The tumultuous year 2020 is 100 days old. It feels like it has lasted a century. A look at the first 100 days of the year through the NFL news cycle, which, as we know, is always in full spin.
January 1: Redskins hire Rivera
The Washington Redskins named Ron Rivera their new head coach, and he promptly hired Jack Del Rio as his defensive coordinator.
2: Sam Wyche dies
Former Bengals coach Sam Wyche passed away at age 74 due to melanoma. … San Francisco 49ers placed LB Kwon Alexander on IR/Designated for Return list.
3: Steve Gleason honored
Former New Orleans Saints player Steve Gleason, who has become a leading advocate for people struggling with Lou Gehrig’s disease after he was diagnosed with the paralyzing condition, will be awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. President Donald Trump signed legislation awarding Gleason the medal, which is the highest civilian honor awarded by Congress.
4: Texans, Titans advance
Deshaun Watson spun out of a would-be sack and completed a pass that set up the winning field goal in overtime as the Texans rallied from a double-digit, second-half, deficit for a 22-19 victory over the Buffalo Bills in the first round of the playoffs. … Derrick Henry rushed for 182 yards and a touchdown while Tennessee’s defense stymied Tom Brady and perhaps ended his championship-filled New England career with a 20-13 wild-card victory. … Brady said it was “pretty unlikely” that he would retire this offseason, before adding it was “hopefully unlikely.”
5: Vikings vanquish Saints; Seahawks roll
Dallas fired coach Jason Garrett, one week after the end of the Cowboys’ disappointing 2019 season. Garrett’s contract was set to expire on Jan. 14. Garrett spent 10 years as Cowboys head coach, leading Dallas to a 85-67 regular-season record, three division titles, two playoff wins and just one losing season. …Minnesota Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins’ 43-yard pass to Adam Thielen set up an NFC Wild-Card upset. Three plays later, Cousins threw the game-winning touchdown to Kyle Rudolph, which gave the Vikings a 26-20 victory over the New Orleans Saints. … Jadeveon Clowney knocked out Carson Wentz. Then, Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks knocked off the Philadelphia Eagles.Wilson threw a 53-yard touchdown pass to DK Metcalf, Marshawn Lynch had a rushing score and the Seahawks beat the Eagles, 17-9.
6: Cowboys hire Mike McCarthy
One day after parting ways with Jason Garrett, the Cowboys hired the former Green Bay Packers head coach. McCarthy, who coached Green Bay for 13 seasons, compiled a 125-77-2 regular-season record before he was terminated during the 2018 season. … Wade Phillips will not return next season as defensive coordinator of the Los Angeles Rams. Phillips signed a three-year contract with the Rams after Sean McVay was named coach in 2017. The 72-year-old coordinator said last month amid rumors he would not be retained that he wanted to continue coaching, something he reiterated on confirming reports of his exit. … Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, a projected top-10 pick who missed the Crimson Tide’s final three games while recovering from hip surgery, will skip his senior season and enter the NFL Draft.
7: Panthers, Giants hire coaches
The Panthers finalized for Baylor coach Matt Rhule to become the franchise’s fifth permanent head coach in its history. Rhule rose to prominence by taking over an embattled Baylor football program and turning it into a contender in a short amount of time, going from 1-11 in 2017 to 11-1 in 2019. The Giants are hiring Patriots special teams coordinator and wide receivers coach Joe Judge as their head coach.
8: Fromm enters NFL Draft
Georgia quarterback Jake Fromm, who has guided the Bulldogs to three consecutive SEC East titles, will bypass his senior season and enter the NFL Draft. … Seattle Seahawks placed LB Mychal Kendricks on IR. … Already without Stefon Diggs for a second straight day, the Minnesota Vikings got more bad news at the wide receiver position with Adam Thielen suffering an ankle injury in practice. Thielen cut his ankle, which required stitches.
9: Mularkey retires from coaching
Atlanta Falcons tight ends coach and former NFL head coach Mike Mularkey is retiring after 25 years of coaching in the NFL. “I’ve been blessed to do this for a long time and have a lot of great memories from the game I love,” Mularkey said in a statement. “I’ve also missed a lot of time with my family who I love and who has supported me so much throughout my career. I am looking forward to spending even more time with them and making even more memories.” Mularkey, who is 58, was an NFL head coach for three franchises: the Buffalo Bills (2004-05), Jacksonville Jaguars (’12) and Tennessee Titans (’15-17) and had a career record of 36-53 in the regular season and 1-1 in the playoffs.
10: Clowney is not fined
Seattle Seahawks defensive end Jadeveon Clowney was not fined for the hit on Carson Wentz that knocked the Philadelphia Eagles quarterback out of Sunday’s NFC Wild-Card game. Clowney went in for a hit on Wentz early in the first quarter of the game and made contact with Wentz’s helmet and upper back as they slammed into the turf. Wentz left with a head injury a short time later and did not return, playing only eight snaps in Philadelphia’s 17-9 loss to visiting Seattle. Clowney was not penalized for the hit. … San Francisco 49ers activated LB Kwon Alexander from the IR/Designated for return list.
