Courtesy of Footballguys.com
SF - San Francisco to name John Lynch GM
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
The San Francisco 49ers will hire retired SS John Lynch as general manager, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wow! Talk about your surprising moves, no beat writer around the team was mentioning Lynch as a candidate for 49ers general manager. After 15 years in the NFL, Lynch retired in 2008 and has been a color analyst with FOX ever since. We love this out of the box thinking, but let's hope Lynch can put more experienced personnel men around him. He has no experience running a team or officially evaluating talent.
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ATL - More to ATL offense than WR Julio Jones
Source: SI.com - Peter King
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones had less than 40 receiving yards in six games this year, and the Falcons went 6-0 in those games and averaged 37 points.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has done a fantastic job with setting up the offense to spread the ball around. The Falcons can lean on Jones as he's a superstar talent. However, they can go to several different options if a team focuses on taking Jones away.
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IND - Chris Ballard named new GM
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
The Indianapolis Colts hired Chris Ballard, previously the Kansas City Chiefs director for player personnel, as their new general manager.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ballard is a long-time scout with a keen eye for talent. He's going to keep head coach Chuck Pagano for now, but many expect him to bring Chiefs assistant Dave Toub (special teams) on board as early as 2018. Ballard will be tasked with putting better talent around (and in front of) QB Andrew Luck.
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PIT - WR Antonio Brown not long for Pittsburgh?
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown is about to enter the final season of a six-year contract he signed in 2012. However, his antics are reportedly 'wearing thin' on some of his teammates and coaches. One week after live streaming head coach Mike Tomlin's postgame speech after the Steelers' Divisional Round over the Kansas City Chiefs, he drew criticism from Ben Roethlisberger for pouting about not getting the ball enough in the AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This report is coming from long-time Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette, so we're taking it very seriously. Brown is arguably the best receiver in Steelers history, but the season didn't end well for him. We'll see if the Steelers can patch things up with Brown and work on a new long-term deal. Stay tuned here.
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NFL - Nate Peterman wraps up strong Senior Bowl
Source: DraftWire - Luke Easterling
Pittsburgh QB Nate Peterman followed a strong string of practices by completing 16 of his 23 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown in the Senior Bowl Saturday, Jan. 28.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Peterman was the best quarterback in Mobile this year. He showed tremendous pass placement, accuracy and willingness to challenge a defense vertically. Peterman is likely a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft.
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NFL - Kareem Hunt wows in Senior Bowl
Source: DraftWire - Luke Easterling
Toldeo RB Kareem Hunt ran 15 times for a game-high 118 yards in the Senior Bowl Saturday, Jan. 28.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hunt measured in a bit lighter than some expected at 208 pounds. He broke off a 43-yard run in the Senior Bowl to boost his total for the day. Hunt is a mid-round pick with the all-purpose ability to help a team as a runner or receiver out of the backfield.
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NFL - Ryan Switzer opens eyes
Source: DraftWire - Cole Thompson
North Carolina WR Ryan Switzer's 5-8 frame will likely play in the slot in the NFL, but he was able to make plays on the outside during Senior Bowl practice and showed smooth transition out of his breaks.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Switzer is incredibly fast, has great foot frequency and can change direction on a dime. He'd be a fine slot receiver, but his small catch radius is a concern. If a pass is not right on the money, Switzer may have trouble reeling it in.
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NFL - Matt Dayes carving out role
Source: DraftWire - Cole Thompson
North Carolina State RB Matt Dayes showed potential as a third-down back in Senior Bowl practices, performing well in pass protection and making things happen when pass plays broke down.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Dayes ran with urgency during the week of practice for the Senior Bowl. He showed well as a receiver out of the backfield and came away making positive impressions.
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NFL - Mitch Trubisky's height a concern?
Source:
North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky is listed at 6-3, but NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock believes Trubisky will measure around 6-1 at the NFL Scouting Combine. In the last 15 years, only two quarterbacks 6-1 or shorter have been drafted in the first round.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Didn't Russell Wilson teach us not to get overly excited about height? Trubisky is a toolsy quarterback who can use his legs to keep plays alive. He's got the arm to make all the throws in the NFL, but he needs to do a better job with decision making. Trubisky is a virtual lock to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft. In fact, there's a good chance he goes off the board in the top five.
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ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald could call it a career
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald reportedly told friends in September he expected 2016 to be his last season. He has yet to make a definitive decision one way or the other, but when asked about his future last offseason, the 10-time Pro Bowler told KMVP-FM 'a lot of it's tied to Carson (Palmer).'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Palmer is reportedly contemplating retirement but he should be back for another run in 2017, and we believe Fitzgerald will return as well. He's set to be a Hall of Fame player at some point when his playing days are done. The Cardinals need to find an heir apparent for both Palmer and Fitzgerald ASAP.
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ARI - QB Carson Palmer mum about retirement plans
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer has yet to confirm whether he intends to return for another season or retire. At least one prominent general manager and two coaches around the league believe Palmer has played his last down.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Cardinals don't have an heir apparent behind Palmer, but that could change quickly if he returns for another season in 2017. The draft isn't great for quarterbacks, but perhaps the Cardinals can locate a potential starter at some point in the process.
