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1-32 poll, plus the biggest surprise for every team

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6:45 AM ET

  • NFL NationESPN

While we’re not at the one-quarter mark of the season yet (thanks to the new 17-game schedule), the NFL Power Rankings though this week was the perfect time to discuss each team’s biggest surprises in the early going.

Some of these surprises are quite good, such as Cooper Kupp being one of the NFL’s top receivers for the Los Angeles Rams, Lamar Jackson showing increased passing chops for the Baltimore Ravens or the Arizona Cardinals becoming the it team in the league’s hottest division. Others aren’t good at all, like the Washington Football Team regressing on defense, the Indianapolis Colts not being able to keep their main players healthy and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers running out of cornerbacks. But good or bad, we asked the reporters of all 32 teams to identify the one thing about the teams they cover that has startled them most through 23.52% of the season (we did the math).

How we rank in our Power Rankings: Our power panel — a group of more than 80 writers, editors and TV personalities — evaluates how teams stack up throughout the season.

Previous rankings: 4 | 3 | 2 | Preseason

Jump to:
ARI | ATL | BAL | BUF | CAR | CHI | CIN
CLE | DAL | DEN | DET | GB | HOU | IND
JAX | KC | LV | LAC | LAR | MIA | MIN
NE | NO | NYG | NYJ | PHI | PIT | SF
SEA | TB | TEN | WSH

Previous ranking: 3

Biggest surprise: Defensive dominance

Why it’s a surprise: The fact that the Bills’ defense is playing well is not surprising, but it’s the numbers that the unit has put up that couldn’t have been expected. Buffalo has forced three or more turnovers in each of the past three games and has held two opponents scoreless in four games — including a 40-0 win against Houston on Sunday. No matter the opposing offenses — the team has faced three backup quarterbacks — that’s a big accomplishment in the NFL. That success has led to a plus-90 scoring margin. The Bills are the fifth team to be plus-80 or better through four games in the past 20 years. — Alaina Getzenberg

Previous ranking: 8

Biggest surprise: Success is happening so quickly

Why it’s a surprise: It’s not that the Cardinals being good is surprising, it’s that everything is clicking so early in the season. The offense added some important pieces this season and it was expected that they would all jell, but for all of it to come together and to be undefeated, lead the NFC West, have one of the best offenses in the league and an early MVP candidate at quarterback — well, that is what’s surprising. The early meshing of everything is as good of a scenario as it gets for the Cardinals. Even though Arizona started hot last year and then went into a tailspin, this start feels different. — Josh Weinfuss

Previous ranking: 1

Biggest surprise: WR Cooper Kupp

Why it’s a surprise: In his fifth NFL season, Cooper Kupp has established himself as quarterback Matthew Stafford’s favorite target and has exploded to become one of the top receivers in the league. Entering Monday night, Kupp leads the NFL with five receiving touchdowns and ranks third with 431 receiving yards. Kupp has also been targeted a league-high 46 times, catching 30 passes. Kupp was expected to be a top performer in the Rams’ offense, but few could have predicted that he would be among the most productive receivers in the league. — Lindsey Thiry

Previous ranking: 2

Biggest surprise: The large number of injuries

Why it’s a surprise: After making it all the way to the Super Bowl and winning, the Buccaneers had a terrific training camp in terms of injuries. That luck has changed quickly, with all three starting cornerbacks potentially out now after Carlton Davis left their Week 4 win against the Patriots with a quad injury. In addition, Jason Pierre-Paul has missed multiple games with rib fractures, and Antoine Winfield Jr. has entered the concussion protocol. The once-strong defense has taken a big hit four weeks in. — Jenna Laine

Previous ranking: 4

Biggest surprise: The offensive line holding up

Why it’s a surprise: Life without All-Pro LT David Bakhtiari (recovering from ACL surgery) and Pro Bowl G Elgton Jenkins (missed the past two games with an ankle injury) hasn’t been the death knell to the offense that it could have been. The Packers have held their own with one experienced lineman (Billy Turner), two rookies at center and right guard (Josh Myers, Royce Newman) and second-year pros at left tackle and left guard (Yosh Nijman, Jon Runyan).

Aaron Rodgers said it best on Sunday after facing a second straight team with a dominant defensive front, first the 49ers and then the Steelers. “If you would’ve told me early in the season we’d be without arguably two of our best linemen for a couple of games and play those two fronts, I would’ve been ecstatic with two wins.” — Rob Demovsky

Previous ranking: 6

Biggest surprise: How quickly the defense has come together

Why it’s a surprise: After finishing 19th in defensive efficiency last year, the Browns overhauled their defense in the offseason, bringing in or drafting eight new starters. The talent upgrade across the board was evident. But how quickly this defense has jelled in four weeks is still surprising. Already led by the league’s No. 1 pass rush win rate, the Browns own a defense that has the look of a championship-caliber unit. — Jake Trotter

Previous ranking: 7

Biggest surprise: Lamar Jackson ranking in the top half of the NFL in passing yards

Why it’s a surprise: It was expected that Jackson would take a step forward as a passer, especially after the Ravens lost their two top backs (J.K. Dobbins and Gus Edwards) before the start of the regular season. But this has been a big step forward. Baltimore ranked last in the NFL in passing last season, and Jackson finished 22nd in passing yards in each of the past two years. This season, Jackson has really stretched the field. His 19 completions of 20-plus yards rank third in the NFL, trailing only Tom Brady (23) and Derek Carr (21). — Jamison Hensley

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1:39

Stephen A. Smith wants to see the Dallas Cowboys’ defense go up against more experienced QBs before he can get behind their success.

Previous ranking: 14

Biggest surprise: Defensive takeaways

Why it’s a surprise: The Cowboys have 10 takeaways in four games, which is second in the league and the best in the NFC. How did this happen? They did not record their 10th takeaway a year ago until the 11th game of the season. It helps that Trevon Diggs is having a breakout season with five interceptions in the first four games. The last Cowboy cornerback to have five interceptions in a season was Terence Newman in 2010. The defense still has some faults, but if it can continue to get takeaways, that will give an offense that is rolling more possessions. Right now, the Cowboys have a perfect feel for complementary football. — Todd Archer

Previous ranking: 9

Biggest surprise: CB Asante Samuel Jr.

