Tag: OTAs

Sean Payton comments on NFLPA’s pitch to end OTAs

“It just is what it is. I’ll worry about that when we get there,” Sean Payton said of potential changes to the NFL’s offseason schedule.

The Denver Broncos concluded 2024 organized team activities earlier this month and if the NFL Players Union has its way, those OTAs might have been the final installment conducted in the current format.

The NFLPA has proposed changing the offseason calendar by essentially eliminating OTAs in the spring and starting training camp earlier with a longer ramp-up period beginning in mid-June or early July.

Broncos coach Sean Payton was asked about the proposed schedule change earlier this month.

“It’s a topic every year that gets brought up,” Payton said on June 4. “Is that three, four, five years from now? I don’t know. I try to focus on the things that are like — when you get older and you hear those things, you’re just like, ‘All right. I don’t need to worry about that right now.’

“Ultimately, you’re going to have a period of time where the players are working prior to the season, and you’re going to have a time where they’re gone. I think I have a grasp as to what the proposal might look like. It just is what it is. I’ll worry about that when we get there.”

If approved, the new format could take effect as early as 2025, but Payton’s focused on the present. Ironically, the NFLPA’s pitch has been met with some resistance from the players the union represents. No change is imminent, but it is being discussed, and the NFL’s offseason schedule might look different in the future. Payton will deal with any potential changes when they happen.

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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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Patrick Mahomes on Chiefs offense: ‘We didn’t play our best last year’

#Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes told reporters that Kansas City’s offense can take a step forward in 2024.

The Kansas City Chiefs are striving to be the first team in NFL history to win back-to-back-to-back Super Bowls.

That sustained the success that the Chiefs have established is developed and mastered during the offseason programs.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes addressed the media on Thursday, elaborating on why this offseason has been the best since he took over as Kansas City’s starting signal caller.

“I think it’s two things, I think one is just the confidence that the defense has just off the year they had this last year. You can see that they’re trying to build on that,” Mahomes began. “Then offensively, obviously, we felt like we didn’t play our best last year and even though we won, we knew we a lot of places to improve.”

The 28-year-old quarterback believes that mentality has shaped the team’s competitive attitude during practice and drills.

“I think guys had that mentality coming into OTAs and minicamp,” Mahomes explained. “That’s something that I think has gotten the best out of everybody is that every single day [you all] hear it – we’re talking trash but it’s in a good way then we go off, we talk about it after practice of what we can do better. It’s been a great OTAs and minicamp, one of the best that I think that I’ve been a part of.”

Coming off two consecutive Super Bowl victories, Mahomes and his teammates are staying vigilant to ensure that complacency does not set it.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn names 3 defensive players who’ve impressed

Quinn mentions three players who stood out in the spring.

If there is one phrase that Washington fans do not want to hear anymore, it’s “position-flex.” Former head coach Ron Rivera would say that during almost every press conference throughout his four years. Apparently, under the old staff, it was more important to be versatile than good.

With only 53 roster spots, “position-flex” is essential. However, new head coach Dan Quinn uses a different word: Versatile.

The difference between then and now is that you must be versatile and good to play for Quinn.

During his final press conference of the offseason before Washington’s break, Quinn was asked about versatile players being used in different spots and if anyone had emerged. He named three players.

“I would say some of what I was hoping to see I did, and maybe that’s with (S Jeremy) Chinn,” Quinn said. “I would say it’s been good to see (DB Quan) Martin, you know, some down in the box, but some as a middle-field safety. (LB Frankie) Luvu, although I knew that was part of his game, I’d say it was probably even stronger than I thought. So those would be some, you know, that jump out to me.”

Martin is entering his second NFL season after Washington drafted him in the second round last season. He can line up all over the secondary and is projected to start at safety in 2024.

Chinn and Luvu both come from Carolina. Luvu was among the more sought-after free agents in March because of his versatility. He could play inside, but he’s more impactful when he’s moved around. Washington signing Bobby Wagner allows them to use Luvu in various ways.

Chinn is a wild card for the Commanders. He was phenomenal as a rookie in 2020 but battled injuries and multiple coaching changes since. He is big and athletic and is the type of player Quinn has often had success with. Chinn believes playing for Washington will make him a much better player.

By Quinn naming these three players, he wasn’t saying no one else had impressed him. He said those three names first came to his mind.

Washington’s defense will be better in 2024. There’s nowhere to go but up, and players like Jonathan Allen and Daron Payne will love this style of defense.

