It’s Sunday (but you already knew that), which means it’s time for another AFC South news roundup to check in on the Tennessee Titans’ division rivals, the Indianapolis Colts, Houston Texans and Jacksonville Jaguars.
We’re in the quiet time of the offseason where teams are in between rookie minicamp and organized team activities. The Titans actually begin their OTAs on Tuesday, which will be open to the media.
In our latest trip around the AFC South, we start in Indy where the Colts have some interesting things to keep an eye on as their OTAs begin. Also, running back Jonathan Taylor is making a change ahead of his contract year.
In Jacksonville, the Jags have officially inked their entire 2023 draft class, making them the first AFC South squad to do so. The team is also floating the idea of playing at TIAA Bank Field during renovations, but that will prove costly.
Meanwhile, in Houston, rookie edge rusher Will Anderson reveals what the biggest adjustment has been for him since entering the NFL.
We go over those stories and much, much more in our latest trip around the AFC South to check in on the Colts, Jaguars and Texans ahead of OTAs.
Matt Ryan joins CBS Sports as NFL analyst
Former Atlanta Falcons and Colts quarterback Matt Ryan is taking an analyst job with CBS Sports. The veteran signal-caller says he is not retired, though.
Colts to host Bears for joint training camp practices
The Colts are going to host the Chicago Bears for joint practices before their preseason Week 2 game. The Titans play in Chicago in preseason Week 1 and could hold joint practices with the Bears, also.
Which Day 3 pick could be hidden gem for the Colts?
Colts Wire’s Cody Manning goes into detail about why he believes the team’s fifth-round pick and safety Daniel Scott could be the hidden gem from the Colts’ 2023 NFL draft class.
Colts sign WR Josh Downs to rookie contract
Indy inked third-round pick and wide receiver Josh Downs to his rookie deal on Tuesday, making him the first Colts selection from Day 1 or 2 to be signed. Indy now has eight of their 12 picks inked.
Pat McAfee joining ESPN in massive new deal
Former Colts punter Pat McAfee and his wildly popular show have a new home on ESPN. McAfee and his crew do a great job and I’m a fan, but let’s hope there’s no changes in the show now that he’s under the Worldwide Leader’s umbrella.
Jonathan Taylor switching agents with contract extension looming
Colts running back Jonathan Taylor is changing agents as he enters a contract year. Taylor put together a very good rookie campaign and then a sensational 2021 season, but his injury-plagued 2022 will no doubt hurt his cause. I don’t think he’ll have an easy time landing a big new deal because of that, and especially with how devalued the position has become over the years.
6 things to watch as Colts begin OTAs
Among the things to watch for on Cody Manning of Colts Wire’s list are who takes the majority of first-team reps at quarterback (Anthony Richardson vs. Gardner Minshew) and slot receiver (Josh Downs vs. Isaiah McKenzie).
7 breakout candidates for the Colts in 2023
Cody Felger of Colts Wire pegs seven players who could break out for Indy in 2023. Among them are wide receiver Alec Pierce and tight end Jelani Woods.
Jaguars sign Anton Harrison to finish deals for 2023 draft class
While the rest of the AFC South tries to hammer down its 2023 draft class, the Jags have already done that, with the signing of first-rounder Anton Harrison being the last rookie deal Jacksonville needed to get done.
Jaguars could stay at TIAA Bank Field with 4-year renovation
Jags president Mark Lamping says it is possible for the team to pull off a multi-year renovation of TIAA Bank Field without having to play at an alternate site during the process. However, that will cost the team $100 million more and double the construction time from two to four years.
Misdemeanor charges against Jaguars CB Chris Claybrooks dropped
Jaguars cornerback Chris Claybrooks, who was arrested in Nashville last month following an alleged dispute in a movie theater, had misdemeanor charges for domestic assault with bodily injury and vandalism dropped.
Dawuane Smoot 'ahead of schedule' in injury recovery, says trainer
Jags free agent and defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot is ahead of schedule in his recovery from a torn Achilles suffered in December. Smoot has been a key piece of the Jags’ defense in recent years.
Davante Adams says Jaguars' Calvin Ridley is a top 5 WR in NFL
Las Vegas Raiders star receiver Davante Adams believes Jaguars wideout Calvin Ridley is a top-five receiver in the NFL. He also listed himself, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill and Stefon Diggs. Ridley is a good player, but I need to see more than one elite year before I can subscribe to that.
Jaguars to 'sit back' until after OTAs, says Trent Baalke
Jags general manager Trent Baalke plans to add more to the team’s roster ahead of 2023, but for now the team is just sitting back and waiting to see how things shake out moving forward. Sound familiar, Titans fans?
What has the biggest adjustment been for Texans DE Will Anderson?
Texans first-round pick Will Anderson says the detail has been the biggest adjustment for him since entering the NFL.
Texans' season could be defined by a 5-game stretch
Mark Lane of Texans Wire lays out the five-game stretch that could define Houston’s 2023 campaign. That stretch includes the Week 15 matchup against the Titans in Nashville.
Report: Texans bringing back DE Jacob Martin
The Texans are bringing edge rusher Jacob Martin back on a one-year deal. Martin was fairly productive in a reserve role for Houston from 2019-21.
