Latest news with #SuperBowl-champion
Hamilton Spectator
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Hamilton Spectator
Browns quarterback Sanders on Toronto Argonauts 45-man negotiation list
TORONTO - He's currently vying for a roster spot with the Cleveland Browns, but if that doesn't pan out, then Canada could be an option for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders is one of 45 players on the Toronto Argonauts' negotiation list. On Wednesday, the CFL unveiled the full negotiation lists of its nine teams for the first time, which will be updated every 24 hours. Previously, teams would reveal 10 of their negotiation list players twice a year. Cleveland selected Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL draft in April. The former Colorado Buffalo — who had been rated as a first-round prospect — is part of a crowded Browns quarterback room that also includes veterans Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookie Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round selection. CFL teams can have up to 45 players on their negotiation lists. Those players can also be playing in another pro league, still attending college or be current free agents. That gives the Canadian clubs exclusive negotiating rights to those players should they decide to play north of the border. Players can be added or removed at a team's discretion on a first-come, first-served basis. Clubs own exclusive rights to those players so long as they're on a negotiation list. Negotiation-list players are often a crapshoot, as most never set foot in Canada. But the lists can bear fruit as Hamilton rookie quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa — the younger brother of Miami Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — signed with the Tiger-Cats last year after being placed on their negotiation list but was released before the start of training camp in May. And in 2018, Hamilton signed Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel after placing him on its negotiation list. Also on Toronto's list is Sydney Brown, of London, Ont., a defensive back currently with the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles. Brown is one of two Canadians on a CFL neg list, the other being receiver Chase Claypool, of Abbotsford, B.C., an NFL free agent currently on Saskatchewan's list. Quarterback Max Duggan, who led TCU to the U.S. college football championship game in 2023, is also on Toronto's list. Also on the Riders' negotiation list is quarterback Trey Lance, who signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in April. Lance was selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, who dealt him to the Dallas Cowboys in August 2023. On May 1, 2024, Dallas declined the fifth-year option on Lance's contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season. Ian Book, the winningest quarterback at Notre Dame, is on Winnipeg's negotiation list. Book was with Philadelphia last season. Also on the Bombers list is former Baylor receiver Denzel Mims, a 2020 second-round pick of the New York Jets. Edmonton's list features former Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham (currently a receiver with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens) and Kansas receiver Luke Grimm (NFL's Los Angeles Chargers). Quarterback Tommy Mellott, of Montana State, is on Calgary's list. Mellott was a 2025 sixth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders and will attempt to make the NFL team's roster as a receiver. And receiver Efton Chism III, who broke Cooper Kupp's all-time receptions record at Eastern Washington, is on the B.C. Lions' list. Chism III signed with the New England Patriots after being bypassed in the NFL draft. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Winnipeg Free Press
02-07-2025
- Sport
- Winnipeg Free Press
Browns quarterback Sanders on Toronto Argonauts 45-man negotiation list
TORONTO – He's currently vying for a roster spot with the Cleveland Browns, but if that doesn't pan out, then Canada could be an option for quarterback Shedeur Sanders. Sanders is one of 45 players on the Toronto Argonauts' negotiation list. On Wednesday, the CFL unveiled the full negotiation lists of its nine teams for the first time, which will be updated every 24 hours. Previously, teams would reveal 10 of their negotiation list players twice a year. Cleveland selected Sanders in the fifth round of the NFL draft in April. The former Colorado Buffalo — who had been rated as a first-round prospect — is part of a crowded Browns quarterback room that also includes veterans Deshaun Watson, Joe Flacco and Kenny Pickett, along with rookie Dillon Gabriel, a 2025 third-round selection. CFL teams can have up to 45 players on their negotiation lists. Those players can also be playing in another pro league, still attending college or be current free agents. That gives the Canadian clubs exclusive negotiating rights to those players should they decide to play north of the border. Players can be