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Rapsheet: Fitzpatrick intends to play in 2021NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports free agent QB Ryan Fitzpatrick does plan on playing in 2021.
Advice: There's been some public debate (and refuting reports) on Fitzpatrick's status for 2021, but Rapoport confirms the 38-year-old veteran intends on testing the market. The former stated as early as last month that he still thinks he can be a starting quarterback, and he'll likely have the opportunity to prove as much as a coveted option with experience. The Broncos remain an ideal destination if only to compete with Drew Lock. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Mort: Lurie wants to go all in on Hurts in '21NFL reporter Chris Mortensen reports Eagles owner Jeffrey Lurie "has instructed his group to prioritize making [Jalen] Hurts successful in 2021 as opposed to creating a true competition."
Advice: Mortensen reports there isn't "internal unanimity" about Hurts as the starting QB in 2021, but Lurie has been clear that the second-year QB should be given a real shot. Mortensen replied to a tweet from the Philadelphia Inquirer's Les Bowen questioning Mort's report that the team is sure about Hurts as its starter in 2021. But Lurie's support would presumably carry significant weight with the team's new coaching staff. Mortensen said in February -- after the team traded Carson Wentz to the Colts -- that the Eagles "intend to bring in competition" for Hurts. Apparently that calculus could change with Lurie's input. The dual-threat Hurts could be a standout late-round QB pick in fantasy leagues if he wins the starting gig. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Peter King: Wilson to CHI a 'futile pipe dream'NBC Sports' Peter King said Seattle trading Russell Wilson to the Bears is a "futile pipe dream."
Advice: King rightfully questions what Chicago could offer that would entice the Seahawks to trade away their franchise player. Even if the Bears offer Khalil Mack, Nick Foles, the 20th pick in the NFL Draft, and their 2022 first rounder, King said the Seahawks would be unlikely to make the deal and incur at $39 million cap hit in 2021. Seattle's draft position -- the team has a single selection in the first 125 picks -- makes it nearly impossible to find a quarterback of the future if they deal Wilson to Chicago. The Bears are reportedly "prioritizing" acquiring Wilson, but the team would have to blow away the Seahawks with an offer in the coming weeks. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Teams calling Detroit to trade for QB Chase DanielESPN's Adam Schefter reports the Lions "have had trade discussions with other teams regarding their backup QB Chase Daniel."
Advice: Daniel has been in the NFL for a decade and has earned a total of five starts. He has thrown eight touchdowns and seven interceptions on his 261 career pass attempts. Despite his lack of starting talent, Schefter added that "Daniel has been considered an ideal mentor for young QBs." It's hard to remember a time that a team traded for a quarterback because of their teaching abilities but it likely won't require much to purchase Detroit's backup passer. Daniel learned how to mentor young quarterbacks while serving as Drew Brees' backup for four years across two stints with New Orleans, according to Schefter. He most recently started for the Bears in 2019, throwing two scores and two interceptions in a losing effort to Oakland. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Ryan Fitzpatrick leaning toward retirement?ESPN Denver's John Clayton reports Ryan Fitzpatrick "looks like he's going to retire."
Advice: Fitzpatrick last month said he still thinks he can be a starting quarterback. The Broncos reached out to Fitzpatrick but believe he's "going to be out of the mix." Fitzpatrick averaged 232 yards per game with the highest completion-percentage (68.5%) of his career before getting benched for Tua Tagovailoa in Week 6. He turns 39 in November. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Brady, Bucs reworking deal to create cap spaceJosina Anderson reports the Buccaneers are "getting close" to finalizing a reworked contract for Tom Brady.
Advice: Tampa Bay is projected to have roughly $19 million in cap space with a number of key players — Chris Godwin, Shaq Barrett, Ndamukong Suh, Antonio Brown — scheduled to hit the open market. Any restructured/extended contract would simply allow the team to spread Brady's earnings across multiple years, making it easier to retain impending free agents for another Championship run. Brady, 43, has already said he'd "consider" playing beyond 45 years old and will undoubtedly walk away whenever he deems fit (and not a day earlier). NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Report: Bears 'priority' is landing Russell WilsonAccording to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears "have prioritized" making a run at Russell Wilson.