11: Titans keep rolling
One week after dominating defending Super Bowl champion New England, the Titans eliminated Baltimore. Derrick Henry rushed for 195 yards and threw a 3-yard touchdown pass in a 28-12 upset of the NFL’s top team. … Jimmy Garoppolo threw a TD pass on his opening drive as a playoff starter and then mostly watched his defense and running game take over. The top-seeded 49ers turned a pair of second-half turnovers by Minnesota into 10 points in a 27-10 romp. … Former Pittsburgh Steelers coach Bill Cowher was formally named the first member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s centennial class, when the Hall’s president, David Baker, informed Cowher of his selection to be enshrined during CBS’ “NFL Today” program.
12: Chiefs, Packers advance
Beginning with the first of his five touchdown passes, Patrick Mahomes and the Chiefs chipped away at Houston’s seemingly insurmountable, 24-0 lead. They continued to pick up momentum, outscoring the Texans 28-0 during the second quarter alone, and eventually reeled off 41 consecutive points before cruising the rest of the way to a 51-31 victory. … Aaron Rodgers connected with Davante Adams eight times for 160 yards and two touchdowns, Green Bay’s spruced-up defense fended off a spirited Seahawks rally, and the Packers held on for a 28-23 victory to reach the NFC Championship Game for the third time in six years. Former Dallas Cowboys and Miami Dolphins coach Jimmy Johnson was officially named as the second member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s centennial class.
13: Browns hire Stefanski
Kevin Stefanski has been handed a five-year contract to take over as the 18th full-time Cleveland Browns coach. The Vikings’ offensive coordinator was officially hired by Cleveland as the 10th head coach since the Browns’ 1999 expansion return, which to this point has been a resounding, two-decade debacle. … The Jaguars and offensive coordinator John DeFilippo have mutually agreed to part ways after one season
14: Chargers’ Gates retires
The Los Angeles Chargers announced TE Antonio Gates has retired. … Joe Brady agreed to become the offensive coordinator of the Carolina Panthers less than 24 hours after helping LSU win the national title. The 30-year-old Brady, after one year as LSU’s passing coordinator, returns to the NFL and becomes the league’s youngest active offensive coordinator.
15: Fitzgerald returning to Cardinals
The Arizona Cardinals signed WR Larry Fitzgerald to a one-year, $11 million contract extension. … Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly announced his plans to retire from the NFL at age 28. … The New York Giants interviewed former Dallas Cowboys head coach Jason Garrett to be their offensive coordinator. The Pro Football Hall of Fame Centennial Class was revealed. It consists of Bill Cowher, Jimmy Johnson, Steve Sabol, Paul Tagliabue, George Young, Harold Carmichael, Jimbo Covert, Bobby Dillon, Cliff Harris, Winston Hill, Alex Karras, Donnie Shell, Duke Slater, Mac Speedie and Ed Sprinkle.
16: John Lynch honored
San Francisco 49ers general manager John Lynch won the Executive of the Year award from the Pro Football Writers of America. … Agent Drew Rosenhaus conditionally terminated his relationship with Antonio Brown until the free-agent wide receiver seeks counseling,
17: Giants hire Jason Garrett as OC
Jason Garrett is the new offensive coordinator of the New York Giants. New coach Joe Judge made the announcement, hiring the former Dallas Cowboys head coach less than two weeks after he was let go by the Giants’ NFC East rivals.
18: OBJ cleared
Odell Beckham Jr. is no longer facing criminal charges in his native Louisiana. The Cleveland Browns wide receiver was potentially facing a misdemeanor charge of simple battery for slapping the buttocks of a Superdome police officer in the LSU locker room after the Tigers’ national championship victory over Clemson in New Orleans. However, the officer in question “has decided to drop the charge,” the New Orleans police department said. A warrant issued Thursday for Beckham’s arrest was rescinded, as well.
19: Chiefs, Niners reach Super Bowl
The Kansas City Chiefs and San Francisco 49ers advanced to the Super Bowl by downing the Titans and Packers, respectively. Journeyman Raheem Mostert rushed for 220 yards and four touchdowns, Nick Bosa harassed Aaron Rodgers from the start and the 49ers beat the Green Bay Packers 37-20 for the NFC championship. In the AFC, Patrick Mahomes Mahomes completed 23-of-35 passes for 294 yards and three touchdowns as the Chiefs ousted the Titans, 35-24.
20: Coaching carousel spins
Veteran coach Jim Caldwell won’t return to the Miami Dolphins’ staff in 2020. Caldwell, who was hired by Brian Flores in February as assistant head coach and quarterbacks coach, never coached a game for the Dolphins. He took an indefinite leave in July due to an undisclosed health issue and did not return to his on-field role. … Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Dean Pees announced he is retiring after 47 years coaching football, including 16 in the NFL.
21: Coleman battles shoulder woes
San Francisco 49ers running back Tevin Coleman suffered a dislocated right shoulder that cost him most of the NFC championship win against the Green Bay Packers. Although that injury left Coleman in plenty of pain, it doesn’t appear that it’s going to keep him out of Super Bowl LIV on Feb. 2 against the Kansas City Chiefs. … Antonio Brown and his trainer allegedly battered the driver of a moving truck outside his residence, the Hollywood (FL) Police Department said. Brown is a suspect in the alleged incident but is not in custody and has not been arrested, said police officials, who added that the criminal investigation is ongoing.
