Category: NFL News

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One of the best-available free agents is coming off the market. Connor Williams, a veteran center who had previously played with the Cowboys and Dolphins, has agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the Seahawks, according to ESPN. The deal includes $3 million guaranteed. 

Williams, who spent the last two years in Miami, has been rehabbing from a torn ACL suffered late last season. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, recently said that the center had made a “miraculous” recovery following surgery, and would be ready in time for training camps to begin. 

The tear in Williams’ knee involved more than just the ACL and it was initially thought that he would miss all of camp and potentially some of the season, but instead, it appears that Rosenhaus’ prognosis may have been on the mark.

A second-round pick of the Dallas Cowboys back in 2018, Williams played tackle in college, kicked inside to guard in…

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Why Gross-Matos is key to unlocking 49ers defense’s full potential originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

SANTA CLARA — The 49ers’ defense took a step back during the 2023 NFL season, with defensive end Charles Omenihu’s under-the-radar departure playing a significant role in San Francisco’s regression.

Entering 2024, the 49ers’ offseason addition of Yetur Gross-Matos could be the missing ingredient to fill the tremendous void left behind by Omenihu’s unique skill set.

Before quantifying the potential Gross-Matos brings to San Francisco’s defense, it’s essential to understand the impact Omenihu had during his two seasons as a 49er. Primarily a defensive end, Omenihu’s physical profile opened the door for a bit of creativity with his usage, as San Francisco struck gold upon kicking him inside during obvious passing situations.

Omenihu stands just over 6-foot-5 with an arm length of 36 inches (both ranking in the 98th-percentile among defensive ends), allowing him to overpower interior offensive linemen while presenting a matchup nightmare with a physical profile guards and centers aren’t accustomed to facing.

Gross-Matos also stands at 6-foot-5, with a 34 7/8 arm length that ranks in the 92nd-percentile among defensive ends, offering similar measurables as Omenihu, creating a tantalizing opportunity to use the 49ers’ new addition in a similar fashion.

You can be assurred defensive line coach Kris Kocurek already has thought about it, as he explained the upside of Gross-Matos’ versatility, highlighting the same physical attributes that allowed Omenihu to shine in his unique role during his tenure in San Francisco.

“Yeah, I really like Yetur. He’s a big-frame dude, thick lower body, long and still has that explosive traits throughout his lower-body,” Kocurek said. “Very instinctive player that always seems to be around the ball. And then the versatility that you talked about, being able to play him outside on all three downs.

“Versatility on third down in obvious…

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Welcome to the Monday edition of the Pick Six newsletter! 

I have some great news to pass along today and that’s the fact the NFL season starts in exactly one month, so please go mark your calendar now, and if you don’t have a calendar, then please order one online. The NFL season will be kicking off on Sept. 5 with the Chiefs hosting the Ravens.

It doesn’t seem possible that the regular season is just one month away, but it is … Before we get to the regular season, though, we have to make it through the preseason, which will be kicking off on Thursday with our first full week of preseason action.  

Anyway, for today’s newsletter, we’ll be recapping Saturday’s Hall of Fame ceremony, plus, we’ll be taking a look at the surprise player who landed at No. 1 on the NFL’s “Top 100” list. 

As always, here’s your daily reminder to tell all your friends to sign up for the newsletter or you can tell people you run into at the grocery story. That also works. To get them signed up, all you have to do is click here. 

1. NFL’s Top 100 has a surprise at the top

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Every summer, the NFL unveils its ranking of the top 100 players in the league and this year’s ranking came with quite the surprise: Patrick Mahomes was NOT ranked first on the list. The NFL’s ranking is different from most rankings because the entire thing is voted on by players, which is bad news for every player, because Mahomes is probably now going to be taking names and destroying everyone on his way to a third straight Super Bowl win. 

So who got the top spot if it wasn’t Mahomes? In a total surprise, that honor went to Tyreek Hill. 

