Tag: Michael Jackson

Saints featured Michael Jackson songs in pregame warmups after Derek Carr fine

The Saints catered their Week 3 pregame playlist to feature multiple Michael Jackson songs after Derek Carr was fined for last week’s TD celebration:

Shoutout to the New Orleans Saints’ gameday operations crew.  After Derek Carr was fined last week for a celebration paying tribute to the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson (which the NFL promoted for millions of views), the Saints featured multiple Jackson songs during pregame warmups before kickoff with the Philadelphia Eagles.

These included “Don’t Stop ‘Til You Get Enough” and “Billie Jean,” which led to the amusement of many fans and media members alike. There was some alleged moonwalking from Philly reporters in the press box.

Carr ended up having to pay $14,069 for last week’s celebration, but maybe he will keep it going if he feels like having some fun and getting the fans hyped up each  week. Either way it was a fun gesture by the Saints.

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NFL has gotten millions of views promoting Derek Carr’s TD celebration

The NFL has gotten millions of views promoting Derek Carr’s TD celebration on social media. They thanked him for it with a $14,069 fine:


This isn’t a good look for the NFL. The league has gotten millions of views promoting Derek Carr’s touchdown celebration against the Dallas Cowboys on social media, complete with an explanation for why he paid tribute to the late “King of Pop” Michael Jackson. Then the NFL thanked the New Orleans Saints quarterback for creating this highlight reel moment with a $14,069 fine.

On TikTok alone the clip has been viewed more than 267,000 times. It’s created even more engagement on Instagram with more than 1.6 million views. It’s since spread far and wide across the Internet as evidence that this 2024 Saints team is different from what fans have had to watch in recent years. And, sure, it’s a great clip. In his postgame press conference Carr joked that he borrowed Jackson’s choreography to remind his kids and younger teammates that he has some dance moves.

At the same time, the people issuing fines from the league office in New York are not the same people editing videos to post online every Sunday. Of course they’re going to react differently when a player grabs his crotch after scoring a touchdown and laughs about it after the game. But that doesn’t make this any less hypocritical. Company policy should be standard across departments. Either outlaw gestures like this (Carr wasn’t penalized for it during the game, by the way) or let it slide and get those clicks, reactions, and impressions online. Not even the NFL should get to have its cake and eat it too.

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Report: Derek Carr fined $14,000 by NFL for Michael Jackson TD celebration

NBC Sports reports Derek Carr was fined $14,000 by the NFL for his Michael Jackson-inspired touchdown celebration against the Dallas Cowboys:

The No Fun League has struck again. NBC Sports’ Mike Florio reports that  the NFL has fined New Orleans Saints quarterback Derek Carr a staggering $14,000 for his Michael Jackson dance-inspired touchdown celebration against the Dallas Cowboys last week. Florio noted that Carr was not penalized during the game.

Carr’s teammates loved it, but the league office in New York had a more mixed reception. Players grabbing their crotches have been fined before (notably Marshawn Lynch, who used that celebration against the Saints in  the playoffs) but NFL Network has used those same gestures for promotional advertising on highlight reels. The late “King of Pop” even performed at the Super Bowl with his signature choreography.

But it cost Carr $14,000. The NFL has found a way to have their cake and eat it, too. Because Carr restructured his contract this offseason to play on a veteran minimum salary in exchange for receiving a hefty signing bonus, he’s only getting $71,176 in weekly game checks during the season. So about a fifth of his Week 2 paycheck is going to cover this fine. That’s an expensive dance move. If the tradeoff is Carr keeps leading the offense to 40-point scoring outputs, though? He’ll have cause to celebrate.

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Seahawks bring back WR Ty Scott, signing him to the practice squad

Seahawks bring back WR Ty Scott, signing him to the practice squad

The Seattle Seahawks have made another roster move involving the practice squad. On Tuesday, it was reported the Seahawks were bringing back wide receiver Ty Scott. Originally signed in late July during the first week of training camp, Scott was eventually waived by the team during the August 27th deadline to shrink the active roster to 53 players. Now, he has found his way back to the Seahawks organization.

Of course, when one player comes back, it typically means the team has to move on from someone else. Sadly, this is the reality for seventh round rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from Michigan. The Seahawks had traded for Barrett in late August. Seattle had sent cornerback Michael Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in a rare straight across trade

Seattle still has quality depth at wide receiver, even if the numbers from Sunday didn’t exactly pop off the page. The fact they are keeping Scott in the organization despite this depth tells us the team sees something in him that is worth holding on to, even if it is on the practice squad.

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Panthers HC Dave Canales asked about OLB, CB, punt returner jobs

Panthers HC Dave Canales offered some insight into a few of the team’s biggest question marks.

