AFC South

Offensive tackle Eric Fisher is not expected to re-sign with the Indianapolis Colts and will instead hit free agency, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. 

The two sides reportedly spent weeks negotiating a new deal but were unable to come to an agreement, per Schefter. 

Fisher joined Indianapolis on a one-year deal last offseason and made 15 starts at left tackle. The 2013 No. 1 overall draft pick spent his first eight years in the NFL with the Kansas City Chiefs, earning two Pro Bowl selections while helping the 2019 squad win a Super Bowl.

The lineman's impact on the Chiefs was obvious when he suffered an Achilles injury that kept him out of Super Bowl LV against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Patrick Mahomes was under pressure all game long in the 31-9 loss.

Fisher still worked his way back in time for Week 2 of the 2021 season with the Colts and ended up playing 78.6 percent of snaps for the team. Pro Bowl center Ryan Kelly was the only lineman to see more action this season.

The unit helped clear space for the league's No. 1 rusher in Jonathan Taylor, while the 32 sacks allowed tied for the ninth-fewest in the NFL.

Losing Fisher leaves a significant hole in the Colts offense, especially with backups Julien Davenport and Matt Pryor also set to hit free agency.       

Former Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz reportedly "voiced his displeasure" with the team's success after he suffered a torn ACL late in the 2017 NFL season.

Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer reported Wednesday an unnamed teammate "immediately confronted" Wentz, who's now with the Indianapolis Colts, about his comments after he lamented the Eagles' playoff run to other injured players before their victory in Super Bowl LII behind backup quarterback Nick Foles.

Wentz was enjoying a terrific season before the knee injury. He'd thrown 33 touchdowns and just seven interceptions across 13 appearances while guiding Philly to an 11-2 record.

The offense continued to thrive under Foles, who posted a 6-1 touchdown-to-interception ratio while throwing for 971 yards in three postseason wins, which resulted in the franchise's first Super Bowl title. The fact that the offense didn't miss a beat without him put a damper on Wentz's breakout season, though.

His response to the Eagles' success "revealed character defects and affected him in certain corners of the locker room," while also raising questions within the team's front office about whether it "didn't place enough emphasis on questionable character traits" before selecting him with the No. 2 pick in the 2016 draft, per McLane.

The previously unreported concerns from Philadelphia come amid questions about whether the Colts are set to move on from the 29-year-old North Dakota State product despite strong numbers on the surface.

Wentz completed 62.4 percent of his throws for 3,563 yards with 27 touchdowns and seven picks while playing all 17 games in 2021, his first season with Indy.

The Colts missed the playoffs with a 9-8 record, however, and head coach Frank Reich wouldn't commit to the 2017 Pro Bowl selection as the team's starter for 2022.

"We've got to be better in the passing game," Reich told reporters in January. "It was definitely below our standards, and there's multiple reasons for that. We have to take ownership of that as coaches and players."

Reich previously served as Wentz's quarterbacks coach with the Eagles in 2016 and 2017.

The Colts don't have another proven signal-caller on their roster—Sam Ehlinger and James Morgan are the others under contract for 2022—so any separation likely won't occur until the team can find a replacement via free agency, trade or the draft.

Meanwhile, the Eagles moved forward with 2020 second-round pick Jalen Hurts as their starting quarterback last year, which led to Wentz's departure.

The Seattle Seahawks' decision to trade Russell Wilson might not have been the indication they are preparing to start over that it initially seemed. 

Per Aaron Wilson of the Pro Football Network, the Seahawks "are interested in" Deshaun Watson and "are expected to explore trade scenarios" for him. 

Wilson noted Watson is scheduled to give his first deposition Friday regarding some of the 22 civil lawsuits he's facing after being accused of sexual assault and sexual misconduct, and there is "no trade imminent or developing" for the three-time Pro Bowler.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday the Seahawks agreed to send Wilson and a fourth-round draft pick to the Denver Broncos for Drew Lock, Shelby Harris, Noah Fant, two first-round draft picks, two second-round draft picks and a fifth-round draft pick. 

There will be competition for Watson if his legal situation is resolved during the offseason. Wilson noted the Carolina Panthers and Washington Commanders are interested in acquiring the 26-year-old. 

CBS Sports' Jonathan Jones noted the Tampa Bay Buccaneers are also "keeping tabs" on Watson. 

