RC's Daily Notes 2026: For the Week of 3/2-3/8 (SUN. The Raiders Fall, Maxx Trade. Brady Hustle and more)

: R.C. Fischer; FreeView; 08 March 2026

RC's daily streaming notes on football, and other, things going on this week...

3/8 SUN

(7:03amET)

Today

-- New Scouting Report

-- Trying to debut Dynasty rankings 1.0 tonight, but it may not be ready until Monday.

--Starting a new series, a Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary. That series kicks off today...picking from the #1 slot.

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Wrapping up and auditing Dynasty rankings 1.0. Adding the top rookies with the latest info. Probably March 8-9 range debut (projected). IDP work begins after that.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

-- New coaching staff hire’s analysis series...going through the entire staff...I am working on the framework of how I want to present that. This will be a first ever series (for me) where I go beyond ‘just the new head coaches’. ETA in later March/early April.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- TRADE: Ravens acquired EDGE Maxx Crosby from the Raiders in exchange for 2026 and 2027 first-round picks.

Football-wise: I would never pay two 1st-round picks for an EDGE rusher...never. But this is what you get when defensive-minded coaches take over the helm of the ship. The NFL cannot get enough of EDGE rushers. Let them eat cake.

But this obviously makes Baltimore better today...and sinks the Raiders down lower in ‘right now’ terms. For the future...the Ravens are in a tailspin, and this just speeds that up as they are playing for a ‘now’ that doesn’t exist. Time has passed them by, but the owner doesn’t think so...so really bad decisions are being made. Lamar Jackson has done more damage to the Ravens organization than the Steelers or Bengals could do...and now is the time, it has been for years, for them to reap what they sowed.

Personally: I do like Crosby. If forced to pay up for an EDGE, I’d rather pay for Maxx over Parsons, or Myles Garrett, or any of them.

So, the Raiders ‘win’ the deal...but do they? So, they get two midrange 1st-round picks...this organization is so messed up that those picks are almost surely to be butchered. There’s a deeper issue at play here, that really is a smack in the face of the Raiders...

The reason Maxx Crosby is leaving is...he wanted a divorce. He’s seen the new regime and sees the way this ownership keeps butchering things year after year, coaching regime-after-coaching regime and he had enough and got himself traded. He’s leaving as a vote of ‘no confidence’ in this organization.

Word is starting to spread at how messed up the Raiders are being run.

Random notes on the issue that I’ve spoken to my sources about (you can trust or not trust, I’m just the messenger)...

-- There are claims Tom Brady is basically running the show as a side hobby, and usually from his homebase in Florida or on his various ‘trips’/vacations, as life has afforded him. He’s earned his life, but he hasn’t earned ‘running the Raiders in his spare time’.

I’ve been talking about this Tom Brady ‘the manager’ issue in drips and drabs for a couple months now, and it’s starting to come to a boil, nationally, but it hasn’t fully hit/boiled over just yet.

-- There are claims Brady takes too long to get back to his hand-picked GM to make decisions and holds up the organization and the miss out on some things...because Brady is busy with other things/ventures and because he is out-of-touch on NFL personnel and coaches, etc., so he tries to do some research on the fly on things to try to make big, final decisions. He’s not grinding, he’s managing things by the seat of his pants...on things he’s not equipped to do so.

Why he is wasting his time thinking he can run the Raiders as a side hustle is beyond me. Arrogance? Boredom?

-- It was shocking at the time, but now makes sense that Ben Johnson turned down the Raiders and then Jesse Minter turned down coaching the Raiders (by accepting jobs elsewhere instead...when they had offers with LV/Brady). Tom Brady is not closing deals on coaches or free agents. He’s rarely in Las Vegas, physically, to help with anything anyway.

-- The Pete Carroll regime decisions, and the Chip Kelly contract were ludicrous...and you can thank Tom for that...but they’re only part of the problem. The other big problem is that national NFL analysts and websites and reporters are hesitant/won’t point that out because they don’t want to cross an icon. He’s too powerful. He’s Tom ‘freaking’ Brady...and he’s been fast tracked into being a top member of the football media…on top of ‘running the Raiders’.

Credit The Athletic’s Michael Silver for chronicling the Raiders/Brady issues in a recent article...including this gem about the infamous Alex Guerrero...memba him? The Brady confidant, guy who was kicked out of New England by Belichick for stirring up trouble, and now he’s at it again as a Brady ‘spy’ in Las Vegas. Silver wrote this, this past week:

Guerrero, who regularly attends practices and meetings, purports to possess significant organizational power, informing players of impending transactions and even indicating to staff members who don’t follow his instructions that their jobs may be at risk.

Guerrero is perceived to have a direct pipeline to Brady, who lives in Florida and serves as Fox’s lead NFL analyst, limiting his in-person presence. Suffice it to say that there are trust issues permeating the Raiders’ training facility in Henderson, Nev.

The Raiders now join the Browns and Jets as the worst run teams in football.

And I am now starting to worry about how valuable Ashton Jeanty really is, if he’s gonna be stuck in Las Vegas with this nonsense.

How does Mark Davis, arguably the worst/dumbest owner in the league, ‘fire’ Tom Brady?

-- In other Raiders news...

Las Vegas Raiders now may pursue a valuable pair of Tampa Bay players, RB Sean Tucker and DB Christian Izien, to pursue in free agency. Brady and GM Spytek’s history in Tampa may lead them to these guys.

Might Sean Tucker be the ‘wingman’ for Ashton Jeanty.

-- I totally just realized I didn’t comment on the DJ Moore trade. I will weigh in on what I know and theorize on that one tomorrow.

-- (same intro daily) The new ‘daily list’ item has to do with free agency. Free Agent DISRUPTORS...the most compelling free agents (to me) that where they sign will affect an NFL team and Fantasy Football immensely.

Each day, I’m going to list a DISRUPTOR player in free agency and add a note and a prediction where they are going. We’ll get 10+ players listed/profiled before the FA period opens. And I’ll rank them top to bottom most interesting/DISRUPTIVE to me, as we go along…

OC Tyler Linderbaum = He’s basically gonna choose between BAL and LAC, I think. NYG is lacking money, but they’ll try and figure something out. When Linderbaum has all teams interested to go ahead and match/try to beat the best offer...he’ll then just be picking/choosing where he wants to go at that point. He’s ‘getting paid’ no matter where he goes. In that case, I think he definitely wants to leave Lamar/the Ravens sinking ship and goes to/picks the Chargers for the weather and the title opportunity. *LAC is out of the Center market. So, now we look at the Bears (even with Bradbury added) or the highest bidder. I’ll now predict the Giants…just because Harbaugh wants to see the Ravens collapse without him.

RB Kenneth Walker = He’s gonna go to the highest bidder...this will be his one and only shot. He should tithe 10% of his new deal to Zach Charbonnet for getting hurt to allow this to happen. Who is willing to pay the most is up for debate...because this should be purely about money for Walker, or any FA RB right now. A pure dart throw guess: It will be a dumb team that overpays...and my pure guess is Tennessee with ARI or DEN possible. Teams like KC and JAX would like to be in, but it costs too much and they aren’t in great money positions right now.

QB Malik Willis = I really don’t think the market is that hot for Willis as it’s being portrayed -- there’s more heat after Mac Jones and Tyson Bagent. It’s probably Miami or bust for Willis...bust being CLE or NYJ. I think he signs with Miami...because Miami is ‘Miami’ always.

