Tag: reaction

How Daniel Jones’ new 4-year, $160M deal with Giants impacts Eagles’ QB Jalen Hurts

With NFL quarterback salaries soaring, here’s a breakdown of how Daniel Jones’ new 4-year, $160M deal impacts Eagles All-Pro quarterback Jalen Hurts

The price for Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts just went up again after the New York Giants agreed to t a four-year, $160 million deal with the Giants that includes $35 million in incentives as well.

The $40 million a year puts Jones among the top ten highest-paid quarterbacks and he’s tied for 7th on the list with Dak Prescott and Matthew Stafford’s $40 million per season.

All eyes will now turn toward new deals for Lamar Jackson (non-exclusive tag), Justin Herbert (Chargers), Joe Burrow (Bengals), and Hurts.

Hurts is a Pro Bowl quarterback, All-Pro and 2022 MVP runner up.

A 2020 second-round pick, Hurts won’t have to worry about a fifth-year option before he can cash out and 2023 will be the final year of his rookie contract.

Howie Roseman is all about striking first and since the Eagles’ third-year quarterback’s trajectory has risen to elite status, Philadelphia could be on the hook for even more than was initially guaranteed when they signed Carson Wentz to a new deal.

After leading the Eagles to the playoffs in back-to-back years, while also vastly improving under center, Hurts will soon be one of the top five highest-paid signal-callers.

Here’s an early projection of what a new deal for Hurts would look like thanks to Jones.

Cowboys’ Prescott ready for contract extension ‘when that time comes’

If Aaron Rodgers leaves Green Bay, Prescott will be the QB who’s been with his team the longest. He hopes to extend his stay even further. | From @ToddBrock24f7

As free agency is set to send plenty of veteran players to new clubs for 2023, one Cowboys star is perfectly happy to be remaining right where he is.

He’s even ready to extend his stay.

Quarterback Dak Prescott was on hand Tuesday at a luncheon in downtown Dallas, serving as a guest speaker on the subject of mental health and suicide prevention. But he also took a few moments to chat with reporters, and with so many notable passers on the move right now around the NFL, the topic of Prescott’s time with the Cowboys was a natural.

The 29-year-old is bound to the team through 2024, so he’s not going anywhere in the short-term. But with the team needing to do some work to get under the salary cap, there’s been talk of a restructuring or even an extension of his deal to create extra financial wiggle room for the front office.

Of course, any extension would only tack on years for Prescott to be wearing the silver and blue.

And that’s just fine with No. 4.

“A hundred percent, I’m excited to be a Dallas Cowboy,” Prescott said, via Calvin Watkins on Twitter. “Always dreamed to be here, and now that I’m here, I don’t expect to play for any other team. Now, it’s just about winning.”

That’s the name of the game for every NFL signal-caller, but many of them will find themselves doing it in unfamiliar locations as the offseason QB carousel gets cranked up.

Assuming Aaron Rodgers leaves the Packers, as is widely expected, Prescott- entering just his eighth pro season- will suddenly become the starting quarterback who’s been at the helm with his team the longest.

But as Cowboys executive vice president Stephen Jones said from Indianapolis last week, “We’ve got to have a plan to ultimately extend Dak.”

Jones hinted, though, that an extension might come without a lot of fanfare or publicity, just a necessary bit of bookkeeping that happens behind closed doors one night and is announced the next morning.

That, too, is okay with Prescott, who endured more than his fair share of contract speculation in 2020 and 2021 before finally inking a $160 million four-year pact that’s now halfway up.

“Looking forward to an extension. When that time comes, it will happen,” Prescott explained. “I’m with Stephen; it may just happen overnight. But when it happens, it happens. It’ll be great.”

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Eagles land RB Bijan Robinson, DT Calijah Kancey in Todd McShay’s post combine mock draft

The Philadelphia Eagles retool at key positions, landing Bijan Robinson and Calijah Kancey in Todd McShay’s post-scouting combine NFL draft mock

The 2023 NFL draft is fast approaching and even with the Eagles preparing for free agency, scouts within the organization are doing their due diligence on potential prospects.

Thanks to some draft night wizardry from Howie Roseman, the Eagles traded the No. 16 overall pick, No. 19 overall pick, and a 2022 sixth-round pick to the New Orleans Saints for the No. 18 overall pick, a 2022 third-round pick, a 2022 seventh-round pick, a 2023 first-round pick, and a 2024 second-round pick.

Philadelphia has 19 pending free agents, with nine key contributors on defense set to hit the open market.

