MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

Eagles pay Nick Foles the $1 million he missed in playing time...



The Eagles are doing right by Nick Foles. For now.

Foles barely missed a $1 million payment for participating in 33 percent of the team’s offensive snaps during the 2018 regular season. According to Field Yates of ESPN.com, the Eagles have paid Foles the extra $1 million in the form of a signing bonus.

None of this apparently changes the looming ping-pong game that could result in the Eagles taking an aggressive approach to Foles’ potential trip to the open market. It starts with the Eagles potentially exercising a $20 million option for 2019. It continues with Foles paying $2 million to buy out of the option. It concludes with the Eagles potentially applying the franchise tag to Foles for 2019, presumably with an eye toward trading him.

So maybe the extra $1 million, which as a practical matter cuts his buyout from $2 million to $1 million, is the pillow, with the punch to come when the Eagles take full advantage of their right to keep Foles from cashing in as a free agent. Thus, before praising the Eagles for taking care of Foles, let’s wait and see whether they play hardball with him at a time when he arguably has earned the ability to walk away unfettered. (PFT)

 

Drew Brees coming back for 19th year, but knows clock is ticking...



One old quarterback is going to the Super Bowl.

The other one wants to give it another shot.

Saints quarterback Drew Brees admitted the hurt of the Saints’ overtime loss to the Rams, but said he wants to come back next year for a 19th season and another try.

“I plan on being here next year and making another run at it,” Brees said, via Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Times-Picayune.

“Each one of these is unique,” he added. “Each one is special. I’m not getting any younger, though some days I feel like it.”

Brees tried to stay away from the immediate bitterness, avoiding the talk of the obvious non-call which cost the Saints a chance to join Tom Brady and the Patriots in a Super Bowl for the aged.

“You feel like that was something out of your control,” he said. “And I like to focus on the things that I can control.”

For now, that’s getting ready for another season, the final one on his contract. (PFT)

 

Unnamed Eagles begin to push back against Carson Wentz...



It was apparently a no-brainer for the organization. For the locker room, it’s a different story.

Joseph Santoliquito of PhillyVoice.com has published a potentially explosive article that contains quotes from “more than a half dozen players, plus other sources close to the team,” all of whom insisted on anonymity, regarding quarterback Carson Wentz.

The coaching staff and front office continue to anoint Wentz as the starter. Nick Foles seems to be on his way out, regardless of the specific mechanism by which he exits. Per the report, however, Foles is “universally loved” in the locker room. And Carson Wentz is not.

While he has been described as “incredibly hard working,” “determined,” and “highly intelligent,” Wentz also has been dubbed as, quoting from the story, “‘selfish,’ ‘uncompromising,’ ‘egotistical,’ one who plays ‘favorites’ and doesn’t like to be ‘questioned,’ one who needs to ‘practice what he preaches’ and fails ‘to take accountability.'”

“Carson Wentz’s biggest enemy is Carson Wentz,” one unnamed source told Santoliquito. “He’s had his ass kissed his whole life, and sometimes acts like he’s won 10 Super Bowls, when he hasn’t played in, let alone won, a playoff game yet. Everyone around him wants good things for him. He did more thinking on the field than he did playing [in 2018]. You don’t have to be a brain surgeon or a football expert to see how differently this team plays and reacts with one guy as opposed to the other.”

That part is true. While Wentz may be the better quarterback than Foles, the Eagles seem to be the better team when Foles plays.

The problem with Wentz, per the report, comes from alleged tendency to “complicate” the offense. Wentz could “complicate 2+2,” one source told Santoliquito.

One criticism of Wentz comes from the perception that, while Foles runs the offense and goes through the required progressions, Wentz all too often throws to tight end Zach Ertz. There also was a sense this season that Wentz’s desire to match what Foles accomplished last year, winning the Super Bowl after Wentz tore an ACL, made Wentz do too much.

