NFL - NEWS & NOTES

Jim Irsay says Colts won’t trade Jonathan Taylor

Colts G.M. Chris Ballard wants volunteers. Colts owner Jim Irsay doesn’t mind taking hostages.

In response to running back Jonathan Taylor’s request for a trade, Irsay has made the team’s position clear. There will be no trade.

“We’re not trading Jonathan . . . end of discussion,” Irsay texted Albert Breer of SI.com. “Not now and not in October!”

Irsay also offered a more philosophical comment, via James Boyd of TheAthletic.com.

“If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us,” Irsay said. “The league goes on. We know that. The National Football [League] rolls on. It doesn’t matter who comes and who goes, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”

He’s partially right. It’s a privilege for Irsay and the Colts to have had the ability to compel Taylor to play for the Colts or no one, if he wanted to play in the NFL at all. It’s a privilege for Irsay and the Colts to have had the ability to secure the contractual rights to Taylor for four years, and to keep him around via the franchise tag for two more years after that, before doing it all over again with some other player.

And the whole thing is definitely a privilege for Irsay, whose privileged life has put him in the position he now has. He has built nothing. He has taken no financial risks, ever. He was simply in the right place at the right time with the right DNA.

Irsay hasn’t worked for a single thing he has. Taylor has worked for all of it. And now Irsay will both refuse to give Taylor a fair (or any) long-term contract, or to trade him to a team that will.

That said, there’s potentially a method to Irsay’s apparent madness. Perhaps he’s saying the Colts won’t trade Taylor in order to drive up the value they’ll receive in return for him.

Regardless, Irsay’s position is creating a mess. And Ballard, who has made it clear he he only wants players who want to be there, will now have to clean it all up. While hoping Irsay doesn’t make it worse before Ballard can find a way to make it better.

PFT

 

Colts owner has strong words on running back market

Indianapolis Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is going to be the next top player at the position in line for a new contract extension and there already seems to be a battle brewing between him and ownership.

And Colts owner Jim Irsay did what he likes best on Wednesday to deliver a strong blow – fire off a potentially inflammatory Tweet.



The NFL's running backs have been furious this summer after several top players at the position, including Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs, were unable to secure long-term deals with their teams. They feel their position is being devalued and they are not being treated fairly.

It even led to Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler organizing a zoom call this past weekend to discuss their options.

Unfortunately for the NFL's backs, their options are significantly limited.

The harsh reality is that they are devalued because there are so many good players at the position and it is easy for franchises to find them. Teams would rather spend their salary cap money on players involved in passing the football on offense and stopping the pass on defense. It is simply a passing league, now, one where running backs are no longer the franchise cornerstones.

Having said that, there are still a handful of teams that do rely heavily on a star running back to drive their offense.

The Colts are one of them and they have one of the league's best in Taylor.

In three years, he has averaged more than five yards per carry, already scored 36 touchdowns and is a game-changing player.

And he is starting to reach the point where he is going to need a new contract.

In theory, Taylor should be the type of player who could help set the market at his position. If he is unable to secure a long-term deal with the Colts, then it might really be hopeless for every player at the position. Given the way Irsaay is tweeting, it sounds like it is going to be quite a negotiation.

YARDBARKER

 

Danielle Hunter agrees to new one-year deal with Vikings



Word on Saturday was that the Vikings were exploring trade options for Danielle Hunter, but things wound up taking a different turn with the edge rusher and he’s set to remain in Minnesota for the 2023 season.

NFL Media reports that Hunter and the Vikings have agreed to a new one-year deal to take the place of the one that was set to pay him $5.5 million this season. The new deal guarantees Hunter $17 million and is worth up to $20 million.

Per the report, the deal also includes a clause barring the Vikings from using the franchise tag at Hunter after this season.

That puts Hunter on track for unrestricted free agency next year and the size of his payday will be related to how productive he is while playing out his new pact with the Vikings.

PFT

Whew...

