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Yesterday, AppleBee’s became the NFL’s “Official Grill + Bar” (which made me wonder who sets the grill Before bar?). It happened just a few days later Brandon Aiyuk changed positions during the lunch rush.
Today’s NFL update:
- 🔬 The NFL resistance fightersexamined
- 👥👥Washington big day
- 🧠 Seven-round simulation
NFL WR Holdouts: Sutton Joins Jefferson and Lamb
A few notable players were absent from the start of voluntary offseason programs this week. Courtland Sutton, the Broncos’ 28-year-old WR, was absent from the start of voluntary offseason programs this week. Just like the WRs Justin Jefferson (24) and Lamb CeeDee (25). All three are awaiting new contracts. LB Micah Parsons was also missing, but it was not linked to the contractbecause it is “focused on a personalized training program”.
Last year, the resistance worked. In 2023, Chiefs DT Chris Jones held out before signing a reworked one-year deal. 49ers DE Nick Bosa held on to become the highest-paid defensive player in NFL history.
Cowboys G Zack Martin’s time led him to rank among the highest-paid guards in the NFL, Raiders RB Josh Jacobs got a raise and Colts RB Jonathan Taylor became the third-highest RB paid.
The NFL has a long history of holdouts. In the 1986 NFL Draft, the Buccaneers used the No. 1 pick on Bo Jackson, who declined their five-year offer and refused to play in the NFL for them. That’s because he believed the Buccaneers tried to sabotage his college baseball career.
By ignoring voluntary programs, Sutton, Jefferson and Lamb avoid fines while pushing management and coaches to reach a deal. Sutton has just $2 million guaranteed left on his contract, which runs through 2026 and ranks 22nd among WRs in average salary. Given the Broncos’ recent budget cap reduction moves, I doubt Sutton sees this as an increase.
Both Jefferson and Lamb are on their fifth-year options and are set to become unrestricted free agents in 2025. There is no chance they will reach free agency, as their respective organizations will likely agree to record-breaking contracts.
Yesterday, it was announced that the Dolphins would exercise the fifth-year option of WR Jaylen Waddle. Dianna will have more on the WR market tomorrow, but first, an update from Washington.
What Dianna hears: Quick writing
Last night, Washington Commanders hosted LSU QB Jayden Daniels, North Carolina QB Drake Maye, Michigan QB JJ McCarthy and Washington QB Michael Penix during their visits. Together.
Together, the QBs joined other draft prospects at Topgolf for a “casual diner/mixer.“ All will be at the Washington offices today.
Through this process, QBs spend all day setting up plays and situations before teams test them. It’s actually quite an exhausting process. In the evening, prospects usually go to dinner with staff members without their competition. This unique approach leaves league executives perplexed.
Back to you, Jacob.
Dane Brugler’s latest simulation is live
Early this morning, Dane Brugler released his seven-round mock draft of the 257 selections. Speaking of seven, here are seven that I found notable:
- Vikings trade picks Nos. 11 and 23 plus a 2025 third-round pick to Cardinals for No. 4, draft JJ McCarthy. Reminder: Sam Darnold is at the top of their depth chart.
- Immediately afterward, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort traded picks No. 11 and 35 to the Chargers for No. 5, drafting the Ohio State WR. Marvin Harrison Jr.
- Bills trade with Jaguars to draft LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 17, giving Josh Allen a new WR1.
- Florida State Edge Jared Verse becomes the first defensive player drafted in the top 60 by the Rams in the Sean McVay era.
- Unfazed by UCLA Laiato LatuAfter dealing with injuries (he was forced to medically retire in the spring of 2021 due to a neck injury, but returned after successful surgery in 2022), the Dolphins are adding him as an immediate contributor to the pass.
- According to AthleticismVic Tafur’s Vic Tafur says ‘whispers are getting louder’ that Raiders are interested in drafting Michael Penix Jr.. In Dane’s mock, they trade picks #44 and 77 to the Lions to grab Penix at #29.
- Amid Rashee Rice’s ongoing legal issues, Chiefs select Texas WR Adonai Mitchell at No. 32. In The Beast, Dane projects Mitchell “as a slender target, outside the numbers.”
Read the full simulation for a fascinating insight into later rounds.
Cheesy Team Mottos
When Ted Lasso arrived at AFC Richmond, one of the first things he did was hang a “Believe” poster above the coach’s office door. Stale? A little. A faithful representation of American football coaches? Certainly.
Here are some currencies revealed so far:
Around the NFL
According to an ESPN storyPatriots owner Robert Kraft called on Falcons owner Arthur Blank to “warn him not to trust Bill Belichick“, and Kraft was “a big part of the reason the Falcons gave up on” the legendary head coach. Drama.
P Jon Ryan signed a one-day contract with the Seahawks for announce his retirement. Seattle fans will never forget his legendary touchdown pass against the Packers in the third quarter of the 2014 NFC Championship Game.
LB Jaelan Phillips said he will “certainly be back in good health for the [Dolphins’] season.” At just 24 years old, Phillips had 6.5 sacks in eight games in 2023 before suffering a torn Achilles in Week 12. Yesterday, Miami picked up his fifth-year option.
The Falcons have the simplest 2024 calendarfollowed by the Chargers and Bears, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
Jacob’s choices
📕 Top NFL prospects and intangibles: How do they rank? Dan Pompei asked eight NFL scouts to evaluate the top six QB prospects in four categories (football character, toughness, balance and processing). The ever-rising McCarthy was the only prospect with a perfect score in any category (football character). (Athleticism)
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The rebound 🏀 | Liquidation ⚾ | Full time ⚽ | Main tire 🏁 | Until Saturday 🏈
(Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)