NFL continues to hand out ridiculous fines to Steelers

The league handed down three more fines to Steelers players after the Jaguars game.

Another week and another series of ridiculous fines levied against the Pittsburgh Steelers for doing nothing more than playing football. In two separate weeks, the league basically stole the game checks of running back Jaylen Warren for what they deemed illegal plays although neither drew a flag.

The latest victims of being fleeced by the NFL are safety Damontae Kazee and EDGE T.J. Watt. Kazee drew two fines from last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Both were for unnecessary roughness, both for just playing football and both were $11,806 each.

Meanwhile, EDGE T.J. Watt was fined $16.391 for a hit on Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence. The video is everywhere and I encourage you to watch it and see if you think Watt did anything wrong. Spoilers: He didn’t.

Then finally to add insult to injury. the hit on quarterback Kenny Pickett that injured his ribs only drew a $7,167 fine for Jacksonville defensive end Adam Gotsis. They deemed the hit Watt had was worthy of a fine more than double but the film tells another story.

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Adam Gotsis fined $7,167 for unpenalized hit on Steelers’ Kenny Pickett

The unpenalized hit from Adam Gotsis that injured Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett earned the Jaguars lineman a fine.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Adam Gotsis received a $7,167 fine for his unpenalized hit on Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett in Week 8.

The hit from Gotsis resulted in a ribs injury for Pickett that caused the Pittsburgh quarterback to miss the rest of the game.

After the game, Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson blamed officials for his team’s 20-10 loss to the Jaguars, telling reporters that “every little call” went Jacksonville’s way.

Steelers safety Damontae Kazee received two fines of $11,806 each for unnecessary roughness on a pair of plays that happened on the same second quarter drive for Jacksonville. Both plays were unpenalized.

The only roughing the passer penalty of the game was called on the Steelers’ Keanu Neal, but that play didn’t result in a fine.

Pittsburgh pass rusher T.J. Watt earned the biggest fine of the game, $16,391, for a hit to the face of Jaguars quarterback Trevor Lawrence that was also unpenalized.

The relatively small fine for Gotsis is only the second time this season that a Jaguars player has been docked pay for a game-related rules violation. The only other time was a $5,611 fine for defensive lineman Jeremiah Ledbetter for a hit on Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen in Week 5.

Through eight weeks, the Jaguars are the third least penalized team in the NFL behind only the Cincinnati Bengals and Philadelphia Eagles.

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Jaguars 2023 roster review: DL Adam Gotsis

Adam Gotsis has become a steady and reliable reserve lineman for the Jaguars defense.

The brunt of the offseason is in the books and training camp is underway. Join us for a player-by-player review of the Jaguars roster ahead of the 2023 season.

The Denver Broncos had high hopes for Adam Gotsis when they drafted the Australian-born defensive lineman in the second round of the 2016 NFL draft.

But after five sacks through four seasons, the Broncos allowed Gotsis to become a free agent. That’s when the Jacksonville Jaguars scooped him out of the discount bin and found a hidden treasure.

Over the last three seasons, Gotsis has been a valuable reserve lineman for the Jaguars, capable of stepping into the starting lineup in multiple spots. When Jacksonville cut Gotsis at the end of camp last year, it left many scratching their head. It didn’t last long, though, and the Jaguars brought back the veteran days later.

In March, the Jaguars re-signed Gotsis to a two-year deal, keeping a reliable backup in town through the 2024 season.

Contract (2023): $1,165,000 base salary, $125,000 prorated signing bonus, $25,000 workout bonus, $1,315,000 cap hit.

Acquired: The Jaguars signed Gotsis as a veteran free agent on Aug. 2, 2020.

PFF grades:

  • 65.6 (2022)
  • 52.3 (2021)
  • 60.7 (2020)
  • 59.8 (2019 – DEN)
  • 68.2 (2018 – DEN)
  • 64.9 (2017 – DEN)
  • 54.7 (2016 – DEN)

Highlight:

Quote: “[I] was here through some of the tough times and to have some success last year, it would have been a shame to have to leave that team and go start over somewhere else. I love being able to represent the Jags. All three years here, regardless of the result in the field, it’s kind of felt like that … I love being a Jag, I don’t want to leave. So to be able to ink a two-year deal, it’s been awesome.” – Gotsis

