MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

Signs point to Mitch Trubisky starting at quarterback for the Steelers



Even though the Steelers used a first-round pick on the replacement for Ben Roethlisberger, Pickett apparently won’t be taking Roethlisberger’s place right away.

Mark Kaboly of TheAthletic.com, in assessing the various offensive players currently on the team, expresses a belief that “it’s difficult to imagine a scenario” in which Mitch Trubisky doesn’t begin the season as the starter — barring injury or horrendous performances in camp or the preseason.


Kaboly adds that Pickett received third-string reps in OTAs. Barring extensive first-string reps in camp and preseason games, it won’t be easy for the rookie to be ready to go right out of the gates.

Some believe that Trubisky’s incentive package, largely tied to playing time, will become a disincentive for the Steelers to play him. Via Spotrac.com, it starts at 60 percent ($1 million incentive plus a $1 million roster bonus in 2023), increases at 70 percent ($1.5 million plus $4 million 2023 roster bonus), and bumps up again at 80 percent ($2 million plus $4 million 2023 roster bonus). With a playoff berth, the 70-percent incentive moves to $2.5 million, and the 80-percent incentive increases to $4 million.

So that’s up to $8 million that Trubisky can earn if he takes at least 80 percent and the Steelers make the playoffs. That’s not called a disincentive to start Trubisky. That’s called money well spent.

Trubisky’s base rate is very low, at an average of $7.1425 million per year. That’s peanuts for a veteran starter. If he plays a lot and leads the team to the playoffs, getting another $8 million is nothing.

As to Pickett, remember this — Roethlisberger wasn’t the Week One starter in 2004. He played only after Tommy Maddox suffered an injury. And Hall of Famer Alan Faneca wasn’t thrilled about it.

As to Trubisky, it’s unclear what his potential really is because he never properly meshed with coach Matt Nagy, who took over in Trubisky’s second season. Trubisky nevertheless started for a team that went to the playoffs in two of four season, thanks in large part to a great defense. That’s precisely what he’ll have in Pittsburgh. With a good complement of weapons around him, Trubisky could be a pleasant surprise in 2022 for the Steelers.

PFT

 

Deshaun Watson hearing starts today



The news was carefully tucked into low tide of our collective early-summer attention span. The day has arrived. The hearing regarding the potential punishment of Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson begins today.

The league has proposed discipline. Per multiple reports, the NFL wants an indefinite suspension of one year, minimum. The league hopes to keep it open ended, given the possibility that more claims will be made against Watson. Monday’s lawsuit against the Texans suggests that at least six more lawsuits could be filed against Watson. It’s unclear how many can be or will be filed against the team.


Retired Judge Sue L. Robinson will preside over the hearing. Before making a decision as to potential punishment, she’ll have to decide whether and to what extent the NFL Players Association will be permitted to explore the defense based on the notion that any punishment for Watson must be proportional to discipline imposed on Commanders owner Daniel Snyder, Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones for potential violations of the Personal Conduct Policy. As explained on Monday, if she lets that issue go too far, she could jeopardize her appointment.

If she finds that Watson should not be disciplined at all (which also could jeopardize her appointment), the case ends. If any discipline is imposed, the case gets appealed to Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has final say over the process.

Same as it ever was.

They’ve tried to infuse a sense of independence into the process, but at the end of the day the Commissioner continues to have his hands on the wheel. And if his employees currently want an indefinite suspension of at least a year, why would he disagree with them if/when the case lands in the lap of ultimate NFL power?

It’s unclear how long any of this will take. If the NFLPA is allowed to fully explore the defense based on proportional punishment in comparison to owners, it could take a while. And that won’t be the union’s fault. It has the right, and the duty, to defend Watson. In the end, his best defense could indeed be rooted in the idea that, although the Personal Conduct Policy provides that owners will be held to a higher standard, the truth is that they aren’t. And that the players should be held to that same standard, too.