22: Eli Manning retires
The New York Giants announced QB Eli Manning has retired. … The Hollywood (Fl) Police Department issued an arrest warrant for Antonio Brown following allegations that he and his trainer attacked a moving company truck driver near Brown’s Florida home. Hollywood police spokesman Christian Latta said in a news release that Brown faces charges of burglary with battery — a felony — burglary of an unoccupied conveyance and criminal mischief. … Cleveland Browns running back Kareem Hunt was pulled over by police, who found small amounts of marijuana in the vehicle he was driving. According to a Rocky River (Ohio) police report, officers pulled Hunt over for speeding and noticed the smell of marijuana in the car. Hunt was placed in the back of the police cruiser while officers conducted a search. They found small amounts of marijuana in a backpack in the backseat. Police seized the backpack as evidence.
23: Concussions rise in 2019
Reported concussions rose slightly during the NFL’s 2019 preseason and regular season, increasing from 214 in 2018 to 224, according to data released by the league. The new total remained well below the previous three-year average from 2015 to 2017 (266.3), an outcome that league executives attributed to the permanence of a series of rule and policy changes implemented after the 2017 season.
24: Sportsbooks post fun bet
At sportsbook PointsBet, Kyle Shanahan is 100-1 to blow another 28-3 lead in the Super Bowl. Shanahan was the offensive coordinator for the Atlanta Falcons when they squandered a 28-3 lead to the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LI.
25: Darius Slay pays tribute
Detroit Lions cornerback Darius Slay barely got to know Marlo Jones — the infant son of Lions teammate Marvin Jones who died in December — but he believes that had Marlo gotten the chance to grow up with his siblings, he would be just as vivacious and would be proud of his father. Slay will honor the Jones family at the Pro Bowl in Orlando with custom cleats featuring images of both the Slay and Jones families.
26: Pro Bowl
The Pro Bowl was played with the sports world’s eyes focused elsewhere. Earlier in the day, Kobe Bryant, daughter Gigi and seven others lost their lives in a helicopter crash in Calabasas, Ca.
27: Giants hire Kitchens
Former Cleveland Browns head coach Freddie Kitchens is joining the New York Giants as their tight ends coach. Kitchens’ hiring is a move that has been in the works for several weeks, ever since he was fired after a 6-10 season and the Giants named Joe Judge their head coach. In 2004 and ’05, Judge and Kitchens were together at Mississippi State, where Judge was first a player and then a graduate assistant.
28: Chris Doleman passes away
Chris Doleman, a Pro Football Hall of Fame pass rusher, died. 28, two years after being diagnosed with brain cancer. He was 58. He had 150 1/2 career sacks.
29: Goodell addresses media
Roger Goodell held his annual Super Bowl week news conference, and one of the questions he fielded was about the lack of opportunity for minority coaches. “Clearly, we are not where we want to be on this issue,” Goodell said. “We have a lot of work that’s gone into not only the Rooney Rule, but our policies overall. It’s clear we need to change and do something different. There’s no reason to expect that we’re going to have a different outcome next year without those kinds of changes, and we’ve already begun engaging in those changes.”
30: Reed returns to Hurricanes
Pro Football Hall of Famer Ed Reed is going back to his roots and rejoining the Miami Hurricanes. Reed has been hired as the chief of staff for the Hurricanes football program. The Cleveland Browns are hiring Cincinnati Bengals quarterbacks coach Alex Van Pelt as offensive coordinator. New York Jets linebacker Brandon Copeland was awarded the 2020 Alan Page Community Award by the NFL Players Association for his work helping the underprivileged. The award is the NFLPA’s highest honor presented to a player each season. Copeland will receive a $100,000 donation either to his foundation or charity of his choice. ..
31: Fitzpatrick set to return
Ryan Fitzpatrick has decided to return for his 16th NFL season. He also said in between multiple media appearances at radio row that he intends to return to the Miami Dolphins, with whom he is under contract for the 2020 season. … Callie Brownson has been named chief of staff for new Browns coach Kevin Stefanski, who began his NFL career in a similar job. … Veteran tight end Greg Olsen and the Carolina Panthers have mutually agreed to part ways after nine seasons. Olsen, a three-time Pro Bowl selection who has played 13 NFL seasons, said he’s still interested in playing in the NFL.
February 1:
Former Steelers safety Troy Polamalu and former Broncos safety Steve Atwater, former Rams wide receiver Isaac Bruce, former Seahawks/Vikings guard Steve Hutchinson and former Colts running back Edgerrin James are the Hall’s Class of 2020. … Washington Redskins quarterback Alex Smith said he is “very much lucky to be alive” after his November 2018 leg injury. “I had a pretty serious infection … they had a lot of complications with it,” Smith said.
2: Chiefs win Super Bowl
All it took was falling behind by double digits in the postseason, again. Then Mahomes found his mojo. The 24-year-old quarterback who was selected Super Bowl MVP, led the Chiefs to 21 straight points in the final 6:13 for a 31-20 victory Sunday over the San Francisco 49ers. Washington Redskins TE Vernon Davis retires. … Jennifer Lopez and Shakira brought the energy as they wowed us with a combination of mesmerizing choreography, special guests (shout out J Balvin, Bad Bunny and J.Lo’s 11-year-old daughter, Emme), wardrobe changes and upbeat renditions of their smash hits, including “Whenever, Wherever,” “Hips Don’t Lie,” “Jenny from the Block,” “Ain’t it Funny” and “Get Right.”
