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THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday 07/21 - Rodgers watch, day 78403

7/21/2021

As the world turns, we're still in the midst of the ongoing Aaron Rodgers versus Green Bay Packers feud. And today's latest punch is telling. The Packers offered Rodgers an extension, tying him to Green Bay plus a big payday. I've gone back and forth on this thing multiple times, usually ending up in the "who the hell knows" camp, when it comes to Rodgers showing up. This one has me leaning towards the "hell no" category. What happens from there... I'm not sure. But I'm not counting on Rodgers being at Packers camp in 2021.

This off-season, the Packers offered Aaron Rodgers a two-year contract extension that would have tied him to Green Bay for five more seasons and made him the highest-paid QB and player in football.

Rodgers declined the offer, proof it’s not about the money.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) July 20, 2021

Guys.. he might be the one. The Jacksonville Jaguars are throwing rookie quarterback Trevor Lawrence to the wolves full force. Lawrence had surgery on his non-throwing shoulder this offseason but should show up to training camp later this month with no restrictions.

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback (and likely starter, if you ask me) Justin Fields is quickly becoming one of my favorite players before he even sets foot on the turf. Fields visited with a Chicago resident and fan who was recently a victim of gun violence. More of this, please.

Just met Bears rookie QB and future Hall of Famer @justnfields (as well as his lovely parents)! I can’t believe they came out to to visit a little ol’ gunshot victim. Bear effing down! □⬇️ Thank you, @ChicagoBears @670TheScore @ParkinsSpiegel @shane_riordan @CEmma670 pic.twitter.com/x4QUqY73Xu
— (っ◔◡◔)っ Scott Morrow, Yeti Enthusiast (@scottjmorrow) July 20, 2021

he won't go away

Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady has already won a Super Bowl on his new team, but he's not bouncing after that. HIs (sketchy) personal trainer Alex Guerrero explained that he expects to play at least in 2021 and 2022. Beyond that? Please go away.

THE DROP-BACK: Wednesday July 14 - Small Ben?

7/14/2021

Here's something you don't see every day: Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger has finally decided in year eighteen to try working out and watching his diet during the offseason. I feel like every year, we hear Big Ben's people put out something like this, only to have the same Ben show up next season, but we shall see. May the TB12 Method will work for him?

Ben camp says biggest concern is weight loss. He has been so driven since season ended. Source says his diet is stricter than Brady. https://t.co/wgmpM7Y9Wu
— Ryan Burr (@RyanBurr) July 12, 2021

Former Denver Broncos quarterback (and I say that lightly) Paxton Lynch is currently in the CFL. That is not his end goal; however, he wants to make it back into the NFL eventually. "It's always been my dream. As a kid, you dream of winning the Super Bowl, and that fire inside of me to accomplish that is still there, and it's very strong." Hey, dream big.

The Drop Back: Tuesday 07/13 - breaking: NFL Qb tries to be normal person; is on a basketball court; more at 11

7/13/2021

We have the annual (Insert QB here) shouldn't be allowed on a basketball court take! Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson was seen hanging out with kids in his hometown playing football on an asphalt basketball court, which is considered a no-no. I don't have an issue with it, as professional athletes are people who are allowed to have fun. But it's also something I'm sure the Ravens won't like. Keep in mind most guys with big deals have this kind of stuff as forbidden in their contracts. Here's the video:

Lamar does it all □

MAN OF THE PEOPLE

(via @JJeantm) pic.twitter.com/3MOGsXhWBq
— B/R Gridiron (@brgridiron) July 12, 2021

Washington Football Teams quarterback Ryan Fitzpatrick is mainly known as a "bridge guy" since he's played on virtually every team in the NFL at this point. However, he has a great attitude and brings it every year, and leads every team he's on. As the likely starter this season, it doesn't look like this year doesn't look like it will be any different. "It's going to be a tough offense to defend just because of all the pieces we have," he told NBC Sports Washington.

Dallas Cowboys quarterback Dak Prescott is on his way back from a season-ending injury, and all eyes will be on him to see if he can return to form. As someone who knows what it's like to return from a severe injury, recently retired QB Alex Smith thinks Prescott will have a banner season. "He is such a strong, powerful, such a good athlete. So I really expect him to come back and be rolling. Then you add that on to his fortitude and mental perspective? I think he's going to have a huge, huge year."

Return of the Sanchize. FOX Sports has hired former NFL QB Mark Sanchez to call NFL games this season. This is certainly a step up from the Butt Fumble.

NFL Notes: Thursday 07/08 - lug nuts

7/8/2021

The Cleveland Browns may have finally broken the 'Cleveland Browns curse' last season, getting their first playoff win since I was a small child. People also forget that they played the Kansas City Chiefs pretty hard in the Divisional Round as well. Quarterback Baker Mayfield says the team is aware of the expectations they have in 2021 while managing three tough divisional opponents.