TE Isaiah Likely = Definitely not going back to Baltimore. I don't know why he'd go to the Giants where John Harbaugh never featured him, so I don't believe he's going to NYG at all. He’s going to the highest bidder...the team/franchise talent levels don’t matter as long as he is assured he is highly paid and told he’ll be the featured starter...but the key part is ‘and paid like it’. Likely has to cash this FA period in because he’s likely irrelevant in another 1-3 years with the talent flood at TE is just expanding like a balloon about to pop. Teams in the running: PHI, CIN, DEN, TB. My guess is: Cincinnati Bengals.

WR Wan’Dale Robinson = I think the Giants really want him back, but they will very likely lose out due to lack of CAP space and more desire to invest in defense and Brandon Beane is the worst GM at negotiations/recruitment and John Harbaugh has no recruiting ability, especially on offensive things...and has no personal connection to Wan’Dale, so I think he’ll bolt to the Titans, who are flushed with cash and he can reunite with Brian Daboll and be closer to his Kentucky roots. He would be set to be the Titans #1 WR potentially.

RB Rachaad White = Where he goes will be interesting, because where he goes signals a split backfield with White as the PPR ace in the duo. I don’t think anyone sees him as a full lead, but some will covet that pass game ability if they’ve been paying attention. Rachaad White’s best year came with Dave Canales at O-C, so I think that’s where he is headed (CAR) when no major opportunities for him to be a lead present themselves. Also, watch out for Seattle as a sleeper for this...Rachaad can be their Charbonnet for a year.

WR Alec Pierce = A surprising shove into free agency. Smart of Indy...one decent year is not worth a top of the market type deal. So, this has a ‘sucker’s play’ written all over it -- a middle tier WR gonna get paid like a top 10 WR...that’s what dumb teams and teams who cannot attract free agents naturally do -- overpay to get someone to go there. So, who is a dumb team, with a WR need, that has CAP space to burn? TEN and LV are in a prime position. I think Las Vegas or I think this a swerve where the Patriots bypass AJ Brown to get a more mentally stable WR like Pierce. Baltimore is another guess.

RB Travis Etienne = The FA RBs from 2025 got a rude awakening with how little appetite there was, payroll-wise, for their services...and no real starting roles for them to step into. I think many of the 2026 FA RBs are gonna get same rude awakening...and I think Etienne is one of them, but maybe someone dumb pays him big. I’d rather have K. Walker, Allgeier, Dowdle, Pacheco, Brian Robinson, Rachaad, Gainwell ahead of Etienne, personally. I think there’s a chance he puts his tail between his legs and begs back to Jacksonville on a 1–2-year deal to split with Tuten. If not back to JAX on a lesser deal, then a dumb team falls for this with a big offer...like Arizona.

OG Alijah Vera-Tucker = Injured/missed all of 2025 season (torn tricep). The Jets don’t appear to be interested in franchise tagging him. He was pretty good his past two seasons (2023-2024)...out hurt all 2025. He is good, but also injury prone -- ended up with season ending injuries the past 3 years...both biceps torn and an achilles. He’ll probably do a one year ‘prove it’ deal and many will try to sign him. LAC is for sure a team that will look at it, but TEN is probably the lead contender with Robert Saleh knowing him like he does. The Steelers are in play if Aaron Rodgers likes him. My early bet is he signs with TEN.

CB Jamel Dean = One of the best corners in the 2025 season. Injury issues are the issue. The team that goes in on him is going boom/bust. He could instantly change a defense positively...or be a L’Jarius Sneed injury bust (what happened to TEN). I wonder if the ex-Bucs guys will go after him...Liam Coen/JAC, Dave Canales/CAR. Not sure either needs to over invest in a CB though. I’m gonna go with the ex-Bucs guys in Las Vegas...Brady/Spytek.

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

At the very end of RC’s NOTES, for the next 50-60 days...I will share my little diary of my time in Jacksonville (for those who don’t know) getting radiation treatment for my battle with prostate cancer that I am winning -- I am figuratively off to a big 1st-quarter lead and looking strong into the 2nd-quarter of this football game analogy/cancer battle...but just like the Packers-Bears playoff game...it’s not over ‘til it’s over/we got a ways to go.

I am keeping these daily notes so that I might look back over time at this odd, unplanned event in my life. 40 straight weekdays of radiation scheduled, weekends off, unknown side effects ahead...some short-term, with a somewhat scary risk of long-term effects. It’s gonna be a wild ride.

I’m trying to treat this like a vacation, of sorts. Some people save up for a special trip to Hawaii or a European excursion...I could care less about those things. I saved for a rainy day for my protection...and, well... https://youtube.com/clip/UgkxLdSXQWUapDe0CcQznO8Kuqzht631AnEz?si=MqnycTkzVD5mzPnF

(end of intro)

3/07/26, Day 42 in JAX

29 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

6 weeks down, 2 more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I had the single worst pizza I’ve had in at least a decade...possibly the worst slice of pizza I’ve ever had.

Me and my wife and son went to the local mall just to wander around and get steps and see what it was all about. We all started to get a tad hungry by the time we hit their food court. So, we all broke up and went our separate ways to pick our choices of the 10 food court restaurant options...5 chain places, then 5 places you’ve never heard of but typical ‘mall food court’ type places. I chose to go to a NY Pizza place that looked like a Sbarro's but was not...it was some name I never heard of, but you could see all the pizza on display, like the Sbarro's look...and it all looked fine...good even.

I got a slice of pepperoni and a drink and met up with my fam.

It looked like a normal slice of pepperoni pizza but the cheese that this ‘thing’ had on it...I don’t know what it was, but it wasn’t mozzarella. It was like this weird, tasteless goop of mozzarella-like looking cheese. I can’t swear it was cheese in any way.

My wife got the generic Chinese food from the generic mall Chinese food place, and it tasted...’generic’ would be too kind, because it also had no taste. It looked like a food substance...a ‘product’ if you will.

After this event, I made an executive decision...I will never eat from a non-chain food place again at a mall food court. The ban is in place. I am not going to vote with my dollars for crappy businesses out of convenience or price anymore. My crusade of the past couple years. Wendy’s got the ban earlier in the week. Mall Food Courts that are known/chain restaurants are now also banned.

My daily food diary...

Day 42 food spend = $48

BREAKFAST = First Watch for $15

LUNCH = Mall ‘pizza’ and drink $8

DINNER = Cajun restaurant for $25

I keep miscounting/updating my days count. Now fixed...the update and this day’s spehnd was not good for my budget tracking.

Month #2 (through 14 days) = $322 total spend...now at $23.00 per day average.

42-day total food spend = $923...$21.97 per day average...we’re moving further away from the $20 per day budget!!

Month #1 closed. I have 56 days here total, so I am breaking it into two 28 day months/halves. Trying to keep it to $20 a day which I got all kinds of gift cards for it from family and friends during the holidays, etc., to cover approx. $20 a day.

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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3/7 SAT

(6:35amET)

Today

-- New Scouting Report

This Week’s Agenda…

--Planning/starting a new series, a Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary. That series kicks off Sunday or Monday.

