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“I have not talked to Aaron”: Green Bay Packers GM Brian Gutekunst on Aaron Rodgers, Jets trade

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Green Bay Packers General Manager Brian Gutekunst has admitted that he has not talked to four-time MVP quarterback Aaron Rodgers since trading the team’s former franchise QB to the New York Jets.

“I have not talked to Aaron,” Gutekunst revealed in his pre-NFL draft press conference after the trade compensation was finalised on Monday.

“I have talked to Dave Dunn (Rodgers’ agent) quite a bit, but I have not talked to Aaron.”

“I think where our team is at, obviously, Aaron’s up there in age, and although he’s got some really good football in him, I think for us, as we got through the offseason, a trade made a little better sense for us.”

Gutekunst made headlines by drafting Jordan Love, Rodgers’ replacement, in the 2020 first round, just 18 months after signing him to a four-year extension. Green Bay was then put in a difficult situation, with the 39-year-old subsequently winning two MVPs.

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One contract extension later, a decision was finally made to move on this offseason. By trading Rodgers to New York, the Packers have moved up two spots in Thursday night’s 2023 first round, where they’ll look to surround their new quarterback with more talent.

Also in the package was a 2023 second-round pick, and a future second-rounder that can become a first-round pick, should Rodgers play in 65% of games for the Jets in 2023.

Love has made one start since joining the Packers after Rodgers missed a trip to Arrowhead due to testing positive for COVID-19, but there was enough optimism in the organisation for them to move on from their long-time QB.

“I think as we move forward we’re really excited for where Jordan could go, he needs to play, and having him sit another year would’ve really delayed where we’re going and what we’re trying to build.”

“I have so much respect for Aaron, and not only the person, but also the player that he is, and I have so much gratitude for what he’s done for this organisation.

“He’ll always be a Packer, he’ll be one of the best to have ever done it around here, and he will be missed there’s no doubt about it, players like that do not come around very often.

“At the same time, we are really excited about where we are headed and wish him nothing but the best”: Gutekunst said.

Gutekunst also responded to qualms about whether his young quarterback was ready: “We’ve seen steady growth through his first three years here, especially with the challenges of having no pre-season in his rookie year.

“The biggest thing was last year in practice a number of times, because of Aaron’s injuries, he took over a lot of time with the 1’s, and I just think we saw him grow and grow.

“He didn’t get nearly as many opportunities as we’d have liked last season during games, but when he did he was ready to answer the bell.”

Gutekunst then added: “I think it’s natural maturation as a person too.”

“What’s put on the plate of a starting quarterback in the NFL is significant, and there’s a lot to that, with challenges on and off the field, I think we started to see him grow into that role and feel more confident.”

Rodgers isn’t the first superstar player to be traded in Gutekunst’s tenure as GM, All-Pro Wide Receiver Davantae Adams became a Las Vegas Raider last offseason.

On whether trading away two potential future hall of famers was a risk, he responded: “There’s certainly an element of risk, but that’s part of the job right?

“Aaron was coming into the time of his career where it was ending and we had to prepare for the future and to move forward.

“It’s always risky, I mean we were 8-9 last year, we’re always trying to be better.”

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With the draft on the horizon, Gutekunst was quizzed on his strategy: “You’d love to say that every pick is the best player available because you truly don’t know what your needs will be until you get to the season.

“At the same time, it’s hard not to let those subconscious thoughts into your mind about what your roster looks like.

“We evaluate for our football team, rather than for the league, so subconsciously if you have a need it’s going to factor in.

“If we can, the best practice is the best player available because by the time we get to September, October, November what our needs are could be everything.”

He prefixed that by saying: “It’s a good draft overall, it’s one that we’re certainly excited about and one that we really believe that we’re going to be able to add to our football team and help us for 2023 and beyond.

“I think it is a good edge class this year, there’s a lot deeper of a class than there has been in recent years, tight end is another one that I think I’ve mentioned earlier.” Green Bay lost tight end Robert Tonyan to Chicago in free agency.

Gutekunst was then asked whether TE was a more premium position than 15 years ago, to which he replied: “I don’t think so.

“There was already so much demand on the tight ends, with not only the entire passing trees but also the run and pass blocking.

“It’s a very demanding position, obviously with the way Matt (La Fleur) uses multiple TE’s they’re very important to our offense, sometimes it can be scheme related, but for us, it’s a very important position.”

You can watch the 2023 NFL Draft on Sky Sports, with coverage of the first round beginning at 9 PM on Thursday night.

It will begin when the Carolina Panthers are put on the clock just after 1 AM. To stay up to date with all seven rounds, stay tuned to our Twitter and Facebook pages.

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2023 New Orleans Saints 7 Round Mock Draft

The New Orleans Saints are one of the most unpredictable teams when it comes to working out who they will draft. Their thirst for trading up, strict prototypes and penchant for hulking small school DEs (said half in jest) makes it very difficult to pin down where they will go. Add to that, this year is not the same Saints squad we have become used to in the last 5 years, gone is the roster with very few holes and great depth. Now the Saints have an ageing roster with several holes to fill both as starters and key depth pieces.

You could make a case for the Saints to draft almost every position except Center (unless they are moving McCoy to Guard), Tackle (however if they do that shows that Ryan Ramczyk’s Knee is far worse than they are letting on, in which case a Tackle would make sense) and outside Corner, which I believe is the deepest position on the team.

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Using information picked up along the way from the media, looking at information on the draft prospects and keeping in mind the Saints prototypes at different positions this is my best guess and who the Saints will pick in this year’s draft.

Round 1 Pick 29

Players I see being available and being in the Saints cloud at pick 29 in no particular order:

Defensive options:

DE Myles Murphy, DE Lukas Van Ness, DT Bryan Bresee, DT Calijah Kancey, DT Mazi Smith, CB Cam Smith, LB Jack Campbell, LB Drew Sanders.

Offensive Options:

OG Steve Avila, TE Darnell Washington, TE Michael Mayer, WR Quinten Johnson, WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba, RB Jahmyr Gibbs.

Thoughts

There are likely to be several quality options at positions of need available when the Saints pick at 29. All the signs point to the Saints addressing the trenches either on the D-line or the O-line and only if the right options aren’t available when they are on the clock do I see them going elsewhere.

I’ve only included Murphy and Van Ness in the cloud as I see them as trade-up options rather than players who will be available at 29. However, if they start to slide to the late teens/early 20s I could totally see the Saints moving up for either. As I’m not going to be predicting any trades in this mock those players are now out of contention.