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NYJ - John Morton set to become NYJ's new OC
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
New Orleans Saints wide receiver coach John Morton is expected to be named the New York Jets' new offensive coordinator, per league sources.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We'd feel better about Morton's ability to craft a high-powered offense if we knew the Jets had a competent quarterback. Until that happens, the question marks around this Jets team remains.
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PIT - RB DeAngelo Williams not expected back
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette
Impending free-agent RB DeAngelo Williams is unlikely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams isn't quite done yet, and he's still got something left in the tank....albeit as a reserve running back. He should draw some interest on the open market for a team in need of quality veteran depth.
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PIT - TE Ladarius Green may not stick around
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Ladarius Green could be released before the start of the 2017 season, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Green has a $6.1 million cap number in 2017, and there's $3.5 million remaining in dead money. He's a talented player who can create mismatches anytime he's on the field, but Green's first season with the Steelers was marred by injuries. He was limited to 10 games this year and missed the postseason run due to a concussion suffered in Week 15.
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TB - WR Mike Evans not concerned about contract
Source: PewterReport.com - Scott Reynolds
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans is entering this final season of the four-year rookie contract he signed in 2014 - the team has a club option for 2018 as well - and is due to make only $690,000 (plus a $1.7 million roster bonus in 2017).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Expect the Bucs to pick up his fifth-year option. A favorite target of QB Jameis Winston, we don't see Evens leaving Tampa. Despite the low pay relative to his position, Evans has yet to express any concern about being compensated on the level of some of the game's elite receivers.
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DEN - QB Tony Romo could interest Denver
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
The Denver Broncos could be interested in Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo if they can acquire him as a free agent, according to a source in the organization's football department.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Broncos general manager John Elway has previously stated that he's happy with their quarterback situation, but if he can get Romo free and clear that could change some things. At this time, it looks like Denver is setting things up for 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch to win the job. He'll have to beat out 2016 starter Trevor Siemian for that spot. Adding Romo would further delay Lynch's development.
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Source: footballguys.com
SF - San Francisco to name John Lynch GM
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
The San Francisco 49ers will hire retired SS John Lynch as general manager, according to a source.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Wow! Talk about your surprising moves, no beat writer around the team was mentioning Lynch as a candidate for 49ers general manager. After 15 years in the NFL, Lynch retired in 2008 and has been a color analyst with FOX ever since. We love this out of the box thinking, but let's hope Lynch can put more experienced personnel men around him. He has no experience running a team or officially evaluating talent.
Back to Top
ATL - More to ATL offense than WR Julio Jones
Source: SI.com - Peter King
Atlanta Falcons WR Julio Jones had less than 40 receiving yards in six games this year, and the Falcons went 6-0 in those games and averaged 37 points.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Offensive coordinator Kyle Shanahan has done a fantastic job with setting up the offense to spread the ball around. The Falcons can lean on Jones as he's a superstar talent. However, they can go to several different options if a team focuses on taking Jones away.
Back to Top
IND - Chris Ballard named new GM
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
The Indianapolis Colts hired Chris Ballard, previously the Kansas City Chiefs director for player personnel, as their new general manager.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Ballard is a long-time scout with a keen eye for talent. He's going to keep head coach Chuck Pagano for now, but many expect him to bring Chiefs assistant Dave Toub (special teams) on board as early as 2018. Ballard will be tasked with putting better talent around (and in front of) QB Andrew Luck.
Back to Top
PIT - WR Antonio Brown not long for Pittsburgh?
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Steelers WR Antonio Brown is about to enter the final season of a six-year contract he signed in 2012. However, his antics are reportedly 'wearing thin' on some of his teammates and coaches. One week after live streaming head coach Mike Tomlin's postgame speech after the Steelers' Divisional Round over the Kansas City Chiefs, he drew criticism from Ben Roethlisberger for pouting about not getting the ball enough in the AFC Championship loss to the New England Patriots.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
This report is coming from long-time Steelers beat writer Ed Bouchette, so we're taking it very seriously. Brown is arguably the best receiver in Steelers history, but the season didn't end well for him. We'll see if the Steelers can patch things up with Brown and work on a new long-term deal. Stay tuned here.
Back to Top
NFL - Nate Peterman wraps up strong Senior Bowl
Source: DraftWire - Luke Easterling
Pittsburgh QB Nate Peterman followed a strong string of practices by completing 16 of his 23 passes for 153 yards and a touchdown in the Senior Bowl Saturday, Jan. 28.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Peterman was the best quarterback in Mobile this year. He showed tremendous pass placement, accuracy and willingness to challenge a defense vertically. Peterman is likely a fourth-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft.
Back to Top
NFL - Kareem Hunt wows in Senior Bowl
Source: DraftWire - Luke Easterling
Toldeo RB Kareem Hunt ran 15 times for a game-high 118 yards in the Senior Bowl Saturday, Jan. 28.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Hunt measured in a bit lighter than some expected at 208 pounds. He broke off a 43-yard run in the Senior Bowl to boost his total for the day. Hunt is a mid-round pick with the all-purpose ability to help a team as a runner or receiver out of the backfield.