Calvin Ridley (No. 0) Travis Etienne Jr. (No. 1) Rayshawn Jenkins (No. 2) C.J. Beathard (No. 3) Tank Bigsby (No. 4) Andre Cisco (No. 5)
Chris Claybrooks (No. 6) Zay Jones (No. 7) Logan Cooke (No. 9) Parker Washington (No. 11) James McCourt (No. 12) Christian Kirk (No. 13)
Kendric Pryor (No. 14) Tim Jones (No. 15) Trevor Lawrence (No. 16) Evan Engram (No. 17) Nathan Rourke (No. 18) Sammis Reyes (No. 19)
Daniel Thomas (No. 20) Latavious Brini (No. 21) JaMycal Hasty (No. 22) Foyesade Oluokun (No. 23) Snoop Conner (No. 24) D’Ernest Johnson (No. 25)
Antonio Johnson (No. 26) Divaad Wilson (No. 27) Tevaughn Campbell (No. 29) Montaric Brown (No. 30) Darious Williams (No. 31) Tyson Campbell (No. 32)
Devin Lloyd (No. 33) Gregory Junior (No. 34) Ayo Oyelola (No. 35) Christian Braswell (No. 36) Tre Herndon (No. 37) Qadree Ollison (No. 38)
Jamal Agnew (No. 39) Erick Hallett (No. 40) Josh Allen (No. 41) Andrew Wingard (No. 42) Kaleb Hayes (No. 43) Derek Parish (No. 43)
Travon Walker (No. 44) K’Lavon Chaisson (No. 45) Ross Matiscik (No. 46) De’Shaan Dixon (No. 47) Chad Muma (No. 48) Shaquille Quarterman (No. 50)
Ventrell Miller (No. 51) DaVon Hamilton (No. 52) Willie Taylor III (No. 53) DJ Coleman (No. 54) Dequan Jackson (No. 55) Yasir Abdullah (No. 56)
Caleb Johnson (No. 57) Raymond Vohasek (No. 59) Darryl Williams (No. 60) Samuel Jackson (No. 62) Coy Cronk (No. 64) Chandler Brewer (No. 67)
Brandon Scherff (No. 68) Tyler Shatley (No. 69) Cole Van Lanen (No. 70) Walker Little (No. 72) Blake Hance (No. 73) Cam Robinson (No. 74)
Cooper Hodges (No. 75) Anton Harrison (No. 76) Josh Wells (No. 77) Ben Bartch (No. 78) Luke Fortner (No. 79) Kevin Austin Jr. (No. 80)
Seth Williams (No. 81) Elijah Cooks (No. 84) Brenton Strange (No. 85) Gerrit Prince (No. 86) Jaray Jenkins (No. 87) Oliver Martin (No. 88)
Luke Farrell (No. 89) Henry Mondeaux (No. 90) Dawuane Smoot (No. 91) Jordan Smith (No. 92) Tyler Lacy (No. 93) Folorunso Fatukasi (No. 94)
Roy Robertson-Harris (No. 95) Adam Gotsis (No. 96) Michael Dogbe (No. 98) Jeremiah Ledbetter (No. 99) Brandon McManus (No. 10) Jacob Harris (No. 83)
Josh Pederson (No. 49)

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Adam Gotsis: Travon Walker is ‘an absolute superstar’ in the making

Adam Gotsis says big things are ahead for Travon Walker.

Travon Walker wasn’t quite the dominant force that some other defensive rookies were during the 2022 season, but the No. 1 overall pick had his moments in his first year with the Jacksonville Jaguars.

The pass rusher finished his rookie season with 3.5 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. While those stats don’t exactly jump off the page, veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis — who re-signed with the Jaguars on a two-year deal over the weekend — says he sees nothing but great things in Walker’s future.

“Travon’s one of those guys that literally can play nose tackle to nine technique, you know, depending on what package you want to put out there,” Gotsis said in an interview on 1010XL. “He’s a huge part in what we try to do defensively, and he’s going to be moving forward. Last year, he had a hell of a year coming in. It’s a tough spot to be in, No. 1 pick, you’ve got a lot of pressure on you. A lot of new faces, a new environment, but he handled it awesomely.

“He came in and he was one of the leaders on defense. He found his voice. He was out there talking, making plays for us, and that’s what you really want to see. I expect an even bigger and better year from him this year. He’s an absolute superstar and just to see his growth throughout the year was awesome too, not only on the field, but in the locker room.”