In addition to the civil lawsuits, Watson's attorney, Rusty Hardin, told ESPN's John Barr in July that 10 women have filed criminal complaints against Watson to Houston police.

"Eight of the women, according to Hardin, are among the 22 women who have alleged in lawsuits that Watson sexually assaulted them or engaged in sexually inappropriate behavior during massage sessions," Barr wrote.

Tony Buzbee, the attorney representing many women in the civil lawsuits, told Jenny Vrentas and Juliet Macur of the New York Times that "several" of his clients have been subpoenaed to testify in front of a grand jury Friday. 

Watson is also subject to potential discipline from the NFL under the personal conduct policy. 

The Seahawks shut the door on their previous era Tuesday. After the team agreed to trade Wilson, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported Seattle informed linebacker Bobby Wagner he was being released. 

A complete rebuild doesn't seem to make sense for Seattle. Pete Carroll is the oldest active head coach in the NFL (70). The Seahawks still have dynamic talent on offense with Tyler Lockett signed through the 2025 season and DK Metcalf eligible for an extension this offseason. 

Watson didn't play for the Houston Texans in 2021. He remained on the 53-man roster but was inactive for all 17 games.   

NC State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu said Thursday he's met with the Jacksonville Jaguars and wouldn't be surprised if he's selected with the first overall pick in the 2022 NFL draft.

Ekwonu's stock is soaring and he's started to gain momentum as the potential top choice when the first round takes place April 28. The recent buzz includes being projected as the Jags' pick in the latest mock draft from ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr.

"I wouldn't be shocked if I went No. 1 overall," Ekwonu told reporters at the NFL Scouting Combine. "I feel like that's something I've put the work in for it. I feel like when that time comes, I wouldn't be shocked by it."

Although most years there's either a consensus No. 1 selection or perhaps a two-prospect race for that coveted distinction, this year's class features a more wide-open feel.

Kiper noted there's at least four players still in contention for the Jaguars' atop the draft: Ekwonu, Alabama offensive tackle Evan Neal, Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux.

Ekwonu possesses an impressive combination of size (6'4'', 320 pounds), power, small-area quickness and versatility. Along with time at the all-important left tackle spot for the Wolfpack, he also spent time at guard.

The 2021 All-American will likely begin his NFL career at left tackle, but the ability to shift inside limits his bust potential if he's slow to progress in blocking the blind side.

Bleacher Report's Brandon Thorn explained in his predraft scouting report that Ekwonu has "A+ physical traits," and while he'll "need to learn to harness his aggressive nature," the outlook is highly promising.

"He has a special blend of size, power and athletic ability to go along with a tenacious, nasty demeanor as a finisher," Thorn wrote.

The North Carolina native confirmed Thursday he's ready to handle the spotlight that comes with being the No. 1 pick if that's how things play out.

"I wouldn't say pressure, but there's always expectations," Ekwonu said. "But with my work ethic ... ask any coach: I definitely put the work in. I do everything I can every day to fulfill those expectations."

Upgrading the protection around quarterback Trevor Lawrence, last year's first overall selection, is definitely on Jacksonville's to-do list to open the offseason.

Whether the Jaguars go with an offensive tackle or an edge-rusher at No. 1 could depend on if they're able to make a splash at either of those positions in free agency or via trade before the draft.

Ekwonu sounds ready for the challenge if the Jaguars call his name.

Tennessee Titans general manager Jon Robinson confirmed the team has held "very preliminary" talks with star wide receiver A.J. Brown about an extension.

Robinson added that Brown "knows how we feel about him" as the 24-year-old enters the final year of his rookie contract.

NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported in January the two sides had mutual interest in a deal that "would no doubt make him one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL."

From @NFLGameDay: #Titans WR Julio Jones didn’t miss a practice rep for the first time all season, which is a great sign. And is his sidekick AJ Brown about to get paid? pic.twitter.com/KY0G11Ya2B

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 22, 2022

After making the Pro Bowl in 2020, Brown saw his numbers dip slightly in 2021. He caught 63 passes for 869 yards and five touchdowns in 13 games. A chest injury briefly sidelined him in the second half.

