Tag: Maye

Browns quarterback Josh Dobbs warms up before playing the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Oct. 9, 2022 in Cleveland.

Patriots sign QB Josh Dobbs

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The New England Patriots officially have their new backup quarterback, signing journeyman Joshua Dobbs on Tuesday.

The team did not disclose terms, but it was originally reported last week to be a two-year, $8 million contract with $3.8 million fully guaranteed, per NFL Network.

Dobbs will back up Drake Maye in New England after Jacoby Brissett left for the Arizona Cardinals earlier this month.

Dobbs, 30, spent last season with the San Francisco 49ers. He took over late in their Week 17 game against the Detroit Lions when Brock Purdy left with an injury and started in Week 18 against the Arizona Cardinals. He went a combined 32-for-47 for 361 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions plus two rushing touchdowns in those appearances.

Stints as a backup for Pittsburgh (2018, 2020) and Tennessee (2022) led him to seize on some unlikely opportunities in 2023.

The Arizona Cardinals acquired him from the Cleveland Browns just before the season to be their starter while Kyler Murray continued to rehab from an ACL tear. After eight starts, he was traded to the Minnesota Vikings and made four starts for them after a season-ending Achilles injury to Kirk Cousins.

In 23 career appearances (3-12 record in 15 starts), Dobbs has completed 62.7 percent of his passes for 3,281 yards, 17 TDs and 15 interceptions. He has added 520 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on the ground.

–Field Level Media

Aug 19, 2021; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New England Patriots offensive coordinator Josh McDaniels against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Josh McDaniels returning for third stint as Pats’ OC

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Josh McDaniels is heading back to New England for his third tour as the Patriots’ offensive coordinator, several reports said Tuesday.

McDaniels, 48, will take over an offense quarterbacked by rising sophomore Drake Maye on new coach Mike Vrabel’s first staff in Foxborough, Mass.

McDaniels spent 2001-08 and 2012-21 on the Patriots’ staff in a variety of roles, first rising to the offensive coordinator post in 2006. He was a part of all six Super Bowl titles of the Bill Belichick era.

He is also known for a pair of failed stints as a head coach. He was fired by the Denver Broncos 12 games into his second season with the team in 2010 and had history repeat itself eight games into his second season leading the Las Vegas Raiders in 2023.

McDaniels did not coach anywhere in 2024, with Sports Illustrated reporting that he spent the year “evolving” his offense after spending time around various NFL and college teams.

In his most recent season as New England’s offensive coordinator, 2021, the Patriots ranked sixth in the NFL in scoring and 15th in yards per game. That was Mac Jones’ rookie year, when he was named a Pro Bowler; he regressed in the following years without McDaniels and was eventually traded to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Maye, 22, threw for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 13 appearances (12 starts) as a rookie after being selected No. 3 overall in the 2024 draft.

The Patriots went 4-13 and fired Jerod Mayo after one season as their coach following Belichick.

–Field Level Media

Oct 27, 2024; Inglewood, California, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Jake Haener (3) throws against the Los Angeles Chargers during the second half at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 15

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It’s not a full Sunday slate of NFL action with two Monday night matchups, but it is going to be a busy day with plenty of player props to choose from among the games scheduled.

In an effort to make betting on them easier, we’ve done a deep dive into each game, looking for the best ones.

What is “best” is in the eye of the bettor, of course. But here are 10 of our favorite NFL player props from the Week 15 slate. (The following are in no particular order. Odds are from FanDuel unless otherwise indicated).

Commanders vs. Saints

Jake Haener, QB, New Orleans Saints O/U 188.5 Passing Yards -113/-113

The Saints’ passing game was mediocre on its best days, especially since Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed went on injured reserve. And now a former fourth-round pick, Haener, is set to get his first NFL start on Sunday vs. a decent Washington defense.

The Commanders’ defense will smell blood in the water against an inexperienced quarterback. Haener got his most significant action to date on Oct. 27 against the Chargers, against whom he went 9 of 17 for 122 yards.

Take the UNDER.

