Latest news with #BrianBaldinger
Yahoo
03-07-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Broncos Star Edge Rusher Nik Bonitto Told to Bet on Himself in Hunt for New Contract
Broncos Star Edge Rusher Nik Bonitto Told to Bet on Himself in Hunt for New Contract originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Denver Broncos had one of the best defenses in the NFL in 2024. They allowed the third-fewest points and seventh-fewest yards per game in the NFL, and were buoyed by a pass-rush that generated 63 sacks in the regular season — the most in the NFL. Advertisement A catalyst for the Broncos' success up front was edge rusher Nik Bonitto. The former 2022 second-round pick had a career-high 13.5 sacks in the regular season, the third-most in the league, and earned a Second-Team All-Pro nomination for the first time. Bonitto is a free agent after the 2025 season, and one NFL analyst had some key advice heading into a big year. Appearing on the 'DNVR Broncos Podcast', NFL Analyst Brian Baldinger joined the show to discuss whether or not the Broncos should pay Bonitto this offseason and offered some insight on the situation. Denver Broncos linebacker Nik Bonitto (15) celebrates his Chenoy-Imagn Images 'It's all business. He's put two real good years back-to-back. I would say the breakout came in 23, but certainly last year.' Baldinger said, before highlighting that as Bonitto's play grows, so does the attention that offenses give to stopping him. 'The chips that are coming, the slides that are coming, all of those things are now going to be coming Nik's way.' Advertisement As much as Baldinger hyped up Bonitto, he pointed out the fact that nothing comes for free in the NFL now. 'Teams aren't just going to throw you the top money at the edge rushing position, they're going to make you fight for it. Most teams are like that.' And that's the way the NFL works. Extensions have to be earned at the top level, especially when big money is being thrown around. The Broncos know Bonitto and his talent, but he has to keep working. However, Baldinger notably added this, 'I always feel like players should bet on themselves.' That's key. If Bonitto wants to be paid by the Broncos this season, he has to carry on being the player that got him into this position. He knows his worth, as does everyone who watched him dominate on the field in 2024. Losing Bonitto would be a blow to a Broncos team that is vying for the playoffs once again after finishing with a 10-7 record in 2024, and making the postseason for the first time since 2015. A deal might not be too far away, especially if Bonitto continues to bet on himself. Related: Broncos General Manager Reveals Real Feelings on Sean Payton This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New York Jets' Justin Fields Receives Glowing Review, But One Major Factor Is Left Out
New York Jets' Justin Fields Receives Glowing Review, But One Major Factor Is Left Out originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million prove-it deal this offseason. It was a great deal for New York, as if Fields lives up to the potential that got him drafted with the No. 11 overall selection, it's on a bargain contract, and they have their man for the future. Advertisement If Fields continues the struggles he showcased in Chicago, the contract is not going to tank the team. Fields has looked really impressive in OTAs, even getting a flowing review from NFL Network's Brian Baldinger. Baldinger was a guest at one of the Jets' recent practices of OTAs and noted Fields' great physical tools, notably, his speed. "He looked exceptionally fast," Baldinger said. "He was on the move quite a bit and threw well on the move. You saw him basically piercing the Jets' defense routinely. I thought he threw the ball well on the run. He took all the No. 1 repetitions with the starting offense. They used him in a variety of ways, but running the ball, he stood out." While Baldinger's review spoke highly of Fields, it didn't quite touch upon Fields' throwing ability. He did mention that Fields "threw the ball well on the run," but it didn't hit on the weaknesses Fields has shown in the NFL. Advertisement It's also important to note that OTAs often favor offenses, playing with no pads and no contact. Baldinger's review focused primarily on Fields' legs, which we know is a great strength of his game and the one thing he's done very well at the pro level. Fields' struggles come from him throwing the ball, particularly in the pocket with pressure collapsing. The truth is, if he can't get that part of the game down, he won't stick as a starter. Fields has an advantage with the Jets, as New York is deploying an offensive line that is expected to be among the NFL's best. Fields will have the reigns as the starting quarterback, with Tyrod Taylor acting as the failsafe. It's clear by the team's decision to offer Fields a two-year deal that they're not fully confident he can stick as the long-term starter. Related: Jets Among Biggest Winners of June 1 Cap Update Related: Jets Urged to Sign Pro Bowl Receiver This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 4, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
'Rocket-Arm' Justin Fields Gets Backhanded Jets Compliment
