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Just seen this, its nuts!

Jaguars would consider Daytona International Speedway as temporary home



The Jaguars will need an alternative site for home games, if they strike a deal to dramatically renovate their home stadium in Jacksonville. One possible alternative would be a place known not for football but for fast cars.

Via Don Muret of VenuesNow.com, team president Mark Lamping didn’t rule out playing at Daytona International Speedway.

“It would be an interesting solution, but would also require significant investment in terms of infrastructure,” Lamping said, per the report. “It can accommodate a big crowd. It would be a little wonky, but it’s worth considering. After the renovations, it’s nice.”

It can hold more than 101,000 fans. Lamping said he plans to meet with track officials in the next weeks weeks.

Other alternatives include more traditional football facilities.

“The closest stadiums are in Gainesville and Orlando,” Lamping said.

Two options in Jacksonville — the city’s minor league baseball stadium or the University of North Florida’s track stadium — would require a $125 million price tag for making them NFL ready, Lamping said. (That seems low, frankly.)

Lamping nevertheless views it as a good problem to have.

“I hope we have to deal with that issue because that means we would have a stadium deal,” Lamping said.

That’s the first issue, and it will require nearly $1 billion in taxpayer money. If not, well, there’s a stadium that’s ready to go in the place where the Jaguars already play one home game per year.

PFT

 

Steelers named favorite to land former Defensive Rookie of the Year

Omar Khan has been very aggressive in his first full offseason as general manager and some believe he's still got at least on more move left in him.

According to BetOnline.ag, the Steelers have the fifth-best odds to land Commanders edge rusher Chase Young, who was named the 2020 Defensive Rookie of the Year.

The move would be surprising as Pittsburgh has already invested a ton of money in its defense that includes edge rushers T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, Markus Golden and Nick Herbig

However, head coach Mike Tomlin hasn't been shy in his interest in Young.

During the 2020 season when Pittsburgh hosted Washington, Young helped deliver the Steelers their first loss of the year, and he and Tomlin shared some words on the sideline.

"I don't ever want to lose enough games to get a guy like you," Tomlin said. "Cause you've got to lose 14, 15 games to get a guy that look like you."



Young, who is still only 24, hasn't been the same since his rookie season, playing in a total of 12 games from 2021-22. The price tag to acquire Young is unknown but it's believed to be high.

The Steelers may not need another star of its defensive line but it's never a bad thing to have too much talent.

YARDBARKER

 

Miles Sanders disappointed in lack of chances in Super Bowl, ready for more in Carolina

Miles Sanders played 57 percent of the Eagles’ offensive snaps last season and set career highs with 1,269 rushing yards and 11 rushing touchdowns. But in the postseason, it was Kenneth Gainwell who got more of the running back snaps.

Sanders played 76 offensive snaps in three games, while Gainwell saw 95.

In the Super Bowl, Sanders had 26 snaps and seven carries for 16 yards. (He did fumble out of bounds on the opening play from scrimmage, which could have played into his playing time.)

Sanders admits it was disappointing to stand and watch as the Eagles lost to the Chiefs.

“Last game of the season? For all of the marbles? Everybody can answer that question,” Sanders said, via Steve Reed of the Associated Press. “If they put themselves in my shoes, would they be happy? I don’t want to make headlines, [but] if it does, I don’t care.”

Sanders signed with the Panthers in free agency, but he said the frustration of not playing more in the Super Bowl wasn’t the reason he left Philadelphia.

“I can get into that another day, maybe,” Sanders said. “Maybe you should ask them why I’m moving here.”

In Carolina, Sanders is expected to become the every-down back. It’s a role Christian McCaffrey had in his time with the Panthers, who traded him to the 49ers last season.

Sanders, who is reunited with running backs coach Duce Staley in Carolina, wasn’t used much in the passing game in Philadelphia the past three seasons. But he caught 50 passes for 509 yards and three touchdowns as a rookie.