 

Glad to here that but now he's got serious about getting the Justin Jefferson and Hockensen and Darrisaw to get these deals done oh man the Vikings have a lot of free agent's next year in next year's draft I hope there already looking for a DE I think Jordan Addison will be better than I think GO VIKINGS

 

Buccaneers defensive tackle Calijah Kancey was carted off the field Sunday with a right leg injury. Coach Todd Bowles said after practice that Kancey has a calf strain and will undergo an MRI to determine the severity.

The first-round draft pick was turning the corner on a drill when he pulled up, Jenna Laine of ESPN reports. Kancey let out an expletive when he realized he couldn’t put weight on his leg.

 

Jonathan Gannon brings “culture shock” to Arizona

The Cardinals have had a rocky year. Now that training camp is rolling, new coach Jonathan Gannon is attempting a cultural reset.

Gannon, who could have (in theory) criticized the Kliff Kingsbury regime, is intent on turning the page.

“I don’t know about what went on in the past, but I know the standards that we’ve laid out for the entire team, they’re doing a really good job of trying to improve and get better with that on a daily basis,” Gannon said, via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic. “So, overall, very, very pleased with where we’re at with that. . . . Culture is how you behave on a daily basis. You’re either behaving in a winning way or not.”

The cultural change includes insisting on punctuality and other things that make it clear that the players are conducting themselves in a mature and responsible way.

“You can’t be 30 seconds late to a meeting,” linebacker Zaven Collins said, via McManaman. “You need to be better at taking care of your stuff without being guided. We’re grown men doing this thing. It’s small things like that. Even if it’s the small things, you can’t get away from it.”

The focus on the small things has made a big difference.

“It’s been a culture shock,” tackle D.J. Humphries said. “It ain’t even been no gradual shift. It’s shock. It’s ‘Get ready or get going.’”

The players generally seem to be buying in.

“It’s accountability, just togetherness,” running back James Conner said, via McManaman. “Mastering the basics in our foundation and realizing what wins football games. That’s being really disciplined, it’s being in shape and just being accountable to your teammates.

“We have one goal: that’s to win. I’m in and we put the team first. That’s our message. That’s what we’re preaching — team first and we come second. Everything is about putting the team first and not getting in your own way.”

Not getting in their own way means not doing anything in practice that could be an issue during games. Starting with a strict rule against fighting in camp.

“It’s a non-negotiable,” Gannon recently said, via Darren Urban of the team’s official website. “And why it’s a non-negotiable is because you get thrown out in a game for it.”

While the Cardinals might not currently have the players to compete at a high level, Gannon is laying a foundation that could help the team perform much better, once they get better pieces in place.

NBC

 

This is an example of what I mentioned about Robinson's route running in a post on the Falcons board. That route and catch would be pretty good for a full time WR and highlight reel stuff for a TE. But that's a freaking RB running that sluggo and making that grab.

@Campbell - you like the hybrid skill sets? For your consideration: QB Desmond Ridder runs a 4.52. RB Bijan Robinson is showing that he's a passing game weapon, as seen in that Tweet. RB Cordarrelle Patterson is a natural WR. TE Kyle Pitts lined up more at WR than at TE his rookie year and had 1000+ receiving yards. TE Jonnu Smith can split out, play in-line or play H-back, while backup TE Parker Hesse is a better fullback than most true fullbacks.

This offense is going to be FUN.

 

Damar Hamlin is putting pads on today at practice... thats good news.

 

Bills safety Damar Hamlin practiced in pads today for the first time since going into cardiac arrest on the field during a game last season, and he said afterward that he had gone through a “roller coaster of emotions.”

Hamlin said his first day in pads was tough, and he admitted that he felt some fear about it, but he also said he thinks he has a higher purpose of using the platform of being an NFL player to spread awareness of the importance of learning CPR and the importance of having defibrillators available at all sporting events.

