Welcome to the first Wednesday after the Super Bowl. How do you feel? Tired? Rejuvenated? Ready for another season? I can tell you that John Breech is doing well, despite Sunday’s outcome for the Bengals. In fact, he deserves all our admiration for weathering the loss and still showing up for work. Except for today, when I, Cody Benjamin, will deliver all the latest news.
This is the Pick Six Newsletter. Now let’s get to it. (And please, do yourself a favor and make sure you’re signed up to receive this newsletter every day! You don’t want to miss our daily offerings of everything you need to know around the NFL.)
We’ve got a Matthew Stafford Hall of Fame debate, Bengals coaching news, Colts QB buzz and more:
- Today’s show: Is Matthew Stafford bound for the Hall of Fame?
John Breech and Ryan Wilson joined Will Brinson on Wednesday’s “Pick Six Podcast” to do a final deep dive on Super Bowl LVI, unpacking everything from Zac Taylor’s coaching to Matthew Stafford’s no-look throw to Cooper Kupp’s finish. The guys also touched on what’s quickly become a hot debate: Is Stafford all but a lock for a future Hall of Fame induction?
“If he plays four more years and racks up 17,000 more passing yards,” Brinson argued, “his numbers and the Super Bowl, by the time we get five years past his career and people sit down and look at this guy’s resume, it’s going to be a no-brainer.”
Catch the entire episode (and subscribe for all kinds of daily NFL content) right here.
2. Free agency primer: Needs, cap space, free agents for all 32 teams
The draft is already around the corner, but you know what’s even closer? Free agency! And Jeff Kerr is getting us all prepared for the open market with an extensive look around the league. Inside his supersized free agency primer is a breakdown of every single team’s pending free-agent class, projected salary cap totals, plus top offseason priorities for all 32 clubs. It’s must-read material, whether you’re a Rams fan ready to stock up for a repeat, or a Jaguars fan ready for another rebuild.
3. Insider notes: Garoppolo could be Colts’ best alternative at QB
Just one year after trading for Carson Wentz, the Colts are reportedly undecided on keeping the QB for another season. They would save money by cutting or dealing the former Eagles starter this offseason. But CBS Sports NFL insider Jason La Canfora doesn’t see many scenarios where Indy can find a clear upgrade at the position:
Aaron Rodgers and Russell Wilson aren’t going there, and I don’t see the Texans trading Deshaun Watson in-division, even if he was interested, to Indianapolis. This draft is limited in QB scope. The Colts have already been down a path eerily similar to Teddy Bridgewater or Gardner Minshew or something like Mitch Trubisky. That’s not a real upgrade. Makes me wonder if maybe a change of scenery — Wentz to the 49ers for Jimmy Garoppolo — might work. QB whisperer Kyle Shanahan would have veteran insurance for youngster Trey Lance, and Jimmy G would land with a team that has been to the playoffs recently.
4. Tom Brady’s ex-Patriots peers reportedly don’t believe QB is retiring
Yes, we’re still discussing TB12. But how can we not? Days after Brady refused to rule out a future comeback and several former teammates, including Patriots running back Brandon Bolden and Buccaneers tight end Rob Gronkowski, predicted Brady will, in fact, return to football down the road, NFL Media has reported that some of Brady’s other ex-Patriots peers believe the QB isn’t actually ready to hang it up. They think he was forced in that direction but will eventually suit up again. Only time will tell, but everyone — Brady included — keeps leaving the door open.
5. 2022 mock draft: Commanders, Saints add first-round QBs
Draft expert Chris Trapasso dropped his latest first-round forecast, and he’s got three signal-callers coming off the board — two in the first 11 picks. Here’s a look at where he’s got each QB going this time around:
- Panthers (No. 6) — Kenny Pickett, Pittsburgh: He lands with Matt Rhule in the former college coach’s latest attempt to get the quarterback spot right in Carolina.
- Commanders (No. 11) — Malik Willis, Liberty: He can battle with Taylor Heinicke in camp and take over at some point in 2022 if the veteran doesn’t build on a solid 2021. He has All-Pro upside.
- Saints (No. 18) — Matt Corral, Ole Miss: The Saints are in rebuild mode. Or at least they should be. With this selection, Corral can be the Week 1 starter, or New Orleans can take the long-term approach as the roster is reconstructed.
6. Rapid-fire roundup: Bengals extend Taylor, how Rams can repeat
Hungry for more NFL headlines? Enjoy:
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