Murphy's Multiverse

Tag: NFL

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 3, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 3, 2022

    Welcome to your Friday edition of The Morning After Huddle, your favorite source for NFL news. The captain of the ”all ski mask” team (seriously, the guy has made a whopping $82 million in career earnings) is finally retiring.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Fitzmagic is no more! Journeyman Ryan Fitzpatrick announced his retirement. After 17 years and 9 teams, he is hanging up his cleats and (possibly) stepping into a role with Prime Video for a key part in Amazon’s NFL coverage.
    • Frank Gore and Alex Mack are also retiring. Gore will sign a 1-day contract to retire a 49er. Regarding Alex Mack, hanging it up is inevitable after Mack restructured his contract in a way that is consistent with players prior to retirement.
    • On today’s episode of As Deshaun Watson Turns, it was discovered in the 23rd lawsuit that Watson offered the other 22 Plaintiffs $100,000 to settle their cases. Reports notate that not all would accept that amount due to the aggressive nature of a proposed NDA. Remember, the Dolphins wanted all cases resolved before potentially trading for Watson.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup: The Buffalo Bills are signing Tavon Austin. Austin has played with four teams in his career, most recently with the Jaguars. The Vikings are signing DE Jonathan Bullard, adding quality veteran depth.

    That was quite a lot to unpack. Take a breath and come back Saturday for more news you want to know!

    ICYMI: Thursday – June 2, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: June 2, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: June 2, 2022

    Welcome to your Thursday edition of The Morning After Huddle, your favorite NFL news source. It is with a heavy heart that we report Marion Barber III has tragically passed away.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Affectionately known by many as “Marion The Barbarian” because of his hard running style, Former Cowboys running back Marion Barber III passed away Wednesday. Police officers were sent out to his residence to do a welfare check and discovered Barber. At this time, details of his death remain unknown. He was 38.
    • The late John Madden is gracing the cover of Madden NFL 23. In addition to the cover reveal, EA announced an update on the $5 million John Madden Legacy Commitment to Education and the dedication of a field.
    • The Houston Texans and Dallas Cowboys are banding together to show support for the Uvalde community after last week’s school shooting. Texans players and owner Cal McNair have come together to raise $400,000 for the Robb School Memorial Fund. The Dallas Cowboys also donated $400,000, bolstered by a donation from the NFL Foundation.
    • Bills Special Teams player Andre Smith will receive a 6-game suspension for violating the league’s policy on PEDs. Smith now has an uphill battle to make the roster, as the Bills may find someone else who can do his job while he’s out.
    • Your Key Signings Roundup looks different today: Steelers DL Stephon Tuitt is signing paperwork to retire. The 29-year-old will hang up his cleats for good after the loss of his brother last June.

    That’s it for today’s huddle. We’ll be back Friday with more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Wednesday – June 1, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 28, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 28, 2022

    Welcome to the weekend edition of your favorite news source for all things NFL, The Morning After Huddle. The Browns must have an infinite bank account because they keep finding money to pay players.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Back up the Brinks truck! David Njoku became the fifth highest-paid TE on Friday, signing a 4-year $56.75 million deal. The deal is a contract extension that guarantees Njoku $28 million at signing.
    • Shifting gears, Falcons Owner Arthur Blank’s Family Foundation has granted $100,000 each to Sandy Hook Promise and The Health Alliance for Violence Intervention (HAVI). “Once again we find ourselves in the unbearable sadness of mass casualty events…”, Falcons owner Arthur Blank explained in a statement.
    • Apparently, Fantasy football gets intense in MLB circles. Giants outfielder Joc Pederson and Reds outfielder Tommy Pham were involved in a pre-game altercation. Pham took exception to Pederson placing a player on IR and grabbing a replacement player, physically slapping him over the move from over a year ago.
    • Finally, your Key Signings Roundup: Steelers pro scouting coordinator Brandon Hunt is leaving Pittsburgh for an executive role with the Eagles. Hunt’s “high-ranking” role on Howie Roseman’s staff is unclear.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us this morning! Enjoy your coffee and catch up with us on Monday for more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Friday – May 27, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 26, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 26, 2022

    Welcome to the Thursday edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle. The Steelers have found a new head honcho after an extensive search. Let’s get into it.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • Pittsburgh Steelers vice president of football and business administration Omar Khan has officially been named the team’s new GM. The team is also hiring Philadelphia Eagles VP of player personnel Andy Weidl as assistant GM.
    • Jon Gruden popped up in news cycles after the NFL lost efforts to have Gruden’s lawsuit against the league dismissed. Gruden is accusing the NFL of destroying his career and scuttling endorsement contracts by (*checks notes*) releasing “racist, misogynistic and homophobic” emails that no one disputes Gruden sent.
    • The NFL and NFL Players Association recently agreed upon new rules for the 2022 season, notably pertaining to injured reserve and players having to miss a minimum of four games before they can return. (Read more here)
    • Key Signings Roundup: Colin Kaepernick worked out for the Raiders Wednesday. If signed, Kaepernick would compete for a backup QB spot with 3 other QB’s on the roster. Seahawks scouting executive Alonzo Highsmith has accepted a position at his alma mater, the University of Miami, as the GM of Football Operations.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us! Catch us Friday for more news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Wednesday – May 25, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 25, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 25, 2022

