fired official Tim Peel, a month before his scheduled retirement.  Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com takes note:

There are consequences to saying the quiet thing out loud.

The NHL has severed ties with referee Tim Peel after Peel was heard via a hot mic talking about his decision to call an early penalty on the Nashville Predators in a Tuesday night game against Detroit.

Said Peel of the decision, “It wasn’t much but I wanted to get a f–king penalty against Nashville early in the –”

The NHL announced on Wednesday morning that Peel will no longer be working NHL games “now or in the future.”

“Nothing is more important than ensuring the integrity of our game,” NHL senior executive V.P. of hockey operations Colin Campbell said in a statement. “Tim Peel’s conduct is in direct contradiction to the adherence to the cornerstone principle that we demand of our officials and that our fans, players, coaches and all those associated with our game expect and deserve. There is no justification for his comments, no matter the context or his intention, and the National Hockey League will take any and all steps necessary to protect the integrity of our game.”

On the surface, the NHL had no choice but to take swift and dramatic action. Peel created the impression that he exercises discretion to call penalties that maybe shouldn’t be penalties. In an age of legalized wagering, the idea that any official is doing anything other than calling or not calling fouls by the book undermines the broader integrity of the sport — and invites external legislative, regulatory, or judicial scrutiny.

At a deeper level, it would be interesting to know more about why Peel did what he did. Was he trying to send a message in order to keep the game from getting out of hand? Although there officially may be no justification for the comments, there could be justification for the reasoning that resulted in the call.

2021 DRAFT

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com with a Mock based on his expert opinion of what each team SHOULD do.  He acknowledges that not every team is as enlightened.

We now have a good idea of what NFL rosters will look like before the 2021 NFL Draft. And before we really zero in on the latest speculation and rumors surrounding prospects, it’s time for a “what I would do” mock draft.

I repeat — the picks below consist of what I would would do, not predictions of how I believe the first round will unfold on the last Thursday in April. I feel compelled to write at least one of these mock drafts every year.

There’s one trade I’ve included. Here are the details:

Eagles receive: No. 8 overall, No. 73 overall (Round 3)

Panthers receive: No. 6 overall

1 – JACKSONVILLE

Trevor Lawrence QB

CLEMSON • JR • 6’6″ / 220 LBS

While not absolutely perfect, Lawrence is quite easily my No. 1 prospect in the 2021 class.

2 – NY JETS

Zach Wilson QB

BYU • JR • 6’3″ / 210 LBS

Another easy selection. Wilson is a clear upgrade over Sam Darnold.

3 – MIAMI (from Houston)

Justin Fields QB

OHIO STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 228 LBS

While I don’t think the Dolphins should totally give up on Tua Tagovailoa, I also don’t believe they should pass on an opportunity to pick Fields here. There’s too much positional value to not pick him.

4 – ATLANTA

Jaylen Waddle WR

ALABAMA • JR • 5’10” / 182 LBS

Given the Falcons just restructured Matt Ryan’s contract — thereby making him more difficult to cut in 2022 — I would be focusing on more weaponry for him. The defense needs work, but nothing is more valuable than offense in today’s NFL. And remember, Julio Jones is 32 and coming off an injury-plagued 2020.

5 – CINCINNATI

Ja’Marr Chase WR

LSU • JR • 6’0″ / 208 LBS

For as big of a proponent as I am for constructing a quality offensive line around a young quarterback, the offensive tackle class has quality prospects who’ll be available in Round 2. The connection Chase has with Joe Burrow can’t be overstated. It’ll help him get rid of the football even quicker than he did as a rookie, thereby mitigating the opposition’s pass rush.

6 – CAROLINA (Mock Trade from Philadelphia)

Trey Lance QB

NORTH DAKOTA ST • SOPH • 6’4″ / 226 LBS

Like with the Falcons, I contemplated Trey Lance here for Philadelphia, but there’s not much sense in having two super project-y quarterbacks on the roster right now. Sure, DeVonta Smith would give Jalen Hurts another young weapon, and there’s real appeal in that. However, the Eagles are more than a receiver away from being a legitimate contender. A trade back is most sensible. As for the Panthers, Lance is the ideal prospect to sit for a season behind the polished Teddy Bridgewater and take over in 2022.

7 – DETROIT

Devonta Smith WR

ALABAMA • JR • 6’1″ / 175 LBS

The Lions have to replenish their receiver room for Jared Goff, and despite his skinny frame, Smith does special things on the field often.

8 – PHILADELPHIA (Mock Trade from Carolina)

Kyle Pitts TE

FLORIDA • JR • 6’6″ / 240 LBS

The Eagles get extra draft capital in the trade and still land Pitts, who has All-Pro abilities at tight end. Hurts should be thrilled.

9 – DENVER

Penei Sewell OL

OREGON • JR • 6’6″ / 330 LBS

This is strictly a best-player-available selection, as Sewell would be the highest remaining player on my collective Big Board at this juncture. Sewell can start at right tackle, which is absolutely a vital position in today’s NFL.

10 – DALLAS

Trevon Moehrig S

TCU • JR • 6’2″ / 208 LBS

The Cowboys have needed — and their fans have wanted — an impact safety for a long time now. Moehrig is the best safety prospect in this class, capable of carrying out any duty asked of him.

11 – NY GIANTS

Azeez Ojulari LB

GEORGIA • FR • 6’3″ / 240 LBS

Dave Gettleman has done a damn good job on the free-agent front over the past two weeks, but the Giants could use another stand-up rusher with explosiveness and bend. That’s precisely what Ojulari will give them.

