Giants worked out veteran QB C.J. Beathard, seven others

The New York Giants worked out several free agents on Monday, including veteran quarterback C.J. Beathard.

The New York Giants held private workouts in East Rutherford on Monday which will lead to the signing of return specialist Kearis Jackson.

However, Jackson was not the only free agent in town.

The Giants also hosted quarterback C.J. Beathard, defensive backs Lamar Jackson and Greg Stroman, and wide receivers Joseph Ngata, Joseph Scates, Bryan Thompson and Seth Williams.

Of the group, Beathard’s name looms largest simply because he’s a quarterback. However, it’s unnecessary to read much into that because the Giants hold weekly workouts featuring a number of positions in order to gather data and prepare for potential free agent needs down the line.

The 30-year-old Beathard was a third-round pick of the San Francisco 49ers in the 2017 NFL draft. He remained in the Bay Area through the 2020 season before joining the Jacksonville Jaguars, where he played the past three years.

In 32 career games (13 starts), Beathard has completed 60.4 percent of his passes for 3,886 yards, 19 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He’s compiled a 3-10 record.

With Daniel Jones and Drew Lock on the active roster and Tommy DeVito on the practice squad, there’s no room for or reason to sign Beathard now. But should there be an injury later in the season, head coach Brian Daboll & Co. now have the information they need on Beathard.

Do not be surprised if the Giants work out more quarterbacks in the coming weeks.

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Jaguars announce 14 players signed to reserve/future contracts

The Jaguars made the addition of 14 players official Tuesday.

A day after the Jacksonville Jaguars’ 2023 season ended, the team signed 11 players to reserve/future deals, according to the NFL’s transaction wire.

More than a month later, the team has finally announced those signings along with a trio of other players. One of those three is kicker Riley Patterson, whose reunion with the Jaguars popped up on the transaction wire a week ago. The other two, tight end Josh Pederson and receiver Seth Williams, spent the 2023 season with Jacksonville.

Reserve/future deals, typically a minimum-salary contract, don’t count against the team’s salary cap or roster limit until the beginning of the next league year. Essentially that means those type of contracts are a way to keep players while roster limits haven’t yet been expanded back to a maximum of 90 players, which will happen when the new league year begins in March.

The notable omission from the list is running back Snoop Conner, who was picked by the Jaguars in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL draft. Here’s all 14 players who were officially added to the Jaguars’ roster Tuesday on reserve/futures contracts:

Bo Nix is back in town, and Auburn fans are excited

Former Auburn QB Bo Nix is back home watching the Tigers play LSU at Neville Arena and was treated to a loud ovation.

As the old saying goes, “You love Auburn, and Auburn will love you back.”

That is the experience that former Auburn quarterback [autotag]Bo Nix[/autotag] received Saturday. The Heisman Trophy contender returned to Auburn to watch the No. 16 Tigers host LSU at Neville Arena for a key SEC basketball matchup. During a break in the action, Nix was shown on the midcourt video board, which caused a loud, positive reaction from the fans in attendance.

Nix was Auburn’s second-highest signee for the 2019 recruiting class, trailing linebacker [autotag]Owen Pappoe[/autotag] for the top spot. He was the No. 2 overall quarterback for the class and the No. 3 overall recruit from Alabama. Growing up an Auburn fan, he immediately became a fan favorite as he threw a touchdown pass to [autotag]Seth Williams[/autotag] with 0:09 remaining in his first-ever game to lift Auburn over Oregon in the 2019 season-opener.

He would go on to pass for 7,251 yards and 39 touchdowns in three seasons as Auburn’s starting quarterback before departing from the program ahead of the 2022 season. In two seasons at Oregon, he would pass for 8,101 yards and 74 touchdowns. He also finished third in Heisman Trophy voting after leading the Ducks to a 12-2 record in 2023.

WRBL’s Jack Patterson caught the crowd’s reaction to Nix being in attendance. Are you happy to see Nix return to the Plains for a visit?

