In the weeks and months ahead of the dissolution of quarterback  as the Los Angeles Rams' leading man, much ado was made about coach Sean McVay's less-than-glowing comments regarding his then-franchise QB.On a sleepy, offseason afternoon Thursday, though, McVay looked back fondly on the days of Goff and deemed it unfair to pin the team's recent offensive woes squarely on the shoulders of the quarterback."What I think is important to make sure that I at least want to mention is the amount of good things and really great leadership that he provided since I got here as a head coach," McVay...…In the weeks and months ahead of the dissolution of quarterback  as the Los Angeles Rams' leading man, much ado was made about coach Sean McVay's less-than-glowing comments regarding his then-franchise QB.On a sleepy, offseason afternoon Thursday, though, McVay looked back fondly on the days of Goff and deemed it unfair to pin the team's recent offensive woes squarely on the shoulders of the quarterback."What I think is important to make sure that I at least want to mention is the amount of good things and really great leadership that he provided since I got here as a head coach," McVay...WW…

 carved out a place in the quirky, unexpected hall of NFL history in 2020 when he played emergency quarterback for an entire game due to COVID-19's impact on the Broncos.Hinton was, in a word, dreadful, but was also placed in an unwinnable situation as a practice squad receiver haphazardly converted to starting quarterback. He completed 1 of his 9 attempts for 13 yards and threw two interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of zero in Denver's Week 12 loss to New Orleans.Looking back, Hinton still can't believe what happened."To be honest with you, we're three or four months out from...… carved out a place in the quirky, unexpected hall of NFL history in 2020 when he played emergency quarterback for an entire game due to COVID-19's impact on the Broncos.Hinton was, in a word, dreadful, but was also placed in an unwinnable situation as a practice squad receiver haphazardly converted to starting quarterback. He completed 1 of his 9 attempts for 13 yards and threw two interceptions, finishing with a passer rating of zero in Denver's Week 12 loss to New Orleans.Looking back, Hinton still can't believe what happened."To be honest with you, we're three or four months out from...WW…

's unhappiness has not gone unnoticed around the NFL.More than 10 teams have called the Seahawks to inquire about Wilson's availability, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, in the days and weeks following about his desire for the Seahawks to improve in multiple areas entering 2021. detailing a rift between Wilson and the Seattle coaching staff only takes this topic further.It seems Wilson's displeasure with the Seahawks begins with their resistance to making things conducive for his success as a passer. After starting the season hot with Wilson leading the charge, a shift...…'s unhappiness has not gone unnoticed around the NFL.More than 10 teams have called the Seahawks to inquire about Wilson's availability, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported Thursday, in the days and weeks following about his desire for the Seahawks to improve in multiple areas entering 2021. detailing a rift between Wilson and the Seattle coaching staff only takes this topic further.It seems Wilson's displeasure with the Seahawks begins with their resistance to making things conducive for his success as a passer. After starting the season hot with Wilson leading the charge, a shift...WW…

The offseason isn't even a month old, and the Jets are set to look dramatically different in 2021 because of their new coaching staff alone. More change could be coming at quarterback, and New York will surely be in the market for upgrades at running back, wide receiver, offensive line and cornerback.Whatever the final roster proves to be, defensive tackle wants to be on it. The No. 3 pick of the 2019 draft has been the subject of , and he reiterated Wednesday that he hopes it is nothing more than talk. That conversation has recently involved him being part of a package to net quarterback...…The offseason isn't even a month old, and the Jets are set to look dramatically different in 2021 because of their new coaching staff alone. More change could be coming at quarterback, and New York will surely be in the market for upgrades at running back, wide receiver, offensive line and cornerback.Whatever the final roster proves to be, defensive tackle wants to be on it. The No. 3 pick of the 2019 draft has been the subject of , and he reiterated Wednesday that he hopes it is nothing more than talk. That conversation has recently involved him being part of a package to net quarterback...WW…

