RC's daily streaming notes on football, and other, things going on this week...
3/29 SUN
(7:55amET)
Today
-- New scouting report.
-- Pro Day Notes Series: from 3/15/26
-- Dynasty valuation/rankings update SUN/MON.
-- NFL Draft position grade SAF 2.0 update and adds SUN.
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- NBC HEADLINE/STORY: LT Taylor Decker detailed communication issues that led to his Lions exit.
Story: In an article by Detroit Football Network’s Justin Rogers, Decker provided his timeline of the events that led to him requesting his release earlier this month.
Here’s a tailored AI summary of that article...
This article by Justin Rogers of the Detroit Football Network details the deteriorating relationship and ultimate departure of longtime left tackle Taylor Decker from the Detroit Lions. It highlights a series of communication failures between Decker, his representation, and the Lions' front office that led to the veteran requesting his release.
The Timeline of the Breakdown
- January 2026 (The Exit Interviews): Following the conclusion of the 2025 season, Decker met with the team for standard exit interviews. At this stage, Decker believed both parties were on the same page regarding his future with the team and his intent to continue playing.
- March 2026 (The Decision to Play): Decker officially announced his intention to return for an 11th season in 2026.
- The "Blindsided" Moment: Shortly after his announcement, the Lions—communicating through Decker's agent—informed him that his return was contingent on accepting a pay cut. Decker was reportedly caught off guard, as the possibility of a reduced salary had not been raised during their January discussions or in the window leading up to his announcement.
- The Silence from Leadership: Decker expressed significant hurt over the lack of direct communication following this demand. He noted that he did not hear from Head Coach Dan Campbell or GM Brad Holmes personally during the fallout. He felt that after a decade of service, he deserved a direct conversation rather than being handled purely as a business transaction through his agent.
- Request for Release: Unable to find common ground on the financial terms and feeling undervalued by the lack of direct outreach, Decker requested his release from the team earlier this month.
Differing Perspectives
- Taylor Decker’s View: For Decker, the situation became personal. He cited a lack of "basic courtesy" and felt that his loyalty to the franchise was not reciprocated in the way his exit was handled. He specifically mentioned the "lingering awkwardness" caused by the silence from team leaders he had previously respected.
- Brad Holmes’ View: The Lions GM offered a different perspective, suggesting that the primary "surprise" was the timing of Decker’s public announcement to return. While Holmes acknowledged he did not respond to Decker’s attempts to reach out immediately before the announcement, he did not characterize it as a major internal failing, but rather a byproduct of the NFL business cycle.
The Resolution and Future
Despite the bitter nature of the split, Decker has expressed a desire to eventually retire as a Lion. He has floated the idea of signing a symbolic one-day contract in the future to maintain his connection to the only franchise he has ever played for, signaling that while the professional relationship is over, he still values his legacy in Detroit.
RC NOTE: Well...it looks like all is not well with the Lions. A year ago, I would have told you that the Lions and Vikings were arguably the two best run teams in the NFL. Now, every other week it seems there’s a story of some minor or major turmoil and confusion in both organizations. It’s crazy that two people (the GM and HC) who really have no training running a billion-dollar business are put in place to run said business...so then it shouldn’t be shocking that organizational chaos ensues over time.
You can be a great Xs & Os coach or fiery emotional leader, but that doesn’t mean you have all the other aspects in order to be a CEO-level manager of things. It’s impossible to expect that a head coach could be expected to run the day-to-team but also do all the press conferences and draft studies and get involved in contractual things like this among a million other things...they can’t do it all, and they can’t be naturally good at it all.
If I became an NFL head coach, I would hire a business CEO/Chief of Staff to run a lot of the business ops but answer to me...I might do a Chief of Staff for the offense and then one for the defense as well. Two people you pay a half-a-million each...teams cut millions of dollars in bad payroll each year, so this expense is nothing. I would then also have an excellent personal assistant or two, two for like ‘two shifts’ because it’s long days at an NFL organization...I’d get like a like a low-level player who just got cut/retired but wants to get into coaching to be an assistant/s. I wouldn’t hire them to be a lackey, but a semi-lackey...they’d do a lot of important day-to-day dirty work for me to conserve my time. Someday, I want to have that for FFM...it might be my wife when she retires, but we’d probably kill each other in that capacity/hierarchy. Robots need to hurry up already...
But back to reality...
Does Taylor Decker have anything left to give to an NFL team? An important question seeing how utterly valuable a pass protecting left tackle is these days. He’s not the player he used to be, but he still has some juice left in the tank. He asked the team for a release and got it. He could retire or he could join another team...and that team is probably Chicago (to be with former O-C Ben Johnson), if he wanted to be a depth/rotational piece for a legit Super Bowl contender...or, more likely...he just stays out and waits for a nice deal from a desperate team in the offseason or waits until the season starts and a team that loses its main left tackle would be extra desperate to use his services.
This is a decent pass protector for a team in need, to just be sitting out there. I’m interested to see how this turns out. A contender that lands him gets an important cog in the machine...offensive line is THEE most important thing, but most teams still don’t get that...which I will continue to say until things change...which means I’ll never not keep saying it.