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Wrapping up and auditing Dynasty rankings 1.0. Adding the top rookies with the latest info. Probably March 6-7 range debut (projected). IDP work begins after that. I am falling behind my pace with all the Combine action. I am going to double time it from here to get this 1.0 out to get us started ASAP.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

*Maxx Crosby trade breakdown/thoughts will be on Sunday...I have a lot of Raiders stuff to share.

HUGE, key moves on the offensive line front today...

-- HEADLINE: The Lions released LT Taylor Decker.

Two teams falling apart fast...with players or coaches walking away on the head coach.

The Vikings...a bunch of turmoil with coaches leaving and a QB controversy and losses on the O-Line...and them hiring the single worst, most detrimental coach in the league in the last decade -- the Vikings hired him as their O-Line coach (Keith Carter).

AND now...we have to point out the collapse going on in Detroit. It might be possible that players like Dan Campbell, but don’t want to play for him...that the practices and things may be too tough on the players (and I’m not saying that like the players are weak), leading to ALL their mass injury issues the past two seasons.

Decker is the latest good player ready to leave.

The Lions O-Line was amazing 2-3 years ago, now it’s all but faded away.

-- HEADLINE: Chargers signed C Tyler Biadasz, formerly of the Commanders, to a three-year, $30 million contract.

I expected the Chargers to sign a center with the first name Tyler, but Biadasz was not on my radar...but now that it has happened and looking at a deeper -- genius move. He may not be better than Linderbaum, but for the cost it will take to get Linderbaum...Biadasz’s grades and skills are not far off Linderbaum but will cost half or a third of the pricing...that makes it pretty brilliant.

Biadasz was rated the 11th best center in 2025. Linderbaum 5th...and Biadasz was higher rated in pass protection.

This was kind of a brilliant move by LAC, considering the cost.

-- HEADLINE: Bears acquired C Garrett Bradbury from the Patriots for a fifth-round pick.

Bradbury is a fringe starting center...he may be a hedge on ‘what if we can’t get Linderbaum?’ But with LAC out of the running on Linderbaum, the Bears chances just greatly improved. We will judge this move closer once free agency is over. The drop from Dalman to Bradbury is a massive hit for Caleb Williams/the Bears.

I wondered if Biadasz might move to guard and LAC still be in the Linderbaum race, according to GEMINI research that’s a big NOPE.

While Tyler Biadasz has the size (6'4", 316 lbs) and strength to theoretically play guard, all signs from his signing with the Los Angeles Chargers on March 6, 2026, indicate he was brought in specifically to be the starting center.

Here is why a move to guard is unlikely, along with the current state of the Chargers' interior:

1. The Direct Replacement for Bradley Bozeman

The Chargers' primary motivation for signing Biadasz was the recent retirement of Bradley Bozeman. The team had a massive void at the "tip of the spear" (as Jim Harbaugh calls it).

Official Designation: The Chargers officially announced him as a "Pro Bowl Center."
System Fit: Biadasz mentioned in his introductory presser that the staff's "philosophy and system" for attacking defenses at the center position was a perfect fit for his football IQ and communication skills.

2. Lack of Guard Experience

Biadasz has been a "pure center" for nearly a decade.

College: Started all 41 games at center for Wisconsin.
NFL: Has played 5,191 snaps since 2021, almost exclusively at center.
Moving a veteran with zero NFL guard snaps to a new position usually isn't the plan when you give them a $30 million contract.

3. The Current Chargers Guard Situation

The Chargers are actually thinner at guard than center right now, which is likely why you're asking.

Right Guard: The team released Mekhi Becton on March 4 after a disappointing 2025 season.
Left Guard: Zion Johnson is currently a pending free agent.
The Plan: GM Joe Hortiz and Jim Harbaugh are expected to use their nearly $100 million in cap space or their high draft picks (including #22 overall) to find natural guards rather than moving their new $10M-per-year center.

Insider Perspectives

"The Chargers were able to land a former Pro Bowl center for a fraction of the price it would've taken to sign Linderbaum. Justin Herbert won't have to worry, as Biadasz will come in as an immediate upgrade."

— Andrew Parsaud (SI / Yardbarker)

"With center being among the team's top priorities... slotting Biadasz in at center is an important and necessary step as they look to protect Justin Herbert."

— Chargers.com Official Analysis

The two teams addressing the most important things...LAC and CHI, while the other teams sit around. You’re gonna hear a lot about LAC and CHI, linked together the next 1-2-3 years I have a feeling.

QUOTES & QUOTABLES from the day...

Jerry Jones (Cowboys Owner): "I’m going to spend more money in Free Agency. Borrow some of my future."

Trey Smith (Chiefs OG) on the 'Dynasty Over' narrative: "I think back to the Mike Tomlin quote: 'We do not care.' We don't care at the end of the day. We just have to go back to the drawing board and be great."

Peter Schrager (FOX/NFLN) on Jeremiyah Love: "Jeremiyah Love walked into Indy as a fringe top-10 talent; he left as a legitimate top-five option. The connection to the Titans and Cam Ward is very real."

Spencer Fano (Utah OT) on his Combine measurements: "I'm open to a position change after my arms measured 32 1/8 inches. I just want to play."

Medical Expert & Injury Updates

-- Caleb Downs (Ohio State S) Health Status: Medical rumors of a "partially torn meniscus and degenerative ACL" have been strongly debunked by insiders.

-- Dr. Chao (ProFootballDoc) on Nick Singleton (Penn State RB): Singleton did not participate at the Combine due to a foot injury. Expect medical checks to focus on "linear explosion versus change-of-direction gathered" during his recovery.

-- Jeff Mueller (Medical Expert) on Zach Charbonnet (Seahawks RB): Reports indicate Charbonnet is still returning from a postseason knee injury, making the Seahawks a prime candidate to draft a back like Jeremiyah Love.

-- Jesse Morse (Medical Expert) on Tacario Davis (Washington CB): An injury-plagued senior season has him sliding in media circles, but his length (33 3/8" arms) remains elite if the medicals clear.

-- Deepak Chona (Medical Expert) on the "Human Skyscraper" Markel Bell: At his size, the focus is on "joint integrity and weight management" as he transitions to the NFL pace.

-- Deepak Chona (Medical Expert) on Jermod McCoy (Tennessee CB): "McCoy’s Pro Day will be heavily scrutinized. After missing 2025 with an ACL tear and skipping Combine drills, teams need to see the lateral explosion return."

-- Ross Jacobs commenting on something I posted from Jeff Mueller on McCoy the day prior: Jeff Mueller says Jermod McCoy tearing his ACL in January means he has to wait for medical rechecks to see if he'll be good for the year...that is mistaken. It's much murkier and more dire because the ACL tear was in January...of 2025! How is McCoy still not able to workout over a year later? Bad bad sign

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/06/26, Day 42 in JAX

29 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

6 weeks down, 2 more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

My wife and son came to visit and the weather is nice this week. I’ve got FRI-SAT with them. A lot of calories are about to happen.

My wife needs this respite...I’ve been away for 6 weeks, and she’s been going back-and-forth to here but then her dad has been in the hospital and now in rehab, and she’s been there for a lot of that including overnights...she needs some rest. So, I think she got in around 1pm after a 6-hour drive...and then slept from 2-4p, then fell asleep on the couch from 7-8p after dinner, then off to bed at 9p. It’s been one of her toughest weeks in a long while. She’s a trooper.

My daily food diary...