That leaves me with 4 options Bresee, Kancey, Smith and Avila. I’ve gone back and forth countless times, I’ve been set on Bresee being to pick here, but then I started to see Smith as a really viable option. Some news has come out over the last week or so that the Saints have been ‘burning the phonelines’ getting info on Kancey and they’ve also been listed as a team who loves Avila.

I struggle to see the Saints breaking their prototype enough for Kancey, the height and weight aren’t really the reasons in my opinion, I think it’s the arm length (30 5/8’’) there is barely anyone at this position in the NFL that have even made an NFL roster, let alone been successful (if you don’t believe me check for yourself). He is exactly the type of player they need ( a penetrating, 3-tech with elite pass-rushing skills) so if they went that way I could see the reasons why but I struggle to put him as the pick here.

Smith is a massive DT with freak athleticism which would put him firmly on the Saints radar, however, there is not a huge amount of pass rush production in college, but there is a belief that he can develop that part of his game once he gets with NFL coaches, but I feel like the Saints will want more proven pass rush skills at this point in the draft.

That leaves me with Bresee and Avila, Bresee fits the Saints 3 Tech DT prototype almost perfectly he would just need to add about 5-10 lbs of weight which with his 6ft 5″ frame wouldn’t be a problem. He struggled in his college career with injury (torn ACL)/ illness and a tragic off-the-field situation where his sister died of Cancer at the age of 15. This meant the former number 1 recruit in the country coming out of high school did not live up to that hype in college. However, he has all the moldable tools that the Saints would love at the position and it would fill a massive need on the roster.

Finally Avila, a rock-solid, scheme versatile mammoth at Guard that performed really well at the senior bowl ( which we know the Saints love) very athletic for his size and fits the Saints guard prototype from a physical standpoint. The Saints don’t necessarily have a crying need at OG currently with starting guards Andrus Peat and Cesar Ruiz both on the roster. However Peat is injury prone and a free agent after this season and Ruiz is coming off a season-ending foot injury and currently is also a free agent after this season (unless they pick up his 5th-year option, which seems unlikely due to 14mill price tag).

I’ve toiled over this choice a lot but I’m going with Bryan Bresee here I think the upside at a crying position of need will be too much for the Saints to ignore.

The pick- DT Bryan Bresee

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Round 2 Pick 40

Players I could see being available and in the Saints cloud at pick 40 in no particular order, also depending on who they go at 29.

Defensive options:

DT Calijah Kancey, DT Mazi Smith, DT/DE Adetomiwa Adebawore, DE/DT Keion White, DE Isaiah Foskey, CB Cam Smith, LB Jack Campbell, LB Drew Sanders

Offensive Options:

OG Steve Avila, TE Darnell Washington, TE Michael Mayer, TE Sam LaPorta, TE Tucker Kraft, RB Jahmyr Gibbs, WR Jonathan Mingo, WR Cedric Tillman

Thoughts

The Saints next pick is only 11 picks later, meaning a lot of the players in their cloud in round 1 are likely to still be there at pick 40. The rumours around what the Saints want to achieve early in this draft are varied, some have said they want to target the trenches early and others have said they are prioritising another weapon in the passing game (WR or TE).

Also, this seems like a spot value-wise to add at LB, the Saints need another player there with father time surely catching up with Demario Davis soon, Pete Werner’s injury history and losing Kaden Elliss in free agency, this could be the right time to add another LB with one eye on the future and one eye on the potential depth issues for this current year. If they were to add there Jack Campbell and Drew Sanders make a lot of sense. Campbell is a perfect long-term option to replace Davis, whereas Sanders has high upside as a pass rusher so could fill the Kaden Elliss role this year while he develops into an every-down LB.

As an Alvin Kamara clone Gibbs would make a lot of sense here as some who can start this year while Kamara is likely suspended and then he could replace Kamara in the long term, but I’m just not confident enough that they will spend this high of a pick in class with great depth at RB where you could find + starters in possibly the 4th or 5th round and the Saints signed Jamaal Williams in FA which also gives me pause at this stage.

I’d love the Saints to go DE (my pick would be Isaiah Foskey) early, unfortunately, I don’t think they will. Earlier in the off-season Nick Underhill ( a very trusted source on the Saints) mentioned on his podcast on a couple of occasions that he’s heard the Saints like their DEs and if anything they just want to add depth that makes me believe the Saints won’t go DE early unless someone they love falls unexpectedly.

Now for TE/WR, there could be some really good options here the Saints have been vocal about wanting to add players with contested catch ability and about wanting to add at TE. So players like Washington, Mayer (if still available) Kraft and LaPorta make a tonne of sense as big physical TEs with great pass-catching ability and value as blockers ( Washington, Mayer and Kraft more so than LaPorta in that area). Add to that two prototype X WRs in Tillman and Mingo both who are big and athletic who would provide great short-term and long-term Michael Thomas insurance. Pass catcher is definitely an avenue I could see them going here.

Finally, the elephant in the room, Steve Avila, a player I thought could easily be the pick at 29, if the Saints don’t pick him in the first there is a more reasonable chance that he could still be there only 11 picks later ( or they could even trade up to secure him) if they do like him how its been reported.

I’ve changed this pick several times, for a long time I was going Darnell Washington, then Jack Campbell, then a player like Mingo or Tillman made a lot of sense but finally I’ve settled on known of these players. The Saints love for the trenches is strong and the path for a long-term answer at OG with short-term depth upside made me finally settle on Steve Avila.

The pick- OG Steve Avila

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Round 3 Pick 71

Players I could see being available and in the Saints cloud at pick 71 in no particular order, also depending on who they go at 29 and 40.

Defensive Options

DT Gervon Dexter, DT Zacch Pickens, DE Isaiah McGuire, DE Zach Harrison, Safety/ Slot CB Jartavius Martin, LB DeMarvion Overshown, LB Yasir Abdullah, LB Nick Herbig, CB Cory Trice Jr,

Offensive Options:

WR A.T. Perry, WR Rashee Rice, WR Michael Wilson, TE Tucker Kraft, TE Luke Schoonmaker, TE Brenton Strange, RB Zach Charbonnet, RB Devon Achane, RB Tyjae Spears, RB Roschon Johnson, RB DeWayne McBride, RB Kendre Miller, OG Chandler Zavala, OG Anthony Bradford and OG Braeden Daniels.

