The Pittsburgh Steelers have reportedly hired their new general manager, and he was in the organization this whole time.
At the end of the season, the Pittsburgh Steelers not only began their search to replace quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, but also general manager Kevin Colbert. The team revealed that the longtime general manager would stay on until after the NFL Draft. After a lengthy search that included 16 candidates, the Steelers have found their new general manager, and they were in the organization this whole time.
According to ESPN senior NFL insider Adam Schefter, the Steelers are promoting vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan to be their next general manager. CBS Sports’ Aditi Kinkhabwala was first to say that Khan was expected to get the job.
Steelers’ VP Omar Khan is expected to be named Pittsburgh’s next general manager, per league sources.
Khan joined Pittsburgh in 2001 as a football administration coordinator, which happened after working with the New Orleans Saints since 1997. Khan was promoted to director of football operations in 2011 and vice president in 2016.
There was also another hiring made in Pittsburgh, which broke just before the Khan news.
Kinkhabwala reported that the Steelers were hiring Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Andy Weidl as their new assistant general manager. Weidl is a native of Pittsburgh and was also a finalist for the general manager position.
Pittsburgh native and #Eagles VP of Player Personnel Andy Wiedl is slated to be named #Steelers’ new assistant GM, multiple sources around the league tell me. That means signs point to longtime Steelers exec Omar Khan emerging as winner of the search to replace Kevin Colbert.
The other finalists for the general manager position included Tampa Bay Buccaneers vice president of player personnel John Spytek, Tennessee Titans vice president of player personnel Ryan Cowden, former Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley and Steelers pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt.
Pittsburgh spent the offseason looking to build off of a successful 2021 season where they clinched a Wild Card berth. They addressed the quarterback position this offseason by bringing in Mitchell Trubisky and drafting Pittsburgh Panther signal caller Kenny Pickett. They also signed former Chicago Bears guard James Daniels to a three-year contract, $26.5 million contract to shore up the offensive line.
Steelers fans have waited a long time to find out who will be their general manager, but they received their answer on May 24. It will be Khan, who had been working alongside Colbert in the organization for over 20 years.
Kansas City Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones has an exciting message for Chiefs fans to get them in the spirit for the upcoming year.
The AFC West is being considered the toughest division in the NFL, and everyone has a say about which team is the toughest.
The Los Angeles Chargers made a dig at every other AFC West team in their NFL schedule announcement, the Denver Broncos are looking to turn things around with Russell Wilson at quarterback, and Las Vegas Raiders tight end Darren Waller agrees that it’s the most difficult division — and that the Raiders won free agency this year.
For the Kansas City Chiefs, there’s four years of consecutive AFC Championship appearances, two Super Bowl appearances and a ring in the 2019 season, so picking the Chiefs as an early favorite for the division probably has the best odds based on the past.
And despite all the quarterbacks crowding the decision, the Chiefs are still the team with the magician, Patrick Mahomes.
Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones is already hyped up for the season, sharing his enthusiasm with Chiefs fans who were absolutely here for it.
Chris Jones is getting Chiefs fans excited for 2022
As the team heads into June, they will continue playing their way through OTAs and building chemistry in the offseason. Mahomes spent some time before OTAs working with his wide receivers in Texas, which inspired Andy Reid and Eric Bieniemy to host voluntary virtual meetings for the offense.
“Having them with a little time away to do their bonding with themselves, especially with the influx of new players, I think is important,” Reid said according to Fox4KC. “It says a lot about Patrick.”
On the Arrowhead Addicts podcast, hosts Patrick Allen and Matt Verderame recently discussed whether or not the Chiefs were being disrespected with the AFC West winner conversation.
“It’s completely reasonable to look at the Chiefs and say, ‘They’ve got a lot of young players who are gonna play real snaps on defense, they brought in a lot of new pieces on offense, they lost their most dynamic weapon offensively — they’re not gonna be as good,” said Verderame.
“I do think, though, the idea that they’re gonna fall off a cliff and not make the playoffs… if Mahomes is healthy and breathing, they’re making the playoffs,” Verderame continued.