Day 42 food spend = $40

BREAKFAST = Eggs and oatmeal from lobby

LUNCH = Mod Pizza for $15

DINNER = Mexican night with the group for $25 (my part)

Month #2 (through 14 days) = $274 total spend...now at $19.57 per day average.

42-day total food spend = $875...$20.83 per day average...we’re getting there on the $20 per day budget!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

----------------------------------------------------------

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3/6 FRI

(6:38amET)

Today

-- NFL mock draft from McGillicuddy A.I., post-Combine and a top 100 list from Xavier Cromartie.

-- Pos. group prospect grades update from Combine data.

-- Possible new Scouting Report Friday if it gets wrapped in time. Saturday for sure.

This Week’s Agenda…

--Planning/starting a new series, a Mock DRD...5-Rounds from each draft slot 1-12 with commentary. That series kicks off Sunday or Monday.

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- TRADE: Bills acquired DJ Moore and a fifth-round pick from the Bears in exchange for a second-round pick.

Three thoughts...

1) I will reiterate that this will be the most ‘trading’/wheelin’ and dealin’ to happen in an offseason, trades of some substance, that we will have ever seen. This deal is minor compared to what’s coming. Maxx Crosby, AJ Brown, Mac Jones are happening...among others.

2) It’s sad to watch the AFC powers fall...Buffalo, KC, and Baltimore are all dying off.

The AFC powers are now LAC, NE, JAX now...maybe Indy if Dan Jones was 100% healthy. Which means Burrow, Mahomes, Allen, Lamar are all playing for downward sliding teams. QB just does not carry the day anymore.

3) Chicago is on a roll. This trade is so stupid by Buffalo, but they’ve been making stupid moves at WR for years now...stupid moves in general. Chicago is an NFL power...Buffalo is not. The Bills being poorly run is catching up to them fully.

Josh Allen ‘working out’ spawning Joe Schoen to be ‘stolen away’ by NYG to their GM and giving Brandon Beane more power in Buffalo has been destroying those two franchises for years. Harbaugh neutered Schoen. Beane has been granted more power to drive the car off a cliff.

-- Just an FYI, what I think are the two best teams in the league are slowly, not so slowly moving their war ships in place to take over the league even further through free agency...they just gotta go kill free agency.

1) The Chargers have now moved to, as of today, the #1 spot in available CAP space. Arguably the NFL’s top 1-2-3 team from 20205, if totally healthy, are now $10M ahead of the #2 Titans.

2) The Bears have now moved up to #11 in the league in CAP space available...but they are two moves away from moving up to #8 and climbing -- when (if) they cut Cole Kmet and D’Andre Swift.

That will be another $16M in CAP savings but also note...the lead RB role is open for business. They may solve it in free agency with one big pop, but I doubt it...I think they’re too smart for that...it would likely be an add piece to split with Monangai or they add two pieces and move Monangai down to a #2/3.

If you follow a ‘Ben Johnson likes a Gibbs/Montgomery’ split theory...then Monangai is Montgomery. He would then be looking for his ‘Gibbs’. Does that RB exist in free agency? Not really...not at a bargain perhaps. He could try to force Rachaad White into that role. Maybe he just goes for an Allgeier or Dowdle...or makes a run at Kenneth Gainwell? Maybe he just brings Swift back cheaper?

He won’t draft it, because they are too close to being the best team in football to mess with a rookie.

Possibly they trade for it. Maybe Breece Hall, if Ben Johnson has a relationship with Aaron Glenn?

Random Quotes & Quotables...

Lance Zierlein (NFLN) on Spencer Fano (OT): "Fano is expressing an openness to move to Guard. After his arms measured just 32 1/8 inches, NFL teams are largely pigeonholing him into an interior role." He’s technically sound, but his ceiling at tackle is capped by that lack of reach."

Tom Pelissero (NFLN) on Charlie Kolar: "Keep an eye on Charlie Kolar. Despite modest production, he’s viewed as arguably the league's best blocking tight end. He could command a deal in the $10M per year range as a 'hidden gem' free agent."

Mike Florio (PFT) on Draft 'Leaking': "We are in the heart of 'lying season.' When you hear about secret 40 times being faster than the electronic lasers, that’s usually an agent-led narrative to protect a first-round grade."

(keep this in mind for these next two items)

Matt Miller (ESPN) on Carnell Tate (WR): "Forget the official 40 time. GMs I’ve talked to timed him in the 4.40s. His 'football speed' on tape is what’s keeping him in the top-15 conversation despite the Combine laser number."

Pat McAfee (The Pat McAfee Show) on Caleb Downs: "We reached out to multiple NFL teams... They told us there is NOTHING in the medical that would deter them from bringing him in. The 'degenerative knee' report is being called 'fake' by those close to him."

Injury & Medical Updates

Dr. Jesse Morse (@DrJesseMorse) on Caleb Downs (S): "Reports of a 'degenerative ACL' for Downs are likely hyperbolic. Usually, this refers to chronic inflammation or a Grade 1 strain that didn't heal perfectly. If he passes the Pro Day 'twitch test,' he stays in the Top 10."

Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) on Micah Parsons (Edge): "Parsons hitting the two-month mark post-ACL surgery and walking independently is a great sign. Being 'ahead of schedule' in March puts a Week 1 return firmly on the table for the Packers."

Jeff Mueller (@jmthrivept) on Jermod McCoy (CB): "McCoy is the wildcard. Tearing an ACL in January means he won't be full-speed until training camp. The medical re-checks in April will determine if he's a first-rounder or a 'redshirt' rookie."

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/04/26, Day 40 in JAX

27 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

5+ weeks down, 2+ more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

Really, nothing of note happened. Mostly a smooth, normal day.

I have only one newsworthy item from this day: I think I officially had my last trip to Wendy’s for the rest of my life, this day.

Wendy’s used to be my go-to/favorite fast-food place, now it is a shell of itself. It’s always had the premium prices for burgers, back in the days of my youth, but it used to be well worth it...a luxury item kinda-sorta. Thinking back on my last 3-4 visits over the past 12 months...I’m never pleased with anything I get.

Today, I got that new cheesy bacon burger. Cheap canned nacho cheese with poorly cooked, soft bacon and the real crisis -- tasteless burgers/patties. When I used to get a freshly prepared Wendy’s burger, it used to be so wonderful. Now, it’s pretty much cafeteria food with tasteless, non-fresh feeling or tasting buns.

They did the thing food places taken over by corporations that get away from what made the place successful in the first place -- they cut staff, go to cheap ingredients, and hope we won’t notice too quickly...and now the new thing they do -- have ‘crazy drinks’ to bait dumb people in to buy food. Wow, a Pop Tart Frosty fusion! That did suck me in...I’m dumb...and I can report back that it sucked too.

Too many swings and misses at Wendy’s now for me. They don’t deserve another at bat. If I wanna play Russian Roulette with bad fast food, hoping I somehow luckily get freshly cooked, tasty stuff...I’ll go to McDonalds for half the price.

Wendy’s, I hate to do it to you my old friend...but...you...are...banned.

My daily food diary...

Day 41 food spend = $15

BREAKFAST = Pop Tarts and Raisin Bran

LUNCH = Wendy’s

DINNER = Pasta with butter sauce at the hotel.

Month #2 (through 13 days) = $234 total spend...now at $18.00 per day average.

41-day total food spend = $835...$20.37 per day average...we’re getting there $20 per day budget)!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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3/5 THU

(6:07amET)

Today

-- Pos. group prospect grades update from Combine data.