Contact/Follow us @TheAuburnWire on  X (Twitter), and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of Auburn news, notes, and opinions. You can also follow Taylor on Twitter @TaylorJones__

Missing the cut: Which Tiger could have been on the cover of NCAA Football 21?

We really missed out on using the Bo Nix-Seth Williams combo in dynasty mode.

Many sports video game fans across the country (including myself) were excited to learn that the NCAA Football franchise is on track to return to our lives in the summer of 2024, which will be re-named “EA Sports College Football.”

Plans for the game were threatened to be delayed due to a lawsuit from The Brandr Group, citing that the franchise’s $500 million pool, which would give each athlete represented in the game $500, was considered to be “far below market value.”

Despite the setback, EA Sports remains on schedule to release the game next summer.

“We’re incredibly excited to bring back an authentic college football experience for fans and athletes that have shown such passion for the franchise, and we’re looking forward to delivering it in Summer 2024,” an EA spokesperson tells On3’s Pete Nakos.

It has been ten years since the release of the last game, NCAA Football 14. It has us at Auburn Wire thinking… which Auburn athletes missed out on being a cover athlete for the famous video game franchise?

The college football world was introduced to [autotag]Bo Nix[/autotag] during the 2019 season. The true freshman passed for 2,549 yards and 16 touchdowns, which would be his best season in an Auburn uniform.

Sure, he kicked off his college career in a big way, but was he worthy of being the cover athlete for the hypothetical NCAA Football 2021 video game? He’s a close second, in my opinion. The true winner was the guy on the receiving end of most of his passes, [autotag]Seth Williams[/autotag].

Like Nix, the 2019 season was Williams’ best at Auburn. He hauled in 59 passes for 830 yards and eight touchdowns. He had several memorable games over his career, but his last-minute touchdown catch in the 2019 opener against Oregon stands out the most. With 16 seconds remaining, Nix launched a 26-yard pass to Williams, which resulted in the go-ahead touchdown to put Auburn ahead, 26-21.

Other worthy candidates include [autotag]Jeremiah Dinson[/autotag], who led the team in tackles with 88, and [autotag]Zakoby McClain[/autotag], who made 55 stops and a pick-six.

Before you take a look at the best photos from each of the contenders, here are the previous hypothetical covers.

Jaguars 2023 roster review: WR Seth Williams

Former Broncos draft pick Seth Williams spent the 2022 season on the Jaguars’ practice squad.

The brunt of the offseason is in the books and training camp is underway. Join us for a player-by-player review of the Jaguars roster ahead of the 2023 season.

When the Denver Broncos drafted Seth Williams near the end of the 2021 NFL draft, they made it clear that special teams were in the young receiver’s future.

“We targeted him as one of the top special-teams players for receivers,” Broncos general manager George Paton told reporters at the time. “… Special teams was a big part of our third day, and he was one of the top special-teamers as a receiver.”

That didn’t really come to fruition in Denver, though. Williams played 49 offensive snaps and 14 special teams snaps as a rookie, then was cut by the Broncos at the end of his second preseason with the team. After getting scooped up by the Jacksonville Jaguars, Williams spent his second NFL season on the practice squad.

Entering year three, Williams is looking for a more permanent spot on an active roster. Showing off some special teams prowess would be a good way to make it happen.

Contract (2023): $750,000 base salary, $750,000 cap hit.

Acquired: The Jaguars signed Williams to their practice squad on Sept 2, 2022.