Taylor Decker’s Blocking Grades (last 5 years):
Taylor Decker’s PFF grades over the last five seasons (2021–2025) show a remarkably consistent starter who typically excels in pass protection, though 2025 saw a slight dip as he battled through a shoulder injury.
2025 Season
Overall Grade: 67.9
Pass Block Grade: 69.5
Run Block Grade: 62.1
2024 Season
Overall Grade: 77.0
Pass Block Grade: 74.8
Run Block Grade: 73.1
2023 Season
Overall Grade: 77.3
Pass Block Grade: 71.7
Run Block Grade: 74.4
2022 Season
Overall Grade: 74.4
Pass Block Grade: 76.5
Run Block Grade: 64.9
2021 Season
Overall Grade: 75.3
Pass Block Grade: 84.0
Run Block Grade: 60.5
Scouting Context
- Pass Protection Peak: His 84.0 pass-blocking grade in 2021 remains his high-water mark of this stretch, cementing his reputation as a "blindside protector" first.
- Run Game Consistency: You can see his run blocking peaked in 2023/2024 (mid-70s) before falling back to the low 60s this past season.
- Injury Impact: The 2025 dip (dropping below the 70.0 "Quality Starter" threshold for the first time in this window) is largely attributed to the AC joint issue that hampered his power at the point of attack.
- Consistency: Between 2022 and 2024, he hovered almost exactly at the 75.0–77.0 mark, which typically ranks him as a "High Quality" starter (top 15–20 at the position).
-- HEADLINE: NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe said Malik Willis is the Dolphins’ starting quarterback, but Miami does “plan” to add “long-term” competition via the 2026 NFL Draft.
I love news like this...it reflects the general lack of respect for Malik Willis, which holds his ADP down, etc.
They should, every team should, have developmental/talented #2 QBs...so, Miami might draft a similar type mobile QB for continuity (a perfect spot for Cole Payton or Taylen Green or maybe even Diego Pavia)...but they are not doing so with Willis ‘worry’ at the forefront. The Miami HC and GM are big-time Willis guys...they don’t believe this is gonna fail on its own merits.
The Cameron Wolfe message isn’t a real inside insight...its guesswork reflected by the media consensus that Willis isn’t a serious thing at QB for Miami. I can assure you the Dolphins leaders absolutely believe in Willis.
QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’)
-- Ian Cunningham (Falcons GM) on Brian Robinson Jr: "He brings a physical identity to our backfield that we felt was missing. He’s a 'four-yards-and-a-cloud-of-dust' guy who keeps us on schedule."
- Source: Atlanta Falcons Press Briefing
-- John Spytek (Raiders GM) on the #1 Overall Pick: "Focusing on the defense in free agency has freed us up to pepper the offense in the draft. We are in a position to be aggressive for the right playmaker."
- Source: Raiders.com Team Update
-- Jesse Morse (The Fantasy Doctors) on Tyquan Thornton: "His recovery from last season's foot injury is complete. He should have no restrictions heading into camp."
- Source: The Fantasy Doctors
Daily Transactions: March 28, 2026
- Dallas Cowboys: Signed DE Jonathan Bullard (1-year, $2.5M max).
- Minnesota Vikings: Signed OL Ryan Van Demark (Bills declined to match offer sheet).
- Washington Commanders: Signed S Jeremy Reaves (Extension).
- Dallas Cowboys: Signed CB Derion Kendrick (1-year deal).
- Buffalo Bills: Re-signed S Damar Hamlin (1-year deal).
- Buffalo Bills: Signed WR Trent Sherfield (1-year deal).
- Miami Dolphins: Signed S Ronnie Harrison (1-year deal).
- Washington Commanders: Signed CB Ahkello Witherspoon (1-year deal).
Draft & Prospect Buzz
- Jordyn Tyson (WR, Arizona State): Stock is surging following the ASU Pro Day; scouts noted elite change-of-direction metrics that project him as a Top-40 pick.
- Source: Draftniks/ASU Pro Day Report
- Omar Cooper Jr. (WR, Indiana): Conducted a Top 30 visit with the Dallas Cowboys on Friday.
- Source: NFL.com Transaction Hub
- Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama): His stock is rising toward Top 5 status following a private visit with the Arizona Cardinals.
- Source: Charles Davis, NFL Network
- Arvell Reese (EDGE, Ohio State): Conducted a private workout for the New York Jets; staff was reportedly impressed by his explosiveness.
- Source: Pro Football Rumors
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
NFC South: (2) TB v. (3) ATL...The slow collapsing Bucs vs. the rapidly collapsing Falcons, which of them is gonna survive this round? The O-Line leans ATL. The defense leans ATL even stronger. But then TB comes back with a huge gap at QB...Baker over Pe-ua (Penix/Tua mashup). Don’t miss my clever word play there, I worked hard on that...
Head coach advantage? I can’t stand Kevin Stefanski, but I can’t stand Todd Bowles more.
Everything is pushing me to ATL. Baker, whom I love, cannot overcome all the other advantages for ATL.
Tomorrow...we begin the NFC West with the defending champs (1) SEA v. (4) ARI.