PFT

 

Wasn't Daniel Snyder removed from day to day operations for a year(or was that voluntary? I can't confirm where his removal for a year came from), as well as the team fined $10,000,000? Then, one could say if the fine is lower than $10M, the time added to the suspension should compensate. I don't know if that is going to help the NFLPA as much as everyone is reporting. All three of the owner cases involved one accuser, not 28 and counting. None faced criminal chargers, just like Watson. I don't know how the NFLPA or Watson can have justification in a reduced sentence based on what the owners have received in the past.

Robert Kraft's non-punishment is a travesty, but it doesn't mean that Watson should get off because of that injustice.

Is Jerry Jones issues even related to the rest of what we are talking about. My head must be in the sand, but I can't find any domestic issues, other than defending Elliot in HIS own issues. Is there something I am missing?

I just don't see how anyone can justify less than a year or even an indefinite suspension for at least a year in Watson's case. There are still pending cases that might not even get taken care of before the 2023 season begins.

 

I think and I hope Im wrong... but the NFL just might try to throw the book at DW just to save face.

They have been weak and wishy-washy and neglectful on a lot of cases and its all boiling down now to right the ship. Too badd for the Browns, but they might just get screwed on the sake of making a statement.

 

Baker Mayfield on Browns reconciliation: I think both sides ready to move on



Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson‘s disciplinary hearing with the NFL is starting on Tuesday amid reports that the league is pushing for a suspension that would last for at least a year and the prospect of that ban has led some to wonder if Baker Mayfield would return to the lineup in Cleveland.

Mayfield was asked if there was any chance of a reconciliation with the Browns during an appearance at a youth football camp in Norman, Oklahoma on Tuesday. Mayfield said that “it’s been pretty obvious the mutual decision on both sides is to move on” despite the uncertainty about Watson’s availability.


“No. I think for that to happen there would have to be some reaching out. But we’re ready to move on, I think, on both sides,” Mayfield said, via Carey Murdock of SoonerScoop.com.

Mayfield was also asked about not being traded away from Cleveland months after the trade for Watson. He said he “got frustrated with it not happening before minicamp and all those things,” but that the team’s approach is out of his control so he will just continue waiting to see what happens.

Jacoby Brissett and Josh Dobbs are the other quarterbacks on the roster in Cleveland and, barring a reversal on the Mayfield front, one of them would be stepping in for Watson if and when he is suspended by the league.

PFT

 

Let the Brissett, Dobbs comp begin!

 

I wanted to like this post @Willie because it is true, but then I just...

 

Baker Mayfield on Browns reconciliation: I think both sides ready to move on

Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson‘s disciplinary hearing with the NFL is starting on Tuesday amid reports that the league is pushing for a suspension that would last for at least a year and the prospect of that ban has led some to wonder if Baker Mayfield would return to the lineup in Cleveland.

Mayfield was asked if there was any chance of a reconciliation with the Browns during an appearance at a youth football camp in Norman, Oklahoma on Tuesday. Mayfield said that “it’s been pretty obvious the mutual decision on both sides is to move on” despite the uncertainty about Watson’s availability.


“No. I think for that to happen there would have to be some reaching out. But we’re ready to move on, I think, on both sides,” Mayfield said, via Carey Murdock of SoonerScoop.com.

Mayfield was also asked about not being traded away from Cleveland months after the trade for Watson. He said he “got frustrated with it not happening before minicamp and all those things,” but that the team’s approach is out of his control so he will just continue waiting to see what happens.

Jacoby Brissett and Josh Dobbs are the other quarterbacks on the roster in Cleveland and, barring a reversal on the Mayfield front, one of them would be stepping in for Watson if and when he is suspended by the league.

PFT

 

Been saying it for months.

 

Me too and so has Mayfield, in so many words if not flat out saying it.

 

Deshaun Watson hearing is expected to last “several days”



The Deshaun Watson disciplinary hearing got started on Tuesday. So far, not much information has emerged from the proceedings.

