THE DAILY BRIEFING

Are RB DALVIN COOK and WR DeANDRE HOPKINS a package deal?

Running back Dalvin Cook is one of the biggest names currently available as a free agent and he’s spent a little time thinking about joining forces with another big name currently looking for a new team.

 

During an appearance on The Adam Schefter Podcast, Cook discussed the possibility of landing on the same team as wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Cook called Hopkins a “dynamic player” who has “the same mindset as me” while saying he thinks that a partnership between the two men would make a major splash in the league.

“If we end up on the same roster, that would be something epic for the NFL,” Cook said.

 

Cook added that he and Hopkins have not talked about being a joint package for teams, but the back said Hopkins is “was one of those guys that I was going to reach out to” about what’s next in free agency.

 

Others have already reached out to Hopkins. The receiver has visited the Titans and Patriots since being released by the Cardinals and there’s been no word of interest in Cook from either of those teams, so the conversation about teaming up might not progress too far beyond wishful thinking when all is said and done for the two veterans.

NFC NORTH

CHICAGO

The Bears are not happy with WR CHASE CLAYPOOL:

 

The Bears gave up, as a practical matter, a first-round pick to get receiver Chase Claypool. They reportedly aren’t getting what they bargained for.

 

Via NBCSportsChicago.com, Marc Silverman of ESPN 1000’s Waddle & Silvy recently explained that the Bears are not happy with Claypool.

 

“All I can tell you is it isn’t trending in a way that the Bears have wanted it to trend in this offseason,” Silverman said.

 

“I have heard from a few people inside that building that he is not somebody who is very self-motivated,” Silverman added. “There’s a long way to go. Chase Claypool can change the narrative.”

 

The narrative began in a very positive way in 2020, when Claypool made a splash with 11 touchdowns. But then came the first hint of trouble, when an item on the Steelers’ official website described Claypool has having a “diva quotient.”

 

It was a strong hint regarding the things coach Mike Tomlin might have been dealing with behind the scenes. And perhaps, when the Steelers made him available at the 2022 trade deadline, the Chicago Bears should have exercised a little caveat emptor.

 

In the end, the Steelers picked the Bears over the Packers as the next destination for Claypool, given that Pittsburgh believed the Bears would have a higher spot in round two of the 2023 draft. Pittsburgh guessed right; coupled with the Dolphins losing their pick, the Chicago’s first overall pick in round two became the 32nd pick in the entire draft.

 

And now the Bears have a player who is reportedly giving them concern. It’s in his best interests to turn it around, given that he’s entering his contract year. While he might want to be paid now, he’s not going to get anything until he produces and quiets any chatter about his attitude.

 

The key is always production. Teams will tolerate plenty from a great player. Claypool hasn’t played great enough since his rookie year to get the benefit of the doubt, at this point.

 

Last year with the Bears, he had 10 catches for 140 yards — in 10 games. He’ll need to do a lot more than that to get the Bears, or anyone else, to pay him.

This tweet from Warren Sharp:

@SharpFootball

the Steelers traded Chase Claypool to the Bears mid season

 

PIT was 2-6 with him, 7-2 without him

 

CHI was 0-9 with him, 3-6 without him

 

both passing attacks were much more efficient without Claypool

 

CHI before trading for Claypool: 7.5 YPA

 

CHI w Claypool on the field: 5.5 YPA

You can do the math – but for the record – Claypool was 2-15, compared to 10-7 when his teams did not have him.

DETROIT

WR AMON-RA ST. BROWN believes he is more than just a slot guy.  Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press:

Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown says he wants to used more as a downfield pass catcher this season.

 

St. Brown, a slot guy who has dominated the short and intermediate parts of the field over his first two NFL seasons, told reporters he wants more deep looks in 2023. Lions receivers coach Antwaan Randle El said he “has seen subtle growth from St. Brown that could help him in his quest.” A mere 6.5 percent of St. Brown’s 2022 targets were over 20 yards downfield, among the lowest rates in the league.

 

St. Brown could see a little more downfield action in 2023, though fantasy managers should expect his average depth of target (aDOT) to once again hover around seven.  And why fix something that ain’t broke, given that the former fourth-round pick put up 1161 yards and six touchdowns in 16 games in 2022. 

NFC EAST

 

NEW YORK GIANTS

RB SAQUON BARKLEY and the Giants have resumed talking.  Christian Gonzales ofNFL.com:

The New York Giants and running back Saquon Barkley have until July 17 to agree on a long-term contract. If both sides cannot come to a pact, Barkley will have to decide if he’s willing to play the 2023 season under the $10.1 million franchise tag.

 

After Barkley spoke at his youth camp earlier this month about the “untruthful” and “misleading” reports of ongoing contract negotiations, “talks are back on” between the RB and the Giants, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on NFL Total Access Tuesday night.

 

“First of all, the Giants and Saquon Barkley, he said recently at his (youth) camp, he said he’s not going to make a definitive declaration of what he is going to do in the 2023 season until we get into that deadline and to be sure there is still room here for a deal,” Rapoport explained. “Talks are back on between the Giants and Saquon Barkley. Now, we’ll see if they can get to a point where he could become one of the highest-paid running backs in the NFL.

