NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Report: Chiefs, Orlando Brown Jr. not close to long-term deal



Chiefs coach Andy Reid said recently that long-term deals don’t happen “overnight.” The Chiefs, though, are running out of days and nights to get something done with left tackle Orlando Brown Jr.

Having used the franchise tag on Brown, the Chiefs have until Friday at 4 p.m. ET to get a deal signed. Otherwise, Brown would have to play 2022 under the one-year, $16.66 million tag.


Both sides expressed optimism last month at reaching agreement, but Mike Garafolo of NFL Media reports they are not close with the clock ticking down.

Brown’s representation has talked to the Chiefs in recent days, but Garafolo says no deal is expected. Barring an 11th-hour agreement, Brown is expected to sit out the start of training camp, potentially all of it, with “even Week 1” in question, per Garafolo.

Brown had threatened that last month in an interview with NFL Media, saying, “It’s not the year to go into the season with a backup left tackle.”

The Chiefs don’t have a great option behind Brown. They need him after the Raiders added Chandler Jones to pair with Maxx Crosby; the Broncos signed Randy Gregory to go with Bradley Chubb; and the Chargers traded for Khalil Mack to pair with Joey Bosa.

The Chiefs traded for Brown last offseason. He started 16 regular-season games for the team, missing one game with a calf injury, and earned his third consecutive Pro Bowl.

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Bears hope Bill Belichick's miss can be their gain with N'Keal Harry trade

Bill Belichick is arguably the greatest coach in NFL history. He and Tom Brady led the New England Patriots to six Super Bowl titles and three more appearances during their 20 years together.

While Belichick's a legendary head coach, his track record as general manager is spotty. That's especially true when it comes to wide receivers.

Belichick has found a few gems like Julian Edelman, Deion Branch, and David Givens. But other than that, it's been a position that has given Belichick fits during the draft. His misses have included Bethel Johnson (Round 2, 2003), Chad Jackson (Round 2, 2006), Brandon Tate (Round 3, 2009), Aaron Dobson (Round 2, 2013), and N'Keal Harry (Round 1, 2019).

Harry, who the Patriots traded to the Bears on Tuesday for a 2024 seventh-round pick, might be the biggest whiff of them all, given who was drafted in the following rounds.

Deebo Samuel, A.J. Brown, DK Metcalf, and Mecole Hardman were all selected in the second round, while Terry McLaurin and Diontae Johnson went in the third round.

Belichick's selection of Harry wasn't some off-the-board gambit. A big-body receiver with solid hands and great body control, Harry was believed to be a fringe first-round talent coming out of Arizona State. Things just never materialized for him in Foxboro. He was frozen out of the offense after failing to gain Brady's trust in 2019 and never escaped Belichick's dog house in two subsequent seasons.

Now, the Bears will try to capitalize on one of Belichick's worst draft misses. The Bears hope Belichick's evaluation was correct and that first-round talent taken ahead of some of the NFL's stars will shine through in a new environment.

Given Belichick's shaky track record with receivers, that might be wishful thinking. But for the rebuilding Bears, there's no reason not to take a chance on N'Keal Harry.

NBC SPORTS CHICAGO

 

Darren Waller enjoying observing Davante Adams work at practice



Elite players have a tendency to look a little different on the practice field.

Sometimes it’s subtle. But when one of the best players in the league lines up and goes through drills, it’s usually not hard to differentiate between him and the average player.


Raiders receiver Davante Adams apparently had that effect during the team’s offseason program, impressing even his teammates.

Tight end Darren Waller said in an appearance on the Green Light podcast hosted by Chris Long that he spent plenty of time observing Adams to try and pick up some of what makes the receiver so good off the line.

“I try to go get in the line with him in individual [drills] when they’re releasing, doing releases on the little tire man over there in the corner,” Waller said. “He’s working his little double-hand swipe, windshield-wiper off the line. I don’t know, it’s just like, you know what release he’s going to do — the little split with the shake — but it’s just so smooth, and quick, and effective. And guys are just about to shit themselves trying to stop it.

“And I’m over there in line just watching him, or if it’s in a team drill and I’m not in and he’s in, I’m just trying to be like, what is it about that that makes it so effective? And I don’t know man, it’s just a balance, a mindset of, ‘I’m running shit out here. Nobody’s going to make me move at a pace that isn’t my own.’”

Adams has become arguably the best receiver in the league by honing that skillset. Last year, he caught 123 passes for 1,553 yards with 11 touchdowns in 16 games.

Adams’ numbers in 2022 may go down given that he’s in a different offense with a different quarterback. But his elite ability to separate is unlikely to change no matter where he’s playing.