Mark Maske of the Washington Post added this nugget to the broader narrative earlier today — the hearing is expected to last “several days.” Maske adds that it’s not known when Judge Sue L. Robinson will make her decision.


The biggest question continues to be whether and to what extent Judge Robinson will allow the NFL Players Association to develop and present the argument that Watson’s punishment must be proportional to discipline imposed, or not imposed, on specific owners who may have violated the Personal Conduct Policy in recent years.

If Judge Robinson imposes any discipline on Watson, Commissioner Roger Goodell will have the ability, on appeal, to increase the punishment. It’s possible that the NFL entered the process asking for a lot, with the goal of ultimately imposing something less than what the league seeks.

It’s also possible that Goodell, whose job was believe in jeopardy (at leas temporarily) in 2014 over the league’s failure to impose sufficient discipline on Ray Rice, will do whatever he can to give the NFL the end result it current seeks — an indefinite suspension of at least a full season.

PFT

 

Cleveland Browns QB Deshaun Watson started his hearing in front of independent arbitrator Sue Robinson on Tuesday. The NFL is reportedly pushing for at least a year suspension while the NFLPA will defend the quarterback.

In their defense, the NFLPA may use the lack of punishment for New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft as precedence.

In the end, the multi-step process of discipline could lead right back to Roger Goodell making the final decision on the punishment. The NFLPA gave up the battle to remove Goodell from the process during the last CBA negotiations.

While many had guessed that the NFL would try to get Watson’s decision completed just before the holiday weekend, that was based on assumptions. Robinson has not heard a case since the new CBA went into place creating her role so the timeline was uncertain.

Now comes an official report that the decision is expected to be completed this week from Robinson:



Once Robinson rules, the NFL or NFLPA are able to appeal the ruling only if she deems that Watson violated the league’s conduct policy. If she rules that he did not, the issue is closed. If either side appeals, Goodell is in position to hear that appeal and make the final decision.

 

Bears teammates seeing a different Justin Fields in his first full offseason



A year ago, Justin Fields was the Bears’ newly arrived first-round draft pick quarterback, a rookie who had already been told he wouldn’t start in his first year. This year, it’s different.

Fields is the Bears’ unquestioned starter in Year Two, and he’s learning a different offense with a different coaching staff. But teammates say that despite the adjustment to the new playbook, he was more commanding as he led the offense in offseason practices.


“You just feel him in the huddle,” tight end Cole Kmet told Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “He’s not just repeating the play, he’s telling you the play, and there’s a difference in that. That gives me confidence as a player out in the field. He’s talking to each guy. It’s not just a repeat-a-play, he’s telling us a play, which is a difference.”

Defensive players are noticing the same thing.

“He has a commanding leadership on the field, a legit field general,” defensive tackle Justin Jones said. “He gets guys wound up, gets guys going.”

Fields did end up the Bears’ starting quarterback for most of his rookie season, and he was not good enough in Year One, which is a big part of the reason that Matt Nagy is out and new head coach Matt Eberflus is in. Eberflus and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy will need to get Fields on track, or else next offseason there are going to be big questions about his future in Chicago.

PFT

 

Justin Herbert: All about consistency, being sharp week in and week out



The Chargers went into the final week of last season with a chance to make the playoffs, but they lost to the Raiders in overtime and wound up missing the postseason for the third straight year.

That would be a disappointing result under any circumstances and it was particularly disappointing because of how strong the Chargers’ playoff chances looked earlier in the season. They opened with a 4-1 record and were 8-5 before losing three of their final four games of the year.


During a recent appearance on SiriusXM NFL Radio, quarterback Justin Herbert said the lesson he learned from the way last season ended is that the Chargers have to bring the same level of effort and execution on a weekly basis this time around.

“It’s all about consistency,” Herbert said. “We have to put together a full season for us to play the football that we want to. We’ve definitely added some guys on defense, picked up a few guys on offense, and had a great offseason so far. As soon as the season comes, we understand it’s all about execution and being sharp week in and week out, never looking ahead and making sure we’re doing everything we can to give ourselves a shot on Sundays.”