added or removed at a team's discretion on a first-come, first-served basis. Clubs own exclusive rights to those players so long as they're on a negotiation list. Negotiation-list players are often a crapshoot, as most never set foot in Canada. But the lists can bear fruit as Hamilton rookie quarterback Taulia Tagovailoa — the younger brother of Miami Dolphins star quarterback Tua Tagovailoa — signed with the Tiger-Cats last year after being placed on their negotiation list but was released before the start of training camp in May. And in 2018, Hamilton signed Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel after placing him on its negotiation list. Also on Toronto's list is Sydney Brown, of London, Ont., a defensive back currently with the Super Bowl-champion Philadelphia Eagles. Brown is one of two Canadians on a CFL neg list, the other being receiver Chase Claypool, of Abbotsford, B.C., an NFL free agent currently on Saskatchewan's list. Quarterback Max Duggan, who led TCU to the U.S. college football championship game in 2023, is also on Toronto's list. Also on the Riders' negotiation list is quarterback Trey Lance, who signed a one-year deal with the Los Angeles Chargers in April. Lance was selected third overall in the 2021 NFL draft by the San Francisco 49ers, who dealt him to the Dallas Cowboys in August 2023. On May 1, 2024, Dallas declined the fifth-year option on Lance's contract, making him a free agent after the 2024 season. Ian Book, the winningest quarterback at Notre Dame, is on Winnipeg's negotiation list. Book was with Philadelphia last season. Winnipeg Jets Game Days On Winnipeg Jets game days, hockey writers Mike McIntyre and Ken Wiebe send news, notes and quotes from the morning skate, as well as injury updates and lineup decisions. Arrives a few hours prior to puck drop. Also on the Bombers list is former Baylor receiver Denzel Mims, a 2020 second-round pick of the New York Jets. Edmonton's list features former Louisville quarterback Malik Cunningham (currently a receiver with the NFL's Baltimore Ravens) and Kansas receiver Luke Grimm (NFL's Los Angeles Chargers). Quarterback Tommy Mellott, of Montana State, is on Calgary's list. Mellott was a 2025 sixth-round pick of the Las Vegas Raiders and will attempt to make the NFL team's roster as a receiver. And receiver Efton Chism III, who broke Cooper Kupp's all-time receptions record at Eastern Washington, is on the B.C. Lions' list. Chism III signed with the New England Patriots after being bypassed in the NFL draft. This report by The Canadian Press was first published July 2, 2025.
Yahoo
13-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
New coaches, new blockers, one scheme. Inside the Seahawks' O-line improvement plan
They are the most criticized Seahawks players. They have been that for most of the last decade. They are learning their third blocking system and third offensive system in three years. Last year, they had two coaches with a combined zero years of NFL coaching experience. This year, they have two new coaches with a combined 47 years of coaching experience. Will those coaches make the 2025 Seattle offensive linemen what they absolutely have to be for this team to win: Better? The blockers who have been here the longest say their new coaches' emphasis is to do fewer things, and do them better. 'I'll put it like this: We're trying to be elite at very few things, but those few things are what the offense is going to be based around. And that's the run game,' fourth-year right tackle Abe Lucas said before the Seahawks minicamp and offseason practice for the veterans ended Wednesday. 'We're going to be elite at the run game,' Lucas said. 'That's the philosophy with it.' Yeah, well, every Seahawks team through 15 years of Pete Carroll, a decade of Mike Holmgren, back to the 1980 Ground Chuck Seahawks of coach Chuck Knox have said they wanted to run the ball. Yet Seattle was 27th in the NFL in rushing offense in 2023. That's the season that got Carroll and offensive coordinator Shane Waldron fired. The Seahawks brought in an all-new coaching staff and system last season — and finished 28th in rushing in 2024. Now they've brought in yet another new coaching staff and offensive scheme. What's different now? A clear directive to do one, clear and proven scheme very well: Outside-zone run blocking Mike Shanahan won Super Bowls with in the 1990s. 'Everybody wants to run the ball. But when you come in and it's kind of a non-negotiable that we're running the ball, that's different,' Lucas said. 