Thoughts

I like some of DE options here, especially Zach Harrison (He’s so Saints it hurts with 36 1/4’’ arms) but after addressing the trenches twice already I don’t think the Saints will go D-line here.

Jartavius Martin is still available not only would I love the pick but it’s also a pick I think the Saints would make. He’s met with the Saint during the pre-draft process, and he fits their Slot prototype perfectly from a size and weight perspective perfectly, he’s played a lot at both safeties spots, outside corner and in the slot. Plus, currently, the starting slot CB on the roster is Bradley Roby who is 30 years old (will be 31 on May 1st) and is a free agent after this season. However, I just have a feeling he won’t be there by the time they pick in the third.

Despite nearly taking a LB earlier I don’t think the value would match at this stage of the draft with a fairly thin class at LB I think this is a position they wait on to add now.

Therefore, I think this pick goes on offense either RB or WR/TE and there are some great options here for the Saints to choose from. A.T. Perry and Rashee Rice would make total sense as big, athletic contested catch WRs. TE’s Kraft, Schoonmaker and Strange also make sense as freaky athletic TEs with blocking ability, giving the Saints the perfect compliment to Juwan Johnson, if Kraft were to be available I would pick him in a heartbeat as he’s one of my favourite players in the draft, but I think the Saints would need to trade up from 71 to secure Kraft.

I just have a feeling the Saints want to add an RB early having met with all of the RBs listed above and media reporting the Saints wanted to add an RB in the draft the past two years in the draft, I don’t think the Saints let the opportunity slip this time. Of all of the options I think Charbonnet fits the Saints the best my only worry is he may not be there at 71, Achane is too small for the Saints to take a risk on this early. Nick Underhill of neworleans.football also mentioned earlier in the off-season on one of the Neworleans.football podcasts that he had texted scouts on the thoughts between Miller and Spears as prospects the scouts came back with Miller being the one to go for over Spears due to cleaner medicals, I really like Spears as a prospect and would be a huge fan of the pick but if there are concerns about his medical situation I don’t think the Saints go for him at 71.

I think 71 is too early for McBride given his limitations in the passing game. So that leaves Charbonnet and Miller, I’m going swing that Charbonnet is still there at 71 and the Saints jump at the chance. Charbonnet would give the Saints another powerful runner, is a more proven receiver and blocker than Miller and Charbonnet hardly ever fumbles (only 2 fumbles on 565 career carries) which is another quality the Saints love.

The pick- RB Zach Charbonnet

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Round 4 Pick 115

Let’s fire through the day three selections, frankly, I would be guessing who would be in the Saints cloud at this stage of a very unpredictable draft. So I’m just going to throw a few players in the mix that I think the Saints might like at this stage.

This feels like a prime trade-up spot for one of the WRs if they are still there towards the end of round three same goes for the TEs. The Saints have 5 day three selections which if history is anything to go by is far too many for them to remain patient with. LB could start to make more sense here with players like DeMarvion Overshown, Yasir Abdullah, and Nick Herbig likely to still be on the board but I think some of those will still be there when the Saints pick again in the 5th. Possibly DE as well especially if Zach Harrison or Isaiah McGuire are still available.

I think the Saints go offense again here and take advantage of a very deep TE class, I’m almost 100% sure Kraft will not still be here and if he were I would sprint in the card. That leaves Strange and Schoonmaker both again may not be there but I’m relying on the depth of this historic TE class to push some players down.

I think Strange is more likely to be available at this stage than Schoonmaker, so I’m going Strange here. This pick would give the Saints an ascending TE prospect with + blocking ability and underrated pass-catching skills to play the perfect complimentary role to Juwan Johnson and be the long-term replacement for Adam Trautman.

The Pick- TE Brenton Strange

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Round 5 Pick 146

For me the biggest remaining needs for the Saints if the draft plays out this way DE, LB, WR, Safety and slot CB.

The Fifth round now brings some value at DE, WR and Safety that wasn’t there with some of the earlier selections. Players like DE Tavius Robinson and Ya Ya Diaby jump out as long and super athletic projects at DE that the Saints would usually go for. WRs Andrei Iosivas, Matt Landers, Xavier Hutchinson (the Saints were at his pro-day) and Bryce Ford-Wheaton are all height/weight/speed players they could take a stab at in this range.

I’m going LB here though and one player that jumps out is Nick Herbig, a name I haven’t heard much hype about during the pre-draft process who I think would make a lot of sense for what the Saints need. Herbig strikes a scary resemblance to, don’t shoot me, Zack Baun (not just because they both played at Wisconsin) but because they both showed great abilities to rush the passer. Herbig had 21 sacks and 36 TFLs in three seasons playing as an outside LB in a 3-4 scheme, which would project nicely into the SAM LB spot in the Saints base 4-3 defense and he would be the perfect player for the Saints put into the role they used Kaden Elliss in last season.

The pick- LB Nick Herbig

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Round 5 Pick 165

The pick the Saints got from the infamous Chauncey Gardner-Johnson trade with the Eagles. DE,WR and Safety are the most logical positions left for the Saints to target at this stage. I think DE is a prime post-draft veteran signing for the Saints (I wouldn’t be surprised if one were already in the pipeline similar to the Tyrann Mathieu signing a year ago) thus I think the Saints are going to wait on DE if they are going to draft one.

That leaves me with the WRs I mentioned in the last pick and a safety, Jason Taylor II the Saints have met with Taylor and he looks to fit their mould, having played all across the secondary (with 234 box snaps, 193 in the slot and 433 at FS), fits the size they look for when drafting the position. Jeff Ireland and Dennis Allen love adding to the secondary so adding a versatile Safety to an ageing position group makes a lot of sense here.

The pick- Safety Jason Taylor II

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Round 7 Pick 227

Your guess is as good as mine at this stage or the draft, but one thing is for sure the Saints love adding return specialists late in the draft or as UDFAs ( See Rashid Shaheed and Deonte Harty). Look no further than Kansas State WR Malik Knowles, he averaged 27.7 yards per kick return with 3 touchdowns. He didn’t test during the pre-draft process due to a knee injury but looks to have home run speed and upside as a receiver. This move would also allow Saints weapon Rashid Shaheed to focus more on his WR duties and take him out of harm’s way on punt and kick return duties.