PFT

 

Carson Wentz: Jahan Dotson catches the ball as naturally as anyone I’ve been around



Thanks to Terry McLaurin‘s absence and a cautious approach with Curtis Samuel, Commanders wide receiver Jahan Dotson got a lot of action during the team’s offseason program and the first-round pick made a strong impression on the guy throwing passes.

Quarterback Carson Wentz said that Dotson “catches the football as natural as anybody I’ve been around” and that fits with pre-draft scouting reports that emphasized Dotson’s catch radius and hands as traits that will help him succeed in the NFL. Those skills and Dotson’s attitude make up for less than ideal height.


“It’s more of a mindset thing,” Dotson said, via Ben Standig of TheAthletic.com. “As you can tell, I’m not the biggest guy. I don’t have insane measurables. . . . When the ball is up in the air, it’s mine. I said a while ago in college: When the ball is up in the air, I [see] it as a million dollars. I’m trying to go get that money. I love money, so I’m trying to get it.”

McLaurin signed a contract extension after the end of the offseason program, so he’ll be back on the field for training camp. Samuel should start to see more work as well, but Dotson’s ball skills should keep him in a good spot in the offense to kick off his career.

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Report: Browns are interested in signing Ndamukong Suh

Last month, free agent Ndamukong Suh confirmed he was interested in signing with the Raiders.

Then reporting emerged that Suh, 35, had also had some conversations with the Vikings.


Now there’s a third team in the mix.

According to Tyler Dragon of USA TODAY, the Browns are interested in signing Suh.

Cleveland has All-Pro Myles Garrett to lead their defensive front and re-signed Jadeveon Clowney for the unit this spring. But the presumptive starting defensive tackles, Taven Bryan and Jordan Elliott, have a combined 21 starts between them.

Suh has 191 — including all 17 games last year. He played 63 percent of Tampa Bay’s defensive snaps, recording 6.0 sacks, seven tackles for loss, and 13 quarterback hits. He also had a fumble recovery.

Since entering the league, Suh has 70.5 sacks, 130 tackles for loss, and 212 quarterback hits. He’s a three-time, first-team All-Pro, and a five-time Pro Bowler, though his last All-Star selection was in 2016.

Signing Suh would give Cleveland three top-two draft picks along their defensive line. Suh was selected at No. 2 overall in 2010. Clowney was the top pick in 2014. And Garrett was No. 1 overall in 2017.

Dragon added that Suh is likely to sign with a team closer to the start of training camp.

PFT

 

Oh shit!

Bengals to deploy white helmets in 2022



When the Bengals first introduced alternate uniforms consisting of white shirts and pants with black stripes on both, one key piece was missing. A change in league rules will make that piece a reality.

The Bengals have announced that they’ll use a white helmet (presumably with black stripes) in 2022.


Like other secondary looks, it will appear a handful of times throughout the season. But those occasions will be memorable, with the Bengals for the first time in franchise history using something other than orange helmets during a game.

For nearly a decade, the league insisted on players using one helmet and one helmet only for the entire season. It had something to do with preventing concussions. It never made much sense, especially with college programs like Oregon having a different helmet every week.

Now, it will make sense — and plenty of money. People will be buying up these alternate helmets, from the new red Texans helmet to the new black Saints black hemet to the new white Bengals helmet to the old-school looks from the like of the Patriots and Buccaneers. To any team that has yet to take advantage of the new ability to have a second helmet, what are you waiting for?

PFT

 

IMHO, Suh might be treading water waiting on a decision from Sue L. Robinson.

 

Report: Bucs, Vikings among teams that have interest in Kyle Rudolph



The Broncos worked out free agent tight end Kyle Rudolph in April. That’s the last known interest Rudolph has received.

But Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports that “multiple teams” are showing interest in Rudolph ahead of training camp. The Bucs and Vikings are among those who have inquired about Rudolph, per Fowler.


Rudolph, 32, played for the Giants last season. They released him in March to save $5 million of cap room. He played 16 games with 13 starts and caught 26 passes for 257 yards and a touchdown.

The Vikings made Rudolph a second-round choice in 2011, and he spent 10 years in Minnesota.

The Bucs, of course, are seeking to replace Rob Gronkowski, though they drafted Washington’s Cade Otton and Minnesota’s Ko Kieft to go with Cam Brate.

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Report: NFL generated $11 billion in national revenue in 2021



In 2010, Commissioner Roger Goodell set a total revenue goal of $25 billion by 2027. Five years from that deadline, how is the league doing?

Via Sportico.com, the NFL’s national revenue for 2021 came in at $11 billion. That’s the portion of the money generated by the NFL that is shared by the 32 franchises. Per team, it works out to $343.75 million each.


Three years ago, the league saw $15 billion in total revenue. That includes the national revenue and the local, unshared revenue generated by each team.