The Chargers open with the Raiders and Chiefs this season, so a good start would put them in good position in the AFC West. As Herbert made clear, however, how they finish will also be of paramount importance.

PFT

 

Where will Jalen Hurts land on the quarterback contract scale?



Several years ago, the process for negotiating second contracts for quarterbacks was simple. If the quarterback generally fell onto the right side of the pass/fail line of performance, he’d become the highest-paid player in league history. Until the next quarterback who was due for a new deal signed his.

That has changed, with a much broader range of contracts among the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league. Instead of tiers, it’s a scale that stretches (for now) from $30 million per year up to $50 million per year.


So where will Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts land on that scale? Eliot Shorr-Parks of WIP radio recently suggested that, after the coming season, the Eagles will give hurts a “massive” deal in the range of $35 million to $40 million per year.

Frankly, “massive” is relative. To the average person, yes. To the average highly-paid quarterback, no.

By next year, if/when Russell Wilson, Lamar Jackson, Kyler Murray, Joe Burrow, and/or Justin Herbert get new deals, “massive” could easily be $60 million per year. Maybe more. The challenge for the Eagles will be finding the right spot for Hurts among the other quarterbacks.

His performance this year will be a major factor. With receiver A.J. Brown on the team, Hurts will be expected to do more as a passer. If he does, he’ll earn a better deal.

The Eagles, frankly, could be hoping to carve out a quarterback budget that allows them to put plenty of great players around Hurts. And maybe Hurts will go along with that approach.

However it plays out, the Eagles will have a one-year window to get him signed, since he has only a four-year contract with no fifth-year option. If they can’t, he’ll either hit the open market or be tagged.

One thing we’ve learned in recent years is this: For teams who have quarterbacks they know they want to keep, the sooner they get them signed to a new contract, the better. The Eagles can re-sign Hurts upon the conclusion of his third NFL regular season. Waiting will only make the eventual contract more and more valuable.

PFT

 

Browns QB Deshaun Watson's disciplinary hearing will continue Thursday

Cleveland Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson's disciplinary hearing before judge Sue Robinson will extend to a third day on Thursday, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Wednesday following Day 2 of the hearing.

Watson, who has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault and misconduct during massage therapy sessions, faces possible discipline from the NFL following its independent investigation into whether he violated the league's personal-conduct policy.

NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Sunday that the league is expected to argue for an indefinite suspension of at least one year, and then Watson could apply for reinstatement following the 2022 season. Watson's lawyer, Rusty Hardin, and the NFLPA's attorneys are expected to argue that neither the alleged violations against Watson nor precedence of past suspensions handed down by the NFL support a suspension of such length.

There is no set timeline on Robinson, who was jointly appointed by the NFL and NFL Players Association, making her ruling, Pelissero and Rapoport have reported, but all parties expect a decision to come before training camp, which begins for Browns veterans on July 26.

In the case either side appeals Robinson's initial disciplinary decision, the appeal would be handled by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell or a person he designates. The subsequent ruling would then be final.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney for each plaintiff in the cases against Watson, announced on June 21 that confidential settlements had been reached between Watson and 20 of the 24 women who have filed civil lawsuits alleging he committed sexual misconduct.

Watson has previously denied any wrongdoing and maintained any sex with the women was consensual. Two grand juries in Texas have declined to indict Watson on criminal complaints filed by 10 women.

Watson met with league investigators in May.


"I met with the NFL a couple weeks ago, and I did everything they asked me to do, I answered every question truthfully that the NFL asked me," Watson told reporters on June 14. "I spent hours with the people they brought down, and that's all I can do is just be honest and tell them exactly what happened. I know they have a job and so I have to respect that, and that's what we wanted to do is cooperate. They have to make a decision that's for the league."