“This is going to give me more opportunities to help my team win, and that’s all I’m about,” Sanders said. “I’m a team guy and I want to do whatever I can to help our team win. Making it to the Super Bowl is pretty addicting and if I knew the formula I would do it every year.”

PFT

 

Good Morning! Have a blessed day.

 

Jim Turner, who kicked three field goals in Jets’ Super Bowl III win, dies at 82



Jim Turner, a kicker who helped the Jets win Super Bowl III and then had a long and successful second act to his career with the Broncos, has died at the age of 82.

After playing both quarterback and kicker at Utah State, Turner was selected by Washington as a 19th-round pick in the 1963 NFL draft. When he failed to make the roster, he figured that was it for his NFL career and started pursuing a career as a teacher.

But in 1964 Jets coach Weeb Ewbank signed him to play in the American Football League, where he kicked on the uneven playing surface of Shea Stadium.

“It was a dump and it should have continued to be a dump,” Turner recalled in 2019. “It was awful. I think the Beatles opened it up, and then the Mets and the Jets came in that first year. But because they made it specifically for a baseball team, when you got past the dirt in the infield, from the edge of second base down to the other goal line it dropped about two and a half feet.”

Despite the difficulty of kicking at Shea, Turner was selected to the Pro Bowl twice with the Jets. He also made field goals of 32, 30 and 9 yards in Super Bowl III, with nine-yard field goals being possible in those days because the goal posts were on the goal line. Turner said the heavily favored Colts overlooked him and his Jets teammates.

“They didn’t realize how tough and how good Joe Namath was. How stout Matt Snell was,” Turner said. “We were led by Al Atkinson and a bunch of no-name guys on defense. We had a very good defense that was quick. And our kicking game was better than anybody.”

Despite kicking better than anybody, Turner was traded to the Broncos in 1971. And he ended up playing even longer for the Broncos than he did for the Jets, lasting nine years in Denver. He kicked for the Broncos in Super Bowl XII, and he was chosen to the Broncos’ Ring of Fame in 1988.

Turner never missed a game in his NFL career, retiring with a streak of 228 consecutive games played. At the time of his retirement, Turner had scored the second-most points in NFL history.

 

Browns unveil new 'dawg' logo decided by fans, players

The votes have been tallied. There's a new top dog in Cleveland.

The Browns revealed their new dog logo Monday, as selected by the club's fanbase and players.



Cleveland last updated its dog -- the Browns officially refer to it as a "dawg" -- logo with its 2015 rebrand, from which the team doubled back with the introduction of its current uniform set in 2020. Elements of that 2015 rebrand remained in the team's wordmark, helmet (though the texture from the brown helmet stripes was removed) and color scheme, but the dog logo -- a cartoonish icon that resembled a puppy more than a menacing dog -- remained in the shadows in recent years.

Aware of its need for a replacement mark, the Browns left the decision to their fans, opening their doors for logo submissions and leaving it up to the fans to decide. In the end, the logo submitted by designer Houston Mark emerged victorious.

"We are so excited to unveil a new dawg logo that perfectly encapsulates who we are as a franchise and as a city," executive VP JW Johnson said in a statement published by the team's official website on Monday. "Our fans have been asking us for a new dawg logo for quite some time, so it made perfect sense for them to select the logo themselves and decide how they want our team to be represented -- and they made a great choice."

The logo is loaded with nods -- some more subtle than others -- to the franchise's rich history, including an abstract rendering of the state of Ohio over one of the dog's ears, eight collar spikes to represent the team's eight championships, and even the outline of the city's famed Guardians of Traffic statues, seen within the dog's snout.



"The thing I really wanted to focus on was the fans and the relationship they have with the team," Mark said, via the team's site. "How can I make the Cleveland Browns fanbase the forefront of the design while also maintaining this aggressive, no-nonsense attitude?

"There was a lot of stuff in there I wanted to incorporate because there's so much history to Browns fandom in particular. It was really important for me to honor and respect the history of the fanbase, the championships and the pride that comes with being a fan."