“In football, you can’t hit that field with no hesitation,” Hamlin said. “You’re putting yourself in more danger by doing that. I made the choice to play, but I’m processing a thousand emotions. I’m not afraid to say that it crosses my mind of being a little scared here and there. But like I say, my strength is rooted in my faith, and my faith is stronger than any fear. That’s what I want to preach up here, and that’s the message I want to spread on to the world. As long as your faith is stronger than your fear, you can get through anything. So that’s what I’m living by right now.”

Hamlin said he feels incredibly grateful to be back on the field.

“I’m just thankful,” Hamlin said. “I’m just blessed to be able to do what I wanted to do as a kid.”

PFT

 

The Seattle Seahawks are going through injury issues with their young backfield.

Coach Pete Carroll told reporters Sunday that starter Kenneth Walker III is considered week-to-week due to a groin injury. Meanwhile, second-round rookie Zach Charbonnet missed his second consecutive practice due to shoulder discomfort.

Carroll noted the club is being cautious at this stage, particularly with Walker.

"Yeah, because it's a groin, we've got to make sure," Carroll said of the second-year back, via ESPN. "He doesn't feel bad. It's not a terrible injury or anything like that. We just don't want to aggravate it now and make it something that lingers through camp."

Seattle signed undrafted free agent running back SaRodorick Thompson on Monday.

NFL.com

 

Tim Patrick's return has encountered an interruption.

The Denver Broncos receiver is believed to have torn his left Achilles tendon during practice Monday, NFL Network Insider Mike Garafolo reported on Inside Training Camp Live.

Patrick is expected to undergo surgery in the near future and miss the entirety of the 2023 season, Garafolo added.

NFL.com

K.J. Hamler is also sidelined.

 

John Lynch on RBs market: I have empathy and can relate to those guys

Long before John Lynch became the 49ers’ General Manager, he was a Hall of Fame safety for the Buccaneers and Broncos.

That gives him a different perspective than most in his position across the league when it comes to the current state of the market for running backs.

“First of all, I’d tell you I have empathy and I think I can relate to those guys,” Lynch said in his Monday press conference. “I played a position that I felt like was undervalued for a long, long time. And I had to battle through that myself. I remember the people closest to me [saying], ‘You make yourself invaluable and as much versatility, as much game-changing, can this team play without you?’ You have to try to make that such.”

As it stands, San Francisco currently employs one of the highest-paid running back in the league, Christian McCaffrey.

“I think we’re fortunate,” Lynch said. “Could we play without our guy? I think we could. Do we want to? No. that’s why we paid so much to go get him. And I credit Christian. He’s not just a running back. He’s a lot of things for us and we talk about him unlocking our offense. So, I’m just fortunate that we have a guy that can do that. And I think when we have a guy that can do that, it inspires the other backs to not just become running backs, to work on all facets of their game. And when you do that, you become more than just that.

“So, like I said, I have empathy for those guys. Having said that, I was always tied to the market at safety. I’m proud that I’m part of the guys who started to knock it down. So, I think those things happen incrementally and hopefully, there’s some wins for those guys coming up because I do feel for them.”

PFT

 

The Steelers made a handful of moves involving running backs on Tuesday.

The team announced the signings of Greg Bell and John Lovett to their 90-man roster. They also released Jason Huntley.

Bell ran 245 times for 1,091 yards and nine touchdowns in his final season at San Diego State. He went undrafted last year and signed with the Lions, but did not make the team.

Lovett also went undrafted last year. He signed with the Panthers after running 52 times for 177 yards and catching nine passes for 36 yards in his lone season at Penn State.

Najee Harris, Jaylen Warren, and Anthony McFarland occupy the top rungs on the backfield depth chart in Pittsburgh.

NBC

 

Raiders sign second-round pick Michael Mayer

The Raiders are down to one unsigned draft pick after getting a deal done with second-round pick Michael Mayer.

It’s a four-year deal for the tight end. Mayer is the eighth of nine Raiders picks to agree to their rookie contracts with fourth-round cornerback Jakorian Bennett standing as the lone outlier.

