NFL - NEWS & NOTES

I like this quote from Woody Hayes, he forgot about punching a player for intercepting the ball. That would be three bad things. So that means 4 things can happen.

 

https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/...lay-18-regular-season-games-for-a-safer-game/

Jerry Jones wants more regular season games and 2 less pre-season games. he says he will cut down on injuries. He's lost his damn mind. the only thing adding 2 more games does is increase your wallet as preseason games don't do well ticket or vendor wise versus a regular season game. and the cowboys tickets are very expensive, so Jerry looks to be lining his pockets with an extra home game. if they added more bye weeks etc and cut 2 pre-season games, the season just drags on. leave it as is.

 

The bookie houses would love an extended season.

 

Report: Alshon Jeffery will miss at least the first two games...

Eagles receiver Alshon Jeffery‘s injured shoulder will keep him out at least the first two games of the season, Adam Schefter of ESPN reports. The team, though, is expected to activate him to the 53-player roster this weekend with hopes that Jeffery can return by Week Three.

The Eagles’ first two games are against the Falcons and the Buccaneers.

Eagles coach Doug Pederson said earlier Tuesday that Jeffery is “progressing well” but offered no guarantees that the receiver would return for the season opener.

Jeffery is on the physically unable to perform list and would miss six games if he remained on the list after final cutdowns Saturday.

Jeffery played through his shoulder injury last season, catching 57 passes for 789 yards and nine touchdowns in his first season with the Eagles. He had offseason surgery to repair the injury. (PFT)

 

Chargers safety Derwin James closing in on starting gig


By Kevin Patra

Despite missing the start of training camp due to a hamstring injury, Los Angeles Chargers first-round rookie Derwin James is in line to lock down a Week 1 starting gig.

"That's what we're looking at right now," defensive coordinator Gus Bradley said, via the Los Angeles Times. "We can't show our hand too much."

James inexplicably slid down draft boards to land in the Chargers' lap at No. 17 overall, a gift for the Los Angeles franchise that owned a glaring hole at the position.

"I see him as a natural leader," Bradley said of James. "I think he's finding his place. But, at times, he can't help himself. That's who he is. He leads. I love his personality. He's got a great spirit about him.

"As he gains confidence in what he's doing, it will be even more. He's already talking ... very animated. He's got a lot of energy. I think that personality will show more once he gains more confidence in the system."

James has flashed this preseason, including Saturday's interception of Drew Brees. The rookie has played 106 snaps through three preseason games, most of any L.A. defender, as the Chargers try to immerse their first-rounder.

"There is going to be a learning curve," Bradley said. "I think he'll go out and make a mistake here and there, but he'll also make some splash plays."

James has the talent to be a steal of the draft. A player of his caliber falling that far still seems inexplicable. The rookie can play all over the formation and owns the ball skills to create turnovers for a Chargers secondary that has the talent to be among the best in the NFL.

While starting seemed a foregone conclusion for James since he was drafted, the rookie isn't settling for that; he wants much more.

"I'm not just trying to start," James said. "I'm trying to make plays. It's more than just earning a starting job. Now, what are you going to do with it?"

A clear preseason Defensive Rookie of the Year candidate, James will have the opportunity and platform to do much more than simply be a starting safety.

 

Fair enough.

Way Dallas is moving, while I think they need playmakers at WR and TE, and OBJ mega-talent notwithstanding, I don't think "diva" is where they'd like to go.

 

Todd Gurley didn't play at all in preseason; neither did Zeke Elliott.

Also interesting that teams are moving away from preseason game #3 as being a de facto "dress rehearsal."

 

nelson agholor is banged up too. screw it -- what's dez's #?

 

And it's more likely Wentz misses at least Week 1 as well. could be tough sledding opening day against the revenge-minded Falcons.

 

Mychal Kendricks admits to participating in insider trading...

On the latest episode of Hard Knocks, Browns linebacker Mychal Kendricks was shown sharing inside information on the Eagles offense that he gleaned while playing for the team.

That may not make Kendricks friends in Philadelphia, but it’s not illegal. Insider trading of stocks is illegal, however, and Kendricks’ participation in that activity has landed him in trouble with the federal government.

U.S. Attorney William M. McSwain announced in Philadelphia on Wednesday that Kendricks and another man have been charged with insider trading. The activity took place four years ago and Kendricks admitted wrongdoing in a statement released a short time later.

“I apologize. Four years ago, I participated in insider trading, and I deeply regret it. I invested money with a former friend of mine who I thought I could trust and who I greatly admired. His background as a Harvard graduate and an employee of Goldman Sachs gave me a false sense of confidence. To that point, I had worked my tail off since I was 5 years old to become the football player that I am today. I was drawn in by the allure of being more than just a football player. While I didn’t fully understand all of the details of the illegal trades, I knew it was wrong, and I wholeheartedly regret my actions.”

“Since the beginning of the investigation, I have fully cooperated with all of the authorities and will continue to do so. I accept full responsibility for my actions. Although I did not take any of the profits for myself, I am committed to repaying all of the funds gained illegally and accept the consequences of my actions.”

