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Patriots to Sign Ezekiel Elliott

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) -The New England Patriots are in agreement with free agent running back Ezekiel Elliott on a one-year deal, with NFL Network reporting the contract is worth up to $6 million.

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The two-time NFL rushing champion visited with the Patriots late last month and provides important depth behind starter Rhamondre Stevenson. Elliott referenced the Patriots in a Twitter post Monday.

Elliott, 28, was released by the Dallas Cowboys in a salary-cutting move in March.

The Ohio State product was slowed in the second half of last season by a knee injury and wasn’t fully healthy in 2021. He rushed for a career-low 876 yards and 3.9 yards per carry in 2022 while backup Tony Pollard emerged as a 1,000-yard rusher and big-play threat.

Elliott led the NFL in rushing in 2016 and 2018 and posted four 1,000-yard seasons with Dallas. The 2016 first-round pick (fourth overall) ranks third in Cowboys history in rushing yards (8,262) and rushing touchdowns (68) behind Hall of Famers Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. He also has 305 catches for 2,336 yards and 12 scores in 103 games (102 starts).

The Patriots released running back James Robinson in June, and Ty Montgomery is nursing an undisclosed injury. Second-year running backs Pierre Strong and Kevin Harris are also on the depth chart.

–Field Level Media

“Air” Coryell In at Canton

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CANTON – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Don Coryell’s offenses routinely flew to the top of the statistical charts and remnants of his philosophies are part of modern-day NFL attacks.

But not until Saturday did the innovative former San Diego Chargers and St. Louis Cardinals coach get inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame.

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Coryell died in 2010 at age 85 and it took another 13 years for him to get inducted. This was his seventh time as a finalist. Overall, it was a 30-year battle for daughter Mindy Coryell Lewis and the rest of the family.

“Ladies and gentlemen, ‘Air Coryell’ has landed in Canton!” Lewis said to wrap up her speech.

The Air Coryell offense revolutionized the single-back formation, tight ends in motion and receiver option routes.

Coryell’s offense in San Diego was ahead of its time and earned the catchy ‘Air Coryell’ nickname. His system turned quarterback Dan Fouts into one of the biggest stars of that era. Fouts presented Coryell into the Hall on Saturday.

“The Air Coryell system is second to none,” Fouts said. “His philosophy was that the defense would have to protect the entire field. … His influence on the game is one that continues to grow not only in the NFL but in college and high school football.”

Coryell’s Chargers led the NFL in scoring offense three times, in total offense five times and in passing offense in seven seasons.

Coryell had a record of 111-83-1 in 14 NFL seasons with the Cardinals (1973-77) and Chargers (1978-86), and his teams made six playoff appearances.

Among the coaches who learned under Coryell at San Diego State were future Hall of Famers John Madden and Joe Gibbs. Coryell also is a member of the College Hall of Fame and was the first coach to win 100 games at both the college and NFL levels.

“But these things have a profound impact on every decision we make and who we become. The conditions had to be just right for me to end up here. Every moment, every opportunity perfectly aligned.”

One of the most popular players on Induction Day was Joe Thomas, the former mainstay of the Cleveland Browns offensive line from 2007-17. Thomas started all 167 games that he played and earned 10 Pro Bowl bids in 11 seasons.

“It’s the greatest honor of my career to be able to accept this lifetime award on behalf of all of Browns Nation,” Thomas said. “Cleveland, you could always count on me. Thank you so much for allowing me to count on you. Don’t forget to show up for each other.”

–Field Level Media

Patriots: Jalen Hurd Retires

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – New England Patriots wide receiver Jalen Hurd announced his retirement on Tuesday, exactly one week after signing with the team.

Hurd, 27, never played an NFL snap. He was selected by the 49ers in the third round (67th overall) of the 2019 draft, but injuries forced him to miss his first two seasons.

After beginning the 2021 campaign on injured reserve, Hurd was released by San Francisco on Nov. 11, 2021. He didn’t join another team until signing with New England on July 25.

The Patriots also claimed rookie receiver Thyrick Pitts off waivers from the Chicago Bears on Tuesday.

Pitts, 24, hauled in 57 receptions for 631 yards and 10 touchdowns last season at Delaware. He was released by the Bears on Monday.

–Field Level Media

Patriots Sign Picks Ahead of Camp

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FOXBORO – New England cornerback Christian Gonzalez and defensive pass rusher Keion White signed their rookie contracts with the New England Patriots on Friday, getting their top two draft picks in the door before the official start of training camp.

