LOOK: Trace McSorley makes return visit to Penn State

LOOK: Trace McSorley visited Penn State’s football facilities this weekend

One of Penn State’s all-time greats returned to his old stomping grounds this weekend to check out the scenes as spring practices are underway. [autotag]Trace McSorley[/autotag] visited Penn State’s campus and stopped by the football facilities, locker room, and Beaver Stadium.

It may not be a total coincidence that McSorley returned to campus the same weekend Penn State was hosting a number of recruiting targets in the next few recruiting cycles, as having one of the program’s most successful players in recent years stopping by when recruits are in town is always a nice recruiting tool.

McSorley clearly enjoyed his return to Beaver Stadium, as seen in a few photos shared by Penn State’s official Twitter account on Sunday.

A quick scroll through the photos shared on Penn State’s football Instagram account showed McSorley also had an opportunity to catch up with freshman quarterback [autotag]Drew Allar[/autotag] and get in a few hacks at some virtual golf.

https://www.instagram.com/p/CboB3-CMrmY/

McSorely was signed by the Arizona Cardinals off of the practice squad of the Baltimore Ravens last season. McSorley is under contract with the Cardinals in 2022, where he is a backup option for starting quarterback Kyler Murray. Despite some bizarre moments this offseason with Murray and his social media activity, Murray is slotted to be the team’s starting quarterback in 2022, with McSorley sitting in waiting in case he is needed.

As for the No. 9 jersey once worn by McSorley, two players on the roster are currently sporting it at spring practices this year. [autotag]Christian Veilleux[/autotag] and [autotag]Beau Pribula[/autotag] are each wearing No. 9 as spring practices continue in State College.

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Report: Former Penn State OL Ryan Bates expected to sign Bears offer sheet

A former Penn State offensive lineman is expected to sign an offer sheet from the Chicago Bears.

Former Penn State Nittany Lions offensive lineman Ryan Bates could be on the move in NFL free agency. According to reports, he could sign an offer sheet from an NFC North team.

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, Bates intends to sign an offer sheet from the Chicago Bears. As a restricted free agent, the Buffalo Bills will have fine days to match the contract offered.

Bates signed with the Philadelphia Eagles as an undrafted free agent following the 2019 NFL draft. He was then traded in August to the Bills in exchange for Eli Harold. His contract ended following the 2021 NFL season.

Bates has appeared in 41 games in his NFL career with four starts in the 2021 season. The Bears are looking to beef up their offensive line in hopes of giving Justin Fields the protection he needs for Chicago to be successful. The team has been very active in the free agency period. The team also added former Green Bay Packer, OL Lucas Patrick, on a two-year deal.

It appears that Bates could be the next in line to sign with one of the oldest NFL franchises. He was third-team All-Big Ten during the 2018 season for the Nittany Lions as well named to the preseason watch list for the Outland Trophy. The award is given to the top interior offensive lineman in college football.

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James Franklin reacts to Allen Robinson’s new NFL free agent deal

How did Penn State head coach James Franklin react to Allen Robinson’s new contract with the Rams?

Former Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson is on the move in the NFL free agency circus. Robinson signed a free agent contract with the Los Angeles Rams with a three-year contract valued at a reported $46.5 million.

Naturally, Robinson’s former coach, Penn State head coach James Franklin, wanted to weigh in with his quick social media reaction on Twitter, with a nice short manual retweet.

Robinson was among the top wide receiver free agents on the market this offseason, with most free agent rankings having him as the fourth-best receiver available this offseason. But in recent days, Robinson became the top receiver on the board after the three in front of him, including former Nittany Lion Chris Godwin, were secured with new deals or a franchise tag.

The Bears are clearly a team in some transition, and Robinson is landing in a terrific spot to have a better chance to win a Super Bowl soon. What better place to land than with the reigning Super Bowl champions? The Rams loaded up for their run to the Super Bowl last season, and the addition of Robinson will give quarterback Matthew Stafford quite a weapon to add to the mix.

Of course, now is also a fun time to reflect on some of Robinson’s finer moments in a Penn State uniform, including this moment against the Ohio State Buckeyes in 2013…

Of course, the most memorable highlight of Robinson’s career at Penn State wasn’t even a touchdown, but it helped lead to one of the more memorable moments of the past decade…

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Allen Robinson has become one of the hottest NFL free agents available

Former Penn State wide receiver Allen Robinson is now the NFL’s best available receiver in free agency.

