Tag: Lions

Chargers hosted WR DJ Chark on visit

The Chargers need to add to the wide receiver room.

The Chargers hosted free agent wide receiver DJ Chark on a visit, according to NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport.

Los Angeles is thin at the position after the departures of Keenan Allen and Williams and they seem to have some interest in Chark, who is one of the few notable veterans available.

Chark spent the 2023 season with the Panthers after signing a one-year deal last offseason. He caught 35 passes for 524 yards and five touchdowns in 15 games.

A former second-round pick by the Jaguars, Chark’s best season came in 2019. That year, he amassed 73 receptions for 1,008 yards and eight scores en route to earning a Pro Bowl berth.

Chark played with the Lions in 2022, totaling 30 catches for 502 yards with three touchdowns.

The Chargers’ goal at wide receiver is to get younger and faster, and Chark has plenty of juice, having run a 4.34 40.

49ers were ahead of curve on NFL uniform changes

NFL teams are learning a lesson the 49ers learned almost 20 years ago.

The 49ers aren’t likely to undergo a major uniform rebrand any time soon because they did what had to happen a long time ago.

As some NFL teams wade through the muck of altered uniforms that feature different color shades, weird fonts, strange gradients, unnecessary piping and other bells and whistles, they’re finding a reversion back to a more classic look will almost always win over fansmore than something ‘new and improved.’

The Jets and Lions most recently announced new uniforms that resemble the more classic looks of the teams’ pasts.

The Jaguars have not only simplified their uniforms recently, but they also teased some kind of reversion to their original uniforms with an alternate jersey for this season. The Cardinals did something similar last season. The Vikings did the same in 2013.

The 49ers in 1998 strayed from their classic red home jerseys and white road jerseys with gold pants, and opted instead for a deeper red jersey with a slew of different accoutrements including a black shadowing on the numbers with some gold trim, different color helmet and face mask, and a logo on the pants. It was a perfectly late-90s style, but it diverted from a classic look and aged poorly.

San Francisco from time to time for the next 10 years would rock a throwback alternate that was ostensibly the uniforms they wear now. In 2009 they finally went back to the classic look permanently, learning a lesson a slew of teams are only now learning – nostalgia plays and simpler is better.

That’s a key reason their red and white alternates that are a reproduction of the throwbacks they wore in 1994 when they rocked a version of their 1955 uniforms. First, they look incredible. But there’s also a ton of nostalgia for the mid-90s and there’s a simplicity that makes them timeless.

The 49ers organization saved itself a lot of angst by avoiding the pitfalls of trying to innovate after their shift in the late-90s. They went right back to what works after a decade. Now other teams are following suit and the NFL will be better (at least aesthetically) for it.

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Lions pass within feet of safari tourists – why don’t they attack?

Footage from South Africa shows the nervous reaction of the man closest to the lions. The tour operator provided a reasonable explanation.

Safari tourists recently observed a pride of lions strolling just yards past their open-topped vehicle, and footage of the encounter begs the question:

Why don’t lions attack people who are so close and exposed when they would almost certainly become confrontational if the same people were to exit the vehicle?

The footage was captured by Chitwa Chitwa Private Game Lodge in South Africa. Note the reaction of Moses, sitting closest to the lions, after being cautioned that the lions were approaching.

While Moses appears nervous, he intentionally avoids direct eye contact with the lions to lessen the chance of an adverse reaction.

“A captivating moment as the Nkuhuma pride gracefully strolled past Deon, Moses, and our guests in perfect visibility,” Chitwa Chita stated via social media. “Witnessing the Nkuhuma pride so often has been the greatest pleasure!”

The obvious question was posed by Facebook follower Jason Mwanza: “Admin, why is it lions don’t attack tourist in open vehicles?”

Chitwa Chitwa offered the following response:

Lions generally do not attack tourists in open vehicles due to a few reasons:

1) Lack of Provocation: Lions typically do not see tourists in vehicles as prey or a threat unless provoked.

2) Unfamiliarity: Lions may not recognize the vehicles as prey due to their unfamiliarity with them.

3) Heightened Senses: Lions rely heavily on their senses, and the sights, sounds, and smells of the vehicles may confuse or deter them from attacking.

4) Association with Harmlessness: Lions may have learned through experience that vehicles do not pose a threat to them and are harmless.

5) Respect for Size and Noise: The size and noise of the vehicles may intimidate the lions, deterring them from attacking.

6) Conservation Regulations: In many wildlife reserves, rules and regulations are in place to ensure the safety of both tourists and animals, and vehicles are required to maintain a safe distance from the wildlife.

Marcus Davenport to reunite with his old coaches on the Lions

Marcus Davenport is planning to reunite with some of his old coaches on the Lions. It’s a Saints reunion in Detroit:

A former New Orleans Saints draft pick is headed to the Detroit Lions as Marcus Davenport agreed to a one-year deal to reunite with some of his old coaches, per Mike Garafolo of the NFL Network.