3: Packers HOFer Willie Wood dies
Willie Wood, a Hall of Fame defensive back and five-time NFL champion with the Packers, died on Feb. 3. at age 83. He made the first interception in Super Bowl history. … The Super Bowl put a halt to a four-year decline in viewership, with an estimated 99.9 million people watching the Kansas City Chiefs rally to defeat the San Francisco 49ers in what is annually the most-watched television event of the year. The Nielsen company said viewership rebounded slightly from the 98.5 million who watched in 2019. An exciting game that featured a fourth-quarter comeback and two teams that haven’t been in the ultimate game lately most likely helped drive public interest.
4: Chiefs lineman saves dogs
Ninety-one dogs from a Kansas City animal shelter will soon have new homes courtesy of Kansas City Chiefs defensive lineman Derrick Nnadi. In response to the Chiefs’ victory in Super Bowl LIV, Nnadi will pay the adoption fees for the dogs who were in the shelter as of Sunday for as long as it takes for those dogs to be adopted. Adoption fees at the Kansas City Pet Project normally run about $150. … The Jaguars are moving a second home game in 2020 overseas to London’s Wembley Stadium in an attempt to increase their local revenue and escape the bottom quartile of the league in that category. … Former Cincinnati Bengals head coach Marvin Lewis was named co-defensive coordinator at Arizona State. Lewis will share the job with Antonio Pierce, the former NFL linebacker who won a Super Bowl with the New York Giants.
5: Bizarre incident at Chiefs’ parade
Two suspects are in custody after a car chase along the parade route for the Super Bowl champion Chiefs, Kansas City police said. The incident began at 8:12 a.m. local time when the car broke through a parade barrier. Police deployed Stop Sticks, which the vehicle ran over, but the car kept going down the parade route, which was lined with people.
6: DB Eric Weddle retires
DB Eric Weddle announced his retirement. Weddle played for the Chargers, Ravens and Rams in his career.
7: Garrett Celek retires
San Francisco 49ers tight end Garrett Celek announced his retirement via social media. Celek, 31, posted a message on Instagram to thank the 49ers “for giving me the opportunity to pursue my dreams.”
8: New look for NFC East
The Cowboys have the most accomplished newcomer, Mike McCarthy. The Redskins went with a coach, Ron Rivera, who once took a 15-1 Carolina Panthers team to the Super Bowl. The Giants surprised everybody by hiring Joe Judge. (Judge who!?!?). The lone holdover? Doug Pederson of the Philadelphia Eagles. For once, it was a slow news day.
9: Matthew A. Cherry wins OScar
Former NFL wide receiver Matthew A. Cherry won an Academy Award on Sunday for his animated short film “Hair Love.” Cherry, 38, who was a star at the University of Akron, spent about three seasons in the NFL on the practice squads and rosters of several teams before walking away in 2007. He later moved to Los Angeles to pursue his dream of working in Hollywood.
10: Rivers, Chargers to split
Philip Rivers will enter free agency this offseason, officially ending his 16-year run with the Los Angeles Chargers. The Chargers and Rivers jointly announced the veteran quarterback’s decisiony, with general manager Tom Telesco saying that the timing of the announcement will “allow everyone to put themselves in the best position for success in 2020.”
11: Washington makes historic hire
The Washington Redskins have hired Jennifer King as a full-year coaching intern, making her the first African American female full-year intern in the NFL. King will work with the offensive staff with a focus on the running backs.
12: NFL reinstates DE Myles Garrett
The NFL was satisfied Myles Garrett of the Cleveland Browns had learned his lesson for clocking Pittsburgh quarterback Mason Rudolph with a helmet in a regular-season game and reinstated the defensive lineman from his indefinite suspension.
13: Lamarr Houston retires
The Oakland Raiders signed LB Lamarr Houston to a one-day contract and announced he had retired.
14: Ravens’ lineman suspended
The NFL suspended Baltimore Ravens OL James Hurst four games for violating the league’s policy on performance-enhancing drugs. … The Washington Redskins have released cornerback Josh Norman,
15: Steelers’ Rudolph fires back
Steelers quarterback Mason Rudolph is calling Myles Garrett’s assertion that he used a racial slur a “bold-faced lie,” and Steelers coach Mike Tomlin is supporting his quarterback. “1000% False,” Rudolph tweeted after Outside the Lines aired a new interview with Garrett after the NFL reinstated the Cleveland Browns defensive end. “Bold-Faced Lie. I did not, have not, and would not utter a racial-slur. This is a disgusting and reckless attempt to assassinate my character.” … J.J. Watt married Kealia Ohai in the Bahamas.
16: And the NFL rested ….
For one day, at least, there was no news in the NFL. Or nothing that proved to be worth reporting. Stunning.
17: Reed still in concussion protocol
Washington Redskins tight end Jordan Reed remains in the concussion protocol, nearly six months after a helmet-to-helmet hit in the third preseason game, according to coach Ron Rivera. … The Cleveland Browns terminated the contracts of cornerback T.J. Carrie, tight end Demetrius Harris, guard Eric Kush and linebacker Adarius Taylor.
18: Cardinals extend D.J. Humphries
The millions were starting to flow as Arizona opened up its bank vault to give tackle D.J. Humphries to a three-year, $45 million contract extension.