With Mahomes and Jones taking the field, there’s a lot the Chiefs have to look forward to, especially since they are still very much in the race for the AFC West title.
Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post reported the two sides “remain far apart” on getting a new deal done. Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports mentioned things “could get explosive” when it comes to putting a new contract in place for the Washington star wide receiver and former Ohio State standout. Washington did use a first-round pick on Jahan Dotson out of Penn State last month.
So if things really do hit the fan for Washington, here are three teams McLaurin could be traded to.
Terry McLaurin trade rumors: 3 teams for Washington Commanders wideout
3
The New York Jets offense can take flight with this addition to the receiving corps
No doubt about it, the New York Jets had a strong 2022 NFL Draft. General manager Joe Douglas was able to add Sauce Gardner, Garrett Wilson, Jermaine Johnson and Breece Hall to his rebuilding team’s roster this spring. While Gang Green is still expected to finish in dead-last of the AFC East, adding a veteran wide receiver the caliber of McLaurin to the mix could really help them take flight.
New York may have drafted Wilson to be their No. 1 wide receiver, but keep in mind that he and McLaurin share that Ohio State connection. Wilson played in the same receiving corps last season that featured Chris Olave, Jaxson Smith-Njigba and Marvin Harrison Jr., among others. For the Jets to ever get this thing right, it is not about being the man, it is all about having more good players.
Given that this is a pivotal season for second-year pro Zach Wilson, the Jets should want to give him every opportunity to succeed. He may not lead the Jets to more than seven victories this fall, but New York could be a team on the rise heading into 2023, especially if they are able to extend McLaurin. Of course, the Jets will need to give up precious draft capital and a player to land him.
If the Jets were that in on Deebo Samuel, they could easily turn their attention towards McLaurin.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is being sued by Leaf, a trading card company, for not autographing enough memorabilia items.
Autographs have long been a way for elite athletes to connect with admiring fans, but they’ve gone long beyond scoring signatures at events. Athletes now have game-worn items sold at pricey auctions, commanding thousands with proof of authentication.
Often, an autograph is partial proof of that authentication, and for one trading card company, it became grounds for a lawsuit.
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver CeeDee Lamb is being sued by Leaf, a trading card company, for not fulfilling autograph orders with his prized signature, according to a lawsuit filed by the company.
Leaf CEO Brian Gray tweeted about why the company took this drastic measure against Lamb.
As we shared last week, Leaf has filed the first ever lawsuit against an athlete in order to compel the completion of an autograph contract so customers holding redemptions are not forced to take replacements. We hate doing this, but customers need defending here.
“We hate doing this, but customers need defending here,” Gray wrote.
Dallas Cowboys star CeeDee Lamb is being sued for his autograph
Cowboys Country’s Mike Fisher shared the legal documents detailing the lawsuit in which the company claimed “significant damages” because Lamb “breached his License Agreement with Leaf to sign and return to Leaf trading cards in return for a payment from Leaf at a stated amount per each signed card.”
Essentially, Lamb did not sign the required number of cards, meaning that Leaf was unable to fulfill orders and satisfy customers.
The lawsuit arrives while Lamb is currently practicing at OTAs with his team following a highly-successful season. According to PFF, CeeDee ranked third for the highest rate of contested catches among wideouts in 2021.
Highest rate of contested targets caught last season
PFF’s Trevor Sikkema expects 2022 to be even better for Lamb.
While the lawsuit certainly presents an off-the-field headache for Lamb and the Cowboys this offseason, ideally, Lamb can continue to focus on his game and build off of a successful 2021 campaign.
Thibodeaux, a linebacker selected fifth overall, was working alongside starting defensive lineman Leonard Williams and in front of linebacker Blake Martinez during drills at Thursday’s OTA practice. Neal, an offensive tackle taken seventh overall, was protecting for quarterback Daniel Jones and blocking for running back Saquon Barkley.
The Giants’ top selections have quickly made their presence known.
“Evan has looked great so far, and you can tell he really wants to learn it,” Jones said. “It’s important to him.”
