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[Clash of Camps] NFC South: Bryce Young needs helpThe 49ers tried to bring in Bill Belichick
Current 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan made some surprising statements on the podcast The TK Show this Monday. We learned that the coach offered Bill Belichick, legend of the New England Patriots, to join him in San Francisco.
“I did it, I pitched it to him. He loves football so much that you never know… I can’t believe he’s not a head coach of a team right now. I know what I would do if I was the owner, so it shocks me. I know he loves the ball in its simplest form, so I pitched it to him, whatever he wanted to do.”
According to Shanahan, it was more specifically the defensive coordinator position that was offered to Bill Belichick.
“I asked him if he was interested. He was very kind and grateful, but he politely declined.”
The position was eventually filled by Nick Sorensen, who was promoted in the offseason by the 49ers. Bill Belichick, meanwhile, is still on the market. He is expected to join the NFL media this year as an analyst for the show “Inside the NFL.” Belichick will also accompany the Manning brothers for their “ManningCast” during “Monday Night Football” and will participate each week in the show “The Pat McAfee Show.”
Aaron Rodgers skipped minicamp to… go to Egypt
Last June, Aaron Rodgers (QB, Jets) missed both days of a mandatory Jets minicamp. He revealed on Monday on the Pardon My Take podcast that he was in Egypt at the time!
“I had a good chat with Robert (Saleh, HC). He obviously wanted me to be there. I knew the consequences if I wasn’t there. In the throes of rehab, I thought it would be a good idea to plan a trip with some friends. We wanted to do it in the middle of June and looking at last year’s schedule, we thought it would work.”
A small (in)voluntary misunderstanding of the calendar therefore, which will still cost him a fine of more than 50,000 dollars. This episode is now behind us since Rodgers was indeed present and on time at training camp this Wednesday.
ESPN unveils its top 25 players of the 21st century
The reference media ESPN has revealed its top 25 players of the 2000s. Unsurprisingly, we find in the list 15 offensive players against only 10 defensive ones. On the podium, Aaron Donald (DT) obtains a surprising third place, a remarkable performance for a little-publicized position. He is preceded by two essential quarterbacks, firstly Patrick Mahomes (QB, Chiefs) and his three Super Bowls. Then the inevitable Tom Brady (QB) who hogs the first place with his seven rings won with the Patriots and Buccaneers.
Further down the rankings, Randy Moss (WR) is the top receiver at No. 4. He's just ahead of Calvin Johnson (No. 5). JJ Watt (No. 7) is one of only two DEs in the rankings, well ahead of Michael Strahan (No. 20). Ravens teammates Ray Lewis (LB) and Ed Reed (S) are No. 8 and No. 11, leading their respective positions. Finally, Darrelle Revis (No. 10) is the top CB, while Rob Gronkowski is the top TE (No. 13) and Adrian Peterson is the top HB (No. 18).
The top 10: Tom Brady (QB), Patrick Mahomes (QB), Aaron Donald (DT), Peyton Manning (QB), Randy Moss (WR), Calvin Johnson (WR), JJ Watt (DE), Ray Lewis (LB) ), Aaron Rodgers (QB), Darrelle Revis (CB)
No extension for Ryan Kelly at the Colts
Ryan Kelly (C, Colts) wanted to extend his contract with his long-time franchise, the Colts. However, the interest does not appear to be mutual.
The player spoke to ESPN on Wednesday.
“We made it clear that we wanted to stay, that we wanted a contract extension but they didn't see that as one of their priorities.”
The 31-year-old center is the franchise's longest-tenured center, having played 111 games as a starter since 2016. After a more complicated 2022 season, Kelly bounced back well last year with a fourth selection to the Pro Bowl.
Not enough to convince the Indianapolis management, who are certainly starting to look at his age and his injury history: 3 games missed last year for two different concussions. In addition, the Colts are already preparing for the future with two draft picks on the offensive line last April.
When the 2024 season kicks off, Kelly will still be an undisputed starter on the offensive line alongside All-Pro Quenton Nelson (OG, Colts) in particular.