The NFL roster news is flying left and right these days with players announcing their plans to retire, play another year, or come out of retirement entirely! Free agency news and rumors are also difficult to keep up with at times, as is always the case this time of year. But one former Penn State player has become one of the most discussed free agents on the market, with wide receiver Allen Robinson appearing to have multiple teams showing interest in the veteran receiver.

Heading into free agency, Robinson was widely viewed among the top receiver options on the free-agent market. Green Bay’s Davante Adams and Tampa Bay’s Chris Godwin (another former Penn State receiver, of course) were much higher on the list of top free agents offered by The Sporting News, with each landing in the top four (Adams was No. 1 overall). But each of those players received a franchise tag. Once Mike Williams re-signed with the Los Angeles Chargers on a three-year deal, Robinson suddenly became the best available wide receiver still to be signed in free agency.

The New England Patriots were previously reported to be a team doing a good amount of homework on Robinson, although the Patriots are doing their due diligence on a handful of potential receiver options.

And according to Chiefs Wire, the Kansas City Chiefs also have their eyes on Robinson. Reports also suggest Robinson is being pursued by the Cleveland Browns and the Detroit Lions. So it feels safe to say Robinson has some options on the table to consider.

Robinson could be a good fit no matter where he goes. Despite coming off a down season in Chicago, Robinson is still just 28 years old and can be an immediate upgrade at the receiver position for any NFL team. The Lions would welcome Robinson back to his home in Michigan, but a chance to play in the Super Bowl would probably be far more likely with a team like the Chiefs or the Patriots.

The Browns are an intriguing team to watch here as there is reportedly some movement on a big quarterback change with the franchise. The Browns have been in the mix for Deshaun Watson, with Baker Mayfield seemingly putting the writing on the wall that he is on his way out of Cleveland. Adding Watson and Robinson in the same offseason would be quite a powerplay for the Browns.

We will be sure to keep a close eye on where Robinson is heading as the NFL free agency season continues to unwind.

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Would the Giants trade Saquon Barkley to the Jets?

The Draft Network lists the Jets and two other teams as a potential landing spot for Saquon Barkley if the Giants make a trade.

There is a lot of discussion over what the New York Giants could potentially do with former Penn State running back Saquon Barkley. A franchise in need of many improvements could make some moves to help the overall roster by moving Barkley to a team looking to add the talented running back despite some injury history in his time in the NFL. But would the Giants ever consider shipping Barkley’s stuff to another locker room in their home stadium?

The Draft Network recently took a look at the NFL’s trade market to identify three teams that could be suitable options for Barkley in any trade situation. The New York Jets were among the three teams listed by The Draft Network, and that would certainly be a wild scenario to play out. But it also could make some sense for the Jets to consider adding Barkley.

Per The Draft Network;

General manager Joe Douglas must spend the offseason acquiring talent to surround franchise signal-caller Zach Wilson with. Wilson’s play significantly improved down the stretch, and the Jets must do everything within their power to invest in his continued development.

Rookie running back Michael Carter experienced a fruitful rookie campaign, but the former North Carolina standout will always be best utilized as part of a healthy rotation. Tevin Coleman is a free agent and has struggled to stay healthy throughout the course of his career.

The Jets also have room under the cap to take on Barkley’s contract, should they be interested and able to arrange a deal with their cross-town interconference rival. Considering one of the hangups on any team being interested in Barkley may be the contract, the Jets would make sense as a potential suitor.

It still remains unlikely the Giants make a move to send Barkley elsewhere, but the team absolutely needs to improve its offensive line not just for Barkley’s sake, but for their quarterback’s as well. Daniel Jones may not survive another year behind that offensive line, but the Giants seem to have the right people in place to address that concern. If the Giants can find a way to bolster their offensive line and keep Barkley in the mix, then all could end well after all.

And while The Draft Network has three teams in mind for a possible trade for Barkley, former NFL wide receiver Dez Bryant still thinks Barkley would thrive more out on the west coast.

We will continue to monitor the Barkley discussions this offseason and see where the former Nittnay Lion standout ends up this fall.