The total number, post-pandemic, surely is more than $15 billion. Because 31 of the teams are privately owned, there’s no reporting of local revenue — with the exception of the Packers, whose annual report will be released soon. Indeed, there’s a chance that the report regarding the $11 billion in national revenue comes from the numbers that will be included in Green Bay’s report.

The Packers’ annual report from a year ago showed an increase in national revenue from $296 million to $309.2 million. That translates to national revenue of $9.894 billion.

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Little optimism about deals for franchise-tagged players by Friday’s deadline



Friday is the final day that players who have received franchise tags are able to sign long-term extensions with their teams, but there’s not much optimism that any of the four players in that position will come to such agreements.

The last few days have brought pessimistic reports about where things stand for Bengals safety Jessie Bates, Chiefs tackle Orlando Brown, Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki, and Cowboys tight end Dalton Schultz.


Bates and Brown have not signed their tags, so the lack of a deal would make it unlikely that either player reports for the start of training camp. A report this week indicated that Brown could stay away from the team into the regular season and that could also be on the table for Bates in Cincinnati.

Brown would have a $16.66 million salary for 2022 under the tag while Bates would be in line to make $12.91 million. Gesicki and Schult, who have signed their tags, would have salaries of $10.9 million.

PFT

 

Mind-blowing to me that the Chiefs would give up a 1st round pick for Orlando Brown a year ago without agreeing to a long-term contract. It's a terrible decision. Clearly, they wanted the 25 year old long term. Clearly, Brown wanted out of Baltimore. The conditions were ripe for a trade / immediate extension.

The Chiefs shit the bed on this one.

 

PER; PFT...

According to NFL Media, Kansas City offered Brown the highest signing bonus and average money per year on a six-year deal for a left tackle — exceeding the marks set by San Francisco’s Trent Williams. And the Chiefs were willing to fully guarantee money through the 2023 season. But Brown and his team decided that they wanted more security over the life of the contract and rejected the offer.

“We got really close,” Brown’s agent Michael Portner told NFL Media’s Tom Pelissero. “We enjoyed dealing with the Chiefs and we understand their position as well. I’m not gonna let these athletes sign a flashy contract without the substance or security there.”

Brown has not yet signed his $16.7 million franchise tender, which means he is technically not under contract and would not be subject to fines for missing training camp. Portner noted it’s up to Brown whether or not he shows up and those decisions are still being weighed.

The Chiefs acquired Brown last year from the Ravens with the intention of making him their long-term left tackle. Brown was selected to his third consecutive Pro Bowl last season, starting 16 regular-season games for Kansas City and all three postseason contests. He was on the field for every offensive snap for each game he played.
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Dont know if that news changes anything, but it sounds to me like the agent over-ruled a decent offer by KC at least financially.

 

Appreciate the info but pretty sure this was this year's negotiation. My question was in regard to 2021. Typically, you don't see teams deal out 1st round picks for players without an agreement in principle on an extension. Marquise Brown is a recent example.

 

Report: Jessie Bates has no intention to report to training camp or play on franchise tag



The Bengals and franchise-tagged safety Jessie Bates are not expected to come to a long-term contract agreement before the 4 p.m. ET deadline on Friday, according to multiple reports.

And now he may miss time in training camp and beyond.


Per NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport, the Bengals’ final offer guaranteed Bates only $4 million more on a five-year contract than the $12.91 million he is slated to make on the one-year franchise tender in 2022.

But Bates has not yet signed his franchise tender. And according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, Bates has no intention to report to training camp or play on the franchise tag in 2022.

That would set up Bates for a Le’Veon Bell-type season, where he’d sit out the year and become a free agent in 2023. But as Bell noted this week, that strategy comes with its share of risk.

Bates, 25, has been a critical piece of Cincinnati’s defense since the club selected him in the second round of the 2018 draft. He’s started all 63 games that he’s played, recording 10 interceptions, 35 passes defensed, a pair of forced fumbles, and a pair of fumble recoveries in the regular season.

He also had two interceptions and six passes defensed in the postseason for last year’s AFC Champions.

Cincinnati drafted safety Daxton Hill and defensive back Cam Taylor-Britt in the first two rounds before adding safety Tycen Anderson at No. 166 overall this year.

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Richie Incognito retires



Longtime NFL offensive lineman Richie Incognito has announced his retirement.

Incognito was a study in contrasts: Often praised as a great teammate and team leader, but also often criticized as a bully and dirty player. He was both a four-time Pro Bowler and a player who was suspended twice and fined several times.


The 39-year-old Incognito was a third-round pick of the Rams in 2005 and later played for the Bills, and Dolphins before spending his final three seasons with the Raiders. He announced his retirement on the Raiders’ website.