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (3) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV, (2) LAC d. (3) KC
NFC East: (1) PHI d. (4) NYG, (2) DAL d. (3) WSH
NFC North: (1) CHI d. (4) DET, (3) MIN d. (2) GB
NFC South: (4) NO d. (1) CAR
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
3/28 SAT
(6:42amET)
Today
-- New scouting report SAT.
-- Pro Day Notes Series: from 3/16/26
-- Dynasty valuation/rankings update SUN/MON.
-- NFL Draft position grade SAF 2.0 update and adds SUN.
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- Puka Nacua is in hot water again...
https://x.com/nfl_dovkleiman/status/2036587153602355679?s=43
What I’ve seen of this story, just my initial read through...it looks like he was targeted, as many of these athletes are now. It wouldn’t surprise me if Nacua did nothing of what he was accused of, but a person out for money did their homework and knew how to hit him.
When the accusations first hit, the next day or two a cellphone video came out where the accuser was ‘twerking’ around him as Nacua looked like/was passed out on the sofa. It casts some doubt on the lady’s story...but also Nacua cannot defend himself because he was ‘out’ cold.
NFL players are subject to these attacks if they’re hanging out in the wrong places frequently.
At worst, Nacua is guilty of all these things. But at a minimum, he’s guilty of once again being an idiot -- he’s getting too loose/stupid with his mouth and with who he is hanging out with. He’s up for a big, early contract extension like JSN got...but now he’s costing himself money left and right...which all adds up to a mounting case that HE IS AN IDIOT. And that’s not good in an era of the wave of incoming rookies all being business first with a nice academic history...the new breed of serious/academic/business-like top rookies aren’t likely hanging out with idiots being an idiot all the time.
Puka is becoming a ‘concern’, at a minimum.
If the Rams draft a WR day two, they may be getting a Plan B ready.
Puka is becoming a similar case to Rashee Rice -- talented, but immature ‘problems’ that could go awry any day by being at the wrong places with the wrong people. What NFL team wants to deal with that? Does Detroit have to deal with this or ever worry about this type of stuff with Amon-Ra St. Brown? Is it gonna get better when you shove it (Puka, Rashee) a bunch of money?
-- HEADLINE: NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports free agent RB Najee Harris will meet with the Raiders next Thursday.
The main takeaway here is...Klint Kubiak is serious about running a 1-2 punch at RB. In 2025, he had a real pure split between Walker-Charbonnet. He’s come out, the week he was hired, and clearly said he’s gonna get a ‘wingman’ for Jeanty since he first got hired.
How do you value Jeanty if Najee winds up there? Do you think it's 80/20 Jeanty split? 65/35? 50/50? How much do you trust Kubiak's words and 2025 actions?
I think Najee winds up taking a deal somewhere he thinks he could start or surpass the other duo-starter, etc. He’ll never be valued close to Jeanty for touches in 2026.
QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is ‘trust in AI’)
-- Sean Mannion (Eagles OC) on the new scheme: "We're moving toward a McVay/Shanahan-style system with more motion and wide-open play calls. Jalen [Hurts] and Saquon [Barkley] are already leaning in."
-- Todd Monken (Browns HC) on his first draft: "We’re looking for 'play-fast' guys. We want receivers who can stretch the field vertically from day one."
-- John Harbaugh (Giants HC) on Jaxson Dart: "We are 'all in' on building around the success Jaxson had as a rookie. The additions of Isaiah Likely and Patrick Ricard aren't accidents; we're getting physical."
-- Jesse Morse (Fantasy Doctors) on Tyreek Hill: "The knee recovery is progressing well. While he's still a free agent, his medical chart won't be the thing that keeps teams from calling."
Daily Transactions: March 27, 2026
- Buffalo Bills: Re-signed S Damar Hamlin and WR Trent Sherfield (1-year deals).
- Dallas Cowboys: Signed CB Derion Kendrick (1-year deal).
- Miami Dolphins: Signed S Ronnie Harrison (1-year deal).
- Washington Commanders: Signed CB Ahkello Witherspoon (1-year deal).
- Atlanta Falcons: Officially added RB Brian Robinson Jr. and RB Tyler Goodson.
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
NFC South: (1) CAR v. (4) NO...This is a tight one. O-Line? Lean CAR when healthy, maybe...but I actually think the Saints have one of the best individual talent O-Lines in the game and quietly/smartly added David Edwards to it in the offseason. I think, for 2026, I kinda like the Saints for O-Line over a solid Panthers O-Line (that’s never fully healthy).
QB? I don’t like Bryce, but he isn’t fully terrible anymore...but I’d take Shough, push come to shove/Shough.
The defenses were actually pretty even last year, the more I looked at it.
Down the stretch, the Saints were probably the best team in the NFC South last season. We’ll go with the first #4 seed v. #1 seed upset with NO.
Tomorrow...the NFC South finishes with (2) TB v. (3) ATL
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (3) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV, (2) LAC d. (3) KC
NFC East: (1) PHI d. (4) NYG, (2) DAL d. (3) WSH
NFC North: (1) CHI d. (4) DET, (3) MIN d. (2) GB
NFC South:
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
3/27 FRI
(5:35amET)
Today
-- Best Ball rankings debut TODAY, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update SUN/MON.