Said Williams of the Giants’ newest pass-rusher: “It’s just been a few practices so far, but you can still see [Thibodeaux’s] attributes, and in the three practices we’ve had so far he’s shown great speed.”
Coach Brian Daboll apparently has no qualms about throwing his top picks right into the mix, because the Giants are expecting a lot from them this season.
Thibodeaux and Neal are not alone. General manager Joe Schoen was limited this offseason by an undesirable salary-cap situation, so the Giants couldn’t make any splash signings in free agency (their biggest moves were for guard Mark Glowinski and backup QB Tyrod Taylor). That adds pressure to get production from their 11-player draft class.
Here is a look at what the Giants can expect from their picks this season after seeing them at rookie minicamp and OTAs:
Thibodeaux: He’s going to play a lot. That is obvious after just a few weeks. Thibodeaux moved around the defensive front during OTAs and dropped into coverage on a play when the ball was completed in the right flat to Barkley (not sure if Thibodeaux would’ve made the tackle). Regardless, he adds something this defense has been missing with his explosive first step and personality. “He brings a little bit of juice,” Daboll said recently.
Neal: He’s the replacement for Nate Solder at right tackle, and looks the part. Listed at 6-foot-7 and 350 pounds, Neal shouldn’t have much trouble making the NFL transition physically. He made most of the Giants’ other linemen look small at OTAs. The focus is on getting him reacclimated to the right side after playing left tackle last season at Alabama. “Really just transitioning everything back over,” he said. The Giants will get him as many reps as possible. Neal will face Titans pass-rushers Bud Dupree (42.5 career sacks) and Harold Landry (12 sacks last season) in Week 1, and the Panthers’ Brian Burns (9.0 sacks last season) in Week 2. Welcome to the NFL!
WR Wan’Dale Robinson, second round, No. 43 overall: He will be part of the receiver rotation immediately. Daboll hinted during the draft at a lot of four- and five-receiver sets, which would allow Kenny Golladay, Kadarius Toney, Sterling Shepard, Robinson and Darius Slayton to get plenty of work. “I think when you put together an offense, you try to build it around the strengths of the players that you have,” Daboll said during the draft. “And if that’s a bunch of receivers, it’s a bunch of receivers.” Robinson could also get snaps out of the backfield alongside Barkley. It’s something he did in college.
play
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Take a look back at the best plays from WR Wan’Dale Robinson in his time at Nebraska and Kentucky.
G Joshua Ezeudu, third round, No. 67: He was the second-team left guard to start OTAs. Shane Lemieux, now healthy after missing almost all of last year with a knee injury, is getting the first crack at the starting spot. But it’s an open competition, and Ezeudu will get his opportunities. “Compete to start, probably inside [at guard],” Schoen said during the draft of the North Carolina product. Ezeudu could crack the starting lineup at some point this season.
CB Cor’Dale Flott, third round, No. 81: He will compete for a starting job. It appears it will be at slot cornerback, not on the outside where last year’s third-round pick, Aaron Robinson, took first-team snaps the first week of OTAs. “Ideally, [Flott’s] inside,” Schoen said during the draft. Third-year corner Darnay Holmes has the inside track in the slot, but given his inconsistent first two seasons, he’s hardly a lock to start Week 1. Flott is extremely slender (6-1, 165) for the NFL but doesn’t lack confidence though. “I’m ready,” he said at rookie minicamp about earning a starting job.
TE Daniel Bellinger, fourth round, No. 112: Bellinger should play immediately, in part because of the Giants’ lack of depth at the position. He worked with the starters for most of Thursday’s practice, though it could be because veteran Ricky Seals-Jones was dealing with a personal matter. Bellinger can provide value as a blocker, but is more of a project as a receiver. He had just 31 receptions as a senior at San Diego State, but has upside that might flash this season. “I think I have a lot to show, and of course a lot to improve on,” he said. “I want to come out and show that I can be a receiver and not just a blocker.”
