NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
Denver Broncos: After winning Super Bowl 50, the expectation is that Peyton Manning will now retire. Though he has remained non-committal on it, his father Archie Manning seems confident that this will have been his last year in Denver at least.
- Chiefs’ Take: 2016 will be an entirely different ordeal in Denver as they begin to rebuild in the post-Peyton era. The Chiefs should be poised to take over the division as the Broncos discover their new identity.
New England Patriots: The Patriots cut running back Montee Ball. Some thought he had a shot at reviving his career in New England, but nothing ever panned out. And with a recent arrest, the move was really a no-brainer for them.
New Orleans Saints: The Saints made a string of cuts that include veteran guard Jahri Evans. Evans is another in a growing list of salary cap cuts made by the New Orleans front office in order to be able to afford the contract of quarterback Drew Brees.
Cornerback Brandon Browner, who had a disappointing season, is expected to be another cut as soon as the league year starts. One player who avoided the axe is linebacker Dannelle Ellerbee who took a reworked contract rather than being released. Overthecap.com projects that these moves will put the Saints under a projected $153 million salary cap.
New York Giants: Star wide receiver Victor Cruz was sorely missed on the field for New York this past season, but he has indicated that his rehab is going well and he should be 100% soon. The Giants made some big salary cap moves in cutting veterans Geoff Schwartz, Will Beaty, and Jon Beason. All three were major additions when they were signed, and it was obvious the Giants were in “win now” mode, though they failed to deliver on that. Veteran pass rusher Justin Tuck is reportedly looking to sign a one-day deal to retire as a Giant.
- Chiefs’ Take: If Kansas City is in the market for a right guard, don’t rule out Geoff Schwartz. The age and injury history would be concerning, but he knows the offense and is a quality player that could be plugged in right away.