Advice: Biggs is the Bears' ace beat writer and has been covering the club for a long time, so his words carry weight. Chicago's focus is on upgrading its quarterback spot with Mitchell Trubisky now headed to free agency and Nick Foles an obvious non-answer at the position. GM Ryan Pace and coach Matt Nagy need to swing big, and landing Wilson would obviously qualify. Wilson's agent said he'd accept a trade to four teams, and the Bears were on that list along with the Saints, Cowboys, and Raiders. New Orleans is in a salary-cap nightmare. Dallas seems intent on retaining Dak Prescott. And the Raiders haven't yet wavered in their support of Derek Carr. With the Seahawks "answering" calls on Wilson, the Bears should make every effort they can to acquire the 32-year-old. It would take a massive haul. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Alex Smith asked Washington for his releaseThe Washington Football Team announced Alex Smith requested his release from the team.
Advice: Washington head coach Ron Rivera said in a statement announcing Smith's release that he met with Smith and "decided that it would be best for both parties to move on." Smith's request for release aligns with comments he made in February about the team not including him in their 2020 plans. "They never thought I was coming back. No one there," Smith told GQ. He insisted there were no hard feelings between him and the coaching staff, but the well had clearly been poisoned. Releasing Smith, 36, makes financial sense for the Football Team, which save nearly $15 million against the cap. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Bridgewater 'could make sense' for WashingtonESPN's John Keim reports Teddy Bridgewater "could make sense" as Washington's QB in 2021.
Advice: Washington officially released Alex Smith on Friday, saving almost $15 million against the salary cap. Keim cited Bridgewater's familiarity with Football Team offensive coordinator Scott Turner, with whom Bridgewater worked in Minnesota years ago. Marty Hurney, Washington's executive vice president of player personnel, was with the Panthers when the team signed Bridgewater last year. This would hinge on the Panthers drafting a quarterback with the eighth pick in the NFL Draft or adding a starting QB in free agency (Carolina has cleared cap space for a possible run at Deshaun Watson). Bridgewater wouldn't be anything more than a bridge option to a long-term quarterback for Washington, assuming the veteran can beat out Taylor Heinicke for the starting job. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Fangio confirms competition likely for Drew LockSpeaking Thursday, Broncos coach Vic Fangio confirmed the team would like to add competition for Drew Lock.
Advice: “Until Drew proves to be the next great quarterback like the ones Denver has been used to in years past, or ones certain teams around the league have, we’re going to always try and bring in competition," Fangio said. "But I have confidence Drew can continue to improve.” It's the latest, strongest indication Lock won't be getting any free 2021 lunches after his dismal sophomore campaign. It's quite possible Lock is replaced outright, with no meaningful competition. Lock has mouthwatering tools but has given close to zero indication he knows how to harness them at the NFL level. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Russini: Seahawks answering calls on WilsonESPN's Dianna Russini reports the Seahawks are answering trade calls on Russell Wilson.
Advice: Russini reports the Seahawks are not actively "shopping" Wilson, but that they are picking up when other teams call. That puts them a step ahead of the Texans, who are reportedly sending interested Deshaun Watson parties straight to voicemail. Russini confirms Wilson is "not happy" in Seattle. Instead of dying down, this story keeps gaining new dimensions. It is still a "believe it when you see it," but it is notable this was not immediately extinguished. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Steelers formally announce Roethlisberger's returnThe Steelers have signed QB Ben Roethlisberger to a new contract for 2021.
Advice: Roethlisberger agreed to be paid $14 million this year with other voidable years beyond 2021 to smooth out the rest of his owed money. It effectively opens up $15 million in cap space for 2021 to help the Steelers round out the rest of their roster. For his part, Roethlisberger publicly acknowledged that this needed to be done after his disappointing 2020. Now purely a dink-and-dunk passer after missing nearly all of 2019 with an elbow injury, Roethlisberger is unlikely to have a 2021 return to glory. Even if JuJu Smith-Schuster walks in free agency, however, the weapons are here for Roethlisberger to remain fantasy relevant, and perhaps stabilize his game on the real life gridiron. The Steelers have to get more serious about their No. 2 quarterback spot after another year of tempting the Mason Rudolph gods in 2020. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Vikings GM: Kirk Cousins is our QB going forwardSpeaking Wednesday, Vikings GM Rick Spielman stated Kirk Cousins "is our quarterback going forward."
Advice: In answering the question, Spielman noted he's heard the rumors this offseason but highlighted Cousins' play down the stretch last season. Cousins threw a career-high 35 touchdowns and posted his highest TD% rate at 6.8% last season, tossing three-plus scores six times from Week 8 forward. Cousins' turnovers always seem to come at the worst times, but Cousins is far from the problem in Minnesota. There were some whispers the 49ers could try to trade for Cousins due to his connection with coach Kyle Shanahan from their Washington days. Cousins has two years left on his deal at $31 million and $45 million cap numbers as it stands right now. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Jets GM says he'll answer Darnold trade callsJets general manager Joe Douglas said he'll answer teams inquiring about trading for Sam Darnold.