-- New Scouting Report

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- TRADE: Rams acquired CB Trent McDuffie from the Chiefs in exchange for 2026 first, fifth, and sixth round draft picks.

Everybody is a winner here...maybe.

The Chiefs need to rebuild and are cash strapped...their Dynasty run and overspending has hit the wall, and it is time to take a step back, clean up the balance sheet, and accumulate draft picks and try to re-emerge in a year or two to try to keep up with the Chargers. This is a step in that direction.

...that is if this (the above statement) is why they did the deal.

If KC did this deal because they are disappointed with McDuffie’s play the last year+...then they might be fools. They’re fools for taking a 2023 All-Pro ace slot corner and pushing him outside in 2024-2025. He wasn’t great on the outside...he was more ‘great’ at slot, but KC has been devoid of talent at outside CB (lost Ward and Snead) and used McDuffie to try to patch that up. It didn’t work as well as they hoped.

Which flips us over to the Rams...they’re actually the fools if they bought McDuffie to also be an outside corner. Giving away valuable draft picks and gonna have to pay him a ton...if they did that just to make the same ‘outside CB’ mistake the Chiefs made, then they are gonna really get burned in this deal (not getting what they paid for).

There is a real risk that McDuffie is ‘good’ not ‘great’ and only got a ton of hype because he was on the high-profile Chiefs. It’s like when everyone just bought the whole ‘Tyrann Mathieu is elite’ narrative and everyone threw money at him for years. He was never worth the money...he was fine, but not fine when considering he was paid at the top of the scale for his position.

McDuffie will not hurt the Rams; he can only help them...but will he live up to what the Rams had to pay for him? I’m not so sure. But the Rams are in that ‘win now’ mode...they only have so long with Stafford. It’s do or die the next two years, and then they’ll need to do what KC needs to do -- take a year to retool/rebuild. The Rams window is NOW, so this makes sense for that objective.

Collection of Quotes from around the league:

-- Ian Rapoport (Insider) on Stefon Diggs: "The Patriots are expected to release Stefon Diggs after just one season. The market for veteran WRs is shifting rapidly as this draft class's speed numbers come in."

-- Adam Schefter (ESPN) on Aaron Rodgers: "Rodgers told me there is 'no deadline' for his decision on playing for the Steelers. He’s content to let the market settle before committing."

-- Mel Kiper Jr. (ESPN) on Jeremiyah Love (RB): "On ability, Love is the second-best player in this draft. He’s like Reggie Bush, only bigger. You don't grade a player based on a philosophy; you grade them on talent." RC NOTE: I keep seeing this statement from all the experts now...he’s like a bigger Reggie Bush! (1) Let me go check to see if Love had 4 return game TDs in his college career. NOPE...he had 2 kick returns period, as a freshman. (2) When was Reggie Bush ever great in the NFL...an elite litmus test to judge RBs by? He caught a lot of passes, had low yards per carry was a useful PART of a backfield and had a solid career...but Rachaad White has had a better receiving career so far (as an example).

-- Jeff Ireland (Saints Asst. GM) on Defensive Philosophy: "We’re looking for a different athlete now. Size isn't as much of a premium as athleticism and length. We want guys who can move."

-- Rich Cimini (ESPN) on Arvell Reese (LB): "With no QB in sight and Jermaine Johnson traded to the Titans, the Jets are heavily eyeing Reese. His 4.46 speed at 241 lbs fits their defensive identity perfectly."

Injury & Medical Updates

Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc) on Daniel Jones: "The transition tag is a 'medical wait-and-see.' The Colts want to see how that Achilles responds in camp before committing to a 4-year deal."

Jeff Mueller (@jmthrivept) on Carnell Tate (WR): "Tate missed three games in 2025 with a calf strain. His combine movement looked fluid, but teams will be checking for any residual scar tissue or compensations in his gait."

Deepak Chona (@SportMDAnalysis) on Jordyn Tyson (WR): "Tyson has a laundry list: knee (2022), collarbone (2024), and hamstring (2025). While he tracks the ball well, the medical grade will be the 'yellow light' for his Round 1 status."

Dr. Jesse Morse (@DrJesseMorse) on Spencer Fano (OT): "Fano's 32 1/8 inch arms are a 'length' red flag for some. Medically, shorter arms can lead to more upper-body torque and potential labrum issues when trying to control long-armed rushers."

-- FYI on RB Prospect Seth McGowan, Kentucky

From my studies on a guy who crushed at the Combine:

Character (2.50/10): Significant red flags. McGowan was dismissed from Oklahoma in 2021 following an arrest for felony robbery, conspiracy, and assault/battery with a deadly weapon. He served three months in jail and a year of probation. While 2025 was a "redemption" year, the felony record remains a major hurdle for NFL front offices.

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/04/26, Day 40 in JAX

27 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

5+ weeks down, 2+ more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

Not much happened. Two things to make note of...

1) I got a good Wednesday weekly follow up report from my radiation doctor. I am slowly starting to feel a bit better...a little less fatigue...a little less hot flashes. I don’t want to jinx it, but this type of improvement was supposed to be seen in like 2 weeks from now, approx.. I’m still supposed to be in the high-risk zone for side effects from radiation...but I’m strolling through it like a champ.

Strolling through...while not eating for success. They want me to watch your diet to limit side effects, etc. But I’ve been pretty much been eating whatever I want since day one of therapies and radiation, so ‘I don’t want to jinx it’ on how well that has gone for me.

I attributed my success at doing eating whatever by my prayer army’s effective prayers and taking my army of daily supplements -- to keep throwing ‘good’ down the hatch to go fight the chili spaghetti dinner and hot dog + Raisin Bran breakfast I had. I had like my own suitcase just for my supplements when I went to Jacksonville.

2) I went back to the infamous Picassos for lunch. I had to get an Amazon item from the Whole Foods, and Picassos is right around the corner from there...how convenient! I was all set to get a Meatball Sub this time, since my son was delighted by it when I took him 2 weeks ago...but I met up with the two strangers that invited me to eat with them on my debut trip there weeks ago, we’re texting buddies now, and they said -- we know you like the Italian food, but you will also love their burger...it may be the best in Jacksonville. What? Come on.

I had already lit my fuse for some Italian, but if they were suggesting the burger...and it may be my last time I’m there for a long time, I guess I should see for myself. I had it...and, I wish I had a better story to tell...but it was ‘good’, maybe really good (it needed another slice of cheese, for me...it was light on the cheese as it came). Very well cooked fries. Nothing crazy to tell, just noting...Picassos is a very good place to eat, if you’re ever in Jacksonville -- you should check it out.

My daily food diary...

Day 40 food spend = $25

BREAKFAST = Hot Dog and Raisin Bran...breakfast of champions.

LUNCH = $25 back to Picassos...tried their burger (good) and had a slice of NY pizza because I needed SOME Italian food.

DINNER = Spaghetti and chili/cheese topping at my hotel.

Month #2 (through 12 days) = $219 total spend...now at $18.25 per day average.

40-day total food spend = $820...$20.40 per day average...we’re getting there $20 per day budget)!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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3/4 WED

(6:12amET)

Today

-- RB-p prospects update from Combine data.

-- Combine Day-4 reaction/commentary (late, but now done).