19: Washington keeps Adrian Peterson
Washington Redskins exercised the the $2.5 million team option on RB Adrian Peterson for the 2020 season.
20: Washington cuts Jordan Reed
Washington Redskins cut TE Jordan Reed, who battled concussion issues throughout his NFL career. … The Detroit Lions are releasing veteran defensive tackle Damon “Snacks” Harrison.
21: Tagovailoa gets good news
The most recent tests on former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa show that his fractured hip has healed and he has good range of motion. Tagovailoa, projected as a first-round pick in April’s NFL draft, could get back to football activities in a month if he continues to progress well.
22: Crosby gets new deal
Kicker Mason Crosby agreed to a three-year contract with the Green Bay Packers. The three-year contract is for $12.9 million with Crosby receiving $6 million in 2020 and $9.5 million through Year 2 of the deal.
23: Lions re-sign Amendola
Danny Amendola, who is coming off one of the best seasons of his 11-year career, is re-signing with the Detroit Lions. The 34-year-old Amendola had 62 catches for 678 yards and a touchdown in his first season with the Lions in 2019 — the second-highest yardage total of his career.
24: Olsen signs with Seahawks
The Seattle Seahawks signed TE Greg Olsen to a one-year, $7 million contract. ,,, Volonte Bell, an assistant men’s basketball coach at Chattanooga State and the older brother of New Orleans Saints safety Vonn Bell, was killed in a traffic accident.
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25: Brady moved by Bryant’s death
New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady shared a five-paragraph essay Tuesday that he wrote about how he has been “deeply affected” by the death of Kobe Bryant, Bryant’s daughter Gianna, and seven others in a January helicopter crash. In the piece posted on social media titled “What’s really important?” Brady wrote that after witnessing the “outpouring of love and support for the families that had so much left to give,” it has helped him reflect and gain perspective. He shared that the tragedy has kept him up at night and led to many tears. … Houston Texans coach Bill O’Brien said during the NFL combine that he’s handing over playcalling duties to offensive coordinator Tim Kelly next season.
26: CBA creates players’ controversy
The NFLPA player reps voted 17-14-1 to send the new collective bargain agreement to a full union membership vote after a late meeting Tuesday night at the NFL combine. The players in the meeting were strongly divided on the proposal, which includes a 17-game regular season. NFL ownership previously approved the proposal.
27: Jones considers Bryant return
Dallas Cowboys owner and general manager Jerry Jones is not opposed to Dez Bryant’s return to the franchise. The wide receiver was released following the 2017 season. “I’ve been thinking about it a lot in the shower,” Jones said. “I have been. I’m not dismissing it. I don’t want to sound like it should be dismissed by saying it. I’m thinking about it.” … Alabama wide receiver Henry Ruggs III flashed rare speed at the NFL’s scouting combine, running a 4.27 and following with a 4.31.
28: Cardinals heading to Mexico City
A political misunderstanding over Garth Brooks wearing a Barry Sanders No. 20 jersey in Detroit drew a strong reaction on social media, including one from the Hall of Fame running back. Last weekend, Brooks posted a photo on Instagram of the Sanders jersey prior to his concert in Detroit. The confusion began with some commenters thinking the photo was a show of support for Bernie Sanders’ 2020 run to be the Democratic presidential candidate. Among the responses: “If this is for Bernie Sanders, I’m done with you,” “I wish you would’ve kept your political preferences to yourself,” and a slew of commenters trying to set the record straight that the jersey was honoring the Detroit Lions’ all-time rushing leader. … Fifteen years after they played there in the NFL’s first regular-season game outside of the United States, the Cardinals will return to Mexico’s capital for another regular-season game in 2020. Details of the day, kickoff time and opponent were not released, but the Cardinals will be the home team and the game will be played at Estadio Azteca. This trip will be Arizona’s tradeoff for hosting Super Bowl LVII in February 2023. The NFL stipulates that the host team for a Super Bowl must give up a home game to play internationally. …
29: Romo gets rich deal
Tony Romo has agreed to the largest sports analyst contract in TV history, The Post has learned. Romo’s new contract with CBS will pay him around $17 million per season, which is more than double the previous NFL high of $8 million per year that John Madden received more than two decades ago.
March 1: Simmons lights up combine
Isaiah Simmons, who lined up almost everywhere at some point in the Clemson defense, was put with the linebackers in the on-field workouts at the combine. And he blistered the turf inside Lucas Oil Stadium with, at 6-foot-3⅝ and 238 pounds, a 4.39-second clocking in the 40-yard dash.
2: Bengals want to keep Green
The Cincinnati Bengals plan to use the franchise tag on wide receiver A.J. Green. The Bengals want Green in Cincinnati in 2020 no matter what, either through the tag or a longer deal, the sources said. The tag is estimated to be worth around $18.5 million, according to overthecap.com.
3: Princeton students balk at ‘Beast Mode’
Princeton University students have taken issue with the school’s announcement of Marshawn Lynch as the school’s Class Day speaker. In their announcement of Lynch as the speaker, the Princeton Class Day co-chairs recognized Lynch for him always having “prioritized community engagement and empowerment by leveraging his prominence as a professional athlete to promote opportunities for civic engagement and social justice.” Seniors say the Super Bowl-winning running back isn’t the problem, but rather that the student body was largely not included in the selection process.