The new logo represents a drastic change in approach for the Browns, who first debuted a dog logo with their return to the NFL as an expansion team in 1999. That logo, a cartoon dog wearing a maskless Browns helmet and holding an orange football in its mouth, represented the famed Dawg Pound section of fans and served as an alternate logo from 1999-2002. The team replaced that logo with a more stoic, realistic depiction of a dog in 2003 and used the logo as a secondary mark until its 2015 rebrand.

NFL.com

 

Jack Campbell won’t walk into rookie season as a Lions starter



Many people were surprised when the Lions made linebacker Jack Campbell the 18th overall pick in this year’s draft and their urgency to bring him into the fold suggests that they see him moving right into a big role on their defense.

Campbell’s position coach said on Monday that things are not that simple, however. Linebackers coach Kelvin Sheppard used the example of Malcolm Rodriguez going from sixth-round pick to Week One starter last year as an example of how the Lions let the on-field work determine playing time rather than how a player was acquired.

“It’s proven here,” Sheppard said, via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press. “I know it’s like the right thing to say, but it is proven. We are going to play the best players. We do not care what that looks like, and when that starts top down, it’s easy for me to walk into my linebacker room after we take a guy Pick 18, because in probably 20 other rooms, that player’s starting and there’s nothing you can do about it as a position coach. Well, that’s not the case here. If Jack isn’t the top two or three, Jack will continue to go through the process of rookie development until he’s hit that mark.”

The Lions also have Alex Anzalone and Derrick Barnes back from last season’s linebacking corps, so there are options beyond Campbell available to the team. Those options were available during the first round in April as well, though, and the Lions probably wouldn’t have made Campbell the choice at that spot if they were convinced they were the right guys to handle the job.

PFT

 

Josh Allen on Stefon Diggs: We’re working on some things internally

The biggest story from the start of Bills minicamp on Tuesday morning concerned wide receiver Stefon Diggs‘ whereabouts.

After Bills head coach Sean McDermott said he was “very concerned” that Diggs did not report to the team’s facility, but Diggs’ agent said that his client was there and the Bills later clarified that Diggs reported in the morning before leaving the facility ahead of practice. There was no elaboration from the team or Diggs about why he didn’t practice and Diggs’ absence became the sole topic of quarterback Josh Allen’s press conference later in the day.

Allen said that he spoke to Diggs on Tuesday and stressed that he loves playing with the wideout while shedding a little light on what’s going on.

“Internally, we’re working on some things,” Allen said. “Not football-related. Stef, he’s my guy. I fucking love him. He’s a brother of mine. This does not work, what we’re doing here, without him.”

When pressed about the “not football-related” comment later in the press conference, Allen clarified that the issues had “more to do than just football” and are about “teamwork.” Allen was asked if the current issues were related to issues Diggs had after the team’s playoff loss to the Bengals and said he didn’t know, but that he’s confident “we’re going to work it out.”

“There’s things I could do better to help out with this process and try to get him back here and be the Buffalo Bill that he’s meant to be. . . . There are some things that could have gone better last year and didn’t,” Allen said. “I think, as an organization, maybe not communicating the right way with everything. Just trying to talk and listen at the same time, hear him out and just try to move this forward as quickly and respectfully as possible.”

Allen repeatedly said that he loves Diggs and that there’s not a reason to worry about his absence with the first game still months away, but his 11-minute press conference made it clear that there’s some work to do behind the scenes for everyone in Buffalo to get on the same page as they head into the 2023 season.

PFT

 

Thats all fine and dandy, but the NFL is a business and the Diva Diggs needs to treat it as such... Im so sick of this clown I just had to say something negative about him. Apparently the Bills are so inept at the WR position , they need to kiss the Divas ass.

Cryin shame!

 

Dalvin Cook: No rush to sign, I’m looking for right situation

Running back Dalvin Cook became a free agent when the Vikings released him last week and it may be a little while before he is back under contract to an NFL team.