The pick- WR/Returner Malik Knowles

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Round 7 Pick 257

With the Saints last pick I’m going with LSU DE Ali Gaye, a player the Saints have met with during the pre-draft process. At 6ft 6″ 263lbs and around 34″ arms, Gaye is a raw but physically gifted player that the Saints can try and develop. Gaye finished his career at LSU with 7 sacks and 18 TFLs in 27 games (26 starts) for the Tigers.

The pick- DE Ali Gaye

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Summary

Round 1- DT Bryan Bresee

Round 2- OG Steve Avila

Round 3- RB Zach Charbonnet

Round 4- TE Brenton Strange

Round 5- LB Nick Herbig

Round 5- Safety Jason Taylor II

Round 7- WR/Returner Malik Knowles

Round 7- DE Ali Gaye

That was my best effort at trying to work out what the Saints will do in the 2023 NFL draft, I’m sure this will all be wrong halfway through the first night of the draft when the Saints trade up into the teens for a small school DE. Let me know what you think! Also, follow me on Twitter and Instagram @saintsreportuk for more Saints discussion and news.

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2023 NFL Draft: Which Tight End is the best fit for the Miami Dolphins?

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Tight End is one of the Miami Dolphins’ biggest needs ahead of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft after the team moved on from Mike Gesicki in the offseason.

Miami does have Durham Smythe, who recently signed a two-year extension worth up to $8.75 million, who’s a valuable inline player, but so far in his career has been too ineffective to be the sole threat in the passing game.

2023’s TE class is one of, if not the strongest position groups in the entire draft, with plenty of prospects likely to be taken in the first three rounds.

Whilst the Dolphins are without a first-round pick, they do have the 51st and 84th overall selections, where there should be a few players who can make an impact in Mike McDaniel’s offense.

Who are the best Tight End prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft?

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1. Dalton Kincaid – Utah – 6ft 4in 246lbs – Round 1 prospect

Kincaid is mostly regarded as the best tight end this year and is expected to go in the first round, therefore likely being out of the Dolphins’ reach.

In 2022, the man who is the best-receiving prospect in this group put up 890 yards and nine touchdowns on the year, and whilst not the best blocker, he has enough to get by in the pros.

Kincaid has a nice get-off, and accelerates quickly, almost like a receiver which is one of his best traits. He’s also difficult to bring down, with 397 yards after catch in 2022, the most in the class.

2. Michael Mayer – Notre Dame – 6ft 4in 265lbs – Round 1-2 prospect

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Mayer is an all-around tight end, who is the best option to come in and succeed right away. He’s an accomplished blocker who’s also a terrific receiving weapon.

In 2022 Mayer amassed 809 yards, and nine touchdowns, and lead his fellow draftees in catches in traffic, putting up 17, six more than anyone else.

He’s more of a big-body traditional TE, which has prompted many, including myself, to have him as the best prospect in this class. If Mayer falls to the second round Chris Grier should be working the phones trying to move up to the front.

3. Darnell Washington – Georgia – 6ft 6in 264lbs – Early Round 2 prospect

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Washington is huge! He’s one of the tallest in the class at almost 6ft 7in, whilst also possessing a huge wingspan. He’s an absolute beast in the run game and has the potential to be the best TE in this draft.

Whilst he’s not the receiver that Kincaid or Mayer are, he’s got a tonne of potential and has the ability to go up over the top and win in the pros. 4.65 was an insane 40 yard dash time at the combine.

Although Washington is a project, he has so much upside that it’s unlikely he’ll be there at 51 for the Dolphins. After an impressive combine, he’s rising up draft boards. 

Who’s the best fit for the Miami Dolphins on Day 2?

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1. Sam LaPorta – Iowa – 6ft 4in 249lbs – Round 2 prospect

LaPorta is another great receiving tight end and one who stretches the field. He’ll be hard to bring down with his 4.59 40 time and 20 missed tackles, which was enough for the 2nd most in CFB in 2022.

He’s more of a Mark Andrews-style player, rather than the traditional Iowa product that we see in the likes of George Kittle and TJ Hockenson, but like Kincaid, he has enough in the run game to be a starting TE in the league.

LaPorta had the fourth most snaps in a zone run-blocking scheme last year, making him a great fit for Mike McDaniel’s offense, as Kittle was in San Francisco. If he can be half the guy in the run game, they’re onto a winner.

2. Tucker Kraft – South Dakota State – 6ft 5in 255lbs – Round 2-3 prospect

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Much like Mayer, Kraft is more of a common NFL tight end than Kincaid and to an extent LaPorta. His tape at South Dakota State shows an impressive understanding in the run game.

Whilst he’s not got the speed to take the top off a defense that some other prospects have, Kraft is another tight end who comes alive when the ball is in his hands.

2021 was a very good season for Kraft, but he was unfortunately injured for part of 2022, which paired with his production being at a small school has resulted in him being considered a late second to early third-round prospect.

3. Davis Allen – Clemson 6ft 6 in 250lbs – Round 3 prospect

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Allen is another who’s trending upwards as we move closer to the draft. He was a great red zone target at Clemson and another all-purpose tight end who can help out in the run game. 

Like LaPorta, Allen has more experience at zonal blocking than most of the top prospects, with PFF giving him a desirable grade in both zone and gap-schemed runs.

Allen went for 443 yards and five touchdowns from 39 receptions in 2022, whilst catching 11 of 12 balls in traffic, which was second to only Michael Mayer, showing he has reliable hands.

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Five Things: The New York Giants Offseason 2023

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The 2023 season is now a month old, and, in that time, there have been plenty of comings, re-signings and goings. Now with the NFL draft quickly approaching us, it’s time to look at the five things that have stood out.

Danny Dollar Dollar

3:56 pm EST on the 4th of March.

With four minutes to go until the franchise tag deadline and after three and a half weeks of painstaking negotiations, the Giants finally ended up agreeing with Daniel Jones’s new agents on a new $160 million, four-year contract based on a picky swear and a hug.

The initial reaction to the contract itself was intriguing, as it was easy to argue that both sides (Athletes First and the Giants) had come away with big wins. Athletes First were able to secure a guaranteed $84 million in the first two years, getting Jones his $40 million plus AAV, but the contract shifts in year three as it dips to an AAV of $37.5 million with none of it guaranteed unless Jones is on the roster on the fifth day of the 2025 league year.

