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CBS SPORTS: T.J. Watt Apologizes for Passing Over Defensive Player of the Year…

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CBS SPORTS: T.J. Watt Apologizes for Passing Over Defensive Player of the Year…

In a recent statement that sent ripples through the NFL, Myles Garrett, the Cleveland Browns’ star pass rusher, boldly declared that T.J. Watt should apologize to him for the “Defensive Player of the Year” (DPOY) snub he received during the 2021 NFL season. Garrett, who had an outstanding year himself, expressed frustration over what he believed to be an unjust decision, claiming that he deserved the award over Watt, who ultimately took home the honors. This comment sparked a debate that further fueled the fierce rivalry between the two elite pass rushers, who have become the faces of the AFC North’s defensive powerhouses.

The 2021 season saw both Garrett and Watt putting up eye-popping numbers, with each player dominating their respective opponents and consistently affecting games in meaningful ways. Watt finished the season with 22.5 sacks, tying the NFL single-season sack record set by Michael Strahan in 2001. He also forced five fumbles and had an interception, all while helping lead the Pittsburgh Steelers to the playoffs. However, despite his incredible statistical output, the DPOY award that year was handed to Watt, much to the dismay of Garrett, who had an impressive 16 sacks and was an integral part of the Browns’ defense.

Garrett’s frustration with the snub was palpable during his comments, as he emphasized that he felt his performance was just as deserving of the honor. The Browns’ defensive end made it clear that he believed he had a more significant impact on his team’s success and had played a more complete season than Watt. Garrett highlighted that while Watt’s sack numbers were impressive, his own contributions to the Browns’ defense, including his ability to affect games in various ways, were overlooked in the voting. In Garrett’s eyes, the DPOY snub wasn’t just a slight against him personally—it was a reflection of how the narrative surrounding defensive players is often shaped by narratives that prioritize sack numbers over the broader scope of a player’s impact.

This statement also brought attention to the longstanding debate about what criteria should truly define a Defensive Player of the Year. While sacks are often seen as the most visible statistic for a pass rusher, other factors like pressures, tackles for loss, forced fumbles, and the ability to disrupt plays beyond the sack can be just as crucial. Garrett made the case that his ability to disrupt the pocket, his versatility, and his all-around performance should have earned him the award. He believed that players like him, who can impact the game in multiple ways, often don’t get the recognition they deserve compared to players who rely primarily on one dominant stat like sacks.

Watt, for his part, has not publicly responded to Garrett’s request for an apology. Known for his quiet, focused approach to the game, Watt has often let his play do the talking. However, his victory in the DPOY race was seen by many as deserved, given his record-breaking sack total and the importance he played in the Steelers’ defense. Watt’s leadership, consistency, and ability to change the course of games were key elements that led to his receiving the award.

The tension between Garrett and Watt isn’t just about the DPOY race, though. It is emblematic of the larger rivalry between the Cleveland Browns and the Pittsburgh Steelers, two teams that have a storied history of competitive animosity. Both teams are perennial contenders in the AFC North, and each boasts top-tier talent on both sides of the ball. The rivalry between Garrett and Watt only adds to the drama, as each player vies for supremacy in a division known for hard-nosed, physical football.

Garrett’s comments about the snub have added fuel to the fire, but they also shed light on the growing rivalry between the two pass rushers. While Garrett may feel slighted, it’s clear that he is motivated to prove his worth on the field. His comments suggest a desire to get the recognition he feels he deserves, and his drive to claim the title of DPOY in the future could lead to even more intense performances. For Watt, he has now been thrust into the spotlight once again, with some fans and analysts already anticipating how he will respond to the challenge posed by Garrett.

For NFL fans, the ongoing battle between Garrett and Watt only adds another layer of excitement to an already compelling AFC North rivalry. Both players are among the league’s best, and their competition for dominance will only intensify in the years to come. Whether Garrett’s demand for an apology from Watt is taken seriously or becomes just another storyline in the saga of their rivalry, one thing is certain: the NFL world will be watching closely as both of these elite pass rushers continue to make their mark on the game.