 

“At the very least, Saquon Barkley is expected to be back with the Giants on a one-year fully guaranteed tag. It’s just a matter of whether he’s going to get the security that he wants. Time will tell on that one.”

 

With Barkley and Big Blue discussing a long-term contract, the NFL world will wait and see what kind of deal both sides could agree on. If Barkley would like to become the highest-paid at his position, the Giants RB would need to average $16.1 million per year to pass San Francisco 49ers running back Christian McCaffrey, according to Over The Cap.

 

Barkley, the No. 2 overall pick in the 2018 draft, made the Pro Bowl in 2022 after two injury-plagued seasons. The two-time Pro Bowler rushed for 1,312 yards and 10 touchdowns on a career-high 295 attempts for Big Blue.

 

Between now and July 17, the time is ticking down for Barkley and New York to reach a long-term deal that works for both sides.

 

WASHINGTON

A racing investment by prospective owner Josh Harris in Joe Gibbs Racing per David Keim of ESPN.com:

Harris Blitzer Sports and Entertainment — a company led by Josh Harris, who has reached an agreement to buy the Washington Commanders — and Arctos Partners, a sports private equity firm, have become minority investors in Joe Gibbs Racing.

 

Gibbs will become a limited partner in HBSE, but he is not part of the Harris group with the Commanders. According to a news release, the investment was termed “significant.”

 

Harris entered into a signed exclusive deal on May 12 to purchase the Commanders from co-owners Dan and Tanya Snyder. The league recently sent a memo to teams with two possible dates — July 20 and Aug. 8 — for a vote on whether or not to approve his offer. The NFL’s finance committee has been working with Harris to get his bid in compliance with NFL guidelines.

 

Gibbs and Harris have become friends in recent years, Harris said in a statement. Gibbs has served as an adviser during Harris’ pursuit of the Commanders. Gibbs led the franchise to three Super Bowl victories during his first stint, from 1981 to ’92. He returned in 2004, leading the team to two playoff appearances in his four seasons. Washington’s last playoff win occurred under Gibbs in the 2005 season.

 

Gibbs has been inducted into the Hall of Fame for both the NFL and NASCAR.

 

“Joe is a winner,” Harris said in the release. “First in football and then with Joe Gibbs Racing, he has led organizations that build winning cultures based on strong values and a deep commitment to family and faith. This investment and partnership aims to support his vision and allow Joe Gibbs Racing to continue its track record of excellence long into the future.”

 

HBSE also owns the Philadelphia 76ers and the New Jersey Devils. Arctos has invested in 20 sports franchises in the NBA, MLB, NHL and MLS, according to the release.

 

Gibbs and JGR president Dave Alpern will continue to make day-to-day decisions. HBSE and Arctos will provide strategic support; HBSE will help in areas such as sales, marketing and business operations.

 

“Josh Harris, David Blitzer and their entire team have a vision that has delivered winning franchises in basketball, hockey, soccer and youth sports,” Gibbs said in the release. “Their teams are among the most successful in their leagues in growing audience and sponsorship.”

NFC SOUTH

 

CAROLINA

Veteran WR ADAM THIELEN is buying into the maturity and intelligence of QB BRYCE YOUNG.

DJ Chark isn’t the only Panthers wide receiver singing rookie quarterback Bryce Young‘s praises in the wake of the team’s offseason program.

Adam Thielen made an appearance on The Rich Eisen Show on Tuesday and was asked about his impressions of the first overall pick in this year’s draft. Thielen cautioned that one can only learn so much about a player during unpadded spring practices, but said that Young’s high level of preparation in his first days as a professional player caught his teammates off guard.

 

“You know, first overall pick, with all the hype and all that, you know there’s gonna be a lot of potential and you know he’s gonna have a lot of talent. But I think he just kinda surprised a lot of guys of how prepared he was for the NFL game,” Thielen said. “I think sometimes it’s hard in those moments — because you’re in shorts and t-shirt, right? So you don’t wanna too excited about — whether that’s your team or individually — you don’t wanna get too excited in the summer because it’s a different game when you put pads on. But, at the same time, the way he moves in the pocket, the way that he adjusts and can get the ball out on time and accurate and he can make adjustments and things like that. It’s impressive. It gets you excited to get back working together.”

 

Thielen concedes that “you never know what’s gonna happen” once things progress to fully padded practices and games later this year, but it’s clear that Young has done nothing to temper expectations since entering the league.

NFC WEST

 

LOS ANGELES RAMS

RB SONY MICHEL has signed up for a 2^nd stint with the Rams.  Skyler Clark of USA TODAY:

Veteran running back Sony Michel spent last season on the other Los Angeles team, but it appears that he’s making his way back to the Los Angeles Rams. In an announcement by the team’s official Twitter account, the Rams are bringing back Michel.

 

The Rams traded for Michel before the 2021 season, giving the former first-round pick a chance to have a fresh start. The Georgia product would be active in all 17 games for the Rams in 2021 and would lead the team in rushing with 845 yards and four touchdowns on 208 carries.