Gonzalez was drafted 17th overall after the Patriots moved down in a trade with the Pittsburgh Steelers from No. 14. The Oregon product was the third cornerback selected in the first round.

“I’m glad Gonzo was there,” Patriots coach Bill Belichick said of the selection. “I think when you just go and look for one guy and then he’s not there, there’s other players in the draft that can help us, as well. But he’s been great to work with, and I look forward to getting him ready to go for training camp.”

White, the 46th pick in the draft, had 7.5 sacks at Georgia Tech in 2022 and previously played at Old Dominion.

–Field Level Media

Patriots Agree to New Pact with Bentley

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FOXBORO – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – The New England Patriots and linebacker Ja’Whaun Bentley are in agreement on a two-year contract extension worth $18.75 million, NFL Network reported.

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The deal includes $9 million fully guaranteed, per the report.

Bentley, 26, started all 17 games for the Patriots in 2022, racking up a career-high 125 tackles.

He has 383 tackles, 5.5 sacks, two interceptions and eight passes defensed in 65 career games (50 starts) in five seasons with the Pats, who selected him in the fifth round of the 2018 draft.

–Field Level Media

Patriots Extend DeVante Parker

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FOXBORO – The New England Patriots and wide receiver DeVante Parker are in agreement on a new three-year contract worth $33 million, NFL Network and multiple media outlets reported.

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The deal includes $14 million in guaranteed money and per-game roster bonuses, per the report.

Parker, 30, was set to enter the 2023 season on the final year of his current contract, which would have paid him a base salary of $5.7 million.

Parker caught 31 passes for 539 yards and three touchdowns in 13 games (11 starts) for the Patriots in 2022, his first season with the team. The Patriots acquired Parker in a trade with the Miami Dolphins in April 2022.

Parker has 369 catches for 5,266 yards and 27 TDs in 106 career games (75 starts) with the Dolphins and Pats. He was selected No. 14 overall in the 2015 draft by Miami.

The Patriots also signed free agent wideout JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three-year, $25.5 million deal in March and reportedly are one of the teams in on free agent DeAndre Hopkins.

–Field Level Media

Jim Brown, NFL and Lax Legend, 87

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LOS ANGELES – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Syracuse University and National Football League legend Jim Brown passed away Saturday, May 20, 2023. Brown is the only man enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame (1995), National Lacrosse Hall of Fame (1984) and the Professional Football Hall of Fame (1971), where he was inducted in his first year of eligibility. The 87-year-old is survived by his wife, Monique, their children, Aris and Morgan, and his daughter, Kim, and his sons, Kevin and James Jr.

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“Jim Brown is widely regarded as one of the greatest athletes to ever wear Orange,” said Syracuse University Chancellor Kent Syverud. “Jim was a four-sport athlete at Syracuse who was an All-American in both football and lacrosse. An NFL legend, he set numerous records, won countless awards and was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame, among others. He epitomized Syracuse University’s deep commitment to military service having been commissioned as a second lieutenant through Army ROTC and continuing his military service in the Army Reserves while playing in the NFL. He went on to be a successful actor, tireless advocate for social justice and one of Syracuse’s proudest ambassadors. I extend my deepest condolences to Monique, his family and all who knew, loved and admired him.”

Brown’s career at Syracuse started the legacy of the number 44. As a senior in 1956, he was a unanimous All-American and finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting. That season he set the SU record for highest rush average in a season (6.2), most rushing touchdowns in a game (6) and most points scored in a game (43). He ran for 986 yards — third-most in the country despite Syracuse playing only eight games — and scored 14 touchdowns. In the Cotton Bowl, he rushed for 132 yards, scored three touchdowns and kicked three extra points. Syracuse University retired the #44 in 2005 — recognizing Brown, Ernie Davis and Floyd Little, and all those who wore the number.

“Jim Brown is one of the greatest all around athletes of all time,” said Syracuse Director of Athletics John Wildhack. “At Syracuse he was the first of the famed 44s and excelled at lacrosse, basketball and track & field. In addition to his athletic accomplishments, he was a civil rights pioneer and created the Amer-I-Can Foundation for Social Change, which is designed to empower individuals to take charge of their lives and achieve their full potential.