Back to Top
NFL - Ryan Switzer opens eyes
Source: DraftWire - Cole Thompson
North Carolina WR Ryan Switzer's 5-8 frame will likely play in the slot in the NFL, but he was able to make plays on the outside during Senior Bowl practice and showed smooth transition out of his breaks.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Switzer is incredibly fast, has great foot frequency and can change direction on a dime. He'd be a fine slot receiver, but his small catch radius is a concern. If a pass is not right on the money, Switzer may have trouble reeling it in.
Back to Top
NFL - Matt Dayes carving out role
Source: DraftWire - Cole Thompson
North Carolina State RB Matt Dayes showed potential as a third-down back in Senior Bowl practices, performing well in pass protection and making things happen when pass plays broke down.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Dayes ran with urgency during the week of practice for the Senior Bowl. He showed well as a receiver out of the backfield and came away making positive impressions.
Back to Top
NFL - Mitch Trubisky's height a concern?
Source:
North Carolina QB Mitch Trubisky is listed at 6-3, but NFL Network analyst Mike Mayock believes Trubisky will measure around 6-1 at the NFL Scouting Combine. In the last 15 years, only two quarterbacks 6-1 or shorter have been drafted in the first round.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Didn't Russell Wilson teach us not to get overly excited about height? Trubisky is a toolsy quarterback who can use his legs to keep plays alive. He's got the arm to make all the throws in the NFL, but he needs to do a better job with decision making. Trubisky is a virtual lock to be a first-round pick in the 2017 NFL draft. In fact, there's a good chance he goes off the board in the top five.
Back to Top
ARI - WR Larry Fitzgerald could call it a career
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Arizona Cardinals WR Larry Fitzgerald reportedly told friends in September he expected 2016 to be his last season. He has yet to make a definitive decision one way or the other, but when asked about his future last offseason, the 10-time Pro Bowler told KMVP-FM 'a lot of it's tied to Carson (Palmer).'
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Palmer is reportedly contemplating retirement but he should be back for another run in 2017, and we believe Fitzgerald will return as well. He's set to be a Hall of Fame player at some point when his playing days are done. The Cardinals need to find an heir apparent for both Palmer and Fitzgerald ASAP.
Back to Top
ARI - QB Carson Palmer mum about retirement plans
Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport
Arizona Cardinals QB Carson Palmer has yet to confirm whether he intends to return for another season or retire. At least one prominent general manager and two coaches around the league believe Palmer has played his last down.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
The Cardinals don't have an heir apparent behind Palmer, but that could change quickly if he returns for another season in 2017. The draft isn't great for quarterbacks, but perhaps the Cardinals can locate a potential starter at some point in the process.
Back to Top
NYJ - John Morton set to become NYJ's new OC
Source: ESPN - Adam Schefter
New Orleans Saints wide receiver coach John Morton is expected to be named the New York Jets' new offensive coordinator, per league sources.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
We'd feel better about Morton's ability to craft a high-powered offense if we knew the Jets had a competent quarterback. Until that happens, the question marks around this Jets team remains.
Back to Top
PIT - RB DeAngelo Williams not expected back
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette
Impending free-agent RB DeAngelo Williams is unlikely to return to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2017, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Williams isn't quite done yet, and he's still got something left in the tank....albeit as a reserve running back. He should draw some interest on the open market for a team in need of quality veteran depth.
Back to Top
PIT - TE Ladarius Green may not stick around
Source: Pittsburgh Post-Gazette - Ed Bouchette
Pittsburgh Steelers TE Ladarius Green could be released before the start of the 2017 season, according to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette's Ed Bouchette.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Green has a $6.1 million cap number in 2017, and there's $3.5 million remaining in dead money. He's a talented player who can create mismatches anytime he's on the field, but Green's first season with the Steelers was marred by injuries. He was limited to 10 games this year and missed the postseason run due to a concussion suffered in Week 15.
Back to Top
TB - WR Mike Evans not concerned about contract
Source: PewterReport.com - Scott Reynolds
Tampa Bay Buccaneers WR Mike Evans is entering this final season of the four-year rookie contract he signed in 2014 - the team has a club option for 2018 as well - and is due to make only $690,000 (plus a $1.7 million roster bonus in 2017).
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Expect the Bucs to pick up his fifth-year option. A favorite target of QB Jameis Winston, we don't see Evens leaving Tampa. Despite the low pay relative to his position, Evans has yet to express any concern about being compensated on the level of some of the game's elite receivers.
Back to Top
DEN - QB Tony Romo could interest Denver
Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis
The Denver Broncos could be interested in Dallas Cowboys QB Tony Romo if they can acquire him as a free agent, according to a source in the organization's football department.
[ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ]
Broncos general manager John Elway has previously stated that he's happy with their quarterback situation, but if he can get Romo free and clear that could change some things. At this time, it looks like Denver is setting things up for 2016 first-round pick Paxton Lynch to win the job. He'll have to beat out 2016 starter Trevor Siemian for that spot. Adding Romo would further delay Lynch's development.
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Source: footballguys.com