Why it’s a surprise: Nobody knew exactly what they were getting when Samuel was drafted with the 47th pick. He’s not his dad, but he has surprised just about everyone with interceptions in consecutive games (the first off of Dak Prescott in Week 2, the second off of Patrick Mahomes in the red zone in Week 3). Samuel has four passes defensed and was named Defensive Rookie of the Month but says “I’ve still got to grind.” He’s already made a name for himself in the Class of 2021. — Shelley Smith

Previous ranking: 5

Biggest surprise: The Raiders’ defense

Why it’s a surprise: A season ago, late collapses against the Chiefs, Chargers and Dolphins were the difference between an 11-5 playoff season and the middling 8-8 the Raiders finished with. Yeah, four weeks is a small sample size, but defensive coordinator Gus Bradley’s re-imagined scheme is getting off the field and, yes, making plays. The best benefit for Las Vegas — the improved play on the defensive side of the ball is helping quarterback Derek Carr, too. — Paul Gutierrez

Previous ranking: 10

Biggest surprise: Red zone defense

Why it’s a surprise: The Chiefs have put much emphasis and many hours on the practice field to improve their defense inside the 20-yard line — which was worst in the league last season — but things have only gotten worse. The Chiefs have allowed a touchdown in the red zone 79% of the time, which is fifth worst and two percentage points worse than last season. It’s the biggest reason the Chiefs are 31st in points allowed. — Adam Teicher

Previous ranking: 12

Biggest surprise: QB Sam Darnold

Why it’s a surprise: If anyone said they predicted before the season that Darnold would lead the NFL in rushing touchdowns (five) through four weeks, they would have been lying. Darnold had only five rushing touchdowns in three seasons with the Jets. He wasn’t considered a running threat. But teams are leaving lanes open and Darnold is taking advantage. These aren’t quarterback sneaks. These are read-options or QB draw-type plays (credit OC Joe Brady) that Carolina was used to seeing Cam Newton run. — David Newton

Previous ranking: 17

Biggest surprise: Jamal Adams doesn’t have a sack

Why it’s a surprise: The Seahawks aren’t giving Adams as many opportunities to rush the passer as they did last season, when he set an NFL record for sacks by a defensive back with 9.5 in only 12 games. Defensive coordinator Ken Norton Jr. suggested over the summer that Adams might not blitz as much this season. Still, it is surprising that he isn’t blitzing more given how up and down Seattle’s pass rush has been — generating nine sacks in four games. Without taking advantage of Adams’ best strength, the Seahawks aren’t getting the most out of their $17.5 million-per-year safety. Adams has rushed the passer 13 times through four games after averaging 8.25 rushes per game last year, per ESPN Stats & Information. — Brady Henderson

Previous ranking: 13

Biggest surprise: Special teams’ woes

Why it’s a surprise: On one hand it shouldn’t be a surprise, as it’s been quite some time since the Broncos special teams’ units and consistency were paired together. But with the investment made in adding more speed to the roster in the offseason, the Broncos have surrendered a 38-yard kickoff return in the season opener and a 102-yard kickoff return for a TD in Week 2, have been called for a taunting penalty after downing a punt and surrendered a 42-yard punt return in Week 4. In a 3-1 start, none of those plays have cost them. But if this team really wants to be in the playoff conversation, repairs need to be made or those kinds of plays will cost them. — Jeff Legwold

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2:14

Field Yates and Matthew Berry discuss whether Deebo Samuel’s fantasy production is worth keeping him on rosters.

Previous ranking: 11

Biggest surprise: WR Deebo Samuel

Why it’s a surprise: Samuel showed up to training camp leaner, healthier and a more well-rounded receiver. He looked poised for a big season, but even the biggest Samuel believers probably didn’t see this coming. Four games in, Samuel is first in the NFL in receiving yards (490) and yards after catch (266) and fifth in yards per reception (17.5). His 490 receiving yards through four games is the second-most by a Niner behind only Jerry Rice’s 522 in 1995. — Nick Wagoner

Previous ranking: 18

Biggest surprise: The Bengals’ strong defense

Why it’s a surprise: The Bengals have struggled to field a quality defense in coordinator Lou Anarumo’s first two seasons. However, this year the Bengals are among the best in the NFL through the first four games. Cincinnati ranks fifth in yards per play allowed and seventh in points per drive allowed. Granted, the opposing offenses haven’t been great, but the improvement in Anarumo’s unit has been very notable. Defensive end Trey Hendrickson, who signed a $60 million deal with the team in the offseason, is second in the NFL in pass rush first pressures, according to ESPN Stats & Information. — Ben Baby

Previous ranking: 15

Biggest surprise: The 31st-ranked passing offense

Why it’s a surprise: The Saints are averaging just 144 passing yards per game, while Alvin Kamara has set career highs with 24 and 26 carries, respectively, over the past two weeks. That kind of run-pass disparity worked when the Saints were running out the clock in big wins over Green Bay and New England but has been called into question now after they allowed the Giants to rally for a stunning comeback win Sunday. At some point, Sean Payton may need to rely more heavily on Jameis Winston and the passing offense. It will certainly help if WR Michael Thomas returns from his ankle injury when eligible after the Week 6 bye. — Mike Triplett

Previous ranking: 16

Biggest surprise: The struggles on offense

Why it’s a surprise: The Titans’ offense averaged 30 points per game last year. Tennessee was expected to maintain its high-scoring ways after adding Julio Jones to the mix. Through four games, Tennessee is averaging 23.8 points per game. Jones has yet to post a touchdown, while A.J. Brown only has one. Neither receiver was available to the Titans last week, but they still scored 24 points. The problem is they should have scored more. The Titans are not as efficient in the red zone anymore either. They’ve gone from 75% touchdowns in the red zone last season to only 50% this year. — Turron Davenport

Previous ranking: 22

Biggest surprise: Defensive struggles

Why it’s a surprise: Washington ranked second in yards and fourth in points last season. It boasted a top young line, the defensive rookie of the year (Chase Young) and added parts in the offseason through free agency (corner William Jackson III) and the draft (linebacker Jamin Davis, corner Benjamin St-Juste). But after four games, they rank 29th in yards allowed and 30th in points. It’s not just about having a harder schedule, it’s about playing — and coaching — poorly. There has been a big blown coverage assignment every week and they’re not applying enough pressure (sacks on 4% of dropbacks compared to 7.8% last season). Quarterback Taylor Heinicke — another surprise — has bailed out the defense. When he became the starter, the belief would have been for the opposite scenario. — John Keim

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1:50

Ryan Clark and Rex Ryan praise Bill Belichick’s game plan vs. Tom Brady and the Buccaneers’ offense on Sunday night.