 

Despite seeing his role decrease in the Rams’ postseason run, he was part of the Super Bowl squad. After having a solid campaign in 2021, he would sign with the Los Angeles Chargers ahead of the 2022 season where he was limited to 106 yards on 36 carries.

 

With training camp on the horizon, the Rams have seemed confident in their running back room which consists of Cam Akers, Kyren Williams, rookie Zach Evans, and Ronnie Rivers. The addition of Michel provides the Rams with more experience in their backfield and it could take them out of contention of signing other veterans like Dalvin Cook, Ezekiel Elliott, and Leonard Fournette.

AFC WEST

 

DENVER

CB PAT SURTAIN has impressed his teammates. Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com:

– Of all of the things Denver Broncos cornerback Pat Surtain II does to show his teammates what a rare player he is, it’s the 23 candles on the birthday cake that might befuddle them the most.

 

“You talk to Pat and he has that way about him,” said Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, now in his 14th NFL season. “I do sometimes forget when I’m talking to him how young he is. Because he doesn’t sound that way, act that way. You talk to Pat, and he’s like a 10-, 12-year guy in that moment. It just shows you what he could be. Because physically there aren’t many guys I’ve ever seen who can do what he can do.”

 

Surtain is set to enter this third season, and as the Broncos wrapped up minicamp Thursday — their final workout of the offseason program — his growing status in the team’s big-picture plan is clear. And Surtain, in his own down-to-business way, has begun to embrace how important he will be in the seasons ahead.

 

Safety Justin Simmons has called it the process of “Pat finding his voice.”

 

In terms of talent, athleticism, work ethic and anything else folks want in an NFL cornerback, Surtain has it all, a “prototype,” as defensive coordinator Vance Joseph described him. But yet another coaching change — Sean Payton is the team’s fifth head coach since the start of the 2016 season — has created more roster churn, and a youthful Surtain suddenly finds himself a core player in another rebuild.

 

“It’s basically leading by example, but also coaching guys up, especially the young guys,” Surtain said. “ … That’s how I look at it. I thought about a lot of things, and you want to be a leader to help us. Help us win games, help us be better, at the end of the day that’s why I do it.”

 

“Pat is just doing a great job being himself, and he’ll do a great job in that aspect. You’re talking about one of the best corners in the league,” Simmons said. “Guys will just naturally follow you.”

 

Surtain was the Broncos’ first-round pick in the 2021 draft — ninth overall — and has been a starter since the moment he walked through the door of the team’s suburban Denver complex. He already has been a Pro Bowl selection and a first-team All-Pro, both last season when any good news was hard to find in the Broncos’ 5-12 finish.

 

Surtain was asked earlier this offseason about rankings at cornerback league-wide and where he thinks he might fit, and Simmons, who was standing nearby, simply shouted “No. 1.”

 

Wide receiver Jerry Jeudy said during minicamp that he agrees with Simmons’ assessment, and Jeudy sees it from the perspective of a player trying to get open against Surtain.

 

“Just how smart he is, just understanding route concepts and stuff like that, being in the right position all the time, his length, make-up speed, there’s no other guy like Pat,” Jeudy said. “ … You’re going against the best DB in the NFL. … Ain’t no DB that’s like Pat in my opinion.”

 

“I don’t try to get into all that,” Surtain said. “I focus on trying to perfect my craft, focus on what I need to do and just be able to work toward some success.”

 

In all of the roster turmoil after Payton’s arrival — there could be more than three dozen new faces when the roster is cut to 53 just before the regular season starts — the Broncos’ secondary will remain largely the most status-quo spots on the depth chart with starters Surtain, Simmons, Jackson and cornerback K’Waun Williams back from last season.

 

But even with that stability that includes Jackson’s experience as well as Simmons’ status as a former Pro Bowl selection who is now the longest-tenured Broncos player, Surtain will enter this season on a different leadership plane than he left the 2022 season.

 

“I’m biased, I’m with Pat every day, I see how he breaks down film, I see how he effortlessly matches certain concepts, and it’s a lot harder for others,” Simmons said. “ … It’s honestly just pure joy being able to work with him. It makes my job so much easier. He’s going to be doing that for years and years to come.”

AFC EAST

 

MIAMI

WR TYREEK HILL has potential legal problems from an incident at a marina.  TMZ:

Tyreek Hill is under police investigation, TMZ Sports has confirmed … after the NFL star was accused of getting physical with somebody in Miami on Sunday.

 

Cops confirmed the probe to us on Tuesday … though they did not disclose further details of the case, only saying they were investigating an alleged assault/battery involving the Dolphins player.

 

According to Local 10 News, however, the alleged incident happened at Haulover Marina after Hill got into a dispute with an employee of a charter company at the popular South Florida boating spot.

 

The outlet reported Tuesday the 29-year-old receiver was accused of putting his hands on the employee at some point during the altercation.

 

Hill has been seen on social media on boats multiple times this week … on Father’s Day, he shared a snap of him while out on the water on his IG story — and on Tuesday, his agent, Drew Rosenhaus, showed the two were at sea fishing near a shark.