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Dez Bryant says Saquon Barkley should welcome a trade from Giants

Dez Bryant had some thoughts to share on how Saquon Barkley should react to the recent Giants offseason trade rumors.

What the New York Giants will do with franchise running back Saquon Barkley is among the hot topics of discussion this offseason, and one notable veteran wide receiver says Barkley should welcome a trade from the franchise that drafted him. Dez Bryant took to Twitter to suggest why Barkley should be ready and willing to be traded away from the Giants this offseason as news regarding the Giants’ offseason roster plans continue to be explored.

“Honestly if I’m Saquon Barkley hearing trade rumors surrounding my name, I’ll be up for it,” Bryant said in a message posted on his Twitter account on Wednesday.

Bryant’s comments are in reaction to news that the Giants front office are prepared to entertain any trade offer that comes their way this offseason as the franchise focuses on rebuilding, with a focus on the offensive line. While not specifically mentioned by Giants general manager Joe Schoen when asked about offseason plans, the new GM has said anything and everything will be considered on the table.

Of course, it still remains highly unlikely the Giants move Barkley, and there is currently no indication Barkley wants to be traded. But if a move does get explored, Bryant has a suggestion for where the best place for Barkley may be.

“I can see you being very dominant for one of those west coast teams,” Bryant said. “90% of the time the uncomfortable change turns out to be positive whenever you embrace it.”

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We are now officially on Saquon Barkley trade watch

It’s probably not going to happen, but the New York Giants would consider a trade involving Saquon Barkley.

The New York Giants invested heavily in Sawuon Barkley with a No. 2 overall draft pick just a few short years ago, but the franchise’s top running back is officially on the trading block. The Giants aren’t necessarily shopping Barkley around as the franchise looks to make some roster moves this offseason, but they certainly are not about to hang up the phone when another teams calls with possible interest in the former Penn State running back either.

The buzz about the Giants potentially moving Barkley is nothing new. We touched on the possibility the Giants would consider a trade involving Barkley recently. But a fresh report from Ian Rapoport at the NFL combine on Tuesday seemingly kicked things up a few notches.

“I’m open to anything,” Giants general manager Joe Schoen reportedly said, according to Rapoport. But as the NFL insider suggests, the Giants following through on any trade involving Barkley seems unlikely given his contract and injury history in his first few seasons in the NFL.

But it could happen.

It is worth monitoring the roster news out of the Giants front office this week as the NFL world gathers in Indianapolis for the NFL combine. On Wednesday, the Giants released running back Devontae Booker. No matter who the Giants end up having at the running back position in the fall, the focus seems to be on rebuilding the offensive line, and this is a franchise that needs it. Penn State fans can certainly relate to that mindset.

Will Saquon be suiting up for the Giants in the fall? Let us know where you think Barkley will be by leaving a comment or sending us a message on Twitter.

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Former Penn State TE Mike Gesicki the top tight end in NFL free agency

CBS Sports ranks Mike Gesicki as top tight end in NFL free agency

It may be a good year to be a former Penn State player on the NFL free-agent market. Two former wide receivers, Chris Godwin and Allen Robinson, are widely considered among the top receivers on the free-agent market this season. But former tight end Mike Gesicki is also a hot commodity this free-agent season in the NFL, and he may even be the biggest fish in the tight-end pond.

In a free-agent market that includes Rob Gronkowski, CBS Sports has listed Gesicki as the top tight end in free agency this season. Coming off a career season with the Miami Dolphins, Gesicki is hitting the market during a time of some transition within the franchise. Gesicki may still end up being a part of the organizational plans for the Dolphins, but Gesicki may be able to capitalize on free agency at a pretty good time for him and his position.

Gesicki had 73 receptions for 780 yards with two touchdowns in 2021 with the Dolphins, and he would figure to be a good fit into almost any offense in need of a boost at the position this offseason.

Here’s what CBS Sports had to say about Gesicki;

Gesicki is athletic, effective catching passes downfield and also can make those tough receptions. He’s certainly shown that ability playing with the up-and-down Tua Tagovailoa, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Jacoby Brissett.

Gesicki may be better off to ditch the Dolphins and find a more comfortable situation with an established quarterback, but new head coach Mike McDaniel showed what he could do with George Kittle, so that may be enticing.