Cook appeared on The Rich Eisen Show Tuesday and said he’s “looking forward to this next step” in his football career. He said he’s had a lot of people reach out to him since his release became official, but doesn’t feel “it’s a rush” for him to sign with anyone right away.

“I want the value,” Cook said. “I want somebody who values Dalvin Cook. I want somebody that wants me to be there and give me the ball. I just want to go into the right situation so I can go help somebody win. Like you said, the money is going to come. If you play good, they’re going to pay you. I just want to go somewhere where it feels like it’s home to me and help somebody win and just go be me. Just go turn it loose and look for a home. That’s it.”

Cook said his shoulder is “feeling great” after having surgery earlier in the offseason, so that shouldn’t be an impediment to him landing a deal once he’s ready to start the next chapter of his playing career.

PFT

 

Who’s going to make Diggs happy? Josh Allen is near the top of the league. What does he want? Mahomes?

 

Wow is it as the Diggs turns seems like he's never happy it was big time drama in Minnesota now it's looking like it's Buffalo turn this guy is just too much of a headache

 

Stefon Diggs breaks silence on Instagram



During a day in which, per the Bills, receiver Stefon Diggs reported for mandatory minicamp before leaving the team facility prior to the start of practice, Diggs had nothing to say. Later in the day, Diggs broke his silence on social media.

Diggs posted two different messages on his Instagram story. The first said this: “I just be letting people cap. If them lies help you sleep better tell em big dawg.” The second said this: “My phone been silent for like 6 years. Ion play all them sounds and shit.”

It’s unclear why he thinks people are lying about him, or who he’s referring to. The team said he was there and he left. Coach Sean McDermott said he’s “very concerned” about Diggs’s absence.

Quarterback Josh Allen later told reporters, “Internally, we’re working on some things. Not football-related. Stef, he’s my guy. I fucking love him. He’s a brother of mine. This does not work, what we’re doing here, without him.”

No one has reported anything about why he’s not there. It’s unclear who’s lying or how. And if Diggs wants to set the record straight, he can do so whenever he wants.

All we know is that the team said he was there, and then he left. No one knows why. No one is saying why.

What are the lies? Who’s telling them?

Nothing is clear, other than the fact that there’s an issue that caused Diggs to report and then to leave.

The next question becomes whether he’ll show up for training camp, and whether in the interim he’ll share more information as to why the issue is.

PFT
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Im just going to bite my lip and take the high-road. Ive beat this dead horse since Diggs was in Minnesota... anything else Id add would just be redundance.

 

Aaron Donald excused from Rams’ mandatory minicamp



Rams defensive tackle Aaron Donald is not at the team’s mandatory minicamp this week, but head coach Sean McVay indicated that it’s not a major concern.

McVay said he excused both Donald and offensive lineman Alaric Jackson were excused from the mandatory camp because of “family stuff.”

McVay also used the term “family stuff” when explaining why both Donald and wide receiver Cooper Kupp were absent from voluntary Organized Team Activities. Kupp is back for the mandatory minicamp this week and appears to be at full speed after last year’s ankle injury.

Although there’s been talk that Donald could be close to walking away from the game, he said a month ago that retirement never crossed his mind this offseason. The Rams expect Donald to be ready to go when they need him, but in June they’re giving him some time off.

PFT

 

Report: Jets fear serious knee injury for Chuck Clark



The Jets signed veteran safety Adrian Amos on Tuesday. Now, we know why.

The team fears safety Chuck Clark seriously injured his knee in practice this week, Zack Rosenblatt of TheAthletic.com reports. Clark is undergoing further medical testing and seeking a second opinion.

The Jets acquired Clark on March 9 in a trade with the Ravens. He was considered an upgrade over Lamarcus Joyner, who the Jets didn’t bring back, and was expected to start alongside alongside Jordan Whitehead.

Clark still started every game for the Ravens last season and recorded 101 tackles, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery in the regular season. He started 61 games for the Ravens the past four seasons and appeared in 96 games for Baltimore in the six seasons after they drafted him in the sixth round.