T. J. Watt

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Jets Playmaker Sees Salary Double With Juicy Pay Raise in 2025

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Jets Playmaker Sees Salary Double With Juicy Pay Raise in 2025

New York Jets running back Breece Hall warming up ahead of an NFL game.
Breece Hall is going to make a lot more money from the New York Jets in 2025.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini shared the news on social media explaining that Hall qualifies for a PPE (Proven Performance Escalator) raise, via projections by Over The Cap. Hall was originally scheduled to make $1.5 million in base salary. Hall’s salary will now more than double with it climbing to $3.3 million.

“Players drafted in rounds 2-7 can earn PPEs in their 4th year, based mostly on playing-time formula,” Cimini added.

Explaining How Hall Became Eligible for a Pay Raise in 2025
Hall is eligible for a “level one” PPE raise this offseason, according to Over The Cap. The former Iowa State product entered the NFL as the No. 36 overall pick in the second round of the 2022 NFL draft.

To be eligible for a “level one” PPE raise, Hall had to average 60% of the offensive snaps in “two of his first three seasons” or average that percentage across his entire first three years.

According to Pro Football Reference, Hall averaged 61% of the offensive snaps across his three seasons. He also eclipsed the 60% threshold in two of his three seasons; 2023 (61%) and 2024 (72%) respectively.

Hall has appeared in 40 games and has made 34 starts through his first three seasons. He has rushed for 2,333 rushing yards, has averaged 4.6 yards per carry, and has scored 14 rushing touchdowns. The 23-year-old has also contributed 152 receptions for 1,292 receiving yards with an additional eight scores through the air.

Hall Is Hoping for an Even More Lucrative Pay Raise
I’m sure Hall was happy to receive this PPE news, however, he has his sights set on a far bigger payday.

This offseason Hall is eligible for the first time in his NFL career to discuss a contract extension with the Jets. Hall’s first-round teammates from the 2022 class won’t reach free agency until 2026 because of the fifth-year team option in their contracts. However, Hall gets to skirt past that because he was a second-round pick.

Hall is entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2025.

How much is the talented running back worth? It’s a complicated question to answer. Based purely on results, Hall has never eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards and the team refused to lean on him last season. He didn’t have a single game where he registered 20 rushing attempts.

Before the season, ESPN NFL Insider Jeremy Fowler revealed that Hall was the second-best running back in football based on a panel of scouts, coaches, and league execs. He was ranked as the best RB under the age of 25 and the only player he was behind on the list was Christian McCaffrey of the San Francisco 49ers.

Safe to say Hall didn’t live up to that hype this past season.

According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Hall could land a four-year deal for $28.2 million. That $7.1 million annual salary would place him No. 13 among the highest-paid running backs in football, per Over The Cap.

Just because Hall is eligible for an extension doesn’t mean the team has to give it to him. The running back position has become incredibly devalued. How important is the RB position to this new regime? How do they value it?

The answers to those questions will indicate what the team wants to do next. Are they willing to extend Hall? Will they let him play out his rookie deal? Or will they take advantage of their last opportunity to trade him this offseason?

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Ridiculous Garrett Wilson Jets Trade Rumors Need to Stop

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Ridiculous Garrett Wilson Jets Trade Rumors Need to Stop

New York Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson reacting in the middle of an NFL game.
Another day and another Garrett Wilson New York Jets trade article.

The madness needs to stop until we get a substantive update. Does Wilson request a trade at some point this offseason? Okay, let the trade articles go hog wild because until then it is just wild speculation.

This Ridiculous ESPN Wilson Jets Trade Article Takes the Cake
ESPN’s Aaron Schatz wrote a column in which he projected bold moves for every NFL team, either through free agency, the 2025 NFL draft, or trade.

His bold prediction for the New York Jets was that they would trade away rising star wide receiver Garrett Wilson.

Schatz explained that Wilson was unsatisfied with his “usage” this past season. He then claimed that Wilson’s usage would have been better had Aaron Rodgers not showered his friends with targets like Davante Adams and Allen Lazard.

“New York is likely going to cut both Adams and Lazard, which makes it even harder to trade Wilson because there won’t be anything left in the wide receiver room. But trading Wilson would also mean a fresh start with new offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand,” Schatz explained.