#Browns QB Baker Mayfield spoke on The Match broadcast about the teams chemistry and expectations this season: pic.twitter.com/8aRqb5iVWC
— Baillie Burmaster (@bayburmTV) July 7, 2021

Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes is partnering with USA Football to host youth football coaching clinics over the summer. "Smart coaching can make a lasting and positive impact on kids and their sports development," Mahomes said in a statement.

Long story short: Tampa Bay Buccaneers rookie corner Cameron Kinley was given permission to delay his Navy commission to attend Bucs camp and potentially play football this season, should he make the team. General Manager Jason Licht released a statement on Tuesday stating that he's appreciative of the Pentagon to allow Kinley "a chance to earn a spot on our roster."

See you at training camp, @ck3thethrill pic.twitter.com/r2tNQ6ckBr
— Tampa Bay Buccaneers (@Buccaneers) July 7, 2021

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen is due for a contract extension soon, and based on his play, it should be a big one. Allen is guaranteed to stick around through the 2022 season since the team picked up his fifth-year option. Beyond that? Head coach Sean McDermott said those things will work themselves out. "They work themselves out when you've got two parties that want to be together and have the same end goal in mind."

The Pittsburgh Steelers released cornerback Steven Nelson earlier this year. Now he's being recruited to the other Pennsylvania team (the Philadelphia Eagles, for those following along) by none other than Darius Slay.

It could all be so simple my man #Nelsonisland
— Steve Nelson (@Nelson_Island) July 6, 2021

Before things went south for the 2020 Philadelphia Eagles, they drafted quarterback Jalen Hurts, which probably had a lot to do with the plummeting of Carson Wentz's confidence. Former head coach Doug Pederson clarified that that was not their intention. Wentz will get to prove that he can full it back together with the Indianapolis Colts in 2021.

Former #Eagles Head Coach Doug Pederson discussed last season, Carson Wentz and Jalen Hurts, and how he reflects on his time in Philadelphia.

Take a listen to what he told us recently...

⬇️AUDIO⬇️ | #FlyEaglesFly pic.twitter.com/wLZRkH9bFK
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) July 7, 2021

With training camp looming at the end of the month, the number of players who are getting vaccinated is rising. NFL Media reports that 68 percent of NFL players have received at least one shot. I thought that number would be slightly higher due to the strict guidelines that players will have to follow if they chose not to get vaccinated, but it's better than below half. Right?

Vaccination update 20 days before most NFL teams report to camp:

- Five teams have 85%+ of players with at least one shot

- 68% of players league-wide with at least one shot (national rate is 67.1%, and 53% among men 18-39)

- Virtually all Tier 1 and 2 personnel are vaccinated
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) July 7, 2021

Denver Broncos quarterback Drew Lock had a near-death experience on Wednesday as a lug nut hit his windshield while driving, shattering it. I would typically make a joke here (that's nuts, perhaps), but that could have ended badly.

Safe travels the rest of your way across Kansas @DrewLock23 □

Crazy having a (lug-nut) fly across the median striking your windshield and nearly go through it!

Glad your #seatbelt was fastened. □

Have a safe season now and into the future. #ServiceCourtesyProtection □□ pic.twitter.com/DXDLon2l0Y
— Trooper Ben (@TrooperBenKHP) July 7, 2021

NFL Notes: Wednesday 06/07 - The Rodgers saga continues

7/7/2021

Current (let me stress "current") Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers is playing golf with Tom Brady on television, which for sure we all knew would prompt questions about his availability with the team next season. Of course, in total Rodgers fashion, he gave us ... drumroll.. NOTHING!

“I don’t know”

Aaron Rodgers when asked if he’ll be playing for the Packers this season □ pic.twitter.com/zoDZBSVH3R
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) July 7, 2021

It's not often that someone requests a trade from the New England Patriots, but it happened on Tuesday. Wide receiver N'Keal Harry's agent released a statement saying his client wants to play elsewhere this season (via the Notes app, as one does). New England lacked at the position in 2020 but added heavily to the team in the 'weapons' category, which would likely reduce Harry's production for 2021.

Statement from #Patriots WR N’Keal Harry’s agent Jamal Tooson, who has formally requested a trade for the 2019 first-round pick. pic.twitter.com/3xdJbbar28
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) July 6, 2021

New Indianapolis Colts quarterback Carson Wentz is getting a headstart on his first training camp on a new team by working out with his teammates in Texas. Wentz is working with various wide receivers and tight ends, as well as his backup.