'So, it's not some hodgepodge of just a bunch of different stuff we're just throwing in.' That's what former University of Washington assistants Scott Huff and Ryan Grubb tried and failed to do last Seahawks season. It was the second consecutive and third in four years without a playoff berth for Seattle. So second-year head coach Mike Macdonald and 15-year general manager John Schneider changed the scheme. They changed the offensive line's coaches, to 1990s Denver Broncos Super Bowl-champion assistant Rick Dennison and 19-year NFL line coach John Benton. Dennison and Benton have worked before with Klint Kubiak, the Shanahan disciple who is replacing Grubb as Seattle's new offensive coordinator. They are emphasizing fast, lateral movement at the snap, 'running off the ball,' in Kubiak's and Macdonald's words. The linemen are being asked to block an area, a wide zone, for running plays rather than specific defenders lined up over them. In fact, blockers will run by defenders to get to their assigned zone. How all this works is the key to the Seahawks' 2025 season. If the new system succeeds, new quarterback Sam Darnold could flourish with a complementary passing game against defenses that have to play Seattle far more honestly, respecting the running game. If it fails, so will Darnold — and the entire Seahawks season. The Seahawks drafted three new offensive linemen this spring. That included Grey Zabel, their highest-drafted guard since they selected eventual Hall of Famer Steve Hutchinson in the first round in 2001. Hutchinson scouted Zabel for the Seahawks. He recommended they select the North Dakota State standout 18th overall in late April. Macdonald and Schneider also drafted the endangered NFL species called a fullback. He's 275-pound college tight end Robbie Outzts. During the first four plays of offseason practices open to reporters, Kubiak had the first-team offense run I formation. It had a fullback leading the tailback on toss sweeps outside. It looked like USC's 1978 Student Body Right with Heisman Trophy winner Charles White. It looked nothing like the 2024 — or 2023, or 2013 and '03 — Seahawks. 'We put a fullback in the backfield,' Lucas said. 'We're changing it up. We're doing things differently. It's like an old-school mentality with a new-school principle sort of thing. ... 'We're going to be elite at the basics, and make sure that they work so we can do it against anybody.' Lucas is entering his fourth Seahawks and NFL season, a contract year. He was limited through the first months of last season by effects from patella-tendon surgery in his knee in January 2024, then played the rest of last season less than fully healthy. Through organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp, he already feels this line and this offense is different. Asked how good this new O-line can be after years of bad, Lucas said: 'However good we want to be. 'We have the right coaching, the right tools. The identity has definitely changed from last year to this year. It's on us as far as we want to take it.' Then again, Lucas said this about all the criticism Seattle's offensive line has gotten over recent, failed seasons: 'The only criticism I really am concerned about is the stuff that's in this building. 'Everybody has an opinion. I have an opinion on a lot of things. That doesn't mean it matters.' Six weeks before training camp begins July 23, three of the five spots on Seattle's line are already set for the 2025 season. The team picked up the fifth-year contract option of left tackle Charles Cross. That guarantees he'll be there this year, and next. Lucas is the bookend at right tackle. He says he's healthier than he's been since he played at Washington State. That was in 2021. Zabel has been starting at left guard since the first day of offseason practice. That's why they drafted him in the first round. Zabel was the fastest lineman off the ball getting to his assigned zones to block in OTAs and minicamp. He noticeably jumped off the snap laterally to his spot. 'Grey has been incredible so far,' Cross said this week. Center and right guard are up for grabs. Jalen Sundell, Zabel's teammate at North Dakota State and an undrafted rookie backup last year, split starting-center reps almost evenly with Olu Oluwatimi in OTAs and minicamp. Oluwatimi, the fifth-round pick in 2023 out of Michigan who won the Rimington Award as college football's best center that year, was Seattle's starter to end last season. But that was only because Connor Williams abruptly quit and retired at age 27 in late October. Seahawks coaches are raving that this new system fits Sundell so much better than the mix of pulling, trapping, man and zone blocking Huff and Grubb tried and failed with last year. Christian Haynes and Anthony Bradford split the plays evenly at right guard with the starting offense in offseason practices. The Seahawks drafted Haynes last year, in the third round. They drafted Bradford in 2023, in round four. Sataoa Laumea was the Plan-C right guard to finish last season. The team drafted Laumea last year, in the sixth round. No way to tell who gained an edge without full pads and full physicality. That's what training camp is for. Macdonald said this week he'd like to have starters set on the line 'sooner than later,' once pads come on in training camp. That could mean by early to mid August. Bradford began last year as the starter in a season. Macdonald said Bradford knows he must impress in training camp. 