How many above .500 teams from 2020 does your favorite squad play this coming season? Which team has the hardest schedule and which the easiest? Check out where your team falls in the 2021 strength of schedule rankings.Please enable JavaScript to view theBig left arrow iconBig right arrow iconClose iconCopy UrlThree dots iconDown arrow iconEmail iconEmail iconExit Fullscreen iconExternal link iconFacebook logoFootball iconFacebook logoInstagram logoSnapchat logoYouTube logoTikTok logoSpotify logoLinkedIn logoGrid iconKey iconLeft arrow iconLink iconLocation iconMail iconMenu iconOpen...…How many above .500 teams from 2020 does your favorite squad play this coming season? Which team has the hardest schedule and which the easiest? Check out where your team falls in the 2021 strength of schedule rankings.Please enable JavaScript to view theBig left arrow iconBig right arrow iconClose iconCopy UrlThree dots iconDown arrow iconEmail iconEmail iconExit Fullscreen iconExternal link iconFacebook logoFootball iconFacebook logoInstagram logoSnapchat logoYouTube logoTikTok logoSpotify logoLinkedIn logoGrid iconKey iconLeft arrow iconLink iconLocation iconMail iconMenu iconOpen...WW…

Hard Knocks enters its 16th season feeling more entrenched than ever in the NFL landscape.After all, if an unprecedented global pandemic that shut down team facilities, eliminated offseason programs and wiped away the preseason wasn't enough to send Hard Knocks on its own version of a (completely understandable!) COVID-19 opt-out, what could move the acclaimed docuseries off its course now?(Don't answer that question. I don't want to know what else could happen. I am not challenging anything or anybody. Leave us alone.)And since Hard Knocks is unstoppable and time is a flat circle, we've...…Hard Knocks enters its 16th season feeling more entrenched than ever in the NFL landscape.After all, if an unprecedented global pandemic that shut down team facilities, eliminated offseason programs and wiped away the preseason wasn't enough to send Hard Knocks on its own version of a (completely understandable!) COVID-19 opt-out, what could move the acclaimed docuseries off its course now?(Don't answer that question. I don't want to know what else could happen. I am not challenging anything or anybody. Leave us alone.)And since Hard Knocks is unstoppable and time is a flat circle, we've...WW…

Which headlining NFL players could be dealt in the coming months?The league's trade season has unofficially commenced, with some big-name quarterbacks relocating. And there's a buzz that this could only be the beginning. A feeling that this particular offseason -- with due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on 2020 revenue -- could be rife with player movement. We can feel that energy building in the walk-up to the 2021 NFL Draft, with widespread speculation that huge A-listers could be on the move.Normally at this time of year, I would publish . Which seems frivolous in today's climate....…Which headlining NFL players could be dealt in the coming months?The league's trade season has unofficially commenced, with some big-name quarterbacks relocating. And there's a buzz that this could only be the beginning. A feeling that this particular offseason -- with due to the COVID-19 pandemic's impact on 2020 revenue -- could be rife with player movement. We can feel that energy building in the walk-up to the 2021 NFL Draft, with widespread speculation that huge A-listers could be on the move.Normally at this time of year, I would publish . Which seems frivolous in today's climate....WW…

With the Reese's , a and further tape study in the books, NFL Network draft guru and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah updates his ranking of the top 50 draft-eligible prospects. The 2021 NFL Draft will take place in Cleveland from April 29-May 1.Rank1Lawrence is a tall, long and athletic quarterback. He has a long delivery, but he still gets the ball out quickly and it explodes out of his hand. The Clemson offense features a lot of quick screens and quick hitters. He showed excellent touch and placement on those throws. He can really drive the ball down the field when called upon and he...…With the Reese's , a and further tape study in the books, NFL Network draft guru and former NFL scout Daniel Jeremiah updates his ranking of the top 50 draft-eligible prospects. The 2021 NFL Draft will take place in Cleveland from April 29-May 1.Rank1Lawrence is a tall, long and athletic quarterback. He has a long delivery, but he still gets the ball out quickly and it explodes out of his hand. The Clemson offense features a lot of quick screens and quick hitters. He showed excellent touch and placement on those throws. He can really drive the ball down the field when called upon and he...WW…