Davenport started his career in New Orleans as a first-round draft pick in 2018. He spent five seasons and accumulated 21.5 sacks. He was never able to stay healthy for a full season in New Orleans and production was lacking so the two sides decided to part ways after 2022. He signed with the Minnesota Vikings for 2023, but appeared in just four games due to injury finished with two sacks.

Now, he heads to Detroit on another prove-it deal. He’ll be back with Aaron Glenn and Dan Campbell in a new environment as he tries to get his career back on track.

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Saints aren’t tendering wide receiver Lynn Bowden Jr.

The Saints aren’t tendering Lynn Bowden Jr., which means only 3 of the 11 wide receivers who played for them last year are set to return for 2024:

Get ready for a new-look New Orleans Saints wide receiver corps in 2024. The Saints will not be tendering veteran wideout Lynn Bowden Jr., per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, which will make him a free agent when the new league year begins on March 13.

This isn’t too surprising in itself. Bowden primarily worked as a blocker and decoy for the Saints, only drawing 16 targets in 15 games last year while catching 11 passes for 83 yards, picking up a pair of first downs. He also recorded 5 rushing attempts for 32 yards on the ground, moving the chains three times. He was a serviceable emergency returns specialist, averaging 7.6 yards per punt return and 21.3 yards per kick return. That isn’t production teams pay top-dollar for.

But things are interesting under the surface. Fowler initially said that Bowden was an exclusive rights free agent, not a restricted free agent, which he later said was a mistake. Not tendering Bowden as a restricted free agent made sense because it costs at least $2,985,000. Re-signing Bowden at the league-minimum salary is an option.

Maybe he returns later as a minimum signing, but it’s possible that the Saints will be moving on as offensive coordinator Klint Kubiak revamps the receiving corps. Bowden is the latest wideout from New Orleans’ 2023 team to depart thus far. Let’s break it down:

  • Michael Thomas will enter free agency on Wednesday after being released from his contract
  • Marquez Callaway signed with the Pittsburgh Steelers after his practice squad deal expired
  • Shaquan Davis chose to sign with the Philadelphia Eagles in similar circumstances
  • Kirk Merritt is playing for the UFL’s Houston Roughnecks
  • Jontre Kirklin is with the UFL’s San Antonio Brahmas as well
  • Keith Kirkwood will be an unrestricted free agent, too
  • If you’re curious, the Detroit Lions signed Tre’Quan Smith

Which leaves Chris Olave, Rashid Shaheed, and A.T. Perry as the only receivers returning for the 2024 season (so far). It’s possible Kirkwood and Bowden return at some point but Kubiak has a big opportunity to retool this depth chart. Stay tuned to learn what his plan for accomplishing that is.

Update: Fowler corrected his report, clarifying that Bowden was a restricted free agent (RFA), not an exclusive rights free agent (ERFA). So that confusion can be chalked up to a typo. Maybe the NFL can workshop some abbreviations which aren’t so easy to mistake for one another?

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There’s a big misconception going around about Marshon Lattimore’s contract

There’s a big misconception going around about Marshon Lattimore’s contract. Any team that trades for him must pay him more than just his salary:

It’s important to remember that the NFL Scouting Combine isn’t just about the college prospects working out ahead of the 2024 draft; it’s also a mixer for personnel around the league to have dinner and drinks with players’ agents ahead of free agency, and for reporters to sit down with their contacts to gossip and source information.

Which is how we got this interesting nugget from ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, who emptied his notebook after a week in Indianapolis steakhouses, pubs, and other informal meeting-places.

And, based off what he’s learned, there’s a fierce market developing for talented cornerbacks. Fowler lists the Detroit Lions and Miami Dolphins among the teams looking to move most aggressively in upgrading their depth charts. And the New Orleans Saints could be in their crosshairs.

“Several teams believe Saints corner Marshon Lattimore — whose base salary is a paltry $1.2 million due to a restructure — is also available via a trade,” Fowler wrote. But that’s misleading.

While it’s true that Lattimore’s base salary is set at the league minimum of $1.21 million, that isn’t the only cost an acquiring team would have to pay. He’s also due to receive a $13.79 million roster bonus which will trigger one week before the start of the regular season, giving everyone involved a deadline to work out a deal. He’s going to receive $15 million in compensation from whichever team he’s playing for in the fall.

So while that lower base salary could make him more appealing to other teams in casual trade talks in March, teams are going to look at the situation with more scrutiny when they get down to brass tacks in June (when it’ll be easier for the Saints to trade Lattimore, for accounting purposes). Trading Lattimore before June 1 would cost the Saints a staggering $31.2 million in dead money. Waiting until after that date lessens the blow with charges of $10.6 million and $20.6 million in dead money for 2024 and 2025, respectively.