A fresh start with … nothing at wide receiver? What about a fresh start for a first-time NFL play caller where he gets to build his offense around a 24-year-old superstar wide receiver? That explanation from Schatz, an ESPN analyst, makes absolutely no sense whatsoever.

Get this. The bold prediction for the Houston Texans in that same column was for them to trade for Wilson.

“The 25th selection and a Day 2 pick in 2026 should get this trade done,” Schatz said.

No, it shouldn’t pal, not even close. A late first-round pick and a second or third-round pick a year from now “should get this trade done?” What planet am I living on?

Wilson entered the NFL as the No. 10 overall pick in the first round in 2022. Now three years later the Jets can transform that into a much worse first-round pick and a random day-two pick? How does that make sense?

Something Just Doesn’t Add Up
The former Ohio State product has more receiving yards through his first three seasons than any Jets receiver in team history.

If the Jets were going to deal him, and they shouldn’t, the negotiations should start at two first-round picks. Wilson is only 24 years of age and still has two years left of team control on his rookie contract. After that, the team can then play the franchise tag game to control him for an additional three years.

So if Wilson has problems with the New York Packers, wouldn’t getting rid of everybody make him happier?

The Jets already publicly announced that they are parting ways with Rodgers. The full expectation is Lazard and Adams are packing their bags and joining him.

If Wilson’s usage was affected by all of those guys that shouldn’t be a problem in 2025 since all of those people will be gone next season.

When you look at the wide receiver room, the top three guys before free agency are going to be Wilson, Malachi Corley, and Xavier Gipson.

If Wilson was worried about usage and targets in 2024 that doesn’t sound like that’ll be a problem in 2025 based on who he is projected to be playing alongside.

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BREAKING: Saints HC Kellen Moore targets top RB prospect: ‘He’s a complete package’

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BREAKING: Saints HC Kellen Moore targets top RB prospect: ‘He’s a complete package’

The New Orleans Saints have a chance to land a playmaker in the 2025 NFL draft’s first round. Whether it’s Arizona State wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan or Boise State star running back Ashton Jeanty, or Penn State tight end Tyler Warren, Jeanty feels like the prospect likeliest to be available at ninth overall.

Kellen Moore gave a strong endorsement of Jeanty before he became the Saints head coach. He told reporters before the Super Bowl that Jeanty is “going to have a huge impact on this league.”

Outside of just projecting his future, Moore also explained what makes the Boise State running back a top prospect. Moore sees Jeanty as “a complete package” who can make plays on the ground and through the air.

We all know the Heisman trophy runner up as a strong runner, but he showed himself to be a capable receiver as a sophomore.

In 2023, Jeanty had 43 receptions for 569 yards and five touchdowns. Of course when you run for 2,601 yards, it’s hard to also be a big part of the passing game. It shouldn’t be forgotten Jeanty has more in his repertoire than being a stout rusher. What makes Jeanty a great runner, though?

“I think his patience and burst is really, really special,” Moore said. He also highlighted Jeanty for having, “great vision, I think, as a running back. Which is really, really important.”

Moore clearly likes Jeanty as a prospect (sharing an alma mater doesn’t hurt). That doesn’t mean the Saints will draft him in the first round if he’s there. What it does is give some level of insight on how the Saints head coach feels about a player in their draft range. Seeing that we may not get that insight on another player before the Saints make their pick, this is noteworthy.

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BRING HIM BACK : Saints 28-Year-Old Playmaker Projected To Land $30 Million Deal in a Comeback uncertainty

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BRING HIM BACK : Saints 28-Year-Old Playmaker Projected To Land $30 Million Deal in a Comeback uncertainty

Will the New Orleans Saints bring back one of their most important pass-catchers from the 2024 National Football League season?

New Orleans got a career year out of tight end Juwan Johnson and now he’s heading to free agency. Johnson had a career-high 50 receptions and 548 receiving yards in 17 games. Johnson also had three touchdowns.

Johnson has been a big piece of the Saints’ offense over the last five years, but it’s too early to know if he will be back. Free agency will be here next month and Johnson is going to be one of the better tight ends on the open market. He had a two-year, $12 million deal with New Orleans but surely will get more now.

Spotrac currently is projecting Johnson to land a three-year, $30 million deal in free agency. That seems like a pretty fair price for Johnson. In comparison, David Njoku of the Cleveland Browns landed a four-year, $54 million deal.