Looking forward, getting the deal over the line prior to the deadline allowed the Giants to not only bring back Saquon Barkley, as he was given the franchise tag at a more palatable number of $10.09 million than Jones’s franchise tag hit of $32 million, but overall, it gave the Giants front office much more flexibility in the free agency market without having to panic negotiate to free up cap space.

Big Splashes

Speaking of free agency, it didn’t take long for Joe Schoen to start looking at upgrading some of the Giants’ Achilles heels from last year, and without the shackles of last year’s Gettleman-caused cap restrictions, he was able to cast his net wider.

His first big splash was to sign ex-Indianapolis Colt linebacker Bobby Okereke to a four-year, $40 million deal, with $22 million of that guaranteed. The 27-year-old Okereke had 16 starts in 2022, recording a career-high 151 total tackles, two forced fumbles, and a 79.3 PFF rating as a run defender.

The second big free agent signing came two days later as another ex-Colt made the switch to East Rutherford in wide receiver Parris Campbell, who has just come off his best season as a pro. Campbell, who had struggled with injuries in his first few years in the league, played 17 games last year, recording 623 yards on 63 receptions. His contract with the Giants is a 1-year, $3-million deal with up to $1.7 million in per-game roster bonuses.

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Shock Trade

Sandwiched between the two deals above was arguably the most shocking and potentially best value move the Giants have made so far this offseason.

With most of the insiders suggesting that a standout wide receiver should be the Giants’ number one priority, they ended up trading for Darren Waller from the Las Vegas Raiders, who arguably on his day can give you that number one target in the same way the Kansas City Chiefs use Travis Kelce. Ironically, the cost to acquire Waller was the third-round pick (number 100 overall) that the Giants received as part of the Kadarius Toney trade to the Chiefs.

The 6-foot, 6-inch, 255-pound veteran has 298 receptions for 3,572 yards and 19 touchdowns in his career so far, and despite only appearing in nine games last season, he still managed nine 20-plus yard catches, which was only bested by Darius Slayton on the Giants roster.

The contract the Giants inherited had no dead money hits after 2023; however, after restructuring his deal to free up cap room, there are now hits if he were to be released after either of the 2023 or 2024 seasons.

Focusing on Depth and Familiarity

After a season spent either signing the best players they could to vet-minimum deals or having to resort to either practise squad poaching or street signings, Schoen and his team were able to focus on finding better depth pieces as well as keeping the better performers from last year.

There was a spate of re-signings prior to the start of free agency, with exclusive rights free agents Lawrence Cager (TE), Wyatt Davis (G), Jack Anderson (G), and surprise 2022 standout Isaiah Hodgins (WR) all signing new deals. They were then rejoined by Casey Kreiter (LS), Jamie Gillan (PT), Sterling Shepard (WR), Matt Brieda (RB), Jihad Ward (DE), and Darius Slayton (WR).

On the new signing front, the Giants have added Jeff Smith (WR), Rakeem Nunes-Roches (DT), Leonard Johnson (CB), Bobby McCain (S), Jamison Crowder (WR), Amani Oruwariye (CB), Tommy Sweeney (TE), and J.C. Hassenauer (C).

Farewells

As is the norm with free agency, there are inevitably going to be players who move on, either by signing with another team or being released/cut.

The one that will likely affect the Giants the most will be losing one of last season’s defensive captains and the man who led all Giants players in tackles, Julian Love. Love, who will be suiting up for the Seattle Seahawks next season was drafted by the Giants back in 2019, became a bit of a Swiss army knife during his time in blue and even took up calling the defensive plays when fellow safety Xavier McKinney was injured last year.

Other than Love, the G-Men have seen former center/guard Nick Gates, who recovered from his horrific leg injury to play last season, sign a contract with divisional rivals the Washington Commanders; Jon Feliciano, who is the Giants only other recognised centre left for the San Francisco 49ers after most expected his re-signing to be a matter of time; and wide receiver/special teamer Richie James Jr. move on to sign with the Kansas City Chiefs.

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Free Agency Day 2 Recap

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Aaron Rodgers made headlines on the second day of free agency, before his seemingly impending move to the New York Jets has even happened.

The four-time MVP is set to be traded to New York, per Trey Wingo, and has given GM Joe Douglas a shopping list of free-agent weapons for the quarterback, should he end up at MetLife Stadium

Former Packers WR Allen Lazard was the first to sign over the dotted line with the AFC East outfit, whilst Odell Beckham Jr, Marcedes Lewis, and Randall Cobb are also on Rodgers’ list.

Nothing is done yet though, could Rodgers confirm the move himself when he appears on Pat McAfee at 6 PM GMT? Or will he shock the world by retiring?

Top 10 free agents: Who signed?

10. James Bradberry – CB – Philadelphia Eagles, 3 years $38 million

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Despite temptation from their division rival Dallas Cowboys, James Bradberry remained in Philadelphia yesterday, signing a deal worth just over $12.5 million a year.

It looks like Bradberry may have a home, having been chucked about in recent years. With a few departures in the Philadelphia secondary this free agency, he’ll be a leader in the city of brotherly love.  

Who’s still left to sign?

1. Lamar Jackson – QB

Today is the day we could start to see some movement with Lamar Jackson. Due to not having an agent, the end of the legal tampering period means he can start to negotiate with teams that are willing to give up two first-round picks.

3. Bobby Wagner – LB

Only one of my top three linebackers has been signed so far, but for Wagner I’m sure it’s more about destination than a paycheck. A second ring is very high on the agenda.

5. Lavonte David – LB

As with Wagner, David is another I’d expect to take his time and pick a destination. Miami is a shout for both of them, less so after signing David Long on Monday, but the linebacker position is valued in Vic Fangio’s defense. 

7. Orlando Brown – T 

Whilst Brown is without a contract so far in free agency, one thing we do know is that he will not be returning to Kansas City.  New FA signing Jawaan Taylor is expected to take his role, moving to left tackle. 

Trades

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Stephon Gilmore – Indianapolis to Dallas

2018’s defensive player of the year ended up in Dallas on Tuesday night, moving for a 2023 fifth-round pick, in the aftermath of James Bradberry remaining in Philadelphia.

After a poor final couple of years in New England, Gilmore has bounced back in his previous two destinations of Carolina and Indy, will he be the next dominant Cowboys corner?

Darren Waller – Las Vegas to New York Giants

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Fresh from committing to Daniel Jones, Giants GM Joe Schoen went out and got one of the league’s top tight-ends for his $ 40 million a-year quarterback.