Still, Pro Football Focus' Anthony Treash ranked him as the 14th-best wideout from this past year:

Brown was again one of the most productive wide receivers in the league. His 2.50 yards per route run ranked inside the top 10 among qualifying wide receivers in the regular season. Brown was actually one of eight receivers to record over 2.0 yards per route run in the slot and out wide this season. And he did all that while battling injuries at four different points from the preseason to the regular season’s end.

After Ryan Tannehill (four years, $118 million) and Derrick Henry (four years, $50 million) were rewarded by the Titans with long-term extensions, Brown will understandably believe it's his turn now.

The fact that Tennessee is looking to win a Super Bowl should provide him with some leverage. The underwhelming initial returns from the Julio Jones trade might heighten the need to keep Brown around, too.

Jones had the worst season of his career (31 catches, 434 yards, one touchdown) in 2021, and the 33-year-old is hitting free agency in 2023.

With Jones potentially on the decline, losing Brown would be a massive blow to the offense.

Beyond the traditional levers at his disposal, it may not be a coincidence Brown is flirting with a return to baseball. Although he didn't play baseball in college, he played in the prestigious Under Armour All-America game in high school. The San Diego Padres selected the outfielder in the 19th round of the 2016 MLB draft.

Sometimes i think about playing both sports again 🤔@Padres all I need is a workout. I still got 😎 https://t.co/1PRo7ffAWm

— AJ BROWN (@1kalwaysopen_) January 26, 2022

Will Brown leave the NFL at his peak in order to toil in the minor leagues for a few years while earning much less than he would in football? Probably not, but it's a plausible enough outcome.

In the event the Titans fail to strike an agreement with Brown's representatives over a new contract, the franchise tag will be there for Robinson. That might make it more expensive to keep him around beyond 2023, though.

The fact the two sides are at least talking is a positive sign regarding negotiations.

After selecting quarterback Trevor Lawrence a year ago, the Jacksonville Jaguars are once again in a position to make the obvious and sensible choice with the No. 1 overall draft pick. Alabama's Evan Neal is the next logical step in the team's rebuilding process, as well as a prospect every bit worthy of the top selection.

Unlike Lawrence, Neal hasn't run the table as the class' premier talent. In fact, a blocker hasn't heard his name called first since Eric Fisher in 2013. Since then, teams selected only two blindside protectors among the top-five selections.

This year is a little different, though. Unlike other classes, quarterback prospects won't populate the top 10. A weak class of signal-callers pushes other positions of quality up the board. Besides, the Jaguars aren't in need of a quarterback, though the lack of such options makes the top pick less valuable from a trade perspective.

Neal shouldn't be viewed as a consolation prize. He fills a significant need for the Jaguars, addresses another premium position, provides first overall pick athletic traits and brings immense upside to any lineup.

From an overall perspective, Neal isn't the clear-cut top prospect among the incoming crop. Bleacher Report's Scouting Department ranks Oregon defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux slightly ahead of Neal, USC wide receiver Drake London and North Carolina State offensive tackle Ikem Ekwonu. However, all four are similarly rated as the class' elite options.

For Jacksonville, a slight edge to another position shouldn't overshadow the fact that the team doesn't have a long-term answer at left tackle to protect Lawrence. Cam Robinson is a pending free agent after the organization inexplicably placed the franchise tag on the middling veteran tackle last offseason. The 26-year-old never lived up to expectations after Jacksonville selected the Outland Trophy winner with the 34th overall pick in 2017. For most of Robinson's career, he's been a replacement-level performer.

As a rookie, Lawrence played behind one of the league's worst offensive fronts, as Jacksonville graded among the bottom 10 units, according to Pro Football Focus. Walker Little remains on the roster after being a second-round selection last year, but Neal's addition could create a ripple effect along the front five. Right tackle Jawaan Taylor is scheduled to be a free agent after the 2022 campaign. Either the Jaguars can retain three quality tackles or they'll have two in place if Taylor chooses to leave in free agency. Meanwhile, the continued development of Little, plus the addition of Neal, gives the organization significant flexibility at a hard-to-fill position.

Lawrence essentially endured a lost rookie season under a clueless head coach who helped implement an uninspired offensive scheme and didn't add enough talent around the highest-rated quarterback prospect since Andrew Luck.

From this point forward, the goal in Jacksonville is simple: place Lawrence in a situation where he can be successful. The organization failed on this front a year ago and can't squander the opportunity to field an elite passer capable of elevating the franchise. To do so, the right pieces must be placed around Lawrence.