4: Mike Adams retires
The Houston Texans announced DB Mike Adams has retired. … Former Cleveland Browns defensive end Chris Smith, whose girlfriend was killed in a traffic accident in September, signed a one-year deal with his hometown team, the Carolina Panthers. … San Francisco 49ers running back Raheem Mostert announced that he will not be participating in an autograph signing scheduled for this weekend because of concerns related to the coronavirus.
5: Eagles re-shape coaching staff
The Philadelphia Eagles brought offensive coordinator Marty Mornhinweg back into the fold, as he’ll serve as senior offensive consultant to coach Doug Pederson. They hired former Denver Broncos offensive coordinator Rich Scangarello as senior offensive assistant, named quarterbacks coach Press Taylor passing game coordinator, and brought in Andrew Breiner from Mississippi State to be their pass game analyst. … New York Jets defensive tackle Quinnen Williams, arrested at New York’s LaGuardia Airportfor criminal possession of a weapon, will be arraigned March 25 in Queens County criminal court, according to the Queens District Attorney’s office.
6: Chargers give Ekeler big contract
The Los Angeles Chargers signed RB Austin Ekeler to a four-year, $24.5 million contract extension.
7: Another slow news day …
Hard to imagine but there was another quite day on the NFL news front and …
8: Followed by another slow news day
it was followed by a second quiet day as teams prepped for the free-agency frenzy.
9: Jets release Trumaine Johnson
The New York Jets have informed cornerback Trumaine Johnson that he will be released in the coming days. The Jets must make the transaction by March 20, when Johnson’s $11 million salary for 2020 — guaranteed for injury only — becomes fully guaranteed.
10: Ravens’ Yandal retires
The Baltimore Ravens announced G Marshal Yanda has retired.
11: Cowboys WR busted for DUI
Dallas Cowboys wide receiver Ventell Bryant was arrested on a DUI charge in Tampa, Fl, Bryant was stopped by police at about 2:30 a.m. after he was spotted driving with his headlights off, according to the police report cited by multiple media outlets. He failed a field sobriety test, and his blood alcohol content was measured at .102 and .099, according to online records.
12: Pats keep Jason McCourty
The New England Patriots have exercised the 2020 option year on cornerback Jason McCourty’s contract. McCourty signed a two-year, $11 million contract last offseason, but the presence of a $500,000 option bonus to activate the second year of the pact was notable. … The Miami Dolphins are releasing two-time Pro Bowl safety Reshad Jones. The move, which will become official March 18, frees up $5.3 million against the Dolphins’ salary cap. … The Tennessee Titans released running back Dion Lewis and linebacker Cameron Wake.
13: The cuts keep on coming
Los Angeles Chargers cut LB Thomas Davis Sr.. … Minnesota Vikings cut DB Xavier Rhodes. … Tennessee Titans cut K Ryan Succop. … Tennessee Titans cut TE Delanie Walker. … Jacksonville Jaguars assigned Franchise Tag to DE Yannick Ngakoue. … Los Angeles Chargers assigned Franchise Tag to TE Hunter Henry … Chicago Bears signed LB Danny Trevathan to a three-year, $24 million contract extension.
14: Gronk to appear on SmackDown
Former New England Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski will appear March 20 on the WWE’s “Friday Night SmackDown”, the promotion said on Twitter. … Gronkowski, 30, has worked with WWE before. He took part in the Andre the Giant Battle Royal at WrestleMania 33 in 2017, jumping the barricade to help wrestler Mojo Rawley (a friend of Gronkowski’s) win the match. … The Pro Football Hall of Fame announced Saturday that it will temporarily close to the public due to the coronavirus pandemic. The Canton, Ohio, facility will be closed to the public starting Monday until Friday, March 27.
15: Titans give Tannehill huge contract
The Tennessee Titans signed QB Ryan Tannehill to a four-year, $118 million contract extension. … Indianapolis Colts signed T Anthony Castonzo to a two-year, $33 million contract extension. …… Atlanta Falcons signed DT Tyeler Davison to a three-year, $12 million contract extension … NFL players voted to approve a new collective bargaining agreement with the league’s owners, ensuring NFL labor peace through at least 2030 and clearing the way for a 17-game regular season as early as 2021. The vote to approve was close, at 1019-959. Approval required a majority of the players voting.
16: Cousins stays with Vikings
Minnesota Vikings signed QB Kirk Cousins to a two-year, $66 million contract extension. … The NFL says it still plans to hold the 2020 draft as scheduled from April 23-25, but public draft events in Las Vegas will not take place amid ongoing precautions being taken because of the coronavirus. “This decision reflects our foremost priority — the health and safety of all fans and citizens,” commissioner Roger Goodell said in a statement. “While this outcome is disappointing both to the NFL and to the Las Vegas community, we look forward to partnering with the Raiders, the City of Las Vegas and the Las Vegas Convention and Visitors Authority for a future NFL Draft as well as evaluating opportunities for other major NFL events in Las Vegas in the future, including the Super Bowl.”
17: Ryan Shazier retires
The Pittsburgh Steelers announced LB Ryan Shazier has retired. …Dallas Cowboys signed WR Amari Cooper to a five-year, $100 million contract extension. Chicago Bears cut LB Leonard Floyd. Phillip Rivers agreed to a one-year, $25 million deal with the Colts.