    Just like an ex-lover who pops up when you’re finally happy and have forgotten about them: baby, I’m back! Thank you to my partner-in-print, Dalbin, for holding down The Huddle yesterday despite some major Colts shade (*stares intensely*). Welcome to another edition of your favorite source for NFL news, The Morning After Huddle.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The NFL Scouting Combine is staying in Naptown for 2023 and 2024. As if there was any other decision, Indianapolis will continue to host the event. Commissioner Goodell said Tuesday that the decision to keep the combine in Indy was a nod to how well the city has handled hosting.
    • What’s done in the dark in St. Louis will come to light in Los Angeles. The L.A. Times reports that the league has quietly tapped all 32 teams to help pay a $790 million lawsuit, that was settled last year, regarding the city of St Louis crying foul over the Rams move. The NFL has already taken $7.5 million from each team.
    • Your Key Signings Roundup is back: Kyle Fuller has landed in his home town of Baltimore on a 1-year $9.5 million deal. To the shock of no one, the 49ers have confirmed Jimmy Garoppolo will likely be traded, but his shoulder surgery complicates things. There’s also this tiny thing, called a $25 million+ cap hit, that presents a snag.

    That’s it for today’s Huddle. Come back tomorrow to break down the top news you should know!

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 24, 2022 Edition

  • Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022

    Morning After Huddle: May 24th, 2022

    The morning after, well, anything is usually one filled with equal parts regret and hope, and this one is no different, friends. We got a fresh look at Thor: Love & Thunder (hope), which gave us our first look at some pretty powerful cosmic beings (including one that will, most likely play a pivotal role in Ms. Marvel’s powers), and we got to see the Celtics turn their Eastern Conference Finals series into a best of three while my Mavericks inch closer to a sweep (regret). Either way, I am back to pinch hit for one half of the world’s greatest tag team, and to deliver a wrap up from the league that never sleeps. Like Aaron Rodgers’s words about being immunized, let’s take it back to the day that was.

    • According to Mike Garafolo, former New York Giants David Diehl is now joining the Memphis Tigers as a coach after retiring from the NFL. Diehl was a key cog in the last Super Bowl title for the G-Men, and was regarded as one of the smarter offensive linemen in their locker room. The Giants could use some of that intelligence this year, as they work to implement Brian Daboll’s offensive system, and acclimate Daniel Jones to being an actual QB in this league.
    • Speaking of locker rooms, HBO will take us inside the Arizona Cardinals’ locker rooms for Hard Knocks: In Season. Maybe we will see what DeAndre Hopkins didn’t put in his body, or maybe we will witness Kyler Murray not being a leader. For me, I hope we visit the sweet pad Kliff Kingsbury didn’t draft an offensive lineman from. The Cardinals are one of the better teams in the league, but have faltered in second halves, so it’ll be exciting to see in 4K if this season is any different.
    • While the Cardinals try to figure out how to get over the hump, the 49ers are trying to get their super-talented young QB ready for primetime. However, as OTAs kick off, they are forced to do it without all-world WR Deebo Samuel. According to Ian Rapaport, Deebo will miss OTAs as he and the Niners figure out what the hell to do with him now that the draft has passed. Do you pay him like a star WR? Do you trade him to Baltimore? Do you jettison him to Siberia to chill with a variant of Bucky Barnes? All questions that need answers, but the longer you let this play out, the longer Trey Lance has to play with back-ups.
    • Lastly, speaking of back-ups, Meg’s team has solidified the oldest QB room since Jesus led the Disciples to the first ever championship in Earth’s history. The Colts have signed Nick Foles to be Matt Ryan’s back-up, a solid move that allows for Frank Reich to actually have someone to turn to if the veteran falters. More importantly, it gives Reich someone he’s comfortable and familiar with, and who he’s coached before, which should only pay dividends fo… Wait, this isn’t from last year!?