-- New scouting report SAT.
-- NFL Draft position grade SAF 2.0 update and adds SAT/SUN.
-- Pro Day Notes Series: from 3/16/26
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- The Tom Brady comeback talk...
He never once said/denied he was coming back. He just said the league didn’t like the idea and that he was happy in retirement. Neither of those things disqualifies him.
I think the odds of a Brady comeback are 50/50...in what capacity/what it looks like is really debatable. I think/speculate, if they didn’t have Mendoza coming in...with this weak QB draft after that (sorry, Dan Orlovsky)...it would open the window to a Brady return this year/Week 1.
I think a Brady return happens under three possible scenarios...
1) Brady comes back this season to ‘help’ the young QB.
2) Mendoza gets hurt and gone for a long period of time in the next year or two or three, and Brady decides it would be his window...and it would sell tickets, etc.
3) Brady does a whole thing next year to play in one game when he has turned 50 years old/2027 season...even if for one game or one series...he’ll make a whole show/spectacle of it.
I think scenario #1 could be the most likely. In which case, Brady will sign a bunch of deals with Netflix or whatever streaming service to cover his comeback. He says he will do it to show Mendoza the ropes, first-hand...to follow Tom’s lead. And when they think Mendoza is ready in 2026, Brady says he will step aside and be a player/QB coach for this one season.
The tickets they would sell. The TV ratings they would have.
If Brady is gonna do it, he’ll announce it soon so that the TV schedule makers can hop on that.
Who’s gonna say ‘no’ to Tom Brady coming back to have the spectacle and to show the #1 pick the ropes ‘the right way’? It’s the most use the Raiders would ever get out of Brady.
Would you say that Brady is a QB2 as the Raiders starting QB this season?
LV does have NE on the schedule this year...
Can you imagine the ratings of KC v. LV with Mahomes v. Brady (they play KC this season)? Or a Week 1 of Monday Night Football: LV at NE, Brady v. Maye?
-- I think this may be the indicator that the Eagles have no takers for AJ Brown...
QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is trust in AI)
-- Charles Davis (Analyst) on the QB Class: "Ty Simpson is QB2 for me now, rising as high as #3 overall to Arizona. He plays with that Brock Purdy-esque efficiency."
-- Dr. Chao (ProFootballDoc) on Micah Parsons: "Despite 'flying' through rehab, the nine-month window puts his return in the Week 3 or 4 sweet spot. Don't expect him sooner."
Daily Transactions: March 25-26
- Atlanta Falcons: Signed QB Trevor Siemian, RB Tyler Goodson, and RB Bennie Robinson Jr. (1-year deals).
- Buffalo Bills: Signed OL Austin Corbett, OL Liam Cushenberry, and WR Trent Sherfield.
- New Orleans Saints: Officially signed QB Zach Wilson (1-year deal).
- Philadelphia Eagles: Signed WR Elijah Moore (1-year deal).
- Washington Commanders: Signed CB Ahkello Witherspoon.
- Seattle Seahawks: Re-signed LB Cody Surratt.
- New York Giants: Signed LB Cam Jones and LS Zach Triner.
- Cincinnati Bengals: Re-signed veteran QB Joe Flacco.
- Detroit Lions: Re-signed K Jake Bates and signed G Ben Bartch.
- Indianapolis Colts: Re-signed OL Danny Pinter.
- LA Chargers: Signed G Kayode Awosika.
- LA Rams: Re-signed RB Ronnie Rivers.
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
NFC North: (2) GB v. (3) MIN...Is Kyler enough to turn the ship around in Minnesota? What has happened to the coaching staff in Minnesota? Every coach it seems bailed or tried to bail this offseason...and the GM was fired. Fork in the road year for Minnesota/Kevin O’Connell...if he turns Kyler into something special, then KOC solidifies his genius (and Kliff Kingsbury should be fired wherever he is at)...but if Kyler flops and JJM flounders in 2026...then KOC goes onto the hot seat.
But GB didn’t have a great offseason either...they lost their D-C to Miami, and he took a few GB people with him. Both of these teams have a lot of flux for 2026. But if you look at the key items of a roster...QB, O-Line, and CB...it’s close between them. GB has a QB edge, maybe...but O-Line is close and CB shifts to Minnesota, who is quietly putting together a super-savvy CB trio. It’s close, so let’s let HC be the tiebreaker...and in that case, I have to lean it towards KOC and the Vikings.
Tomorrow...the NFC South begins with (1) CAR v. (4) NO
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (3) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV, (2) LAC d. (3) KC
NFC East: (1) PHI d. (4) NYG, (2) DAL d. (3) WSH
NFC North: (1) CHI d. (4) DET
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
3/26 THU
(6:17amET)
Today
-- New RC scouting report: Denzel Boston
NFL Draft position grade WR-b update planned today, working on Offensive Guards debut as well.
Pro Day Notes Series: from 3/17/26
*This week...Best Ball rankings debut FRIDAY, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update SUN/MON
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- Things are looking more positive (?) for Patrick Mahomes for this season...
https://x.com/jmthrivept/status/2036876550432514445
-- Nick Chubb aint looking bad for 2026 either?
https://x.com/NFL_DovKleiman/status/2036903892714189053
-- This wouldn’t shock me...
https://x.com/DHarrison82/status/2036874387647766973
-- HEADLINE: Free agent RB Najee Harris visited with the Seahawks on Wednesday.
