The Top 10 QBs from execs, coaches and scouts went live…
Mahomes received all but two first-place votes. But will Burrow close the gap eventually?
Big debuts for Lawrence and Hurts. Lamar resurgence
And a surprise omission.
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Jeremy Fowler
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ESPN senior NFL reporter. insider. Content: . ABQ-MCO-GNV-MSP-MDW-CLE-PIT-BDL.
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JuJu Smith-Schuster bought 100-plus Mega Millions tickets this week. As his interview concluded, he said, "I tried to win it so we could get Le'Veon back. It didn't work."
No Big Ben.
Bell and Brown long gone.
No JuJu, no Conner, no Pouncey or Tuitt.
Fourth-string QB from training camp.
7-5.
Pretty incredible resolve from the Steelers.
Steelers players went into Le’Veon Bell’s locker, removing his nameplate and rummaging through items. Bud Dupree says thanks for the Jordan brand cleats.
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Best story I heard from NFL combine: A small group of former Browns coaches held a fired Browns coaches party at a local restaurant in Indianapolis.
Ryan Switzer bought this sweatshirt before the Pittsburgh shootings, but he felt “there was no more important time” than to wear it Sunday at Heinz Field.
Le’Veon Bell currently plans to sign with one of three teams, per source: Dolphins, Chiefs, Bills. Barring change, Bell will decide among these teams as early as today. Steelers reunion unlikely at this point.
Sources: Seahawks are bracing for Russell Wilson to miss at least a month and possibly 6-8 weeks with his ruptured middle-finger tendon that likely requires surgery. Seattle thinking about Wilson’s long-term health. Barring an unexpectedly swift recovery, it’s Geno Smith’s show.
The Saints want to speak with Chiefs OC Eric Bieniemy for the head coaching job, per sources. An interview could take place Saturday.
This really is wild. Antonio Brown skipped work, disparaged the Steelers publicly, said he wouldn't play on a contract with three years left, then got a raise of almost $20 million with $30-plus million in new guarantees on his way to a new team. Savage power play.
As JuJu Smith-Schuster describes his block on Vontaze Burfict, Antonio Brown keeps yelling ‘Karma.'
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Sources: Matthew Stafford considers the Rams a viable contender in his trade market with the Lions. While it’s unclear what the Rams can do with Jared Goff’s long-term deal on the books, they’ve explored the possibilities with Stafford.
If traded, Julio Jones wants to go to a contender, as most big-name players want, but one other thing I've heard intrigues: A big-armed QB that can deliver the deep ball. Jones wants to outrun DBs and get underneath the ball.
Source: The #Browns are going to release TE Austin Hooper as a post-June-1 designation.
A 27-year-old dual-threat tight end and two-time Pro Bowler will be on the market.
Safety Marcus Williams is agreeing to terms with the Baltimore Ravens on a five-year deal worth $70 million, per source. Big market-shifting deal in AFC North.
Tua Tagovailoa is now at his home in South Florida, was in 'good spirits' upon landing with the team, per source.
MRI to come, possibly second opinion. Initial tests showed no structural damage.
Mitch Trubisky is signing with the Pittsburgh Steelers, per source.
The positive Damar Hamlin developments over the last 24 hours have seriously galvanized the Bills locker room. Raucous applause went off when Mario Hamlin, Damar’s dad, addressed the team via Zoom. ‘We finally started to smile after that,’ one person with the team told me.
Maurkice Pouncey said he doesn’t remember what he did after the helmet shot, essentially blacked out (got about seven punches and kicks in). Will Pouncey get a suspension? “At this point, who cares? My man got hit in the head with a helmet. I’ll accept whatever penalty it is.”
Wildest thing I ever saw. Was 10 yards from it. Myles Garrett completely lost it, connected the helmet square on Mason Rudolph’s head. And the Browns were celebrating the whole thing from the sideline.
Peyton Manning: ‘Any time Chubb is not next to Baker, nothing good is happening.’
All-Pro free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner visited the Baltimore Ravens today, per source. Ravens have high interest in Wagner, who also visited the Rams this week.
Sources: The #Lions are receiving trade calls on running back D’Andre Swift, whose representatives have been in contact with the team about potentially moving to a new team. With Detroit drafting Jahmyr Gibbs, the talented Swift appears poised to leave Detroit.
Quite the comeback in the works: TE Foster Moreau and the #Saints have agreed to terms on a three-year, $12-million deal including $8 million guaranteed and $3 million in incentives, agent told ESPN.
Moreau has a positive diagnosis on his Hodgkin’s Lymphoma recovery… Show more
Why JuJu Smith-Schuster didn’t make a grand entrance on Steelers reporting date? Because ‘JuJu came here to work,’ he said.
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Tomlin was criticized for how he handled Brown, but now we know his way was the only way.
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All-Pro pass rusher Chandler Jones requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals this offseason, per sources. Jones has been unhappy with his contract and future with the team. Cardinals don’t want to trade him and expect him to report to camp. But certainly a situation to watch.
Ryan Shazier walking with the Steelers linebackers during drills.