The Jets were not interested in Amos until recently, according to Rosenblatt. Amos made a second visit to the Ravens on Monday before the Jets were desperate for veteran help.

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Najee Harris: “Eye-opening” to see how NFL values running backs



Steelers running back Najee Harris ran for 2,234 yards, caught 115 passes, and scored 20 touchdowns in his first two seasons, so no one would blame him for having some thoughts about angling for an extension if he produces more of the same in his third NFL campaign.

No one would blame him if he despaired about his chances of landing one either. This offseason has seen the releases of Dalvin Cook and Ezekiel Elliott while Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs, and Tony Pollard were each franchise-tagged by their teams. None of those three players has signed an extension, which has been seen as the latest sign of how the value of running backs in the NFL has slipped over the years.

On Tuesday, Harris said he’s taken notice of these recent developments.

“To see people like that get released, especially in my position, it’s like, damn, what did they do?” Harris said, via Brooke Pryor of ESPN.com. “Is it because of their age? You know what I mean? Dalvin Cook is coming off of multiple 1,000 yard seasons. What? I don’t know. Is it money from the team? They got to pay somebody? I don’t know. But it’s eye-opening, for sure.”

Harris said “the position is an art to me” and feels “it’s kind of crazy” not to put a higher value on players who run the ball, catch the ball, and protect the quarterback on offenses around the league. Other backs have shared similar feelings, but NFL teams haven’t been swayed by any of those arguments when it comes to contracts.

PFT

 

So it begins again same old song I'm starting to think he has some real mental health issues

 

lol, Im not a doctor, but thats probably a safe bet. Wouldnt be surprised to see him get traded out.

 

De Hop, to visit the Patriots today and tomorrow.

 

For some strange reason, I love this kinda stuff!

Bears' Justin Jones blasts 'obnoxious' Packers fans: 'Half of them don't even know football'


Chicago Bears defensive tackle Justin Jones has stirred up a bloody hornet's nest now.

Jones was asked Tuesday about facing the Green Bay Packers now that Aaron Rodgers is in New York. The DT, who joined the Bears in 2022 after four years with the Chargers, took the question and ran with it.

"I wish he played one more year with Green Bay, honestly," he told reporters. "We went up there, and we played a pretty good game, but they got away from us at the end, obviously, and they won. But their fans are really s----y. So, yeah, I wanted to go back up there and I wanted to play them and I wanted to beat them. And I wanted him to be there so he could see it. But the fact that he's gone, it's cool. I guess it's better for him not to be here. But yeah, I'm ready to take it over. It's a good time to be a Bears fan. I'm not even gonna lie to you."

The Bears had been mostly roadkill for Rodgers' Packers for the past 15 years. The four-time MVP owns a 24-5 record against Chicago, throwing 64 touchdowns to just 10 interceptions with a 109.0 passer rating in 29 starts. He's dunked on Chicago with every turn, famously telling fans, "I own you" after a game-sealing touchdown in 2021. The Bears haven't beaten the Packers since 2018 and haven't won in Green Bay since 2015.

With Rodgers out of the picture and Jordan Love taking over, the Bears see an opening to flip the script.

Jones was asked what made Packers fans so annoying, in his opinion.

"Just the way they're obnoxious," he said. "Just yelling and all that other stuff about things that don't even matter. Like, we're not even running a play, and you guys are talking about, 'Oo oh yeah, go Green (Bay).' Like, what are you even talking about? The game hasn't started yet. Like, what are we talking about? Half of them don't even know football. It's so weird to me. But I'm just ready to go out there and play. I want to go out there, and I want to beat the hell out of them on their field. And I want to hear the boos, then. That's what I look forward to."

If the accusation here is that Packers fans are obnoxious because they yell "Go team!" at any and all moments, well, Jones must loathe the other 30 fan bases as well. That's Fandom 101.


The Bears open the season facing Love's Packers at Soldier Field and don't travel to Lambeau until Week 18. We're positive Jones will get a warm welcome from Green Bay fans in the frozen tundra that week.

NFL.com