 

But, neither Hill nor Rosenhaus have publicly commented on the police probe.

 

Hill has been the subject of police investigations before — most notably, back in 2019, he was named in a child abuse report … though he was never charged with a crime in that case.

 

Hill has become arguably the best wideout in the NFL … last season — his first with Miami — he tallied 1,710 receiving yards and seven receiving TDs.

 

Story developing …

 

THIS AND THAT

 

LOOKING TO EARN BIG CONTRACTS

Charles McDonald of YahooSports.com asks who the next QB JALEN HURTS or QB GENO SMITH might be, but off his 5 candidates only one is a QB:

Some of the best stories in sports are when a player comes out of nowhere or revives their career to get a second shot at success — and the money that comes along with it. Geno Smith and Jalen Hurts having top-tier seasons last year and getting sizable investments from their teams altered the future landscape of the league. There are a handful of players who are hoping to do exactly what they did to cash in at the perfect time and secure the big-time NFL contracts that are elusive to the majority of the player pool.

 

Here are five players who can get seriously paid in 2024 with strong seasons this year. A handful of young defenders, a journeyman quarterback and a receiver returning to the field are in position to play their way into a secured future in this league.

 

Chase Young, EDGE, Washington Commanders

Young, the former second overall pick in the 2020 NFL Draft, had his option turned down by the Commanders after an injury-plagued start to his career. Young has played in just 12 games over the past two seasons and has just 1.5 sacks and three tackles for loss in that sample size. It has been a few years since Young has played good football, but he’s going to have a chance to get things moving back in the right direction if he can stay on the field this year.

 

He’s still playing with a host of talented defensive linemen, which will allow him to see advantageous blocking situations. Young needs to prove that he can still be a long-term starter and taking advantage of playing with Pro Bowl-caliber teammates is the first step toward regaining that status as a top defensive player. It’s not like Young has never shown elite talent as a pro; he won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2020 and was the NFC’s Defensive Player of the Month in December of that season. That’s talent worth waiting for, and if Young can get back to being a productive player, he’ll have talent worth paying for.

 

Jeff Okudah, CB, Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons took a swing on potential when they traded a fifth-round draft pick for Okudah, the third overall selection in 2020. For a team that has struggled to build cornerback depth outside of A.J. Terrell, this was a cheap trade that may pay off down the road — for the Falcons and Okudah. The former Ohio State star had an up-and-down season in 2022, but occasionally he flashed the talent that made him such a highly coveted prospect in the 2020 draft class.

 

Okudah didn’t have his option picked up prior to his trade to the Falcons, so he’ll be a free agent once the season ends. Okudah will play the entire season at 24 years old and should have a robust market in 2024 if he’s able perform up to his talent level. He still has a lot of football ahead of him and he’s entering a situation where he won’t have too much competition that will be a problem for him. There’s a reason the Falcons had to trade for Okudah — they need him to play right away. He’ll have all the chances he needs this season to prove that he’s worth a big-time contract next year.

 

Jacoby Brissett, QB, Washington Commanders

There aren’t too many Geno Smith-esque picks to make here in terms of a longtime quarterback having a late breakout, but Brissett is in an interesting situation with the Commanders. He’s currently battling with second-year quarterback Sam Howell for the starting job, which may wind up out of his control if the team opts for a youth movement.

 

Brissett played the best football of his career for the Browns last season while Deshaun Watson was serving an 11-game suspension. Brissett was a steady hand, ranking 10th in expected points added per play (0.115) among all quarterbacks with at least 320 plays. The Browns may not have won a whole lot of games while Brissett was the quarterback, but he showed some starter potential and now finds himself in a potentially beneficial position with the Commanders.

 

The wild card here is new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who will hope to replicate some of the success he had in Kansas City with a new team. A lot of dominoes need to fall in place for Brissett to make this happen, particularly winning the starting job, but there is a pathway for him to have a successful season and get a bag. Win the starting job, let Bieniemy rock, throw to Terry McLaurin, get paid. That’s the plan.

 

Calvin Ridley, WR, Jacksonville Jaguars

Ridley is one of the biggest wild cards in the NFL this season. The Jaguars acquired him from the Falcons following his yearlong suspension for gambling in 2022, potentially giving Jacksonville a dominant quarterback and wide receiver duo for the future.

 

Ridley hasn’t played in an NFL game since October 2021, prior to taking time away from the Falcons. His lone year with Arthur Smith and the current Falcons regime was shaky, but before that, Ridley was a bonafide No. 1 receiver talent. When Ridley had to take over for an injured Julio Jones, he put up monster numbers — including eight 100-yard games and four straight 100-yard games in December that season.

 

By the time the regular season kicks off, it will have been almost two years since Ridley played an NFL game. He’s still one of the most talented WRs in the league, but things still need to play out before the Jaguars can figure out how to proceed with his contract. If Ridley can tap back into the receiver who helped carry a passing game in 2020, he and Trevor Lawrence should tear up defenses this year. That would certainly help his cause for an extension that gets him closer to the market rate for veteran receivers. The talent is there, he just needs to get back to playing.