PFF grades:

  • N/A (2022)
  • 54.3 (2021 – DEN)

Highlight:

Quote: “I can overpower my defenders that are guarding me. I’m able to make the big play, and I don’t shy away from the big moment at all. I’m ready for it all.” – Williams

Calvin Ridley (No. 0) Travis Etienne Jr. (No. 1) Rayshawn Jenkins (No. 2) C.J. Beathard (No. 3) Tank Bigsby (No. 4) Andre Cisco (No. 5)
Chris Claybrooks (No. 6) Zay Jones (No. 7) Logan Cooke (No. 9) Parker Washington (No. 11) James McCourt (No. 12) Christian Kirk (No. 13)
Kendric Pryor (No. 14) Tim Jones (No. 15) Trevor Lawrence (No. 16) Evan Engram (No. 17) Nathan Rourke (No. 18) Sammis Reyes (No. 19)
Daniel Thomas (No. 20) Latavious Brini (No. 21) JaMycal Hasty (No. 22) Foyesade Oluokun (No. 23) Snoop Conner (No. 24) D’Ernest Johnson (No. 25)
Antonio Johnson (No. 26) Divaad Wilson (No. 27) Tevaughn Campbell (No. 29) Montaric Brown (No. 30) Darious Williams (No. 31) Tyson Campbell (No. 32)
Devin Lloyd (No. 33) Gregory Junior (No. 34) Ayo Oyelola (No. 35) Christian Braswell (No. 36) Tre Herndon (No. 37) Qadree Ollison (No. 38)
Jamal Agnew (No. 39) Erick Hallett (No. 40) Josh Allen (No. 41) Andrew Wingard (No. 42) Kaleb Hayes (No. 43) Derek Parish (No. 43)
Travon Walker (No. 44) K’Lavon Chaisson (No. 45) Ross Matiscik (No. 46) De’Shaan Dixon (No. 47) Chad Muma (No. 48) Shaquille Quarterman (No. 50)
Ventrell Miller (No. 51) DaVon Hamilton (No. 52) Willie Taylor III (No. 53) DJ Coleman (No. 54) Dequan Jackson (No. 55) Yasir Abdullah (No. 56)
Caleb Johnson (No. 57) Raymond Vohasek (No. 59) Darryl Williams (No. 60) Samuel Jackson (No. 62) Coy Cronk (No. 64) Chandler Brewer (No. 67)
Brandon Scherff (No. 68) Tyler Shatley (No. 69) Cole Van Lanen (No. 70) Walker Little (No. 72) Blake Hance (No. 73) Cam Robinson (No. 74)
Cooper Hodges (No. 75) Anton Harrison (No. 76) Josh Wells (No. 77) Ben Bartch (No. 78) Luke Fortner (No. 79) Kevin Austin Jr. (No. 80)
Seth Williams (No. 81) Elijah Cooks (No. 84) Brenton Strange (No. 85) Gerrit Prince (No. 86) Jaray Jenkins (No. 87) Oliver Martin (No. 88)
Luke Farrell (No. 89) Henry Mondeaux (No. 90) Dawuane Smoot (No. 91) Jordan Smith (No. 92) Tyler Lacy (No. 93) Folorunso Fatukasi (No. 94)
Roy Robertson-Harris (No. 95) Adam Gotsis (No. 96) Michael Dogbe (No. 98) Jeremiah Ledbetter (No. 99) Brandon McManus Jacob Harris
Josh Pederson

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NFL draft history: Every player selected with the 219th pick since 2010

We’re looking at every player selected with the 219th pick in the NFL Draft since 2010

The Eagles need impact players on both sides of the ball, and with two first-round picks in this month’s draft, Howie Roseman will have another opportunity to add depth to a Super Bowl-caliber roster.

With so much parity in college football now, sixth and seventh-round picks offer an opportunity to land a solid player, but the list of No. 219 overall picks has left much to be desired.

With the NFL draft fast approaching, we’re looking at every player selected at No. 219 overall since 2010.

Reliving Auburn’s only win over Texas A&M in Jordan-Hare Stadium

Auburn is 1-4 against the Aggies in Jordan-Hare Stadium but 4-1 in College Station.

The Auburn Texas A&M series has been dominated by the road team. The Tigers are 1-4 in Jordan-Hare against the Aggies but are 4-1 in College Station.