“He has to return to who ‘Carson Wentz’ is,” an unnamed source told Santoliquito. “That comes with relaxing and not forcing things. It also comes with being able to take constructive criticism. He has to learn that it’s not always about him and that’s partly what hurt this team this year. We know what type of player he can be, and who he normally is. He needs to realize it’s the Philadelphia Eagles not the Philadelphia Carsons. . . . A little humility goes a long way.”

Could these criticisms prompt the Eagles to reconsider their commitment to Wentz? Probably not. If nothing else, however, these are things that the team and Wentz may need to hear and to heed in order to get back to the success the team had under Wentz in 2017, before the injury.

The Eagles also may need to change how they coach Wentz. The article suggests that former offensive coordinator Frank Reich and former quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo were able to steer Wentz the right way, but that Wentz “bullied” offensive coordinator Mike Groh in 2018.

Wentz has the skills to be an MVP. Beyond finding a way to stay healthy, however, he apparently also needs to find a way better connect with teammates, especially with the quarterback they apparently prefer on his way out. (PFT)

 

Multiple Eagles defend Carson Wentz, slam report...

Multiple Eagles players, just a week into their offseason, have been quick to declare the story -- which included the anonymously sourced quote "Carson Wentz's biggest enemy is Carson Wentz," and was written by PhillyVoice.com's Joseph Santoliquito -- as nonsense.



Wentz was named the team's starter going forward by coach Doug Pederson after the Eagles were eliminated from the playoffs by the New Orleans Saints. This announcement came despite the team experiencing a rapid turnaround late in the season, riding the magic of Nick Foles to an unlikely playoff berth and wild-card win over the Chicago Bears. It again revived the Foles-Wentz debate, but with the Eagles having spent the No. 2 overall pick on Wentz -- who was a legitimate MVP candidate before his knee injury ended his 2017 season -- it's understandable for them to go in the direction of the younger QB.

Santoliquito's piece, citing multiple unnamed sources, tells a tale of an entitled quarterback who "created friction within the offense" and required former Eagles assistants Frank Reich and John DeFilippo to "rein Wentz in and stop him from going off-point." The story also cites Wentz's dependence on tight end Zach Ertz, whose 116 receptions were a career high and the second most in the NFL for any pass-catcher, as a crutch that held back Philadelphia's offense.

Wentz isn't going anywhere, though. With Foles positioned to make $20 million in 2019 salary that is fully guaranteed on the third day of the new league year, a parting of ways is imminent. And if Philadelphia is going to choose one of the two, it's Wentz, who is younger, has another year on his rookie deal (before he gets his expected payday) and still owns MVP potential, should he finish a season fully healthy. The decision is fairly simple, even if Foles' play has been incredibly difficult to ignore.

It would make sense, then, for these Eagles to refute such a story, even if some of it proves to be true. This is their quarterback for the next decade, if things go right. And even if they don't, they won't know that for at least a couple of years. (NFL.com)

 

Super Bowl will be Tom Brady’s 40th postseason game...



Patriots quarterback Tom Brady has long since shattered the NFL record for most career postseason games played, but Super Bowl LIII will be a special milestone.

The Super Bowl will be Brady’s 40th career postseason game, easily the most of any player in NFL history.

In second place all time is Brady’s former teammate Adam Vinatieri, who has played 32 career postseason games, 17 with the Patriots and 15 with the Colts. In third is Jerry Rice, who played in 29 postseason games, 23 with the 49ers, five with the Raiders and one with the Seahawks.

And moving into fourth place all time on Super Bowl Sunday will be Patriots kicker Stephen Gostkowski, who will play in his 28th career postseason game.

Brady’s record is unbreakable for many years: It’s not realistic to think the 46-year-old Vinatieri will last long enough to break it. Gostkowski turns 35 next week and probably can’t break it either, in part because he can’t make up any ground with Brady as long as they’re playing in the postseason together. No other active players are close, with Patriots special teamer Matt Slater next at 22 and Patriots defensive back Devin McCourty and Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger tied at 21. No other active players are even halfway to Brady.

So 40 career postseason games is among the records Brady will hold the longest. Maybe forever. (PFT)

 

Cam Newton has shoulder surgery...