S Dane Belton, fourth round, No. 114: The starting safeties are Xavier McKinney and Julian Love. Belton and converted cornerback Jarren Williams appear next in line. But if the Giants sign a veteran this summer, it could limit Belton’s contributions on defense as a rookie unless he convinces them he’s ready. Regardless, he should contribute immediately as a core special-teamer.
LB Micah McFadden, fifth round, No. 146: The Indiana product reminds of a slightly smaller version of Blake Martinez on the field and should be Martinez’s caddie this season. Maybe he will fit in some specific packages for his coverage in zone or as a blitzer. McFadden’s role could increase depending on how Martinez, returning from a torn left ACL, holds up.
DT D.J. Davidson, fifth round, No. 147: He has a chance to be a part of the interior defensive line rotation considering the Giants are thin at that spot. Expect Davidson to play some right away.
OL Marcus McKethan, fifth round, No. 173: McKethan (6-7, 335) will start out as a guard, but the plan appears to be for him to add tackle flexibility. This makes him a potential backup on a crowded line as a rookie.
LB Darrian Beavers, sixth round, No. 182: The inside linebacker out of Cincinnati worked alongside McFadden on the second-team defense during OTAs. He should fit in on special teams and specific defensive packages, likely as a pass-rusher with his experience playing on the edge in college.
For years, the Buffalo Bills have come close to a title. Now, they enter the season as Super Bowl favorites. It’s time to reach their potential, or face a harsh reality.
Every once in a great while, an excellent team faces a crossroads. Be great, or be forgotten.
Meet your 2022 Buffalo Bills.
Let’s start with an obvious statement: the Bills are going to be very good as long as Josh Allen wears their uniform.
Let’s start with a second, obvious statement: there’s a damn good chance Buffalo is not this loaded around Allen for a long time to come.
In Buffalo, a star-crossed franchise backed by its table-breaking fans must take the next step.
In 2020, there was huge progress. The Bills won their first AFC East title since 1995 and earned a pair of playoff victories — also a first since ’95 — before being smacked down by a better, more experienced Kansas City Chiefs team at Arrowhead Stadium in the AFC title game.
In 2021, Buffalo looked unbeatable early, struggled around midseason and poured it on late. Allen was otherworldly in the postseason, throwing nine touchdowns against zero interception in two games. However, 13 famous seconds denied Buffalo once more, and once again at Arrowhead Stadium against Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs.
Now, it’s time to take the next step. If the offseason is an indictor, the Bills have separated.
Buffalo spent lavishly in free agency on edge rusher Von Miller, stunning some in the league with. six-year, $120 million deal. For years, the Bills have struggled to get pressure. Miller figures to solve the issue after posting 13.5 sacks last year between the regular and postseason.
The Bills also watched Kansas City trade away star receiver Tyreek Hill and lose All-Pro safety Tyrann Mathieu in free agency. However, the Chiefs reloaded with 10 draft picks while having double-digit selections in 2023, meaning a potentially young, deep team around Mahomes in the future.
But for this season, the Chiefs might be hard-pressed to beat a savvy, veteran Bills team.
And for Buffalo, this is the moment.
The Bills are the Super Bowl favorites in Vegas, and have an advantageous slate. Unlike the gauntlet faced by teams in the AFC North and West, the East is relatively easy, with the New England Patriots in limbo, the New York Jets still building and the Miami Dolphins improved, but with a huge question at quarterback in Tua Tagovailoa.
This season, Buffalo’s contracts for receiver Stefon Diggs, linebacker Matt Milano, safety Micah Hyde, Miller and Allen total $43.6 million against the cap. Next year, that combined figure skyrockets to $102.4 million.
Even with the expected cap increase, the Bills are likely to be out of free agency while losing some combination of tight end Dawson Knox, safety Jordan Poyer, running back Devin Singletary and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, all scheduled for unrestricted free agency.
Additionally, the Cincinnati Bengals and Los Angeles Chargers will both still have their star quarterbacks on rookie deals, even if extensions for Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert are signed. As aforementioned, Kansas City will be loaded up with cheap rookie deals surrounding its stars. So on and so forth.
