Footballguys #288 - 2/3 - News & Notes From Around The League

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[Get Your Bingo Card Now]( --------------------------------------------------------------- [Footballguys.com]( Volume 19, #288 -- Saturday Night, February 3rd, 2018 Note: Unsubscribe instructions are at the bottom of this email --------------------------------------------------------------- Hi Folks, Welcome to the BIG DAY. Also quick note. I know it's late notice, but a friend of mine has two tickets for the Super Bowl in Minneapolis today. They are box seats, he paid $3,500 per ticket, which includes the ride to and from the airport, lunch, dinner, a $400.00 bar tab and a pass to the winners locker room after the game. What he didn't realize when he bought them last year was that it's on the same day as his wedding. If you are interested, he is looking for someone to take his place. It's at St. Paul's Church at 3 pm. Her name is Ashley. She's 5'4", about 115 pounds, a good cook, loves to fish and hunt and will clean your truck. She'll be the one in the white dress. Thanks to my friend Rod Scott for sharing. Enjoy the game today and thanks for hanging with us this season. J SITE NEWS A. [FREE FEATURE - Top 100 Rookie Rankings](=) One of the things you guys asked for was Rookie info much earlier than we've ever done in the past. We always start that info closer to the NFL Draft but one of the things you told us on the Reader Survey and also here was you'd like to see that info much earlier. We heard you and we're delivering. Our Sigmund Bloom just released his Top 100 Rookies. Obviously, this list will see massive changes as stories develop over the next six months. But Sig's laying out what he sees now based on what we know now. Enjoy. [] INSIDE THIS ISSUE 1. [PHI - WR Nelson Agholor battling flu](#1) 2. [NYJ - Two Jets players start contract talks](#2) 3. [NYJ - NYJ talking with Austin Seferian-Jenkins](#3) 4. [TEN - WR Tajae Sharpe on track for workouts](#4) 5. [BUF - Ryan Groy favorite for center job](#5) 6. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell plans to be at camp](#6) 7. [CAR - No more surgery for TE Greg Olsen](#7) 8. [BAL - Baltimore considered coaching change](#8) 9. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman may be ready for workouts](#9) 10. [ARZ - RB Adrian Peterson not close to retirement](#10) 11. [NYG - QB Eli Manning confident he will start in 2018](#11) 12. [DEN - QB Kirk Cousins eyeing Denver?](#12) 13. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook headed for big year?](#13) 14. [BAL - Owner endorses QB Joe Flacco](#14) 15. [KC - Patrick Mahomes making strides](#15) 16. [NYG - Baker Mayfield wants to be a Giant](#16) 17. [ATL - QB Matt Ryan to give a discount?](#17) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 1. [PHI - WR Nelson Agholor battling flu]( Source: NFL.com - Ian Rapoport Philadelphia Eagles WR [Nelson Agholor]( (illness) received an IV on Saturday, Feb. 3, after feeling 'sick and weak' but is 'already feeling better' and should be 'fine' for Super Bowl XII. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Agholor could have one of the best matchups for the Eagles lining up in the slot, so the importance of him being at full strength is magnified. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 2. [NYJ - Two Jets players start contract talks]() Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini The New York Jets have started contract talks with impending free-agent LB Demario Davis and CB Morris Claiborne. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Davis was basically free because the team got him for failed safety Calvin Pryor. Claiborne was outstanding at times and played in the most games he has appeared in since 2012 (15). He may cost more than his 2017 five million dollar price tag. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 3. [NYJ - NYJ talking with Austin Seferian-Jenkins]() Source: ESPNNewYork.com - Rich Cimini New York Jets impending free-agent TE [Austin Seferian-Jenkins]( has started contract talks with the Jets. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Seferian-Jenkins slowed down at the end of the year, but he was a reliable target near the line of scrimmage and should have had two more touchdowns that were overturned on questionable calls. They need a tight end and Seferian-Jenkins has turned his off-field life around by all accounts. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 4. [TEN - WR Tajae Sharpe on track for workouts]( Source: TitansOnline.com - Jim Wyatt Tennessee Titans WR [Tajae Sharpe]( (foot) has recovered from his foot injury and should be ready for the start of offseason workouts. