Month: May 2022

Georgia head coach Kirby Smart speaks with Georgia defensive lineman Warren Brinson (97) during the G-Day spring football game in Athens, Ga., on Saturday, April 16, 2022. News Joshua L Jones

Report: Georgia, Kirby Smart nearing contract extension

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National championship-winning coach Kirby Smart and Georgia are nearing a contract extension, according to multiple reports.

While university president Jere Morehead declined to attach a figure to what is expected to be a huge contract, he told The Athletic, “I don’t think anyone will be surprised.”

Morehead gave the school’s athletic board an update in executive session on Thursday.

Smart is under contract through the 2024 season at about $7 million a year.

Smart, 46, took over the program at his alma mater in 2016 and has a 66-15 record, including 6-2 in bowl games. He has a 40-10 mark in Southeastern Conference play.

The Bulldogs lost to Alabama in the College Football Playoff following the 2017 season, and defeated the Crimson Tide 33-18 in January to win the school’s first football national championship in 41 years.

Georgia opens the 2022 season against Oregon on Sept. 3.

–Field Level Media

Feb 2, 2022; Coral Gables, Florida, USA; Miami Hurricanes head football coach Mario Cristobal talks on a phone while sitting court-side during the second half between the Miami Hurricanes and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish at Watsco Center. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Alonzo Highsmith leaves Seahawks for Miami role

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Seattle Seahawks scouting exec Alonzo Highsmith will be moving to the opposite corner of the country, back to his home and alma mater, having accepted a role as general manager of football operations for the Miami.

The longtime NFL executive is a member of the Miami Sports Hall of Fame. He finished his college career with 2,935 all-purpose yards and 25 touchdowns, and helped lead the Hurricanes to the 1983 national championship.

“Alonzo is a true Miami Hurricane,” said Miami head coach Mario Cristobal. “Alonzo brings experience as a student-athlete, a first-round NFL draft pick and an NFL executive. He shares our vision for the trajectory and the culture of this football program, and his knowledge and experience will allow him to make a positive and powerful impact on our program and community.”

Highsmith will work directly with Cristobal to support all administrative functions of the football program, from budget related items to culture building. He will also be a liaison between the administration and the football program and between former Miami players and staff.

Additionally, he will assist with scouting and roster assessment and supervise NFL relations.

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts quarterback Brett Hundley (3) throws during the day's Colts camp practice at Grand Park in Westfield on Wednesday, Aug. 18, 2021. Colts Camp

Jackson action? Ravens sign QB Brett Hundley

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Brett Hundley signed with the Baltimore Ravens and joined the voluntary organized team activities, a portion of the offseason program that starter Lamar Jackson is not attending.

Down to two quarterbacks on the roster, the Ravens brought in Hundley to help the team function in on-field work without Jackson.

Jackson is in a contract year and playing on the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Head coach John Harbaugh and general manager Eric DeCosta have said the Ravens are ready and willing to talk money with Jackson, but negotiations will work at the player’s pace.

Hundley was a fifth-round pick out of UCLA in 2015 and spent three seasons with the Green Bay Packers before being dealt to the Seattle Seahawks. He was with the Arizona Cardinals in 2019 and 2020 and the Indianapolis Colts last season.

Limited to 12 games last season due to injuries, Jackson is not expected to hold out into training camp or the regular season. Multiple teammates, including tight end Mark Andrews and cornerback Marlon Humphrey, said they’ve been in touch with Jackson and he’ll be ready when it counts.

Due to Jackson’s absences last season, Tyler Huntley got more work with the first-team offense and will act as the starter for now. Former Oregon quarterback Anthony Brown signed as an undrafted free agent following the 2022 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Nov 14, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; General view of a CBS sports sideline camera prior to the game between the against the Philadelphia Eagles against the Denver Broncos at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports

Report: NFL preparing to launch streaming service in July

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The NFL will soon be exploring yet another revenue stream, as the league is set to launch its own streaming service in July, per a report Wednesday from Sports Business Journal.

“NFL Plus” would charge customers in the range of $5 a month, with live games streaming to tablets and phones being the primary selling point.

Still, those games would be limited to games fans can already receive in their local markets, which calls into question how valuable a service this might actually be for many fans.

From the NFL’s perspective, having access to monthly subscriptions dollars as well as customer data is a highly appealing prospect. But it remains to be seen what other content in addition to games will be available to draw fan interest.

Possibilities listed by SBJ include podcasts, radio and various team-produced pieces of content.