GM John Schneider doing RB the right way...cheap.
BUT...people still have an image of Najee as ’great’, so I’ll bet Najee goes elsewhere for more money...when he should take the Seattle lesser 1-year deal to be in a great place to get his career back on track...like Rachaad is trying to do with Washington.
Speaking of Rachaad...I hope that Tate pic above is reality, thus Washington doesn’t take Love, this RW in a much better spot to have 2026 FF impact.
-- I feel like all I see on Twitter is everyone going out of their way to show me how secretly great Rueben Bain is...mostly because of some biometrics or bend ‘still’ picture/video or whatever excuse they make for his arm length (which is their BIG DEAL for a DL prospect every year...unless it’s one they pre-liked already from brainwashing, like Bain, then it doesn’t matter).
But I see all this calamity, and simply ask myself...if Bain is so biometrically great and can bend so low...if all that equals greatness unseen before...then why did he only have a very normal, modest 9.5 sacks in 16 games last season? Oh, he was secretly hurt? Oh, the scheme! Do the excuses with this guy never end? I feel like there is a cottage industry of people who just make videos to try to convince everyone that Bain is awesome.
There’s so many prospects to be interested in...why this one getting such focus?
You know how ‘they’ say news/political podcasters on YouTube are influenced by outside ‘entities’ (with money). I’ll guarantee you, if someone paid me $10-20K...I could tell you all about how excited I was about Bain...or Ty Simpson.
It’s funny how small school players don’t get this constant drumbeat...only the big, rich school players get incessant coverage. Bryce Young benefitted from this. So did Manchurian Harrison Jr.
Jeremiyah Love is also the ‘best prospect’ in this draft outta nowhere all at the same time by the big media guys right before the Combine? OK, sure.
Where was I? Oh yeah, Twitter/X...please stop sending me these things on Bain:
https://x.com/davidpollack47/status/2036477674550346019
I know who all this WILL absolutely work on...the NFL and its scouts and coaches and owners. So, it’s actually smart controlled media by the wealthy schools/players...who usually donate some of their contract back to the school.
QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is trust in AI)
-- Adam Schefter (Insider) on Davante Adams: "The Rams aren’t trading Davante Adams... they just paid him a $6M roster bonus on Sunday."
Draft & Prospect Buzz
Ty Simpson (QB, Alabama) hosted by the Jets for a private workout (3/25).
Kadyn Proctor (OT, Alabama) hosted by the Chiefs for a pre-draft visit (3/25).
Carnell Tate (WR, Ohio State) has Top 30 visits scheduled with five teams this week (3/25).
Anthony Richardson (QB, Colts) trade interest is reportedly mutual as the Vikings explore high-risk, high-reward options (3/24).
Transactions & Roster Moves
- Lions officially re-signed K Jake Bates (3/25).
- Saints are signing QB Zach Wilson to a one-year deal (3/25).
- Eagles signed WR Elijah Moore to a one-year contract (3/25).
- Bengals re-signed veteran QB Joe Flacco (3/24).
- Dolphins signed LB/S Ronnie Harrison to a one-year deal (3/25).
- Chargers signed G Kayode Awosika (3/25).
- Rams re-signed RB Ronnie Rivers (3/25).
- Lions signed G Ben Bartch (3/25).
- Eagles re-signed OL Fred Johnson (3/24).
- Giants signed LB Cam Jones and LS Zach Triner (3/24)
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
NFC North: (1) CHI v. (4) DET...My how fast things change! Ben Johnson leaves Detroit and goes to the Bears, and the division is flipped upside down on one season off one change. Everything about the Bears is better than the Lions now. Easy win for Chicago. In what area is Detroit obviously better? Maybe RB, but who cares about RBs?
Tomorrow...(2) GB v. (3) MIN wraps up the NFC North.
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (3) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV, (2) LAC d. (3) KC
NFC East: (1) PHI d. (4) NYG, (2) DAL d. (3) WSH
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
3/25 WED
(8:29amET)
Today
-- New scouting report WED/THU
NFL Draft position grade TE update planned today, working on Off Guards debut as well.
Pro Day Notes from 3/21/26
*This week...Best Ball rankings debut FRI/SAT, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update SAT/SUN
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: Falcons signed RB Brian Robinson, formerly of the 49ers, to a one-year, $2.5 million contract.
I thought BRob looked really-really good last year...like he should be an NFL starter still...but once you lose the ‘love’ of a team and media, and generally when you hit year’s 3-4-5 in the league you’re ‘old news’ -- most all RBs that hit that phase end up scraping around like BRob, Pacheco, and Rachaad, etc.
All the rookie RBs people are pining over and make love letter YouTube videos about as they claim everyone is ‘sleeping’ on every RB and every RB is a ‘sleeper’ to somebody (just to make content) -- most all of the RBs your assessing to bet a DRD pick in a few weeks/months, in 3-4 years you will not care less about them...neither will the NFL.