If Buffalo doesn’t win the Super Bowl this season, the questions will begin. Can Allen win the Super Bowl? Are the Bills ever going to get over the proverbial hump? Is Sean McDermott the right man for the job?
For Buffalo, this is the season its deserving fans have been waiting for. Nobody is better than the Bills.
But now comes the part of turning expectations into reality, with a combination of luck and skill.
If not now for the Bills … when?
Power rankings
Top 10 quarterbacks under most pressure for 2022 season
1. Deshaun Watson, Cleveland Browns — Nobody will be under the microscope more. 2. Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolphins — Better weapons, need to win. Team has two firsts in 2023. 3. Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals — Injuries, collapses. Want that money? Have a career year. 4. Russell Wilson, Denver Broncos — Huge investment in him at 34 years old. Still elite? 5. Carson Wentz, Washington Commanders — This is last-chance saloon time for Wentz. 6. Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles — Great roster. Must improve. PHI has multiple firsts in ’23. 7. Justin Herbert, Los Angeles Chargers — The numbers and talent are great. Now win. 8. Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills — It’s Super Bowl or bust for one of the game’s best. 9. Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars — With Urban Meyer gone, it’s time to get going. 10. Zach Wilson, New York Jets — The Jets are much-improved. Wilson must be as well.
Quotable
“That’s a tough situation. He was hurt all last year. Every time we play him, he balls. First time we played him — Thursday night during Week 2 of my rookie year — we lost like 34-30. The next time we played them, I throw for 400 yards. He goes like 25-for-28 with five touchdowns. He went on a two-minute drive, touchdown, they won the game.”
Burrow is being complimentary, but also honest. While Mayfield’s stock is down because he played poorly through a shoulder injury in 2021, he’s had a few excellent campaigns. As a rookie, the former No. 1 overall pick threw for 27 touchdowns despite having two head coaches. In ’20, Mayfield led the Browns to their first playoff victory since 1994, tossing 26 touchdowns against eight interceptions.
While Mayfield’s maturity has fairly been called into question, his upside is that of a top-half quarterback in a league with many teams desperate for such a player. It may be uncomfortable for all parties, but the Browns should wait to deal Mayfield until they get decent value.
Podcast
Random stat
The Pittsburgh Steelers have a streak of 18 consecutive non-losing seasons. Only the Dallas Cowboys’ (1965-85) and New England Patriots (2001-20) had longer ones across NFL history.
Info learned this week
1. Eagles land Bradberry in what continues to be dream offseason
Nobody has had a better month than the Philadelphia Eagles.
Over the past 30 days, Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has fortified an already-promising roster with corner James Bradberry, defensive tackle Jordan Davis, linebacker Nakobi Dean and receiver A.J. Brown.
While the Eagles still have questions regarding quarterback Jalen Hurts and his long-term upside, the supporting cast is bordering on elite. Philadelphia has two excellent corners (Darius Slay, Bradberry) to accompany a terrific front seven, anchored inside by Davis, Javon Hargrave and Fletcher Cox.
Offensively, Hurts is throwing to second-year receiver Devonta Smith and Brown, and tight end Dallas Goedert. He’s also behind one of the best lines in football.
If you’re looking for a darkhorse to contend in the NFC, don’t sleep on Philadelphia.
2. Belichick continues doing things his own way, and it’ll be costly
The Patriots should enjoy however many years Bill Belichick has left. Once he’s gone, it’s going to get ugly.
Under Belichick, his autonomy has worked fabulously — when paired with Tom Brady, but we digress. But we’ve seen one assistant after the other leave New England and fail as head coaches in other organizations. It’s fair to believe part of the issue is Belichick not preparing his guys for the role because he’s taking on so much responsibility.
Once Belichick exits Foxboro, the Patriots will need to essentially rebuild the entire infrastructure of their franchise. It’s a pending disaster, and while that’s worth the price of six Super Bowl wins, it’s also going to be a dark period for New England and its fans.
3. Clowney returns to Browns, still attempting to increase value
On Sunday, the final domino of free agency fell when the Browns re-signed edge rusher Jadeveon Clowney to a one-year deal worth up to $11 million.