The start of is less than one month away, and teams have already begun to rework their rosters by restructuring contracts and releasing veteran players.There's no doubt all 32 franchises feel the pressure of , but it won't stop them from making bold moves this offseason, especially with big-name players like , and on the market. After scanning the entire league -- from teams that are in full rebuild mode to those attempting to find the missing piece for a potential Super Bowl run -- one question emerged:Which team needs to be most active in free agency?JOE THOMAS: Typically, the most...…The start of is less than one month away, and teams have already begun to rework their rosters by restructuring contracts and releasing veteran players.There's no doubt all 32 franchises feel the pressure of , but it won't stop them from making bold moves this offseason, especially with big-name players like , and on the market. After scanning the entire league -- from teams that are in full rebuild mode to those attempting to find the missing piece for a potential Super Bowl run -- one question emerged:Which team needs to be most active in free agency?JOE THOMAS: Typically, the most...WW…

The will lead to more veteran cuts across the NFL, as I . It could also lead to fewer players on the franchise tag.Fourteen players were retained using the franchise tag last year, while Cardinals running back received the transition tag. Look for that total to decrease this year, in part because there is less money to go around. If you need a primer on what the franchise tag and transition tag actually are, check out the handy glossary at the bottom of this article.Teams can first designate franchise or transition tag players on Feb. 23 -- and must do so by March 9.One last note: All cap...…The will lead to more veteran cuts across the NFL, as I . It could also lead to fewer players on the franchise tag.Fourteen players were retained using the franchise tag last year, while Cardinals running back received the transition tag. Look for that total to decrease this year, in part because there is less money to go around. If you need a primer on what the franchise tag and transition tag actually are, check out the handy glossary at the bottom of this article.Teams can first designate franchise or transition tag players on Feb. 23 -- and must do so by March 9.One last note: All cap...WW…

What with all the talk of biting kneecaps and whatnot, rookie Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell certainly made a memorable first impression in his introductory press conference .If that impression was that of a "meathead," that's fine by Campbell, though."I said this to Chris (Spielman) the other day, I was like, 'I love the fact we're only known as meatheads,'" Campbell said via . "I'm a meathead? I have limited brain capacity? I like (that people think) that. I'm good with that, you know what I mean? I have zero problem with it."The 44-year-old Campbell is a 10-year NFL veteran who...…What with all the talk of biting kneecaps and whatnot, rookie Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell certainly made a memorable first impression in his introductory press conference .If that impression was that of a "meathead," that's fine by Campbell, though."I said this to Chris (Spielman) the other day, I was like, 'I love the fact we're only known as meatheads,'" Campbell said via . "I'm a meathead? I have limited brain capacity? I like (that people think) that. I'm good with that, you know what I mean? I have zero problem with it."The 44-year-old Campbell is a 10-year NFL veteran who...WW…

The Green Bay Packers have big questions regarding their backfield heading into free agency. Both  and , who combined for 1,609 of the Packers' 2,118 rushing yards in 2020, are set to hit the open market.Williams joined NFL NOW on Monday and said if it were up to him, he wouldn't leave Green Bay.  "I'm thinking about free agency, but I'd really love to just be a Packer all my life if I could," Williams said. "They gave me my first shot. I love Green Bay. It's just a great place to be. But you know, things happen. If things don't happen, then I'm just ready to take my shot into the free...…The Green Bay Packers have big questions regarding their backfield heading into free agency. Both  and , who combined for 1,609 of the Packers' 2,118 rushing yards in 2020, are set to hit the open market.Williams joined NFL NOW on Monday and said if it were up to him, he wouldn't leave Green Bay.  "I'm thinking about free agency, but I'd really love to just be a Packer all my life if I could," Williams said. "They gave me my first shot. I love Green Bay. It's just a great place to be. But you know, things happen. If things don't happen, then I'm just ready to take my shot into the free...WW…