The Panthers now know a little more about Cam Newton‘s condition, but have even more questions to answer.

The team announced that the former MVP quarterback had arthroscopic surgery on his right (throwing) shoulder.

The procedure was done in Charlotte by team physician Dr. Pat Connor, and the team noted the rehab would begin immediately. Newton missed the final two games because of shoulder problems.

The Panthers have said they know they need to find a better Plan B quarterback this year, and will definitely need one for the offseason program.

When he had his initial shoulder surgery in 2017, he waited until March which kept him out of the entire offseason program and most of training camp. (PFT)

 

Credit Philadelphia's front office for being as decisive about Nick Foles' future as Foles was during his game-winning playoff drive against the Bears. By quickly announcing that Carson Wentz is the team's starting quarterback moving forward, the Eagles acknowledged it's time to let Foles go.

It's not like Philly really has an option. Foles and his agent used the leverage from the QB's Super Bowl LII MVP star turn to construct a new contract that would give them flexibility this offseason. The Eagles could decline the $20 million option in his contract by Feb. 10 rather than force Foles to pay back $2 million for his freedom. That would be a parting gift for a job well done, a city and organization forever changed. Another option would be for Foles to essentially hand-pick a potential trading partner.

Foles is set to be the most highly coveted quarterback in a market that is set to balloon with veterans like Joe Flacco and Ryan Tannehill. And Foles has made it clear he's no longer interested in being a backup.

"I would love to lead a team," Foles told reporters after the season. "The starter thing, leading a team, impacting a locker room ... that's why we play the game, to impact people, to create an atmosphere. ... I'm really starting to understand how I want to play this game. My game has changed, seeing what's important and really just being myself."

The devotion Foles engendered in the Eagles' locker room with his leadership style and his play impressed even his biggest skeptics. After backing up his Super Bowl run with another stirring late-season surge, he's earned a chance to run a team of his own. This is a unique offseason, with fewer teams than normal looking for a starting quarterback, and that could narrow Foles' options. So where are his most likely landing spots?

1) Jacksonville Jaguars: Jacksonville's hire of former Eagles quarterbacks coach John DeFilippo as offensive coordinator provides some clarity to the pursuit of Foles. It's the Jaguars against the field, and I wouldn't bet against the Jaguars.

DeFilippo's experience with Foles isn't the only factor here. Even if the Jags had hired a different coordinator, I would have listed them first in this exercise, because they have the most desperate need at the position. While getting rid of Blake Bortles' regrettable contract won't help Jacksonville's already-stretched salary cap that much, the Jaguars have repeatedly shown in the past they aren't afraid to be aggressive in free agency. They missed out on the Kirk Cousins sweepstakes before doubling down on Bortles and can't risk another lost season. Marcell Dareus and Malik Jackson could be at risk of getting released to make room for a quarterback contract.

This is a Jacksonville regime thirsty to prove last year's 5-11 record was the aberration (rather than the aberration being the previous season's AFC Championship Game appearance). Acquiring Foles is the Jaguars' best chance to quickly rebound and prove the team's 2018 failures were mostly about the quarterback position. One year is all that coach Doug Marrone and general manager Dave Caldwell may have.

2) Miami Dolphins: The Miami Herald reported that the Dolphins will move on from Ryan Tannehill shortly after a disappointing Week 16 performance. It's possible that emotionally timed decision, which appeared to come from on high, could change as the reality of this free-agent market and draft class becomes clear.

Still, it's more likely than not that the Dolphins try change for change's sake at the position, pairing a veteran-to-be-named-later with a draft pick. Foles would make sense to be high on the team's target list, no matter who presumptive head coach Brian Flores brings as offensive coordinator. (Patriots wide receivers coach Chad O'Shea is the favorite to land the coordinator gig, while Jim Caldwell is expected to join the team in a senior advisory role.)

3) Washington Redskins: Alex Smith's uncertain status hangs over the franchise. The Redskins need to make a decision about his future by March, unless they adjust his contract soon so that future guarantees don't get locked in. Even if they work that out with Smith's agent, they can't count on him as their starter for 2019 because of the severity of his compound leg fracture.