18: Panthers cut Eric Reid
The Carolina Panthers cut DB Eric Reid. … Baltimore Ravens signed P Sam Koch to a two-year contract extension.
19: Broncos cut Joe Flacco
The Denver Broncos cut QB Joe Flacco … Los Angeles Rams cut RB Todd Gurley II and LB Clay Matthews … Baltimore Ravens acquired DE Calais Campbell from the Jacksonville Jaguars for a 2020 fifth-round draft pick … Denver Broncos acquired DT Jurrell Casey from the Tennessee Titans for a 2020 seventh-round draft pick … Denver Broncos re-signed DB De’Vante Bausby to a one-year, $750,000 contract … Kansas City Chiefs re-signed QB Chad Henne to a two-year contract … Minnesota Vikings signed QB Sean Mannion to a one-year contract.
20: Buccaneers sign Tom Brady
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers signed QB Tom Brady to a two-year, $60 million contract, ending his 20-year run with the New England Patriots.
21: Saint land Sanders
Veteran wide receiver Emmanuel Sanders has agreed to a two-year deal with the New Orleans Saints. Sanders spoke with the Dallas Cowboys and Green Bay Packers but preferred to wind up with the Saints, and he landed a $16 million deal worth up to $19 million.
22: Patriots bring back Hoyer
The New England Patriots have agreed to terms on a one-year contract with veteran quarterback Brian Hoyer. … Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay said Saturday that he plans to switch to No. 24 with his new team to honor the late Kobe Bryant. Slay, who was traded last week by the Lions to the Eagles, wore No. 23 the past six seasons in Detroit. “My number I’m rocking? I’m going with that two four, man. I’m rockin’ with two four this year,” Slay said Saturday night in an Instagram Live video. “Kobe mode. Black mamba, baby. Rest in peace to the GOAT, man. Rest in peace to one of my favorite players. … I think I’m gonna look good in 24.”
23: Patriots cut Gostkowski
The New England Patriots cut K Stephen Gostkowski … Minnesota Vikings signed K Dan Bailey to a three-year, $10 million contract … New Orleans Saints signed DB Malcolm Jenkins to a four-year, $32 million contract and signed T Andrus Peat to a five-year, $57.5 million contract … Washington Redskins signed DB Kendall Fuller to a four-year, $40 million contract and traded with the Carolina Panthers for Kyle Allen in exchange for a fifth-round pick.
24: Panthers cut Cam Newton
The Carolina Panthers cut QB Cam Newton … Dallas Cowboys re-signed LB Sean Lee to a one-year, $4.5 million contract … Detroit Lions signed QB Chase Daniel to a three-year, $13.05 million contract and signed DT Danny Shelton to a two-year, $8 million contract … San Francisco 49ers re-signed DB Jimmie Ward to a three-year, $28.5 million contract.
25: Cowboys reel in Bell
The Dallas Cowboys continue to fill the holes on their roster, agreeing to a one-year deal with tight end Blake Bell. The Cowboys lost Jason Witten to the Las Vegas Raiders at the start of free agency after signing Blake Jarwin to a four-year deal worth up to $24 million and needed a blocking tight end. Bell, at 6-foot-6, 252 pounds, fits that role after starting a career-high seven games last season with the Kansas City Chiefs. … Former Pittsburgh Steelers nose tackle Javon Hargrave has reached agreement with the Philadelphia Eagles on a three-year, $39 million deal, with $26 million fully guaranteed.
26: Breeses donate big bucks
Drew Brees and his wife, Brittany, announced a $5 million commitment to the state of Louisiana in 2020 to help “our communities get through this tough time” … Chicago Bears signed TE Jimmy Graham to a two-year, $16 million contract. … Detroit Lions signed T Halapoulivaati Vaitai to a five-year, $45 million contract … New York Giants signed DB James Bradberry to a three-year, $45 million contract and signed LB Blake Martinez to a three-year, $30 million contract … Pittsburgh Steelers signed RB Derek Watt to a three-year, $9.75 million contract … Tampa Bay Buccaneers re-signed DE Ndamukong Suh to a one-year, $8 million contract … Washington Redskins signed LB Thomas Davis Sr. to a one-year, $3.5 million contract.
27: Brockers rejoins Rams
Michael Brockers’ deal with the Baltimore Ravens fell through over an issue with his ankle, and the free-agent defensive lineman swiftly rejoined the Los Angeles Rams. Brockers and the Ravens reached an agreement in principle on a three-year, $30 million deal on March 16, but Ravens doctors couldn’t immediately examine him because free agents can’t come to facilities to take physicals. Now, 11 days later, Brockers is back with the Rams … erry Tausch, an All-American offensive lineman at Texas and eight-year NFL veteran who played for the Minnesota Vikings and San Francisco 49ers, has died. He was 61.
28: Orlando McDaniel dies
Orlando McDaniel, a two-sport star in football and track and field at LSU and a former receiver with the Denver Broncos, died from complications related to the coronavirus. McDaniel, 59, fell ill after traveling to Washington, D.C., to visit a family member, according to LSU track and field coach Dennis Shaver.