Previous ranking: 19

Biggest surprise: Struggling offensive line

Why it’s a surprise: The group of Isaiah Wynn (LT), Mike Onwenu (LG), David Andrews (C), Shaq Mason (RG) and Trent Brown (RT) was supposed to be a strength of the Patriots’ offense, but rookie QB Mac Jones has taken 34 hits through four games. Also, the running game has been inconsistent, as evidenced by gaining minus-1 yard on eight carries Sunday night against the Buccaneers. Brown’s right calf injury, which has knocked him out of action for everything but the first series of the season, has been a factor in the performance, but is far from the only reason for the struggle. — Mike Reiss

Previous ranking: 26

Biggest surprise: The number of injuries to key players

Why it’s a surprise: Carson Wentz has no idea what it’s like to play behind the projected starting offensive line because the group has dealt with injuries. Right tackle Braden Smith continues to be out with a foot injury, left guard Quenton Nelson is on injured reserve with a high ankle sprain and left tackle Eric Fisher missed the first game of the season while continuing his recovery from an Achilles injury. And that’s just the start. Receiver T.Y. Hilton is on the IR with a disc injury. Starting safety Khari Willis, pass-rusher Kwity Paye and cornerbacks Xavier Rhodes and Rock Ya-Sin have all missed games with injuries, too. Injuries are part of the game, but the Colts have been ravaged with them through the first four weeks. — Mike Wells

Previous ranking: 20

Biggest surprise: CB Bashaud Breeland

Why it’s a surprise: Minnesota signed Breeland to shore up the secondary and put a player with experience and good coverage skills (ranked 18th by Pro Football Focus in 2020) opposite Patrick Peterson at outside corner. Through four games, Breeland’s play has been a disaster. He has been targeted 23 times and allowed 20 receptions for 281 yards (14.1 yards per reception), has given up four touchdowns and is allowing a near-perfect passer rating (157.2). Against Cleveland, Breeland left the game after six plays with an “illness” and didn’t play again after being the closest defender on a 21-yard pass that converted a third-and-long for the Browns. — Courtney Cronin

Previous ranking: 27

Biggest surprise: LB Robert Quinn

Why it’s a surprise: After an uninspiring 2020 season, Quinn has been all over the field for the Bears defense through four games. The veteran pass-rusher leads the team with 4.5 sacks and has recorded multiple tackles for loss. Quinn said he is in a better place mentally and spiritually this season — and it’s showing on the field. When Quinn is paired with Khalil Mack, the Bears have one of the most formidable edge rusher duos in the NFC North. — Jeff Dickerson

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2:09

Dan Orlovsky argues with Rex Ryan and Ryan Clark about why Mike Tomlin should consider moving on from Ben Roethlisberger now.

Previous ranking: 21

Biggest surprise: Pass rush struggles

Why it’s a surprise: The Steelers got plenty of pressure out of the four-man rush in Week 1, but haven’t been able to replicate the same results the past two weeks. Without T.J. Watt and Alex Highsmith, the Steelers didn’t record a single sack against the Bengals, and against the Packers, they only had two — including one that appeared to just be a trip by Watt. Watt, who sustained a groin injury against the Raiders, said he felt healthy enough to play against the Packers, but he — and the rest of the Steelers’ front — haven’t performed to the same level they did in Week 1. The Steelers have shown an ability to play championship-level defense, but the lack of replication is surprising. — Brooke Pryor

Previous ranking: 24

Biggest surprise: RB Miles Sanders’ usage

Why it’s a surprise: Sanders is the Eagles’ lead back, yet only has 37 carries through four games — which is tied for 33rd in the NFL with the Cowboys’ No. 2 running back Tony Pollard and Jets rookie Michael Carter. He has nine rushes total in the past two weeks. Meanwhile, rookie Kenneth Gainwell (89 total yards and a TD vs. Chiefs) is heating up. Sanders and QB Jalen Hurts were expected to be a dynamic 1-2 punch out of the backfield, but it’s been slow going for Sanders to start. — Tim McManus

Previous ranking: 23

Biggest surprise: Poor offensive play

Why it’s a surprise: Name the offensive category and the Dolphins are either near or at the bottom of the NFL’s rankings. Entering Monday night, Miami was 31st in scoring, 31st in total yards, 30th in first downs, 30th in passing yards, 26th in rushing yards — need I go on? Tua Tagovailoa’s current stint on injured reserve has not helped, but even he can’t single-handedly solve Miami’s offensive woes. The Dolphins’ offensive line also ranks 29th in pass block win rate and has given up the fourth most sacks — despite seeing the eighth fewest blitzes in the league. It has been a surprisingly horrendous start to the season for a team that had playoff aspirations in 2021. — Marcel Louis-Jacques

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1:28

Matthew Berry argues that Cordarelle Patterson has more value staying on fantasy rosters than as a trade piece.

Previous ranking: 25

Biggest surprise: RB Cordarrelle Patterson

Why it’s a surprise: Patterson has been a revelation in an otherwise struggling offense in Atlanta, as he is on pace for the best rushing season of his career (he already has 27 carries for 119 yards) and his best receiving season (already having 18 catches for 235 yards). Arthur Smith has been able to find a way to create opportunities for him, which led to him scoring three touchdowns against Washington — as many receiving touchdowns as he had in the past four seasons. Patterson has been a pleasant surprise for Atlanta in every way. — Michael Rothstein

Previous ranking: 29

Biggest surprise: Defensive struggles

Why it’s a surprise: The defense was supposed to be the strength of this Giants’ team. It isn’t. It is ranked 22nd in the NFL allowing 382 yards per game. And it’s probably not going to get much better. The Giants still haven’t found answers at edge rusher and are without starting middle linebacker Blake Martinez for the remainder of the season. It’s hard to be a top defense like what was expected with a pedestrian pass rush. — Jordan Raanan

Previous ranking: 32

Biggest surprise: Defense has overachieved

Why it’s a surprise: The defense ranks in the top half of the league in points and yards allowed despite some tough circumstances. Top pass-rusher Carl Lawson was lost to a season-ending injury in the preseason, linebacker Jarrad Davis (ankle) still hasn’t played, free safety Lamarcus Joyner suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1 and three rookies are starting. Talk about adversity. Thanks to good coaching, plus terrific starts by LB C.J. Mosley and DT Quinnen Williams, the Jets’ defense has managed to hold it together. — Rich Cimini

Previous ranking: 28

Biggest surprise: Lack of production from RB Phillip Lindsay

Why it’s a surprise: Entering training camp, the Texans expected Lindsay to emerge as their lead back. Instead, Lindsay trails veteran running backs Mark Ingram II and David Johnson for carries and has just 31 yards and a touchdown on 24 attempts. Since Week 1, Houston has not run the ball well at all and ranks 31st in Football Outsiders’ rushing DVOA. It might get a little easier for the Texans in Week 5, as the New England Patriots’ defense ranks 28th in rushing DVOA and allowed Tampa Bay to run for 119 yards on Sunday night. — Sarah Barshop