“We extend our deepest sympathies to Jim’s wife, Monique, their children, Aris and Morgan, his daughter, Kim, and his sons, Kevin and James Jr.”

A four-sport letterwinner at Syracuse, Brown wore the Block S on the football and lacrosse fields, the basketball court and as a track & field student-athlete. The National Lacrosse Hall of Fame regards Brown as the greatest lacrosse player ever. A two-time lacrosse All-American, Brown was the nation’s second leading scorer as a senior (43 goals in 10 games). As a sophomore, he was the second-leading scorer for the basketball team and earned a letter on the track team. In 1955, he finished in fifth place in the National Championship decathlon.

“Jim Brown was the greatest player to ever play the game,” said Syracuse head football coach Dino Babers. “I remember my dad making me watch his highlights as a kid so I could appreciate his greatness. He was the best of the best and will be forever remembered as a Syracuse legend and the best of all time.”

In 1957, the Cleveland Browns selected Brown with the sixth overall pick in the National Football League Draft. During his nine-year NFL career, Brown earned NFL Rookie of the Year honors, was a two-time league MVP and was selected for the Pro Bowl in every season. With Brown in the backfield, the 1964 Browns won the NFL championship. He retired from the NFL at the age of 29, having set records in single-season rushing, career rushing, rushing touchdowns, total touchdowns and all-purpose yards. He was also the first player to ever reach the 100-rushing-touchdowns milestone. The Browns retired his number 32 jersey.

Following his football career, Brown pursued acting and broadcasting, and was social activist. He appeared in several films throughout the late 1960s and 70s and served as an analyst in football and boxing. In 1988, he founded the Amer-I-Can Program, which focuses on working with at-risk and high-risk youth in underserved schools and juvenile detention facilities and has had a significant impact with adult incarceration and reentry programs.

In 2016, Brown was inducted into the U.S. Army ROTC National Hall of Fame. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant through the Army ROTC in 1957 following his graduation from Syracuse University. After he was selected in the NFL Draft, he also continued his military training commitment at Ft. Benning, Ga. as an Army Reserve officer. Brown continued to serve for four more years and was honorably discharged from the Army Reserve with the rank of captain.

— NCAA

Arizona’s Bidwell Accused of Defamation

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PHOENIX – (Staff and Wire Service Report from Field Level Media) – Terry McDonough, who previously served as the Cardinals’ vice president of player development, is accusing owner Michael Bidwell and the team itself of defamation and invasion of privacy because of comments Arizona posted on its website and gave out to the media, ESPN reported.

McDonough reportedly submitted an amended arbitration complaint to Jeffrey Mishkin on Friday, and it included the claims of defamation and invasion of privacy. Mishkin, who was selected by the NFL to serve as an arbitrator, will be attempting to help McDonough and the Cardinals work out the dispute.

According to the complaint, Bidwell and the team “publicly disclosed private facts about McDonough” and made “false and defamatory statements about McDonough.” Supposedly the team knew those statements “to be false” as part of an “effort to intimidate and harass (McDonough) and his family members.”

“We are aware of the amended complaint and remain confident in our position,” the Cardinals said in a statement. “We are precluded from commenting further based on an existing confidentiality order that binds all parties.”

This isn’t the first time that McDonough has brought accusations upon Bidwell, as he sent an arbitration claim to commissioner Roger Goodell on April 4 that stated Arizona’s owner was guilty of gross misconduct, including cheating, discrimination and harassment.

Arizona denied those claims through a public relations advisor outside of the organization. In fact, the Cardinals responded with claims against McDonough, saying that they “learned of disturbing allegations of extreme domestic violence by Terry,” which included financial abandonment of one of his children.

McDonough’s amended complaint made reference to that statement by the team, stating that it was “untrue and reprehensible.”

When reached out to for an interview, McDonough declined to comment, saying he was acting in accordance with the league’s arbitration confidentiality rules. Michael Caspino, McDonough’s attorney, also declined an interview.

–Field Level Media

First Up: Alabama’s Bryce Young

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INDIANAPOLIS – (Staff and Wire Service Report by Field Level Media) – Alabama’s Bryce Young was the first quarterback to the lectern at the NFL Scouting Combine, an appropriate anecdote that included hundreds of reporters gathered to hear from the prized ‘Bama passer and purported No. 1 overall pick in April.

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While Young and Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud are expected to entice another team to trade for the top pick and move the Chicago Bears down a peg, Young said he isn’t trying to read the tea leaves.