Amazingly enough, the Carolina Panthers’ big roster cutdown did not give us clearer answers on a number of question marks throughout the starting unit. In fact, Tuesday’s and Wednesday’s moves may have even clouded the situation for those on the outside looking in.

But head coach Dave Canales seems to have a decent outlook.

Canales spoke with reporters following this afternoon’s practice, and was asked if the newly-acquired Michael (or Mike) Jackson is the favorite to start alongside Jaycee Horn at the cornerback position.

“It looks like that right now. But again, adding these guys—kinda hopeful to see what they can bring to us and see how quickly they can assimilate into our system,” Canales said of the team’s latest additions.

“Michael has experience in this scheme the last couple of years in Seattle. So, he’s fully aware of what’s expected of him from a scheme standpoint, and he’s the right style of player. He’s exactly what we look for. He shows up tough and physical at the ball, he’s got speed, he’s got size, all those things. Just an accountable guy.”

The Panthers traded for Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and linebacker Michael Barrett last Thursday. They also placed waiver claims on three cornerbacks earlier this afternoon—Keenan Isaac, Shemar Bartholomew and Tariq Castro-Fields.

Canales was later asked about the other starting position in question on the defense—the No. 2 job off the edge next to Jadeveon Clowney.

“Yeah, up for grabs still,” he stated. “This is a group of guys that’s worked really hard through camp and just gonna continue to see what DJ [Johnson], Eku [Leota], K’Lavon [Chaisson] can bring to us.”

Clowney, Johnson, Leota and Chaisson were the only four outside linebackers announced to the team’s initial 53-man roster. Carolina has since looked to add a few more at the spot—including former Seahawk Jamie Sheriff.

And next, the punt returner duties—left vacant by today’s release of wide receiver Ihmir Smith-Marsette.

“Raheem Blackshear, he’s a fantastic returner. He can do both,” Canales later said. “David Moore can also do both. Mike Boone has been a returner in his past. So those are some of the guys that we’re really counting on.”

With the first game of the regular season set for Sunday, Sept. 8, Canales and the Panthers will have about a week to find their answers.

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Initial 53-man roster projection for the 2024 Panthers

Here is our final projection for the Panthers’ initial 2024 53-man roster:

Now that the preseason is officially in the books, the Carolina Panthers have another task to tackle—the big cutdown.

Between now and 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, the Panthers and the rest of the NFL’s 31 teams must get down to their initial 53-player rosters.

Here is our final projection for Carolina’s initial 53:

Quarterbacks (2)

In: Bryce Young, Andy Dalton
Out: Jack Plummer

Plummer impressed in the summer finale, completing 21 of his 29 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. But that still won’t be enough to devote a third spot on the roster to a quarterback.

Running backs (4)

In: Chuba Hubbard, Miles Sanders, Raheem Blackshear, Mike Boone
Out: Jaden Shirden
Reserve/NFI list: Jonathon Brooks

Boone has benefitted from the inactivity of both Blackshear and Brooks, who isn’t expected back for at least a handful of weeks into the regular season. And luckily for the former, his successful track record as a kick returner keeps him around.

Wide receivers (6)

In: Diontae Johnson, Adam Thielen, Xavier Legette, Jonathan Mingo, Ihmir Smith-Marsette, David Moore
Out: Terrace Marshall Jr., Michael Strachan, Jalen Coker, Sam Pinckney

The sixth and final spot came down to Marshall Jr. and Moore. Moore’s experience on special teams and his previous history with head coach Dave Canales in both Seattle and Tampa Bay give him the edge.

Tight ends (4)

In: Tommy Tremble, Ian Thomas, Ja’Tavion Sanders, Jordan Matthews
Out: Feleipe Franks, Jacob Hollister, Jesper Horsted

Matthews earned his spot with a spectacular summer. The 32-year-old opened the preseason with a team-high 48 receiving yards in New England and ended it with a touchdown to kick off the last outing in Buffalo.

Offensive linemen (9)

In: Ikem Ekwonu, Damien Lewis, Austin Corbett, Robert Hunt, Taylor Moton, Brady Christensen, Yosh Nijman, Cade Mays, Chandler Zavala
Out: Ricky Lee, Jeremiah Crawford, Mason Brooks, Andrew Raym, Jack Anderson, Ike Boettger, Tyler Smith

Given that he’s the only true center on the roster, Raym has a shot to stick on. But the versatility of backups such as Nijman, Christensen and Mays allows the Panthers to keep the number of hog mollies at nine.