The Jaguars finished the 2022 season with 35 sacks, seventh fewest in the NFL. However, it was the top team in the league in quarterback knockdowns with 77.

Jacksonville will surely look to add a pass rusher or two before the season starts after Arden Key joined the Tennessee Titans in free agency and Dawuane Smoot hit the open market earlier this month. But nothing would help the team harass opposing quarterbacks more than the quick development of Walker.

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Jaguars re-sign DL Adam Gotsis to a 2-year deal

The Jaguars kept another player, reaching a two-year deal with Adam Gotsis.

The Jacksonville Jaguars continue their efforts to keep the band together. On Saturday, agent David Canter announced that his client Adam Gotsis reached a two-year deal to stay in Jacksonville.

Gotsis, 30, has spent three seasons with the Jaguars since signing with the team in August 2020. Prior to that, he was a second-round pick for the Denver Broncos in the 2016 NFL Draft.

The versatile defensive lineman was a starter for the Jaguars during the 2020 season, but was mostly relegated to backup duties in 2021 after the team added Roy Robertson-Harris to its defensive line. His role was reduced even more in 2022 when the Jaguars added Folorunso Fatukasi to the mix.

Gotsis was on the field for just 29 percent of the Jaguars’ defensive snaps in 2022 and 70 percent of the team’s special teams snaps. He finished the year with 1.5 sacks, 19 tackles, and a 65.6 grade from Pro Football Focus, his highest since joining the Jaguars.

Jacksonville may look to upgrade its defensive line in the 2023 NFL Draft after finishing 26th in the league in sacks. But keeping Gotsis for depth is a logical move for the Jaguars.

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5 ex-Broncos involved in NFL’s playoff games Saturday

After making his playoff debut last week, Adam Gotsis will look to upset the Chiefs on Saturday.

Story update: We mistakenly overlooked ex-Broncos safety Anthony Harris, who was elevated from the Eagles’ practice squad to their game-day roster on Friday. Our original post can be seen below. 


Five former members of the Denver Broncos will be involved in the NFL’s divisional-round playoff games on Saturday.

First, in the Jacksonville Jaguars-Kansas City Chiefs game, defensive lineman Adam Gotsis will feature on the Jags’ defense, and quarterbacks coach Mike McCoy will be working with Trevor Lawrence.

Gotsis played for the Broncos from 2016-2019, totaling 109 tackles and five sacks. He joined the Jaguars in 2020 and made his playoff debut last weekend. McCoy served as Denver’s offensive coordinator from 2009-2012 and again in 2017.

The second game will also involve a pair of former Broncos. The Philadelphia Eagles now have wide receiver Tyrie Cleveland, who signed with Philly earlier this week after Denver opted to not sign him to a reserve/future contract.

The New York Giants, meanwhile, have defensive coordinator Don Martindale, who held the same position with the Broncos in 2010. “Wink” Martindale was promoted from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator after one season in Denver.

The only team without a clear Broncos connection playing on Saturday is the Kansas City Chiefs. All the more reason to dislike them.

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5 ex-Broncos made their playoff debuts in the wild-card round

Five former Broncos players made their playoff debuts over the weekend.

Five former Denver Broncos players saw action in a playoff game for the first time over the weekend.

Three of those players made their debuts with the Seattle Seahawks. After being sent to Seattle as part of the Russell Wilson trade, tight end Noah Fant caught one pass for 11 yards and defensive lineman Shelby Harris totaled three tackles in a 42-23 loss to the San Francisco 49ers.

Ex-Denver linebacker Alexander Johnson, who signed to the Seahawks’ practice squad in October, was elevated to the game-day roster for the Niners game and totaled two tackles. Meanwhile, quarterback Drew Lock was an unused sub against San Francisco.

In addition to Fant, Harris and Johnson, ex-Broncos outside linebacker Bradley Chubb (Miami Dolphins) and former Denver defensive lineman Adam Gotsis (Jacksonville Jaguars) also made their first career playoff appearances in the wild-card round. Chubb forced a strip sack and Gotsis recorded one tackle. Miami also had two other ex-Broncos on the roster in QB Teddy Bridgewater and WR River Cracraft.