Here’s what the top five looked like: 

1. Dolphins WR Tyreek Hill
2. Ravens QB Lamar Jackson
3. 49ers RB Christian McCaffrey
4. Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes
5. Browns…

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49ers rookie Pearsall embraces building connection with Purdy originally appeared on NBC Sports Bay Area

Chemistry between quarterback and wide receiver is essential for the success of an NFL offense, a foundational principle that isn’t lost on 49ers 2024 first-round draft pick Ricky Pearsall.

Following Friday’s training camp practice, the rookie wideout detailed how he’s attempting to build a connection on and off the field with third-year quarterback Brock Purdy.

“It’s been a pleasure. Obviously he’s one of the top QBs in the league right now,” Pearsall said. “Going into a system with a quarterback like that, it’s a great blessing for myself. It’s made everything easier, just chopping it up with him each and every day. His locker is actually right next to mine, so I get to talk to him each and every day.

“You know, going up to him and just having a normal conversation like, ‘What can I get better at?’ Just asking questions about the playbook and getting feedback from the quarterback. Because once you see it through the quarterback’s lens, it just becomes that much easier for a receiver. So just continue to develop that trust and connection with him.”

“He’s one of the top quarterbacks in the league.”

Ricky Pearsall is embracing his connection with Brock Purdy on and off the field 🙌 pic.twitter.com/WbIegZ11Mt

— 49ers on NBCS (@NBCS49ers) August 2, 2024

Pearsall missed the first block of training camp — four practices in total — while recovering from a hamstring injury, leaving the rookie with a difficult task of not falling behind as the rest of the 49ers’ offense gets into rhythm.

Coach Kyle Shanahan praised Pearsall’s work ethic while rehabbing the injury, revealing he’s pleased with the progess made by the No. 31 overall pick so far.

“I do. … It’s tough when you have a hammy, and you have to be very smart getting him back,” Shanahan told reporters after Friday’s practice. “We’ve eased him in — he’s gone through that real well. He’s been real diligent with…

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USATSI

The long-awaited moment finally came Saturday, as Chicago Bears legend Steve McMichael was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame. “Mongo,” who was diagnosed with ALS in 2021, was unable to attend the festivities in Canton, but watched the special moment bedside in his gold jacket, with several of his his Hall of Fame teammates. 

McMichael received a standing ovation from those in Canton as his Hall of Fame bust was revealed in his room. Check out the emotional moment, here: 

McMichael played 15 NFL seasons, and won Super Bowl XX with the Bears. He was a two-time Pro Bowler, and a two-time First Team All-Pro as well. While McMichael played in the middle of that vaunted Bears defense, he recorded 92.5 sacks, which still rank second in Bears franchise history.

In a pre-recorded video, McMichael’s sister, Kathy, read a speech the former defensive tackle and professional wrestler penned before losing his ability to speak.

“Hey Chicago Bears fans and Mongo fans. Woohoo! I’m in the Hall of Fame baby!” the speech began.

It was one of the shorter acceptance speeches you’ll see from one enshrined into “football heaven,” but without a doubt it was one of the most special you’ll see. A dream realized for a Bears legend, and an NFL legend. 

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The Dolphins have signed free agent offensive lineman Sean Harlow, the team announced Saturday.

Miami waived offensive lineman Ireland Brown in a corresponding move.

Harlow has appeared in 41 career games with eight starts, five at left guard and three at center. He spent time with the Giants and Cowboys last season after playing two seasons with the Cardinals (2021-22) and four with the Falcons (2017-20).

He was on Indianapolis’ practice squad in 2018.

Harlow entered the NFL as a fourth-round pick of the Falcons in 2017 after playing collegiately at Oregon State.

Brown signed with the Dolphins as an undrafted free agent on May 4. He played four seasons with Rutgers, where he appeared in 33 games, after transferring from Boston College.