Waller, who signed a three-year $51 million extension in September only cost the G-Men a third-round pick, the one acquired from Kansas City in the Kadarius Toney trade.

Other big Free Agent Signings

Dalvin Tomlinson – IDL – Minnesota to Cleveland, signed for four years, $57 million

Allen Lazard – WR – Green Bay to New York Jets, signed for four years, $44 million

Jason Kelce – C – remaining in Philadelphia, signed a one-year $14 million extension

Kaleb McGary – T – remaining in Atlanta, signed a three year $34.5 million extension

Jakobi Meyers – WR – New England to Las Vegas, signed for three years, $33 million

Bobby Okereke – LB – Indianapolis to New York Giants, signed for four years, $40 million

Charles Omenihu – EDGE – San Francisco to Kansas City, signed for two years, $20 million

Larry Ogunjobi – IDL – remaining in Pittsburgh, signed a three year $28 million extension

Samson Ebukam – EDGE – San Francisco to Indianapolis, signed for three years, $24 million

Eric Kendricks – LB – Minnesota to Los Angeles Chargers signed for two years, $13.25 million

Follow us at Full10Yards to keep up to date with all the latest moves this week, as well as the upcoming NFL draft. Be sure to get in touch on both Facebook and Twitter.

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Free Agency Day 1 Recap

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The Chicago Bears made headlines on the first day of the legal tampering period, revamping their linebacking core.

Tremaine Edmunds, my number four free agent, signed a four-year, $72 million deal, whilst former Eagle TJ Edwards signed for three years and $19.5 million.

As for quarterbacks, Jimmy Garoppolo will reunite with Las Vegas Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels, whilst Mike White will act as Tua Tagovailoa’s backup in Miami. 

Elsewhere there were big deals for three offensive linemen, and Javon Hargrave joined an already stacked 49ers defensive line.

Top 10 free agents: Who signed?

2. Javon Hargrave – IDL – San Fransisco 49ers, 4 years $80 million

Hargrave loves a winning organisation. His last two landing spots of Philadelphia, and San Francisco, on top starting his career in Pittsburgh, have been playoff regulars in recent years. With the talent on that defense, I can’t see anything changing.

The 30-year-old, one of the league’s best defensive linemen in 2022 joins Nick Bosa and Arik Armstead in one of the now scariest positions groups in the entire league.

4. Tremaine Edmunds – LB – Chicago Bears, 4 years $72 million

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Coming into March the Bears had the number one overall pick, a quarterback in Justin Fields, and the most cap room in the league. Ryan Poles got a haul, and a new receiver for Fields by trading down. Now he can splash the cash on defense.

If this past year is anything to go by, Edmunds could join the long line of elite linebackers to have played for Chicago. He’s still young too, only 24!

6. Jessie Bates – S – Atlanta Falcons, 4 years $64 million

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Bates was one of two Cincinnati Bengals safeties to leave on Monday, decimating the back end of Lou Anarumo’s defense.

On his day, there’s no doubt that he is one of the best safeties game. Bates, who played under the franchise tag in 2022, will play a big part in revamping a poor Atlanta defense.

8. Marcus Davenport –  EDGE – Minnesota Vikings, 1 year $13 million 

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My top edge in the free agency class found his destination late on Tuesday night, landing in Brian Flores’ scheme, where I’m sure he’ll have a similar role to what Emmanuel Ogbah had in Miami.

2022 wasn’t the best year in terms of sacks for Davenport, but he was still effective off the edge. His work in the run game should be favoured in this scheme too. 

9. Mike McGlinchey – T – Denver Broncos, 5 years $87 million

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The first offensive tackle drafted in 2018 joins Denver, who are hoping to be a lot better on offense in 2023 with Sean Payton at the helm. Keeping Russell Wilson upright is this team’s key to success.

Wilson showed improvement in the final weeks of the season which I’m sure gave the organisation some optimism, McGlinchey was one of two lineman brought in by the Broncos yesterday.

Top 10 Free Agents: Who’s still left to sign?

1. Lamar Jackson – QB

While nothing is expected to happen with Lamar, especially not until Wednesday, thanks to the non-exclusive tag he is still there for negotiation should a team want to part with two first-round picks.

3. Bobby Wagner – LB

Only one of my top three linebackers were signed on the first day, but for Wagner I’m sure it’s more about destination than a paycheck. A second ring is very high on the agenda.

5. Lavonte David – LB

As with Wagner, David is another I’d expect to take his time and pick a top destination. Miami is a shout for both of them, less so after signing David Long yesterday, but the linebacker position is valued highly in Vic Fangio’s defense. 

7. Orlando Brown – T 

Whilst Brown is without a contract so far in free agency, one thing we do know is that he will not be returning to Kansas City.  New FA signing Jawaan Taylor is expected to take his role, moving to left tackle.

10. James Bradberry – CB

As the top corner in this free agency class, Bradberry is smart to wait for the offers and pick another contender, as he did with Philadelphia last offseason. Dallas continues to be linked.

Other big Free Agent Signings

Chris Lindstrom –  G – remaining in Atlanta, signed a five year $105 million extension

Jimmy Garoppolo – QB – San Francisco to Las Vegas, signed for three years, $67.5 million

Mike White – QB – New York to Miami, signed for two years, $16 million

Jawaan Taylor – T – Jacksonville to Kansas City, signed for four years, $80 million

Jamal Dean – CB – remains in Tampa Bay, signed a four year $52 million extension

TJ Edwards – LB – Philadelphia to Chicago, signed for three years, $19.5 million

Cam Sutton – CB – Pittsburgh to Detroit, signed for three years, $33 million

Andre Dillard – T – Philadelphia to Tennessee, signed for three years $29 million

Zach Allen – EDGE – Arizona to Denver, signed for three years $47 million

Dre’Mont Jones – IDL – Denver to Seattle, signed for three years $51 million

Follow us at Full10Yards to keep up to date with all the latest moves this week, as well as the upcoming NFL draft. Be sure to get in touch on both Facebook and Twitter.

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Free Agency Preview: Top 10 Players

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It’s that time of year, again, free agency! Star players such as  Lamar Jackson, Bobby Wagner, and Javon Hargrave, among others, all might be on the move in the coming days. Who else is available?

Whilst the new league new year doesn’t actually start until Wednesday, from 5 PM GMT today, teams will be able to contact players regarding contracts, triggering the start of free agency, and movement in the hours afterwards.

