Tag: 2019 nfl

Countdown to 2020 Miami: Super Bowl I

With all 32 NFL teams just weeks away from reporting for training camp, the 2019 NFL season is just around the corner. And it’s never too early to begin counting down to Super Bowl LIV in sunny Miami, Florida, right? We being with a look back at the game that began it all — Super Bowl I.

The Very First Super Bowl

Played between on the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers on January 15, 1976, Super Bowl I officially kicked off the annual championship game at none other than the L.A. Memorial Coliseum in Los Angeles, California. Nearly 62,000 fans were in attendance for the first ever Super Bowl, the same city that will play host to Super Bowl LVI in 2022.

An exciting game, the Chiefs would jump out to a quick lead and take control of the game in the early going. However, in the second half, things would pull a little more even thanks to a 50-yard interception return for touchdown by Packers defensive back Willie Wood, and a unforgettable performance by Packers quarterback Bart Starr.

Starr would go on to be named Super Bowl I MVP, and eventually lead the Packers to a 35-10 victory, throwing for two touchdowns and completing 16 of his 23 passing attempts.

An interesting note about the very first Super Bowl is that it was broadcast nationally by two networks simultaneously, being shown on both NBC and CBS in 1967. There was no flashy halftime performer or performance, but rather fans were entertained at halftime by a mix of various college bands and musicians from the universities of both Arizona and Michigan.

 

 

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Road to Super Bowl 54: Offseason Headlines (Week of 6/21)

With the busiest part of the NFL’s offseason behind us, we enter the home stretch of the quiet summer months before we open for training camps. A quick roundup of some of the most newsworthy stories around the league from the week ending with June 21st, 2019.

Broncos to honor late owner Pat Bowlen

“The Denver Broncos are planning several ways to honor team owner Pat Bowlen , who died last week at 75 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s just two months shy of his enshrinement into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.”

Read the rest of the story from ESPN.com

Falcons confident Julio Jones contract extension coming before training camp

“The Atlanta Falcons reportedly plan on keeping wide receiver Julio Jonesfor the foreseeable future.

According to ESPN’s Dianna Russini, the Falcons “are confident that they will agree to a long-term contract extension” with the Alabama product prior to the start of training camp. Jones would become an unrestricted free agent following the 2020 campaign under his current contract.

While Jones is 30 years old and may be on the back end of his prime, he has given the Falcons every reason to commit to him for more than just the two seasons left on his deal.”

Read the rest of the story from Bleacher Report’s Scott Polacek

Favre says Instagram account was hacked

“Matthew Stafford started 16 games in 2018. It was the eighth straight season he had done so but it was the first time he had thrown for fewer than 4,000 yards. And his 21 touchdowns was his second-lowest total during that stretch (he had 20 in 2012). Advanced metrics painted a similar picture; Stafford ranked 20th in total value and 21st in value per play among all quarterbacks, according to Football Outsiders.

We may now have a reasonable explanation as to why: “He had a broken back last year,” Mike O’Hara, who writes for the Lions‘ team site, said during a recent episode of his podcast with WJR’s Ken Brown (via MLive.com). “Broken bones in his back.”

NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport described the injury as “tiny fractures in his back.”

Read the rest of the story from CBS Sports’ Ryan Wilson

Jaguars, DB Ramsey won’t reach deal in 2019

“Is your favorite team in need of a veteran quarterback to fill out the roster? Are you looking for a champion and league MVP to add an experienced voice in your quarterback room?

Then, boy, do we have the quarterback for you!

Ladies and gentlemen, we present to you Brett Favre, the 49-year-old Hall of Famer who last played an NFL game in the 2010 season. This offseason, he could come to a team near you!

Favre later deleted the post and told TMZ Sports that he was hacked, so everybody can settle down.

The oldest player to ever appear in an NFL game was Hall of Fame quarterback George Blanda, who played until he was 48. If Favre attempted a comeback and actually made a team and played in a game—which obviously was never in the cards, but bear with us—he would be the oldest player in NFL history.”

