Jacksonville Jaguars: The Jaguars General Manager, David Caldwell, has indicated that the team will be spending big in FA. However, he downplayed just how much the team would need to spend in order to avoid violating the salary floor guidelines. However, despite all the cap space the Jaguars have, they were still active in making cuts by releasing veteran guard Zane Beadles and defensive end Chris Clemmons.
Los Angeles Rams: Apparently the top priority for the Rams right now is to re-sign coach Jeff Fisher and his staff. Meanwhile the team has used the Franchise Tag on cornerback Trumaine Johnson, but appear to be in real danger of losing cornerback Janoris Jenkins.
- Author’s Take: Focusing on re-signing Jeff Fisher at this point in time is exactly the kind of bone-headed prioritization that has made the Rams one of the most underachieving teams in the NFL. If this kind of thinking continues, don’t expect them to be in LA for long.
Miami Dolphins: The Dolphins have used the Transition Tag on Olivier Vernon, meaning they will have the rigth to match any offers he receives from another team. It also gives other teams the right to offer Vernon more than the Dolphins can afford, and for n0 compensation to Miami if they do lose him. To try and open up some cap space, the team is trying to re-work the contract of Cameron Wake, but those talks have apparently broken down. The team was able to restructure the contract of Koa Misi though.
Author’s Take
: This is what a terrible front office looks like. Despite their obvious salary cap issues and the need to make some big cuts, all the Dolphins do is try and push their problems down the road a little.
New England Patriots: Investigators have determined that tight end Rob Gronkowski did not violate any laws regarding gambling on his recent self-promoted party cruise. In roster news, the team has signed quarterback Tom Brady to a two year extension that comes at a pretty reasonable price for the eventual Hall of Famer.
The Patriots did have to make some roster adjustments, and that included releasing wide receiver Brandon Lafell and tight end Scott Chandler. Hearings have started back up regarding the punishment of Tom Brady for last year’s “Deflategate” scandal.
Author’s Take
: This will be the only time that I address “Deflategate” this offseason until it’s conclusion. This is not a real scandal. It is not a real issue. It is a smokescreen to draw away the attention of the media and fans while the league continues to sweep its issues with concussions, domestic violence, and PEDs under the rug. You can choose whether to go with that distraction or not. I am choosing not to. There are some very real problems in the NFL that need to be confronted and fixed…ball air pressure is not one of them.
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