Who are the Top 10 players in the 2023 Free Agency Class?

1. Lamar Jackson – QB

Baltimore strangely decided to use the non-exclusive franchise tag on their former MVP quarterback, meaning he is now available for the price of two first-round picks, technically keeping him a free agent.

While a move is unlikely at this point due to Jackson wanting a fully guaranteed contract, if any team wanted to put a contract on the table, Baltimore would then have five days to match the offer.

If no one wants Lamar what does he do? Hold out? Play on the tag? Or agree to an improvised contract?

2. Javon Hargrave – IDL

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At the age of 30, Hargrave looks set to be on his third contract for his third team. Due to the interior defensive line class being one of the weaker position groups, he looks set to be in for a big payday.

Hargrave is one of many Eagles defensive players set to test free agency after making the Super Bowl in February. He had a career-high 11 sacks, putting up an 80.1 PFF grade, tied for 11th highest at IDL in the league.

3. Bobby Wagner – LB

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On top of Jackson, another man who will be the talk of the next week is Bobby Wagner. The nine-time All-Pro linebacker, eight-time pro bowler, and 2013 Super Bowl champion is coming off a strong season and chasing another ring.

Even at the age of 32, Wagner is still one of the top free agents and the league’s best at his position, putting up only a 2.9% missed tackle percentage and NFL best 90.7 PFF grade in 2022.

4. Tremaine Edmunds – LB

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At the young age of 24, Edmunds has already played five seasons and is on to his second contract. He’s one of the most sought-after players in this free agency class, but will he re-sign with Buffalo?

In 2022 he put up a career-high PFF grade of 81.9, the 5th best among all linebackers. Six pass breakups was also the best in his young career, as was a 6.5% missed tackle percentage. 

5. Lavonte David – LB

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Another player going strong in his 30’s is Lavonte David. Whilst he won’t make as much as the other two big linebackers testing free agency, he is an excellent pick-up for a contender.

In a down year for the Buccaneers’ defense, David still managed an 85.1 grade, the fourth-highest of his career, and the third-best number of all linebackers in 2022.

6. Orlando Brown Jr – OT

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With offensive tackle being a premium position in free agency, another big money maker will be Orlando Brown Jr. After being unable to agree to a long-term deal with Kansas City a top tackle is set to test the market.

2022 was a pro bowl season for Brown, who was the 19th-best offensive tackle according to PFF. He only allowed four sacks and seven quarterback hits on the year. 

7. Jessie Bates III – S

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Bates is the first of two Cincinnati Bengals safeties to test free agency this week. He’s definitely earned his big contract over the years, but will he choose to stay and help a real contender?

He would be a huge loss for Zac Taylor’s team, and may well be a bit cheaper than he was last offseason after a down year in coverage. That being said, Bates was as great in the box, posting the fifth-best run defense grade of all safeties. 

8. Marcus Davenport – EDGE

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Davenport is a bit of a strange one, because he only put up one sack last year, but is still a top player at his position. Whilst he still had seven quarterback hits, the one sack was a career low.

Had he been a free agent after a strong 2021 season, he may well be a whole lot richer. Whilst the end product wasn’t their Davenport still had a good year in many categories. Will he make a similar jump to Trey Hendrickson, should he leave New Orleans?

9. Mike McGlinchey – OT

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Mike McGlinchey is another top tackle who is expected to make a buck or two this week. He’s a solid player who’s always played at the calibre of the top half of the players at his position in his five years in San Francisco.

2022 saw the 49ers reach the NFC Championship game, and McGlinchey allowed the lowest amount of pressures in a full season in his career. Could a reunion with Mike McDaniel in Miami be a fit?

10. James Bradberry – CB 

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In his one and only year in Philadelphia, James Bradberry earned himself another big contract. The 29 year old made it all the way to the Super Bowl having only joined the team in May.

Bradberry was as excellent as ever in coverage, allowing a 54.2 passer rating, the 3rd lowest number among all cornerbacks, and intercepting the ball three times on top of the 12 pass breakups.  

Follow us at Full10Yards to keep up to date with all the latest moves this week, as well as the upcoming NFL draft. Be sure to get in touch on both Facebook and Twitter.

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“The guys were the most pumped up I’ve ever seen them going into a game” – Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on ‘underdog’ AFC Championship victory

After winning the AFC Championship game and securing a spot in his third Super Bowl, Patrick Mahomes discussed going into the game as an ‘underdog’, just eight days after suffering a high ankle sprain.

“I think the guys were probably the most pumped up I’ve seen them going into a game, a lot of trash talk was coming from a lot of different places, even the mayor came at me.

“Whenever you feel like the underdog playing at Arrowhead Stadium it gets our guys ready to go.”

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Mahomes’ Kansas City Chiefs reached their third Super Bowl in his fifth year as a starter, after a 23-20 victory over Joe Burrow and the Cincinnati Bengals, the reigning AFC Champions.

Many saw the Chiefs as underdogs heading into the game, not only due to questions over their QB’s ankle, but also because Burrow was 3-0 vs Mahomes in his young career.

“I didn’t expect to be able to run very much just with the way it felt, but the training staff did a great job to get me enough mobility to protect myself, Mahomes expressed, before pointing out;

“At the end of the game, I had a run to get the first down, and it got us into field goal range.

“I thought the stomping was going to be the hardest part, especially planting the right leg to throw across the body, that definitely didn’t feel good. The worst tweak was when I fumbled and I tried to pick it up.”

The Arrowhead regulars were in control for most of the game, but a late Mahomes fumble gave them a scare.

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“It was going to Marquez (Valdes-Scantling), who was wide open, they blitzed and it just slipped out of my hand.

“Luckily it didn’t cost us the game and our defense stepped up and got some stops for us in the end, because it was a big moment.”

“Now, the job is not finished for us, we’ve got the chance to go up against a great football team in the Philadelphia Eagles.

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When asked about returning to yet another Super Bowl, Mahomes revealed that he’s approaching this one with a different mindset.

“When I first got into the league it all happened so fast, winning MVP, winning the Super Bowl, I thought that was just how it went.

“Now I’ve dealt with failure, losing the AFC Championship, losing the Super Bowl. I know how much hard work and daily grit it takes.”

You can watch Mahomes and the Chiefs suit up in Super Bowl 57 on Sunday 11th February. Both Sky Sports and ITV are showing the game here in the UK, with kick-off set for 11:30 PM GMT.