Alvin Kamara speaks on learning a new offense, and OTA absence

Alvin Kamara has to learn a new system for the first time in his seven-year career. He remains unbothered, saying “Change is good”

New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has only known one scheme the entirety of his professional career, whether conducted by Sean Payton or Pete Carmichael. Klint Kubiak now leads the Saints offense, and it’s a drastic change. But it’s not a change that has Kamara stressed.

“Change is good. Change is good,” Kamara repeated. “I think all of us were a little comfortable, the guys that had been here. Just starting fresh and learning a new system, I think it’ll be beneficial. Especially because of what the system is.”

Kamara acknowledged he’ll no longer be able to run through the system with his eyes closed, but he feels Kubiak’s offense is a great fit for him. The change in system made Kamara’s absence at organized team activities noticeable. Maintaining his typical even-keeled and nonchalant demeanor, the veteran emphatically addressed any criticism on his absence.

“For me it was just, I kind of just stuck to what I know,” Kamara said. He starts his offseason in Miami where he can work out with his personal trainer and prepare for the season, which has been the case for him for several years. “I don’t think any of my teammates took offense to it really. Like I said, I still talk to all of these dudes every day. It just is what it is.”

Kamara said he hadn’t heard any of the noise surrounding his absence, but made a point to note he is typically absent from OTA’s. He then detailed he’s been in constant communication with Kubiak and that he watches OTAs practices on his tablet despite not being present.

Physical reps began at minicamp, but the mental reps have been a constant part of the offseason. Kamara welcomed the challenge of a new offense and has diligently prepared for the task through the offseason. Now it’s time to put it into practice.

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Ravens HC John Harbaugh was just one win away from SBLVIII

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was just one win away from coaching in SBLVIII, and a chance at his 2nd Super Bowl victory.

Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh was just one win away from coaching in SBLVIII, and a chance at his 2nd Super Bowl victory in 2024.

With NFL Training Camp under sixty days away, Harbaugh is prepared to coach in his 17th season with the Ravens.


Harbaugh continues to set the tone for the Ravens by leading a team-first mentality in the media. When talking with Rich Eisen this spring, Harbaugh spoke highly about rookie defensive back Nate Wiggins from Clemson as well as NCAA transfer rules and other vitals.

Harbaugh needs to address changes at the offensive lineman position and coach alongside newly promoted defensive coordinator Zach Orr to relive last year’s historic output.

Obviously, a lack of camaraderie may have cost the Ravens last season when offensive coordinator Todd Monken decided to run a pass-heavy attack in the AFC Championship. Harbaugh and Monken are going into their 2nd season together and with new running back Derrick Henry acquired, things may flow more congruently for the team offense.

Harbaugh’s quest for another Super Bowl title has taken time but Ravens’ general manager Eric DeCosta and team administration still believe he is the guy. With just a 12-10 playoff career record, Harbaugh can only hope to change the narrative this upcoming season.

Why Ricky Pearsall’s strong OTA showing matters

Ricky Pearsall stood out in OTAs for all the right reasons. Here’s why that matters:

Typically a strong performance in OTAs isn’t particularly notable. There are no pads on, not every player is participating, and the general environment has significantly less urgency than training camp or the regular season. However, there’s at least some significance to rookie wide receiver Ricky Pearsall standing out in those early sessions.

Pearsall’s performance in the voluntary and mandatory portions of the offseason program was noted by several reporters on site at the 49ers practice facility. Matt Barrows of the Athletic wrote an entire piece about how the first-round pick has made a mark in those sessions.

Head coach Kyle Shanahan also spoke highly of Pearsall’s early work with the club and quarterback Brock Purdy.

“It’s been fun to watch both of them,” Shanahan said in a June 4 press conference. “I know Brock doesn’t always get to watch how the route gets there, but he knows when guys end up in the right spot and they catch it. That’s where quarterbacks get comfortable and I think he can fill that with Ricky right away. I mean, he’s been getting to the right spot and when he has made mistakes, he understands it and corrects it. I think that’s why those guys are gonna have a lot of fun working together.”

This is at least a minor deal because it puts Pearsall on a good trajectory heading into camp.

It wouldn’t have been a bad thing if Pearsall hadn’t stood out in any meaningful way. It would have been a bad thing if he stood out for being actively bad. But if he’d just been another WR there’d still be chances for him to make his mark in training camp and beyond.

That he stood out for his strong outings with expanded reps because of absences from other receivers is a great sign for the 49ers. Pearsall performing well in his first ever OTAs gives optimism that he’ll be able to hit the ground running once camp starts, pads come on, hitting begins and the competitions get more real.

The 49ers need their first-round pick to be a high-quality player and so far he’s checked every box and then some.

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What is the biggest question facing the Commanders after OTAs?