After registering a modest rookie season, tight end produced this past season like everyone expected upon the Lions drafting him No. 8 overall in 2019.The Iowa product caught 67 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns to earn a Pro Bowl selection.His new offensive coordinator believes it's just the beginning."T.J. did some nice things last year and I think his ceiling is even higher," Anthony Lynn said, . "I know he made the Pro Bowl and all that, but he can play even better and that was the encouraging part. I like what I saw on tape. He's a good football player."Lynn's history with tight...…After registering a modest rookie season, tight end produced this past season like everyone expected upon the Lions drafting him No. 8 overall in 2019.The Iowa product caught 67 passes for 723 yards and six touchdowns to earn a Pro Bowl selection.His new offensive coordinator believes it's just the beginning."T.J. did some nice things last year and I think his ceiling is even higher," Anthony Lynn said, . "I know he made the Pro Bowl and all that, but he can play even better and that was the encouraging part. I like what I saw on tape. He's a good football player."Lynn's history with tight...WW…

has been a revelation since breaking into the league two years ago. A third-round pick out of Ohio State, he led all 2019 rookies in receptions. He then placed among the top 20 of all receivers in catches and yards during a stellar sophomore campaign.His seamless transition to the NFL is made even more impressive by the fact he's already caught passes from six different quarterbacks in Washington (seven, if you count converted QB ).believes McLaurin would be even better if he just had a solid running mate at receiver."If he had anybody else beside him and they couldn't just double him and...…has been a revelation since breaking into the league two years ago. A third-round pick out of Ohio State, he led all 2019 rookies in receptions. He then placed among the top 20 of all receivers in catches and yards during a stellar sophomore campaign.His seamless transition to the NFL is made even more impressive by the fact he's already caught passes from six different quarterbacks in Washington (seven, if you count converted QB ).believes McLaurin would be even better if he just had a solid running mate at receiver."If he had anybody else beside him and they couldn't just double him and...WW…

Super Bowl LV's in the books, bringing an unprecedented NFL season to a close. So, how did the new guys perform in this uniquely challenging 269-game slate?Over the past couple weeks, NFL.com rolled out featuring grades for each team's rookie class, with Gennaro Filice and Nick Shook sharing the evaluation duties. Upon completion of this series, Filice and Shook had a meeting of the minds to officially rank every group, from 1 to 32. Here's the pecking order:Rank1Indianapolis ColtsRound 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Notable Undrafted Free AgentFILICE: Halfway through his rookie campaign,...…Super Bowl LV's in the books, bringing an unprecedented NFL season to a close. So, how did the new guys perform in this uniquely challenging 269-game slate?Over the past couple weeks, NFL.com rolled out featuring grades for each team's rookie class, with Gennaro Filice and Nick Shook sharing the evaluation duties. Upon completion of this series, Filice and Shook had a meeting of the minds to officially rank every group, from 1 to 32. Here's the pecking order:Rank1Indianapolis ColtsRound 2Round 3Round 4Round 5Round 6Notable Undrafted Free AgentFILICE: Halfway through his rookie campaign,...WW…

Welcome to an NFL offseason like no other. After the league's salary cap rose on average since 2012, the number is expected to fall dramatically. The new salary cap floor is now , well below 2020's $198.2 million cap, though we'll have to wait and see where the final figure ends up. Yup, we're working off estimates at the moment, just like NFL decision makers. Nope, no one planned for this.The changing dynamics should lead to more tough player cuts, more trades, more player movement and less money for mid-tier free agents. Quality players like , and have already been let go. With all that...…Welcome to an NFL offseason like no other. After the league's salary cap rose on average since 2012, the number is expected to fall dramatically. The new salary cap floor is now , well below 2020's $198.2 million cap, though we'll have to wait and see where the final figure ends up. Yup, we're working off estimates at the moment, just like NFL decision makers. Nope, no one planned for this.The changing dynamics should lead to more tough player cuts, more trades, more player movement and less money for mid-tier free agents. Quality players like , and have already been let go. With all that...WW…

enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2020 that saw him vastly improve his accuracy and playmaking. The impressive season vaulted Allen into the conversation among top-five signal-callers in the NFL.The Bills are hoping for another leap in 2021.Buffalo owner Kim Pegula that the club is impressed with Allen's development. "Since we've drafted him, every year we've seen him evolve," Pegula said, . "We've seen whatever kinds of areas that we felt he needed to improve upon, we saw him really work on that and to come to fruition in the next season. I'm just looking forward to seeing what that is going...…enjoyed a breakout campaign in 2020 that saw him vastly improve his accuracy and playmaking. The impressive season vaulted Allen into the conversation among top-five signal-callers in the NFL.The Bills are hoping for another leap in 2021.Buffalo owner Kim Pegula that the club is impressed with Allen's development. "Since we've drafted him, every year we've seen him evolve," Pegula said, . "We've seen whatever kinds of areas that we felt he needed to improve upon, we saw him really work on that and to come to fruition in the next season. I'm just looking forward to seeing what that is going...WW…