Trent Williams absent from 49ers camp
After Brandon Aiyuk, Kyle Shanahan (HC, 49ers) reveals that Trent Williams (OT, 49ers) was absent from training camp for contractual reasons. The player had agreed to adjust his contract last September to lighten San Francisco's payroll.
Considered by many to be the NFL's best tackle, the 36-year-old would like to be paid accordingly. Arrived in the Bay following a trade from Washington and extended, Williams is due to make $20.8 million in 2024.
The Last for Brandon Graham
Brandon Graham (DE, Eagles) announced Wednesday that he will retire at the end of the 2024 season.
“My last 'first day' as a player. I don't know what the future holds for me with the organization,” he told reporters on the first day of Eagles training camp. “This is my last year, I'm trying to enjoy everything, have fun every day.”
Graham, 36, has played for Philadelphia since being selected in the first round of the 2010 draft. He is one of the team's most respected players. There is no doubt that he will leave a big void in the locker room and on the defensive line.
Mekhi Blackmon suffers anterior ligament tear
Training camps have just resumed, and there is already a first major injury to report. Mekhi Blackmon (CB, Vikings) tore the anterior ligament in his right knee during a 7-on-7 drill. The player played 15 games during his rookie season, including 3 as a starter. While the team has already been affected by the recent death of Khyree Jackson, this is a new blow. The Vikings have their two starters Murphy and Griffin at their disposal. Then, veteran Duke Shelley as well as Akayleb Evans and Andrew Booth Jr. will compete for the third role.
Transactions
– The Carolina Panthers will test Yannick Ngakoue (EDGE) and Carl Lawson (EDGE). Both 29 years old, the players are looking to bounce back after their adventures with the Bears and the Jets. Ngakoue has also just passed tests with Dolphins, who finally preferred Emmanuel Ogbah.
– According to Adam Schefter, the Seahawks are starting negotiations with Connor Williams (OL) on Wednesday, as he has successfully passed his physical. However, a deal may not be imminent as the player is still in talks with other teams. The Seahawks also signed Pro Bowler Julian Love (S) to a three-year, $36 million contract extension.
The main signings of the day: Marcus Simms (WR, Seahawks), Jalen Sundell (OT, Seahawks), Chim Okorafor (OT, Browns), Jeremiah Martin (DE, Browns), Ilm Manning (G, Seahawks), Laquon Treadwell (WR , Colts)
The main cuts of the day: Matt Farniok (OL, Lions), Caleb Johnson (LB, Browns), Tremayne Anchrum (G, Seahawks), Xavier White (WR, Colts)
Injuries
– Lamar Jackson (QB, Ravens) has returned to training. Jackson missed the team's last three practices due to illness. Back on Wednesday… He only stayed an hour. Time for him to throw 2 passes, one of which was intercepted by Marlon Humphrey (CB, Ravens) according to ESPN.
– Anthony Richardson (QB, Colts) is fully operational for training camp. Colts GM Chris Ballard confirmed to Adam Schefter on Wednesday that his young quarterback is recovered from his serious shoulder injury. He will have no limitations and should even participate in preseason games.
– According to NBC Sports, Justin Watson (WR, Chiefs) left his team's practice on Wednesday due to a foot injury. Nazeeh Johnson (CB, Chiefs) is injured in the knee. Finally, rookie Xavier Worthy (WR, Chiefs) did not participate due to illness.
– SNY reports that Jermaine Eluemunor (OL, Giants) left practice on Wednesday. He reportedly suffered an abdominal injury. With Evan Neal on injured reserve, the Giants could still look at free agents at the offensive line positions.
Coming off injured reserve: Chase Young (EDGE, 49ers), Chris Olave (WR, Saints), Brian Branch (S, Lions), Carlton Davis (CB, Lions), Johnny Newton (DT, Commanders)
They are active, but placed on the injured reserve list (PUP List): Nick Chubb (RB, Browns), D'Antony Bell (S, Browns), Jack Conklin (OT, Browns), Dalvin Tomlinson (DT, Browns), Jedrick Wills (OT, Browns), Cole Holcomb (LB, Steelers)
They are placed on the non-football injury list (NFI List): Nyheim Hines (RB, Browns), Greg Newsome II (CB, Browns), Cordarrelle Patterson (HB, Steelers)
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