Read the rest of the story from Bleacher Report’s Timothy Rapp

 

 

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Road to Super Bowl 54: Offseason Headlines (Week of 6/14)

While some leagues enter a quiet stretch each offseason, the NFL remains abuzz with signings, rumors and offseason storylines. A quick roundup of some of the most newsworthy stories around the league from the week ending with June 14th, 2019.

New-look Raiders to be featured on HBO’s “Hard Knocks”

“What is supposed to be their final training camp as the Oakland Raiders before next year’s planned move to Las Vegas will be documented like never before, as the team announced Tuesday that it will star in HBO’s “Hard Knocks” come August.

While owner Mark Davis and coach Jon Gruden have aired their displeasure at the notion of cameras peering into their privacy — Davis jokingly told ESPN in March that he would rather fire Gruden than subject the team to the voyeuristic show — both put up resigned faces.”

Read the rest of the story from ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez

New England Patriots file tampering charges against Houston Texans

“The Texans want to hire Bill Belichick’s right-hand man, Nick Caserio, as their new general manager after surprisingly firing Brian Gaine last week. The Patriots do not want to lose Caserio, their director of player personnel who operates as their de facto general manager.

The Texans’ interest in Caserio and the Patriots’ desire to keep Caserio officially clashed on Wednesday evening when the Patriots accused the Texans of breaking league tampering rules in their pursuit of Caserio.”

Read the rest of the story from CBS Sports’ Sean Wagner-McGough

Saints extend defensive pass rusher Cameron Jordan

“Cameron Jordan got an early 30th birthday present from the New Orleans Saints. On Tuesday afternoon, it was announced by ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the superstar defensive end was receiving a three-year, $52.5 million extension that would make him a Saint through 2023. The contract reportedly carries a maximum value of $55.5 million, with $42 million guaranteed.

Jordan, who won’t turn 30 until July 10, was quick to downplay the situation and jokingly say that nothing was theoretically signed during a post-practice press conference on the first day the team’s mandatory three-day minicamp. That’s Cam Jordan, in a nutshell, a box full of charisma.”

Read the rest of the story from Forbes’ John Hendrix

Jaguars, DB Ramsey won’t reach deal in 2019

“Jacksonville Jaguars cornerback Jalen Ramsey has been seeking an extension, but he has been told he won’t be getting one this offseason.

“I’m not down about it or anything like that,” Ramsey told reporters of the team’s decision Tuesday, according to Eugene Frenette of 930 The Game. “I’m blessed.”

He added, per The Athletic’s Daniel Popper: “The money is always there, my guy.”

Read the rest of the story from Bleacher Report’s Kyle Newport

 

 

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Road to Super Bowl 54: Offseason Headlines (Week of 5/27)

While some leagues enter a quiet stretch each offseason, the NFL remains abuzz with signings, rumors and offseason storylines. A quick roundup of some of the most newsworthy stories around the league from the week of May 27th, 2019.
 

Cowboys’ Jason Witten “anxious to go prove” he can still play

“Having spent a year away from the game in the Monday Night Football analyst chair, Dallas Cowboys tight end Jason Witten knows there are questions about his ability to continue to play at a high level.

“Look, it’s a show-me game and you’ve got to be able to find ways to get open and you’ve got to be able to find ways to play at the point of attack, and I’d want to see it from him,” Witten said. “I would want to see if they can do that … A lot of older players, as they got older, you hear them say, ‘This is the best I’ve felt.’ I think the year off helped me. I learned a lot. Also, I think I come back with a different perspective.”

Read the rest of the story from ESPN.com’s Todd Archer

Jets begin General Manager interviews

“Two weeks after firing Mike Maccagnan as general manager, the New York Jets are poised to begin the interview process for a replacement.

The Jets are expected to meet in the coming days with Seattle Seahawks co-director of player personnel Scott Fitterer, Chicago Bears assistant director of player personnel Champ Kelly and Philadelphia Eagles vice president of player personnel Joe Douglas, starting Thursday with Fitterer.”

Read the rest of the story from ESPN.com’s Rich Cimini

Free agent Gerald McCoy reportedly deciding between two teams, visiting a third

“Longtime Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive tackle Gerald McCoy, who was cut by the only team he’s ever played for earlier in May, has been taking free-agent visits this week. According to a report from NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, McCoy wrapped up his visit with the Baltimore Ravens on Wednesday, and will now decide whether to sign with the Ravens or Cleveland Browns — unless neither team offers him an agreeable contract.”