Multiple media outlets have further speculated that the league may also house its “Sunday Ticket” package within the new format, though the league is currently bidding that package out.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers defensive tackle Tyler Lancaster (95) fends off a block while tackling Minnesota Vikings running back Dalvin Cook (33) for a three-yard loss during the first quarter of their game Sunday, November 21, 2021 at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, Minn. The Minnesota Vikings beat the Green Bay Packers 34-31. Mjs Packers22 12 Jpg Packers22

Raiders sign DL Tyler Lancaster

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The Las Vegas Raiders signed defensive lineman Tyler Lancaster on Wednesday.

Terms were not announced.

Lancaster, 27, played the last four seasons in Green Bay. He recorded 110 tackles in 59 career games (21 starts) for the Packers, who signed him as an undrafted free agent in 2018 out of Northwestern.

Last season he had a career-high 31 tackles and three tackles for loss in 16 games (three starts).

Lancaster played the 2021 season on a one-year contract worth $1.25 million.

–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

Ravens not speaking for no-show QB Lamar Jackson

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Perennial Pro Bowl quarterbacks and players with contract talks on deck are not always expected at voluntary offseason workouts.

That’s the position of Ravens head coach John Harbaugh as Baltimore opens organized team activities.

“We’ve been down this road many times through the years,” Harbaugh said. “I’ll just let Lamar speak for himself on that.”

Jackson replied on social media to a message about the start of OTAs that was composed on the team’s Twitter feed. “Can’t wait to get back,” the QB wrote.

The last time the Ravens had a Pro Bowl passer in a contract year, Joe Flacco opted to bet on himself and wound up landing a massive deal to become the highest-paid player in NFL history in 2013 (six years, $120.6 million, $52 million guaranteed).

Jackson, 25, is set to play the 2022 season on his fifth-year option worth $23.016 million. That annual average salary is 15th in the NFL among projected starting quarterbacks according to USA Today. Jimmy Garoppolo is expected to be traded by the 49ers but has a 2022 salary over $27 million.

Waiting might be the hard part for Baltimore, but the payoff might outweigh the risk if Jackson delivers on the field this season.

Top quarterback salaries exploded again in the offseason with seven players at the position, including Derek Carr (Raiders) and Matthew Stafford (Rams), now over the $40-million annual average.

Harbaugh and Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said following the NFL draft, the team is prepared to negotiate with Jackson, but said contract talks are not a priority at this time. Jackson said his only focus is the Super Bowl.

While waiting, the market could shift dramatically again on the Ravens. Three recent deals — Patrick Mahomes with the Chiefs, Deshaun Watson with the Browns and Aaron Rodgers with the Packers — all pay more than $45 million per year. The salary-database site Spotrac projected Jackson’s present annual value at $43.7 million.

As for when the timing will be right for a Ravens-Jackson deal, Harbaugh said it’s not for him to decide.

“It’s up to him,” Harbaugh said.

Cornerback Marlon Humphrey said he talked to Jackson and knows he plans to join the team when it matters.

“If it was training camp, it would be really bad. But I think as long as guys are working, no matter where they are, that’s the key,” Humphrey said. “We’ll be really excited to get him out here.”

Jackson had a combined 18 interceptions over his first three seasons before throwing 13 picks in 12 games of 2021. He had 16 touchdown passes last season, a steep decline from his 2019 MVP total of 36.

He had 767 rushing yards and two touchdowns last season after back-to-back 1,000-yard rushing seasons.

Tight end Mark Andrews said he sees a bounceback season coming from Jackson.

“I know Lamar. I’ve talked with him. I know how hard he’s working,” Andrews said. “I know he’s extremely motivated, extremely hungry. So there’s no worries over there.”

–Field Level Media

Apr 2, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Colin Kaepernick passes during halftime at the Michigan Spring game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Raiders host QB Colin Kaepernick for workout

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The Las Vegas Raiders hosted quarterback Colin Kaepernick for a workout Wednesday, ESPN and NFL Network reported.

Kaepernick, 34, last played in the NFL in 2016, the year in which he took a knee during the national anthem as a protest against racism and police brutality.

While Kaepernick had continually expressed a desire to play again, and even met with the Seattle Seahawks in 2017, he was not given an on-field opportunity by NFL teams. In 2020, commissioner Roger Goodell pleaded with teams to give the Nevada product another chance.

“Well, listen, if he wants to resume his career in the NFL, then obviously it’s gonna take a team to make that decision,” Goodell told ESPN at the time. “But I welcome that, support a club making that decision, and encourage them to do that.”

Kaepernick has thrown for 12,271 career yards and 72 touchdowns against 30 interceptions, completing 59.8 percent of his passes. He’s also rushed for 2,300 yards and 13 scores. He led the 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII following the 2012 season.

In March, Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Tyler Lockett offered to run routes for Kaepernick during his private workouts. Kaepernick had just posted to social media that he missed working with NFL-caliber wide receivers when Lockett made himself available.