Mayer caught 180 passes for 2,099 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns over three seasons at Notre Dame. He was the third tight end to be drafted this April with Dalton Kincaid and Sam LaPorta coming off the board before his name was called.

The Raiders also signed tight ends Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard as free agents, so they have a number of new faces at the position as they head toward the 2023 season.

NBC
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OJ Howard was just released moments ago.

 

Kellen Mond will start Hall of Fame Game for Browns

The Browns will kick off the preseason on Thursday night with Kellen Mond under center.

Head coach Kevin Stefanski said on Tuesday that Mond will start the Hall of Fame Game against the Jets. Fifth-round pick Dorian Thompson-Robinson will also play while Deshaun Watson and Joshua Dobbs get the night off.

Mond was a 2021 third-round pick by the Vikings who joined the Browns as a waiver claim last August. He has never played in a regular season game and his play in the preseason will likely have a lot to do if he remains with the team into this season.

“I think Kellen’s done a great job,” Stefanski said, via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. “There was a period of just getting to know him early in the season last year. So he’s done everything we’ve asked him to do. I’ve been very impressed with him both in the meeting room and on the practice field. And the fun part for our players, as you know, is to play these games. So I think Kellen’s excited about the opportunity.”

Zach Wilson, who was drafted two rounds ahead of Mond in 2021, is expected to start for the Jets.

PFT

 

Report: Raiders open to restarting talks with Josh Jacobs to get him to camp

Of the three running backs who received the franchise tag this offseason, only Josh Jacobs remains unsigned. Tony Pollard signed the one-year, $10.1 million tender in March, and Saquon Barkley agreed to an additional $2 million signing bonus and incentives that can push his salary to $11 million for 2023.

The Raiders, according to Josina Anderson of CBS Sports, are open to restarting talks with Jacobs with hopes of getting him under contract and into camp. The sides have the Barkely deal as a template to get a deal done for Jacobs for this year.

Raiders coach Josh McDaniels didn’t sound concerned about Jacobs missing regular-season games during an interview with Gilberto Manzano of SI.com.

“I think everybody loves and respects JJ and understands the process,” McDaniels said. “I certainly do. And I’ve said it a million times this year: I love the player and the person, and I understand the process he’s going through. We’re going to work as hard as we can with the guys that are here every day, and ultimately when he’s back, we’re going to look forward to getting him back and integrated into the group.”

The Raiders are using a running back by committee until Jacobs returns, spreading the reps and carries among Zamir White, Brandon Bolden, Ameer Abdullah and Sincere McCormick. None of them are Jacobs.

Jacobs was a first-team All-Pro after rushing for a league-leading 1,653 yards with 12 touchdowns. He also led the league with 2,053 yards from scrimmage and 393 touches.

NBC
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Im concerned, dammitt... I drafted him in the 1st round of the WDF (L4SN Owners Fantasy League, for those unfamiliar). Interesting to see how this plays out, the Raiders need him and Jacobs needs the Raiders, cuz I doubt this far into camp Jacobs is going to get any appealing offers elsewhere. Stinks from hell to high water (as my late father usta say) that they let this stuff go this far... and personally, Jacobs earned a raise, but in a so called, dying market. Some say RB1's are 'a dime a dozen', well there were only 2, imo, that stood out this year in the draft and thats Gibbs and Robinson.

Hope they resolve this soon.

 

Hall of Fame Game



Kickoff is at 8 eastern and its on NBC

I'll probably watch, well I know I will.

 

Jerry Jones already yapping!

"I will say that Philadelphia, and if you will the Giants and Washington team, they need to be on their game because we are," Jones recently declared, according to Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

"We’re going to be on our game," Jones continued. "And we will be improved over last year. I don’t want to dismiss how accomplished Philadelphia is, the year they had last year and where they’re starting this year. I don’t want to dismiss that. And the Giants definitely have a chance to be better. And Washington could be really energized. So I don’t need to handicap it relative to where we’ll end up. Just us, we are better."

 

Cooper Kupp left practice yesterday and it was mums the word for a while... Schefter had this to say this morning.