Alvin Kamara, O/U 16.5 Rushing Attempts +100/-130 (BetMGM)

Kamara has logged 17-plus rushing attempts in four of his past five games. Since Washington ranks toward the bottom in rushing yards allowed per game, there is a good chance the Saints give him the ball a few more times.

Take the OVER.

Patriots vs. Cardinals

Drake Maye, O/U 20.5 Pass Completions -128/-102

Maye has completed at least 22 passes in five of his past seven games. Of the two times he was under in that span, he left one game early due to a concussion, and in the other (vs. Chicago), the New England defense took center stage and he didn’t need to throw much. Opposing quarterbacks have completed 21-plus passes vs. the Cardinals in eight straight games.

Take the OVER.

Kyler Murray, O/U 223.5 Passing Yards -120/-110 (DraftKings)

Murray has had some ups and downs this season, but he has been “up” for his past four games, throwing for 266, 285, 260 and 259 yards. With the run game not doing well in recent weeks, he attempted 24, 37, 45 and 38 passes in those games, respectively.

However, the Cardinals lost the past three games and they were trying to come from behind. That may not be the case this week. Still, since their run game is struggling and the Patriots’ defense has been mediocre against the pass, he will throw enough to go OVER this total.

Take the OVER.

Ravens vs. Giants

Justice Hill, O/U 15.5 Rushing Yards at -113/-113

If you look at his stat lines for this season, the UNDER looks like a terrific play. He has gone UNDER that total in seven of his past eight games. With Derrick Henry and Lamar Jackson carrying the bulk of the load, that makes sense.

However, if this game becomes the blowout it is expected to be, the Ravens will pull Henry early enough in the second half. With three games in 11 days this late in the season, the Ravens will want to give their star running back a break to preserve him for future games.

Don’t be shocked if Hill plays the entire fourth quarter, if not most of the second half.

Take the OVER.

Dolphins vs. Texans

Tua Tagovailoa, O/U 264.5 Passing Yards at -113/-113

O/U 1.5 Passing Touchdowns at -128/-102

The Texans possess one of those defenses where the stats do not paint an accurate picture of just how good they are. Overall, they rank seventh in pass defense this season, allowing 198.8 yards per game.

Even so, Jacksonville’s Mac Jones threw for 235 yards and almost completed an incredible second-half comeback in Houston’s most recent game. Before that, Tennessee’s Will Levis threw for 278 yards against the Texans, Cooper Rush threw for 354 yards and Detroit’s Jared Goff threw for 240 yards despite throwing five interceptions.

Tagovailoa has thrown for 300-plus yards in each of his past three games and had 288 in the one before that span. He has found his rhythm, and with the run game struggling, he is throwing a lot. Even if it looks sketchy for him in the first half, he will go OVER this total in the second half.

Take the OVER.

As for his touchdown total, Houston has given up 26 passing touchdowns this season, tied for the most in the NFL. Tagovailoa has thrown for two or more in each of his past four games. It would be a surprise if he did not throw at least two TD passes in this game.

Take the OVER.

Tyreek Hill, O/U 71.5 Receiving Yards at -113/-113

It has not been an excellent year for Hill, but he and Tagovailoa have formed a top connection the past two games. Hill was targeted 23 times in that stretch and caught 16 for 198 yards. The Texans may try to take him away, but they don’t have the personnel to do that. He may not do it until the fourth quarter, but Hill will go OVER 71.5 yards.

Take the OVER.

De’Von Achane, O/U 47.5 Rushing Yards at -113/-113

Houston has a decent run defense, and Achane has struggled to get the run game on track for the Dolphins no matter what team they face. He has gone over 47.5 yards just once in his past five games.

He will probably not go over it in this game because Miami will be too busy throwing the ball against the Texans’ defense.

Take the UNDER.

Nico Collins, O/U 88.5 Receiving Yards at -113/-113

Collins has improved with each game since returning from a five-game injury absence, culminating in an eight-reception, 119-yard day against the Jaguars. C.J. Stroud likely will try to target him 10 to 15 times in this game. As long as Collins catches half, he will go OVER 71.5 yards.

Take the OVER.

