Monday, March 1, 2021

Is Orlando Brown Jr. better off at left tackle? That question could drive the Ravens’ trade market.

In early November, Brian Baldinger wanted to know how Orlando Brown Jr. felt about playing left tackle. Ronnie Stanley had just been lost for the season, and the All-Pro’s replacement would be Brown, who’d starred there in college but had made himself into a Pro Bowl right tackle in Baltimore.

“To be honest with you,” Baldinger recalled Brown texting him, “I’m more comfortable on the left side.”

This didn’t surprise Baldinger, a former NFL offensive lineman and current NFL Network analyst. He’d watched Brown dominate at left tackle at Oklahoma, 

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'Pretty unusual': Why a left tackle such as 49ers' Trent Williams going on the open market is rare

SANTA CLARA, Calif. -- In an offseason full of uncertainty for the San Francisco 49ers, one thing that's known for sure is that their top priority is retaining star left tackle Trent Williams.

The Niners want Williams. And Williams, who is set to become an unrestricted free agent on March 17, has made it clear he'd like to stay. Seems easy enough, right?

As is often the case when it comes to matters of multimillions, it's not so simple. With a chance to see just how much he could garner on the open market for the first time in his career, Williams is likely to test the waters.

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NFL free agency OL rankings: Trent Williams, Brandon Scherff should cash in

Editor’s note: Fifth in an eight-part series

For our next free agency preview, we’ve called on offensive line authority Brandon Thorn. Thorn does a terrific job scouting and analyzing offensive linemen with his Trench Warfare site and newsletter. He was kind enough to offer his opinions on a number of the pending unrestricted free agent offensive linemen. Ages as of Week 1 are in parentheses.

Tier 1: Empty out the wallet

These are players who can expect to find deals at the top of the market for their position.

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Monday's injury and roster news: Buccaneers WR Antonio Brown, S Antoine Winfield 'getting close' to returning

Antonio Brown was listed as doubtful for the Super Bowl after missing all of practice last week. His prospects of playing seem to have improved over the bye weekend.

Buccaneers coach Bruce Arians said the veteran wideout is "getting close," noting he's been able to work on the side a bit with his injured knee.

"We'll see how sore he is," Arians said Monday.

Time will also tell whether Tampa Bay will have one or both of its starting safeties available against the Chiefs on Sunday.

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Jacksonville Jaguars Name Dan Edwards to New SVP Position

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Jaguars today named Dan Edwards, an original Jaguars executive who has exclusively led the Jaguars' communications department throughout the existence of the franchise, to a new role as Senior Vice President of Jacksonville Tradition and Alumni.

Edwards, who prior to today held the title of Senior Vice President of Communications, is a 27-year veteran of the Jaguars who arrived in Jacksonville in 1994, shortly after the NFL granted the city an expansion franchise in late 1993. In his new position, Edwards will focus on building alliances, programs, brands and more that will illuminate and market the history, alumni and colorful moments of the Jacksonville Jaguars. 

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Should Jacksonville Jaguars kick the tires on LB Preston Smith?

The Jacksonville Jaguars lead the league in cap space and should be able to target pretty much every player they like in free agency. Should they pursue Green Bay Packers linebacker Preston Smith if he becomes a cap casualty?

A second-round pick by the Washington Football Team in 2015, Smith signed a four-year $52 million contract with the Packers in 2019. The Mississippi State product went on to have an immediate impact in Green Bay’s defense, logging 56 total tackles (11 for a loss) 12 sacks, one forced fumble, and one interception. However, his production took a dive in 2020 and registered just four sacks, no interceptions, and no forced fumbles.

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Bucs QBs coach: Tom Brady wanted to match what Peyton Manning did in Denver

There have been several reports and speculations as to why Tom Brady decided to leave the New England Patriots after 20 seasons and six Super Bowl titles. The full story may never come to light until Brady decides to expand on his exit. Yet, one motivating factor that was revealed this week circles back to Brady's longtime rival Peyton Manning.

Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Clyde Christensen believes one reason Brady left New England was to match something only Manning had accomplished: be the starting quarterback for two Super Bowl-winning franchises.

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