Advice: "If calls are made, I will answer them," Douglas said. It's a curious admission from a general manager looking to gain some semblance of leverage in trade talks for a potential franchise QB. Douglas, who said he has "no doubt" Darnold can reach his potential, said he doesn't believe the Jets not knowing who their Week 1 quarterback will be will affect the team during free agency. There are reportedly several teams interested in acquiring Darnold from the Jets, who are widely expected to take a quarterback with the No. 2 pick in this spring's NFL Draft. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Jets GM: 'No doubt' Darnold can reach potentialJets general manager Joe Douglas said he has "no doubt" Sam Darnold can reach his "outstanding potential." NBCSportsEDGE.com
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Dak contract talks 'more productive' on TuesdayThe Dallas Morning News' Calvin Watkins reports the Cowboys' contract talks with Dak Prescott on Tuesday were “more productive than they have been” in previous months.
Advice: With the deadline for the Cowboys to place the franchise tag on Prescott fast approaching, Tuesday's talks were reportedly more productive than discussions in recent months. A "major sticking point," according to Watkins, is that Prescott wants a four year deal while the team prefers a five year contract. Prescott would become a free agent on March 17 if Dallas doesn't use the franchise tag on him -- a scenario that would alter the quarterback landscape for the entire league. The team isn't overly concerned with Prescott's health after the QB had surgery in October to repair a compound fracture and dislocation of the right ankle he suffered after a scorching hot start to the 2020 season. Prescott had a second surgery in December to help strengthen the injured ankle, and should be ready for training camp in July. There's almost no chance the Cowboys let him walk this offseason. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
RapSheet: Chicago a potential fit for Alex SmithNFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports the Bears are a potential landing spot for Alex Smith.
Advice: Smith, expected to be released by Washington this week, could reunite with Matt Nagy in Chicago. Nagy, of course, coached Smith in Kansas City, where Nagy served first as quarterbacks coach, then as offensive coordinator from 2016-2017. The Bears would offer one of Smith's only chances to start in 2021. Jacksonville has been mentioned as a potential fit for Smith, who was coached by Jaguars head coach Urban Meyer at Utah. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Texans release coaching candidate Josh McCownTexans released QB Josh McCown.
Advice: He's expected to immediately pursue a career in coaching, likely landing back in Houston after the organization (comically) interviewed him for its head-coaching vacancy before formally hiring David Culley. With Tim Kelly still hanging on to his OC role, McCown could easily be groomed under the former while taking on the title of Assistant Head Coach. As always, nothing is off the table when it comes to the Texans. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Chiefs GM: Mahomes will be ready for training campChiefs general manager Brett Veach said Patrick Mahomes will be “good to go” for training camp after undergoing toe surgery.
Advice: Mahomes has a three-month recovery period, putting him on track for a fairly normal offseason. He had surgery on his injured toe after KC was blown out by the Bucs in the Super Bowl -- a game that saw Mahomes limp around, clearly hobbled by the injury suffered in the Chiefs' playoff win over Cleveland. Barring a setback, Mahomes should be the first QB off the draft board in 2021 fantasy leagues. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
RapSheet: WFT to part ways with Alex SmithNFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Washington will part ways with Alex Smith.
Advice: Smith, 36, is owed $26.2 million in 2021. Releasing him before June 1 would save Washington $14.7 million against the salary cap. The 2020 Comeback Player of the Year came back from a two-year leg injury to start six games for the Football Team after starting the season as a third stringer. Smith said recently that he knew Ron Rivera's coaching staff "didn’t want me there, didn’t want me to be a part of it, didn’t want me to be on the team, the roster, didn’t want to give me a chance." Apparently he was right. Jaguars Report's John Shipley said a reunion between Smith and Urban Meyer, his coach at Utah, would make sense. In February, Washington signed Taylor Heinicke -- who impressed in a playoff start against Tampa -- to a two-year deal. Heinicke, 27, will have a shot at the starting job in 2021 even when Washington brings in signal callers via the draft and free agency. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
RapSheet: WFT to part ways with Alex SmithNFL Network's Ian Rapoport reports Washington will part ways with Alex Smith.