“I don’t know what’s going to happen,” Young said of being drafted. “I obviously don’t get to choose. I’d be surprised either way. I’m just happy to be here.”

Young has been popular with teams at the top of the draft, meeting with the Bears, Houston Texans (who pick second and have the No. 12 pick), Indianapolis Colts (fourth) and Seattle Seahawks (fifth) and Las Vegas Raiders (seventh).

“Bryce is an outstanding leader, and an outstanding quarterback,” Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans said. “It’s no surprise the success that he’s had, just because of the makeup and the type of guy that he is.”

Young said he had a “great” meeting with the Texans, which might not be a surprise given Ryans also attended Alabama. Crimson Tide products John Metchie III and Christian Harris, former Young teammates, are also in Houston.

“It was a great environment, just being in that room, I got a lot of wisdom. I’m super-grateful for it,” Young said.

Young had 80 touchdowns, 12 interceptions at Alabama, and he left Tuscaloosa as a Heisman Trophy winner and national champion. It won’t hurt in team meetings with NFL suitors that Young trained under former Texans head coach Bill O’Brien, who was Alabama’s offensive coordinator and recently rejoined the New England Patriots.

Stroud said his first meeting in Indianapolis was with the Raiders. He also met with the Texans and Colts and looks to get a leg up on Young by throwing and performing in on-field events during the combine. Young is holding out for Alabama’s pro day March 23.

“I want to be myself no matter what room I step in, let them know I control the room no matter what room I step in, that I’m a leader,” Stroud said Friday. “And show them the IQ I have, that I’m a student of the game. … I’m willing to go back to square one and learn it all over again.”

Former NFL personnel evaluators appear to be split on whether Young or Stroud is the right quarterback to build around. Louis Riddick said in an ESPN appearance that “sky is the absolute freaking limit” if Stroud gets in the right offense.

“This kid right here, look I love Bryce Young too, it’s like a video game watching the young man play. This guy right here, I think is the gem,” said Riddick, who previously worked in the Eagles’ scouting department.

Height and weight are questions for Young, who is nothing close to the physical prototype at the position. But his instincts, awareness and ability to execute at a high level when plays break down give him one of the highest “off script” grades from general managers since Kyler Murray was selected No. 1 overall.

“I’ve been this size, respectfully, my whole life,” Young said Friday. “I know who I am. I know what I can do. For me, it’s fair, everyone can speculate and ask whatever questions are necessary. I’m going to continue to control what I’m going to control.”

Stroud will be measured with the other quarterbacks in the class on Saturday, when throwing sessions and other on-field workouts take place at Lucas Oil Stadium. Like Stroud, Kentucky’s Will Levis and Florida’s Anthony Richardson plan to participate in all QB events.

The average height and weight of quarterbacks on NFL rosters in 2022 was 6-2 1/2, 219.8. Of course, there are notable exceptions.

Based on the tape at the combine, Murray was 5-10 1/8, Russell Wilson measured 5-10 5/8, Drew Brees was 6-0.

“You do want to pay attention to body type,” former Patriots general manager Scott Pioli said on NFL Network. “But go back and watch the tape. Spend time with Bryce Young. I’ve spent time with Bryce Young, I’ve spent time with his parents. This guy is the real deal as a quarterback and human being. This is the guy you want leading your offense and leading your huddle.”

–Field Level Media

NFL Commanders Attract $5.5b Bid

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WASHINGTON DC – (Staff and Wire Service Report) – Houston Rockets team owner Tilman Fertitta has submitted a $5.5 billion bid to buy the Washington Commanders, The Washington Post reported Sunday. Fertitta purchased the NBA franchise for $2.2 billion in September 2017.

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The only other known bidder is Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris, according to ESPN.

Commanders owner Dan Snyder announced in November that he and his wife, Tanya, had hired Bank of America Securities to consider “potential transactions” involving the NFL franchise.

ESPN reported Thursday that Amazon founder and Washington Post owner Jeff Bezos had hired an investment firm to explore the possibility of bidding on the Commanders.

On Saturday, however, The Athletic reported that Snyder has barred Bezos from placing a bid.

Snyder, 58, has owned the team since 1999.

Media reports last month said the Commanders could be sold as soon as March but that no candidate met Snyder’s asking price of $7 billion in the first round of bids.

–Field Level Media