 

Patrick Queen, LB, Baltimore Ravens

Queen is most likely playing his last season with Baltimore, but that doesn’t mean he can’t cash in with a huge contract after the season. Queen has had an up-and-down career with the Ravens, prompting them to pass on picking up his fifth-year option that would have tied him to the team for another year. With his contract expiring at the end of next season, Queen now finds himself in a spot where he needs to be the best version of himself to get that payday.

 

Luckily, Queen is in an advantageous position to do just that. His play improved in a big way following the Ravens’ acquisition of Roquan Smith, who subsequently received a five-year, $100 million contract from the team. Playing with Smith, a talented group of defensive backs and a bright defensive coordinator in Mike Macdonald will at least give Queen the framework he needs to have a consistent season from start to finish.

 

We don’t think Chase Young really meets the criteria, he wouldn’t be coming out of nowhere.

As far as QBs go – we think QB GARDNER MINSHEW now with the Colts might do a Geno Smith if the NFL game is too big too soon for highly-drafted QB ANTHONY RICHARDSON.

– – –

Chris Trapasso of CBSSports.com has a similar list.

With how rapid and widespread NFL roster are turned over every year, it feels like everyone’s in a make-or-break season, doesn’t it? That could be true, but there are some players more under the microscope than others, for a variety of different reasons.

 

Let’s break down those in serious make-or-break scenarios by situation before their critical 2023 seasons begin.

 

Former early picks in danger of being busts

 

Elijah Moore

CLE • WR • #8

I legitimately cannot tell if Moore can be an NFL star or if that is a completely ridiculous suggestion. I loved him coming out of Ole Miss; thought he should’ve been a first-round pick. He wasn’t. The Jets snagged him with the second selection in Round 2, just ahead of Javonte Williams, Jevon Holland, and Landon Dickerson. Goodness gracious.

 

As a rookie, playing with rookie quarterback Zach Wilson and some Mike White sprinkled in, Moore caught 43 passes for 538 yards with five scores. He had an encouraging 1.75 yards-per-route-run average on just 43.8% of New York’s offensive snaps that season before an injury ended his year after 11 games.

 

Last year was ghastly for Moore: Intermittent rumors about his displeasure with the team and offense, league-worst quarterback play, and minimal production. His reception total, receiving yards, and touchdowns all dropped, and his yards-per-route run average sunk to 0.91. The Jets traded him to the Browns this offseason, and with Deshaun Watson, Moore should have drastically more dynamic play from his quarterback. With Amari Cooper in the mix, Moore will not be asked to save Cleveland’s offense. If the light doesn’t come on this year, though, Moore will be dangerously close to being considered a bust of a former top 35 pick.

 

Payton Turner

NO • DE • #98

When you make a surprise selection in Round 1, you better not miss. That’s precisely what the Saints did in 2021 by calling Turner’s name into the league office when they went on the clock at No. 28 overall, and the early returns on the former Houston star have been minimal through two seasons. A mid-November rookie year injury prematurely ended what was an otherwise bland debut season in the NFL.

 

Last year had a similar theme. Turner hardly played early then missed action due to a litany of injuries, including a Week 11 ankle issue that sidelined him all the way until the penultimate game of the regular season. Altogether, Turner has mustered 23 quarterback pressures on 209 pass-rushing snaps and three sacks in 23 contests. Sure, dealing with injuries has made the start of Turner’s NFL career challenging. But the NFL is a harsh business, and if a first-round pick is not producing — for whatever reason — in Year 3, the bust label is soon to follow that player.

 

Veterans on Their Last Legs

 

Jerry Hughes

HOU • DE • #55

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Hughes won’t stop generating heat on the quarterback, even if he isn’t a huge sack accumulator. After a long, illustrious career with the Bills, the former first-round pick from TCU signed a deal with his hometown Texans before the 2022 season and was a pass-rushing spark on one of the most lackluster rosters in football. He registered 58 pressures on 381 pass-rushing snaps, good for a pressure-creation rate of 15.2%, better than the likes of Khalil Mack, DeMarcus Lawrence, Carl Lawson, Bradley Chubb, and Yannick Ngakoue.

 

The soon-to-be 35-year-old pass rusher has aged like fine wine, as many athletic, strong, and polished outside rushers do. He can still win with hand work and occasionally, bend and speed around the corner. Now on an improved Texans teams, it’ll be interesting to see if Hughes can be a steady pressure-generator in some important outings in 2023.

 

Randall Cobb

NYJ • WR • #18

Cobb was seemingly a must-add for the Jets after they acquired Aaron Rodgers. The close-to-33-year-old wideout is arguably Rodgers’ most trusted confidant, yet because of his addition to Gang Green’s roster, there’s a fair amount of pressure on him to produce at his age.

 

Last season in Green Bay wasn’t horrific for Cobb. He clearly wasn’t the same springy, do-everything pass catcher he had been in the earlier stages of his career. Without Moore and Braxton Berrios, the Jets do have a need for an underneath, possession, extension-of-the-run-game slot option, and that’s where Cobb fits into this offense. While Garrett Wilson is clearly the No. 1 receiver, the diversity of Rodgers’ aerial attack with occasionally hinge on Cobb’s presence and how productive he can be at the twilight of his long career.