Previous ranking: 30

Biggest surprise: Starting 0-4

Why it’s a surprise: Nobody expected the Lions to be a playoff team, but starting 0-4 isn’t ideal — even for the Lions. Against Chicago, they failed to score on four different red zone drives, which tied for the most by any team in a game since 2000 — and Detroit’s most in a single game. Quarterback Jared Goff has now lost six consecutive regular-season starts, which is the longest active streak among QBs. It hasn’t been all his fault, with injuries and costly miscues haunting this team, but the Lions have to improve at limiting mistakes in scoring situations if they want to win a game. — Eric Woodyard

Previous ranking: 31

Biggest surprise: Josh Lambo’s struggles

Why it’s a surprise: There hasn’t been much the Jaguars have been able to count on over the past several seasons other than Lambo. Lambo earned the “Lambomatic” nickname because he had made 95% of his field-goal attempts with the Jaguars (76-of-80) from the time he joined the team in October 2017 through the 2020 season. But he’s 0 for 3 this season, didn’t play last week because of personal reasons and head coach Urban Meyer said Lambo will have to compete with Matthew Wright for the kicking job this week. An offense averaging just 18.5 points per game needs a reliable kicker and if Lambo doesn’t rebound this week his time in Jacksonville is likely done. — Mike DiRocco

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Sports

Who had the better sprint on Los Angeles Rams’ score

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6:26 PM ET

  • Lindsey ThiryESPN

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    • Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times
    • Previously covered the Falcons
    • Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball

The Los Angeles Rams’ opening drive of the second half appeared to be on life support when Matthew Stafford dropped back, facing third-and-10 from his own 25-yard line. That was until Stafford went through his progression and finally spotted veteran receiver DeSean Jackson deep down the field, all alone.

Stafford threw a 75-yard bomb to Jackson, as Bucs safety Mike Edwards caught himself moving forward and fell to the turf, only to recover and watch Jackson make the catch. Jackson slowed before the goal line, almost taunting the defensive backs who he left in the dust. His touchdown put the Rams up 21-7, with 14:02 to play in the third quarter.

Jackson celebrated on the sideline with coach Sean McVay, who sprinted at high speed himself to deliver a chest bump to his speedy veteran receiver, only days after McVay vowed to get him more involved in the offense.

Jackson is the ninth player in NFL history with at least 10 75-yard touchdowns, while Stafford has three passing touchdowns of 50 yards or more this season, tying the Rams’ total had the 2019 and 2020 seasons — combined.



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Matthew Stafford starts Rams career with long touchdown pass to Van Jefferson

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1:44 AM BST

  • Lindsey ThiryESPN

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    • Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times
    • Previously covered the Falcons
    • Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball

INGLEWOOD, Calif. — Welcome to L.A., Matthew Stafford!

A play-action rollout resulted in Stafford airing it out to Van Jefferson, as the second-year receiver sprinted behind the defense, dove to get the ball and got up when he wasn’t touched. The 67-yard touchdown bomb gave the Los Angeles Rams a 7-0 lead over the Chicago Bears in the first quarter.

Stafford’s 67-yard touchdown pass is tied for the longest completion on an opening drive in his career. He also had a 67-yard touchdown pass to Calvin Johnson on the opening drive of a Sept. 8, 2014 game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants.

Stafford strutted his way down the field in celebration, while defensive lineman Aaron Donald and cornerback Jalen Ramsey erupted on the sideline.

Stafford continued to let in fly in the third quarter. After hitting Jefferson with the touchdown pass to open the game, Stafford opened the second half with a 56-yard bomb to receiver Cooper Kupp, who caught the pass in stride without a defender within 10 yards to give the Rams a 20-7 lead.

For the first time in his career, Stafford has multiple passing touchdowns of more than 40 air yards in a single game



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Los Angeles Rams acquire RB Sony Michel from New England Patriots

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7:25 AM ET

  • Lindsey ThiryESPN

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    • Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times
    • Previously covered the Falcons
    • Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams have acquired Sony Michel from the New England Patriots to add some much-needed depth at the running back position.

New England received two conditional draft picks — one in the fifth round and another in the sixth — in the deal, which the Rams announced Wednesday morning.

Michel fills an immediate need for the Rams, who will play the season without rising star Cam Akers after he tore his right Achilles tendon while working out before training camp.

In Akers’ absence, Darrell Henderson Jr. has taken over as starter, but the Rams lack depth behind the third-year pro.

Second-year pro Xavier Jones, an undrafted free agent in 2020, and rookie seventh-round pick Jake Funk have competed throughout the preseason with the hope of proving they could fill the position.

At the outset of training camp, coach Sean McVay said the Rams would give their young backs ample opportunity to compete for the job but left open the possibility that the team could look for outside help when the season opener approached.

Asked this week whether Jones and Funk had proved through two preseason games that they could be ready for Week 1 against the Chicago Bears on Sept. 12, McVay said the Rams were in the process of figuring that out.

“We got a little bit of time,” McVay said. “Darrell is a guy that’s been established and done some good things. But I was pleased with both those guys.”

Henderson suffered a mild thumb sprain in practice Monday but returned to practice Tuesday with a cast or brace protecting his left hand.

A fourth-year pro, Michel has rushed for 2,292 yards and 14 touchdowns in 28 starts for the Patriots, who drafted him in the first round with the 31st pick in 2018.

In a 13-3 victory over the Rams in Super Bowl LIII, Michel rushed for 94 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries.

Michel is due to earn a base salary of $1.79 million in the final year of his contract in 2021 after the Patriots previously elected not to exercise his fifth-year option for 2022. He had drawn rave reviews from Patriots running back coach Ivan Fears this preseason, with Fears saying he had “upped his total game.”

“I’ve always liked him as a runner, but now he’s shown to us that he can also play in the passing game and be very effective,” Fears said. “He’s had an awfully good camp.”

Last season, Michel missed six games when he was placed on injured reserve after Week 3 because of a quadriceps injury. In nine games he rushed for 449 yards and a touchdown on 79 carries. In a 24-3 loss to the Rams, Michel rushed for 22 yards on seven carries.

The Patriots have gone through training camp with a surplus of six running backs, including third-year pro Damien Harris, who took over the starting job from Michel last season, and veteran James White.