Defensive linemen (5)

In: Derrick Brown, A’Shawn Robinson, Shy Tuttle, Nick Thurman, LaBryan Ray
Out: Jaden Crumedy, T.J. Smith, Ulomoo Ale, Jayden Peevy, Walter Palmore, Junior Aho

Crumedy, the team’s sixth-round selection from this spring, could be in trouble while dealing a high-ankle sprain. So could Smith, who’d be a favorite to sneak back on as a practice squad member after recording a pair of sacks this preseason.

Outside linebackers (5)

In: Jadeveon Clowney, K’Lavon Chaisson, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota, Luiji Vilain
Out: Cam Gill, Derrick McLendon, Kenny Dyson
Reserve/Physically unable to perform list: D.J. Wonnum, Amaré Barno

Vilain and Gill could be battling for the fifth locker. But if it actually doesn’t go to either, look for the Panthers to pick up a pass rusher off the street.

Inside linebackers (4)

In: Shaq Thompson, Josey Jewell, Trevin Wallace, Claudin Cherelus
Out: Chandler Wooten, Tae Davis, Aaron Beasley

Canales does not take special teams prowess for granted. Cherelus and Wooten could claim spots with theirs.

Cornerbacks (6)

In: Jaycee Horn, Michael Jackson, Troy Hill, Chau Smith-Wade, Dicaprio Bootle, D’Shawn Jamison
Out: Willie Drew, Chris Wilcox, Quandre Mosely
Injured: Dane Jackson

The “significant” hamstring injury to Jackson (Dane, that is) could force the Panthers to keep a few outside options—including both Bootle and Jamison.

Safeties (5)

In: Xavier Woods, Jordan Fuller, Nick Scott, Jammie Robinson, Alex Cook
Out: Demani Richardson, Rudy Ford
Injured: Sam Franklin Jr.

As Canales has stated, there’s no replacing Franklin Jr.—who will be out for quite a bit while healing up a broken foot. Cook, however, could give the Panthers a little bit back on special teams.

Specialists (3)

In: Eddy Piñeiro, Johnny Hekker, JJ Jansen

Well, nothing to see here.

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How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

How Mike Jackson trade impacts Seahawks’ CB room

The Seattle Seahawks turned a position of weakness into a strength on Thursday when they acquired rookie linebacker Michael Barrett from the Carolina Panthers. General manager John Schneider sent cornerback Mike Jackson the other way. Jackson’s departure from a deep corner room will offer more opportunity for young rookies like D.J. James and Nehemiah Pritchett.

Jackson, a 2019 fifth-rounder, lost his place this offseason in a deep defensive backfield. Jackson started opposite Riq Woolen during the 2022 season. He was a league-average cornerback, allowing a respectable 62% completion percentage on targets thrown his way, according to Pro Football Focus.

Jackson was replaced in the starting lineup prior to the 2023 season by Tre Brown. Brown ran with his opportunity, and more changes came to the defense this offseason when head coach Mike Macdonald replaced Pete Carroll. Macdonald brought his brilliant defensive system with him, and Schneider drafted James and Pritchett to better appease the scheme.

Jackson has settled in as a depth cornerback. The Seahawks understandably rather utilize those depth spots on developmental rookies with more long-term upside. They also undrafted free agent Carlton Johnson on the roster. Johnson has impressed in spurts and is attempting to make the 53 man roster. His chances improved following Jackson’s trade.

Pritchett has spent the preseason playing almost exclusively on the boundary. James has been slightly more versatile, splitting reps outside and inside. Jackson’s departure all but guarantees that both Pritchett and James will appear on Seattle’s initial 53 man roster next week.

The Seahawks needed better linebacker depth given that projected starter Jerome Baker has been sidelined with injury for multiple weeks. With Jon Rhattigan and Patrick O’Connell offering little-to-no long-term upside, the arrival of Barrett offers the Seahawks a potential future solution. Having Barrett and Tyrice Knight as rookies in the linebacker room will be beneficial.

Trading Jackson in exchange for better linebacker depth was a worthwhile move.

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Analyzing how new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

How new Seahawks LB Michael Barrett fits the defense

The Seattle Seahawks executed a trade on Thursday afternoon as they continue preparing for roster cut downs, a process that will see general manager John Schneider finalize the initial 53 man roster next week. Seattle traded cornerback Mike Jackson to the Carolina Panthers in exchange for rookie linebacker Michael Barrett. Barrett will provide the defense with depth and developmental potential.

The Seahawks have been somewhat thin at off-ball linebacker throughout camp and the preseason. Projected starter Jerome Baker has been nursing a multi-week injury. The Seahawks also lost Jon Rhattigan to a brief setback before their second exhibition game, prompting them to sign rookie UDFA Easton Gibbs to help them get through the game.