Read the rest of the story from CBS Sports’ Jared Dubin

Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles, wife Tori reveal family’s devastating news

“Tori Foles, wife of Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Nick Foles, announced in an emotional Instagram post Wednesday that the couple had miscarried.

Foles said that she went into “sudden labor” on Sunday while being only 15 weeks pregnant with the couple’s second child. She explained that she had been feeling ill and later learned she had contracted an infection of pneumonia in the blood.

“Not long after we learned we had miscarried our baby boy,” she wrote. “To fully labor and deliver and even see our baby boy was a pretty devastating process.”

Read the rest of the story from NBC News’ Doha Madani

 

 

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2019 Indianapolis Colts Schedule Preview: Weeks 6-10

The 2019 NFL season schedule is officially set, with each team knowing the road that they face if they want to contend for Super Bowl 54 in Miami. A closer look at the season schedule for the 2019 Indianapolis Colts squad.

Week 6: Bye Week

An early week of relief for the Colts, with a bye in the first half of the season.

Week 7: vs. Houston Texans | Oct. 20, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

The defending AFC South champions in 2018 (11-5), the division rival Houston Texans head to Lucas Oil Stadium for the first of two matchups against the Colts in 2019, in what is also a rematch of the 2018 NFL Wild Card matchup.

A relatively quiet offseason for the Texans, aside from franchise-tagging defensive pass rusher Jadeveon Clowney and signing of safety Tashaun Gipson from Jacksonville, the Texans hope the continued health of quarterback Deshaun Watson and the return of wide receiver Will Fuller will help them take that next step.
 
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Week 8: vs. Denver Broncos | Oct. 27, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS

Touting a roster-in-progress with plenty of upheaval in the 2019 offseason, the Denver Broncos come to town for a second-straight Colts home game (and three of four in weeks 6-10).

After trading for quarterback Joe Flacco from the Baltimore Ravens, the Broncos cut 2018 QB Case Keenum and drafted rookie Drew Lock out of Missouri. Also on the offensive front, the Broncos drafted standout Iowa tight end Noah Fant, and return playmakers like Emmanuel Sanders and Phillip Lindsay in an offense that could give the Colts defense a test.
 
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Week 9: @ Pittsburgh Steelers | Nov. 3, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS

Gone are the days of facing running back Le’Veon Bell and wide receiver Antonio Brown when facing the Pittsburgh Steelers, both leaving or being traded this past offseason. Instead, a revitalized Steelers roster is what the Colts will see when traveling to Heinz Field in Week 9.

With Bell sitting out the entirety of the 2018 season, the Steelers workhorse running back turned standout was James Conner, the rookie from the University of Pittsburgh. Wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster is ready to become the #1 receive he spent most of the 2018 season showing he could be, and the Steelers, always a tough matchup for the Colts, will look to continue building around quarterback Ben Roethlisberger.

 

Week 10: vs. Miami Dolphins | Nov. 10, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS

Quite a contrast for the Miami Dolphins from the 2018 to 2019 seasons, as the Colts will face a new quarterback and a rookie head coach at home in Week 10.

After the Cardinals drafted quarterback Kyler Murray with the #1 overall pick, the Dolphins made the trade for sophomore QB Josh Rosen to pair with new head coach Brian Flores, formerly of the New England Patriots, as well as signing signature NFL journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick.

Week 10 will also mark a special occasion for Indianapolis Colts fans, as former Super Bowl champion defensive pass rusher Dwight Freeney’s name will officially be inducted into the Lucas Oil Stadium ring of honor.
 
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2019 NFL Draft: Expert Picks 17-32

Just a little over a week away from the 2019 NFL Draft, and teams are preparing to add young talent to help their rosters take that next step towards Super Bowl 54 in 2020 in Miami. What do experts think will happen in the second half of the first round?