The Patriots’ surplus at running back has been a hot topic at camp, with Harris, Michel, White, fourth-round pick Rhamondre Stevenson, spark plug J.J. Taylor and veteran core special teams player Brandon Bolden on the depth chart, and the likelihood that the team would keep a maximum of five players at the position.

Last week, coach Bill Belichick said, “They have all gotten opportunities and shown positively. Competition brings out the best in all of us. It’s a great situation.”

ESPN’s Mike Reiss contributed to this report.

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Los Angeles Rams without both punters for preseason game against Las Vegas Raiders

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3:57 PM ET

  • Lindsey ThiryESPN

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    • Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times
    • Previously covered the Falcons
    • Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif. — The Los Angeles Rams have placed punters Johnny Hekker and Corey Bojorquez on the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team announced Saturday.

That leaves the Rams without a punter listed on the roster for a Week 2 preseason game against the Las Vegas Raiders on Saturday night at SoFi Stadium.

The Rams did not immediately announce who could serve as a reserve punter.

For a fourth consecutive year, Rams coach Sean McVay has opted not to play starters in preseason action, and this year he has taken it a step further, resting several key reserves as well.

Quarterbacks Matthew Stafford and backup John Wolford will not play against Las Vegas.

It’s possible that McVay could test the fourth-down capabilities of backup quarterbacks Bryce Perkins and Devlin Hodges without a punter.

A fourth-year pro signed over the offseason, Bojorquez has been challenging the four-time All-Pro Hekker for the position.

Both punted twice in a 13-6 preseason loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 1. Hekker averaged 45.5 yards per punt, and Bojorquez averaged 43.

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Pro Football Hall of Fame inductions

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CANTON, Ohio — Despite waiting a year because of the coronavirus pandemic, members of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s class of 2020 and the Centennial class are being formally recognized Saturday night in Canton, Ohio.

The class of 2020 includes legends of the game Troy Polamalu (Pittsburgh Steelers), Steve Atwater (Denver Broncos, New York Jets), Isaac Bruce (Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, San Francisco 49ers), Steve Hutchinson (Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, Tennessee Titans) and Edgerrin James (Indianapolis Colts, Arizona Cardinals, Seattle Seahawks).

Fifteen men, some who have waited decades to hear their names called, were elected as part of the HOF’s Centennial class. The group was selected to honor the NFL’s 100th anniversary. The class includes 10 seniors, two coaches and three contributors. Among them are former NFL coaches Bill Cowher (Steelers) and Jimmy Johnson (Cowboys, Dolphins), former NFL commissioner Paul Tagliabue and Steve Sabol of NFL Films.

The 2021 Pro Football Hall of Fame class is led by quarterback Peyton Manning, who won a pair of Super Bowls and set many records in his 18-year career with the Indianapolis Colts and Denver Broncos.

Manning and the seven other members of the class will be inducted into the Hall of Fame at 7 p.m. ET Sunday (ESPN).

ESPN will be providing updates after each of the 12 new HOFers speaking Saturday night takes the podium. Here’s a look at highlights from their speeches, the scene in photos and videos, and more HOF coverage:

Saturday’s speakers

Harold Carmichael, wide receiver (Philadelphia Eagles, 1971-1983; Dallas Cowboys, 1984)

The résumé: A four-time Pro Bowl selection, the 6-foot-8 Carmichael was the league’s Man of the Year in 1980 for his work in his community. In an era when Drew Pearson once led the league in receiving yards with 877 in 1977, Carmichael was consistent in his impact, averaging over 15 yards per catch in six seasons. He led the league in catches and receiving yards in 1973 and finished with three 1,000-yard seasons in his career.

He said it: “I’m so honored to be part of this brotherhood … What a journey … I remember coach [Dick] Vermeil saying ‘Do your job better than everybody else and surround yourself with good people.'”

Cliff Harris, safety (Dallas Cowboys, 1970-79)

The résumé: Harris made the Cowboys’ roster as an undrafted rookie in 1970, having arrived as a former college sprinter and cornerback. Harris became one of the league’s first box safeties with enough athleticism to return punts and kickoffs. Hall of Fame quarterback Fran Tarkenton once said the two best safeties he faced were Harris and Hall of Famer Jake Scott. Harris was selected to six Pro Bowls. He led the Cowboys in tackles in 1976 and interceptions in 1977. He played on two Super Bowl winners, and the Cowboys were in the postseason in nine of his 10 years.

He said it: “What an incredible journey this has been for me … I also had the great fortune to play with many legendary players … Football was my passion, but my fallback was to become a doctor … If I can make it anyone can achieve their goals, the key is to never give up, keep going, keep learning.”

Edgerrin James, running back (Indianapolis Colts, 1999-2005; Arizona Cardinals, 2006-08; Seattle Seahawks, 2009)

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Edgerrin James discusses having to deal with perceptions during his NFL career and culminating his career with induction into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

The résumé: He was the league’s Offensive Rookie of the Year in 1999 and won the league’s rushing title his first two seasons — with 1,553 yards in 1999 and 1,709 in 2000. James had four 1,500-yard rushing seasons, five 50-reception seasons and finished with more than 15,000 yards from scrimmage.

He said it: “This is a special moment for me, my family and those closest to me … To my mama, we’re here … It was also dope to play for fellow Hall of Famer Tony Dungy, a great coach, but even a better man … To the city of Indianapolis, thank you for embracing me … Think about what happens to our culture and our families when we don’t get the protection we’re supposed to … We have a lot of things going on in this country, it’s only right to keep shining the light on it … I always knew who I was, a great player, a great father, a lion and this is my mane [pointing to his hair] … My closing message is proudly represent the real you. … My career started with gold teeth and ended with this gold jacket.”

Steve Atwater, safety (Denver Broncos, 1989-98; New York Jets, 1999)

The résumé: Atwater was one of the league’s fiercest tacklers and won two Super Bowls with the Broncos. He closed out his career as an eight-time Pro Bowl selection and two-time first-team All-Pro. Atwater had six 100-tackle seasons, and at 6-foot-3 and 218 pounds, he was one of the biggest, most mobile safeties of his era.

He said it: “I stand here because of so many people who have stood beside me … I’m humbled and honored to wear this gold jacket … You all have touched my life in one way or another on and off the field and I thank you.”

Commissioner Paul Tagliabue (1989-2006)

The résumé: His supporters cite his role in the growth of the NFL into a global, multibillion-dollar business, his part in the creation of the Rooney Rule to promote diversity in hiring, and a long period of labor peace between the league and the players’ union. Before Tagliabue’s tenure, the commissioner largely ran the league’s day-to-day operations but held little power. Tagliabue flipped it to make the commissioner the central figure in the NFL’s operations. Record television revenues and extended labor peace followed.