'Rocket-Arm' Justin Fields Gets Backhanded Jets Compliment originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The New York Jets signed quarterback Justin Fields to a two-year, $40 million deal this offseason, in part based on the athleticism that got him drafted with the No. 11 overall selection in 2021. Advertisement And that trait has been on display in offseason workouts. Combine that with the fact that Fields is still just 26 years old, and maybe, just maybe, the Jets have their "franchise QB of the future.'' So what went wrong in Chicago? Some have blamed coaching. But others suggest that Fields simply isn't an accurate enough thrower to be counted on. The upside here, as noted by NFL Network's Brian Baldinger? "He looked exceptionally fast," Baldinger said. "He was on the move quite a bit and threw well on the move. You saw him basically piercing the Jets' defense routinely. I thought he threw the ball well on the run. He took all the No. 1 repetitions with the starting offense. Advertisement "They used him in a variety of ways, but running the ball, he stood out." A running QB is a weapon. But so is a throwing one. And that's where another scouting report from minicamp applies. "QB Justin Fields has a rocket arm,'' one beat guy writes, "and is capable of some impressive, precision passes. He may often follow those by sailing throws high and wide." Fields' struggles have always come from him throwing the ball, particularly in the pocket with pressure collapsing. And the truth is, if he can't get that part of the game down? He won't stick as a starter. The signing will have been a failure. And the coaching staff might be judged the same way. Advertisement Fields' "rocket arm'' can be the foundation of his development to the next level, as for now, it's only a starting point. Related: Steelers Signing 'Filet Mignon' Aaron Rodgers Makes QB Room a 'Meat Market' Related: Jets Among Biggest Winners of June 1 Cap Update This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 13, 2025, where it first appeared.
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
WATCH: Brian Baldinger breaks down play of LB Jamien Sherwood
WATCH: Brian Baldinger breaks down play of LB Jamien Sherwood 2024 served as a coming out party for New York Jets linebacker Jamien Sherwood. In his fourth year in the NFL, Sherwood received a big opportunity as a starting linebacker, and he came through in a big way. After just seven starts through his first three seasons, Sherwood started 16 games last year. He recorded three PBUs, two sacks, 10 TFL, 158 total tackles and a league-leading 98 solo tackles. It could be argued that Sherwood was a Pro Bowl snub due to his outstanding year in the middle of the Jets defense. Because of the way he stepped up, he impressed those in the jets locker room enough to be named the team's MVP in 2024. His breakout year led to his first big contract in the NFL, as he signed a three-year, $45 million contract this offseason to remain a staple in the Jets defense into the Aaron Glenn era. His play has impressed NFL analysts, including Brian Baldinger, who put together a film cutup of Sherwood's standout play from 2024. Check it out below:
Yahoo
08-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Buccaneers Getting Attention As Genuine NFC Contender
Buccaneers Getting Attention As Genuine NFC Contender originally appeared on Athlon Sports. The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have struggled to be taken seriously as NFC contenders for the past two seasons, despite making the playoffs under Baker Mayfield. Advertisement But now, maybe people are standing up and paying attention to what Todd Bowles is building with the offense as the centerpiece. Baker Mayfield leads a well-rounded offense with a host of stud receivers, a good run game led by Bucky Irving and Rachaad White, and a solid offensive line. For NFL Network's Brian Baldinger, who was at a recent Buccaneers OTA practice, when talking about contenders in the NFC, he thinks you have to mention Tampa Bay. "They've won the division under Todd Bowles four years in a row, I believe it's going to be five," Baldinger said. "I believe this is a team that can compete in the NFC. There's Philly, the Rams, Green Bay, Detroit, Minnesota, there's good teams in the NFC, you can't talk about the NFC and who might come out of it this year, including Washington, and not talk about Tampa Bay." Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) greets Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterback Baker Mayfield (6).© Kim Klement Neitzel-Imagn Images There is no denying the Buccaneers have the roster to compete, as they did last year, but the injury bug sank its teeth into the roster, leaving Bowles with a huge mountain to climb. Advertisement And it was one he did, leading the team to the playoffs before being bounced by the Washington Commanders. Now, with Emeka Egbuka as another receiving option, Haason Reddick to bolster the pass rush, and Benjamin Morris and Jacob Parrish to solidify the corner position, the Buccaneers have a roster capable of making noise in 2025. And for Baldinger, that noise will be deafening. Related: Buccaneers QB Baker Mayfield Labeled as NFL's 'Most Underpaid' Related: Buccaneers Tight End Confident In Offensive Level Up With Josh Grizzard This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 8, 2025, where it first appeared.