 

Players who dipped after playing well early and are now in a prove-it year

 

Najee Harris

PIT • RB • #22

Harris has yet to average 4.0 yards per carry throughout the course of an NFL season. We all applauded his rookie campaign though, when he was the heart-and-soul an otherwise stagnant, predictable Steelers offense with a shoddy offensive line. In 2022, strides were made up front, but Harris’ yards-per-carry average actually dipped from 3.9 to 3.8 and his yards-after-contact rate reduced from 2.98 as a rookie to 2.74 in Year 2. He did force miss tackles at a higher rate and scored more touchdowns in his sophomore season as a pro — good signs.

 

Regardless of those fluctuating stats, the Steelers continued to build the offensive line entering the 2023 campaign, and as a former first-round pick at the running back spot, Harris will either become another example as to why teams should not use a Round 1 pick on a back or be an integral, multi-faceted component of a young and fun upstart Steelers offense this season.

 

Kyle Pitts

ATL • TE • #8

We all thought the Falcons had selected a unicorn tight end in Pitts at No. 4 overall in the 2021 draft, especially after his 1,000-yard plus rookie season. No qualms about his selection over Ja’Marr Chase, who went immediately after him.

 

At this point in time, Atlanta’s decision looks silly. His second NFL season was riddled with a hamstring injury and then a season-ending knee injury. Pitts’ productivity outside of those ailments paled in comparison to what he did as a rookie. Two touchdowns on a mere 28 receptions for 356 yards. And he clearly was not a focal point of Arthur Smith’s run-heavy offense that toted the rock more than any other team in football last year. Pitts only won on three of 12 contested-catch situations last year, which seems impossible at his size and gargantuan catch radius. Which Pitts are we going to see in his third season? Especially with fellow top 10 picks Drake London and running back Bijan Robinson in the mix on offense?

 

Fifth-year option players who could sign a huge extension or play on a different team next year

 

Jedrick Wills

CLE • OT • #71

As a rookie, Wills looked the part of the second offensive tackle selected in a loaded class — that featured Andrew Thomas and Tristan Wirfs — at that position in 2020. Only 18 pressures allowed all season? That was budding star stuff from a then 21-year-old rookie.

 

 

Since then, Wills hasn’t taken that ever-elusive next step from budding star to legitimate superstar. Rushers beat him for 28 pressures in 2022 and that number ballooned to 41 last season. Injuries haven’t been an issue either? DeShaun Watson should be significantly more settled into the Browns, Kevin Stefanski-run offense in 2023, which should help Wills and his cohorts up front. However, Watson’s improvisational tendencies don’t exactly make it easy on his offensive linemen when they have to block for more than three seconds and don’t know where he is behind the line. If Wills plays more like fresh out of Alabama Wills in 2023, the Browns will most certainly extend him. He’d be too valuable a piece to lose early Cleveland’s Watson era. If his downward trend continues, do not be surprised if the Browns opt for either an early 2024 draft pick or Dawand Jones and Jack Conklin at tackle next season.

 

Jerry Jeudy

DEN • WR • #10

Jeudy was drifting near Bust Island, and, ironically, had his best season as a pro during the abysmal 2022 season for Russell Wilson and the Broncos offense. After not scoring a touchdown in an irritating 2021, Jeudy scored six times last year, three coming in a wild, narrow defeat at the hands of the Chiefs in December. His yards-per-route run figure eclipsed the prestigious 2.0 mark (2.18) and his 6.1 yards-after-the-catch average was a career high.

 

One would think that with Sean Payton now in Denver, the offense will hum at a much more efficient rate than it did during some dismal outings with Nathaniel Hackett a season ago. And Wilson can’t be worse, right? RIGHT?! Jeudy falls into this very specific category because he could continue to build momentum toward a monster extension in his fourth season, or has he already reached his peak performance capability in the NFL? If the latter is ultimately the case, there’s a strong chance he inks a deal elsewhere next March.

 

 

BROADCAST NEWS

Troy Aikman no longer dreams of being a GM.  Joey Hayden of the Dallas Morning News:

Troy Aikman, NFL front office member, may still be in the future of the Hall of Fame quarterback, but according to the former Dallas Cowboys great, the opportunity to hold the title of general manager may have passed him by.

 

During an appearance with the “Norm and D Invasion” on Sportsradio 96.7 FM/1310 AM The Ticket [KTCK-AM], while saying goodbye to the retiring Norm Hitzges, Aikman was asked about his own post-media career.

 

“I probably give it more thought than I should,” Aikman said Monday morning. “I always have been [mindful] of our time being limited. … So, I posed the question to myself a lot that, you know, if you’ve got ‘X’ number of years left, what exactly do you want to do with that time?

 

“And I go a step further — does that include broadcasting, does that include living in Texas? … But yet, I am still broadcasting and I’m still living in Dallas, and I very much love the state of Texas and I love living in Dallas, but I don’t know how much longer I’ll do it. I’ve got a pretty good idea. And not to suggest that that I’m retiring anytime in the near future, but I’ve got an idea as to when I believe that I’ll retire.”