He said it: “It’s like a dream come true, I’ll tell you that … My journey in pro football began in 1969 as a young attorney … Think league first, those were the words [former NFL commissioner Pete Rozelle] said so often … Most important of all, my deepest love and appreciation go to my wife, Chan … The perspectives of the players should be considered when they speak out on matters that are important to them in the league and in their community … Listen to players, they have a lot to teach all of us … I’m proud and grateful to have played a small part in the evolution of the league.”

Steve Hutchinson, guard (Seattle Seahawks, 2001-05; Minnesota Vikings, 2006-11; Tennessee Titans, 2012)

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Steve Hutchinson thanks his children and wife, among others, during his Hall of Fame speech.

The résumé: He was selected to the league’s All-Rookie team in 2001, seven Pro Bowls and the All-Decade team of the 2000s. With the Seahawks, he played alongside Hall of Fame tackle Walter Jones, forming one of the best guard-tackle tandems of the past three decades. He is one of 12 offensive linemen in the modern era to have been named first-team All-Pro five times and once went 44 consecutive games without having a penalty called on him that was accepted.

He said it: “They said be brief so thank you, good night … If I could go back and tell myself anything, it would be not to fear failure. … Thank you to the fans at every stage of my career … To the kids out there who are wondering if they can ever play in those stadiums, never give up on your dreams … Success is not always comfortable or easy.”

Donnie Shell, safety (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1974-87)

The résumé: Shell was physical enough to play the run like a linebacker, and had the athleticism and savvy to have 51 career interceptions. Shell played on four Super Bowl winners and was voted the team MVP of the 1980 Steelers, a team that included nine Hall of Famers (Terry Bradshaw, Franco Harris, Lynn Swann, John Stallworth, Mike Webster, Joe Greene, Jack Lambert, Jack Ham and Mel Blount). He was a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time first-team All-Pro selection.

He said it: “It’s been a long journey, but a good one … I arrived in Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent and now I’m in the Hall of Fame, only God can do that.”

Isaac Bruce, wide receiver (Los Angeles/St. Louis Rams, 1994-2007; San Francisco 49ers, 2008-09)

The résumé: When he retired, he was second all-time with 15,208 receiving yards; he and Jerry Rice were the only wide receivers to have topped 15,000 yards at that time. He was the first player in NFL history with three consecutive games of at least 170 yards receiving, and he had three career 200-yard receiving games. He finished his career with eight 1,000-yard seasons.

He said it: “I’m grateful, I’m having a good time … I’d like to thank my high school, Dillard High School, the standard in South Florida … To the city of St. Louis, its fan base, I love you … To all the defensive backs, the ones that baptized me and all the ones I baptized, I thank you.”

Jim Covert, tackle (Chicago Bears, 1983-1990)

The résumé: A two-time first-team All-Pro, Covert helped power a Bears offense that led the league in rushing in each of his first four seasons and finished among the top three in rushing in seven of his eight seasons. A back injury ended his career in 1991. Covert held Lawrence Taylor without a sack in his three meetings against the Hall of Famer. Hall of Famer Lee Roy Selmon once said Covert and Hall of Famer Anthony Munoz were the best tackles he faced.

He said it: “Growing up I never dreamed I’d be standing here at the Pro Football Hall of Fame … I never had to look far for role models because I always said they were right down the hall … My mom is the rock of our family, I love you mom, thank you … When I went to the Chicago Bears, Mike Ditka said, ‘I’ve got good news and bad news. The good news is we’re going to the Super Bowl. The bad news is half you guys won’t be here.'”

Troy Polamalu, safety (Pittsburgh Steelers, 2003-14)

The résumé: He forced 14 fumbles, recovered seven and had 32 interceptions. He was a second-team All-Decade pick at safety only because Ed Reed — Hall of Fame class of 2019 — was the first-team selection at Polamalu’s spot. Polamalu was selected to eight Pro Bowls and was a four-time first-team All-Pro as well as the league’s Defensive Player of the Year in 2010.

He said it: “I love football, I love football, it was my entire life as long as I could remember … It is the willingness to push the body beyond what the brain says is possible … Thank you to everyone who has been part of my journey … To be a Steeler is to consider others before you consider yourself … [To his sons] I love you, thank you for holding me accountable.”

Jimmy Johnson (Dallas Cowboys, 1989-1993; Miami Dolphins, 1996-99)

The résumé: He made the most of his nine seasons with two Super Bowl wins as the Dallas Cowboys went from 1-15 in his first season in 1989 to 36-12 in his last three years in Dallas with the back-to-back Super Bowl victories. He is credited with the extensive use of the draft chart to make trades, while his Herschel Walker and Steve Walsh trades netted him four first-round picks, four second-round picks and two third-round picks. He turned those picks into a team that won three Super Bowls — two for him and one for Barry Switzer. Johnson drafted 18 players who would start in Super Bowls, including three Super Bowl MVPs, and 15 players who would be selected to a Pro Bowl.

He said it: “I had a lot of great players, but more than a great player [Troy Aikman] has become a great friend … It’s a special, special game … You want to know what I’m going to say about Jerry Jones, well Jerry you told me we were going to make sports history … We – we — did make sports history … Let me tell you from the bottom of my heart, thank you Jerry … My two sons played football and I never saw them play a down, and that’s unfortunate … To hell with it I can’t make a list, there’s too many … I coached, recruited or drafted 13 players in the Pro Football Hall of Fame … I was never was really a dreamer, dreamin’ is hoping, I believed.”

Photos and videos from Canton

Read more on these NFL legends

• Peyton Manning changed QB’ing forever
• Inside Calvin Johnson‘s 329-yard game
• Troy Polamalu‘s bond with Bill Cowher
• Edgerrin James‘ legacy tied to HBCUs
• J. Johnson: ‘How ’bout them Cowboys?’
• Charles Woodson‘s legendary path in NFL
• Winston Hill, Joe Namath’s friendship
• Get to know this year’s HOF classes
• Videos: Watch these HOF moments



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Source — Los Angeles Rams RB Cam Akers to miss entire 2021 season with torn Achilles

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Los Angeles Rams running back Cam Akers has a torn Achilles, and a source tells ESPN’s Adam Schefter that the second-year star is expected to miss the entire 2021 season.

Akers suffered the injury while working out and underwent testing to confirm the diagnosis, the source told Schefter.

The Rams announced Akers’ injury Tuesday morning but did not disclose an official timeline for how long he will be out.