's future, once as uncertain as they come, ended up including a return to the football field in 2020.It wasn't merely a ceremonial return, though, which made it that much sweeter for Smith -- a man who needed support for daily function after nearly losing his leg -- and drove him to work even harder once he was out there."I had no idea how my leg and body would respond to the combination of being out for two years and the injury and the limb salvage and all that stuff; I've got to wear a brace to do anything," Smith explained . "I had no idea how I would respond to that. It's one thing to...…'s future, once as uncertain as they come, ended up including a return to the football field in 2020.It wasn't merely a ceremonial return, though, which made it that much sweeter for Smith -- a man who needed support for daily function after nearly losing his leg -- and drove him to work even harder once he was out there."I had no idea how my leg and body would respond to the combination of being out for two years and the injury and the limb salvage and all that stuff; I've got to wear a brace to do anything," Smith explained . "I had no idea how I would respond to that. It's one thing to...WW…

We've officially hit the dead-zone in the NFL calendar. The weeks between the Super Bowl and the ramp-up to the NFL draft and free agency can be a wasteland of little news or interest.Filling the void often comes from a bevy of "What if...?" storylines.Perhaps one of the biggest "What ifs" of this generation is contemplating what the sports landscape would look like if LeBron James pulled a Michael Jordan and switched sports, at least for a spell.During the 2011 NBA lockout, a then-26-year-old James had an offer to try out for the Dallas Cowboys. James said that the Seattle Seahawks also...…We've officially hit the dead-zone in the NFL calendar. The weeks between the Super Bowl and the ramp-up to the NFL draft and free agency can be a wasteland of little news or interest.Filling the void often comes from a bevy of "What if...?" storylines.Perhaps one of the biggest "What ifs" of this generation is contemplating what the sports landscape would look like if LeBron James pulled a Michael Jordan and switched sports, at least for a spell.During the 2011 NBA lockout, a then-26-year-old James had an offer to try out for the Dallas Cowboys. James said that the Seattle Seahawks also...WW…

 has repeatedly said regarding his future in Chicago or elsewhere., the Bears receiver said there was an "open line of communication" with the club but noted that sides hadn't spoken for "some time."That some time is apparently months.NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday on NFL NOW that no talks on a long-term contract extension between the Bears and Robinson have taken place since September."That would certainly seem to bring the (franchise) tag into play," Pelissero noted. "Whether it is the Bears to try to do an extension, whether it is setting up Robinson to play on the tag,...… has repeatedly said regarding his future in Chicago or elsewhere., the Bears receiver said there was an "open line of communication" with the club but noted that sides hadn't spoken for "some time."That some time is apparently months.NFL Network's Tom Pelissero reported Tuesday on NFL NOW that no talks on a long-term contract extension between the Bears and Robinson have taken place since September."That would certainly seem to bring the (franchise) tag into play," Pelissero noted. "Whether it is the Bears to try to do an extension, whether it is setting up Robinson to play on the tag,...WW…

 is expected to be the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback for at least 2021, but his presence shouldn't stop the club from considering adding a potential replacement for down the line.Sitting with the No. 4 overall pick, the Falcons are in a position to snag a future signal-caller in the 2021 NFL Draft, allowing that player to learn for a year under Ryan, then take over in 2022, a.k.a. the  method.Ryan's exorbitant salary -- $40-plus-million cap figure this year -- makes him a certainty to remain on the club at least until next year when his dead-money figure would shrink to a more manageable...… is expected to be the Atlanta Falcons' quarterback for at least 2021, but his presence shouldn't stop the club from considering adding a potential replacement for down the line.Sitting with the No. 4 overall pick, the Falcons are in a position to snag a future signal-caller in the 2021 NFL Draft, allowing that player to learn for a year under Ryan, then take over in 2022, a.k.a. the  method.Ryan's exorbitant salary -- $40-plus-million cap figure this year -- makes him a certainty to remain on the club at least until next year when his dead-money figure would shrink to a more manageable...WW…