'A.B. has done a great job this spring. His body comp has really improved, which speaks to his work ethic,' Macdonald said. 'I think he's made strides. 'Now, let's go. You know, it's time to go prove it consistently. He knows that. 'But he's right in the thick of it with the battle at right guard. ''Taoa' is part of that equation,' Macdonald added. 'The rookies really haven't seen live and in color. So I wouldn't say it's a two-man race right now. It's more wide open.' Benton's commanding the offensive-line room. The 61-year old began coaching when Ronald Reagan was president. That was 1987. He's coached lines for the Rams, Texans, Dolphins, Jaguars, 49ers, Jets and Saints (last year, with Kubiak) in the NFL. Lucas, 26, said he and his fellow Seahawks blockers would 'be dumb not to listen' to Benton and to the 66-year-old Dennison. 'The first thing that sticks out is experience, obviously,' Lucas said. 'He's (Benton) been everywhere and coached a lot of people. Really, that's the main thing. He's just a wealth of knowledge. 'I'm looking forward to learning from him more.' Benton had veteran swing tackle Josh Jones, a backup most of his five-year career signed from Baltimore this offseason, spelling Lucas at times in OTAs and minicamp. That appeared to be a pacing hedge toward rounding Lucas' knee into full health for the fall. Asked to compare his knee Carroll once called a chronic issue now to last season, Lucas said: 'Night and day. 'It helps when you're not in a brace and you can actually walk without crutches. You guys have seen, I post on social media me lifting and it sends everybody into a frenzy, which I think is kind of funny. 'But I'm doing good work, so I'm excited about it.' He looks to have lost weight through all the training this winter into spring. But the 6-foot-6 Lucas says he's actually above his listed playing weight of 322 pounds. 'I'm 325,' he said. 'I saw that, too; everybody thought I was like 280. I'm 325. 'Rest assured, I'm good.'
USA Today
12-06-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Ravens biggest reason for optimism shouldn't come as a surprise
Ravens biggest reason for optimism shouldn't come as a surprise PFF reveals the Ravens biggest reason for optimism, and it shouldn't catch anyone off guard. When you're a team with as much talent and as many expectations as the Baltimore Ravens, losing a Divisional Round Game is a step in the wrong direction. One year prior, they hosted an AFC title game, and picked the wrong time to play their worst football. They, in essence, handed the Lamar Hunt Trophy to the eventual Super Bowl-champion Kansas City Chiefs. Last January was supposed to provide a couple of makeup dates. There isn't an NFL fan walking who doesn't know what happened. Not only was there no AFC Title Game. Baltimore was upended in the preceding round. Still, despite being sent home much too early and suffering through the pain again, Ravens fans are enjoying a familiar feeling: optimism. Pro Football Focus tips its cap to the Ravens' rushing attack Of all the things that Baltimore can hang its hat on, something has to be the feather in that cap. What should everyone point to? Is it the improving defense? Is it the two-time Most Valuable Player? How about 11 Pro Bowlers who are returning? Could it be all of those things? Pro Football Focus threw an alley-oop pass. They recently highlighted one reason why every NFL team should be optimistic. Dalton Wasserman is the writer of this one. He throws a bone to the "return of an incredible rushing attack", and frankly, that shouldn't come as a surprise to anyone. "As long as Lamar Jackson and Derrick Henry are standing in Baltimore's backfield, they'll have a chance to win a lot of games. Jackson led the NFL with a 94.9 PFF overall grade last season while becoming the first quarterback in PFF history to record 90.0-plus PFF passing and rushing grades in the same season. Meanwhile, Henry, playing at the age of 30, led the NFL in PFF rushing grade and missed tackles forced as he continued his career-long assault on opposing defenses." Derrick Henry recently inked a two-year, $30 million contract extension. This comes after signing a two-year, $16 million deal worth up to $20 million in March of 2024. He rushed for 1,921 yards and 16 touchdowns in 17 regular-season games last season and added another 270 yards and three touchdowns in two postseason games. Lamar 'Action' Jackson is seen by many as the game's best dual-threat quarterback. He threw for 4,172 yards and 41 TDs and added another 915 yards with his legs. As scary as they are together, there are other weapons to think about. CBS Sports mentioned Keaton Mitchell on a list of breakout stars. Justice Hill made the most of his opportunities. There's an old saying in football. Good running games travel well. The one belonging to Baltimore should help the cause when the temperature drops and bad weather comes. Hope springs eternal that the Ravens will seal the deal this coming season. If they do, a strong rushing attack will have had a lot to do with them raising another Lombardi Trophy.