Akers was expected to be the focal point of the Rams’ running game this season after his breakout rookie campaign, when he averaged 113.1 yards from scrimmage over the final seven games, including the postseason.

In 13 regular-season games total, Akers was the Rams’ leading rusher with 625 yards and two touchdowns on 145 carries. He also caught 11 passes for 123 yards and a touchdown.

The 5-foot-10, 217-pound Akers also had 272 yards from scrimmage and scored two touchdowns in the Rams’ two postseason games.

Akers, 22, spent two games sidelined after suffering a rib injury in Week 2 when he awkwardly fell on the football. He also played through a high ankle sprain later in the season.

Selected in the second round (No. 52 overall) of the 2020 draft from Florida State, Akers shared time last season with Darrell Henderson Jr. and Malcolm Brown.



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Detroit Lions’ Jared Goff ‘happy, grateful, ready for a new opportunity’ after trade

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1:06 AM ET

  • Lindsey ThiryESPN

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    • Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times
    • Previously covered the Falcons
    • Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball

Quarterback Jared Goff says he’s ready to move on in the aftermath of a blockbuster trade that dealt him from the Los Angeles Rams to the Detroit Lions.

“As the quarterback, as the guy that’s at arguably the most important position on the field, if you’re in a place that you’re not wanted and they want to move on from you, the feeling’s mutual,” Goff told the Los Angeles Times. “You don’t want to be in the wrong place. It became increasingly clear that was the case.”

On Saturday, the Rams traded Goff, along with two first-round picks and a third-round pick, to the Lions in exchange for quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Goff, the No. 1 pick in the 2016 NFL draft, told the Los Angeles Times that he was unsure when the Rams decided he would not be part of their future.

“That’s the tough part right now is trying to figure that out, when did that happen?” Goff said. “Those are all conversations that I may or may not have, and try to figure it out. That’s the conversation to have.”

After a season-ending loss to the Green Bay Packers in a divisional playoff game, Rams coach Sean McVay was asked if Goff was the quarterback. “Yeah, he’s our quarterback, right now,” McVay said.

Ten days later, Rams general manager Les Snead would not commit to Goff’s long-term future with the team during a videoconference, telling reporters, “Jared Goff is a Ram right now. So, what’s the date? Jan. 26.”

Neither the Rams nor the Lions can publicly comment about the trade until it is official at the start of the new league year on March 17.

After McVay’s arrival in 2017, Goff led the Rams to consecutive division titles, an NFC championship and a Super Bowl LIII appearance, twice earning Pro Bowl recognition.

Before the 2019 season, Goff signed a four-year, $134 million extension that guaranteed $110 million.

However, the offense regressed in 2019 and continued its downward turn last season despite a 10-6 finish and a wild-card playoff win. Goff finished his final season in L.A. passing for 3,952 yards and 20 touchdowns with 13 interceptions.

In four seasons with McVay, Goff accumulated 42 wins, tied with Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and second only during that time span to Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady.

But since 2019, Goff ranks second in the NFL with 38 turnovers.

Following the trade, Goff said he overcame an initial feeling of disappointment and grew excited after connecting with the Lions’ staff, which includes general manager Brad Holmes, the Rams’ former director of college scouting who had a voice in drafting Goff.

“You start to feel, I don’t want to say ‘relief’ is the word, but you start to feel happy, grateful, ready for a new opportunity,” Goff said. “That’s the biggest feeling that I was overcome with that night, and even in the days following.”

After playing five seasons in L.A., Goff said he would not let a disappointing ending tarnish his lasting memories.

“Obviously, the ending wasn’t favorable and wasn’t fun,” Goff said. “But them drafting me No. 1 overall and bringing me to a city that hasn’t had a football team in a long time, being a part of that rebuild after 2016, being able to help bring L.A. football back to prominence, all that stuff I take extreme pride in. It’s something that I’ll always remember.”

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Sports

Detroit Lions dealing Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles Rams for Jared Goff, picks, sources say

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10:04 PM ET

  • Michael Rothstein

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    ESPN Staff Writer
    • Previously covered University of Michigan for ESPN.com and AnnArbor.com
    • Also covered Notre Dame for Fort Wayne Journal Gazette

  • Lindsey Thiry

    Close
    ESPN
    • Covered Rams for two years for Los Angeles Times
    • Previously covered the Falcons
    • Has covered the NBA and college football and basketball

Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford is heading to the Los Angeles Rams in exchange for quarterback Jared Goff and a multitude of draft picks, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter on Saturday night.

The Lions will receive a third-round pick in 2021, a first-round pick in 2022 and a first-round pick in 2023 in what is the first exchange of former No. 1 overall picks in the common draft era (since 1967). The deal cannot be made official until the start of the new league year on March 17.

Following news of the trade, the Rams’ Super Bowl odds for the 2021 season moved from +1800 to +1500 at Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill.

It’s the first big move made by new Lions general manager Brad Holmes, who was hired earlier this month from the Rams, for whom he was the director of college scouting. That was Holmes’ role when the Rams traded up from the No. 15 selection to take Goff first overall in the 2016 NFL draft, making a splash in their return to L.A. after 21 seasons in St. Louis. The Rams will not make another first-round selection until at least 2024.

A source told ESPN the Lions had interest from seven or eight teams offering first-round picks as compensation for Stafford. Though the deal for Goff won’t necessarily preclude the Lions from taking a quarterback in this year’s draft, Goff told ESPN’s Jeff Darlington on Saturday night that he spoke with new Lions coach Dan Campbell, and that Campbell made clear through his message that Goff is in the Lions’ plans for the future.

When asked following Detroit’s final game of the 2020 season if he thought it was his final game with the Lions, Stafford said he did not want to get into hypothetical situations. Soon after the season concluded, Stafford went to Lions team president Rod Wood and mentioned a trade might be best for both sides.

Stafford, 32, will leave Detroit as the team’s all-time leader in every passing category. He is No. 16 all time in NFL passing yards (45,109) and passing touchdowns (282), No. 18 in attempts (6,224) and No. 14 in completions (3,898). His career passer rating of 89.9 is No. 21 all time, and his 144 interceptions are tied for No. 66 all time with Joe Flacco and Steve Bartkowski.

Stafford is No. 4 all time in passing yards per game (273.4), behind just Patrick Mahomes, Drew Brees and Andrew Luck. He also is second all time behind Luck in attempts per game (37.7) and is fourth in completions per game (23.6) behind Brees, Mahomes and Matt Ryan.

Stafford came into the league as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2009 draft out of Georgia and became Detroit’s starter immediately. Injuries, including a separated shoulder, hampered his first two seasons in the NFL, but he went on to start all but eight games for Detroit since the start of the 2011 season.