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The Steelers are re-signing linebacker Vince Williams, per sources. He had other offers but wanted to stay in Pittsburgh.
As reporters approached Mason Rudolph in the locker room, corner Mike Hilton blurted out, ‘tell them you’re built for this s—-, Mase.’
RB Jerick McKinnon returning to the Chiefs on a one-year deal, per source.
Sources: The NFL is providing three wideouts for the Colin Kaepernick workout but Kaepernick may bring up to five of his own. Former 49ers teammate Bruce Ellington, who played with Kap in 2014-15, is expected to attend.
About 150 #Bills fans holding a prayer vigil outside Highmark Stadium for Damar Hamlin. Jill Kelly, wife of Bills great Jim Kelly, is at the center.
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Running back James White is expected to re-sign with the New England Patriots, per source. It's not done but should be pretty soon. The versatile RB with 25 touchdown catches since 2014 back in the fold for New England.
The #Chiefs abstained from voting on the proposed AFC playoff changes, per source, with the thinking that teams directly impacted by the changes should not vote due to bias.
The Tennessee Titans have requested permission to interview Kansas City Chiefs offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy and senior assistant/QBs coach Matt Nagy for their open OC job, per sources.
The Arizona Cardinals have informed several head coaching candidates that they are out of the running, per sources.
Steelers assistant coach Brian Flores, Giants offensive coordinator Mike Kafka and Bengals defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo are three known finalists.
Defensive tackle Jarran Reed is expected to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs, per source. KC can pair Reed with Chris Jones to cause havoc inside.
After a strong preseason, Mason Rudolph won the Steelers' No. 2 quarterback job and will back up Ben Roethlisberger this season barring unforeseen development, per sources.
Good quote from Mike Tomlin when asked about Le'Veon Bell elevating the Jets offense: 'I would hope so, you guys are paying him enough.'
Last year, the Jesse James play changed catch rule. That call on Joe Haden might be bad enough to make some PI calls reviewable.
Talked to James White, who said Raiders and Patriots showed most interest. '(New England) wanted me back, that's all that matters," he said.
The #Giants are expected to re-sign free agent WR Sterling Shepard to a new deal, per sources. Longtime Giants staple will continue his career in New York.
A surprise: Multiple team execs believe #Jaguars corner C.J. Henderson -- the ninth overall pick in 2020 -- is available via trade. Jacksonville has given impression in some league circles that it's shopping Henderson, a high-pedigree player one year into rookie deal.
#Eagles run game coordinator/OL coach Jeff Stoutland, who received interest from multiple teams for offensive coordinator positions this cycle, has agreed in principle to a contract extension with Philadelphia, per league sources. Eagles’ O-line has been elite under Stoutland.
WR Phillip Dorsett is signing with the Jaguars, per source. Urban Meyer wants speed and gets it.
Marvin Jones on the notion the #Jaguars were broken after last year with Urban Meyer.
"I think one person was broken. It wasn't us," he said.
Jameis Winston and the Saints are closing in on a two-year deal for the quarterback to remain in New Orleans, per source. Still details to be worked through but trending in the right direction. Winston and the Saints set to build off last year's 5-2 start together.
Steelers and Cam Heyward finalizing a four-year extension with a total value of $71.4-million, sources tell ESPN. Negotiated by of Element Sports.
Bills have released wideout John Brown, per source. Speedy receiver now available.
Reunion in the works? Free agent safety Landon Collins is visiting the New York #Giants on Monday, per sources, returning to the place where he made three Pro Bowls and an All-Pro team. Collins would give N.Y.’s defense a hybrid linebacker/safety option if they reach agreement
#Rams coach Sean McVay, whose future is in limbo, has permitted his coaching staff to search for other jobs without resistance, per sources. McVay said in a staff meeting that he doesn’t know what he will do next year and won’t block those who want to explore opportunities
Source: Urban Meyer and Jaguars are getting a deal done today. Meyer will be the next Jacksonville coach.
Ben Roethlisberger said on his weekly radio show that his son has asked for a James Conner jersey for Christmas. Santa might have access to one of those.
One AFC exec told me Devin Bush was his second-best player in the draft behind Kyler Murray. Steelers aren't simply filling a need. They are getting one of the better overall players in the field. He has 4.4 speed and loves to hit.
WR/return specialist Ray-Ray McCloud is signing with the #49ers on a two-year deal, per source.
McCloud led NFL in punt return yards (367) and also caught 39 passes for the Steelers last year.
No positive tests for Titans or Patriots, per source. Both set to return to their facilities.
Among ways Harrison tried to get himself out of Pittsburgh, one team source said Harrison was known to sleep in a recliner chair during position meetings and snore loudly while Joey Porter would teach.
Steelers QB Mason Rudolph is home from a Pittsburgh-area hospital and doing well, according to a source. Good sign after suffering a concussion on the Earl Thomas hit.
Antonio Brown likely forfeits $9M signing bonus from Patriots b/c of a contract clause calling for players to disclose situations preventing availability, per league source. This could lead to a grievance, but source says that money is 'gone.' Brown was due $5M Monday
Steelers and Bengals players have been civil so far, but fans don’t mind setting a tone.