17. New York Giants (from Cleveland)

The pick: A.J. Brown, WR, Ole Miss — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“While he often played as a slot receiver in college, that was more a product of the system at Ole Miss. He also has the ability to win on the outside of the formation. Brown has excellent route-running skills, impressive speed (4.49 seconds) and great physicality at 226 pounds on his 6’0″ frame.”

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18. Minnesota Vikings

The pick: Cody Ford, OL, Oklahoma — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

“The 49ers would love to get an elite edge player to add to their defense. Bosa would be that.”

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19. Tennessee Titans

The pick: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Titans need to find out if Marcus Mariota is the long-term answer in Tennessee. Picking up a weapon for the middle of the field should help.”

—

20. Pittsburgh Steelers

The pick: Byron Murphy, CB, Washington — Charlie Casserly, NFL.com

“Murphy is an excellent technician at the position, helping to bolster the Steelers‘ secondary.”

—

21. Seattle Seahawks

The pick: Brian Burns, EDGE, Florida State — Charlie Casserly, NFL.com

“The Seahawks add a pass rusher opposite Frank Clark, who’s currently set to play the 2019 season on the franchise tag.”

—

22. Baltimore Ravens

The pick: Josh Jacobs, RB, Alabama — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Alabama’s Josh Jacobs is a power back with moves and soft hands. He’s a flawless receiver out of the backfield, and he has the patience, vision and agility to be a featured back in the Ravens’ scheme.”

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23. Houston Texans

The pick: Garrett Bradbury, OL, NC State — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Texans’ biggest priority of the offseason is to make sure quarterback Deshaun Watson is better protected in 2019.”

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24. Oakland Raiders (from Chicago)

The pick: Irv Smith Jr., TE, Alabama — Charlie Casserly, NFL.com

“Antonio Brown, Tyrell Williams and Irv Smith with Derek Carr! The Raiders have made a lot of moves this offseason to become a better football team.”

—

25. Philadelphia Eagles

The pick: Marquise Brown, WR, Oklahoma — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Offensive line depth could be a need, but the Eagles are signing many of their free agents there to keep the group together. With Brandon Graham back at defensive end and the offensive line intact, receiver becomes the biggest need. Brown is the best player left on the board to fill it.”

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26. Indianapolis Colts

The pick: Jeffery Simmons, DT, Mississippi State — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

“The Colts need a dominant player inside and Simmons has the tools to do that. Only a torn ACL in January is keeping him out of the top 10. ”

—

27. Oakland Raiders (from Dallas)

The pick: Johnathan Abram, S, Mississippi State — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Johnathan Abram is like Atlanta Falcons safety Keanu Neal all over again. He’s powerful, fast, smart and has the right tools to dominate the middle in coverage and take away the run.”

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28. Los Angeles Chargers

The pick: Dexter Lawrence, DL, Clemson — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Chargers are extremely talented, but the Bolts could use some help in the middle of their defense.”

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29. Kansas City Chiefs

The pick: Deandre Baker, DB, Georgia — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Baker might not have elite speed, which is why he’s on the board at No. 29, but he is good enough to win against the best in the SEC. He could be a No. 1 cornerback for the Chiefs.”

—

30. Green Bay Packers (from New Orleans)

The pick: Taylor Rapp, S, Washington — Charlie Casserly, NFL.com

“Safety was a major problem for the Packers last year, but Rapp and free-agent pickup Adrian Amosare the solution.”

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31. Los Angeles Rams

The pick: Dalton Risner, OL, Northwestern — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“Coming off a Super Bowl loss, the Rams must improve their aging offensive line.”

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32. New England Patriots

The pick: Trayvon Mullen, DB, Clemson — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Trayvon Mullen didn’t see a ton of targets in college since ACC quarterbacks avoided him, but when he was challenged, he made plays like the interception and sack that helped clinch a national title for the Tigers against Alabama. Mullen’s size (6’1″, 199 pounds) and speed (4.46-second 40) are intriguing enough without his playmaking skills. ”

 

 

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2019 NFL Draft: Expert Picks 1-16

The next step on the road to Super Bowl 54 in Miami, teams are hoping to land their perfect fit in the 2019 NFL Draft. What are the experts predicting will happen in the first half of the first round?