San Francisco Chronicle
05-06-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Some of the most notable accomplishments and moments of Aaron Rodgers' career so far
Aaron Rodgers isn't done playing just yet. The 41-year-old four-time NFL MVP is planning to join the Pittsburgh Steelers for his 21st season. He spent his last two seasons with the New York Jets following an 18-year run with the Green Bay Packers to start his career. Here are some of the most notable: Long wait After developing into an NFL prospect during one year at Butte College and two at Cal, Rodgers was a possibility to go No. 1 overall in the 2005 draft. But he had a longer-than-expected wait before Green Bay selected him 24th overall. Patience pays off After sitting behind Brett Favre for three seasons, Rodgers got his opportunity to be the Packers' starter in 2008 after Favre – who retired briefly and then returned -- was traded to the Jets. Rodgers quickly established himself as one of the NFL's top passers, throwing for 4,038 yards. It was the first of 10 seasons during which he'd pass for at least 4,000 yards. Super season Rodgers led the Packers to the Super Bowl to cap the 2010 season and was selected the game's MVP after throwing for 304 yards and three touchdowns in Green Bay's 31–25 win over Pittsburgh. First MVP Rodgers won the first of his four AP NFL MVP awards in 2011 after passing for a career-high and franchise-best 4,643 yards with 45 TDs and just six interceptions while setting an NFL record with a 122.5 passer rating. Second MVP In 2014, Rodgers and the Packers bounced back from a sluggish 1-2 start to reach the NFC championship game, where Green Bay lost to Seattle. He capped the season by winning his second MVP award. 'Miracle in Motown' Arguably Rodgers' most memorable pass came in Detroit in Week 13 of the 2015 season against the Lions, who led the Packers 23-20 and appeared to win until a defensive facemask penalty was called with no time left on the clock. It gave Green Bay one more chance and Rodgers chucked a 61-yard toss that was caught by Richard Rodgers in the end zone for an unlikely victory. It was the first of Rodgers' four career completed Hail Mary throws, the most in NFL history. Third MVP Rodgers threw a career-high and Packers-record 48 TD passes and set a personal best with a 70.7 completion percentage on his way to his third AP NFL MVP award. The Packers made it to the NFC title game again, but lost to Tom Brady and eventual Super Bowl-champion Tampa Bay. Rodgers fell to 1-4 in conference championship games and became the first QB to lose four straight appearances. Vaccination controversy Rodgers missed a game in 2021 after testing positive for COVID-19 and later acknowledged he hadn't gotten the vaccine. He said he was 'immunized' when asked about his vaccination status before the season. Although he took responsibility for being misleading about his status initially, Rodgers also criticized the way NFL protocols impacted unvaccinated players and frequently spoke out regarding his skepticism over the vaccine. Fourth MVP Rodgers capped a controversy-tinged 2021 season by winning his fourth AP NFL MVP award, becoming the fifth player to win consecutive MVPs and first since Peyton Manning (2008 and 2009). He and Manning are also the only players to win at least four MVP awards. Swan song in Green Bay Rodgers signed a three-year contract before the 2022 season with the Packers worth $150.8 million, with $101.5 million guaranteed, making him the highest-paid player in North American sports history on an annual basis at that time. He broke his right thumb early in the season, but continued playing and the Packers finished 8-9 and missed the playoffs. Big deal, big disappointment Rodgers was traded to New York on April 26, 2023, immediately raising expectations for the Jets, whose only Super Bowl appearance was in the 1968 season. But just four snaps into his debut in the season opener against Buffalo, Rodgers tore his left Achilles tendon. Broadway bust Rodgers started off slowly in his return from his torn Achilles tendon and then dealt with other knee, ankle and hamstring injuries as the Jets got off to a 2-3 start and fired coach Robert Saleh. Rodgers played better down the stretch, but New York finished 5-12 and missed the playoffs for the 14th straight year. After becoming the fifth player in NFL history to throw 500 regular-season TD passes in the season finale, Rodgers said he needed to take some time off to ponder his playing future. Jetting away On Feb. 13, 2025, the Jets said they had informed Rodgers that new coach Aaron Glenn and new general manager Darren Mougey would be moving in another direction at quarterback. He was released a month later, officially ending Rodgers' tenure with the franchise. Showing up in Steel City Rodgers ended several months of speculation when he informed the Steelers on June 5, 2025, that he plans to sign with Pittsburgh, a person with knowledge of the decision told The Associated Press. The person spoke to the AP on condition of anonymity because Rodgers had not yet signed a contract. And his first game of the season? At the Jets in Week 1 against former Steelers quarterback Justin Fields. ___