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5 things we learned in the 2023 Divisional Round

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With the two Conference Championship games now set, the Divisional round left many teams with more questions than answers

1. Could Cincinnati be the AFC favourites?

The odds were stacked against Zac Taylor’s Cincinnati Bengals heading into Sunday’s early game, but those in the tiger-striped helmets prevailed as a postseason underdog once again.

Much was made about the loss of three key starters on the offensive line for Cinci, but that makeshift unit performed admirably on Sunday. The Bengals controlled the line of scrimmage and kept their quarterback upright.

Lou Anarumo delivered yet another outstanding playoff gameplan, holding Josh Allen and the Bills to ten points. Even the home-field advantage (of snow) couldn’t get them going in a game that seemed so one-sided from the start.

2. Buffalo’s Super Bowl window is closing

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Was this the Buffalo Bills’ year? After another heartbreaking loss in the divisional round, it appears that Sean McDermott’s Bills’ Super Bowl window is closing.

We know Josh Allen is locked in after his recent contract extension, but some key pieces are impeding free agents, with little cap room to manoeuvre. As with all teams who are good enough to enter themselves into a Super Bowl window, you can’t afford to pay everyone.

Tremaine Edmonds and Jordan Poyer look set to test the market, with the likes of Von Miller, Matt Milano, Tre’davious White and Micah Hyde all on decent money on defense.

3. The Jacksonville Jaguars are about to pounce

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Despite losing to the Kansas City Chiefs with Patrick Mahomes on one ankle, the future is certainly bright in Jacksonville. A young Jags team hung in there with the conference’s number-one seed, despite having far inferior talent.

Trevor Lawrence was without the early playoff nerves displayed in the Chargers game but sadly doesn’t possess the supporting cast required to compete against a team that will play in a fifth straight AFC championship game.

Coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke will be encouraged by what they’ve seen from their young quarterback this season. Lawrence’s development will enable them to build around him in the coming off-season.

4. Serious eyes are on Dak Prescott

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Are the Dallas Cowboys sure that Prescott is the guy? After the league’s turnover leader threw three more interceptions in a game he should have won on Sunday night, serious questions are being raised about the man they are paying $40 million per year.

Being a game manager can get you wins in the NFC, but it will never win you a Super Bowl against the likes of Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, and Joe Burrow.

On that kind of money, you’d think Prescott would be a top-five quarterback, but he’d barely crack the top half of the league’s best quarterbacks.

5. San Fransisco can be slowed down

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In their loss at Levi’s Stadium, Dallas defensive coordinator Dan Quinn laid out a blueprint for slowing down the San Francisco 49ers offense.

Kyle Shanahan’s offense has been on fire lately, especially since the Christian McCaffrey trade, winning 12 straight games and scoring less than 30 points only four times in that span.

McCaffrey and Elijah Mitchell combined for 3.55 yards per carry on Sunday night, a significant decrease from their season average of 5.4. The Philadelphia Eagles, their opponent on Sunday, have the second-best defense in terms of yards per game during the regular season.

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5 things we learned on Super Wild Card Weekend

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The NFL’s second Super Wild Card Weekend was even better than the first, here are five things we learned in the first round of the playoffs.

1. The Los Angeles Chargers are poorly coached

Saturday night saw the Chargers blow a 27-point lead in spectacular fashion. Their opponent, the Jacksonville Jaguars pulled the score back to 27-7 to close out the first half, before going on to win 31-30.

Awful clock management from the Chargers’ coaching staff after halftime contributed to the loss, only choosing to run a baffling eight times. That allowed the Jags to come back and steal a game that looked so one-sided.

Brandon Staley has since fired his offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi, and QB coach Shane Day.  Perhaps these moves are intended to divert attention away from a head coach who has made a number of questionable decisions over the last two years.

2. Josh Allen’s turnovers are a big problem

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Allen’s Buffalo Bills were fortunate not to lose to the Miami Dolphins and their third-string quarterback, Skylar Thompson, in the early game on Sunday. Allen’s three turnover-worthy plays brought the Fins back into a game that had previously been out of reach. 

Interceptions by Dolphins defensive backs Xavien Howard and Jevon Holland resulted in scoring drives, while defensive tackle Zach Sieler recovered a fumble for a touchdown. 

There’s no denying he’s one of the best quarterbacks in the game, but his risk-or-reward treatment of the football almost proved costly on Sunday. During the regular season, Allen not only had the most big-time throws (44), but he also tied for the most TWPs with Geno Smith (29).

3. Brian Daboll is the Coach of the Year

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The NFL Coach of the Year for the 2022 season has to be Brian Daboll. His Giants team has showed so much fight this season, winning multiple games they shouldn’t have been talented enough to do so.

Daniel Jones has been very impressive this season, looking like a top-15 quarterback whilst having a set of practice squad receivers. Not bad for a man whose fifth-year option was declined in the offseason. By all accounts, he’s earned a new deal. That’s down to Daboll.

Wink Martindale was an excellent hire this off-season. He put out an excellent defensive plan to stop Justin Jefferson and the rest of the Vikings’ high-powered offense.

4. Cincinnati has real offensive line problems

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The Cincinnati Bengals are right back to where they were at the start of this season, just a big hit away from their franchise quarterback, Joe Burrow, getting hurt again.

Injuries have decimated the unit after Jonah Williams (knee) added to the growing injury list of La’el Collins (ACL) and Alex Cappa (ankle) on Sunday night.

Ted Karras is the only offensive lineman with a PFF grade of over 60, and one of only two lineman with enough snaps to be ranked by the stats company this season. Look for the Bills defensive line to have a field day on Sunday, similar to what Pittsburgh did in Week One.

5. Tom Brady is done in Tampa Bay

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After his team’s 31-14 loss to the Dallas Cowboys, Brady thanked reporters for their hard work over the season, almost as if he was signalling it was time for a change. He is a free agent this coming offseason.

With how the last 12 months have played out for TB12 and the Buccaneers, it makes sense to move on. Whether or not the greatest player in history retries is a different question; prior to the loss, the general consensus was that he’d return for one more year. 

Over the past 24 hours that looks slightly less likely, especially with the signs of decline he showed on Monday night, making multiple odd decisions in the first half. Whatever happens, I believe it is safe to say Tom Brady will not be in Tampa Bay next season.