NFL Rumors 5/13/23

Thank to Pro Sports Daily

• Grading the Za’Darius Smith Vikings-Browns tradeClutch Points “The Minnesota Vikings are trying to revamp their defense after a miserable showing during the 2022 season, and that usually involves adding notable pass rushers who can create havoc for opposing quarterbacks. The Vikings thought they did that a year ago when they brought in…” May 13

• NFL agent being investigated for allegedly offering bribes to GMs during draftLarry Brown Sports “NFL agent David Canter is being investigated by the NFLPA for allegedly offering bribes to general managers during the draft. ESPN’s Brooke Pryor published a story Friday night regarding Canter. The agent allegedly contacted general managers and offered them the use of…” May 13

• Micah Parsons Threatens He’s Going To Make One Quarterback ‘Pay’ In 2023Total Pro Sports “Micah Parsons is a danger to all quarterbacks in the league, but there is one that will have his full attention, and it’s because of his teammate. Andrew Whitworth, who hasn’t played in the NFL since the 2021 season, was spotted working out with Cowboys…” May 13

• Jets, Aaron Rodgers still working on a new contractPro Football Talk “Under his prior contract with the Packers, quarterbacks Aaron Rodgers had a salary of $1.165 million and a fully-guaranteed option bonus of $58.3 million. Prior to the trade, Rodgers pushed the entirety of the option bonus to 2024. The details were news to the…” May 13

• Five Ideal Dalvin Cook Landing Spots Amid Cut RumoursCBS Sports “In case you thought the NFL was about to quiet down, think again. At about the same time the 2023 NFL regular season schedules were released, it was reported that all signs are pointing to the Minnesota Vikings parting ways with four-time Pro Bowl running…” May 12

• Vikings trade Za’Darius Smith to BrownsPro Football Talk “The Vikings are trading edge rusher Za’Darius Smith to the Browns, NFL Media reports. The Browns get Smith, a 2025 sixth-round pick and a 2025 seventh-round pick, while the Vikings get a fifth-round pick in 2024 and a fifth-round pick in 2025. ” May 12

• This Cowboys-Cardinals Blockbuster Trade Features Budda BakerNFL Analysis “The Dallas Cowboys have already shown this offseason they aren’t afraid to be aggressive on the trade market. They filled two of the biggest holes on their roster by acquiring veterans from other teams with deals in the early portion of the offseason. The first deal that Dallas…” May 12

• BS Meter: Buying or Selling Latest NFL Rumors and Buzz Ahead of 2023 OTAsBleacher Report “Peak free agency and the draft might be over with on the NFL calendar, but that doesn’t bring the rumor mill to a halt. Plenty is still up in the air as organized team activities get into full swing this spring, and it’s always fun to assess the buzz and speculation on the…” May 12

• Tom Brady in deep discussions to become limited partner of the RaidersCBS Sports “Tom Brady is dipping his toe back into the NFL, but this isn’t another comeback for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Instead, he is currently in deep discussions to become a limited partner of the Las Vegas Raiders, according to ESPN. Brady’s potential investment…” May 12

• The Biggest Winners and Losers of the 2023 NFL Schedule ReleaseBleacher Report “Far be it from the NFL to ever pass on the opportunity to turn something into a media event. Thursday was no exception, as fans gathered far and wide to see…the 2023 schedule get revealed. No, really. That was it. The schedule. We already knew who was playing who and the 2022…” May 12

• Biggest post-draft roster holes for all 32 NFL teamsESPN “Now that this NFL offseason’s free agency wave and draft have come and gone, we have a clearer picture of what rosters will look like in September. Some teams drafted for need, and some drafted strictly with an eye on talent. Either way, most teams still have…” May 12

• Computer Model Predicts The Worst NFL Team For The 2023 SeasonTotal Pro Sports “The NFL has unveiled its full 18-week slate for the upcoming 2023 regular season, so every team in the league now knows its path forward to fight for a playoff spot. While some teams have high expectations, many likely know they will be at the bottom of their divisions whether they…” May 12