Elsewhere in the playoffs, the Los Angeles Chargers (OLB Derrek Tuszka and CB Bryce Callahan) and the Buffalo Bills (QB Case Keenum and WR Isaiah McKenzie) also rostered a pair of ex-Denver players.

The Cincinnati Bengals (QB Brandon Allen) and Tampa Bay Buccaneers (OLB Shaq Barett, on IR) also have former Broncos on their rosters.

The playoffs will continue with the divisional round this weekend.

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Jaguars DE Folorunso Fatukasi ‘day-to-day’ with quad injury

The Jaguars’ lack of depth on the defensive line could prove costly with Foley Fatukasi nursing a quad injury.

The Jacksonville Jaguars don’t have much depth along the defensive line, so a quad injury suffered by defensive end Folorunso Fatukasi on Sunday could present problems for the team.

Fatukasi, 27, was on the field for just 16 snaps during the Jaguars’ 29-21 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles before he was sidelined. While a nagging calf injury created issues for Fatukasi in preseason and the opening week of the season, Jaguars coach Doug Pederson said that isn’t the problem anymore.

“Yeah, it was his quad,” Pederson said Monday. “His calf was fine, it was his quad in this game, and he’s day-to-day right now.”

With Fatukasi out of action for most of the day Sunday, the Eagles ran the ball 50 times for 210 rushing yards and four touchdowns. Adam Gotsis was on the field for a season-high 58 snaps and made a few big plays, including a half-sack and a key pass deflection. Gotsis wasn’t able to do much to slow the Philadelphia rushing onslaught, though.

The Jaguars defensive line starts Fatukasi and Roy Robertson-Harris at end with DaVon Hamilton in the middle at nose tackle. The only three players on the depth chart behind that trio are Gotsis, Arden Key, and Dawuane Smoot.

While Fatukasi tips the scales at 318 pounds, Gotsis is the heaviest of the backups at 287 pounds.

Jaguars’ Adam Gotsis, Foye Oluokun to wear flag decals in Weeks 4 and 5

Adam Gotsis and Foye Oluokun will represent Australia and Nigeria, respectively, on their helmets in Weeks 4 and 5.

The NFL announced an initiative Wednesday with a list of more than 200 players who will wear flag decals on their helmet to celebrate their nationality or cultural heritage in Weeks 4 and 5.

Jacksonville Jaguars defensive lineman Adam Gotsis and linebacker Foye Oluokun are represented on that list and will wear the Australian and Nigerian flags on their helmets, respectively.

Gotsis, 30, was born in Melbourne, Australia and grew up playing Australian rules football before taking up the sport of American football when he was 13. He came to America in 2012 to play college football at Georgia Tech, and was picked in the second round of the 2016 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos.

Oluokun, 27, is the son of Nigerian immigrants and played collegiately at Yale before getting picked in the sixth round of the 2018 NFL Draft by the Atlanta Falcons. He joined the Jaguars earlier this year as a free agent and is a defensive team captain.

Also on the list of players participating in the helmet initiative is safety Ayo Oyelola, who is a native of the United Kingdom and joined the Jaguars as part of the NFL’s International Pathway Program. Oyelola is currently on the Jaguars’ practice squad.

Jaguars bring back DL Adam Gotsis, add two to practice squad

Veteran defensive lineman Adam Gotsis is back with the Jaguars three days after his release

The Jacksonville Jaguars brought Adam Gotsis back three days after releasing the veteran defensive end Thursday. On Sunday, the team announced Gotsis is back on the active roster, while newly signed Mario Edwards is headed to the practice squad.

Gotsis, 29, played in 32 games and started 18 in his last two seasons with the Jaguars. Prior to that he began his career as a second-round pick of the Denver Broncos.

The release of Gotsis was a surprise, particularly with the lack of depth along the Jacksonville defensive line. Now he’ll rejoin a group of defensive ends that is led by starters Roy Robertson-Harris and Folorunso Fatukasi.

Edwards will be joined on the practice squad by former Baltimore Ravens wide receiver Jaylon Moore, the Jaguars also announced. Moore signed with the Ravens as an undrafted free agent in 2020 and spent his first two NFL seasons on Baltimore’s practice squad.

The Ravens waived Moore near the end of August and he was claimed by the New York Giants, but waived by the Giants on Thursday.