What we learned from the NFL combine, plus Kirk Cousins’ plans
Descriptions
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Good morning. I’m Jacob Robinson, here with Dianna Russini: Welcome to the first edition of Scoop City, The Athletic’s NFL newsletter.
Here, you’ll get breaking stories, insider scoops and (hopefully) plenty of Dan Campbell, all in a brief morning read.
As for today:
- π¬ NFL combine takeaway
- π· Franchise tag rumors
- π Kirk Cousins’ landing spot?
- π Running backs’ contract struggles
Insight from the NFL Combine: What we learned this weekend
It was a busy NFL combine in Indianapolis, with prospects testing, front offices talking and our reporters doing what they do best. What you should know:
1. Caleb Williams does it his way, again. In an unprecedented move, Williams chose to skip medical testing, instead planning these tests during individual visits with teams. He had previously declined to throw at the combine.
Still, he seemed excited by the prospect of playing in Chicago, a team that “appears to be focused” on drafting him. Early this morning, Bears reporters Adam Jahns and Kevin Fishbain shared what they heard at the combine. Particularly notable, given the Bears lineage at quarterback, was this quote from Williams: “I tend to like to create history and rewrite history.”
If you want to better understand Williams’ unconventional approach, read Kalyn Kahler’s fascinating story on the quarterback and his business-minded father, Carl.
2. Texas WR Xavier Worthy leads combine standouts. Worthy broke the NFL combine record for fastest 40-yard dash, clocking in at 4.21 seconds. He also tested above the 94th percentile in vertical and broad jump.
Despite the build of a newsletter writer (5-foot-11, 165 pounds), Worthy’s athleticism should place him among the top-50 prospects. And if anyone suggests he should run track, remind them that a retired Usain Bolt ran a 4.22 wearing tennis shoes and sweats.
Other risers:
- Florida State DT Braden Fiske finished above the 92nd percentile in multiple events, with his short shuttle time (4.37) earning a comparison to All-Pro DT Aaron Donald (4.39) from draft expert Dane Brugler. π
- Penn State TE Theo Johnson earned a 9.99 Relative Athletic Score, which ranked second out of 1,105 tight ends since 1987. How? He measured 6’6″, 259-pounds and ran a 40-yard dash in 4.58 seconds. A mutant.
Our staff prepared a full list of prospects who helped their draft stock.
3. Brian Burns and the franchise tags. The combine is for much more than prospect evaluations. Teams are coordinating trades, contract extensions and franchise tags. Panthers Pro-Bowl edge Brian Burns is expected to be tagged before tomorrow’s 4 p.m. ET deadline.
Tagging the 25-year-old Burns would cost Carolina $24 million this season and gives them time to negotiate an extension. Former NFL GM Randy Mueller’s No. 1 ranked free agent, Burns had reportedly been looking for a deal worth around $30 million annually.
With the March 5 deadline fast approaching, we should see more movement soon. Now, over to Dianna for her perspective on Kirk Cousins’ situation.π
What Dianna’s Hearing: Cousins not a lock for Vikings
Don’t expect the Vikings QB to take a hometown discount. Sure, he’s made around $230 million through football across his career and is settled in Minnesota. But Cousins is taking an aggressive approach in negotiations, and rightfully so.
While attending the combine, I realized his value is greater than I expected. I’m watching the Falcons, who could give the 35-year-old a contract that may make Minnesota distraught if they can’t match it. Don’t forget, Cousins’ wife is from Atlanta.
You may be thinking: Can Cousins’ really make big money again, even after an Achilles injury? Yep! It’s why he is the best contract negotiator in all of sports! No Kohl’s discounts from him.
Also: Expect an update on The Athletic regarding a former All-Pro quarterback later today. We’ll have a full breakdown in tomorrow’s newsletter. π
Team Takeaways: Change in New York?
Following the NFL combine, The Athletic’s writers shared one thing they learned about all 32 teams. Three notes:
The Giants signed Daniel Jones to a four-year, $160 million contract in 2023 (π¬), so I was surprised to learn that the team has considered drafting a replacement for their 26-year-old quarterback. You’d think a team that just allowed the second-most sacks in NFL history would prioritize their offensive line.
The Raiders are exploring trading up in the first round, with GM Tom Telesco considering picks held by the Chargers (No. 5), Giants (No. 6) and Titans (No. 7). This only makes sense if it were a move up for a quarterback.
The Bengals appear focused on adding explosiveness to their wide receiver room. Paul Dehner Jr. notes that this could mean sacrificing size to find this year’s Tank Dell or Jayden Reed on Day 2 of the draft. As a Cincinnati fan, I still shudder thinking of John Ross III.
The full article has more.
Around the NFL: RBs payday unlikely, 49ers find DC
Chris Mortensen, an award-winning journalist who reported on the NFL for ESPN for more than three decades, died at the age of 72 on Sunday morning. He will be missed. Richard Deitsch wrote a touching tribute for “Mort,” as did Andrew Marchand.
Saquon Barkley and Josh Jacobs again headline a group of running backs seeking a payday, joined by Derrick Henry, Tony Pollard and Austin Ekeler, among others. But a combination of factors has devalued one of the marquee positions in all of American sports. Charlotte Carroll and Tashan Reed explain what to make of this year’s RB market.
The 49ers defensive coordinator search ended when the team chose to promote Nick Sorenson, the team’s defensive passing game specialist and nickels coach last season. They also informed former Chargers HC Brandon Staley that he’ll be named assistant head coach. More on those decisions here.
Jacob’s Picks
π How does the franchise tag work? Mark Puleo and Jeff Howe published a masterclass on the controversial one-year, guaranteed contract. (The Athletic)
πΊ Xavier Worthy is fast. He’s also good at football. Watch his highlights here. (YouTube)
π Learn why NFL players miss out on guaranteed contracts. Chase Daniel, a former NFL QB and NFLPA player representative, explains the dynamics at play with the “funding rule” at the 21:45 mark of In The Pocket. (Spotify, Apple)
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