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Sharpe will be fighting for playing time, especially if the team bring back impending free agent Eric Decker. Corey Davis, Rishard Matthews, and Taywan Taylor should be the team's top three receivers if Decker signs elsewhere, and everyone will be jockeying to endear themselves to the new regime on the offensive side of the ball, led by new offensive coordinator Matt LaFleur. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 5. [BUF - Ryan Groy favorite for center job]() Source: BuffaloBills.com - Chris Brown Buffalo Bills OG Ryan Groy appears to be the leading candidate for the starting center job at this point, in the opinion of BuffaloBills.com's Chris Brown. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Groy was a PFF Secret Superstar in 2016 when he filled for Wood for seven games. The team should be in good hands at center, but the overall depth on the line took a big hit. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 6. [PIT - Le'Veon Bell plans to be at camp]( Source: NFL.com - Kevin Patra Pittsburgh Steelers impending free-agent RB Le'Veon Bell said at this point he plans to be at training camp on time next season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Bell has only been giving off positive vibes about his status with the Steelers for 2018, but it also sounds like he wanted guaranteed money that equals a long term commitment, which the team has been reluctant to do. The overall trend is good for Bell being in black and gold, but this story is far from over. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 7. [CAR - No more surgery for TE Greg Olsen](=) Source: ESPN.com - David Newton Carolina Panthers TE [Greg Olsen]( (foot) will not need any more surgery on his foot and is looking forward to working with new offensive coordinator Norv Turner. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Olsen wasn't quite his old self after returning this year, but he did have a great game against the Saints in the playoffs and seemed to be rounding into form. He could be a value pick next year with the Panthers not having a proven #1 wide receiver. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 8. [BAL - Baltimore considered coaching change](=) Source: ESPN.com - Jamison Hensley Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said he considered firing head coach John Harbaugh after the season but has decided to keep Harbaugh. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This is questionable considering the challenges the team had to face on the offensive side of the ball because of injuries, including Joe Flacco's herniated disc in his back. Harbaugh has to be seen on a warm seat heading into the 2018 season and with Ozzie Newsome scaling back his activities, the Ravens franchise could be in for big changes at the top. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 9. [ATL - RB Devonta Freeman may be ready for workouts]( Source: ProFootballTalk.com - Mike Florio Atlanta Falcons RB [Devonta Freeman]( (knee) said he could be ready for the start of offseason workouts but wants to be completely healthy before he returns so he does not have to deal with the injury during the season. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Freeman avoiding surgery is good news, assuming that his knee feels right when he returns to action. He would be smart to delay his return if he has any feeling that the knee is off, but then again if his return is delayed too long, we might start to wonder if the surgery will come into play again. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 10. [ARZ - RB Adrian Peterson not close to retirement]() Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Chris Tomasson Arizona Cardinals RB [Adrian Peterson]( will turn 33 years old in March, but he recently told the St. Paul Pioneer Press' Chris Tomasson he wants at least four more years. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Peterson seemed to end up under the line of primary backs this year, and that line is just going to get higher with the introduction of any very strong class of backs. It remains to be seen whether Peterson can accept a backup role after how his stint in New Orleans ended up. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 11. [NYG - QB Eli Manning confident he will start in 2018](=) Source: St. Paul Pioneer Press - Chris Tomasson New York Giants QB [Eli Manning]( has reportedly been assured from new head coach Pat Shurmur that he will be the starting quarterback in 2018. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] To open the season, surely, but maybe not to close the season. The Giants should be able to find a quarterback worthy of the #2 pick in this strong class, and they shouldn't expect to be picking this high in the draft again any time soon. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 12. [DEN - QB Kirk Cousins eyeing Denver?]