Advice: Smith, 36, is owed $26.2 million in 2021. Releasing him before June 1 would save Washington $14.7 million against the salary cap. The 2020 Comeback Player of the Year came back from a two-year leg injury to start six games for the Football Team after starting the season as a third stringer. Smith said recently that he knew Ron Rivera's coaching staff "didn’t want me there, didn’t want me to be a part of it, didn’t want me to be on the team, the roster, didn’t want to give me a chance." Apparently he was right. Jaguars Report's John Shipley said a reunion between Smith and Urban Meyer, his coach at Utah, would make sense. In February, Washington signed Taylor Heinicke -- who impressed in a playoff start against Tampa -- to a two-year deal. Heinicke, 27, will have a shot at the starting job in 2021 even when Washington brings in signal callers via the draft and free agency. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
49ers have inquired about Teddy BridgewaterThe 49ers have reached out to the Panthers about a potential trade for Teddy Bridgewater.
Advice: The Niners' interest in Bridgewater doesn't necessarily mean they're keen on replacing Jimmy Garoppolo as the team's starter. 49ers general manager John Lynch has said the team needs to upgrade its backup QBs as to avoid a lost season if or when the oft-injured Jimmy G is sidelined. Carolina is among the leaders in the Deshaun Watson sweepstakes, making Bridgewater expendable if a team has a solid offer for the veteran. There's almost no chance Bridgewater starts for Carolina in 2021. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Belichick has 'done nothing but rave' about NewtonThe Boston Globe's Ben Volin reports Patriots coach Bill Belichick "has done nothing but rave" about QB Cam Newton this offseason.
Advice: Newton battled through COVID, learned a new offense without a traditional offseason, and picked up a few wins for the Patriots in 2020 so it's not surprising that Belichick has a healthy amount of respect for the veteran passer. The real question is if that respect turns into another shot at starting for Newton, who is currently a free agent. Reports from earlier in the offseason indicated that a return to New England was unlikely but subsequent news has painted a much more optimistic picture for Newton. The Patriots have the 15th overall pick which may not be enough to land them the caliber of QB prospect they want. If that's the case, using the draft and free agency to give Newton some better weapons to work with seems plausible. The former Panther threw more interceptions than touchdowns last year but his top two receivers were both UDFAs with a combined seven starts before 2020. Newton may not be as physically gifted as he was in Carolina but building up a project QB via the draft doesn't seem to be in the cards for the 68-year-old head coach. Newton has a real shot at opening 2021 as New England's starter and would be an intriguing fantasy option because of his running ability. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Fitz believes he can start somewhere in 2021The Miami Herald's Armando Salguero reports Ryan Fitzpatrick "believes he’s played well enough the past couple of years to get a chance to at least compete for a starting job with some team."
Advice: The Dolphins' commitment to Tua Tagovailoa as the team's starter means Fitzpatrick would have to look elsewhere this offseason if he wants a starting gig. Fitzpatrick was less than thrilled with Miami's decision to bench him at midseason in favor of Tagovailoa, who struggled throughout the second half of the season. The Broncos reportedly have interest in Fitzpatrick, though the team remains in the Deshaun Watson conversation. Drew Lock could be the latest young quarterback to lose his starting job to Fitz if he signed with Denver. The grizzled veteran has a lengthy history of unseating young signal callers, including Geno Smith, Jameis Winston, and Josh Rosen. The Dolphins will need to remove any and all competition for Tua to be the team's opening day starter. There's almost no chance Fitzpatrick returns to South Florida. NBCSportsEDGE.com -
Art Rooney: Ben played at 'high level' in 2020Steelers president Art Rooney II said he has no performance-based concerns about Ben Roethlisberger.
Advice: Rooney reiterated that the team would need to figure out contract restructuring with Roethlisberger before March 17, the opening of free agency, when teams must be compliant with the 2021 salary cap. "We think Ben played at a high level last year," said Rooney. "We won our division and set a franchise record for most consecutive wins to open a season, so there was a lot of good stuff." "His arm," Rooney added, " ... is as strong or almost as strong as ever, so I think he's certainly capable of getting the job done." Coming off elbow surgery that kept him sidelined for most of the 2019 season, Roethlisberger in 2020 posted a career low 6.3 yards per attempt -- a full 1.4 yards per attempt lower than his career average and 2.7 yards lower than his career best. There's plenty of reason to question the 38 year old's arm strength as he prepares for one last run with the Steelers. NBCSportsEDGE.com
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