Month: March 2022

Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett (13) kisses the trophy after winning the College Football Playoff National Championship on Jan. 10 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. jump

Stetson Bennett’s brother to walk on at Georgia

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Stetson Bennett IV went from a walk-on at Georgia to a national championship winner.

His younger brother, Luke, hopes to do the same.

Luke Bennett announced Thursday that he’s walking on at Georgia, committing to the Class of 2022.

He posted to Twitter: “Excited to officially be a part of the @ugafootballwalkons family #committedtotheg #GoDawgs”

He is a 5-foot-11, 175-pound wide receiver/running back who played at Pierce County High School in Blackshear, Ga. He had three receiving touchdowns and five rushing touchdowns in his senior season, per 247Sports.

In February, the Bulldogs coaching staff offered him a spot as a preferred walk-on.

Stetson Bennett joined Georgia as a walk-on in 2017, then transferred to a community college for the 2018 season. He returned to Georgia in 2019 and last season, led the Bulldogs to victory in the College Football Playoff championship game against Alabama.

The quarterback is using his added year of eligibility and returning for the 2022 season, and he seemed excited Thursday to have his brother as a teammate.

“So proud of you buddy – LETS GO!!!,” Stetson Bennett tweeted.

–Field Level Media

Jan 2, 2022; Seattle, Washington, USA; Seattle Seahawks middle linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) is assisted to the sideline by free safety Quandre Diggs (6) following an injury against the Detroit Lions during the first quarter at Lumen Field. Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) follows behind Wagner and Diggs. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Rams sign LB Bobby Wagner to 5-year, $50M deal

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Free agent linebacker Bobby Wagner agreed to a five-year, $50 million contract with the Super Bowl champion Los Angeles Rams, ESPN reported Thursday.

The deal, which keeps the longtime Seattle Seahawks star in the NFC West, can be worth up to $65 million with incentives, per the report.

The NFL Network said that Wagner, who acts as his own agent, confirmed the signing.

Wagner was released by the Seahawks on March 9, the same date the franchise agreed to trade Russell Wilson to the Denver Broncos

The eight-time Pro Bowl selection and defensive captain spent his entire career with the Seahawks and had a career-high 170 tackles in 2021 despite missing time with a knee injury. The 10-year veteran added one sack, one interception and one forced fumble in 16 starts.

Wagner, who will turn 32 this summer, made his initial voyage into free agency on the heels of suffering MCL and PCL sprains in Week 17 against the Detroit Lions, although he is expected to be healthy for the 2022 regular season.

The Seahawks drafted the Utah State product in the second round in 2012, one round ahead of Wilson, ushering in a successful run of nine straight winning seasons until Seattle fell to 7-10 in 2021.

Wagner flourished as part of the “Legion of Boom” defense in Seattle, leading the league in tackles twice (2016, 2019) and compiling 161 more tackles than any other NFL player over the past 10 seasons.

In his career, Wagner owns 1,383 tackles, 23.5 sacks, 11 interceptions and four defensive touchdowns in 151 games (150 starts).

–Field Level Media

Sep 18, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Cougars head coach Dana Holgorsen at the end of the game against the Grambling State Tigers at TDECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Maria Lysaker-USA TODAY Sports

Dana Holgorsen, Houston agree to extension through 2027

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Head football coach Dana Holgorsen and Houston agreed to a contract extension through the 2027 season.

The school announced the six-year extension on Thursday but didn’t reveal contract terms.

According to the USA Today coaches salary database, Holgorsen earned $4 million in 2021.

“We’re excited about where we are and the direction we’re headed,” said Chris Pezman, the school’s vice president of athletics, in a news release. “Getting Dana locked up for six years ahead of our conference transition was important for continuity. We look forward to our future with Dana at the helm.”

Houston is preparing to move to the Big 12 in either 2023 or ’24, leaving the American Athletic Conference.

Holgorsen, 50, guided the Cougars to a 12-2 record in 2021 that included a victory against Auburn in the Birmingham Bowl. Houston was one of six teams nationally ranked in the top 20 in both points per game (35.9) and opponent points per game (20.4).

He has a 19-15 record (13-10 AAC) in three seasons at Houston. He previously coached West Virginia (2011-18) to a 61-41 overall record.

“This is a long-term commitment,” Holgorsen said. “I can’t tell you how excited I am to be at the University of Houston for the foreseeable future.”

–Field Level Media

Jan 23, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive end Ndamukong Suh (93) walks onto the field before the game against the Los Angeles Rams during a NFC Divisional playoff football game at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Pendleton-USA TODAY Sports

DT Ndamukong Suh hints he wants to return to Bucs

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Free agent defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh hilariously hinted that he hopes to rejoin the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“Congratulations to Todd Bowles on becoming head coach of a great team that still feels one man light on talent,” Suh tweeted Thursday.

On Wednesday night, the Buccaneers announced that Bruce Arians was retiring and Bowles was being promoted to head coach.

