Tag: mandatory minicamp

NFL insider: Panthers QB Bryce Young consistently made ‘wow throws’ during spring workouts

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler heard some encouraging news about Bryce Young coming out of mandatory minicamp.

So far, so good for Bryce Young’s sophomore season.

ESPN senior NFL reporter Jeremy Fowler talked about the Carolina Panthers and their second-year quarterback on a recent episode of SportsCenter. Fowler noted that Young, who’s now under the guidance of new head coach Dave Canales, impressed during organized team activities and mandatory minicamp.

“Here’s the feeling from the Panthers after coming out of the spring: They believe Bryce Young made two to three ‘wow’ throws most days,” Fowler said, via Adam Wells of Bleacher Report. “He was accurate, he showed maturity and taking that easy checkdown instead of trying to force things and he hit big plays off play-action. Now, the nuances of Dave Canales’ system, footwork, timing, rhythm, that was there but I was told that’s probably going to take a little more time. That’s what training camp’s for, but they believe he’s on the right track so far.”

Canales himself spoke about the early success of his 22-year-old passer at the beginning of mandatory minicamp last week.

“I would just say the comfort and familiarity with our terms, with the plays,” he said when asked of Young’s growth. “Today was, by far, his best day just operating the offense. The execution of the plays—defense makes plays, too. But as far as getting out of the huddle, getting to the line of scrimmage, moving the shifts and motions, using the cadence, figuring problems out with the protections—this was a fantastic day for Bryce in understanding what we’re trying to get done.”

Young’s progression will be the major storyline of the 2024 campaign for Carolina, who fielded the league’s least productive offense this past season. 2023 saw its No. 1 overall pick average just 179.8 passing yards per game with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions.

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Chiefs release P Ryan Rehkow after mandatory minicamp

Kansas City #Chiefs release P Ryan Rehkow after mandatory minicamp | @EdEastonJr

With mandatory minicamp in the rearview, the Kansas City Chiefs have decided to part ways with one of their undrafted free agents. Former BYU punter Ryan Rehkow was announced as the lone release on Thursday via the team’s transactions tracker.

The release of Rehkow was accompanied by the signing of defensive tackle Alex Gubner with training camp quickly approaching next month. Gubner, another undrafted free agent from this year’s class, earned Big Sky Defensive MVP honors last season, tallying 45 tackles, 9.5 tackles for loss, and three sacks at Montana. He impressed during tryouts at minicamp, prompting the front office to add him to the 90-man roster.

Rehkow was a former Big 12 Punter of the Year known for having a big leg throughout his college career. He recorded a 42 percent inside-20 rate in his four seasons at BYU. In his last season, he had 68 punts, nine of which went as far as 60 yards.

The move opens the door for veteran Matt Araiza, the only punter on the roster. An All-American in college and winner of the Ray Guy Award as the nation’s best collegiate punter in 2021, he was drafted by the Buffalo Bills in 2022.

Steve Spagnuolo is using his past to warn the Chiefs’ defense to avoid complacency

Steve Spagnuolo is using his past to warn the Kansas City #Chiefs’ defense to avoid complacency | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ Super Bowl LVIII ring celebration was the last moment to celebrate their back-to-back titles before focusing on the upcoming season. However, experience from another franchise could be essential in ensuring continued success.

During OTAs, Chiefs defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo revealed that one of his previous teams had a top defensive rating, and the following year, they dropped to the bottom. All-Pro defensive tackle Chris Jones shared his takeaway from that discussion with reporters earlier in the week.

“Just how easy it is to get complacent. I think that was 2016-2017 New York Giants if I’m correct,” said Jones. “He actually showed us the bulletin this morning on the board (and) how they were ranked second and went to (last). Just the complacency level. It’s so easy to get complacent.”

During his second tenure as the New York Giants defensive coordinator in the 2016 season, his unit was the No. 2-ranked defense in the NFL. The following year, they were a shell of themselves, which led to immediate changes in the coaching staff.

“It’s so easy to get to, ‘We’ll fix it later,’ you know what I mean,” said Jones. “Especially when you come off such a high, so you want to always keep that pressure applied and making sure that you’re challenging each other at the highest level.”

Kansas City’s defense hopes to build off a tremendous showing last season and remain consistent in 2024. The stability of that side of the ball will once again be critical in the drive for a three-peat.