Watson has not played in an NFL game since the 2020 season when he was with the Houston Texans. Watson sat out the 2021 season after he requested a trade out of Houston before allegations of sexual misconduct first surfaced in March 2021. The Texans were sued for allegedly enabling Watson's behavior during massage sessions in a lawsuit filed Monday in Harris County, Texas.

The Browns traded for Watson in March 2022 and signed him to a five-year, $230 million fully guaranteed contract.

NFL.com

 

Commanders QB Sam Howell 'embracing' role as backup: 'When my name is called, I'll be ready'

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Sam Howell is adjusting to life as a backup.

"Probably the last time (I wasn't the starter) was I played in an All-Star game when I was in seventh grade," Howell said earlier this month, via Ethan Cadeaux of NBC Sports Washington. "The coach's son played quarterback. I actually played defensive end. So that's probably the only time in my life I haven't been the starting quarterback."

Once projected as a potential early-round draft pick, Howell fell to the fifth round, where Washington scooped him up. He was a three-year starter at North Carolina, completing 63.8% of his passes for 10,283 yards with 92 touchdowns and 23 interceptions. The QB also rushed for 1,009 yards on 369 attempts with an additional 17 touchdowns.

Washington traded for Carson Wentz this offseason to be the new starting quarterback. Taylor Heinicke, who started 15 games last season, returns as the backup. That puts Howell in the third slot heading towards training camp.

"They're both great guys. I'm just happy to be somewhere where there's two really good quarterbacks in my room," Howell said. "They're helping me out a lot -- they've given me a lot of good advice. They're both really talented guys. I'm happy to be in the room with those guys and compete each and every day."

Wentz's track record suggests there could be a chance for the backups to play in Washington this season. After overcoming early-career injuries, Wentz was benched for Jalen Hurts in Philadelphia near the end of the 2020 season, and his struggles last year in Indianapolis didn't quiet questions about his play.

Still, Howell would have to prove ready in training camp and the preseason if he's to leapfrog both Wentz and Heinicke for starting reps early in the season.


"For me, I'm just going to embrace my role," Howell said. "Do everything I can to just try and get better each and every day. And when my name is called, I'll be ready."

NFL.com

 

Trevor Lawrence: We’re building toward something special



The Jaguars went 10-6 and reached the AFC Championship Game in 2017. That proved an aberration.

In 10 of the past 11 seasons, the Jaguars finished no higher than third in the division and had no more than six victories in any of those seasons. Their record over the past 11 seasons, including 2017, is 47-130.


The Jaguars have provided little excitement, little hope and little to cheer for most of their history.

Trevor Lawrence, the No. 1 overall choice in 2021, vows to change that now that they have Super Bowl-winning coach Doug Pederson.

“We’re building toward something special,” Lawrence told Jenny Dell of CBS Sports HQ earlier this week. “It’s been great, just the way (Pederson) interacts with the team, the way he leads. I think personality-wise, we’re similar. We get along well. Our demeanors are very similar.

“Obviously, he played quarterback. He’s won a Super Bowl as a player and as a coach, so he knows how to get there. He knows how to do it. I think that’s really important to have in a leader like that. And just the energy he’s brought to the building has been awesome, and really building that trust of the team, he’s done a great job.”

Urban Meyer lasted only 13 games as the head coach last season with one embarrassing controversy after another, wasting Lawrence’s rookie season. Lawrence didn’t specifically address Meyer, pointing simply to the “drama” that surrounded the team last season, but he did tell Dell he hopes to become a better leader this season.

“I think (last year) really taught me how to stay the same every day, to be consistent,” Lawrence said. “Just my attitude, my work ethic, no matter how things are going. I know what it’s like to struggle as a rookie. . . . Now in my second year, I have a good feel for the schedule (and) can really feel like I’m prepared.”

PFT

 

Deshaun Watson hearing concludes, after three days



The Deshaun Watson hearing is over.