Clowney, 29, has endured an odd career to this point. After being the No. 1 overall pick in 2014, the former South Carolina standout played five solid seasons with the Houston Texans before being dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. He posted three sacks in 11 games there before going to the Tennessee Titans, where he notched zero sacks in eight contests. Then, in Cleveland last year, Clowney went for nine sacks, just a half-sack off his career-high.
Paired with Myles Garrett, Clowney is in a good spot. He’ll never see a double-team and can hurt a pair of somewhat immobile quarterbacks in the AFC North with Mitchell Trubisky and Joe Burrow. Additionally, Clowney knows the system and thrived in it one year ago.
That said, Clowney must be somewhat disappointed. Money flew around this offseason for edge rushers, and Clowney ended up on another one-year deal. Despite hitting the market repeatedly the last few years, he’s never been able to find security.
This being his final year before age 30, Clowney is likely looking at his last chance to earn such a contract.
4. Cowboys giving high honor to rookie tight end with No. 48
The Dallas Cowboys have a slew of households names in their Ring of Honor, oddly enough with none of their jerseys retired officially. Darryl Johnston is one of them.
It’s rare when a player with 2,980 scrimmage yards, 22 touchdowns and two Pro Bowl berths is considered franchise royalty, but Johnston qualifies. He paved the way for Emmitt Smith throughout much of his Hall of Fame career, leading to Smith becoming the NFL’s all-time leading rusher. Johnston never got the personal glory, but he led Dallas — literally — to three Super Bowls in four years.
Now, rookie tight end Jake Ferguson is donning No. 48. Ferguson is well-aware of the significance in Dallas. The Cowboys have Dalton Schultz to be a high-end receiving option at the position, but need a hard-nosed blocker. Ferguson is clearly looking to live up to the billing with this move.
5. USFL should eventually partner with NFL, helping both leagues
It’s likely a long way off, but the USFL should consider working with the NFL as a feeder system.
For the fledging USFL, it’s been tough getting eyeballs on the league through its first six weeks. Rebranded as a reboot of the league which played three seasons in the mid-1980s before losing an antitrust suit to the NFL, the talent is minimal and the ratings are paltry. None of that is surprising, but it’s also tough to excite sponsors and fans.
If the USFL is wise, it’ll position itself as a potential partner instead of competition with regard to the NFL. Allow the bigger league to have a draft, taking 32 players — four per USFL team. While this would take the top talent away from the younger enterprise, it would also give NFL fans a significant reason to watch and be invested.
It would also make the USFL an intriguing option for top college free agents. Instead of sitting on the practice squad or being cut in training camp, those players would get top billing and a chance to showcase themselves.
Ultimately, it’s a win-win.
Two cents
It feels easy to predict the following five teams are in play for the No.1 overall pick in 2023, which likely means it’s going to be something else entirely.
The Atlanta Falcons, Chicago Bears, Houston Texans, Seattle Seahawks and Carolina Panthers are either rebuilding, tearing down or without a quarterback. While that can change before training camp (see: Mayfield, Baker), those organizations appear to be competing for little more than future evaluations.
However, of those teams, Carolina is the outlier. The Panthers have been rebuilding for two years under head coach Matt Rhule and the team has gone nowhere. Carolina tried to get a quarterback this offseason but struck out. The same is true of the previous offseason, and the one before that.
Entering 2020, there was excitement over Rhule. In ’21, there was hope for Sam Darnold. Now?
There’s little more than resignation in Charlotte without a major change.
While the program doesn’t guarantee anything, it provides an opportunity. The criteria is each team needed to nominate one candidate for the program and once there, those men and women will meet with high-ranking personnel. The idea is familiarity will help foster relationships, and therefore provide a better chance for said candidates to land the positions they’re interviewing for.
For years, the league has had an issue getting new blood into positions of power, specifically for minorities. This past coaching cycle was especially lean in that regard, with eight new head coaches and only one who wasn’t white — Mike McDaniel of the Miami Dolphins, who is biracial.
Whether this program ends up successful is anybody’s guess, but it’s a good idea.