–Field Level Media

Nov 24, 2024; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) drops back to pass against the Kansas City Chiefs during the second half at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jim Dedmon-Imagn Images

Top 10 Player Props For NFL Week 13

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This time of year can be difficult for bettors. It is not unusual for a struggling NFL team to play well for a day and keep it close against a better team. But if taking such a bet does not sound like a good idea, give one (or more) of the hundreds of player props a try.

With three games on Thanksgiving and another on Black Friday, there are fewer games than usual. However, there are still hundreds of NFL player props available. To help you decide which to bet on, here is our top 10 list of player props for Sunday’s Week 13 slate.

NFL Week 13: Player Props

Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals

Pat Freiermuth, four-plus receptions at +194 (FanDuel)

Freiermuth had four last week in the loss to the Browns and at least that many in each of the first four games of the season. But against a passing team like the Bengals, the Steelers will likely need every weapon in their arsenal to keep up with the Cincinnati passing game. The Bengals’ defense has taken it relatively easy on tight ends this year. So, whether the Steelers are trying to catch up or control the ball, there is a good chance Freiermuth plays a bigger part than usual and makes four-plus receptions.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Carolina Panthers

Bryce Young, O/U 195.5 at -114/-114 (FanDuel)

Those of us who have not paid much attention to the Carolina Panthers this season might be surprised to hear that Bryce Young has been playing pretty well since returning to the starting lineup. He’s thrown for 200-plus yards in two of his past four games and is completing 60-plus percent of his passes. Tampa Bay has a solid run defense. Since the Bucs will probably throw early and often, the Panthers will need Young to throw the ball to catch up and/or be competitive. With how well Young is playing right now, we’ll take the OVER.

Indianapolis Colts vs. New England Patriots

Drake Maye, O/U 220.5 passing yards at -115/-115 (DraftKings)

Maye threw for more than 220 passing yards against the Rams and Dolphins, two solid defenses, in his past two games. The Colts’ defense ranks No. 27 in pass defense and has seen opponents average 34 pass attempts and 231.7 yards per game over the past three. Maye has averaged right around 34 attempts and 230 yards over his past three. Take the OVER.

Los Angeles Rams vs. New Orleans Saints

Kyren Williams, O/U 19.5 rushing attempts at -102/-128 (FanDuel)
O/U 82.5 rushing yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)
O/U 11.5 receiving yards (DraftKings)

Williams had 16, 15, and 15 carries the past three weeks but had 20-plus in the previous four and has averaged 18.8 per game this season. But he’ll be facing a New Orleans Saints team that has seen opponents run the ball 26.7 times per game and 27.8 at home. The Rams tend to run a little less on the road, but they are fighting to remain in the playoff conversation (just like the Saints). To that end, they’ll put the ball in the hands of their playmaker rather than spread the touches among multiple backs.

New Orleans has been giving up 134.2 yards per game on the ground but has been especially weak against the run at home (163.2 yards per game). Wiliams has gone for over 82.5 yards in three of the five games in which he had 20-plus carries.
But against a Saints team giving up 160-plus at home, take the OVER.

Williams has not been targeted in the passing game the past two weeks (three total). In the eight games where he had at least one catch, he finished with under 11.5 yards in three. He is not a priority in the passing game. Take the UNDER.

Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

C.J. Stroud, O/U 259.5 passing yards at -115/-115 (BetMGM)
Tank Dell, O/U 51.5 receiving yards at -113/-113 (FanDuel)
O/U 4.5 receptions at +130/-170 (FanDuel)
Nico Collins, O/U longest reception 26.5 yards at -130/+100 (BetMGM)

This should be the ‘get-right’ game C.J. Stroud and the Texans have needed for weeks. Jacksonville has overtaken the Ravens as the worst pass defense in the NFL. Stroud has gone over 259.5 passing yards just once in Houston’s past seven games.

But opponents are averaging 278.3 yards per game this season and close to 300 over the past three games. If Stroud can’t go off against this team with the talent at his disposal …

Tank Dell has gone over 51.5 yards in both games with Nico Collins back in the lineup. But against a Jacksonville defense that has allowed an average of 13.5 receptions for 183.5 yards, Dell should see a few more targets.