Chiefs WR Hollywood Brown: ‘Everyone is on the same page’

Kansas City #Chiefs WR Marquise Brown praised the team’s personnel during his comments to the media on Wednesday. | @EdEastonJr

The Kansas City Chiefs’ mandatory minicamp sessions were a significant period to reacclimate the team before next month’s training camp. The addition of new players and proven veterans working together to build early chemistry are all ingredients for another Super Bowl run.

After Wednesday’s practice, Marquise “Hollywood” Brown spoke with reporters about his adjustment to the Chiefs offense and trust in the personnel.

“I feel like everyone is on the same page; everyone has the same goal and mission,” said Brown. “The way we compete out there in practice and then – we teach each other like we help each other, defense talks to offense, offense talks to defense, so I feel like that’s a big part of it.”

During his last two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals, Brown had 118 receptions for 1,283 yards and seven touchdowns. He made a name for himself as a member of the Baltimore Ravens, with his best season in 2021, earning praise around the league with 91 receptions for 1,008 yards and six touchdowns.

“I’m excited to be here. (I’m) trusting (Head) Coach (Andy) Reid, (Offensive Coordinator) Coach (Matt) Nagy and Pat (Mahomes).” Said Brown. “I’m just excited for the opportunity and what’s ahead.”

The Chiefs have plenty of speed projected on their 2024 roster at the wide receiver position. As the veteran, Brown is expected to produce immediately as the younger talent finds their way.

After attending minicamp, Broncos WR Courtland Sutton noncommittal on training camp

Courtland Sutton was asked if he’ll report to Broncos training camp if his contract is not revised before then. “We’ll see,” Sutton said.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton reported to mandatory minicamp this week after previously skipping the team’s voluntary offseason workouts and organized team activities in the spring.

Sutton is set to have a base salary of $13 million this season and NFL Network reported last month that he was skipping the club’s offseason program because he was unhappy with his contract.

“I don’t know who talked to them, but obviously it’s something that has been conversed about,” Sutton said Tuesday when asked about NFL Network’s report. “My team and I have been in contact with the guys upstairs that handle all of that stuff. We were kind of going back and forth trying to figure out the best way to kind of find a middle ground for the situation. We are at a stalemate in a sense, but I have confidence and faith that the right thing will be done.”

Sutton was asked if he considered skipping mandatory minicamp to really make a statement and the receiver said skipping it was discussed with his agent, but the receiver did not want to miss more time away from his teammates.

“It was something that was conversed about,” Sutton said. “My team and I had conversations about it. Missing OTAs wasn’t easy for me. I love ball, I love this game. I love the comradery that it brings with my teammates. … So it was definitely something that was considered. I wasn’t – I’m not going to say I wasn’t a fan [of missing OTAs] – but obviously I’m here, you know? So that’s the biggest thing. I wanted to make sure that it was known that, yeah, I was upset about how the contract went about, how the conversation went about, how the stalemate has persisted, but I also want it to be known that I love ball. I love the guys.

“To be able to come out here and watch practice and to be around the guys, even just to stretch and move around with ‘em a little bit was so much fun. I enjoyed it to the fullest. So it was something that was considered but I don’t think it was a high consideration just because, you know, I think that the point has been made already. I think that everybody that needs to know knows what the situation is. And like I said earlier, I’m hoping that we’re able to find a solution and get to the bottom of this because this is where I want to be – and I’m just hoping that it’s mutual.”

If the it’s not “mutual” and Sutton’s contract is not revised before training camp, the receiver did not rule out the possibility of holding out.

“You know, we’ll see,” Sutton said when asked if he’d skip training camp if the situation is not resolved before then. “We’ll see what happens. Got a month to be able to get things situated. Hopefully things get situated because – as you all have heard – and I will continue to say, this is where I want to be. This is home. This is where I want to go hoist the Lombardi Trophy. This is the place where I want to be able to retire.

“This is the place where I want to be able to hopefully put enough out that once my career is done that I can hopefully have a bid at the Broncos Ring of [Fame]. Those are all things that have to be earned and hopefully I’m able to have the time to be able to continue to showcase that I’m capable of being in that caliber of people.”

Sutton, 28, has $2 million guaranteed this season. His base salary will increase from $13 million this year to $13.5 million next year, but none of his 2025 salary is guaranteed. ESPN reported last month that the receiver is seeking $15-$16 million per season.

