The NFL Coaches Breakfast and league meetings took place early this week.
NFL coaches and executives met and answered questions from the media regarding NFL rules, free agency, the draft, and more.
Here are the biggest takeaways:
Contents
Discussion Over Tush Push Ban
The headline discussion at the Coaches Breakfast this week was the legality of the tush push.
The vote on whether or not to ban the Philadelphia Eagles' iconic play call will be postponed to a later date.
16 teams are reportedly in favor of banning the play.
Mark Murphy, president of the Green Bay Packers, is the alleged driver of this motion.
Proponents of the ban say that the play is inherently dangerous, unfair, and visually displeasing.
Rams head coach Sean McVay had the following words on the potential ban:“
What I don’t like is the optics of that play. Looks like a rugby scrum. And there are some health and safety things, which those things exist in short yardage and goal line situations as well. I’m kind of conflicted because you don’t wanna be a hater because they do it better than anybody else, so I don’t agree with that. But I also wish we didn’t let the play in in the first place in regards to just the optics of what it looks like. Doesn’t look like football to me. And Jon, you know, those guys they understood it, but obviously, you know where they stand on that.”
Discussions on this topic will continue with the Spring League Meeting starting on May 20th in Minneapolis.
Quarterbacks to “Split Reps” at Colts OTAs
Colts coach Shane Steichen has indicated that newcomer Daniel Jones will split reps with Anthony Richardson at OTAs for the upcoming season.
Regarding Jones, Steichen stated:
“I think if you look at his skillset, obviously he can run the football with the zone-read game. Obviously, he can throw the football as well. Career completion percentage is 64 percent, which is pretty good. Has had some production, won a playoff game, high football IQ, really high football IQ, which is really good.”
Jones was benched and eventually cut by the Giants last season.
His massive contract played a role in that decision, but Jones’ play was subpar.
Richardson also had a shaky campaign in Indianapolis.
Before suffering an injury, Richardson threw just 8 touchdowns to go along with 12 interceptions.
He posted a 61.6 rating, which was more than 15 points below Jones.
Browns Confident in Super Bowl Winning QB
Another quarterback-needy team, the Cleveland Browns, has expressed optimism in their Super Bowl-winning quarterback.
The team currently only has Deshaun Watson and Kenny Pickett rostered.
Coach Kevin Stefanski had this to say about the quarterback situation:
“Obviously, it's March 31, so there's still a draft to be had. It's not August 1st, so I will say this. Kenny Pickett‘s a guy that I believe in, that we believe in. So we'll see how it all shakes out.”
Pickett was the backup to quarterback Jalen Hurts last season.
He looked like a capable backup in the few games that he played in Philadelphia but is likely not the long-term solution.
Cleveland holds the second overall pick in the NFL draft and could be eyeing either Cam Ward or Shedeur Sanders as their franchise guy.
But for now, Stefanski is at least publicly hinting he is fine with Pickett as the Week 1 starter.
Tyreek Hill Social Media Antics & Trade Rumours
Tyreek Hill was another topic during league meetings after a series of tweets and trade rumors surfaced around his name.
The former Chief and Super Bowl champion said to the media, “I just gotta do what’s best for me and my family,” after Miami’s season.
He continued, “I’m opening the door – I’m out, bro.”
Hill recently responded to a report titled “Fins Nation: Would you be open to trading Tyreek Hill?” with a smiley face emoji.
The next day, Hill claimed that any trade rumors are a “false narrative.”
Mike McDaniel appears optimistic that his WR1 will be staying in Miami.
McDaniel dismissed the social media activity, saying, “Tyreek's known for whatever antics on social media.”
Trey Hendrickson Contract Stalemate
The Bengals appear to be in a contract stalemate with their superstar edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.
Cincinnati managed to ink historic deals with both Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins earlier in the offseason, but Hendrickson has yet to come to terms.
His contract runs through the 2025 season, but tensions between the NFL sack leader and the organization have risen.
EVP Katie Blackburn made comments on Tuesday that displeased the defensive star:
“I think he should be happy at certain rates that maybe he doesn't think he'd be happy at.”
Hendrickson responded, “That was a little disappointing because communication has been poor over the last couple months. That’s something I hold in high regard. They have not communicated with my agent directly. It’s been something that’s been a little bit frustrating.”
It is unclear what the Bengals solution to the Hendrickson contract discussion will be.
They have previously expressed interest in trading the 30-year old star.
Rumors also floated that Hendrickson might hold out for the 2025 season.
The Bengals fielded one of the worst defenses in the league last season, so losing Hendrickson would be catastrophic.
The team must figure out a long-term solution that satisfies their defensive star.