• Commanders agree to sell team to Josh Harris-led groupThe Score “The Washington Commanders have agreed to sell ownership of the team to a group led by Josh Harris, the two parties announced Friday. “We are very pleased to have reached an agreement for the sale of the Commanders franchise with Josh Harris, an area native, and his…” May 12

• Buccaneers’ running backs coach reveals likely reason why Ezekiel Elliott is still unsignedCBS Chicago “While his physical ability has cast some doubt on his future, Ezekiel Elliott’s expectations for any potential suitor is apparently the main reason why the former two-time rushing champion remains unemployed.  Skip Peete, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ running…” May 12

• Panthers Did Not Receive Viable Offer For No. 1 PickPro Football Rumors “Although the Panthers may not have been locked in on their choice at No. 1 overall upon acquiring the pick from the Bears ahead of free agency, they zeroed in on Bryce Young and will give him the keys soon. It does not sound like any team made a strong offer to bring Panthers brass…” May 12

• NFL Players Primed for Breakout Seasons After Disappointing Rookie CampaignsBleacher Report “NFL players tend to experience their greatest rate of growth between their first and second seasons. They no longer need to worry about classes, the awards circuit or draft preparation. They now know the lay of the land for their respective cities and facilities. They just spent their…” May 12

• One team volunteered to play on Black Friday annually; why NFL chose Jets-Dolphins for 2023CBS Sports “The upcoming NFL season will feature the first-ever Black Friday game in the history of the league. The day-after-Thanksgiving game will be between AFC East rivals in the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins, but it was a different team who asked to be featured in…” May 12

• Dan Campbell embracing Lions’ opener vs. Chiefs: ‘It means we’re getting noticed’The Score “The Detroit Lions are relishing their prime-time stage to open the season against the Kansas City Chiefs. Head coach Dan Campbell told “Good Morning Football” that the NFL’s decision to schedule the Lions for the opening night speaks to the league’s belief that they…” May 12

• Dan Snyder seeks to limit release of inquiry reportESPN “Dan Snyder and his lawyers are lobbying the NFL to limit the release of attorney Mary Jo White’s report into sexual misconduct allegations and financial improprieties against the embattled Washington Commanders owner, sources told ESPN. While there are ongoing questions…” May 12

• Eagles’ Jalen Carter was driving with suspended license on night of fatal Georgia car crashCBS Sports “Jalen Carter is focused on the future after entering the NFL as the No. 9 overall pick in the 2023 draft. But the new Eagles defensive tackle could face additional questions about his recent past, with ESPN reporting Thursday that the former Georgia…” May 12

• Win-Loss Predictions for Every NFL Team After 2023 Schedule ReleaseBleacher Report “We already knew which opponents each NFL team would face in 2023. Now that the regular-season schedule has officially been released, we know exactly when each matchup will take place. It all starts with a thrilling tilt between the Detroit Lions and defending-champion Kansas City…” May 12

• Examining primary strengths of all 32 teams, starting with the NFC EastThe Score “With the NFL draft and most of free agency firmly in our rearview mirror, there’s no better time to take a deep dive into every division and examine the primary strengths of all 32 teams. Remember: In May, everyone’s undefeated!   Eagles: Rich get…” May 12

• 3 Early Bold Predictions For Steelers’ QB Kenny Pickett In 2023NFL Analysis “2022 was the dawn of a new era for the Pittsburgh Steelers with Kenny Pickett taking over the quarterback spot. He was the only quarterback selected in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft and took over the starting role in Week 5 against the Buffalo Bills. Kenny…” May 12

• Cardinals’ Jonathan Gannon gets extremely candid while discussing Kyler MurrayClutch Points “Arizona Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray is currently in the midst of his recovery process from a torn ACL he suffered last season. In the meantime, new head coach Jonathan Gannon is dealing with the speculation of when his star quarterback will be ready in…” May 12