The following Colts players are linking up for more offseason work in TX. @WISH_TV

QBs: Carson Wentz / Jacob Eason
WRs: Pittman Jr / Patmon / Campbell / Pascal / Strachan
TEs: Alie-Cox / Granson pic.twitter.com/rR0YQWhbls
— Charlie Clifford (@cliffWISH8) July 6, 2021

NFL Notes: 07/01 - it's officially training camp month

7/1/2021

The Detroit Lions have been miserable for quite a while; that's not exactly a secret. But they got a makeover this offseason, acquiring new general manager Brad Holmes and new head coach Dan Campbell. Now, all we have to do is cross our fingers and hope this works out. Someone who thinks it will? Barry Sanders.

.@Lions great Barry Sanders to Dan Campbell, new regime on rebuilding franchise: “There’s been hockey championships, baseball championships, basketball championships, but Detroit is definitely a football town… absolutely. And there’s a thirst and a hunger to win.” pic.twitter.com/u8Zj6bDSg5
— Eric Woodyard (@E_Woodyard) June 29, 2021

Jalen Hurts and Mac Jones were teammates at Alabama, and now they're both in the NFL competing for starting QB jobs this offseason. Hurts was asked about how he thinks Jones' journey in college will benefit his time up in New England, presumably waiting again to start. "He was able to watch me and Tua go through that, get him some burn here and there, and ultimately when it was his time, he took off with it. And now he has a great opportunity for his future."

Carson Wentz has a new home with the Indianapolis Colts, and his main objective (at least in my mind) is to get his confidence back. It's still early, but it seems like he's on the way to doing that. "I really feel like I have a new passion for the game."

NFL Notes: Tuesday 06/29 -

6/29/2021

Indianapolis Colts QB Carson Wentz had some advice for fellow NDSU alum Trey Lance on being a rookie in the NFL. "He's in a great situation. They have a great culture there in San Fran, a good coaching staff. So I know he's going to do a great job, and I'm excited for him. I just keep telling him to be himself: 'Don't let any of those things change who you are, change your values, change your perspective on football. Just go play.'"

Las Vegas Raiders quarterback Derek Carr and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Davante Adams played together once upon a time in college. Now that Adams' situation with his current QB (Aaron Rodgers) is up in the air, could Carr see them playing together again? Absolutely, he says.

From @FresnoStateFB ➡️@Raiders? @derekcarrqb all in and ready to recruit @tae15adams when the time comes. I think we all want to see Adams, Carr, and @jakehaener10 battle on the course □ @ABC30 pic.twitter.com/BogxTgZKp8
— Bri Mellon (@BriABC30) June 28, 2021

Arizona Cardinals QB Kyler Murray is up for a big season in 2021 but won't let the failures of the 2020 season affect it. After a strong start in 2020, it seemed like things went slowly downhill for the remainder of the fall before the team did not make the postseason. "I want to win. Not going to the playoffs is weird for me. I know it's the NFL, and I haven't been yet, but . . . I've always played past the regular season, in every sport."

Quarterback Alex Smith retired this year, and it seems like no one has a single bad word to say about this man, including his former teammate with the Washington Football Team, wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

"They never had a feel sorry for me moment"@WashingtonNFL WR @TheTerry_25 talks about his Head Coach Ron Rivera and former QB Alex Smith during the 2020 season.

□Audio□ pic.twitter.com/Wy4pTEBleM
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 27, 2021

New York Giants QB Daniel Jones has a lot of work to do this offseason and into this upcoming season, especially with the NFC East so wide open. Linebacker Cam Jordan thinks he will be up to the challenge. "I fell in love with Daniel after the first week I hung out with him going through training camp last summer. He's just a different type of competitor."

Los Angeles Chargers running back Austin Ekeler has been looking to how new offensive coordinator Joe Lombardi used Alvin Kamara with the New Orleans Saints and saw similarities between his and Kamara's play.

"I'm betting on myself to go out there and make plays. I have no doubt about that."@Chargers RB @AustinEkeler told us how excited he is to have a big season in Joe Lombardi's offense in LA.

⬇️VIDEO⬇️ | #Chargers | #BoltUp pic.twitter.com/pLjqZYzdBF
— SiriusXM NFL Radio (@SiriusXMNFL) June 28, 2021

Myself and Cam Newton have a ton in common, so here's another -- we both fend off the haters. "I don't dwell on what a person may say, what this person may say, she say, I just use it to my advantage and I feed what I want it to feed."

Wide receiver Demariyus Thomas announced his retirement on Monday as a Denver Bronco, and what better person to talk about how great you are than Peyton Manning?

“I always had great respect for your toughness, your work ethic, your fearlessness across the middle, your ability to make big catches in big games. … You did it the right way.”

Peyton Manning on Demaryius Thomas: pic.twitter.com/3RhBODuhP8
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) June 28, 2021

NFL Notes: Fridayyyyyy 06/25

6/25/2021

More motivation for NFL players to get vaccinated (I didn't think we needed any more, but here we are): Players who may miss a game due to COVID-19 and are also vaccinated will receive their per-game roster bonus. On the flip side, those who are not vaccinated and have to miss a game may not get paid. If money doesn't make these dudes get a damn shot, I don't know what will.