Collins will be the primary receiver, of course, but Dell could still see balls thrown his way and that should be enough for him to go OVER both marks. As for Collins, he has had a reception of 28-plus yards in every game but one. Jacksonville has given up 52 pass plays of 20-plus yards and nine of 40-plus.

Take the OVER.

–Field Level Media

Nov 3, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) against the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Rookie quarterbacks clash as Patriots take on Bears

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A meeting with the host Chicago Bears on Sunday afternoon will carry more meaning than the typical regular-season game for New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye.

Maye, selected third overall in this year’s draft, is set to go up against No. 1 overall pick and fellow signal-caller Caleb Williams in a battle of friends turned foes. The two became familiar with each other before breaking into the NFL, but Maye will try to treat Sunday like business as usual.

“I think both as rookies, coming out as quarterbacks, you spend a lot of time with those guys. You see them, some on visits, some at the combine. Really, with Caleb, I’ve seen him since high school,” Maye said. “We kept up with each other in college. We were friends, and I enjoyed watching him do his thing.

“Now I get a chance to compete. So anytime you’re going against a rookie quarterback in the same class, or any quarterback in your class in general, it’s a little extra.”

Both quarterbacks have already had to face their fair share of adversity, with Maye owning a 1-3 record as a starter while Williams is 4-4.

Most of the trouble that Williams and the Bears (4-4) have run into came over the past two games. Chicago was blown out 29-9 by the Arizona Cardinals last Sunday after falling 18-15 to the Washington Commanders on Oct. 27.

A third straight loss wouldn’t sit right with Bears coach Matt Eberflus.

“Whenever you lose two in a row in the NFL, there’s always a heightened sense of urgency because you have to get that win column back,” Eberflus said. “That was no different than early in the year when we lost a couple in a row. It’s really the same. We have to find answers and find solutions to where we are right now.

“We move in the right direction for three weeks, and then the last couple, we have to make sure we find answers right now moving into this week.”

New England (2-7) nearly pulled off a miracle last Sunday, forcing overtime against the Tennessee Titans when Maye escaped multiple defenders to lob a game-tying 5-yard touchdown pass to Rhamondre Stevenson on the final play of regulation. The extra point made it 17-17.

However, Nick Folk booted a 25-yard field goal to put Tennessee in front in the extra session, then Maye threw a game-ending pick three plays later.

It was the third turnover of the contest for Maye, who knows that he has to be sharper against Chicago.

“I think the Bears’ defense, they’re always going to be a physical defense,” Maye said. “They’re good up front. They have some good edge guys. I feel like every D-line has got some good guys on the edge. They’re going to go after the football; we’re preaching ball security.”

The Patriots could be without safety Kyle Dugger (ankle) and linebacker Christian Elliss (abdomen) on Sunday. Both players missed practice on Wednesday, while defensive end Keion White (knee) was among those limited.

Six injured Bears missed practice on Wednesday, including safety Jaquan Brisker (concussion), defensive tackle Andrew Billings (pectoral) and defensive back Jaylon Jones (shoulder). Defensive end Montez Sweat (shin) practiced in a limited capacity, as did four others.

–Field Level Media

Sep 29, 2024; Santa Clara, California, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) during warmups before the game against the San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Neville E. Guard-Imagn Images

Patriots tout new QB1 Drake Maye’s ability to make ‘plays you see on TV’

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Rookie quarterback Drake Maye became the best option at the position for the Patriots due to modest gains made by New England during a 1-4 start with Jacoby Brissett as QB1.

The No. 3 pick in the 2024 draft, Maye was informed he would make his first career start after the Patriots lost a fourth consecutive game and failed to score 14 points for the third straight week. New England has five total touchdowns and 62 points in five games to open Jerod Mayo’s first season as head coach.

“Something you dream of, getting your first start in the NFL,” Maye said Wednesday. “So excited to get out there with the guys, take advantage of having the full week to get prepared and try to put my best foot forward and help the team win.”

The Patriots welcome the Houston Texans (4-1), who have won back-to-back games by scoring on the final possession. New England is looking to avoid losing five consecutive games for the second season in a row.

Houston leads the NFL in QB pressure rate at 42 percent and limited Bills quarterback Josh Allen to nine completions in 30 attempts last week. In his five starts in 2024, Brissett was sacked 17 times but threw only one interception.