 

Aikman and longtime broadcast partner Joe Buck made the transition from Fox to ESPN’s Monday Night Football booth last season.

 

Aikman had been with Fox since 2001, but even as his broadcast career progressed, thoughts of him transitioning into an NFL front office or even becoming a general manager lingered. He once called it a potential “frontier” he could traverse after he stopped calling games.

 

“There’s still a part of me, I think, that down the road — the talk has always come up about whether or not I want to be a general manager. And I think that has passed. But there may come a time that I’d be interested in just helping out with a club, with an organization, and not necessarily in an official capacity. I think that would be enjoyable. …

 

“I feel like I’ve given back a lot to the community, but I feel like I can give back to our youth and maybe help out in some way. And when I say youth, that may very well entail professional athletes, as well. By that time, they’ll be considerably younger than I am. So I’ll be calling them youngsters then, as well.”

 

Now at 56 years old, Aikman will for now continue to enjoy his offseason, spending time with his family and promoting his beer until the NFL season kicks off in the fall.

Congratulations, by the way, on a great career for Norm Hitzges – a nice man and insightful interviewer.

 

ROSTER HOLES

Kevin Patra of NFL.com identifies 10 roster areas that remain undernourished:

As we approach the NFL’s annual summer break, the bulk of the team-building process is in the rearview.

 

The 2023 NFL Draft and the lion’s share of free agency have long since passed, but there is still work to be done. Following OTAs and mandatory minicamps, we’ll see roster tinkering ahead of training camps in late July.

 

Some big-name free agents still have to find homes, including recently released receiver DeAndre Hopkins and running back Dalvin Cook. Other veterans like Yannick Ngakoue, Jadeveon Clowney, Dalton Risner, Marcus Peters and Teddy Bridgewater could help upgrade rosters at this late stage.

 

Even with lineups mostly set, there are still holes on every roster. No team is a perfect compilation — not in the offseason, not ever. The best clubs fill those voids on the fly, plugging gaps and papering over injuries sustained.

 

As we head into the down period for players, let’s take a gander at 10 roster holes that could use upgrades ahead of the 2023 season.

 

10 Kansas City Chiefs

Edge rusher

Kansas City parted ways with veteran Frank Clark, who recently signed with AFC West rival Denver, leaving the Chiefs young on the edges. Andy Reid’s club is counting on 2022 first-rounder George Karlaftis to build on a solid first year, when he finished second on the team with six sacks. Free-agent addition Charles Omenihu brings upside in an expanded role after being a rotational player his first four years, while 2023 first-rounder Felix Anudike-Uzomah should play a lot in his rookie campaign. Last season, the Chiefs were a committee pressure force, finishing second in the NFL with 55 sacks, despite DT Chris Jones (15.5) being the only K.C. player in double digits. They’ll need that same sort of spread production in 2023. Still, it wouldn’t be a surprise if K.C. brought in a veteran presence to round out the group closer to the season — especially one looking for a ring who might take less money to join Patrick Mahomes. A solid group of veteran edge rushers is currently available in Ngakoue, Clowney and former Chiefs Melvin Ingram and Justin Houston. The edge depth chart isn’t a fatal flaw for the Chiefs, but it could be solidified ahead of the Super Bowls champs’ title defense.

 

9  Jacksonville Jaguars

Edge rusher

The Jaguars lost a chunk of their pass rush with Arden Key signing in Tennessee this offseason. To date, they haven’t replaced his production with a veteran presence. Jacksonville is banking on 25-year-old Josh Allen returning to Pro Bowl form and 2022 No. 1 overall pick Travon Walker finding his footing after an up-and-down first season that saw him register 3.5 sacks. K’Lavon Chaisson, Jordan Smith and fifth-round rookie Yasir Abdullah are the top depth options. Coach Doug Pederson has noted the club could look to add a low-cost veteran later this summer to help round out the group. Jacksonville produced solid pressure last season, but tallied 35 just total sacks in 2022, tied for seventh-fewest. To take the next step in 2023, the Jags’ defense needs to go from getting pressure to getting the QB on the ground.

 

8  Atlanta Falcons

Wide receiver

The Falcons want to pound the ball on the ground, which makes perfect sense, given their coach and roster makeup. That said, wide receiver Drake London displayed flashes of tremendous upside in Year 1, and ATL is counting on a Year 2 leap. Beyond London, the WR corps screams for aid. Even if we consider tight end Kyle Pitts — who had a down, injury-abbreviated 2022 campaign — a WR type, the Falcons remain shallow. Mack Hollins is currently No. 2, coming off his only season above the 300-yard mark. Scott Miller, KhaDarel Hodge and Penny Hart are the depth options. If the wideout corps remains unchanged, Desmond Ridder will use his tight ends (Pitts and Jonnu Smith) and running backs (Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier and Cordarrelle Patterson) a lot in the passing game. He’ll have to.

