Around the NFL in 32 plays
By Ben Almquist
![Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports Dec 27, 2015; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce (87) celebrates after scoring during the first half against the Cleveland Browns at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/c06f5992eb78151042bf1c3993820d3342040d9014260cbb9d5f064037c762e4.jpg)
New England Patriots: The Patriots are looking to bolster their roster by adding defensive tackle Terrence Knighton and tight end Clay Harbor.
New York Jets: The Jets have added linebacker Bruce Carter to their defense on a one year deal. This is likely a “prove it” situation for Carter who had a let down season in Tampa Bay this past year and was released at the start of Free Agency.
Oakland Raiders: The Raiders have made a pretty head scratching move by re-signing pass rusher Aldon Smith. Smith is still currently suspended (until November), and has a long history of off the field issues. And even on the field, he has not been the same player he was at the start of his career. The Radiers made a couple other additions by signing long snapper Andrew East and safety Reggie Nelson.
Chiefs’ Take
: The Raiders clearly feel they have a shot at contending for the AFC West this year and are trying to fill their roster with as much talent as possible. The Chiefs have made similar moves, and right now it would seem that these two teams are going to be the favorites to take the division.
Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles looked to plug some holes ahead of the draft by signing fullback Ryan Mueller and offensive lineman Stefen Wisniewski. The team will also be retaining offensive lineman Matt Tobin who signed his RFA tender.
On a less promising note, there is a rumor circulating about new head coach Doug Pederson being involved in a scandal during his time with the Chiefs. A report has surfaced that claims Pederson was having an extramarital affair with a secretary for the Chiefs.
- Chiefs’ Take: If the Pederson rumor is true, then there is apparently some animosity right now between the Eagles and Chiefs regarding the handling of this situation, according to the report.
- Author’s Take: Honestly, I’m not buying it. Looking at the report that came in, it appears that somebody just sent a text to a website that isn’t exactly rubbing elbows with ESPN or NFL.com. On top of that, the Philly media doesn’t seem to have this story at all, which I find very curious. If the Eagles are doing something/anything even remotely wrong, their local media is always on top of it and screaming for someone to be fired. So for them to not have the story, and miss an opportunity to take Howie Roseman to the woodshed…that’s gonna make it hard for me to believe it’s true.
Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Safety Bradley McDougald has signed his RFA tender with the Buccaneers, which puts him on their roster for the 2016 season. The former Chiefs training camp fan favorite was given a 2nd round tender by the Bucs after starting 15 games for them last season.
Well, that’s going to do it for me, Addicts. Be sure to check back in next week for another roundup of NFL news and rumors.