“Going forward, I think now Drake gives us the best chance to win now and going forward,” Mayo said Wednesday. “He’s been getting better every single week as I said before. At the end of training camp, he actually was trending at a very high rate, and that has continued through the early part of the season.

“Physically, look, this guy definitely gives us a chance to kind of get some of those off-schedule plays that you guys always see on TV.”

–Field Level Media

Jun 12, 2024; Foxborough, MA, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Drake Maye (10) and quarterback Jacob y Brissett (14) throw passes at minicamp at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Eric Canha-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots coach: ‘Drake has outplayed Jacoby’

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Patriots coach Jerod Mayo said rookie Drake Maye “outplayed” veteran Jacoby Brissett in the preseason but he is still not ready to name a starting quarterback.

“What I will say is this is a true competition and I would say, at this current point, Drake has outplayed Jacoby,” the New England coach said during Monday morning’s appearance on WEEI. “Now, in saying that, we have to take in the full body of work, going all the way back to the spring and beginning of training camp. And, we’ll see where we end up. But, those are the conversations that will happen here over the next couple of days.”

Maye, the No. 3 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, completed 61.8 percent of his passes for 192 yards and a touchdown in three preseason games. Brissett completed just 35.7 percent of his attempts for 36 yards and an interception.

Maye also rushed seven times for 34 yards and a touchdown.

During a conference call with reporters Monday, Mayo said he hopes to name a starter “over the next couple of days.”

“I think there are multiple factors that kind of have to go into this decision,” Mayo said. “One is the total body of work, whether we’re talking about the spring or the entirety of training camp. And now, I’d also say oftentimes we forget about just the overall experience that a guy like Jacoby has, which will also be weighted in the decision that we have to make here in the near future.

“But I’m happy with the way those guys are battling it out, and hopefully over the next couple of days, we can name the starter and get the season rolling.”

The Patriots open the regular season on the road against the Cincinnati Bengals on Sept. 8.

The Pittsburgh Steelers are the only other NFL team that had not named a starting quarterback as of Monday morning.

–Field Level Media

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams joins Bears as QBs go 1-2-3 at NFL draft

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Led by Southern California signal-caller Caleb Williams, three quarterbacks proved to be the top three picks at the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night in Detroit.

The Chicago Bears made Williams the No. 1 overall pick. He became the second USC quarterback drafted with the top pick, joining Carson Palmer (2003, Cincinnati Bengals).

“To be able to be here, it’s an honor,” Williams said on NFL Network after the Bears called his name. “I’m very privileged.”

After winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy, Williams passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Trojans in 2023.

The Washington Commanders followed by drafting LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall. Daniels won the Heisman last season, when he threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions while adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scores.

“I’m here to get to work,” Daniels said on the broadcast. “… I’m a competitor, a hard worker. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates.”

At No. 3, the New England Patriots turned down trade suitors and kept the pick to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder passed for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.

“Let’s go,” Maye said on the broadcast. “I’m ready to go compete. I’m ready to get to New England. We’re going to have a blast.”

The early sequence marked the fourth time in NFL history that teams have selected quarterbacks with each of the top three picks. It also happened in 1971, 1999 and 2021, when Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance went in the top three.

The Arizona Cardinals added Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth pick. Harrison, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., has drawn comparisons to legendary Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald Jr.

Harrison Jr. said he was confident that he would be the first wideout selected.

“I just had trust in my abilities,” he said on the broadcast. “I worked so hard to get to this point.”

At No. 5, the Los Angeles Chargers bolstered their offensive line by selecting Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt. It marked the first pick under new coach Jim Harbaugh.

The New York Giants picked the second wideout of the draft when they added playmaker Malik Nabers from LSU with the sixth overall pick.

–Field Level Media

Nov 25, 2023; Raleigh, North Carolina, USA; North Carolina Tar Heels quarterback Drake Maye (10) throws a pass against the North Carolina State Wolfpack during the first half at Carter-Finley Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rob Kinnan-USA TODAY Sports

Commanders set meetings with QBs Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels

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One final pre-draft meeting between the Commanders and quarterback prospects Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels is scheduled for next week with the franchise expected to choose a player at that position in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft on April 25.