 

7  New Orleans Saints

Defensive line

The Saints lost bulk in the middle, with David Onyemata (Falcons) and Shy Tuttle (Panthers) leaving for division rivals. Oft-injured first-round defensive end Marcus Davenport (Vikings) also departed in free agency. Khalen Saunders was a solid signing, but can he be more than the rotational player he was in Kansas City? The Saints hope rookies Bryan Bresee and Isaiah Foskey can help plug the holes. Of course, we’ve seen New Orleans rookies struggle out of the gate in the past (SEE: Davenport and 2021 first-rounder Payton Turner). For a club out to win the NFC South, the Saints are counting an awful lot on soon-to-be 34-year-old Cameron Jordan to generate a pass rush.

 

6  Baltimore Ravens

Edge rusher

Baltimore spent the offseason stocking up on offensive weapons for Lamar Jackson, but the defensive front has serious questions. 2021 first-round pick Odafe Oweh took a step back in Year 2 and will look to rebound this fall. 2022 second-rounder David Ojabo had most of his rookie campaign wiped out due to a pre-draft injury. The Ravens are relying heavily on the Michigan product becoming a consistent force. Two of Baltimore’s top sack producers from last season aren’t on the roster. Calais Campbell left for Atlanta, and Justin Houston remains a free agent. Could a Houston reunion be in the cards? It wouldn’t be a surprise if general manager Eric DeCosta added multiple veterans at some point to round out a group lacking in depth and playmakers.

 

5  Chicago Bears

Defensive end

General manager Ryan Poles has revamped almost the entire roster in his first two years on the job, but top-shelf pass-rushing options remain scant. The Bears’ current rotation includes DeMarcus Walker, Dominique Robinson, Trevis Gipson and Rasheem Green. Walker generated seven sacks last season in Tennessee. None of the rest hit the four-sack mark. Chicago recorded a league-worst 20 sacks a season ago — safety Jaquan Brisker led the way with four. Poles and coach Matt Eberflus haven’t prioritized the rush, but it would make life much easier on the back end if the Bears had a player who could win off the snap and command an offense’s attention up front.

 

4  Tennessee Titans

Wide receiver

It’s no coincidence the Titans had free agent DeAndre Hopkins in for a visit. Tennessee’s receiver crew is thin. 2022 first-round pick Treylon Burks is the top dog after showing brief flashes in an injury-plagued debut season. Burks has upside but needs to take a big step forward in Year 2. The Titans retained Nick Westbrook-Ikhine for peanuts (one year, $1.26 million), considering he’s currently the club’s No. 2 wideout. The only free-agent addition so far this offseason? Veteran Chris Moore. And Tennessee waited until the seventh-round (Colton Dowell) to address the position in the draft. It’s the thinnest WR group in the NFL. Add Hopkins, and that would change things somewhat.

 

3  Las Vegas Raiders

Cornerback

There are plenty of questionable areas on the Raiders’ roster. Backup quarterback looks cringy if Jimmy Garoppolo’s return from offseason surgery is delayed, with veteran Brian Hoyer and fourth-round rookie Aiden O’Connell next in line. Surprisingly, Vegas didn’t upgrade the O-line, but the cornerback cupboard is particularly bare. David Long Jr. and Duke Shelley are currently pegged as the outside corners, but neither has been a full-time starter before. Nate Hobbs is a solid nickel. The group lacks a No. 1 and is counting on parts to create a whole. Adding a veteran to solidify the corps should be a priority before the season kicks off.

 

2  Los Angeles Rams

Entire defense

Can an entire side of the ball be a roster hole? The Rams jettisoned most of their veteran defenders as part of their massive overhaul, electing to go uber young. Jalen Ramsey, Bobby Wagner, Leonard Floyd, A’Shawn Robinson, Greg Gaines, Taylor Rapp and others are gone. Alongside Aaron Donald, the defensive front is basically an NFL version of Hasbro’s “Guess Who?” Third-round rookies Byron Young and Kobie Turner will likely play a ton. The back end could all come down to training camp battles, save for the one safety spot occupied by Jordan Fuller. Los Angeles likes its young pieces, including 2022 rookies Cobie Durant and Derion Kendrick, but they’ll be tasked with proving they can be every-down players. It’s clearly a rebuilding season for L.A., but adding a few low-cost veterans to buttress the young players could go a long way in a transition year. 

 

1  Arizona Cardinals

Defensive front

This certainly isn’t the only concerning spot on Arizona’s current roster, but it’s the most apparent. The front seven is a complete question mark following J.J. Watt’s retirement and Zach Allen’s relocation to Denver. Maybe former Seattle first-round pick L.J. Collier finds his way after four unproductive, injury-marred seasons with the Seahawks, but we’re already squinting for optimism. The Cardinals hope moving former first-rounder Zaven Collins to outside linebacker will unlock dormant potential. Can second-round pick BJ Ojulari provide instant pressure off the edge? At this point, analyzing Arizona’s defense is like playing blackjack in the dark. With the 2023 season looking like a steep uphill battle before it even begins, GM Monti Ossenfort might not have much interest in spending to upgrade the group at this point, which likely means the Cards’ D will struggle in Jonathan Gannon’s first year as head coach.