“I sincerely apologize to my coaches, the owners, and my teammates on the Eagles and the Browns, the NFL, and the magnificent fans to whom I owe my career. I also apologize to my family, who I have failed in this. You all deserve better, and I will work my hardest to re-earn your trust and respect, serve as an advocate to educate others, and show you that I will never be involved in anything like this again. Thank you for your time and hopefully your forgiveness.”

The Browns issued a statement saying Kendricks will not join the team in Detroit for Thursday’s game and that they have been in communication with the league.

Kendricks’ attorney told Philly.com that his client is expected to formally plead guilty in the coming weeks. It’s not clear what kind of punishment the government is seeking in Kendricks’ case. The linebacker could also be subject to discipline under the NFL’s personal conduct policy as it covers activity that “undermines” the integrity of the league, teams and/or players. (PFT)

 

Good bye, Mychal. We barely knew ya.

 

i don't expect to see wentz until week 3 at home vs the colts and their soft pass rush. tampa is without justice in week 2, so that aids the eagles. as for the dirty birds...foles needs to repeat his minnesota or new england performance to beat them !

 

Seahawks, Tyler Lockett agree on three-year contract extension...

The Seahawks spent a good portion of this offseason saying farewell to players who have been on the roster in recent years, but they went the other route on Wednesday.

Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports that the team has reached agreement on a three-year extension with wide receiver Tyler Lockett. Lockett is heading into his fourth season of his rookie deal with a base salary of $705,000.

Garafolo reports that the deal has $20 million in guaranteed, a base total value of $31.8 million and a maximum value of $37.8 million. It is not known what would trigger the higher value for Lockett.

Lockett was a 2015 third-round pick and has missed one game over his first three seasons with the team. He’s caught 137 passes for 1,816 yards and nine touchdowns while also running for a touchdown and shining as a returner. Lockett has returned one punt and two kickoffs for touchdowns over his first three years.

With Paul Richardson leaving in free agency, Lockett is in line for an even bigger offensive role this season and this deal suggests the team believes he’ll make the most of that opportunity. (PFT)

 

***BREAKING***

Aaron Rodgers agrees to 4-year deal with over $100M guarantees...

Aaron Rodgers has a new deal.

NFL Network's James Jones reported, per a source informed, the Packers and the two-time MVP quarterback have agreed to terms on a four-year extension with over $100 million in guarantees. (NFL.com)

 

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers got paid, and then some.

The Packers and Rodgers have agreed to terms on a four-year, $134 million extension, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport and NFL Network's James Jones reported, per a source informed. Rodgers also receives a record $57.5 million signing bonus and will earn more than $80 million by March, Rapoport added.

Rodgers previously signed a five-year, $110 million extension in 2013 and was set to enter the regular season with two years remaining on his contract, which paid base salaries of $19.8 million in 2018 and $20 million in 2020.

The Packers, however, indicated throughout the offseason that taking care of the two-time NFL MVP with a new deal would get accomplished
Taking care of Rodgers now ensures there will be no distractions when the Packers host the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field for the regular-season opener on Sept. 9.

Since entering the league in 2005, the 34-year-old Rodgers has become the heart and soul of the Packers, guiding the team to a championship in Super Bowl XLV, where he also won the MVP.

On his career, Rodgers holds a 94-48 overall record as a starter, and has passed 38,502 yards, 313 touchdowns with 78 interceptions for a 103.8 passer rating. His passer rating and TD-INT ratio ranks as the highest in NFL history (minimum 2,000 attempts).

The Packers signal-caller enters his 14th professional season and has made his mark, including being one of two active players to win multiple MVP awards and one of two quarterbacks with multiple first-team All-Pro selections, accomplishments shared with New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady.

Rodgers has also been named to six Pro Bowls and is one of eight active quarterbacks to win a Super Bowl. He is the second-most productive quarterback in Packers history behind Hall of Famer Brett Favre.

While Rodgers has gathered numerous gaudy individual statistics and accolades on his career; perhaps his biggest value to the Packers surrounds his time on the field.

Since 2008, the Packers are 94-46 and average 27.7 points per game with Rodgers, but are 6-13-1 and average 20.2 points per game without him.

In 2017, the Packers endured nine games without Rodgers, who suffered a season-ending shoulder injury in Week 6, and missed the postseason with a 7-9 record. A healthy Rodgers, however, should return the Packers to playoff contention in the NFC North.

 

Saints signing former Seahawks wideout Tanner McEvoy...

The Saints are taking a late look at another wide receiver.

According to Mike Triplett of ESPN.com, the Saints are signing wideout Tanner McEvoy, who was just cut by the Seahawks.

The 6-foot-6, 230-pound McEvoy came into the league as an undrafted rookie from Wisconsin, and was initially a safety. Going back to his college days, he has also played tight end, running back and quarterback.

He had 14 catches in two years, and was a special teams contributor.

The Saints may have interest in him in that way, as they are fairly well-stocked at receiver and will likely be cutting some guys who end up employed on other teams. (PFT)

 

And they also trade for Teddy Bridgewater.

 

3rd round pick.

 

I was hoping Teddy would get the starters job in NY, but its Darnolds gig now. They better hope he doesn't go down, lol.

 

They got McCown still.