29: NFL Draft order is set
The 2020 NFL Draft order is set, with all 255 picks and seven rounds locked in for April’s draft. The Cincinnati Bengals kick off things with pick No. 1 — Joe Burrow, anyone? — and the New York Giants end it with pick No. 255. The 2020draft begins with Round 1 on April 23 from Las Vegas and continues with Rounds 2 and 3 on April 24 and Rounds 4 through 7 on April 25. … The Detroit Lions have agreed to a contract with wide receiver Geronimo Allison. Allison has agreed to a one-year contract for the veteran’s minimum of $910,000.
30: Washington lands Darby
Washington turned to a division rival to help fill a void, signing veteran Ronald Darby. Darby, who played with the Philadelphia Eagles, signed a one-year deal worth $4 million … Former Denver Broncos defensive end Derek Wolfe has reached an agreement on a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Baltimore Ravens. The addition of Wolfe comes after the Ravens were unable to finalize a deal with Michael Brockers. There was an issue with Brockers’ injured ankle, and the sides couldn’t agree on a revised deal, a source said. … Former New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey, who famously made a 63-yard field goal in 1970 despite being born without toes on his right kicking foot, has tested positive for the coronavirus.
31: Owners vote to expand playoffs
NFL team owners formally approved a plan to expand the postseason to 14 teams, beginning with the 2020 season. During a conference call to discuss league business after the annual meetings were canceled due to the coronavirus pandemic, the owners also awarded one of those extra games to CBS and one to NBC. The new format changes prior league practice in two ways: There will be a total of three wild-card teams per conference, up from two. The No. 2 seed in each conference will host the new No. 7 seed in the wild-card round, meaning that only the No. 1 seeds will have first-round byes. … Three-time Pro Bowl guard Brandon Scherff of the Washington Redskins is signing his franchise tender, a source told ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Scherff will be paid $15.03 million this season, all guaranteed, after signing the tender. … Free-agent safety Eric Reid wants the NFL’s new collective bargaining agreement invalidated over language added after ratification of the pact earlier this month. He is calling for an investigation and a revote.
April 1: AB works out with Lamar Jackson
It’s not surprising that Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson is working out with Marquise “Hollywood” Brown this offseason. What has created a buzz is Jackson tossing passes to his top wide receiver’s famous cousin. Antonio Brown, a free-agent wide receiver, caught a 50-yard pass from the reigning NFL MVP on a dead sprint in a video posted on Jackson’s Instagram account Wednesday. There also was a photo on Twitter, showing Jackson with his arms draped around Antonio and Marquise Brown. The workout took place in South Florida.
2 Henry signs Titans’ franchise tender
Tennessee Titans running back Derrick Henry has signed his $10.2 million franchise tender, the team announced Thursday. Titans general manager Jon Robinson said his team hoped to sign Henry to a long-term contract. … Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Tom Brady is renting Derek Jeter’s mansion on Davis Islands.
3 Tomlin’s wife helps fight against Covid-19
Kiya Tomlin, the wife of Steelers coach Mike Tomlin, is a clothing designer in Pittsburgh, and opted to pass the time during the shelter-in-place order by making cloth masks to donate to local hospitals. What started as almost a side project is now a full-blown operation with her and her four team members working to churn out at least 500 masks a week from their homes.
4 New Orleans may lose 2024 Big Easy
The 2024 Super Bowl, which is scheduled to be played in New Orleans, might have to be moved to another location because of a calendar conflict if the NFL switches to a 17-game season. If the Super Bowl gets pushed back a week to Feb. 11 that year as expected, then it will run into Mardi Gras. So the NFL, the New Orleans Saints and the Greater New Orleans Sports Foundation have been working on contingency plans. The most likely scenario is moving the New Orleans Super Bowl to a later year, though they have not yet ruled out trying to play the game on Feb. 4 that year.
5 Hall of Famer Bobby Mitchell dies
Bobby Mitchell, who was the first African American player to sign with the Washington Redskins, died Sunday at 84, the Pro Football Hall of Fame announced. … Former New Orleans Saints kicker Tom Dempsey, who famously made a 63-yard field goal in 1970 despite being born without toes on his right kicking foot, has died due to complications of the coronavirus, his daughter said. He was 73. … Rob Gronkowski, who was serving as host of the taped, two-night WrestleMania studio event that concluded Sunday night, ended up as part of the action and was crowned 24/7 champion.
6 It will be a virtual draft
The NFL is sticking by the April 23-25 dates for its annual draft. Commissioner Roger Goodell told teams the selection process will be a “virtual” one.
7 Tampa Bay Bucs unveil new uniforms
8 Tom Brady does Howard Stern
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ quarterback spent a good part of his morning talking about his life on and off the field with Howard Stern. Among topics discussed were his moving on: “I accomplished everything I could in two decades with an incredible organization, an incredible group of people, and that will never change. No one can ever take that away from me, no one can ever take those experiences or Super Bowl championships away from us,”Tom Brady said. “The Atlanta Falcons had to make some adjustments in releasing their new uniforms. Originally, the team did not plan to show off their new designs until next Tuesday. But the unveiling was bumped up to a surprise announcement after photos of the uniform leaked online the previous day. The franchise will return to wearing black jerseys with black pants at home, and several of the uniforms include an “ATL” logo on the front above the numbers. The uniforms include eight different color combinations.
9 100 days in and the NFL rolls on
The draft is two weeks away and the NFL is planning one of the most different events in its history. Will technology lead to cheating? Will certains teams go the Houston Astros’ route and look for an edge? One thing is certain: The above artist’s rendering is not what it will look like.