-- New Scouting Report

This Week’s Agenda…

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being debuted, updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Holy series QB and RB done. Holy RB Handcuffs underway.

-- Full scouting reports on prospects from now until the NFL preseason.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports Bears C Drew Dalman will retire from the NFL after five seasons.

This is a nuclear bomb going off for the Bears. Tough, game changing news. This was like when Frank Ragnow retired from the Lions. Enter the Bears into the bidding for Tyler Linderbaum.

-- A listing of the top free agents who are now TRUE free agents, not getting TAGGED yesterday:

*The list is from Gemini, as is the commentary...I’m leaving it there so we can see what the hivemind thinks...and I add any of my notes to it, clearly marked.

Top Fantasy & Offensive Names

Kenneth Walker III (RB, Seahawks): Despite being the Super Bowl LX MVP, the Seahawks opted not to tag him. Coming off a 1,000-yard season and a dominant playoff run, he is the premier RB available. RC NOTE: Whatever RB ends up in Seattle as the main RB...that’s gonna be a hot FF thing...
Travis Etienne (RB, Jaguars): Jacksonville declined to use the tag on Etienne, who is coming off a bounce-back year under Liam Coen. He’ll be a high-priority target for teams needing a dual-threat back.
Alec Pierce (WR, Colts): One of the biggest surprises of the day. Pierce has emerged as a premier deep threat, and despite GM Chris Ballard's vocal desire to keep him, he is heading to the market. RC NOTE: I wonder if an MHJ deal is being worked on here...and that’s why they ‘passed’.
Kyler Murray (QB, Cardinals): While not a "tag" candidate in the traditional sense, he is listed as a top-5 free agent and is expected to hit the open market as Arizona moves in a different direction.
Malik Willis (QB, Packers): After a career-resurrecting stint in Green Bay, Willis is currently ranked as the #1 overall free agent by some insiders (NFL.com) and will be looking for a starting role.
Mike Evans (WR, Buccaneers): For the first time in his 12-year career, the future Hall of Famer is a true free agent heading into his age-33 season.
Rashid Shaheed (WR, Seahawks): A dynamic playmaker and returner who was instrumental in Seattle’s Super Bowl run; he joins Walker in the "Seahawks let them walk" category.
Wan'Dale Robinson (WR, Giants): A high-volume slot target coming off back-to-back seasons with heavy reception totals.
Romeo Doubs (WR, Packers): A reliable, "workmanlike" receiver who is expected to have a strong market as a high-end WR2.

Defensive & Core Stars

Trey Hendrickson (EDGE, Bengals): The 4-time Pro Bowler is officially done in Cincinnati. He posted a goodbye to fans on Instagram today and will be the top pass rusher on the market.
Jaelan Phillips (EDGE, Dolphins/Eagles): After a breakout 2025, he is hitting the market at age 27 and is expected to command a massive contract.
Devin Lloyd (LB, Jaguars): A second-team All-Pro who can rush the passer and play three downs; he is the top-ranked linebacker available. RC NOTE: The most fraudulent ‘good season’ of any defender in the NFL. Whatever team signs him is a ‘sucker’ team.
Tyler Linderbaum (C, Ravens): Rare for a top-10 center to hit the market at age 26, but the Ravens did not use the tag, making him a cornerstone free agent for any O-line.

Who WAS Tagged?

For your records, these are the only players who are not free agents:

Breece Hall (RB, Jets): Franchise Tagged.
George Pickens (WR, Cowboys): Franchise Tagged.
Kyle Pitts (TE, Falcons): Franchise Tagged.
Daniel Jones (QB, Colts): Transition Tagged (Indy can match any offer, but if they don't, they receive no compensation).

Pertinent quotes and injury updates from the NFL Scouting Combine and league insiders for March 2, 2026.

-- Adam Schefter (Insider): "The Vikings are the team to watch for Aaron Rodgers. They were protective of J.J. McCarthy last year, but the feeling in Indy is the timeline has shifted and Rodgers to Minnesota is a very real mid-March possibility."

-- Ian Rapoport (Insider): "The Ravens moving on from John Harbaugh wasn't just about 'time for a change.' Multiple sources indicate he lost the locker room, including a disconnect with Lamar Jackson."

-- Jon-Eric Sullivan (GM, Dolphins) on Roster Moves: "We are not actively trying to move De’Von Achane or Jaylen Waddle, but we are listening to offers for Minkah Fitzpatrick."

-- Eric DeCosta (GM, Ravens) on Tyler Linderbaum: "We’ve made a market-setting offer. He’s the best center in the league, and we’re doing everything to keep him and Lamar Jackson together long-term."

-- Mike Florio (PFT) on Jordyn Tyson (WR): "Tyson was one of the biggest interview winners. His poise and spatial awareness during film sessions with teams have him climbing into the late first-round conversation."

Injury & Medical Updates

Jeff Mueller (@jmthrivept) on Logan Jones (OL): "Jones' 4.91 40-yard dash and 7.46 3-cone show his lateral agility is fully intact. He’s moving with zero hesitation following his 2021 reconstructive surgery."

Dr. Jesse Morse (@DrJesseMorse) on Kenyon Sadiq (TE): "Sadiq's 4.39 40 at 241 lbs is historically fast, but his decision to skip drills after posting elite jumps (43.5" vertical) suggests he's being very careful with his medical 'optics' right now."

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/04/26, Day 38 in JAX

26 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

5+ weeks down, 2+ more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I finally had bad food and bad food experiences up and down the line of the day.

I got up around 5:30am, and still kinda sick with a cold and tired from lack of sleep I need...so, I decided to go get a double-coffee day...one hot coffee for the now, to help soothe my cold...one cold coffee to nurse while I worked before I had to go into radiation prep mode. I got my dos coffees, sipped from the cold, ignored the hot to let it cool down, put them in the drink carrier and went back to the hotel (it’s a 3-5 minute drive...VERY convenient...and also what I imagine heaven is like, except there’s a Dutch Bros coffee next to the Starbucks in my heaven).

Back at the hotel, I took my first sip of the hot coffee to warm my cockles (whatever they are) and Son of a B...it’s freaking black coffee, no sweetener or anything in it. What a grave error from a location that has been so consistently good for weeks here. My coffee must NOT be actual coffee...it has to have syrup and whipped cream and steamed milk and a candy straw and a pastry for a lid and sugar plum fairies dancing around it. Pissed me off, but I had my cold coffee to suffice (which wasn’t great either)...and I made note to contact Starbucks later.

Weak start to my day.

Then it got worse...food-atarily, which is the worst atarily for me.

At lunch time, I came home from radiation and went to go pick up some meds at the drug store and near it was a place that I kept seeing that I’d never been to...this chicken place called ‘PDQ’. Some saying it was like a Raising Canes, which got my attention. So, I wanted to try it...and yesterday was that day.

What in the blue hell?

I thought I went into a PDQ, but instead I walked through the doors and went back in time to a college cafeteria where I was given bad frozen chicken tenders for lunch with terrible dipping sauces. How do these places exist? I’m also looking at you Zaxby’s.

I told my wife that I might start an exploratory committee to see about running for President this next cycle. I will only have one campaign issue, I’ll keep it simple... In my administration, I will make it a federal mandate to convert all U.S. chicken strip fast-food places to become legit Raising Cane’s. I will impose a 50% tariff on any Bojangles, or Guthrie’s, or Slim Chickens, or Zaxby’s, or now PDQ if they do not comply. Thank you for your attention to this matter...and God Bless the United States of America.