Eric Bieniemy spent nearly eight hours with the Saints in-person today. Interview just wrapped up. And now New Orleans will get to work on narrowing the head-coaching search.
Source: WR Mack Hollins and the #Falcons have agreed to a one-year deal.
Hollins broke out in Vegas with 57 catches for 690 yards last year.
Sources: The #Commanders are expected to release cornerback William Jackson III if there's no trade partner by the deadline. Teams have called on Jackson but no trade has materialized and the back injury was also believed to be a factor. Jackson signed a $40.5M deal in 2021.
The Cleveland Browns are working to close a deal on Austin Hooper, making him the game's highest paid tight end, per source. Other teams can swoop in late but Browns the leader.
Maurkice Pouncey on Ben Roethlisberger criticizing teammates publicly: How come he can’t say anything but the guys on TV can? I’m confused.
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As JuJu Smith-Schuster talked about his block on Vontaze Burfict, Antonio Brown kept yelling ‘KARMA’ in Smith-Schuster’s direction. Said ‘Touchdown Brown’ will pay his fine.
Le'Veon Bell expects to report to the Steelers during the Week 7 bye, a source told . Bell definitely plans to play football for the Steelers this season.
In the offseason, the Arizona Cardinals signed RB James Conner to a one-year, $1.75-million deal.
Conner has given the Cardinals a 16-touchdown performance on the way to his second Pro Bowl.
Great story.
The Las Vegas Raiders have been made aware that the league is discussing a potential scheduling change with the Browns game, per source. Las Vegas has been fighting it, believing that protocols over the summer were clear that teams with outbreaks had to forfeit.
#Bills All-Pro safety Micah Hyde, placed on season-ending IR last month, recently underwent successful surgery to repair a herniated disc in his neck and has a six-to-9-month recovery ahead, per source. Surgery was performed by spine specialist Dr. Robert Watkins in Los Angeles.
The #Eagles have interviewed former Wisconsin defensive coordinator Jim Leonhard as they look to fill their DC job, per league source. Leonhard was a 10-year NFL safety who is respected in league circles.
New Cardinals TE Zach Ertz had the option to stay in Philly for the weekend, but he opted to fly to Arizona and then travel to Cleveland with the team so he can meet teammates and study the offense with coaches on the plane. He’s not eligible to play until next week but is all in
The Bills have reached a two-year extension with safety Jordan Poyer, locking up one of their defensive leaders through 2022, according to a source.
The #Patriots are working on a potential deal for wide receiver Kendrick Bourne, per sources. He's got multiple offers and still talking with teams but New England could get that done.
Patriots were in on Anthony Chickillo at similar deal to what he just signed with Pittsburgh, two years for $8 million. Chickillo said it was tempting but he wanted to win with Steelers. “It’s funny everybody’s counting us out,” Chickillo said. “You still have to play.”
Multiple Steelers say Le’Veon Bell’s items were packed up, placed in the back and likely to be shipped to Bell. They stressed nothing malicious, everyone likes Bell. But this was closure. "Now, everybody can really get past it," CB Mike Hilton said.
Steelers receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is 22 years, 31 days old. With 106 receptions, he passes Larry Fitzgerald (22 years, 123 days old) as the youngest player to reach 100 catches in a single season in NFL history.
Ben Roethlisberger says Jaguars defenders talk a lot but “I’m carrying the game ball home.”
The Packers officially exercised the fifth-year option on Jaire Alexander today. The talented corner is slated to make $13.294 million in 2022.
Mitchell Trubisky's decision came down to the Pittsburgh Steelers and the New York Giants. He was looking for the best chance to get back on the field as a starter and win games.
Pass rusher Whitney Mercilus is signing with the Green Bay Packers, per source. Former Texan turning down more money elsewhere to join Green Bay’s defense.
Here is Mike Tomlin’s full answer on Terry Bradshaw’s criticism:
Ben Roethlisberger made a series of next-level throws in the second half. He still has that gear.
Chargers WR Mike Williams, listed as questionable with a knee injury, is expected to play barring a pregame setback, per source. NFL leader with six touchdown catches should be in fold for Ravens game.
The Steelers are releasing veteran linebacker Vince Williams, per sources. Williams played eight years in Pittsburgh and amassed nearly 479 tackles and 20.5 sacks. The move saves $4 million on the cap.
The #Chargers are signing RB Sony Michel, per sources. Another back in the fold for a loaded offense.
Ben Roethlisberger said he's happy for his teammates making the Pro Bowl but adds "I think JuJu should have made it, as well."
It's been hard to ignore Steelers ILB Devin Bush, who has eight tackles, a fourth-down run stop into the backfield, a barrel over a left tackle and a near-interception. On his first NFL snap, he form-tackled the RB up the middle.
Steelers raved about Mason Rudolph's relief. If Big Ben is out for extended time, the team will ride for Rudolph and it doesn't feel empty. "He wants this," R. Foster said. D. DeCastro: "We like our chances. He’s a guy who cares a lot. That means a lot in this league."