The Broncos have about $7.7 million in remaining salary cap space this year, but the team is likely prioritizing long-term extensions for cornerback Pat Surtain (24) and guard Quinn Meinerz (25). If Sutton does skip training camp, he will be fined $50,000 for each day of practice skipped.

Denver’s staff was glad to see Sutton back at the team’s facility this week, but it remains to be seen (a) if the Broncos will revise his contract and (b) if Sutton will report to training camp if a new deal is not reached. The team usually begins training camp in late July. Sutton’s status will be tracked on Broncos Wire.

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Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes: Hollywood Brown has ‘done a great job’

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes lauded WR Marquise “Hollywood” Brown during his comments to the media on Thursday.

The Kansas City Chiefs ended their mandatory offseason minicamp on Thursday, marking the last time that the team will practice together until training camp in late July.

After the team’s final workout on Thursday, star quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke with the media. In his comments, the Super Bowl LVIII MVP detailed his thoughts on receiver Marquise “Hollywood” Brown, who has impressed during the team’s offseason practices.

“He’s [Brown] done a great job,” Mahomes said. “It’s hard to learn this offense and I feel like he’s done a great job picking it up very fast. Obviously, you see the ability – I mean obviously I don’t know how he’s here in our place because of how talented he is.”

The 28-year-old quarterback intends to hold Brown to high standards this season and told reporters that he expects the veteran receiver to open up the offense.

“I can just see that it’s going to be a great season for him,” Mahomes explained. “[Brown will] just take pressure off of other guys and I think it’s going to help get [Travis Kelce] open, help get Rashee open, going to help get all these guys open. You’re going to have that speed threat that can run routes and do all those different things so I’m very excited to get him out there in the regular season.”

Brown has been a standout performer in minicamp workouts and has already established chemistry with Mahomes, which will pay dividends for the pair during the regular season.

Joey Bosa on returning to Chargers with pay cut: ‘It was a pretty easy decision’

Joey Bosa would like to finish his career with the Chargers.

Joey Bosa had his first media availability session of mandatory minicamp since returning to the Chargers on a reworked contract this offseason. When asked about that process and returning, Bosa had this to say:

You know, I want to win. I want to be on this team. I want another shot with the guys in this room, especially [OLB] Khalil [Mack]. Yeah, that’s what it was and winning football games is more important to me right now than making some extra money. I think we have a great opportunity here. Who knows, maybe I’ll have a great year this year and things change down the road. I think if a guy like Khalil is coming off a year with 17 sacks and can take that cut, it shows the kind of guy that he is and the kind of culture we have brewing here. That’s who I want to be with. It was a pretty easy decision.

Bosa added that the addition of Jim Harbaugh was a factor in his mind, noting that he could be the “final piece” the team needs to get over the top. But his history with the organization in “wanting to be there for the moment” was an important piece as well. Later on in the media availability, he went on to say that he would ideally want to finish his career with the Bolts.

Bosa was asked if it felt different in the building throughout this offseason and had this to say:

Yeah, you know it’s not like these last eight years I’ve come in and thought we were going to lose or have a bad year [laughter]. I felt like every year when I tell you things are feeling good and I feel optimistic, it wasn’t a lie. But yeah, I think things are definitely, like I said, trending in the right direction. Everybody is on the details. I’m sure it’s a word that you’ve heard a million times. I think it just feels like Coach [Harbaugh] is leading the team the way it should be led. It has a feel of being back in college with [former Ohio State Head] Coach Urban Meyer. The message is sent from the top and it doesn’t get mixed up as it’s moving down the ladder. It’s, ‘Boom, this is how we’re doing things,’ and everybody is following that. I think it’s impressive, the details that everybody has been on, the effort and just the competitiveness that has been going on over the last few weeks. It’s been great.

Bosa mentioned his fight to stay healthy and on the field several times throughout the presser. Right now, he says his hamstring and foot are “good.” In perhaps slightly new information, Bosa ended up having offseason surgery on his finger.

He mentioned that his foot sprain against the Packers got worse when he tried to return to practice afterward, resulting in reaggravation and, ultimately, Bosa being shut down for the rest of the season. Asked about Giff Smith, he noted that he wanted to return within those last few weeks for him. It just never made sense with the nature of the injury and the direction of the season.

Panthers K Eddy Piñeiro asked about his absences from offseason workouts

Did Panthers K Eddy Piñeiro answer questions about his earlier offseason absences?

