NFL news: Around the league in 32 plays

Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans show their support during the first half against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 2, 2014; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs fans show their support during the first half against the New York Jets at Arrowhead Stadium. The Chiefs won 24-10. Mandatory Credit: Denny Medley-USA TODAY Sports
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Manning doesn’t have much to lose, but this investigation could tarnish some of his legacy. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Manning doesn’t have much to lose, but this investigation could tarnish some of his legacy. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

NFL PED Investigation: The investigation is still in its infancy, but as of now the league is focusing on Peyton Manning, James Harrison, Clay Matthews, Julius Peppers, and Mike Neal.  However, there is some question as to whether or not the league can even interview these players BEFORE handing down punishment, due to certain language in the CBA.  Get ready for a battle.

  • Author’s Take: This one will get heated because there are a lot of big names on that list.  And we can likely expect a separate investigation into the Green Bay Packers for having three players on that list.

Johnny Manziel: Today marks the first day of Manziel’s “sobriety”.  I wish him luck, but I can’t say I’m optimistic.  He’s going to have plenty of pressure to start off with as the NFL just hit him with a 4 game suspension for violating the substance abuse program.  This likely totally closes the door on his 2016 season…and doesn’t even take into account his legal problems from this offseason.

Cleveland Browns: The Browns have released backup quarterback Connor Shaw.

It would appear the resurgence of Rolando McClain wasn’t entirely on the “up and up”. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports
It would appear the resurgence of Rolando McClain wasn’t entirely on the “up and up”. Mandatory Credit: Reinhold Matay-USA TODAY Sports

Dallas Cowboys: The Cowboys defense has taken a hit as middle linebacker Rolando McClain was suspended by the league for 10 games after another violation of the substance abuse policy.

  • Chiefs’ Take: The Cowboys may be in the market for a linebacker now because star prospect Jaylon Smith is not expected to be back until the end of the year.  The Chiefs may have a way to move Josh Mauga and open some cap room if Justin March or Ramik Wilson step up.

Indianapolis Colts: The Colts have made quarterback Andrew Luck the highest paid player in the NFL.  Luck signed a six year deal with the team for up to $140 million, with $87 million in guarantees.

Author’s Take

: I normally have a snide remark for the “nice guy” players that “don’t care about the money”…then suddenly get the monster deals.  However, Luck has earned this.  Anybody who was forced to play behind that travesty of an offensive line in Indy has earned this.

Next: Chiefs And Berry Not Talking?

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