As noted by CBS Sports, the Dolphins have plenty of cap space to make Gesicki a piece for the future even if they have to pay top dollar for him to stay in Miami.

How much might Gesicki be pulling in with a new contract? According to his projected value from Sportrac, Gesicki is valued at $11 million.

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Chris Godwin, Allen Robinson among NFL’s top free agents in 2022

Three former Penn State players made Touchdown Wire’s list of the top 60 NFL free agents for 2022. Find out who!

NFL teams in need of a little help through free agency may be looking at a few former Penn State Nittany Lions. And any team in need of a wide receiver could be making a few phone calls to check in on Chris Godwin. Godwin is considered one of the top free agents currently on the market, with Touchdown Wire ranking the former Nittany Lion as its No. 4 overall free agent this offseason.

Godwin suffered a torn ACL toward the end of the 2021 regular season that threw a bit of a curveball at Godwin’s contract situation, but it appears as though he is still being considered a potential top free agent with the expectation he returns from his injury in good form at some point, even if he does miss a portion of the 2022 schedule.

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are reportedly still interested in keeping Godwin on the roster even though he will have to be signed through free agency. Even if Godwin is interested in returning to the Bucs, he would be wise to entertain offers from other potential suitors to get the best value for his next contract.

Godwin is still considered the second-best wide receiver on the free agent market, with Davanta Adams topping the list of the top 60 free agents from Touchdown Wire.

Godwin isn’t the only former Penn State wide receiver making the cut on Touchdown Wire’s top free agent list. Allen Robinson checked in at No. 22 on the list

Former tight end Mike Gesicki was ranked No. 31 by Touchdown Wire as well.

Check out the full list of the top 60 free agents from Touchdown Wire.

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Micah Parsons explains why Penn State players are prepared for smooth transition to NFL

Micah Parsons reflects on why he and other Penn State players are prepared for a smooth transition to the NFL.

Former Penn State linebacker Micah Parsons may be coming off one of the most impressive rookie seasons we have seen in quite some time, but the reigning defensive rookie of the year is already setting his sights on what he and the rest of his team can do better in 2022.

Parsons took some time to answer some questions looking back on his incredible rookie season with the Dallas Cowboys and looking ahead to 2022 in a sitdown interview with CBS Sports. Among the topics covered in the interview included his first impressions of some NFL quarterbacks, where he and the Cowboys can improve before next season and whether or not he accomplished everything he wanted in 2021.

Parsons let it be known not every goal was met in 2021, mostly on the team side of things as the Cowboys fell short of a Super Bowl championship, but he did accomplish some of his goals in his rookie season.

“I wanted to complete the year healthy and help the Cowboys to the playoffs,” Parsons said when asked about his goals for 2021. “I wanted to help take the Cowboys to the Super Bowl and become a leader on the team. I accomplished almost all of them.”

Parsons also addressed growing up as a football fan in Harrisburg, and not having any allegiance to the more local teams like the Philadelphia Eagles, Pittsburgh Steelers or Baltimore Ravens. Parsons said it was different growing up in central PA, but he did have a number of players around the league he looked up to as he worked on his own game.

“When I was coming out, Devin White was setting the standard. You look at Luke (Kuechly) setting the standard for linebackers before he retired,” P{arsons reflected. “You’re looking at players that played the position at an elite level and are fast like Bobby (Wagner). Those fast, make-a-lot-of-plays linebackers were who I was looking at.”

Parsons is just one of the latest players to come out of Penn State and make a smooth transition to the NFL. The former Penn State linebacker was asked what Penn State and head coach James Franklin do that allows for that trend to continue.

“They’re structured and disciplined. I was so prepared because of Coach Franklin,” Parsons explained. “He made sure you attended meetings, paid attention to detail — basically coached you to be a pro. He could easily be a NFL coach. His whole program was designed for you to prepare for the next level, whether it’s on the field or off the field.”

Don’t think for one second that quote won’t be highlighted by Franklin and his entire staff when out on the recruiting trail. Now with a defensive rookie of the year and an offensive rookie of the year (Saquon Barkley) under their watch, Penn State has another terrific selling point to use in the recruiting process.

You can read the full interview with Parsons on CBS Sports.

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