When Washington follows the Chicago Bears and is on the clock with the No. 2 pick, the Commanders are widely expected to draft a quarterback. The No. 1-ranked prospect at the position, Southern California’s Caleb Williams, is a local product that Washington will not likely have the chance to pick.

But Maye (North Carolina) and Daniels (LSU) are considered prizes in their own right.

Daniels, the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner, met with Washington team officials and coaches around his pro day in Baton Rouge. He’s scheduled to take his final pre-draft visit with the Commanders on Monday.

Maye met with Commanders coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters before his pro day in Chapel Hill, N.C.

The Commanders cleaned house after finishing 4-13, one spot in the draft ahead of the QB-needy New England Patriots at No. 3.

Washington traded 2023 starting quarterback Sam Howell and signed veteran Marcus Mariota, putting the Commanders in position to draft a quarterback in the first round for the third time since 2012, when they drafted Robert Griffin III at No. 2 overall.

Howell was a fifth-round selection, while Maye was a teammate at North Carolina. Maye was a freshman in 2021, Howell’s final season with the Tar Heels.

Kirk Cousins, drafted by the Mike Shanahan regime the same year Washington selected Griffin, was the 102nd pick in 2012.

–Field Level Media

USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) and head coach Lincoln Riley watch the game from the sideline during the Spring Game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports

Passing prototype: Does USC QB Caleb Williams check enough boxes?

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INDIANAPOLIS — Agent-less quarterbacks are an anomaly in the NFL, but Southern California’s Caleb Williams turned pro with the intent of not hiring the typical certified player representative.

With contracts for draft picks slotted for length and salary terms under the Collective Bargaining Agreement, Williams would be left with only peripheral details to iron out with his first football employer after the 2024 NFL Draft in April. Offset language, which boils down to the responsibility to pay for a draft pick who is released but signs with another team, has been a sticking point in some negotiations but one NFL personnel director said the contractual elements in play are “not abundantly complex because they’re based on league guardrails, limits and precedent” for top draft picks.

With no conduit between team and player, the dynamic changes significantly in negotiations with free agents.

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta negotiated two landmark agreements with two marquee self-represented free agents in 2023. Baltimore signed linebacker Roquan Smith to a five-year, $100 million contract and quarterback Lamar Jackson to a five-year, $260 million contract. DeCosta and the Ravens applied the franchise tag to Jackson just over a year ago, and admitted there was potential for talks to get sticky when negotiating directly with players.

“When you deal with an agent, sometimes you’re able to speak very freely — position yourself a certain way. You have different arguments that you can use that maybe you wouldn’t say to a player. So, I think that’s part of it,” DeCosta said.

Williams is not working out with quarterbacks at Lucas Oil Stadium on Saturday but will hold a pro day in March. He is scheduled to hold a press conference Friday morning.

Widely regarded as the presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Williams spoke on the record for the first time about his potential landing spots in an ESPN interview on Tuesday.

Another question that has been underplayed to date is whether teams are confident in Williams’ size. Listed at 6-foot-1, he’s not the traditional prototype at the position. Will his height be important to the Bears and Washington Commanders, who are in the QB market and have the No. 2 pick in the draft?

It depends on the buyer. Bryce Young, drafted No. 1 by the Carolina Panthers last April, measured 5-10 1/8, 204 pounds at the combine. Kyler Murray was the top pick in the 2019 draft, but the Arizona Cardinals’ quarterback is the same height as Young.

Broncos head coach Sean Payton coached undersized Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks Drew Brees in New Orleans and Russell Wilson in Denver last season and said 6-2 is the baseline starting point for some NFL teams.

“Are you drafting prototype with the first pick of the draft? Some places I’ve been where you just have to be and that’s one of those that varies per team, per organization,” Payton said, adding that the Young-C.J. Stroud debate is “not new. The Manning-Leaf debate that goes back. There’s a lot of reports torn up after that selection process. And so it repeats itself and you really want to turn over the stones. And this is for me where analytics really comes into play a lot in the procurement of player.”

–Field Level Media