What do believe is the biggest question facing Washington after OTAs and ahead of minicamp?

The offseason is almost over for the Washington Commanders. On Friday, Washington just wrapped up its third and final week of Offseason Training Activities (OTAs). Next is the mandatory minicamp next week, and then the Commanders break until training camp later next month.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has wasted no time in impressing his new teammates. Multiple players have raved about Daniels’ talent, but, more importantly, they’ve noticed his commitment and study habits. Defensive tackle and longtime team captain Jonathan Allen said Daniels even beats him to the facility every day.

What’s next for Daniels?

Some NFL teams have already wrapped up OTAs and minicamp. Therefore, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report recently asked the question: What is the biggest question facing every NFL team after OTAs?

No surprise, but Holder’s question revolved around Daniels:

While most people might not be expecting much from the Commanders this year, the front office brought in several veterans in free agency to suggest the organization feels the team is ready to compete for a playoff spot this fall. But the biggest factor in that equation is if the rookie quarterback is ready to go.

The good news is head coach Dan Quinn seems to be impressed with the work Daniels has put in.

“I think the situation work, we’ve been working really hard on, and so, some of the timing and mechanics are different from college in a two-minute setting than it is in the NFL,” Quinn told reporters.

“So to see, every day, him going through those mechanics out of two minute … at the end of the half working down in a clock situation, where it’s still moving on the first down and that type of urgency. Seeing him being comfortable in that environment, I would say that’s one example of many that shows the work that he’s put in.”

While most on the outside do not believe Washington can compete this season, the team believes differently. With Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. in charge of the defense, that side will be much better. If Daniels meshes with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders could be one of the NFL’s surprise teams in 2024.

So far, Daniels has passed every test. The mandatory minicamp will be another important step in his development.

Commanders center Tyler Biadasz discusses working with QB Jayden Daniels

Biadasz praises Daniels’ work ethic and discusses the center/QB relationship.

Before the 2021 NFL season, the Washington Commanders had stability at center. Chase Roullier just signed a four-year extension and Washington should’ve been in good shape at a critical position for years to come.

Unfortunately, Roullier suffered injuries in 2021 and 2022, playing a combined 10 games over those two seasons. Washington released him last year, and he has since retired.

During that time, the Commanders cycled through multiple centers due to injury. Heading into this offseason, there was no way general manager Adam Peters would not make a significant investment in the position, especially with a rookie quarterback also coming to town.

One of the first moves in free agency saw the Commanders agree to terms with Dallas center Tyler Biadasz. The four-year veteran took over as the Cowboys starting center late in his rookie season and never looked back. When Peters hired Dan Quinn as the head coach, Quinn and Peters made signing Biadasz a priority.

While the Commanders also needed a left tackle, Washington’s need to find a veteran center for Jayden Daniels was even more urgent.

After Wednesday’s OTA practice, Biadasz spoke about working with Daniels and how that process is coming along.

“Yeah, you do it,” Biadasz said when asked about building that rapport. “You take snaps. Legit, you take snaps, you literally go out on the field and be like, ‘Hey, I want to get like 20 snaps or whatever. Or, ‘How do you see this or how do you see that?'”

More from Biadasz.

“It’s that development of a relationship, where it’s like, a brotherhood of like he’s coming in fresh out of college, so it’s like one of the things where this is the biggest work mode you have to be in, even though it’s on the OTA side and that you’re going into a break coming up, but like, it doesn’t stop. You consistently have to keep working at that craft because it’s a relationship that never ends. I think like it’s one of those things where each and every day, you have to keep putting that time in…….keep getting that 1% better every single day mindset……and he’s doing a great job on his end.”

Biadasz noted how Daniels was one of the first people in Washington’s building every day, working with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury and always in the film room.

The message is always consistent regarding Daniels: He will not be outworked. When you are the No. 2 overall pick with Daniels’ immense talent, that’s the exact trait you want from your new franchise quarterback.

Daniels’ relationship with Biadasz is important because if Daniels becomes the player the Commanders think he will be, they could be together for many years.

WATCH: Bucs 1st-round pick Graham Barton mic’d up at OTAs

Watch Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie Graham Barton get used to the Florida heat at practice this week

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers are hard at work preparing for the upcoming 2024 NFL season, and their new rookie class is starting to get acclimated to the hot summer weather in Florida.

That includes offensive lineman Graham Barton, the Bucs’ first-round pick from the 2024 NFL draft, who was mic’d up for recent practice during Organized Team Activities (OTAs).

Watch the video above to see Barton learning the ropes and getting used to the hot and humid Tampa climate in June.

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