Three days of testimony and argument have concluded. Per a source with knowledge of the proceedings, some relevant information appears below.


First, the NFL interviewed 12 women who are making allegations against the Browns quarterback. Five cases became the focal point of the league’s presentation.

Second, the NFL’s case included no evidence that Watson engaged in violence, made threats, applied coercion, or used force.

Third, the NFL admitted that the punishment it seeks (an indefinite suspension of at least one year) is unprecedented.

Fourth, as to the argument that any punishment imposed on Watson must be proportional to punishment imposed on owners who may have violated the Personal Conduct Policy, the NFL admitted that its director of security investigated the allegations of solicitation made against Patriots owner Robert Kraft, and that no punishment was imposed.

Based on those points, the NFL Players Association will push for no discipline of Watson. Judge Robinson will issue a decision, eventually.

If the decision is criticized as being too lenient, the league will try to take cover in the notion that it attempted to secure a significant punishment. If any discipline is imposed at all, the league will have the right to appeal the decision to the Commissioner.

PFT

 

Judge Robinson could impose not much punishment, if any, on Deshaun Watson

On one hand, Browns quarterback Deshaun Watson has had 24 different women accuse him in civil court of sexual misconduct during massage therapy sessions. On the other hand, Watson was never charged with a crime.

In the middle resides the NFL. Because the Watson case has become the first one to be processed under the league’s new procedure for determining Personal Conduct Policy violations, no one knows what will happen.


The league wants a minimum suspension of one year. (The ongoing dearth of news regarding the proceedings actually has resulted in reporting that the NFL still wants a minimum suspension of one year, the legal equivalent of Chevy Chase’s periodic updates regarding the health of Generalissimo Francisco Franco.) Watson wants no punishment at all.

Retired federal judge Sue L. Robinson has presided over three days of hearings. She’ll make the decision based on the facts, as sufficient proven (or not) by the league.

What are the facts? It’s known that the NFL focused on five claims against Watson. It’s known that no one is claiming that he committed violence or used physical force, against anyone. It’s believed by some that he had a habit/fetish of seeking massages and hoping they would turn sexual.

Given that the Personal Conduct Policy prohibits “assault and/or battery, including sexual assault or other sex offenses” and creates a six-game baseline suspension for “sexual assault involving physical force or committed against someone incapable of giving consent,” where is the basis for punishing Watson for sexual assault, or any kind? Surely, the NFL Players Association has been making that point, all week.

That said, the policy has two important catch-all provisions: (1) “conduct that poses a genuine danger to the safety and well-being of another person”; and (2) “conduct that undermines or puts at risk the integrity of the NFL, NFL clubs, or NFL personnel.” The argument by the league would (or could) be that Watson’s apparent habit/fetish falls under both broad categories. Any maybe it does.

But here’s the problem: Patriots owner Robert Kraft received no punishment at all for a massage that allegedly became something more than a massage. Even though the two cases entail VERY different facts, there’s a common thread of massage-that-became-more. If that behavior wasn’t something that triggered punishment for Kraft, how can it trigger punishment for Watson — especially since the Personal Conduct Policy expressly provides that owners are held to a higher standard?

No one knows how this is going to play out. However, it makes sense to be thinking about the possibility that Judge Robinson will apply the policy as written, that she will apply it strictly, that she will expect the NFL to have credible evidence of one or more violations, and that she won’t be inclined to punish Watson simply for having a habit/fetish of hoping private massages turn sexual when an owner had no league scrutiny after a massage allegedly turned sexual. Put simply, there’s a chance Judge Robinson will impose not much punishment, if any, on Watson.

Of course, if Judge Robinson imposes any punishment at all on Watson, the league can then appeal the decision to the Commissioner, who can increase the punishment. Judge Robinson’s factual findings, which are binding on the appeal process, could paint the Commissioner into a corner.

In other words, if she imposes little or no punishment, the decision likely will come with specific written findings that will make it very difficult to justify increasing the punishment.

PFT