My daily food diary...

Day 38 food spend = $16

BREAKFAST = Starbucks courtesy of BTC Chris again! Thank you!!

LUNCH = $16 PDQ

DINNER = Hot Dogs and Beans in the hotel room

Month #2 (through 11 days) = $194 total spend...now at $17.63 per day average. Three days in a row now under my $20 per day avg. budget per day.

38-day total food spend = $795...$20.92 per day average...we’re getting there $20 per day budget)!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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3/3 TUE

(6:41amET)

Today

-- Top SAF prospects debut grades/ranks

-- A full scouting report on Makai Lemon.

This Week’s Agenda…

-- The defensive prospect grades debut...coming soon with the Combine results to work with some official numbers on them for their 1.0 grades.

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Wrapping up and auditing Dynasty rankings 1.0. Adding the top rookies with the latest info. Probably March 5-7 range debut (projected). IDP work begins after that. I am falling behind my pace with all the Combine action. I am going to double time it from here to get this 1.0 out to get us started ASAP.

-- Holy series ‘QBs 1.0’ published last week. The RB position group 95% done, set to publish Monday. Holy RB Handcuffs after that.

-- Working on the next wave of full scouting reports...especially on prospects who did all the stuff at the Combine.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: The Athletic reports there is “not a robust market thus far for Mac Jones.”

These notes come from the Athletic’s Matt Barrows and Vic Tafur. In the article, they note that while the Niners aren’t looking to trade Jones, they “definitely expected to be tempted by a third-round-pick offer — if not higher.”

I don’t believe this at all. Mac Jones and Tyson Bagent are the hottest/most desired names at QB right now. It could mean the Vikings may be getting into serious talks about Aaron Rodgers coming in for 2026 to start, and to mentor JJM...which would be VERY wise.

If the Rodgers stuff goes nowhere, then Minnesota may get serious about/lock in Mac.

Where else can Mac go? They won’t trade him to Arizona. They wouldn’t do him dirty like sending him to NYJ or CLE. It’s MIN or MIA...or back to SF.

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports the Panthers are “at least hopeful” that Jonathon Brooks (knee) can contribute this season.

A lot of positive talk about Jon Brooks this offseason, but I think it’s just ‘nice words’ because...what else are they gonna say about this situation? They also don’t want to signal to free agents (for negotiations) that they are too desperate.

And that ‘at least hopeful’ is not a wonderful/dreamy outlook. A playoff team like Carolina is not gonna bet heavy on multiple-times injured Jon Brooks to aid their backfield. Why would they?

We’ll see what they really think in two weeks when free agency comes and goes. I think they will sign a certain RB in free agency, more on that in the FA section below.

-- You may have not tripped across this MHJ trade rumor because it’s not gone mainstream, and maybe for good reason, but...

Here’s GEMINI notes on this situation:

Yes, there is a specific trade rumor involving Marvin Harrison Jr. and the Cleveland Browns that has been gaining traction over the last few days (February 28 – March 2, 2026).

Here is the breakdown of what is being reported and what is likely smoke:

The "Finalized Deal" Rumor (Likely False)

A report surfaced from an account identified as @JeffSimonSports claiming the Arizona Cardinals were finalizing a deal to send Harrison Jr. to the Cleveland Browns in exchange for the No. 24 overall pick and a 2026 third-round pick.

Verdict: This specific "finalized" report has been widely debunked by major outlets. Insiders note that no high-level sources (like Schefter or Rappaport) have confirmed a completed deal, and the trade value (a late 1st and a 3rd) is considered low for a player of his pedigree, even after a down year.

The "Kicking the Tires" Buzz (Legitimate Smoke)

While the "done deal" is fake, there is real smoke regarding the Browns' interest.

The Source: High-level insider Jared Mueller (SB Nation/Dawgs By Nature) reported that Browns GM Andrew Berry has "at least touched base" on acquiring Harrison Jr. to address Cleveland's wide receiver issues.

The Context: Rumors intensified during the 2026 NFL Combine in Indianapolis last week. Reporters like Beau Bishop (97.1 The Fan) have mentioned that Harrison might be available for the right price, with some speculation suggesting he could even be moved for as little as a high 2nd-round pick, though most analysts find that price point unrealistic.

My note...I’ll believe it when I see it. It would take a giant set of brass B@##$ to trade MHJ hot...and there is not a GM outside Belichick and John Schnieder we have seen those types of moves from. No way Arizona is NOW gonna be trend setting.

If I were the new GM of Arizona, I wouldn’t take the job unless they let me move MHJ to the highest bidder.

I also think if there is trade talk happening...Indy is coming in to make a move and then let Alec Pierce go in free agency.

-- Quotes of interest from around the league...

Ian Cunningham (GM, Falcons): "The team will be releasing Kirk Cousins on the first day of the new league year. We are committing to Michael Penix Jr. for the 2026 season."

Tom Pelissero (NFLN): "The Dolphins are 'leaning' toward drafting a QB early, which signals the end of the Quinn Ewers bridge experiment sooner rather than later."

Adam Schefter (ESPN): "The belief around the league is that Aaron Rodgers is more likely than not to return for 2026. The Vikings are the 'interesting' team to watch here as they look for a veteran who won't 'threaten' J.J. McCarthy's long-term development."

Darren Mougey (GM, Jets): "We believe Breece Hall wants to remain a Jet. If we can't reach a long-term deal by the March 3 deadline, we will use the franchise tag to ensure he stays in New York."

Bucky Brooks (NFL Network): "DeMonte Capehart (DT, Clemson) helped himself more than anyone today. At 6'5", 313 lbs, that 4.85 40-yard dash is exactly what scouts needed to see to justify a Day 2 grade."

Dane Brugler (The Athletic): "Jordyn Tyson and Carnell Tate were the big winners of the WR interviews. Teams came away impressed with their football IQ and understanding of NFL passing concepts."

Charles Davis (NFLN): "Gracen Halton (DT, Oklahoma) has the best combination of tape and workout results for sub-300 lb interior defenders. That 36.5-inch vertical at 293 lbs is rare."

Peter Schrager (FOX): "The buzz in Indy is that Rueben Bain Jr.'s arm length (under 31 inches) is a real concern for teams viewing him as a pure edge. Some now see him as a sub-package interior rusher."

Injury & Medical Updates

Dr. David Chao (@ProFootballDoc): "Taylen Green’s (QB, Arkansas) 43.5-inch vertical is a massive medical win. It proves his previous lower-body injuries haven't robbed him of any twitch. He’s 100% cleared."

Jeff Mueller (@jmthrivept): "Logan Jones (OL, Iowa) looks completely back. His 4.91 40-yard dash at his size shows the lateral agility is fully recovered from his 2021 surgery."

Deepak Chona (@SportMDAnalysis): "George Pickens (WR, Cowboys) is a 'watch' for me. The Cowboys are moving to a higher-volume scheme; we need to see if his past hamstring issues hold up under a heavier route-tree load."

Dr. Jesse Morse (@DrJesseMorse): "The data on Rueben Bain Jr. is interesting. Shorter arms can sometimes lead to more pectoral strains for interior rushers because they can't keep blockers off their frame as easily."