• With a new QB and head coach, what are the expectations for Indianapolis Colts’ passing attack?Sportsnaut “For the first time in the past six years, the Indianapolis Colts experienced a change at both the head coach and quarterback positions. So, it’s reasonable to ask what are the expectations for the team’s passing game next season, especially since both Anthony Richardson, the…” May 12

• Jets Release OL Cedric OgbuehiHeavy “The New York Jets finally made things official with veteran defensive tackle Al Woods on May 11, and in the process, announced an unexpected roster cut. ESPN NFL insider Field Yates relayed the news, tweeting that “the Jets have released veteran OL…” May 12

• Bears GM Ryan Poles teases search for pass-rush helpClutch Points “The Chicago Bears have had a huge offseason retooling their roster around Justin Fields. They added to both sides of the ball, as both units were in desperate need of talent. This was all done through the craftsmanship of Bears general manager Ryan Poles, who still might…” May 12

• Bengals sign first-round pick Myles MurphyUSA Today “The Cincinnati Bengals have agreed to terms with first-round pick Myles Murphy. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero was the first to confirm the Bengals signed the No. 28 pick in the 2023 NFL draft. ” May 12

• 3 Early Bold Predictions For Colts’ QB Anthony Richardson In 2023NFL Analysis “With the No. 4 overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, the Indianapolis Colts selected Florida quarterback, Anthony Richardson. The Colts have been waiting for a moment like that for years as they finally have a long-term option at the quarterback position following Andrew Luck’s…” May 12

• Raiders sign first-round pick Tyree WilsonPro Football Talk “The Raiders have their top draft choice under contract. The team announced the signing of edge rusher Tyree Wilson on Friday. Wilson was the seventh overall pick last month. ” May 12

• Jackson Mahomes wants to contact witnesses in sexual battery case — because he feels isolatedNew York Post “The embattled younger brother of Chiefs star quarterback Patrick Mahomes wants to be able to communicate with multiple witnesses as part of a new bond amendment in his sexual battery case, according to a new report. Jackson Mahomes, who was arrested last week for aggravated…” May 12

• Seahawks To Add DL Mario EdwardsSI “After opening up salary cap space by restructuring receiver Tyler Lockett’s contract, the Seattle Seahawks wasted little time using that flexibility to add much-needed veteran help for their defensive line. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Seattle has agreed…” May 12

• Cardinals agree to contract with five 2023 NFL draft picks, including Paris Johnson Jr.Revenge Of The Birds “The Arizona Cardinals are getting things done. They have signed a bevy of their 2023 NFL Draft picks, including first round pick Paris Johnson Jr. to contracts. From the team: The Arizona Cardinals Football Club today announced that the team has…” May 12

• Chargers sign first-round pick WR Quentin Johnston to a 4-year, $14.188 million fully guaranteed contractBolts From The Blue “The Chargers have officially signed their first player from the 2023 draft class and it’s none other than first-round wideout Quentin Johnston. According to NFL insider Aaron Wilson, the Chargers signed Johnston to a fully-guaranteed four-year, $14.188 million deal….” May 12

• Cowboys Sign Mazi Smith, Rest Of Draft Class To Rookie DealsDallas Morning News “The Cowboys’ 2023 first-round draft pick Mazi Smith was one of several rookies to sign contracts with Dallas on Thursday. Smith and the Cowboys reached a four-year deal, a person with knowledge of the contract told The Dallas Morning News. Agreements were…” May 12

• Jaguars sign third-rounder Tank Bigsby, nine other draft picksJacksonville Times-Union “On Friday, the Jaguars announced that the team has signed 10 of its 13 draft picks, including third-round running back Tank Bigsby, picked in the third round of last month’s NFL Draft. Bigsby played his collegiate years at the University of Auburn. He accounted for 35 games…” May 12

• Panthers To Re-Sign G Michael Jordanpanthers.com “The Panthers have re-signed offensive lineman Michael Jordan. Jordan appeared in all 17 games for Carolina in 2022 as a reserve lineman and special teamer.  ” May 12