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 20, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 20, 2022

    Welcome to your Friday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on all things football. In the words of Arnold Schwarzenegger, “Go, Chargers! Go!”. The Bolts will officially have a new home in 2024.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Los Angeles Chargers broke ground on a 14 acre site Wednesday, with completion due in July 2024. Owner Dean Spanos says the move has been 5 years in the making and they look forward to being “home.” The headquarters will be less than 3 miles from Los Angeles International Airport.
    • The NFL has announced its inaugural Coach and Front Office Accelerator will be held on May 23-24 at the Spring League Meeting . Senior women and minority prospects will have the opportunity to sit in on leadership development sessions. Commissioner Roger Goodell says, “…this program is the latest in a series of steps designed to improve our hiring practices and create opportunities for advancement.”
    • Finally, your Key Signings RoundUp looks a little bit different today: Greg Olsen has signed a deal to join Kevin Burkhardt to call Super Bowl LVII. Olsen and Burkhardt worked together last season and are set to be Fox’s No. 1 team. Ravens Punter Sam Koch has signed on to hang his cleats up for good. The Ravens announced Koch’s retirement today after 16 seasons.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today. Catch us this weekend, with your morning coffee, for more news you need to know!

    ICYMI: Thursday – May 19, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 19, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 19, 2022

    Welcome to your Thursday edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s” and everything in between. The Buffalo Bills have decided to “choose love” (as their new cause shirts say) and have made good on their promise to help the Buffalo community.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Buffalo Bills will partner with the NFL Foundation to donate $400,000 to local response efforts within the city of Buffalo. Clotilde Perez-Bode Dedecker, president and CEO of the Community Foundation for Greater Buffalo, called the donation a way to “work together as a community to address immediate needs, long-term rebuilding and systemic issues that continue to marginalize communities of color.”
    • The Minnesota Vikings are hosting a coaching summit this week to give minority coaches, who otherwise might not have the opportunity, exposure to the NFL. The 3 day event includes presentations, group activities, and mock interviews. Assistant Head Coach Mike Pettine says he was inspired by the NFL’s lack of diversity in coordinator and head coaching positions.
    • James Bradberry tops your Key Signings Roundup today. The former Giants CB signed a 1-year, $10M deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. The Eagles have been looking to fill a spot at CB since Steven Nelson signed with the Texans last month.

    Thanks for breaking down the huddle with us today. Catch us Friday for more news you need to know!

    ICYMI: Wednesday – May 18, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 18, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 18, 2022

    Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s” and everything in between. The Cleveland Browns offseason has been filled more twists and turns than your favorite show’s season finale and it’s about to get more intense.

    Here is what you need to know:

    • Ed Werder reports the first direct meetings between the NFL’s investigative team and Browns QB DeShaun Watson began yesterday. The league will determine if he violated its Personal Conduct Policy and whether discipline could be handed down. The Browns, aware of this situation, configured Watson’s contract to be backloaded, with Watson only making just north of a $1M salary for 2022. (More details here)
    • According to Beyoncé, girls run the world and in the world of sports betting, women are definitely making some noise. According to Global Wireless Solutions, more than 4.6 million women joined sports betting apps in 2021. Diving deeper, a staggering 1.7M women joined FanDuel and an additional 900,00 women joined DraftKings.
    • Rounding out today’s news is your Key Signings Roundup: Former Bears RB Tarik Cohen has been attempting to make a comeback since 2020. Unfortunately, during his workouts yesterday, he suffered what appears to be a serious injury. (we will not share the video) Hours later, the injury was confirmed to be a torn achilles. We wish Tarik a speedy recovery!

    Thanks for jumping into the huddle with us today! Catch us tomorrow as we break down more news.

    ICYMI: Tuesday – May 17, 2022 Edition

  • The Morning After Huddle: May 17, 2022

    The Morning After Huddle: May 17, 2022

    Hello, teammates! Welcome to another edition of The Morning After Huddle where we report on the “X’s”, the “O’s”, and everything in between. In the words of DJ Khaled, “major bag alert”! Jaire Alexander is living the dream this Tuesday, signing a major deal to stick around.

    Here’s what you need to know:

    • The Green Bay Packers made Jaire Alexander the league’s highest paid CB (in terms of annual average salary) on Monday, inking him to a four-year, $84M deal. The deal guarantees him $31M in year one and includes a roster bonus of $11.5M next March.
    • The city of Buffalo is in mourning after an unspeakable tragedy unfolded over the weekend with several people passing away and many others hurt after a mass shooting that targeted residents of the area. Micah Hyde and other members of the Buffalo Bills organization have committed to helping the community heal, with Hyde donating a portion of the proceeds from a recent charity softball game to the families of the victims. Money from a silent auction at the game will also be donated.
    • Your Key Signings RoundUp is brought to you by Melvin Ingram. Ingram will call South Beach home for the next year, having agreed to a one-year, $5M deal with the Miami Dolphins. Gregg Rosenthal’s Top 101 NFL free agents list had Ingram listed at No. 25 overall.

    That’s it for today’s huddle. Catch us tomorrow as we bring you more top news you want to know.

    ICYMI: Monday – May 16, 2022 Edition