Playoff Lenny almost never happened.Tampa Bay running back played a massive role in the playoffs, helping the Buccaneers reach and win the Super Bowl. According to coach Bruce Arians, Fournette nearly didn't make it to the postseason with the club.Following his release from Jacksonville, where he was mostly a workhorse for his first three seasons, Fournette landed in Tampa and shared backfield snaps behind . The latter was clearly the better back for the bulk of the regular season. Through the first 12 weeks of the season, Fournette had 69 rushing attempts for 271 yards and three TDs,...…Playoff Lenny almost never happened.Tampa Bay running back played a massive role in the playoffs, helping the Buccaneers reach and win the Super Bowl. According to coach Bruce Arians, Fournette nearly didn't make it to the postseason with the club.Following his release from Jacksonville, where he was mostly a workhorse for his first three seasons, Fournette landed in Tampa and shared backfield snaps behind . The latter was clearly the better back for the bulk of the regular season. Through the first 12 weeks of the season, Fournette had 69 rushing attempts for 271 yards and three TDs,...WW…

 has come to the conclusion many foresaw months ago, and he's now available for hire for the first time in his career after the Houston Texans Friday.Where might Watt land? At 31 years old and nearing 32, Watt is on the back nine of his career, meaning he's running out of time to win a ring. He's already made $100 million in his career, so money might not end up being much of a factor. Let's explore some of the most likely destinations for the future Hall of Fame defensive end.This one is all about family. Watt could join his brothers T.J. and Derek in the Steel City to make a run at a...… has come to the conclusion many foresaw months ago, and he's now available for hire for the first time in his career after the Houston Texans Friday.Where might Watt land? At 31 years old and nearing 32, Watt is on the back nine of his career, meaning he's running out of time to win a ring. He's already made $100 million in his career, so money might not end up being much of a factor. Let's explore some of the most likely destinations for the future Hall of Fame defensive end.This one is all about family. Watt could join his brothers T.J. and Derek in the Steel City to make a run at a...WW…

A hastily-planned pro day workout for former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence resulted in a successful session Friday for the presumptive No. 1 pick of the 2021 NFL draft.compelled Lawrence to work out for NFL clubs a month earlier than Clemson’s March 11 pro day, due to the recovery time required. And it came at the behest of new Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer.“I (told) him there are three choices. No. 1, you can wait until the March 11 pro day, but now your (recovery) is getting near August, because it’s a five to six month injury. The second (choice), you can not throw. He’s...…A hastily-planned pro day workout for former Clemson quarterback Trevor Lawrence resulted in a successful session Friday for the presumptive No. 1 pick of the 2021 NFL draft.compelled Lawrence to work out for NFL clubs a month earlier than Clemson’s March 11 pro day, due to the recovery time required. And it came at the behest of new Jacksonville Jaguars coach Urban Meyer.“I (told) him there are three choices. No. 1, you can wait until the March 11 pro day, but now your (recovery) is getting near August, because it’s a five to six month injury. The second (choice), you can not throw. He’s...WW…

When it comes to and his vast many accomplishments, the amazing is hardly happenstance.Still, it's rather astonishing that Brady, at 43-year-old, is two years older than his offensive coordinator , 41, and still playing at the otherworldly level he played at in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' run to a Super Bowl LV championship.Brady, who and set a with 40 touchdowns, dazzled even Leftwich. He admitted even he could not fathom the excellence exhibited by TB12 this past season on the latest episode of the Huddle & Flow Podcast with the NFL Network's Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche."Hell no. You just...…When it comes to and his vast many accomplishments, the amazing is hardly happenstance.Still, it's rather astonishing that Brady, at 43-year-old, is two years older than his offensive coordinator , 41, and still playing at the otherworldly level he played at in the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' run to a Super Bowl LV championship.Brady, who and set a with 40 touchdowns, dazzled even Leftwich. He admitted even he could not fathom the excellence exhibited by TB12 this past season on the latest episode of the Huddle & Flow Podcast with the NFL Network's Jim Trotter and Steve Wyche."Hell no. You just...WW…