ESPN’s draft guru, Todd McShay, Just released post scouting combine mock draft, and he has Philadelphia reloading on both sides of the football.

Is Anthony Richardson a better passer than Cam Newton?

The former Florida QB compares his game to that of Heisman winner Cam Newton. Does he believe that he is a better passer than Newton?

Former Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson turned heads at the NFL Combine last week in Indianapolis.

Some of his highlights include running the 40-yard dash in 4.43, reaching 40.5 in the vertical jump, and scoring a 99 on the athleticism test. After his week at the combine, most feel that he will be a top-10 pick. In the latest mock draft from College Sports Wire, Patrick Conn sees Richardson going No. 7 overall to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Following the combine, Richardson spoke with CBS Sports HQ about the combine, and how well he would transition to the pro game. During his interview, Richardson says that he tries to model his game after former Heisman-winning quarterback and Auburn legend [autotag]Cam Newton[/autotag] as well as Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson.

“I started calling myself Cam Jackson in 11th grade,” Richardson said.

Rick Spielman, the former General Manager of the Minnesota Vikings, then asked Richardson if he felt that he was a better passer than the former Auburn signal caller, to which Richardson said, “I believe so.”

Comparing Newton‘s and Richardson‘s final college season stats, Newton had the edge in yards by passing for 2,584 yards as opposed to Richardson’s 2,549. Newton was also more accurate by completing 66% of his passes while Richardson completed 54%.

It will be interesting to see if Richardson will indeed become a better passer than Newton over his pro career.

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Auburn baseball gains respect in this week’s national polls

Auburn baseball’s 9-1-1 record is catching the eye of the national media.

It has taken three weeks, but Auburn baseball is starting to catch the eye of the national media.

A College World Series participant a season ago, Auburn has struggled to find a place in the national polls despite winning nine of their first 11 games.  Among those wins are four wins over Indiana and USC, who compete in power five conferences.

As the season rolls on, Auburn continues to prove that they are worthy of a top 25 ranking, and most polls are beginning to agree. Here’s a look at where Auburn ranks this week among the six major polls: USA TODAY, D1Baseball, Baseball America, Collegiate Baseball Newspaper, NCBWA, and Perfect Game.

49ers 2023 prospect watch: Hawaii OL Ilm Manning is 49ers’ type

The #49ers met with an offensive lineman from Hawaii who follows a recent trend of OL picks by San Francisco.

The 49ers have valued versatility along their offensive front, and they’re not shy about moving players from their natural positions in hopes of finding a better fit. That mantra is why Hawaii left tackle Ilm Manning makes a lot of sense for San Francisco in the 2023 NFL draft. They met with the offensive lineman recently per the Draft Network’s Justin Melo.

Free agency will determine just how big the 49ers need to swing in the draft along the OL, but snagging offensive linemen late in the draft is something they’ll likely do regardless of how the free agent market shakes out.

Manning spent his entire collegiate career as Hawaii’s left tackle and started 60 of the 62 games he played across five seasons. Typically it’d make sense for a left tackle with that much experience to stay at his natural position, but Manning’s 6-4, 295-pound frame will likely cause him to move inside as a pro.

The 49ers recently tried this with Western Michigan’s Jaylon Moore, though Moore had enough success at tackle against professional defensive linemen that he stuck there. UTSA’s Spencer Burford saw action all over the line in college, but stuck as a right guard. They also selected Fordham left tackle Nick Zakelj last year in hopes of converting him to the interior. Manning would likely need to follow that path and move to either guard or center if he does land in San Francisco.

Manning probably won’t be a player the 49ers target particularly early in their draft, but a Day 3 swing on a potentially versatile player with this much experience would fit how San Francisco has operated in recent drafts.

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Cowboys News: DeAndre Hopkins enters the chat, Pollard tag impacts Schultz

Pollard’s franchise tag will have several ripple effect in the Cowboys locker room; the Cardinals WR is looking to make a splash in Dallas? | From @ToddBrock24f7

It was widely expected, but Monday’s news of the franchise tag landing on Tony Pollard still dominated the headlines in Cowboys Nation. Apart from the obvious ramifications for the Memphis rusher, the front office’s decision also has ripple effects that will impact right end Dalton Schultz and fellow running back Ezekiel Elliott in the very near future.

Meanwhile, another marquee wide receiver is being linked to Dallas. DeAndre Hopkins caused a stir by popping up in a live stream with a former Cowboys wideout, and that comes after one network insider had a source in Indianapolis tell him the Cowboys were looking to “make a splash” with a big-name pass-catcher, coincidentally, like Hopkins. All that, plus the status of Leighton Vander Esch, Zach Thomas’s Hall of Fame induction moment will have a decidedly Dallas connection, Ben DiNucci keeps lighting up the XFL, and a Romo-era Cowboys playmaker has become una estrella once again south of the border. That’s all in this edition of News and Notes.