Last month, Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh offered Kaepernick a chance to work out during halftime of the Wolverines’ spring game. The 15-minute session was broadcast on Big Ten Network.

At the time, Kaepernick again expressed the desire to work out for an NFL team.

“I can help make you a better team, I can help you win games,” Kaepernick told WXYZ Detroit. “I know right now the situation likely won’t allow me to come in, step into a starting role. I know I’ll be able to work my way to that though and show that very quickly.

“So to the teams that have questions, more than anything I would say I’d love to come in for a work out. I’d love to sit down with you and have that conversation about how I could help you be a better team.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 19, 2021; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Las Vegas Raiders head coach Jon Gruden looks on from the sidelines against the Pittsburgh Steelers during the second quarter at Heinz Field. Las Vegas won 26-17. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Nevada judge rejects dismissal, Gruden vs. NFL case cleared for trial

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Former Las Vegas Raiders coach Jon Gruden’s case against the NFL and commissioner Roger Goodell can move forward, a Nevada judge ruled Wednesday.

District Court Judge Nancy Allf also denied a Motion to Compel the case into binding arbitration under the terms of Gruden’s NFL contract. Attorneys for the NFL and Goodell presented their positions separately on each motion, clearing the case to proceed via trial.

Gruden was present in court but did not take questions, offering a brief comment while exiting the courtroom: “We are going to let the process take care of itself. Good luck to the Raiders. Go Raiders.”

Barring other issues or a settlement between parties, moving forward with the case opens the possibility of the legal discovery phase and bring public parts, or all of the investigation, into the Washington NFL franchise.

Gruden resigned as head coach of the Raiders in October following backlash from racially-charged and insensitive email messages. Gruden claims the messages that were all dated to previous years were leaked by the NFL as part of an “orchestrated” and “malicious” campaign.

Gruden filed his lawsuit in the district court of Nevada’s Clark County in November.

The two-time Raiders coach had six seasons remaining on a 10-year contract worth $100 million.

Messages published by the Wall Street Journal and other outlets were captured by the NFL as part of an investigation into the culture of the Commanders — then known as the Washington Football Team. Many of the messages reported to be from Gruden were sent to team president Bruce Allen, who also had roots with the Raiders and worked with Gruden in Oakland.

Following Gruden’s resignation, Raiders owner Mark Davis called for the NFL to release all details related to the WFT investigation. Commissioner Roger Goodell said the NFL had no plans to make the breadth of the findings or additional email messages public.

The New York Times published details of a series of messages from Gruden with misogynistic and anti-gay language.

The NFL’s position in the Nevada filing points to Gruden not denying the legitimacy of the messages or claiming that they were somehow altered or edited.

“Gruden does not, and cannot, dispute that he wrote the published emails. He does not, and cannot, dispute that he sent those emails to multiple parties,” the NFL filing states. “Nor does he claim that they were somehow altered or edited and that the repugnant views espoused in them were not in fact expressed by him. Instead, Gruden filed the instant complaint against the NFL and the commissioner, painting himself as the victim in a fictional story and seeking money through baseless claims against the NFL.”

–Field Level Media

Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) during pregame at TIAA Bank Field in Jacksonville, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022. Nfl Indianapolis Colts At Jacksonville Jaguars

Report: Colts CB Kenny Moore sits seeking new contract

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Indianapolis Colts cornerback Kenny Moore is unhappy with his contract and not participating in OTA practices, the Indianapolis Star reported Wednesday.

The practices are voluntary, meaning Moore cannot be fined for staying away.

Moore, 26, has two years remaining on a four-year, $33.3 million contract he signed prior to the 2019 season.

His average salary of $8.325 million ranks 27th among NFL cornerbacks, according to overthecap.com.

Moore earned his first Pro Bowl selection last season with a career-high 102 tackles, four interceptions and 13 passes defensed in 17 games (16 starts).

Undrafted in 2017, Moore has registered 14 interceptions, four forced fumbles and seven sacks in 75 games (61 starts) with the Colts.

–Field Level Media

NFL Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper

Report: Broncos LB Jonathon Cooper to have finger surgery

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Denver Broncos linebacker Jonathon Cooper will have surgery Thursday to repair a tendon in his left ring finger, 9News reported Wednesday.

He sustained the injury during the Broncos’ OTA practice on Monday and will likely miss the remainder of the offseason program, per the report.

Cooper, 24, is expected to be ready by training camp.

A seventh-round pick in 2021, Cooper appeared in 16 games (five starts) as a rookie and contributed 38 tackles, seven quarterback hits, 2.5 sacks and one fumble recovery.

–Field Level Media