When he had to miss the final eight games of the 2019 season due to fractured bones in his back, it ended a streak of 136 straight starts — at the time the sixth-longest consecutive starts streak for a quarterback in NFL history.

Stafford has dealt with a multitude of ailments over the years, including injuries to his ribs, ankle and right thumb last season. He also played in 2018 with fractures in his back and a proximal interphalangeal joint dislocation of the middle finger of his throwing hand in 2016, among other things.

While the Lions never won the NFC North with Stafford as their quarterback, he kept them largely competitive over the past decade as the team’s first draft pick after Detroit’s 0-16 season in 2008. Stafford had eight seasons of 4,000 or more yards passing and a 5,038-yard season in 2011, when he also threw a career-high 41 touchdowns. Stafford has thrown at least 20 touchdowns in every full season of his career — and at least 10 interceptions, as well.

Stafford already has friends and a place to stay on the West Coast: Stafford owns an estate in Newport Coast, southeast of Los Angeles in Orange County, and he is a childhood friend and former high school teammate of longtime Dodgers ace Clayton Kershaw.

Although the Rams didn’t confirm the trade, their official Twitter account tweeted at Kershaw, asking him: “Have you heard from an old friend today?”

Stafford has won just five of 16 matchups against his new division opponents in the NFC West. Goff, meanwhile, has won four of six against the NFC North.

Goff, who turned 26 in October, leaves L.A. after five seasons, including four under Rams coach Sean McVay, and with a 42-27 record. He made seven winless starts as a rookie under former coach Jeff Fisher, before the Rams hired McVay, who was known for his offensive acumen and ability to develop quarterbacks. McVay and Goff flourished in their first two seasons together, winning back-to-back division titles and an NFC championship.

The Rams awarded Goff a four-year, $134 million extension with $110 million guaranteed after he led the Rams to a Super Bowl LIII appearance. However, the offense never appeared the same after a 13-3 loss to the New England Patriots in that Super Bowl, as the Rams fell from a top-scoring team to an average unit over the past two seasons.

Issues between Goff and McVay became apparent during the 2020 season despite a 10-6 record. After a 23-20 loss to the San Francisco 49ers in Week 12, McVay publicly called out the quarterback for three turnovers and demanded that the issue improve. Over the past two seasons, Goff ranked second in the NFL with 38 turnovers.

McVay opted to start undrafted free-agent backup John Wolford in a wild-card playoff game at the Seattle Seahawks despite Goff telling his coach he would be ready to play 12 days removed from surgery on his throwing-hand thumb. Wolford was forced to leave that contest in the first quarter because of a neck injury, and Goff, the only available backup, passed for 155 yards and a touchdown in the 30-20 win. After the game, Goff expressed disappointment that he did not start.

A week later, in a divisional playoff at the Green Bay Packers, McVay was forced to start Goff with Wolford sidelined because of his neck. Goff passed for 174 yards and a touchdown in a 32-18 loss.

After the Packers game, when asked if Goff was his quarterback, McVay said, “Yeah, he’s our quarterback, right now.”

Earlier this week, Rams general manager Les Snead did not provide a public vote of confidence for Goff when asked multiple times about the quarterback’s future with the Rams.

“Moving on from Jared Goff, that’s … the money we’ve invested in him, that’s not easy to overcome,” said Snead, who added later that “anything can be done” in a cap-based system.

The Lions will face the Rams next season at SoFi Stadium.

ESPN Stats & Information and The Associated Press contributed to this report.

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NFC West Notes: Seahawks, Golden, 49ers

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For the second time in three years, K.J. Wright is a free agent. The longest-tenured Seahawks player has already signed three contracts with the franchise that drafted him. He is eager to ink a fourth.

“I’m having fun; I love this city. I love this team, so let’s make it happen,” Wright said of a return to Seattle, via ESPN.com’s Brady Henderson. “… (A return is) up to Pete (Carroll) and John (Schneider). They know how much I mean to this team. They know I’m a great teammate, a great leader and it would be a great investment — in my opinion — if they invest in K.J. and to bring him back into the building. You get what you pay for, and I bring a lot to the table still.”

Wright, 31, does not sound interested in a hometown discount, per veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson (on Twitter). The Seahawks have paired Wright and Bobby Wagner for nine seasons and used both as sub-package linebackers for most of the 2020 slate. But Seattle drafting Jordyn Brooks in last year’s first round could complicate a Wright return. Pro Football Focus rated Wright as its No. 8 overall ‘backer this past season.

Here is the latest from the NFC West:

  • The Seahawks were not planning to part ways with OC Brian Schottenheimer, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes an end-of-season meeting — in which Carroll reinforced his preference to focus on the run game — helped lead to the team changing play-callers. The Seahawks deviated in the season’s first half from Carroll’s run-centric vision but reverted more toward their usual setup down the stretch. It will be interesting to see how Seattle’s offense looks under new OC Shane Waldron, who spent five years in Washington and Los Angeles working under Sean McVay.
  • Markus Golden‘s sack total dropped from 10 in 2019 to 4.5 in 2020, and the Cardinals saw Haason Reddick complete a contract-year breakout. Still, the older Arizona edge rusher would like to return. “It gave me another shock of energy just being back home,” Golden said of the trade that sent him from the Giants to the Cards, via Darren Urban of AZCardinals.com. “Being here where I know my heart is, it really matters to me to be in Arizona on the Cardinals.” Golden, who signed with the Giants in 2019 and stayed in New York via the rare UFA tender last year, is set for free agency for a third straight year.
  • Big expenses at the top of the Rams‘ payroll have forced the team to let several role players walk in recent offseasons. This year may be no exception. The Rams are unlikely to re-sign Josh Reynolds, Malcolm Brown or Gerald Everett, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic notes (subscription required). The Rams having drafted contributors at these positions in 2020, and having two wideouts (Cooper Kupp, Robert Woods) and a tight end (Tyler Higbee) signed long-term already, pointed this trio to free agency.
  • Jeff Wilson‘s one-year 49ers extension can max out at $3.6MM, according to NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco. Wilson will receive $2.05MM fully guaranteed, with another possible $1.55MM available via incentives. The incentives would give Wilson a chance to out-earn the low-end RFA tender price, which OverTheCap projects at $2.24MM for running backs. He is still due to be a 2022 UFA.
  • Nick Mullens underwent elbow surgery last month, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets. This, however, was not a Tommy John operation, with Garafolo adding the 49ers backup’s injury was not as severe as initially feared. He is expected to be ready by training camp.



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