1. Arizona Cardinals

The pick: Kyler Murray, QB, Oklahoma — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Then-Texas Tech head coach Kliff Kingsbury recruited Murray to be his quarterback out of high school, as he’s the perfect fit for what Kingsbury wants to do offensively. If the Arizona Cardinals are brave enough to hire a head coach whose college alma mater fired him for failing to win games, they have to give him the right pieces to run his offense.”

—

2. San Francisco 49ers

The pick: Nick Bosa, EDGE, Ohio State — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

“The 49ers would love to get an elite edge player to add to their defense. Bosa would be that.”

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3. New York Jets

The pick: Josh Allen, EDGE, University of Kentucky — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Jets are in the prime position to trade back with a QB-needy team. But if New York stays at No. 3, the J-E-T-S will gladly take the next-best pass rusher available.”

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4. Oakland Raiders

The pick: Rashan Gary, EDGE, University of Michigan — Charlie Casserly, NFL.com

“The Raiders‘ only chance to get a premiere edge rusher is here, not in the 20s.”

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5. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The pick: Devin White, LB, LSU — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

“They are said to love this kid, but it’s really high for an off-the-ball linebacker. Even so, he’s a heck of a player.”

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6. New York Giants

The pick: Dwayne Haskins, QB, Ohio State — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“The New York Giants need a quarterback of the future, and by all accounts, they want someone to learn behind Eli Manning for a short time much like Patrick Mahomes did with Alex Smith. Drafting a smart, talented quarterback who could benefit from some acclimation time in the NFL after only starting one year at Ohio State would help the Giants transition into their post-Manning era.”

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7. Jacksonville Jaguars

The pick: D.K. Metcalf, WR, Ole Miss — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Jaguars need to upgrade their offense this offseason. Jacksonville elects to add a receiver with unlimited upside.”

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8. Detroit Lions

The pick: Montez Sweat, EDGE, Mississippi State — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“With the class’s hottest name on the board available to fill the Lions’ biggest need, general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia would likely jump at the chance to make him a building block on the outside of the defense.”

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9. Buffalo Bills

The pick: Andre Dillard, OT, Washington State — Charlie Casserly, NFL.com

“If I were the Bills, I’d move Dion Dawkins to right tackle and slide Dillard — the best pass blocker in the draft — in at left tackle.”

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10. Denver Broncos

The pick: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

“The Broncos have Joe Flacco, but he’s not the long-term answer. Lock would be.”

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11. Cincinnati Bengals

The pick: Ed Oliver, DL, Houston — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“The Cincinnati Bengals desperately need to add speed on defense, whether at edge-rusher, linebacker, defensive tackle or in the secondary. That means the front office can select the best defensive player available, which would be Oliver.”

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12. Green Bay Packers

The pick: T.J. Hockenson, TE, Iowa — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Packers filled a ton of needs in free agency. They fill a big hole on offense with the best tight end in the draft.”

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13. Miami Dolphins

The pick: Clelin Ferrell, EDGE, Clemson — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“Since Miami’s biggest need is at edge-rusher, betting on one of the most productive and impactful defenders in college football over the last two seasons is a win at No. 13.”

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14. Atlanta Falcons

The pick: Christian Wilkins, DT, Clemson — Pete Prisco, CBS Sports

“They have a problem next to Grady Jarrett, so why not take a player from the same school to fill it?”

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15. Washington Redskins

The pick: Daniel Jones, QB, Duke — Lance Cartelli, 24/7 Sports

“The Redskins have to do something at QB. If Washington doesn’t acquire Rosen, the Redskins might be forced to take a QB higher than expected.”

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16. Carolina Panthers

The pick: Jonah Williams, OL, Alabama — Matt Miller, Bleacher Report

“It’s imperative for the Carolina Panthers to bolster their offensive line this offseason. If Cam Newton is healthy enough to play in 2019, the front office must protect him better up front.”

 

 

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2019 NFL Free Agency Preview

With the 2019 NFL Combine officially behind us, the next step on the Road to Super Bowl 54 in Miami in 2020 is the beginning of the new league year, and the free agency season. What teams are positioned to be buyers and sellers, and what players might command the most attention as the new year begins on March 13th at 4:00 p.m. ET?