• Will NFL play games when Christmas lands on Tuesday or Wednesday?Pro Football Talk “The NFL finally has discovered the benefit of seizing the captive audience on Christmas, with three games played last year on December 25 and three to be played this year. In 2022, Christmas landed on a Sunday. This year, it falls on a Monday. What happens in 2024, when…” May 12

• Texans sign four draft picks, nine undrafted free agentsYahoo! Sports “The Texans signed a number of rookies on Friday, including their final four draft picks from last month. The team announced the signings of fifth-round linebacker Henry To’oTo’o, sixth-round center Jarrett Patterson, sixth-round wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson,…” May 12

• NFL may use flexible scheduling to move Sunday afternoon games to Monday nightPro Football Talk “The NFL has used flexible scheduling for years, sometimes improving Sunday Night Football by taking a big Sunday afternoon game and moving it into prime time. This year, the NFL will expand that, with the possibility of moving a Sunday afternoon game to Monday Night Football. As…” May 12

• Jacksonville Jaguars Hilariously Troll Arian Foster’s “Scripted NFL” Comments, Foster RespondsTotal Pro Sports “A lot of teams have become quite good at releasing their schedule in hilarious ways. The Jacksonville Jaguars may have done it the best when they cleverly played on the “NFL is scripted” jokes from a year prior. If you remember, former Houston…” May 12

• Bills sign five draft picks from 2023 draft classBuffalo Bills “The Bills announced on Thursday that five of their 2023 draft picks have signed their rookie contracts. All five signed a four-year contract with the Bills. After being one of the first rookies to sign with the Bills on Thursday, LB Dorian Williams said it’s a dream come true to…” May 12

• Titans agree to terms with 14 undrafted rookiesTennessee Titans “The Titans have agreed to terms with 14 undrafted free agents. A quick look at the players, who will take part in the team’s rookie minicamp this weekend:   DT Shakel Brown (Troy) Brown (6-4, 299) played in 13 games as key…” May 12

• Texans Meet With DE Jacob MartinPro Football Rumors “Jacob Martin may have a quick opportunity to bounce back from his Broncos release. A day after that cut, the Texans brought Martin in for a visit, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. Although this can be viewed as more of a reacquainting, seeing as the Texans have been…” May 12

• 1 Thing Every NFL Team Outside Playoff Picture Must Accomplish This SeasonBleacher Report “Every NFL team enters the offseason with the same goal atop their to-do list: win the Super Bowl. Some do so with straighter faces than others. That isn’t the only goal teams have, of course, and those goals differ from team to team. Some seek to repeat as division…” May 11

• This Panthers-Chargers Trade Sends Austin Ekeler To CarolinaNFL Analysis “The Carolina Panthers have done a nearly total reset of their team this offseason. They hired Frank Reich to take over as the head coach, replacing interim Steve Wilks who steadied the ship last season after Matt Rhule was fired following Week 5. Reich is getting something right away…” May 11

• Each NFL Division’s Biggest 2023 Offseason WinnerBleacher Report “Winning the offseason isn’t the same as winning in the regular season, and by now, every NFL fan should know this. However, the offseason is a time for optimism, and the teams that do improve during the spring and summer have an opportunity to make up ground—or extend it—in…” May 11

• NFL veterans on chopping block after draftCBS Sports “This time every year, we get a wave of rookies who were picked to unseat veterans and ultimately lead to the roster demise of those elder players. With the rookie wage scale in place for over a decade now, the cost of young, springy players makes it alluring for teams to utilize them…” May 11

• Bijan Robinson, Falcons Reportedly Agree to 4-Year, $22M Rookie ContractPro Football Talk “The Falcons have agreed to terms with running back Bijan Robinson on his four-year deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports. Robinson, the eight overall pick, will receive $21.96 million in the deal that is fully guaranteed and includes a fifth-year option. ” May 11

• Jordan Love spoke with Aaron Rodgers after tradeThe Score “Jordan Love said he’s spoken with Aaron Rodgers since the Green Bay Packers traded their former franchise icon to the New York Jets. “Yeah, we talked after the trade,” the 24-year-old quarterback said during a Wednesday press conference. “It was kinda just,…” May 11