Around the League: NFL News & Notes 2.21.19
The NFL season may be over but that doesn't mean there's a shortage of NFL news to follow. Stay up to date with the latest happenings across the NFL with Ultimate Autographs.
Rumor: Le'Veon Bell Ballooned to over 250 Pounds During Season
Per New York Daily News' Manish Mehta, "word on the street" is that former Pittsburgh Steelers RB Le'Veon Bell ballooned to around 260 pounds during his hiatus from the NFL. Bell's playing weight is listed at 225 pounds so it's quite a jump for an elite athlete like Bell. The former Steelers star is almost certainly in better shape now as he looks for a big contract and a new home but it's another possible red flag for teams to check on.
“I think it’s the New York Jets and then probably everybody else. Maybe Tampa, maybe the Eagles, maybe a few other teams.”@JasonLaCanfora discusses the possible destinations for Le’Veon Bell. #T2S pic.twitter.com/PB1juFyViz
— CBS Sports Network (@CBSSportsNet) February 20, 2019
Baltimore Ravens Make Tavon Young Highest-Paid Nickel Cornerback
The Baltimore Ravens locked up one of their young defensive stars by signing CB Tavon Young to a three-year, $25.8 million extension (max value $29 million) per The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec. Young had another year left on his contract but the Ravens wanted to get a long-term deal in place. It could also be a sign that the team is ready to move on from Jimmy Smith. Regardless of the motive, in a league that's seeing nickel sets becoming the base package for a lot of NFL teams, signing a young talented DB to a long-term deal is a smart move.
Extremely blessed and thankful to continue my career as a Baltimore Raven, Thanks to everyone in the @Ravens organization and teammates Let’s workkkkkkk!!
— Tavon Young (@NLtyoung) February 21, 2019
Adam Schefter Lists Possible Franchise Tag Candidates
As teams prep for the NFL Draft and offseason plans, headlines surrounding key players and the franchise tag are expected to be plentiful. ESPN's Adam Schefter listed off 10 players that are candidates to be tagged. DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford, Frank Clark, Gardy Jarrett, Landon Collins, Nick Foles, Le’Veon Bell, Donovan Smith, Robbie Gould and Stephen Gostkowski are all candidates per Schefter's sources. The least likely of these is Bell who the Steelers are prepared to let walk.
Starting today and until March 5, there could be at least 10 players receiving some form of a tag: DeMarcus Lawrence, Jadeveon Clowney, Dee Ford, Frank Clark, Gardy Jarrett, Landon Collins, Nick Foles, Le’Veon Bell, Donovan Smith, Robbie Gould and Stephen Gostkowski, per sources.
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) February 19, 2019
Cincinnati Bengals Finally Find Their Defensive Coordinator
After weeks of interviews and candidates walking away from the job opportunity, the Cincinnati Bengals have hired Lou Anarumo as their defensive coordinator, per ESPN's Dianna Russini. Anarumo has mainly been a defensive backs coach in college and the NFL but is familiar with new head coach Zac Taylor from their time with the Miami Dolphins.
Tom Coughlin: 'Blake Bortles is the QB with the Jacksonville Jaguars right now'
Speaking with Ben Becker of Action News during a recent charity event for The Tom Coughlin Jay Fund, Tom Coughlin commented on the future of Blake Bortles and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
"Blake is the quarterback with the Jacksonville Jaguars right now," Coughlin responded. (transcription via NFL.com, audio via ESPN 690)
The important part is the "right now" as the Jaguars are fully expected to hit reset on the quarterback position despite the fact the team handed Bortles a contract extension last year that included $26.5 million guaranteed. Bortles has had some success as the Jaguars QB but it has been mired with inconsistency.
Tom Coughlin on Blake Bortles: He is our quarterback right now https://t.co/a3xbYzHiMp pic.twitter.com/o2AMxfZ0OR
— SNF on NBC (@SNFonNBC) February 21, 2019
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