BRob goes from being a super-important handcuff for CMC to now a super-important handcuff for Bijan. Smart signing for ATL. Holy Handcuffs report planned release next week as all the RBs of note appeared to have signed finally.
-- HEADLINE: Bengals re-signed QB Joe Flacco to a one-year, $6 million contract.
One of the best backup QB signings in 2026. The drop off wasn’t much at all last year when Flacco played...he was tracking among the top 3 for FF QBs for stretch with Cincy.
When you look to pick or bet on the AFC North winner...Cincy has Flacco in case of emergency. Pitt has Will Howard. The Ravens have Tyler Huntley. I could make a case Flacco is as-good/better than Lamar or Aaron Rodgers the past few years. Why the NFL doesn’t take #2 QB seriously is beyond me.
It’s why SF and CHI aren’t trading their #2s for some random ‘3rd-round pick’...they are WAAAYYY better off keeping their #2s as long as they can. They’ll get a 3rd-round compensation pick for them someday, worst case.
-- Don’t forget about Najee Harris to a team with a head coach that is an ex-defensive-coordinator...
https://x.com/jmthrivept/status/2036217787618828506?s=43
Hello, Miami?
To Green Bay to backstop Josh Jacobs wouldn’t be a bad idea...even though that doesn’t fit my profile on the head coach proclivity.
QUOTES & QUOTABLES (pulled from an internet A.I. search, I try to make sure it’s accurate but some of it is trust in AI)
-- Jordan Schultz, Insider: "Free agent WR Odell Beckham Jr. has received renewed interest in recent days after his showing at Tom Brady's Fanatics flag football game... OBJ fully intends to play in 2026."
- Source: X (@Schultz_Report), March 24, 2026
-- Benjamin Allbright, KOA Colorado: "Maxx Crosby's preferred trade destination is the Chicago Bears, but the Raiders' asking price remains a significant hurdle in these preliminary talks." Source: Broncos Country Tonight, March 23, 2026
-- Adam Schefter, ESPN "The one thing that I can say confidently right now is that Ty Simpson will be a first round draft pick... Talking to front offices, that's what I believe."
- Source: The Pat McAfee Show (via @PatMcAfeeShow), March 23, 2026
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
NFC East: (2) DAL v. (3) WSH...A lot of flaws for these two teams, but I see it as -- Dallas has the way better O-Line, with a push at QB, and a Dallas edge in coaching (because Dan Quinn is a mess)...so, we give it to Dallas to go take on the Eagles in the NFC East finals.
Tomorrow...the NFC North begins.
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV, (2) LAC d. (3) KC
NFC East: (1) PHI d. (4) NYG,
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
=====================
3/24 TUE
(6:40amET)
Today
-- New scouting report.
NFL Draft position grade CB 1.0 debut planned to post TUE/WED
Pro Day Notes from 3/20/26
*This week...Best Ball rankings debut, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- OK, we got all the data in on the Washington Commanders RB’s contracts. Here they are...
(from GEMINI)
Here are the updated contract details for the running backs currently on the Washington Commanders roster for the 2026 season:
Rachaad White
- Contract Years: 1 Year (Signed March 2026)
- Overall Amount: $2,000,000
- Guaranteed Money: $1,715,000 (+$300K in active roster bonuses)
Jerome Ford
- Contract Years: 1 Year (Signed March 2026)
- Overall Amount: $1,402,500
- Guaranteed Money: $437,500
Jeremy McNichols
- Contract Years: 1 Year (Re-signed March 2026)
- Overall Amount: $1,487,500
- Guaranteed Money: $562,500
Jacory Croskey-Merritt
- Contract Years: 4 Years (2025–2028)
- Overall Amount: $4,305,428
- Guaranteed Money: $105,428
A couple of comments on these contracts...
-- They are all under market, to me, in a sense. Why Rachaad got treated this way and Tyler Allgeier or Kenneth Gainwell or Chris Rodriquez got 2-3x or more the deal is embarrassing.
-- Jeremy McNichols got more money than Jerome Ford, so I was wondering how ‘into’ Ford they were...it appears not much at all. They got a steal with Ford...and all these guys.
-- Looking at the payroll, Washington is not tied to/in love with any of these guys. It’s like they have a backfield of all free agents all off the streets. They could cut Ford + McNichols and it not even cost $1M combined.
-- JCM is not seen as a lead back who needs support...he’s seen as part of a duo, right now.
-- Ex-Defensive Coordinators turned Head Coaches want bigger, BANGER RBs...and they don’t love smaller, speedy RBs.
John Harbaugh = Derrick Henry getter...he’ll favor Cam Skattebo over Tracy. Jesse Minter will keep the King.
Mike Vrabel = Stevenson over TreVeyon...the original purveyor of King Henry
Mike Tomlin (came to mind) = Najee Harris over Warren
DeMeco Ryans = Mixon...then Chubb, now David Montgomery.
Todd Bowles = the odd ball/outlier...he tried to make Len Fournette a thing, Rachaad stole the lead, the little Bucky stole the lead. He keeps getting smaller RBs.