History lesson
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have the worst winning percentage in NFL history, sporting a .405 clip. However, they have one embarrassing fact over the Detroit Lions.
In their history, the Lions have won three NFC Central/North crowns. The Buccaneers have also won three, but played in the Central for 10 fewer seasons and never played in the North.
Parting shot
How tough is the AFC? Last year, the Tennessee Titans were the conference’s top seed. This year, Tennessee is considered by many to be on the postseason bubble.
While the Titans traded away star receiver A.J. Brown, he’s the only significant departure. Tennessee went 12-5 last season, beat the Bills, Chiefs, Rams, Colts and 49ers, and yet still, there’s a thought the Titans will struggle to recapture the AFC South, or even reach the playoffs at all.
So what gives? The quarterback situation. Ryan Tannehill isn’t bad, but nobody would argue he’s in the upper echelon either. The Titans were never respected by myriad analysts last season because many believed Tannehill would limit Tennessee in the playoffs. Then, in the AFC Divisional round, he threw three interceptions in a 19-16 loss to the Bengals.
Then in the offseason, the AFC added Russell Wilson and Matt Ryan, while the Browns got a clear on-field upgrade in Deshaun Watson. Although Tannehill is an average quarterback from a league-wide perspective, it’s hard to argue he’s top-nine at the position within the AFC.
If Tennessee proves the doubters wrong, it’ll largely be because Tannehill plays the best football of his career after losing his top weapon.
Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce revealed what he told Patrick Mahomes on the final drive of regulation in the AFC Divisional Round against the Buffalo Bills.
This past season’s NFL Playoffs featured some classics. Perhaps one that stands above the rest is the AFC Divisional Round between the Kansas City Chiefs and Buffalo Bills, which featured three lead changes in the final two minutes. Yet, it was the Chiefs who were able to tie with 13 seconds left in regulation after a tremendous offensive drive put the team in field goal range to force overtime.
Tight end Travis Kelce, who recorded the 25-yard reception to set up Harrison Butker’s overtime-forcing field goal, spoke with ESPN’s Joe Buck and Michael Collins about what he said to quarterback Patrick Mahomes prior to that play. Kelce told Mahomes that if the Bills play it a certain way, he’ll be open. He then said he had to tell the quarterback to be quiet because he was going to give away the play to Buffalo’s defense!
Travis Kelce on what he told Patrick Mahomes in final 13 seconds of regulation vs. Bills in playoffs
Considering how well the play worked out, that was a great call by Kelce.
Ahead of overtime, the Chiefs won the coin toss and elected to receive. Kansas City would not give the ball back, as they orchestrated an eight-play drive, culminating in Mahomes hitting Kelce in the end zone for the game-winning, eight-yard touchdown.
It was an instant classic that the Chiefs found a way to survive. Bills quarterback Josh Allen had a tremendous performance that solidified his status as a Top 5 quarterback in the entire league. In those final two minutes, Allen threw two touchdown passes to wide receiver Gabriel Davis to give Buffalo the lead. However, the Chiefs just had their number that game.
Kelce getting Mahomes to calm down paid off, as they advanced to the AFC Championship Game.
Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers reportedly did not attend the wedding of his younger brother, Jordan, according to US Magazine.
Aaron Rodgers is heading into another offseason as the quarterback for the Green Bay Packers. He has been spotted at various events this offseason, specifically at Milwaukee Bucks playoff games. But there was one event he did not attend.
According to US Magazine, Rodgers was absent from his younger brother Jordan’s wedding, who got married to “The Bachelorette” star JoJo Fletcher on Saturday, May 14. The insider US Magazine notes that there “is still a family rift” and that the two haven’t “reconciled.”
“It’s a sad situation for the family and especially for Jordan who really does love his brother,” the source told US Magazine. “Aaron missed out on his big day and that’s something Jordan’s never going to forget. Jordan invited his entire family, including Aaron, even knowing he most likely wouldn’t attend since they’ve been distant for a long time now.”