Auburn’s only home win came in 2018 when they took down No. 25 Texas A&M 28-24 after a late comeback.

Trailing 24-14 with 7:14 left to play [autotag]Noah Igbinoghene[/autotag] intercepted Kellen Mond to give Auburn a chance. After [autotag]Jarrett Stidham[/autotag] got Auburn to the 1-yard line, [autotag]Chandler Cox[/autotag] punched it in to make it 24-21 with 5:14 left.

The Tiger’s defense forced a punt to give Auburn a chance to take the lead with just over two minutes to play.

That was all the offense needed as Stidham found [autotag]Ryan Davis[/autotag] for a 47-yard catch and run to get Auburn into the red zone. Stidham hit [autotag]Seth Williams[/autotag] for the game-winning touchdown on the next play and gave Auburn a 28-24 lead.

Here are the top photos from the game.

 

Broncos lose WR Seth Williams to Jaguars

After being cut by the Broncos, Seth Williams decided to join the Jaguars’ practice squad.

If the Denver Broncos were holding the final open spot on their practice squad for wide receiver Seth Williams, it will have to be filled by a different player now.

The Jacksonville Jaguars signed Williams to their practice squad over the weekend. After failing to make Denver’s 53-man roster, Williams drew interest from other teams and it seems that he believes he will have a better shot of promotion with the Jaguars than with the Broncos.

Williams was picked by Denver in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL draft out of Auburn. He spent most of last season on the practice squad before being promoted to the active roster for the final two games of the season.

This year, the Broncos opted to carry Courtand Sutton, Jerry Jeudy, KJ Hamler, Montrell Washington, Tyrie Cleveland and Jalen Virgil on the 53-man roster with Kendall Hinton and Darrius Shepherd on the 16-man practice squad. Denver still has one more spot open on the practice squad.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
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Broncos wide receiver competition is ‘very close’

The Broncos will have to make some tough decisions at WR when they trim the roster down to 53 players.

Even after losing Tim Patrick to a season-ending knee injury, the Denver Broncos have a crowded wide receiver room entering the final week of preseason.

Courtland Sutton and Jerry Jeudy top the team’s depth chart, with KJ Hamler the presumed favorite to win WR3 duties this season. Behind them, fifth-round draft pick Montrell Washington also seems like a lock as the team’s return specialist.

If the Broncos carry six receivers, there’s only room for two more after those presumed locks.

The candidates for the final two spots include fan favorite Kendall Hinton, special teams ace Tyrie Cleveland and summer risers Brandon Johnson, Seth Williams and Jalen Virgil.

“It’s funny, every time you think somebody is going to separate themselves, another guy steps up,” coach Nathaniel Hackett said of the competition at WR. “It’s not necessary that anybody is taking a step back, it’s that other people are stepping up. As a coach, that’s what you’re trying to create at all positions. So, I think it is very close.

“I think those guys are really working hard and they’re getting a great understanding of the pass game and what we are trying to accomplish. I think that’s what is good to see and it’s a positive problem to have for us.”

Denver will play a final preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings on Saturday before finalizing a 53-man roster by the following Tuesday. The receivers that don’t make the active roster could be candidates for the practice squad — if they’re not claimed off waivers by other teams.

Follow the Broncos Wire Podcast:
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Auburn Morning Rush: Former Tigers impress in NFL preseason, Soccer falls to Memphis

It was a busy weekend on the Plains, catch up on what you may have missed here.

It was another busy weekend for Auburn.

The football season is rapidly approaching and while the Tigers landing a commitment from JC Hart and having their first scrimmage may have grabbed your attention, plenty of other events took place.

The NFL preseason continued and [autotag]Seth Williams[/autotag] and [autotag]Jarrett Stidham[/autotag] both found the endzone in memorable fashion for their teams. In addition, the Tigers soccer team ended their preseason with a match against Memphis and are set to open the season later this week.

Catch up on these stories and more in the Monday edition of the Auburn Morning Rush below.