12 – SAN FRANCISCO

Richie Grant DB

UCF • SR • 6’0″ / 194 LBS

Yes, Jimmie Ward and Jaquiski Tartt are established safeties in San Francisco, but Grant is too talented for the 49ers not to pick him to add another weapon on defense.

13 – LA CHARGERS

Christian Darrisaw OL

VIRGINIA TECH • JR • 6’5″ / 314 LBS

No-brainer for the Chargers. Darrisaw is incredibly talented and Justin Herbert still needs blocking help on the edge.

14 – MINNESOTA

Kwity Paye DL

MICHIGAN • SR • 6’4″ / 272 LBS

Paye’s arsenal of pass-rush moves is growing, and he’s a big, freaky athlete. This is the type of defensive lineman the Vikings need.

15 – NEW ENGLAND

Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah LB

NOTRE DAME • JR • 6’1″ / 215 LBS

Big-time value here for Bill Belichick with Owusu-Koramoah at No. 15 overall. The former Notre Dame star can be a major play-maker in New England.

16 – ARIZONA

Caleb Farley CB

VIRGINIA TECH • JR • 6’2″ / 207 LBS

Let’s assume everything checks out with Farley’s back injury. He should be the pick here. He’s tall, athletic and plays the football outstandingly in the air. The Cardinals have a glaring need at outside corner.

17 – LAS VEGAS

Rashawn Slater OL

NORTHWESTERN • JR • 6’3″ / 305 LBS

The Raiders offensive line went from a team strength to a clear-cut weakness almost overnight. Slater can play tackle or guard — and play either spot at a high level early in his NFL career.

18 – MIAMI

Rashod Bateman WR

MINNESOTA • SOPH • 6’2″ / 210 LBS

By my grading system, this is a slight reach, but the Dolphins would like to add more weaponry — yes, even after the addition of Will Fuller — to the offense.

19 – WASHINGTON

Teven Jenkins OL

OKLAHOMA STATE • SR • 6’6″ / 320 LBS

Not a flashy pick. A necessary one. The Football Team has a ferocious defense, and Curtis Samuel is a fun complement to Terry McLaurin. The blocking has to be better in 2021 than it was in 2020 if the offense is going to be functional.

20 – CHICAGO

Andre Cisco S

SYRACUSE • JR • 6’0″ / 209 LBS

Cornerback might be a more obvious need after the Kyle Fuller release. Safety isn’t set either opposite Eddie Jackson. Cisco is like Jackson too. He flies around and consistently makes big plays in coverage and when asked to thump against the run.

21 – INDIANAPOLIS

Rondale Moore WR

PURDUE • SOPH • 5’9″ / 180 LBS

The Colts haven’t gotten much out of 2019 second-round pick Parris Campbell due to injury, so there probably would be some reluctance with Moore because of his injury past. However, he’s too talented and too perfect of a fit in Frank Reich’s system for Indianapolis to not pick him here.

22 – TENNESSEE

Asante Samuel Jr. CB

FLORIDA STATE • JR • 5’10” / 184 LBS

Samuel is a hyper-twitchy cornerback with high-level instincts. He thrived on the outside in the ACC despite his small frame. I love that about him.

23 – NY JETS (from Seattle)

Alex Leatherwood OL

ALABAMA • SR • 6’6″ / 312 LBS

Given the recent additions at receiver, the offensive line still needs to be addressed. Leatherwood steps in at right tackle immediately.

24 – PITTSBURGH

Jaelan Phillips DL

MIAMI (FL) • JR • 6’5″ / 266 LBS

The Steelers like the contributions they got from Alex Highsmith in his rookie season. That fact shouldn’t stop them from picking another edge-rushing talent.

25 – JACKSONVILLE (from LA Rams)

Patrick Surtain II CB

ALABAMA • JR • 6’2″ / 203 LBS

Back-to-back cornerbacks in Round 1 for the Jaguars. That’s how much the secondary needs to be replenished.

26 – CLEVELAND

Carlos Basham Jr. EDGE

WAKE FOREST • SR • 6’5″ / 285 LBS

Basham is remarkable to watch on film. He moves like he’s 6-foot-2, and 245 pounds. But he was just north of 280 at the Senior Bowl. There’s plenty of pop in his hands too.

27 – BALTIMORE

Terrace Marshall Jr. WR

LSU • JR • 6’4″ / 200 LBS

The Ravens need a prominent physical presence in their receiver room, and Marshall provides them with exactly that.

28 – NEW ORLEANS

Mac Jones QB

ALABAMA • JR • 6’3″ / 214 LBS

We can’t bank on Jameis Winston maintaining a firm grasp on the starting job in New Orleans, and Jones would give Sean Payton a pinpoint accurate quarterback after the retirement of Drew Brees.

29 – GREEN BAY

Micah Parsons LB

PENN STATE • JR • 6’3″ / 244 LBS

While I’m not as high on Parsons as most, I do have him ranked a little higher than this (No. 21 overall on my board). The Packers get a dazzling playmaker at the second level who can bring it as an edge rusher too.

30 – BUFFALO

Joseph Ossai LB

TEXAS • JR • 6’4″ / 253 LBS

Ossai’s ranked just ahead of Ifeatu Melifonwu and Greg Newsome on my board, and the Bills have to continue to get younger at the edge rusher spot.

31 – KANSAS CITY

Ifeatu Melifonwu CB

SYRACUSE • JR • 6’3″ / 213 LBS

Melifonwu has a first-round athletic profile and squeaky clean film.

32 – TAMPA BAY

Zaven Collins LB

TULSA • JR • 6’4″ / 260 LBS

Another linebacker? Given Lavonte David’s age, why not? Plus, Collins is a tremendous blitzer and can flex out into the slot when needed.