Top Teams

While many people generally see teams with open cap space and teams that struggled the previous season as one in the same, the Indianapolis Colts, after a surprising 11-5 season that saw the team make the divisional round of the playoffs, hold the most cap space with $105.8 million in free money.

While many peg the team to make a big splash acquisition like former Steelers teammates, running back Le’Veon Bell and/or wide receiver Antonio Brown, there are plenty of other players commanding far less attention/money that fit the team’s style nicely.

Other top teams with cap space: New York Jets ($99 million), Houston Texans ($83.3 million), Buffalo Bills ($77.3 million) and Cleveland Browns ($77.2 million)

Top Free Agents

Le’Veon Bell, RB, Pittsburgh Steelers — 2017*: 321 RUSH, 1,291 YDS, 9 TD | 85 REC, 655 YDS, 2 TD

One of the most talked about names in the free agency market for a handful of years now, former Steelers running back Le’Veon Bell, after holding out the entire 2018 season, is officially a free agent. Potential suitors for Bell have been mentioned as possibly being the New York Jets, Indianapolis Colts and Houston Texans, among others.
 

Trey Flowers, DE, New England Patriots — 2018: 57 TKL, 7.5 SACKS, 3 FF

The 25-year-old Super Bowl champion defensive pass rusher, coming off a career year in 2018, is due for one of the biggest paydays of the open market. With potential free agent defensive pass rushers like Jadeveon Clowney and Grady Jarrett being franchise tagged, the market thinned early, meaning don’t be surprised if Flowers brings in a massive deal with a new team.
 

Landon Collins, S, New York Giants — 2018: 96 TKL, 5 TFL, 1 FF

A 25-year-old three-time Pro Bowler, safety Landon Collins is the type of versatile defensive back that can completely re-shape a team’s secondary identity. Though he’s slightly struggled in the past few seasons (hampered by an injury in 2018), Collins was in the NFL Defensive Player of the Year conversation in 2016, and will be a big prize for some lucky team in free agency.
 

C.J. Mosley, LB, Baltimore Ravens — 2018: 105 TKL, 6 TFL, 0.5 SACK, 1 INT

After not receiving a franchise tag from the Ravens, four-time Pro Bowl selection C.J. Mosley is poised to hit the open market as one of the premier linebackers available. Granted, inside linebackers don’t sport the flash they used to, but three-down playmakers like Mosley pose a valuable threat to any defense looking to take their unit to the next level.
 

Earl Thomas, S, Seattle Seahawks — 2018**:22 TKL, 3 INT

Thomas can be considered as nothing less than one of the most prolific safeties of this generation of defense. His unique abilities have allowed the Seahawks to be very aggressive on defense, knowing that Thomas was deep in the secondary to clean up any mistakes over the top. Coming off a season-ending leg injury, and at 30 years old, Thomas is hard to count out and will be a soldi defensive addition to any secondary looking for veteran leadership.
 

Tevin Coleman, RB, Atlanta Falcons — 2018: 167 RUSH, 800 YDS, 4 TD | 32 REC, 276 YDS, 5 TD

One of the more interesting names on the thin running back market, Coleman has been a solid contributor out of the Falcons backfield, especially in 2018 with start Devonta Freeman missing most of the season. It’s unclear whether Coleman has the ability to be a team’s workhorse, three-down back, but will be a solid addition to any teams backfield and offensive showcase.
 

Nick Foles, QB, Philadelphia Eagles — 2018**: 72.3% COMP, 1,413 YDS, 7 TD, 4 INT

The most intriguing name to hit the market, Super Bowl LII MVP quarterback Nick Foles is finally free of Philadelphia and looking for a starting gig—reportedly heading to the Jacksonville Jaguars at the opening of free agency. Foles and Jacksonville are a perfect fit, as the Jaguars are looking to move on from Blake Bortles, and Foles is looking for a reliable starting gig and a team to lead.

*  — Missed 2018 season | ** — Didn’t play entire 2018 season

 

 

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Key 2019 NFL Offseason Dates

Nearly three weeks following the New England Patriots’ victory in Super Bowl LIII, we’re all eyes on Miami for Super Bowl LIV in 2020. As the league begins to transition into the new league year, a quick look at some of the key offseason dates for the 2019 NFL offseason to be following.

