This is the digital version of Scoop City. If you want it earlier, start every morning with Scoop City delivered to your inbox. Sign up here.
Yesterday, AppleBee’s became the NFL’s “Official Grill + Bar” (which made me wonder, who puts grill before bar?). That came just days after Brandon Aiyuk put in a shift during the lunch rush.
Today’s NFL update:
- 🔬 NFL holdouts, examined
- 👥👥 Washington’s big day
- 🧠 Seven-round mock
NFL WR Holdouts: Sutton joins Jefferson and Lamb
A few notable players were absent from the start of voluntary offseason programs this week. Courtland Sutton, the Broncos’ 28-year-old WR, was absent from the start of voluntary offseason programs this week. As were WRs Justin Jefferson (24) and CeeDee Lamb (25). All three are holding out for new contracts. LB Micah Parsons was also missing, but it was not contract-related, as he is “focused on a personalized training program.”
Last year, holdouts worked. In 2023, Chiefs DT Chris Jones held out before signing a one-year, revamped deal. 49ers DE Nick Bosa held out before becoming the highest paid defensive player in NFL history.
Cowboys G Zack Martin’s time away led to him placing among the NFL’s highest-paid guards, Raiders RB Josh Jacobs got a raise and Colts RB Jonathan Taylor became the third-highest paid RB.
The NFL has a lengthy history of holdouts. The 1986 NFL Draft saw the Buccaneers use the No. 1 pick on Bo Jackson, who declined their five-year offer and refused to play in the NFL for them. This is because he believed the Buccaneers had tried to sabotage his college baseball career.
By skipping voluntary programs, Sutton, Jefferson and Lamb avoid fines while incentivizing management and coaches to work out a deal. Sutton has just $2M guaranteed left on his contract, which runs until 2026 and ranks 22nd among WRs in average pay. Given the Broncos’ recent cap-saving measures, I doubt Sutton sees a raise.
Jefferson and Lamb are both on their fifth-year options and are scheduled to become unrestricted free agents in 2025. There is zero chance they hit free agency, as their respective organizations will likely agree to record-setting contracts.
Yesterday, it was announced that the Dolphins will exercise WR Jaylen Waddle’s fifth-year option. Dianna will have more on the WR market tomorrow, but first, an update from Washington.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Speed drafting
Yesterday evening, the Washington Commanders hosted LSU QB Jayden Daniels, North Carolina QB Drake Maye, Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy and Washington QB Michael Penix on their visits. Together.
Together, the QBs joined other draft prospects at Topgolf for a “casual dinner/mixer.“ All will be at the Washington facility today.
Through this process, QBs spend the entire day basically installing plays and situations before teams test them. It’s actually a pretty grueling process. At night, prospects typically go to dinner with members of the staff without their competition. This unique approach has executives around the league puzzled.
Back to you, Jacob.
Dane Brugler’s latest mock is live
Early this a.m., Dane Brugler released his seven-round mock draft of all 257 selections. Speaking of seven, here are seven that I found notable:
- The Vikings trade picks Nos. 11 and 23 and a 2025 third-round pick to the Cardinals for No. 4, drafting J.J. McCarthy. Reminder: Sam Darnold sits atop their depth chart.
- Immediately after, Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort trades picks Nos. 11 and 35 to the Chargers for No. 5, drafting Ohio State WR Marvin Harrison Jr.
- The Bills trade up with the Jaguars to draft LSU WR Brian Thomas Jr. at No. 17, giving Josh Allen a new WR1.
- Florida State edge Jared Verse becomes the first defensive player drafted top-60 by the Rams in the Sean McVay era.
- Unfazed by UCLA edge Laiatu Latu‘s injury history (he was forced to medically retire in the spring of 2021 due to a neck injury, but returned after a successful surgery in 2022), the Dolphins add him as an immediate pass-rush contributor.
- According to The Athletic’s Vic Tafur, “the whispers are getting louder” that the Raiders are interested in drafting Michael Penix Jr. In Dane’s mock, they trade picks Nos. 44 and 77 to the Lions to nab Penix at No. 29.
- Amid Rashee Rice’s ongoing legal troubles, the Chiefs select Texas WR Adonai Mitchell at No. 32. In The Beast, Dane projects Mitchell “as a rangy, outside-the-numbers target.”
Read the full mock for a fascinating breakdown of the later rounds.
Corny Team Mottos
When Ted Lasso arrives at AFC Richmond, one of the first things he does is hang a “Believe” poster above the coaches’ office door. Corny? A little. An accurate depiction of American football coaches? Definitely.
Here are some mottoes revealed so far:
Around the NFL
According to an ESPN story, Patriots owner Robert Kraft called Falcons owner Arthur Blank to “warn him not to trust Bill Belichick,” and Kraft was a “big part of why the Falcons passed” on the legendary head coach. Drama.
P Jon Ryan signed a one-day contract with the Seahawks to announce his retirement. Seattle fans will never forget his legendary touchdown pass against the Packers in the third quarter of the 2014 NFC Championship Game.
LB Jaelan Phillips said he will “definitely be back healthy for the [Dolphins’] season.” Just 24 years old, Phillips had 6.5 sacks in eight games in 2023 before suffering an Achilles tear in Week 12. Yesterday, Miami picked up his fifth-year option.
The Falcons have the easiest 2024 strength of schedule, followed by the Chargers and Bears, according to Sharp Football Analysis.
Jacob’s Picks
📕 Top NFL prospects and intangibles: How do they rank? Dan Pompei asked eight NFL scouts to rate the top six QB prospects in four categories (football character, toughness, poise and processing). The continuously rising McCarthy was the only prospect with a perfect score in any category (football character). (The Athletic)
Now, share this newsletter with someone who thinks Courtland Sutton should get paid by Denver. Are you that someone? Isn’t Sutton too old? What about the cap space? Anyways, sign up here.
Sign up for our other newsletters:
The Bounce 🏀 | The Windup ⚾ | Full Time ⚽ | Prime Tire 🏁 | Until Saturday 🏈
(Photo: Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