The Saints unfortunately may not be able to bring Johnson to town. New Orleans has plenty of cap issues and it will be tough to afford to keep Johnson. They surely could find a way to get a deal done if they can clear up cap space elsewhere, but it may be tough. He has been a great member of the organization but at this point it wouldn’t be a big shock to see him playing elsewhere by the time the 2025 season gets here.

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Jets Predicted to Sign Lions 6-Foot-5 15-TD Pass Catcher

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Jets Predicted to Sign Lions 6-Foot-5 15-TD Pass Catcher

Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick reacting in the middle of an NFL game.

The New York Jets need some help at wide receiver this offseason.

Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic projected that the Jets would sign Detroit Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick in free agency to help fill the void.

“Patrick has ties to both [Aaron] Glenn and offensive coordinator Tanner Engstrand from a 2024 season spent with the Lions, and to [Darren] Mougey from six years spent with the [Denver] Broncos. He fought back from various significant injuries last year to contribute for an elite Lions offense: 33 catches, 394 yards, three touchdowns. He’d be more of a depth piece but, he’s 6-foot-4, 212 pounds and should be inexpensive,” Rosenblatt explained.

According to Spotrac’s calculated market value, Patrick is projected to sign a one-year deal for $1.7 million in free agency. That annual salary would rank No. 67 among the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL, per Spotrac.

Patrick is listed at 6-foot-5 and tips the scales at 210 pounds, according to the Lions’ official roster sheet.

Patrick Would Much Needed Depth to the Jets WR Room

The Jets wide receiver room will look a lot different in 2025 than in 2024.

ESPN’s Rich Cimini said in a column on Sunday, February 16 that Tim Patrick from the Lions is “a name to watch” this offseason considering all of his connections to the Jets staff.

Patrick, 31, entered the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2017. He bounced around a few training camps during his first couple of months in the league. Eventually, he landed on the Broncos roster.

Patrick spent seven seasons with the Broncos. During that run, Patrick appeared in 55 games and made 37 starts. He racked up 143 receptions for 2,009 receiving yards and scored 12 touchdowns.

However, the final two years that he was on the Broncos roster he didn’t play in a game due to back-to-back devastating season-ending injuries.

The former Grossmont and Utah product blew out his ACL in 2022 and tore his Achilles in 2023.

In 2024 he joined the Lions and proved he still has plenty of gas left in the tank. Patrick appeared in 16 games and made nine starts for Detroit. He caught 33 passes for 394 receiving yards and scored three touchdowns.

Patrick would provide a big body for the Jets receiver room at a bargain bin price tag.

Jets Shouldn’t Stop Adding Lions Players With Patrick

Rosenblatt predicted that the Jets would raid the Lions’ coffers this offseason.

In addition to a Patrick signing, Rosenblatt also projected that the Jets would steal away veteran defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike and linebacker Derrick Barnes in free agency.

“Glenn is trying to install his culture, and the best way for any coach to go about doing that is to bring in players who understand his approach, his style, and what he is looking for.

It helps that the best player in this trio, Onwuzurike, would fill a need too. He dealt with injuries early in his career but played in 16 games last season, his first full season with a significant role since the Lions drafted him in the second round in 2021. He’s still only 26 with room to improve, and he shouldn’t come at a significant cost — PFF is only projecting a two-year, $16.5 million deal. The previous regime failed to put decent defensive tackles next to Quinnen Williams in 2024, and Onwuzurike would be a major upgrade. He was 16th among defensive tackles in pressures last season (45) and seventh in hits (13). The Jets would still need to add a run-stopping defensive tackle,” Rosenblatt said.

 

Barnes, 25, entered the NFL as the No. 113 overall pick in the fourth round of the 2021 NFL draft. During his career to date, Barnes has appeared in 51 games and has made 26 starts.

 

Barnes has collected 205 total tackles, 12 tackles for loss, eight quarterback hits, and four sacks. Although the highlight of his career came in the divisional round against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on January 21, 2024. Barnes intercepted Bucs’ quarterback Baker Mayfield in the final two minutes of the game to seal the victory and send Detroit to the NFC Championship game for the first time since 1991.

 

 

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