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/01/26, Day 37 in JAX

24 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

5 weeks down, 3 more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

It was relatively quiet. The biggest thing that happened was I made a chiropractic appointment locally because I just could not go the distance here without my perpetual adjustments.

The local place here was rated well, was newer, and was very professional when I contacted them for more info over the phone. So I took a shot on them.

So, I went in for my visit. Did a little paperwork. Then I got called back by the chiropractor...it was a woman...a smaller, fit woman. Yes, I’m sexist...when it comes to chiropractic. I’m a decent sized dude...how was this ‘little woman’ gonna be able to adjust me well? I’ve had work done by a female and it wasn’t the best. You have to be pretty strong to manually adjust a bigger male. And this chiropractor was young and small-ish. I was not hopeful. ‘

...then she basically handled me like I was pizza dough that she was spinning in the air with ease. I was nothing for her to deal with. She did one of the best neck adjustments I’ve ever gotten. Kudos to her. Kudos for me shattering preconceived notions. Another check mark for me moving to Jacksonville!!

Really, I couldn’t go there regularly because it’s too expensive. I only went because I realized...oh yeah, I’ve already hit my Maximum Out of Pocket of $6K for the year (GoFundMe page should be setup by someone for me by now?!?! Just kidding...I got my rainy day fund deployed)...everything else the next 10 months of 2026 is on the house. I need to get ‘all the things’ done this year!! Including all the chiropractic they’ll let me get in without insurance rejecting.

My daily food diary...

Day 38 food spend = $17

BREAKFAST = Raisin Bran

LUNCH = $17 Five Guys...it was right next to the chiropractor, too easy...

DINNER = Made myself some spaghetti with butter sauce and parm cheese again but also had a can of Skyline chili and made some chili and cheddar cheese topped spaghetti like we do in Ohio!

Month #2 (through 10 days) = $178 total spend...now at $17.80 per day average. Three days in a row now under my $20 per day avg. budget per day.

38-day total food spend = $779...$20.50 per day average....we’re getting there $20 per day budget)!!

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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3/2 MON

(5:14amET)

Today

-- Combine Day-4 review.

-- WR-s grade/rankings update

-- A full scouting report.

-- Mostly will be focusing on reviewing and processing Combine results and looking at news/rumors beyond what’s taking place on the field.

This Week’s Agenda…

-- The defensive prospect grades debut...coming soon with the Combine results to work with some official numbers on them for their 1.0 grades.

-- Prospect grades by position and rankings boards are being updated and added to daily/weekly for the next 6 months.

-- Wrapping up and auditing Dynasty rankings 1.0. Adding the top rookies with the latest info. Probably March 3-5 range debut (projected). IDP work begins after that.

-- Holy series ‘QBs 1.0’ published last week. The RB position group 95% done, set to publish Monday. Holy RB Handcuffs after that.

-- Working on the next wave of full scouting reports...especially on prospects who did all the stuff at the Combine.

-- Any FFM News & Notes or Special Reports during the day as I get them.

-- My Jacksonville daily diary at the very end for me recording this journey for future reading/memory and sharing how things are going with everyone.

== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports Jimmy Garoppolo is “a strong option” for the Cardinals in free agency. New head coach Mike LaFleur is apparently close enough to Garoppolo to get a “that’s his guy” from a league source.

About the LaFleur Garoppolo connection. It's a cute theory but why would the Cardinals usher in a new era, kind of in a rebuild, with a bunch of younger QBs out there...why would they go after Jimmy Garoppolo? I'm sure Jimmy G is quite happy sitting behind Matt Stafford and never having to play a down or take a hit or do anything but collect the paycheck... I think that has been his primary motivation for several years now.

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Titans are investigating if there’s trade value in dealing Will Levis.

I doubt they’ll find anyone willing to pay up for a publicly tarred and feathered/tainted, missed the last season with injury (shoulder) QB. The smart move would be to hold him as a great backup instead of just dumping, but the Titans are run by seeming idiots...so...

I’d love to see him go reunite with Liam Coen in Jacksonville (Coen was his O-C at Kentucky)...because it means Coen sees something in him and can maybe rehab him.

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports the Colts have “made it clear” to Alec Pierce that he will be a Colt, either through a tag or a long-term deal.

They will re-do the Michael Pittman deal and then retain Alec Pierce. This head coach and GM are living on borrowed time...they gotta win NOW, or they’re both gone after 2026. They will attempt to retain the group that was the best team in the AFC until Dan Jones got hurt.

Not good news for Josh Downs...not good news for any of the WRs here for FF. Their collective talent cannibalizes each other so that none of them are a real dominant force.

-- HEADLINE: ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports “a lot of folks in Indy” said they expect Joe Flacco to follow Kevin Stefanski to Atlanta.

See my recent Falcons-Browns report on their predicted QB situations, to see what this means for FF.

Daily Sweep of Quotes of interest:

Todd Monken (Browns HC) on Jerry Jeudy: "We’re expecting a massive jump from Jerry this year; he’s healthy and looking explosive."

Ian Rapoport (NFL Network) on Giants WR Corp: "The Giants are focusing heavily on finding a reliable WR2 to pair with Malik Nabers."

Insider (via Schefter) on Aaron Rodgers: "Sources close to Rodgers indicate he is heavily considering playing for the Vikings, viewing them as a roster ready to compete immediately."

Jay Glazer (FOX Sports) on Peter Woods: "He’s a disruptive force, but teams are concerned about his height for an interior lineman at the next level."

Mike Macdonald (Seahawks HC) on LB Sonny Styles: "I think I showed last year that I was able to be a true mike [linebacker]."

Jordan Reid (ESPN) on Carnell Tate: "Carnell Tate has the best route running capability of any receiver in this class right now."

Medical Expert Injury Updates

Malik Nabers (WR, NYG): Per Jeff Mueller, currently recovering from a groin injury. It may linger through the early offseason program but is expected to be fully healed before training camp.
Zach Charbonnet (RB, SEA): Per Jesse Morse, no official timetable for return following a knee injury. He is high risk for missing early mandatory minicamps.
Kyler Murray (QB, ARI): Per Deepak Chona, the foot injury is significant enough to make his long-term prognosis questionable, impacting trade market viability.
Aaron Jones (RB, FA): Medical assessment indicated a decline in explosive capacity due to lingering hip issues, heavily factoring into his release.

-- RC Daily JAX Diary...

(same intro every day)

(end of intro)

3/01/26, Day 37 in JAX

24 of 39 radiation treatments done so far. No radiation on weekends.

5 weeks down, 3 more to go.

This will be known as the day where...

I battled sickness. I’m ‘regular sick’, like a cold...but for me, in my immune compromised position, that’s not good. It hits me harder. It was a rough day of having like a super-cold. Lots of meds, supplements, cough drops, food, sleep and Combine.

I hope to snap out of it to start Week 6 for my treatments.

My daily food diary...

Day 37 food spend = $15

BREAKFAST = Starbucks...using my BTC Chris gift card some more...thank you!

LUNCH = $15 Chipotle

DINNER = Made myself some spaghetti with butter sauce and parm cheese, with already bought groceries.

Month #2 (through 9 days) = $161 total spend...now at $17.88 per day average. Three days in a row now under my $20 per day avg. budget per day.

36-day total food spend = $762...$21.17 per day average.

*28-day month #1 of 2 here, final tally = Overbudget/goal by $44 total. Not bad.

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