“I love the Raiders organization, and Mr. Davis means the world to me. It’s why after four teams and 15 years, I’m retiring a Raider,” Incognito wrote. “My love of the game has always been what drives me. I know I’ll miss being in the locker room. I love being with the guys, I love grinding, I love training camp, I love practicing during the season, I love just the competitive nature of it.”

Incognito said that in retirement, he plans to go back to school and get his MBA.

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Jason McCourty announces retirement



Veteran NFL defensive back Jason McCourty is calling it quits from the NFL.

McCourty was a free agent.


He announced his retirement on Instagram on Friday.

McCourty, who turns 35 next month, played 13 seasons in the NFL with the Titans, Browns, Dolphins and Patriots. He finished last season on injured reserve with the Dolphins.

He totaled 18 interceptions, 744 tackles and nine forced fumbles.

McCourty is the identical twin of Patriots safety Devin McCourty, and the brothers became the first twins to play in a Super Bowl together in LIII.

The Titans made Jason McCourty a sixth-round choice in 2009.

 

Robbie Gould supports Bears’ move from Soldier Field

49ers kicker Robbie Gould spent 11 seasons in Chicago and played 87 games at Soldier Field, including five postseason games. He knows the field as well as anyone.

He said on ESPN 1000’s Waddle and Silvy Show on Friday that Soldier Field ranks in his top-five worst places to play in terms of field conditions in the harsh, bitter winter games.


The Bears have agreed to buy a stadium-sized piece of land in the suburb of Arlington Heights, and Gould hopes that’s where the team ends up moving.

“I do think that in the best interest of the fans, the best interest in the organization, this is what makes the most sense to be able to keep pace with the other teams that are starting to do it,” Gould told the radio show, via NBC Chicago.

Gould mentioned the economic opportunity for events the Bears could host at an indoor stadium as well as potential business growth around a new stadium.

Chicago officials proposed putting a roof on Soldier Field in an effort to persuade the Bears to stay, but the team isn’t interested.

In his time with the Bears, Gould went 159-of-187 (85 percent) on field goals at Soldier Field, including 20-of-20 in the postseason, and he missed only one PAT there.

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Jalen Tolbert realizes the “special opportunity” he has this season with Cowboys



The Cowboys traded Amari Cooper to the Browns and lost Cedrick Wilson to the Dolphins in free agency. Michael Gallup tore an ACL on Jan. 2, so he could miss the start of the season.

That leaves a large void in the Cowboys’ receiving corps.


They signed James Washington and drafted Jalen Tolbert in the third round. The team is counting on both players to help replace Cooper and Wilson, who combined for 113 receptions for 1,467 yards and 14 touchdowns last season.

“I’m definitely excited for the opportunity that’s in front of me and just being able to go and compete and continue to do the thing that I love,” Tolbert said on SiriusXM NFL Radio, via the Dallas Morning News. “A lot of people aren’t blessed to be able to play after college, and so I definitely have a special opportunity, and I’m looking forward to it.”

Tolbert got to work with Dak Prescott during the offseason program. He also accompanied the quarterback and several other new teammates to the University of Miami earlier this month for a throwing session.

“We’ve been able to build I would say, at least a stepping stool for quite a few points of chemistry,” Tolbert said.

Everything has sped up for Tolbert since he arrived in Dallas. He even had to adjust to the quarterback calling plays in the huddle.

But Tolbert has a mentor in Lamb, who caught 74 passes for 935 yards and five touchdowns as a rookie in 2020.

“Yeah, I’ve definitely talked to [Lamb] and some of those guys about what they did their rookie year and [Lamb] being at my position, was able to give me some tips,” Tolbert said. “More so just taking it one day at a time, because overall my rookie year will be my longest year. And so, take it one day at a time. It is definitely a blessing and a perfect opportunity for you and the team. So just continuing to grow and not really thinking about the timeline, but just thinking about the work that you’re putting in and opportunities that you have to you go chase, you know, a Super Bowl.”

PFT

 

Its getting closer and closer...

 

I like this recent change of having the rookies arrive for camp so much earlier than everyone else. My understanding is they can't get in practices with coaches, but they can get into the meeting rooms and get another step forward in learning the systems. This is perfect, and I think it would be great to add an extra three days or so of similar meetings at the end of the rookie minicamp - have the invited guys leave since the practices are over, but keep the roster guys around for a few days of Learning The Schemes 101.

Thinking back to circa 2006-2008, we had the draft and UDFA signings, then minicamp came the first weekend in May, then OTAs, and finally the rookie minicamp right before the long break. Totally ass-backwards for getting the rookies up to speed if you really think about it, but teams thought it was perfectly normal to have the UDFAs be utterly clueless in minicamp.