( Source: 9News.com - Mike Klis Washington Redskins impending free-agent QB [Kirk Cousins]( said he would 'love' if the Denver Broncos showed interest in signing him this offseason. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] This has seemed like a very obvious pairing for a long time. Cousins wants a winner, John Elway can close a deal, and the team has wide receiver talent that he can unlock. Consider Denver the favorite to land him unless we hear otherwise. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 13. [MIN - RB Dalvin Cook headed for big year?]( Source: Vikings.com - Eric Smith Minnesota Vikings RB [Dalvin Cook]( (knee) has 'progressed nicely' from his knee surgery, general manager Rick Spielman said Thursday, Feb. 1, and Spielman said Cook could have the same success that Arizona Cardinals RB [Adrian Peterson]( had coming off his knee surgery in 2012. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Cook's injury happened relatively early in the year. If he hadn't gotten hurt, he probably would have only been looking up at Todd Gurley and LeVeon Bell in the final running back value tally. If we get to see him play in the preseason, he'll be a first round consideration, and maybe even if we don't. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 14. [BAL - Owner endorses QB Joe Flacco]( Source: The Baltimore Sun - Jeff Zrebiec Baltimore Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti said there are 'bigger fish to fry' than finding QB [Joe Flacco]('s replacement, and Jeff Zrebiec of the Baltimore Sun believes the Ravens won't be looking at quarterbacks in the first round of the 2018 NFL Draft. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Flacco played better as the year went on, dealt with injuries on the offensive line, didn't ever get Danny Woodhead fully integrated into the offense, and didn't have players adding value on the end of his targets. He's not one of the 12 best starting quarterbacks in the league, but he's not one of the ten worst either. It doesn't sound like they will target a quarterback at 16. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 15. [KC - Patrick Mahomes making strides](=) Source: SI.com - Peter King Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes is 'way ahead of schedule' in his development, according to one of his coaches. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] The Chiefs must have seen this behind the scenes, not to mention in Week 17 and the preseason. He should at least keep the Chiefs offense level with 2017 in fantasy terms, and could easily add value to all of their players by unlocking downfield passing potential that Alex Smith was just opening up to last year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 16. [NYG - Baker Mayfield wants to be a Giant](=) Source: Newsday - Tom Rock Oklahoma QB Baker Mayfield said playing for the New York Giants would be an 'ideal situation' for him, and he said there are some 'studs' in the team's current receiving corps. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] Mayfield should say every situation and organization will be good for him. If a quarterback his suboptimal height goes in the top six it will be a testament to what teams see that he has to offer, and their quarterback thirst. Mayfield has at least as much to work with physically and almost certainly more than Case Keenum, and we saw what Pat Shurmur did with him in Minnesota. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- [] 17. [ATL - QB Matt Ryan to give a discount?]() Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - D. Orlando Ledbetter Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank expects QB [Matt Ryan]( to take a hometown discount when the two sides work on a contract extension. 'We expect him to work with us to ensure there's talent around him,' Blank said. [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ [ FOOTBALLGUYS VIEW ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] ] We've seen Tom Brady among others take deals that allow his team to be more competitive by accepting less money than market value, but that was in a lower salary cap era. Of course, Ryan taking less money should still be well north of 20 million dollars a year. [Back to Top](#top) --------------------------------------------------------------- That'll do it for today, Folks. We'll have one more update tomorrow and then we'll take a short break. You don't need to do a thing. Just sit tight and we'll take care of you. I hope you enjoy the game today. Peace, J = --- Thank you for subscribing to our Footballguys Daily Update Email! Get your 3 Free Downloads [here](=). You are currently subscribed as {EMAIL} To unsubscribe, click [here](. * Footballguys.com * PO Box 937 * Cabot, AR 72023-0937 * News Items Powered By: =