List of available cornerbacks heading into 2023 free agency

There will be plenty of talent for the Patriots to pick from at cornerback in free agency.

The New England Patriots could go in a bunch of different directions with the No. 14 overall pick of the 2023 NFL draft, but considering the current state of things, the cornerback position could use some serious help right now.

Of course, they could mitigate the chances of any desperation moves by going out and signing one of the many available free agent cornerbacks expected to hit the open market.

That list includes veteran corner Jonathan Jones, who could be on the verge of playing outside of New England for the first time in his career.

One thing is certain: The Patriots have other areas to address on the roster outside of cornerback, including offensive tackle and wide receiver. It would be a huge weight lifted if they managed to come away with a veteran playmaker, especially if they lose Jones.

Here are the available cornerbacks set to hit the market.

Johni Broome, Wendell Green Jr. earn all-SEC honors

Auburn’s leading scorers have been recognized by the SEC.

Two key components to Auburn basketball’s success have been honored by the Southeastern Conference.

The SEC announced their all-conference selections on Monday and included guard [autotag]Wendell Green Jr.[/autotag] and [autotag]Johni Broome[/autotag] to their list. Both players graced the all-SEC second team, joining the likes of Alabama‘s Mark Sears, Arkansas’ Anthony Black, and Tennessee‘s Zakai Ziegler.

Broome has made the most of his first season on the Plains. In 30 games, Broome has averaged 14.0 points and 8.4 rebounds per game. He has 25 games of scoring 10 or more points and has recorded nine double-doubles.

Green is second in points, averaging 13.9 points per game.  He has reached double-figures in 21 games this season and has scored 20 or more in four of his last eight games.

Broome and Green will continue their season on Thursday evening when the Auburn Tigers face the Arkansas Razorbacks in the opening round of the SEC Tournament at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville. Tipoff is scheduled for 6 p.m. CT, the game will be broadcasted live on SEC Network.

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Pollard’s tag gives Cowboys unenviable record as next decisions loom

The Cowboys have the most expensive RB room in NFL history, at least for now. But some kind of change is coming for Ezekiel Elliott. | From @ToddBrock24f7

With Monday’s franchise tag placement on running back Tony Pollard, the Cowboys nudged the first of what will be several dominoes regarding their 2023 roster.

The short-term fates of Ezekiel Elliott and Dalton Schultz are likely tied to the $10.1 million Pollard decision; the outcomes of those conversations within the front office will be revealed in the coming days, weeks, and months.

But for now, at this moment in time anyway, the team holds a unique record in the annals of NFL history.

The Cowboys currently have the most expensive running back corps the league has ever seen.

That, of course, is practically guaranteed to change soon as the club shifts its focus to Elliott’s contract.

Owner Jerry Jones has plainly stated he’d like to have the two-time rushing champ back in Dallas next season, but it won’t be at the aforementioned $16.7 million cap hit. Or even the $10.9 base salary he’s owed under his exiting pact.

Elliott has said he’d like to return, too, and even be willing to take a pay cut to do so. It will, therefore, be a matter of finding a number that’s palatable for all parties.

The list of veteran running backs who could be had this offseason is a long one, populated with names like Josh Jacobs, Saquon Barkley, David Montgomery, Miles Sanders, Kareem Hunt, Jamaal Williams, Devin Singletary, and Rashaad Penny. Joe Mixon, Leonard Fournette, and even Derrick Henry could be on the move, too.

And every one of them who actually hits the open market only waters down the chances of Elliott landing a big-fish deal anywhere else.

The ripple effects of restructuring or even cutting Elliott will have a trickle-down cap effect that possibly impacts a player like Tyron Smith or a free agent at another position, like Odell Beckham Jr.

Then there’s always the draft to consider. After a lot of apparent interest on both sides, the Cowboys elected not to use one of their 45 formal combine meetings with Texas rusher Bijan Robinson.

Now with Pollard locked up via the tag, the odds of Dallas using this year’s first-round pick on Robinson would seem to have dropped significantly, although it’s wise to never say never when it comes to forecasting what the Joneses will do.

It’s clear, though, that they’ll need to do something, with Monday’s tagging of Pollard just the first step.

The Cowboys ownership love to sit atop leaguewide lists, but being the biggest overspenders on running backs probably isn’t a record they want to hang onto for long.

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