Robert Saleh = had Breece, then went out and drafted two 220+ RBs in Braelon Allen and Isaiah Davis, which pissed off Breece. Now, Aaron Glenn will possess the three bigger RBs.
Mike Macdonald = he will take whomever GM John Schneider says...so far, their big FA add is signing 220-pound Emanuel Wilson.
Who’s left at HC that is an ex-D-C? It’s a dying breed (for a reason)...
Jeff Hafley...who has already said he wants a power run game, and they WILL trade away Achane...it’s almost a guarantee. Get ready Ollie Gordon and whoever else they draft...like Jonah Coleman or Mike Washington Jr.
Then we go back to Dan Quinn...what’s he gonna do? With the guys he has, Rachaad White will be the lead of an RBBC. White’s contract is a ‘tell’ that he’s over the other guys, but...this is a Jeremiyah Love watch spot of he is available at their draft spot. Washington has little commitment to anyone but minor commitments to Rachaad and they do like JCM.
If Love doesn’t get taken by Washington, which I think he’ll be gone before that...then Rachaad is in a really good space right off the bat. And being Jayden Daniels’ BFF doesn’t hurt.
-- Doing research on projections, I noticed how mixed-up Lamar Jackson’s output numbers were...he had the MVP 2024 season, but surrounding that was pretty mediocre (for him) numbers in 2021-22-23 and 2025, most of those seasons he missed 3-4-5 games in.
So, as a sanity/math check I looked at his last 5 seasons minus the MVP aberration in 2024 to see the flow of things ‘normally’ for him in recent years. So, I took all his partial seasons and math’d them up to 17-game seasons to look at them and I also put the per game averages in parenthesis.
My gut is telling me Lamar isn’t a top 3-5 FF QB anymore...and that he may be falling out of the QB1/top 12 altogether. Here (below) is the math on all that.
Lamar Jackson 17-Game Pace Projections (Per-Game Avg)
2021 Season (12 games played)
Pass Yds: 4082.8 (240.2)
Pass TDs: 22.7 (1.3)
Pass INTs: 18.4 (1.1)
Rush Yds: 1086.6 (63.9)
Rush TDs: 2.8 (0.2)
Fantasy PPG: 20.17
2022 Season (12 games played)
Pass Yds: 3176.2 (186.8)
Pass TDs: 24.1 (1.4)
Pass INTs: 9.9 (0.6)
Rush Yds: 1082.3 (63.7)
Rush TDs: 4.3 (0.3)
Fantasy PPG: 19.84
2023 Season (16 games played)
Pass Yds: 3907.9 (229.9)
Pass TDs: 25.5 (1.5)
Pass INTs: 7.4 (0.4)
Rush Yds: 872.3 (51.3)
Rush TDs: 5.3 (0.3)
Fantasy PPG: 21.33
2025 Season (13 games played)
Pass Yds: 3333.3 (196.1)
Pass TDs: 27.5 (1.6)
Pass INTs: 9.2 (0.5)
Rush Yds: 456.4 (26.8)
Rush TDs: 2.6 (0.2)
Fantasy PPG: 16.84
4-Season Average Projections
Pass Yds: 3625.0 (213.2)
Pass TDs: 24.9 (1.5)
Pass INTs: 11.2 (0.7)
Rush Yds: 874.4 (51.4)
Rush TDs: 3.8 (0.2)
Fantasy PPG: 19.54
19.5 FF PPG would be good for 8th in PPG among QBs in 2025.
If you see Lamar fading as he goes, and if you deduct a point for the fade then his 18.5 FF PPG would be #12 among 2025 QBs in PPG. Deduct another point off his averages and he drops to #14 among QBs in 2025.
He was #17 among all QBs who played 8 or more games in 2025 season in reality.
Do we have a QB who is now only capable of only #8-#14 QB type performances over a season...but he’s also gonna miss a minimum of 3 games per season now? There’s a lot of questions swirling around about his attitude and practice habits (nonexistent almost).
But we could also say...he is coming up on a contract adjustment soon (2027)...will he kick it into gear for one more big deal...or is he now satiated and/or getting too old/slow to be as effective or desiring to run the ball to put up big FF numbers now?
== QUOTES & QUOTABLES ==
Dr. Jesse Morse (The Injury Expertz): "Quinshon Judkins is the big winner of the 'clean' report. No knee damage means he’s on track for OTAs and should be 100% by Week 1. Contrast that with the lingering ankle issues we're tracking for guys like Skattebo and Pacheco, and Judkins' stock is rightfully surging."
Jeff Mueller, PT, DPT: "Jordyn Tyson’s hamstring is becoming a major concern. He’s officially out for his Pro Day after missing over three months. For a guy whose game relies on explosive transitions, a grade 2 strain that hasn't cleared by late March is a massive red flag."
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
NFC East: (1) PHI v. (4) NYG....This is a close one, but the ‘on paper’ edge has to go to Philly still...probably for one last year/ride before Philly falls apart and tries to save itself by making a head coaching change next offseason.
Tomorrow...the (2) DAL v. (3) WSH finish of the NFC East.
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV, (2) LAC d. (3) KC
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
3/23 MON
(7:26amET)
Today
-- New scouting report: Jadarius Price
NFL Draft position grade RB-s rankings adds + updates.