So, why did Carolina Panthers kicker Eddy Piñeiro skip out on offseason workouts? Well, he’s not the guy to ask.

Piñeiro, who did not attend voluntary minicamp nor team organized team activities, returned to the squad for mandatory minicamp this week. When speaking to reporters for the first time since his reappearance, he was asked about the absences.

“My decision on that is kinda private right now between me and the Panthers,” Piñeiro replied on Wednesday. “So I’m not gonna comment on me missing anything.”

The 28-year-old also declined to comment on if the absences were related to his current contract, one that ranks 20th in average annual value amongst all kickers.

He did, though, note the importance of the past few and upcoming months leading into the final year of that pact.

“This is a big offseason for me,” Piñeiro added. “I have a lot of goals. I wanna have a great season this year. I’m the third-most accurate kicker in NFL history right now. My goal is to be No. 1. So, that’s how I’m gonna attack this offseason.”

Piñeiro has successfully converted on 89.0 percent of his career field goal attempts. As he stated, he sits third in that category—behind Baltimore’s Justin Tucker (90.2) and Kansas City’s Harrison Butker (89.1).

According to Joe Person of The Athletic, who was in attendance for this afternoon’s practice, Piñeiro went 2-for-4 on his field goal tries during team drills.

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Panthers QB Bryce Young talks about his early chemistry with WR Diontae Johnson

Panthers QB Bryce Young on his early work with WR Diontae Johnson: “It’s been great.”

If the Carolina Panthers want their offense to succeed in 2024, they’ll probably have to get a strong connection out of quarterback Bryce Young and wideout Diontae Johnson. And so far, that seems to be the case.

Young spoke with reporters following the team’s second and final session of mandatory minicamp on Wednesday. With a new head coach and a new offense in place, he was asked about his unit’s identity—something they severely lacked during their nightmarish 2023 campaign.

“We’re an attacking offense,” Young said this afternoon. “We’re an offense that wants to do whatever the defense gives, but we wanna make sure that we can run the ball. Coach has said that a ton. That’s what we’ve talked about. We’re gonna establish the run game and we’re gonna play off of that.

“And then we’re gonna be multiple and be able to, week by week, go in and find what we feel like we can attack on the defensive side—but do it in ways that we specialize in. So, I think we’re still growing and getting better at perfecting ourselves, and that’s really the focus right now. But obviously, down the line, we’ll flip to that being a week-to-week game plan thing.”

An integral part to that eventual game plan should be the former Pro Bowler Johnson, who was acquired at the start of the new league year from the Pittsburgh Steelers. And Young, who linked up with his new receiver for a few touchdowns on Tuesday and Wednesday, was asked about their chemistry thus far.

“It’s been great,” he replied. “It’s been great being able to throw to him, to work with him. He’s a super, super hard-working guy. Super competitive.”

Hopefully for Young and the Panthers, that leads to them being more competitive on offense in 2024.

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Shaq Thompson on 2024 season: ‘I’m playing for the Panthers and for 31 other teams’

Panthers LB Shaq Thompson: “I would love to retire here, but that’s in my fate.”

Shaq Thompson may not know much outside of the Carolina Panthers, but he certainly knows how the NFL works.

Earlier this offseason, the veteran linebacker stayed put with the only organization he’s been with as a pro—agreeing to a restructured deal for 2024. So Thompson, who will be playing under an expiring contract, was asked about the decision after the team’s second and final outing of mandatory minicamp this afternoon.

“I love it here,” he stated on Wednesday. “I been here for nine, going on to 10 years. I mean, this is all I know. I would love to retire here, but that’s in my fate. And when I say that—I control what I control, I control myself on that field. If I play well, I stay here. If not, I’m out. I understand and know the business. This is my last year, so I’m playing for the Panthers and I’m playing for 31 other teams.

“But my main focus is, shoot, we gotta win. We gotta get more than two games. We gotta make the playoffs.”

Thompson, whose ninth year was cut short by a fractured fibula, wasn’t on the field for 15 of the team’s 17 games in 2023. The 2015 first-round pick was coming into the season relatively hot, too—as he totaled a career-high 135 tackles the campaign prior.

But even with the devastating injury, the freshly-turned 30-year-old believes he still has a good chunk of football left to play.

“I think I got about five in me,” he replied when asked how many years he thinks he has left. “I spent four behind TD [Thomas Davis] and Luke [Kuechly], broke my leg last year to add an extra year. That’s five right there.”

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