Given the injuries at the position, it makes sense the Seahawks would sacrifice a cornerback, a position of depth on the defense. Mike Jackson became expendable after Schneider drafted two former Auburn cornerbacks, Nehemiah Pritchett and D.J. James, in April.

It’s surprising that the Panthers are willing to call quits on a rookie seventh-rounder, but they needed to part ways with something of value to improve their cornerback depth. Barrett was Carolina’s 240th overall selection in the 2024 NFL Draft. Perhaps the Seahawks would have signed him in undrafted free agency had he reached that market. Schneider’s final selection came 33 picks earlier, when he drafted Findlay offensive tackle Michael Jerrell.

There are obviously some intriguing connections between Seahawks head coach Mike Macdonald and Barrett. Macdonald was Barrett’s defensive coordinator at Michigan in 2021. This past season, won a National Championship with the Wolverines while playing for Jim and Jay Harbaugh, the latter of which is now Seattle’s special teams coordinator.

Barrett will provide the Seahawks with necessary depth and developmental potential. He’ll likely spend the majority of his rookie season playing on special teams, where he has an existing relationship and comfort level with coach Jay Harbaugh. Acquiring Barrett was a shrewd move by Schneider.

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Panthers sign rookie LB on Thursday

The Panthers signed rookie LB Aaron Beasley on Thursday.

The Carolina Panthers kept themselves busy on Thursday.

As announced this afternoon, the team has signed rookie linebacker Aaron Beasley. The 6-foot-1, 225-pound defender joins the roster after completing a workout earlier in the day.

Beasley, a Franklin Ga. native, played all five of his collegiate seasons at the University of Tennessee. Over 56 games between 2019 and 2023, he recorded 238 total tackles (32.5 for a loss), 7.5 sacks, four forced fumbles, one fumble recovery, one interception and seven passes defensed.

To make room for Beasley, the Panthers waived/injured offensive lineman Badara Traore. Traore, who first joined the team last December, played 25 snaps in this summer’s preseason opener against the New England Patriots—with 11 coming at left tackle and 14 at right tackle.

Carolina also pulled the trigger on a trade with the Seattle Seahawks just hours before the addition of Beasley—acquiring cornerback Michael Jackson in exchange for 2024 seventh-round pick and rookie linebacker Michael Barrett. Beasley could see action in Saturday’s preseason finale with the departure of Barrett.

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Biggest takeaways from Panthers’ acquisition of CB Michael Jackson

How many takeaways (and Michael Jackson references) can we get out of Thursday’s trade by the Panthers?

Carolina Panthers president of football operations and general manager Dan Morgan has been workin’ day and night to get his roster together for the regular season.

He continued on Thursday by completing a little bit of a thriller with the Seattle Seahawks, trading rookie linebacker Michael Barrett in exchange for cornerback Michael Jackson.

But why did the Panthers already give up on a pretty young thing? And who exactly are they rocking with now?

Here are the biggest takeaways from today’s swap:

Beat It

Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images

Remember the time Morgan and the Panthers selected Barrett in the seventh round of this year’s draft? Well, despite that, the 24-year-old still wasn’t a lock for the team’s initial 53-man roster.

Barrett wasn’t alone in the middle linebackers room, one already headed by long-time Panther Shaq Thompson and free-agent signee Josey Jewell. The depth behind those veterans has been filling out as well—with fellow rookie Trevin Wallace and special teams contributors Chandler Wooten and Claudin Cherelus impressing this summer.

Barrett clearly hadn’t done enough to jam himself into that equation. But at least the 2023 national champion gets to reunite with Mike Macdonald, his defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan in 2021.

Wanna Be Startin’ Someone

Steph Chambers/Getty Images

Carolina’s plan to start free-agent addition Dane Jackson at cornerback was quite clear. But that plan took a bad hit a little over a week ago, when the team learned they’d be without their projected No. 2 for “six-ish” weeks due to a “significant” hamstring injury.

Unfortunately for the Panthers, Stephon Gilmore recently let them know that he didn’t want them back and joined the Minnesota Vikings instead—leaving the defense with a handful of inexperienced options to replace Jackson.

This newer Jackson, however, has quite the experience as a featured corner—as he’s made 21 starts over 36 outings for Seattle between the last two seasons. 17 of those nods came in all 17 games of the 2022 campaign.

Smooth Criminals?

Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports

Did the Panthers just pull of a heist for Jackson?

The Pro Football Focus numbers were rather solid for the 6-foot-1, 210-pounder in 2023. He earned an overall defensive grade of 77.0 (19th-best amongst cornerbacks with at least 450 defensive snaps), a coverage grade of 76.9 and a run defense grade of 71.5.

Carolina probably isn’t healing their world with Jackson, but he could end up being a steal—especially for a seventh-rounder who wasn’t going to be on the roster.

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