Pro Day Notes from 3/19/26
*This week...Best Ball rankings debut, and Dynasty valuation/rankings update
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.
-- Dynasty rankings audits/updates daily/weekly. Starting up the IDP studies to try to get them done by the end of month/early April.
-- Final components and studies for publishing Best Ball debut rankings 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.
-- 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 early April to start it up.
== NEWS & NOTES & Xs ==
-- HEADLINE: The Athletic’s Michael-Shawn Dugar believes Kenny McIntosh “should get an opportunity” to be one of Seattle’s lead backs.
Wow, this one is out of left field. I will say, when he got a late season little bump/run in 2024...he really looked pretty good. Quite frankly, it was easy to forget he even existed. But for a team without much ‘big name energy’ at RB...sure, McIntosh has a chance...I guess.
The current name GM John Schneider is talking about the most, at this point...Emanuel Wilson.
Here are some recent quotes from GM Schneider:
Schneider spoke with 710 Seattle Sports on Thursday, March 19, 2026, and provided the most detailed breakdown of the group:
"That’s a position where you can find guys. Obviously, [Walker was] outstanding, and everybody’s really excited for him. I mean, that’s a great, great contract for a running back. But George [Holani] did a great job. We’re really excited about Emanuel Wilson, who we got from the Green Bay Packers, a heavy runner with really nice feet."
"Just to kind of quell people, at this time of the year I get it... But, like, [Zach Charbonnet] is doing great [recovering]. Kenny McIntosh, he had a great [2024] season, and that was just an awful [ACL] injury for him. But I get it. And it’s a position that… we know where we’re at right now."
Emanuel Wilson
- Schneider's Take: He described Wilson as a "heavy runner with really nice feet" and someone the team is "really excited about" after his stint in Green Bay. Insiders suggest Schneider views him as a high-value addition who can handle a "larger role" rather than just being a depth piece.
George Holani
- Schneider's Take: Schneider noted that "George did a great job" and has been singing his praises unprompted in recent press availability.
- Team Action: Seattle officially signed Holani to his ERFA (Exclusive Rights Free Agent) tender on March 16, 2026, ensuring he stays for the 2026 season. Coaches have reportedly valued his pass protection and reliability during the 2025 playoff run.
Kenny McIntosh
- Schneider's Take: He acknowledged that McIntosh is still battling back from a significant injury, calling it an "awful [ACL] injury for him" but noted that McIntosh's 2024 production remains the baseline they hope he can return to.
-- Tom Brady comeback?
I would not be surprised at all if Brady makes a comeback. I had him on a Dynasty rosters/rankings, then took him off...but I am putting him back on.
He was asked about Kubiak hiring and the Crosby trade, and we got this ‘word salad’/politician non-answer: https://x.com/victafur/status/2035517250682433720?s=43
Brady is involved in way too many things to be effective at anything so far...it’s fine that he tries, but the Raiders don’t seem to be getting any success from this. Elon Musk wears several hats...Tom Brady was good at football. We don’t know how he is as a football exec or multiple business CEO or anything else. So far, the Raiders have been an abject disaster under Brady.
My gut is starting to wonder if Kubiak is the stoic, uninspiring O-C turned HC working with a terrible management structure that’s akin to the Kevin Stefanski Cleveland experience?
-- Speaking of comebacks...
I’d say this is confirmation he is serious about 2026...
https://youtu.be/gbAjliqmM3w?si=DjSZqYpsJJ9S6abL
If he goes to LAC, I’m gonna be hopping-Gadsden-mad (chases Mike McDaniel there at a big discount so LAC can’t say ‘no’).
== New Daily Series: Best Teams for 2026 Season Post-Free Agency ==
It’s March...March Madness time...so let’s do it tournament style. One matchup per day. Teams seeded in their division by their 2025 finish. We go through the divisions to the Final Four in each conference, to the overall Final Four, and then the finals. Strictly my early grades on the teams after all the coaching staffs have been put in place and most all of free agency worth noting is done. Assuming every player on the roster is healthy/never hurt.
The first round will likely go pretty predictably, but I do see at least one major ‘upset’ by a bottom seed.
Here we go:
AFC West: (2) LAC d. (3) KC...At what position are the Chiefs better than the Chargers? Possibly the D-Line is a debate, and that is it. Everywhere else...the Chargers defeat and many times crush the Chiefs position group by position group. Easy win for LAC to go on to face the Broncos next round.
Tomorrow...we start the NFC.
Past results:
AFC East: (1) NE d. (4) NYJ, (2) BUF d. (#) MIA
AFC North: (1) PIT d. (4) CLE, (3) CIN d. (2) BAL
AFC South: (1) JAX d. (4) TEN, (3) IND d. (2) HOU
AFC West: (1) DEN d. (4) LV,
----------------------------------------------------------
*How to sign up for our monthly or annual access: https://ffmetrics.com/total-football-advisor/total-football-advisor
*How to get the free FFM App and FAQs on how to use: https://ffmetrics.com/5663-how-to-get-the-free-ffm-app
*Our Betting Subscription offering (including private Discord chat access): https://ffmetrics.com/betting/betting