Adding Foles' contract would be tricky, with so much of Smith's money on the books. This is also an outcome the Eagles will want to avoid -- St. Nick on a division rival -- if they wind up trading Foles rather than letting him hit free agency.

4) Denver Broncos: John Elway admitted that Case Keenum is a "short-term fix." If the team can upgrade to Foles this offseason, they could change that phrase to "was a short-term fix." Eating the $7 million guaranteed in Keenum's contract is no crazier than the Jaguars paying Bortles to go away. New Broncos coordinator Rich Scangarello's background is in Kyle Shanahan's system, a cousin to the Andy Reid/Doug Pederson offenses that Foles enjoyed his best success in.

5) New York Giants: Eli Manning's agent believes his client will be back with the Giants next season. While the organization has made fewer promises than usual, I'm expecting Manning to be the quarterback until one of his children can take over. The Giants are understandably afraid of what's behind Door No. 2 at quarterback with few safe options available, but it's not like the team can do much worse than going 8-24 over the last two years. And like the Redskins, the Giants obviously wouldn't be an ideal trade partner for Philly, given the divisional rivalry. (NFL.com)

 

Hall of Fame quarterback Joe Montana is getting financially involved in the marijuana industry.

According to Paul Elias of the Associated Press, Montana was part of a $75 million investment in Caliva, a cannabis brand based in San Jose, Calif.

“As an investor and supporter, it is my opinion that Caliva’s strong management team will successfully develop and bring to market quality health and wellness products that can provide relief to many people and can make a serious impact on opioid use or addiction,” Montana said in a statement announcing the funding.

Caliva’s business includes a growing farm, retail store, distribution center and delivery service. Additionally, the company sells branded products across the state of California.

Montana also invested in HERB, a cannabis technology, in 2017 through his venture capital firm Liquid 2 Ventures. (PFT)

 

Now we know why he was always calm on the field

 

Been reading that a [ahem] fertile field to invest in.

 

A friend with weed
Is a friend indeed


Can’t cope
There’s hope
Smoke dope

 

Report: Washington not planning on Alex Smith returning in 2019...

The status of Washington quarterback Alex Smith for next season came up for attention recently when Smith was spotted at last Monday’s Wizards game with an external fixator on the right leg he broke in November.

Smith broke his tibia and fibula and the presence of the fixator makes it clear that he’s still got a fair ways to go before he can entertain any thoughts of playing again. Team president Bruce Allen said later in the week that “if anyone can come back from the injury,” it will be Smith but he stopped well short of saying the team was planning on having him in 2019.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports that’s because the team does not expect Smith to play this year. They are planning for life without him and would be “pleasantly surprised” if he can play.

Allen said last week that the team has confidence in Colt McCoy, who ended the year with a less severe fractured leg. They ended the year with Josh Johnson and Mark Sanchez on the roster and there will likely be some new names on the depth chart in Washington by the time the offseason program gets underway. (PFT)

 

Tom Brady says “zero” chance he retires after Super Bowl...



Mike Florio posed the question last week: Will Tom Brady walk off if the Patriots win their sixth Super Bowl? The Patriots quarterback answered that in an interview with ESPN that aired Sunday.

Brady ruled out retirement after Super Bowl LIII, telling Jeff Darlington there was “zero” chance of that happening.

Brady, 41, stated repeatedly this season that his goal is to play to the age of 45. The future first-ballot Hall of Famer has played well enough that no one is questioning whether he has another year or two or three or four or five left in him.

Brady completed 375 of 570 passes for 4,355 yards with 29 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 97.7 passer rating during the regular season. He has completed 64 of 90 passes in the postseason for 691 yards with two touchdowns and two interceptions.

Brady will play in his third consecutive Super Bowl with hopes of becoming the first player ever to win six Super Bowl rings. He doesn’t expect it to be his last obviously, with no intention of calling it quits. (PFT)
__________
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The GOAT endureth forever...

 

Why would he retire? He's still got the best coach of all time making life easy for him.