It’s a complicated contract situation, to be sure. And the easiest path out of it is getting everyone in New Orleans back on the same page so Lattimore can continue making plays for the Saints for years to come. But there are going to be teams willing to acquire him even if they have to wait it out through free agency and the 2024 NFL draft. We’ll just have to wait and see whether their patience wears off or if cooler heads prevail in New Orleans.

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Pro Football Talk publishes wild, over-the-top tweet about Caleb Williams, unleashing NFL draft uproar

Pro Football Talk thinks Caleb Williams is basically a Football Jesus who will resurrect the Bears and become an NFL legend.

Oh, my goodness. We know that people and publications try to create publicity and buzz all the time, saying things that will push others’ buttons and generate a reaction. Pro Football Talk certainly did that on Friday, and not in a vile or inappropriate way. This wasn’t a shameful or embarrassing tweet, but it certainly rates as a bold take and an act of sticking out one’s neck in terms of making a big prediction about an NFL draft prospect. PFT is fully sold on Caleb Williams as the savior of the Chicago Bears and a transcendent NFL player who will transform the Bears in the NFC North.

Just how fully is Pro Football Talk convinced that Caleb is the truth in these weeks before the NFL draft? Read the tweet and then look at all the emotional responses to it:

With cub at creek’s edge, momma lion can’t resist playful shove

A South Africa-based photographer last week shared a clip showing a momma lion’s playful instincts kick as her cub sat at creek’s edge.

A South Africa-based photographer last week shared a clip showing a momma lion’s playful instincts kick as her cub sat at creek’s edge.

The footage, captured by Kagiso Magano, was shared Monday by Lion Lovers under the whimsical heading: “Mom!! Why did you do that?”

The cub was frisky and mom, resting with other lions visible across the creek, saw the perfect moment in which to join the fun. (Note the cub’s look of disbelief as it begins to tumble.)

Some followers described the moment as a life lesson while one simply observed, “Hahaha poor little cubbie. Splash!”

Neither version mentioned a location or the name of the lion pride.

ESPN NFL expert predicts Chargers to be in Super Bowl LIX

The Chargers haven’t appeared in the Super Bowl since 1995.

ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum, an NFL front office insider, picked the Chargers to make Super Bowl LIX. Although Tannenbaum has the Bolts losing to the Lions, a Super Bowl appearance would be a huge feat, considering Los Angeles didn’t even make the playoffs this past season. 

The Lions will benefit from both coordinators returning to Detroit after Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn each attracted head-coaching interest, and this time I expect the team to win the NFC Championship Game and win the Super Bowl. I see them holding off QB Justin Herbert, Jim Harbaugh and the Chargers in a close game.

Nevertheless, this is a not-so-far-fetched pick by Tannenbaum for a few reasons. Under head coach Jim Harbaugh, the franchise will continue to undergo several necessary transformations to become a winning team. Harbaugh is known for working his magic on struggling programs and guiding them to championships in short amounts of time. So that’s the first reason for defending Tannenbaum’s pick on the Chargers making next year’s Super Bowl. 

Any person who understands football knows quarterback Justin Herbert is talented. He is the face of the franchise, and quite frankly, he has never been the problem. Unfortunately, the talent around him, or lack thereof, is. 

The Bolts will need to make certain roster improvements at cornerback, offensive line and running back if they want to earn their trip to the Super Bowl. Los Angeles has the fifth overall pick in the draft, which could help bolster their roster to a championship caliber. As free agency approaches, the front office will need to make some smart decisions on which players to keep and which to be willing to move. 

The AFC needs a new top dog and it might be the Chargers’ time to fill that role. 

Lions hiring ex-Jaguars passing game coordinator Deshea Townsend

Deshea Townsend, who was fired as the Jaguars’ passing game coordinator, is reportedly taking on the same position in Detroit.

Former Jacksonville Jaguars passing game coordinator Deshea Townsend is set to take the same position with the Detroit Lions, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.

Townsend, who also worked as the Jaguars’ cornerbacks coach, was hired by Jacksonville in February 2023 as one of the first members of Doug Pederson’s coaching staff. In January, Townsend was fired along with defensive coordinator Mike Caldwell and most of the defensive staff.

Prior to his time in Jacksonville, Townsend played 13 seasons in the NFL, spending all but one of those years with the Pittsburgh Steelers. He then transitioned into coaching, spending time with the Arizona Cardinals, Tennessee Titans, New York Giants, and Chicago Bears before joining the Jaguars’ staff.

The Lions kept most of their coaching staff in tact after reaching the NFC Championship this season. Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson both received head coaching interest, but are staying put in Detroit.

The team didn’t have a defensive passing game coordinator during the 2023 season.

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