The NFL and NFLPA also agreed to more benefits for fully vaccinated players, including allowing them to collect per-game roster bonuses even if they miss a game because of a “breakthrough case.” From today’s memo to clubs: pic.twitter.com/E44E1NUsC1
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021

The Indianapolis Colts have a new quarterback this season in Carson Wentz. The big question is: Does he have the ability to start anew and be the Wentz that was an MVP candidate? Or will he show the unconfident Wentz we saw last season in Philly? Linebacker Darius Leonard seems to think Wentz and Indy are the perfect match. "He came into a perfect place to have success. We believe in him. We know who he is, and we know what he can be. I can't wait to see what he and coach Frank are going to step up and do.

Another day, another Tom Brady story. But how's this for bullshit? Brady was on the The Late Late Show with James Corden and he insisted that he's no longer trying to win for anyone but himself. Wait, it gets worse. Brady says he's still trying to prove it to himself. Prove what to yourself, man? You're the greatest of all time and you don't know that by now? -thinking emoji-

The @TomBrady is 44 and still going for more! pic.twitter.com/hEsZTIb01e
— The Late Late Show with James Corden (@latelateshow) June 24, 2021

OLIPOP - A new kind of soda.

The Pittsburgh Steelers will not be heading to their usual training camp spot, St. Vincent College, this summer and instead will hold camp in Pittsburgh. The team plans to return to Latrobe in 2022.

Statement from #Steelers Spokesman Burt Lauten on #SteelersCamp pic.twitter.com/vZl3zPbmZq
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) June 24, 2021

In other Steelers news, the team released veteran offensive lineman David DeCastro on Thursday, citing ankle issues. DeCastro attended minicamp this month but did not participate in any drills or team activities. He also underwent surgery in 2020. The problem is lingering enough that DeCastro is mulling over his options, including if he wants to continue to play football. Not a good offseason to be a Steelers lineman.

DeCastro has been having his ankle evaluated recently, sources said. He’s had issues with it for quite some time. Had surgery on it before last season. He’s evaluating his future. https://t.co/pzokwBJ3CT
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) June 24, 2021

NFL Notes: Thursday 06/24 - i can breathe through my nose again

6/23/2021

The Cleveland Browns picked up quarterback Baker Mayfield's fifth-year option, meaning he's signed through 2022. His agent, however, seems to think it might happen sooner rather than later. We're talking as early as this summer. "But I think something will be done this summer. As far as trying to get a deal done, I don't know if it'll get done. It's something that would be pretty much in the team's control."

Last season, a handful of NFL players opted out due to the COVID-19 pandemic. This season, because "technically" we are still in a pandemic, players are also given the same option. While I don't expect that any actually will choose not to play this year (and I will not judge them if they choose to do so), the date to decide is July 2.

NFL players have until 4 p.m. ET next Friday, July 2 to inform their team if they’re opting out of the 2021 season, per source.

“Higher Risk” players for COVID again are entitled to a $350,000 stipend. Voluntary opt-outs get nothing. (Last year, their stipend was $150,000.)
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) June 23, 2021

Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan has been observing quarterback Joe Burrow closely this offseason -- as one does after they're coming off of an ACL injury. The recovery is slow, but Burrow seems to be on track and even doing a little more to improve his game for 2021. "He's had a goal in mind of how he wanted to change his throwing motion and his mechanics -- I shouldn't say motion. But some of his footwork and stance and how he was going to put some more velocity on the ball and all those things."

NFL Notes: Wednesday 06/23 - first cold in over a year edition

6/23/2021

In one of the biggest trades of the offseason, the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams swapped quarterbacks. While Matthew Stafford upgraded from life in Detroit to life in LA, Jared Goff was given the shit-end of the deal and got stuck with the Lions. As for the expectations for Goff this season, general manager Brad Holmes says he never saw Goff as being one-and-done up north. "I never viewed him as a bridge option. He's been a winning quarterback. I think his resume speaks for itself."

If you missed it yesterday, Las Vegas Raiders defensive end Carl Nassib became the first active NFL player to come out as openly gay. There was so much support from players and fans around the league (including myself), including Raiders owner Mark Davis and president Marc Badain.

I asked @Raiders president Marc Badain for his thoughts on Carl Nassib's courageous announcement yesterday. His answer here ⬇️ #Raiders pic.twitter.com/U5BOZ4kL3I
— Cassie Soto (@_CassieSoto) June 22, 2021

While I believe that Justin Fields will start the season as the Chicago Bears quarterback, head coach Matt Nagy insists that the job belongs to Andy Dalton. Fields is saying all the right things so far and not disagreeing with his new team's plan. "So my job is strictly to get better, to be the best quarterback I can be, and help my team win." He can't be worse than Dalton.