Suh, 35, spent the past three seasons with Tampa Bay. He started all 17 games in 2021 and contributed 27 tackles, 13 quarterback hits, six sacks and one fumble recovery.

A five-time Pro Bowl selection, Suh has 70.5 sacks and nine fumble recoveries (three for touchdowns) in 191 games (all starts) with the Detroit Lions (2010-14), Miami Dolphins (2015-17), Los Angeles Rams (2018) and Bucs.

Tampa Bay general manager Jason Licht confirmed earlier this week that the team has kept in touch with Suh, but will only sign him at a discounted rate.

–Field Level Media

Mar 11, 2022; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Former Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Antonio Brown reacts to fans after the game between the Atlanta Hawks and the LA Clippers at State Farm Arena. Mandatory Credit: Jason Getz-USA TODAY Sports

Antonio Brown says no ankle surgery until he has a deal

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Free agent wide receiver Antonio Brown says he won’t undergo the ankle surgery he needs until he finds an NFL home.

Brown, who will be 34 in July, caught 42 passes in seven games last season with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

“I need to get my ankle fixed, but I just want to make sure I got an obligation or a commitment from a team,” he told TMZ Sports. “It’s a lot for a guy to go do surgery without an idea of where you gonna work, or who you going to work for.”

The last time potential NFL employers saw Brown, the controversial wideout was removing his pads and jersey in the third quarter of Tampa Bay’s Week 17 win against the New York Jets.

A few days later the Buccaneers released Brown, who later claimed the team forced him to play hurt and covered up facts related to his injury. Then-head coach Bruce Arians denied the allegations.

“I’m a player first,” Brown told TMZ Sports. “I couldn’t even be in this position without being a football player. So I never want to take that for granted. I would love to continue my career. I got a lot of game left in me.”

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection, Brown has 928 catches for 12,291 yards and 83 touchdowns in 146 games with the Pittsburgh Steelers (2010-18), New England Patriots (2019) and Bucs.

–Field Level Media

Dec 20, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Patrick Peterson (7) reacts in the second half against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Quinn Harris-USA TODAY Sports

CB Patrick Peterson plans to re-sign with Vikings

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Cornerback Patrick Peterson will be back for a second season with the Minnesota Vikings.

The 31-year-old veteran free agent plans to sign a one-year contract with Minnesota, he announced Wednesday on the “All Things Covered” podcast that he co-hosts with former NFL cornerback Bryant McFadden.

Peterson said, “I’m gonna stay put in Minnesota and run it back with the guys. Keep it in the north.”

He added that he also received interest in free agency from the Buffalo Bills, Chicago Bears, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Indianapolis Colts and Washington Commanders.

Peterson added about the Vikings, “I just felt it was right just to be there and grind with those guys and try to all come together for that common goal. The team is stacked.”

According to NFL Network, Peterson’s one-year deal will have a $4 million base value, including a $3.5 million guarantee.

Peterson, an eight-time Pro Bowl performer, was an All-Pro in 2011, 2013 and 2015.

Selected in the first round (fifth overall) by the Cardinals in 2011, Peterson spent 10 years in Arizona before signing a one-year, $8 million deal with Minnesota last March.

He played in 13 games in 2021, logging 45 tackles, five passes defensed and one interception, which he returned for a 66-yard touchdown.

In 167 career NFL games (all starts), Peterson has 544 tackles, four sacks, two forced fumbles, 12 fumble recoveries and 29 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Sep 9, 2021; Tampa, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive coordinator Todd Bowles looks on before a game against the Dallas Cowboysn at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Bucs shake-up: Todd Bowles replaces Bruce Arians as head coach

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Just over a year after the Tampa Bay Buccaneers won a Super Bowl championship, the team announced a major leadership shake-up on Wednesday.

Bruce Arians retired as head coach to move into a front office job, with defensive coordinator Todd Bowles getting promoted to head coach. Arians’ new title is senior football consultant.

According to the Buccaneers’ website, Arians told the team’s players and coaches of his decision. The 69-year-old then released a statement that read in part, “I love football. I love the relationships, the strategy, the competition–everything. It has been one hell of a ride, but I know this is the right time for me to make this transition.

“So why now?

“The simple answer is that I have accomplished more than I ever dreamed I could during this incredible coaching journey. Winning Super Bowl LV at our home stadium, with my mom and family in attendance, was really the last item I wanted to check off my career bucket list. For me, this is about more than just trying to add more wins to my coaching record.”

Arians added, “I really began thinking about my personal transition plan earlier this offseason. I wanted to ensure when I walked away that Todd Bowles would have the best opportunity to succeed. So many head coaches come into situations where they are set up for failure, and I didn’t want that for Todd. (Quarterback Tom Brady’s) decision to come back, along with Jason (Licht, the general manager) and his staff doing another great job of keeping the core of this team intact during free agency, confirmed for me that it was the right time to pass the torch to Todd.”