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Already an iconic team, the 1985 Chicago Bears will add to their legendary status during Hall of Fame weekend. 

With former defensive tackle Steve McMichael’s induction, the ’85 Bears will join the 1971 Cowboys as the only Super Bowl-winning teams to field three Hall of Famers from the same starting unit. McMichael will become the third member of the ’85 Bears’ defensive line to receive a gold jacket and a bronze bust, joining former teammates Dan Hampton (inducted in 2002) and Richard Dent (2011). 

In no specific order, here’s the rundown of Super Bowl championship units that have multiple Hall of Fame selections. 

Steve McMichael, Dan Hampton & Richard DentBearsDL XXHerb Adderley, Mel Renfro & Cliff Harris CowboysDBVI

Lynn Swann & John Stallworth

Steelers

WR

IX, X, XIII, XIV

Jack Lambert & Jack Ham Steelers LB IX, X, XIII, XIV Mel Blount & Donnie Shell Steelers DB IX, X, XIII, XIV Mel Renfro & Cliff Harris 
Cowboys DB VI, XII 

Art Shell & Gene Upshaw

Raiders

OL

XI

Fred Biletnikoff & Cliff Branch

Raiders

WR

XI

Larry Little & Jim Langer Dolphins OL VII, VIII

Bob Hayes & Lance Alworth

Cowboys

CB

VI

Harry Carson & Lawrence Taylor 
Giants LB XXI Curley Culp & Buck Buchanan Chiefs DL IV Bobby Bell & Willie Lanier Chiefs LB IV Emmitt Thomas & Johnny Robinson Chiefs DB IV 

Jerry Kramer & Forrest Gregg 

Packers

OL

I, II 

Dave Robinson & Ray Nitschke Packers LB I, II 

Herb Adderley & Willie Wood 

Packers 

DB 

I, II 

Jim Taylor & Paul Hornung** Packers RB I 

Ronde Barber & John Lynch 

Buccaneers 

DB 

XXXVII

** — Hornung started six games for the 1966 Packers 

With McMichael’s induction, the ’85 Bears’ defense now has four Hall of Famers, with linebacker Mike Singletary being the first to earn induction…

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Franchise quarterback Justin Herbert is now in a walking boot because of a plantar fascia injury in his right foot, but the Chargers remain hopeful that operations will remain business as usual until Herbert’s expected return.

Hopeful.

Unfortunately for the Chargers, this type of foot injury — in this case on the quarterback’s plant foot when throwing — can be unpredictable. The Chargers open the regular season at home against the Las Vegas Raiders on Sept. 8.

The team is adhering to recommendations by the doctors, who have provided a two-week reexamination timetable to assess the next steps for Herbert’s return. During practice Thursday, Herbert was seen in the weight room with a boot on his right foot.

In the meantime, Easton Stick is the next man up. Drafted in the fifth round in 2019, he had been the No. 3 quarterback before being elevated to No. 2 last season behind Herbert.

Read more: Bad news for Chargers: Justin Herbert’s foot injury requires a boot for weeks

He started the final four games, all losses, after Herbert underwent season-ending surgery on his middle finger. In five games, he completed 63.8% of his passes, with three touchdowns and one interception.

When Stick took first-team snaps Thursday, Harbaugh liked what he saw. He noted that the quarterback’s performance was consistent with what he had seen throughout camp.

“He attacks everything he does,” Harbaugh said. “The way he goes about his business is always top-notch.”

Now the training staff’s business is to get Herbert back on the field. The injury was diagnosed Wednesday night, Harbaugh said, but he did not know when the injury might have occurred.

Harbaugh repeated what he had said the other day about not wanting to make any medical assessments, leaving those to the medical staff. “I am not qualified to diagnose,” he said.

Read more: Is recent signee Kristian Fulton working his way into the Chargers lineup?

Harbaugh said Herbert’s absence would not affect the offense’s preparation heading into…

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