February 19 — Franchise / Transition Period

The first key date to know—Tuesday, February 19th. Every NFL team is now officially free to use either the franchise or transition tag on one pending free agent to be sure that at the very least, the first right of refusal should the player choose to sign an offer sheet with another team.

February 26-March 4 — NFL Combine in Indianapolis

Once again at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis, Indiana, the annual NFL Combine gives scouts and fans alike their first look at some of the upcoming rookie prospects from the 2019 NFL Draft.

March 11-13 — Free Agency “Negotiation Period”

Known by some as “legal tampering,” teams are free to begin negotiating with pending free agents, but deals cannot yet be officially signed or announced.

March 13 — NFL “New Year”

Happy New Year! March 13th marks the official beginning of “open season” on the NFL’s free agency class, with players and teams officially allowed to sign contracts and announce signings as of 4 p.m. ET. Pending trades agreed to before then are also now able to be completed and announced.

April 1 — Offseason Workouts Begin*

The first offseason workouts are now able to be held at team facilities. For teams with new head coaches, they can begin working out on April 1st—for the 24 others, they must wait until April 15th.

April 25-27 — 2019 NFL Draft

Welcome to Nashville, Tennessee for the 2019 NFL Draft! The Arizona Cardinals currently hold the #1 overall draft pick in what is considered by man as a defensive-heavy draft class.

May 3-6, 10-13 — Rookie Minicamps

Teams are now allowed to host a three-day minicamp one of these two weeks, hosting draft picks, undrafted rookies, tryout players and select first-year players.

July 15 — Franchise Tag Deal Deadline

Teams and franchise-tagged players have until 4 p.m. on July 15 to reach agreements on multi-year extensions, otherwise the player will play the 2019 season under the designated one-year terms of the tag.

Mid-July — Training Camps Open

We’re almost there! Under the current collective bargaining agreement (CBA), teams are able to begin holding training camp up to 15 days before their first preseason game.

August 1 — Hall of Fame Game

Football is BACK! The Hall of Fame Game, the first preseason game of the season, is played between teams selected by the NFL at a later date in Canton, Ohio.

 

 

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Colts VIP Update: Week 2 @ Washington Redskins

After a disappointing beginning of the season, the Indianapolis Colts (0-1) looked to bounce back in a big way in Week 2, traveling to the nations capital to take on the first of their NFC East opponents this season, Washington Redskins (1-0).

First W for Reich

Despite jumping out to a quick lead in Week 1, the Colts would eventually fall to the Cincinnati Bengals, a result Colts fans had all but become accustomed to. However, Week 2 would lend to a different storyline.

Jumping out to an early lead once again, the Colts would head into halftime up 14-3 after what can only be described as an incredibly efficient first half on both sides of the football. Held to just one field goal in the first 30 minutes of play, the Colts defense was shining, aided by a touchdown from Colts quarterback Andrew Luck to tight end Eric Ebron, his second of the season, and a rushing touchdown from rookie running back Nyheim Hines.

Sunday’s 21-9 victory would become the first of Colts head coach Frank Reich’s young career, as the Colts would avoid falling to an 0-2 start for the 5th straight year, now sitting at 1-1.

Dominance on Defense

Something not characteristically said about Colts defenses of years past, the 2018 edition of the defense, led by youth and rookie draft picks, was the star of the show in Week 2.

Spearheaded by rookie linebacker Darius Leonard, who would record 18 tackles, one sack and one forced-fumble, the Colts D would hold quarterback Alex Smith and the Washington Redskins offense to just three total field goals.

Looking Forward

The Colts stay on the road in Week 3, facing yet another NFC East opponent in the Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles, who will have MVP-caliber quarterback Carson Wentz back at the helm.

 

 

The best pre-game experience in the league, the Colts VIP Tailgates are BACK for the 2018-19 NFL Season! Learn more about our signature pre-game tailgate before every Indianapolis Colts home game.

 

2018 Colts VIP Tailgate Information

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