Bowles, 58, had a largely unsuccessful four-year stint as the New York Jets’ head coach, never making the playoffs. He led the team to a 10-6 mark in 2015, his first season, then never won more than five games in the following three seasons. Bowles spent the past three years as Arians’ defensive coordinator.

Arians first took charge of an NFL team in 2012, when he guided the Indianapolis Colts to a 9-3 record while filling in for head coach Chuck Pagano, who was battling leukemia. The next year, Arians took over as head coach of the Arizona Cardinals, and he led them to a 49-30-1 record and two playoff appearances in five seasons.

In his three seasons as the Buccaneers’ head coach, Arians produced a 31-18 record. Tampa Bay won the Super Bowl after the 2020 season, then was eliminated by the eventual champion Los Angeles Rams in the NFC divisional playoffs after last season.

Buccaneers owner Joel Glazer said in a statement, in part, “When Bruce arrived in Tampa Bay three years ago, he spoke about establishing a winning culture and adding another Super Bowl championship for our community. He delivered on both of those promises, and our family is deeply appreciative for all that he has accomplished during his time as our head coach.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 2, 2021; Lexington, Kentucky, USA; Kentucky Wildcats wide receiver Rahsaan Lewis (28) carries the ball down the field during the second quarter against the Florida Gators at Kroger Field. Mandatory Credit: Jordan Prather-USA TODAY Sports

Kentucky WR Rahsaan Lewis faces DUI charge

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Kentucky wide receiver Rahsaan Lewis is facing driving under the influence and other charges following his arrest.

Multiple outlets reported that Lewis was pulled over by police in Lexington, Ky., at about 3 a.m. Sunday. Kentucky.com reported that he had a blood alcohol concentration of 0.153 percent — nearly twice the legal limit.

He also was charged with reckless driving and making an improper start from a parked position. He has a court appearance scheduled for April 22.

“We are aware of the incident and we will continue to monitor the situation as it develops,” said Susan Lax, a Kentucky athletic department spokeswoman, per the Lexington Herald-Leader.

Local media reported Lewis took part in practice on Tuesday.

He started his football career at UCF in 2018, then redshirted at Florida Atlantic in 2019. He was a practice-team player with Kentucky in 2020 before seeing his first action last year, when he caught two passes for four yards in six games.

Lewis is a son of Pro Football Hall of Fame member Ray Lewis.

–Field Level Media

Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs for a touchdown during their 20-13 victory over the Tennessee Titans in the AFC Wild Card game at Nissan Stadium in Nashville Jan. 10, 2021. Titans Ravens 111

Lamar Jackson rips ‘false narrative’ about wanting to leave Ravens

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Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson took to Twitter on Wednesday to quash the “false narrative” that he wants to leave the team.

The rumor mill has been on full blast that Jackson must want out of Baltimore since he hasn’t approached the Ravens about a contract extension. The 2022 season will be Jackson’s last of his rookie contract. He has previously said that an extension “will take care of itself.”

But that approach hasn’t suppressed the speculation that Jackson must want out after the 2022 season.

“I love my Ravens I don’t know who the hell putting that false narrative out that I’m having thoughts about leaving stop tryna read my mind,” Jackson tweeted.

Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti on Tuesday reiterated the Ravens’ position of wanting to sign Jackson to a long-term contract.

“Eric (DeCosta, general manager) can’t keep calling him and going, ‘Hey Lamar, you really need to get in here and get this thing done.’ It’s not a GM’s job,” Bisciotti said from the NFL annual meetings in Florida. “Eric can structure contracts any way he wants. I think we’re a pretty aggressive team and when Lamar’s ready … we’ll pay him when he’s ready.”

DeCosta had the same message earlier this month at the NFL scouting combine.

“We’ve discussed this at length and I said this before: We will work at Lamar’s urgency,” DeCosta said at the time. “He and I have had ongoing discussions. We’ve talked fairly recently as well. He knows how to find me, I know how to find him.”

Jackson is entering his fifth-year option, which will pay him $23.016 million in 2022.

Jackson, 25, has no peer in terms of running quarterbacks in the NFL but missed four games last season while rushing for 767 yards. Jackson has 3,673 rushing yards in four seasons.

“You don’t browbeat him into being a conformist,” Bisciotti said. “We’re taking him as we take him. We appreciate him. All I know is that his teammates freaking love him and the front office loves him. It’s like, ‘You just keep doing you Lamar, and we’ll make it work somehow.’”

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; San Francisco 49ers defensive end Arden Key (98) in the tunnel against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

Jaguars sign DE Arden Key

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Defensive end Arden Key signed a contract with the Jacksonville Jaguars on Wednesday.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed by the team, however NFL Network reported it was a one-year contract worth as much as $7 million.

Key, 25, recorded a career-best 6.5 sacks to go along with 22 tackles in 17 games last season with the San Francisco 49ers.

Key has 9.5 sacks and 71 tackles in 54 career games (10 starts) with the Oakland/Las Vegas Raiders (2018-20) and 49ers. He was selected by the Raiders in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft out of LSU.

–Field Level Media