 

If he retired he would have to listen to his wife bitch all day every day.

 

Ravens expect to make Joe Flacco decision in March...



The Ravens have not been coy about their plan to move forward without quarterback Joe Flacco, but the exact manner of his departure from Baltimore has yet to be determined.

According to new General Manager Eric DeCosta, it will be a little bit before that question is answered. DeCosta was asked about what the team will do with Flacco during a press conference in Baltimore on Wednesday.

“I think that’s an ongoing process,” DeCosta said. “The new league year starts in March. We’ll have a lot of new ideas, strategies, things that we’ll look at once March rolls around. Right now, we’re really focused on the draft and our free agency meetings which will start to take place over the next few weeks. We have discussed Joe, we’ve discussed a lot of players on the team. I think when the time comes for us to make a decision one way or the other, we will have a plan in place.”

The Ravens would obviously prefer to trade Flacco and get some compensation that DeCosta can use to build up the team’s roster, but it is unclear at this point which teams might be interested in sending something Baltimore’s way. (PFT)

 

Kyler Murray: I wish I could play both...



Kyler Murray has an agonizing decision to make about giving up one of the two sports he loves.

Murray said on his visit to the PFT Live set on Radio Row that he wishes he could do what Deion Sanders and Bo Jackson did, and play both pro football and pro baseball. But Murray realizes how remote the possibility of a quarterback doing that is, as playing quarterback is a year-round job.

“I wish I could play both. I know it’s highly, highly, highly unlikely. It’s not an easy decision. I’ve been playing both my whole life, since I was 4 years old. I’ve got to make a decision,” Murray said.

A first-round draft pick of the Oakland A’s, Murray mused about the possibility of also playing for the Raiders, but unfortunately the Raiders won’t be in Oakland much longer.

“The A’s organization has been nothing but phenomenal to me through this whole process. I wouldn’t want to be with anyone else,” Murray said.

But there’s still a good chance Murray will be with someone else, in another sport, if he makes the decision to leave baseball behind and become an NFL quarterback. (PFT)

 

Dolphins expected to cut Ryan Tannehill...



As soon as the Super Bowl ends Sunday night, the Dolphins will be able to name their new head coach.

He will immediately be looking for a new quarterback.

According to Armando Salguero of the Miami Herald, the Dolphins have already decided to part ways with Ryan Tannehill, it’s just a matter of how.

They’d probably like to trade him for whatever bag of beans they could get, but his $18.7 million salary for 2019 and $19.5 million in 2020 is something exactly zero teams want. That means they’re like to just show him the door and move on from the 2012 first-rounder.

Tannehill is also said to be expecting this, which I guess shows pocket awareness.

Salguero suggests they aren’t likely to be in the market for a big-name quarterback such as Nick Foles or even Teddy Bridgewater, which sets up something resembling tanking, even if no one wants to say it out loud.

The Dolphins have always been willing to swing for the fences in free agency, but if they don’t fill their roster holes that way, the losing figures to be organic. The only other quarterbacks on the roster at the moment are Jake Rudock and Luke Falk, though they could always draft one.

Either way, Tannehill will be gone. (PFT)

 

Wade Wilson dies at 60...



Former NFL quarterback Wade Wilson, who spent 19 years in the league and many thereafter as a coach, has died. He was 60.

The Dallas Cowboys have announced the passing of Wilson.

An eighth-round pick of the Vikings in 1981, Wilson spent eleven years in Minnesota, one with the Falcons, two with the Saints, three with the Cowboys, and two with the Raiders.

In his first year after retiring, Wilson became the quarterbacks coach in Dallas, holding the spot for three years. He then took the same job in Chicago for three years, before returning to that role with the Cowboys for eleven straight seasons.

Wilson won a Super Bowl ring as Troy Aikman’s backup in 1995. Seven years before that, Wilson led the Vikings to upset wins over the Saints and 49ers in the playoffs, before narrowly losing to Washington in the NFC title game.

We extend our condolences to Wilson’s family, friends, teammates, and colleagues. (PFT)

 

60 is too young to die, too old to rock and roll.