It has been public knowledge that the Packers quarterback has been estranged from his family for quite some time. Yet, Rodgers’ father, Ed, did publicly support Aaron recently regarding his stance of refusing to receive the coronavirus vaccine.
This offseason, Rodgers and the Packers agreed to terms on a three-year, $150.8 million contract extension. He is once again preparing to make his first trip back to the Super Bowl since Green Bay won it all back in the 2010 season.
Prior to the start of the upcoming campaign, Rodgers is teaming up with Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady in a golf competition against Patrick Mahomes of the Kansas City Chiefs and Josh Allen of the Buffalo Bills on June 1.
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JULY 29: Jeremiah Attaochu #50 of the Chicago Bears runs through a drill during training camp at Halas Hall on July 29, 2021 in Lake Forest, Illinois. (Photo by Nuccio DiNuzzo/Getty Images)
Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles cut a load of big contracts since arriving. Here are three more candidates he could cut to free up cap space post June 1.
After a bad 2021 season, the Chicago Bears decided to clean house and get rid of general manger Ryan Pace and head coach Matt Nagy. At the conclusion of their search, the Bears hired Ryan Poles to be their new general manager. Poles was a highly sought after candidate this offseason, as he was a finalist for the New York Giants opening as well.
Poles has not wasted any time thus far into the offseason in freeing up money and freeing up cap space. Thus far, he has cut the likes of Eddie Goldman, Akiem Hicks, Nick Foles and Tarik Cohen.
Even though most of the huge contracts are gone, there are still opportunities for Poles to free up more money after June 1. Here are three cut candidates.
Bears cut candidates: Jeremiah Attaochu, OLB
Last year, the Bears signed Jeremiah Attaochu to a two-year, $5.5 million contract by former general manager Ryan Pace. The linebacker only played in five games for Chicago last season due to suffering a torn pectoral muscle. In that span, Attaochu recorded two combined tackles and one quarterback hit.
With a new regime, that usually means they want their own personnel there. They already used a fifth round pick this year on Miami of Ohio defensive end Dominique Robinson.
By releasing Attaochu from his deal after June 1, they would free up $2.45 million in cap space, per Spotrac.
The Cleveland Browns will have defensive end Jadeveon Clowney back for another NFL season.
After bouncing around the NFL the last few years, Jadeveon Clowney plans to stay with the Cleveland Browns, at least for one more season.
CBS Sports HQ’s Josina Anderson reported on Sunday afternoon Clowney is re-upping with the Browns on a one-year deal worth up to $11 million. Clowney had arguably his best season since leaving the Houston Texans last year. He registered 37 combined tackles and nine sacks in 14 games for the AFC North franchise. Clowney thrived playing opposite of Myles Garrett in 2021.
Though he may not get back to a Pro Bowl level again, the former No. 1 overall pick out of South Carolina looks to be right at home along the Banks of Lake Erie.
I’m told Jadeveon Clowney has agreed to return to the #Browns, on a 1-year up to $11M dollar deal.
— IG: JosinaAnderson (@JosinaAnderson) May 22, 2022
Cleveland Browns re-up with Jadeveon Clowney on a one-year deal
It is pretty clear how the Browns want to win games this year. While it remains to be seen how many games Deshaun Watson will play coming over the Texans in a franchise-altering trade, Cleveland is dead-set on winning with a ball-control offense and great defensive stalwarts. This will go along way towards competing in the AFC North if Jacoby Brissett is their Week 1 starter.
Even with inconsistent quarterback play from a season ago, Cleveland certainly had its moments in 2021. Of course, they finished with the worst record in the division and missed the playoffs, but that is not the point here. What is important is the Browns are setting themselves up to win in multiple ways, now and in the future. Shoring up the defense will go a long way in that endeavor.
Clowney has never been a pass-rushing phenom, but he approached a career-high in sacks in his first season with the Browns. Playing opposite of Garrett certainly has its benefits, but there are reasons why Clowney went No. 1 out of South Carolina eight years ago. He is great against the run and is an excellent No. 2 option in the trenches for a contending team. Cleveland did good here.
If Watson does not miss most of the season, the Browns have a decent shot at winning 11 games.
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