Sure, Thibodeaux and Michigan's Aidan Hutchinson should be considered, but the Jaguars already have first-round investments in edge-rushers Josh Allen and K'Lavon Chaisson. It falls upon Doug Pederson's new staff to maximize their capabilities.

With Allen and Chaisson already on the roster, the Jaguars can concentrate on left tackle as one of the primary building blocks.

Very few humans are 6'7" and 350 pounds, but in the case of the consensus All-American, his athleticism belies a man with his gargantuan frame.

"At his size, he is the most impressive lower body power athlete we have ever seen," Alabama director of sports science Matt Rhea told The Athletic's Bruce Feldman. "His jumping power is in the top 1 percent we have ever measured. At 350 pounds, he routinely hits box jumps at 48 inches."

For some, Neal's weight could be a cause for concern since 350-plus-pound athletes often struggle with fluctuations. In this case, Neal was considered one of the hardest workers at Alabama—which is a statement unto itself. Crimson Tide head coach Nick Saban explained to Feldman what he's seen from the former 5-star recruit:

"Evan is very unique. He has great size, great athleticism, but most importantly, he's a hard worker. He has a lot of goals and aspirations for how good he wants to be and what his expectation is. He's a bit of a perfectionist in terms of how he goes about things. He's also got good intangibles. He plays with good toughness. He's got mental toughness. He works hard to get in shape. He spent a lot of time getting his body right. He used to be even bigger than he is now, but now he can sustain better. He's very assignment-conscious. He doesn't make a lot of mental errors.

“This guy does just about everything that you would like for the best players in your program to do to set a good example for other players."

Neal entered the Alabama program as the nation's top-ranked tackle prospect. Yet he began his career at left guard and then moved to right tackle before finishing at left tackle. The fact that he's just 21 years old shows how much potential he still possesses.

"Neal has ideal size with very good athletic ability, power and a well-rounded game," B/R scout Brandon Thorn mentioned. "He played three positions over as many years at Alabama, which gives him proven versatility across the line. It also signals that he hasn't come close to reaching his ceiling at his most likely home as a pro (left tackle) due to not having back-to-back seasons at the position."

At the same time, Thorn views Neal as the class' most pro-ready tackle option. The underclassman allowed only 24 pressures over the last two seasons between right and left tackle, per PFF. As a run-blocker, Neal graded in the 96th percentile in percentage of positively graded plays, according to PFF's Eric Eager.

Neal already flashes dominance at a young age even though he's far from a finished product.

A similar argument can be made in favor of Ekwonu as a fellow tackle prospect. In this instance, Neal's size, while being a better pass protector, gives him the edge.

"As a pass protector, Neal explodes out of his stance with silky footwork to get to his landmark under control and square with the weight distribution and posture to effectively mirror and cut off countermoves," Thorn wrote. "He has excellent length and powerful, jolting strikes to punch through the hands of rushers into their frame and latch with overpowering grip strength."

Jaguars offensive line coach Phil Rauscher can continue to work on Neal's balance and consistency with hand placement—two technical aspects that should come along as he becomes more comfortable in a single spot—and potentially see the tackle prospect blossom into a dominant force.

A smart investment isn't always the sexy one. Neal's potential selection with the No. 1 overall pick isn't going to sell more PSLs or lead to impressive jersey sales. The Jaguars already made such a move in last year's draft. Jacksonville's rebuilding plan should now shift toward adding another foundational building block in Neal.

    

One of the best wide receivers in Indianapolis Colts history could return to the organization as a coach.

Per The Athletic's Zak Keefer, the Colts are "strongly considering" hiring Wayne as their wide receivers coach on Frank Reich's staff for 2022.

When the Colts announced changes to their coaching staff last offseason, Wayne jokingly asked on Twitter if they were hiring:

Y'all hiring. 🤣🤣🤣🤣

— Reggie Wayne (@ReggieWayne_17) February 9, 2021

While he doesn't have any formal coaching experience, Wayne did serve as a volunteer wide receivers coach in 2018 when Reich was in his first season with the team. 

Wayne played 14 seasons with the Colts, who selected him with the No. 30 overall pick in the 2001 NFL draft out of Miami.

After spending his first two seasons as Peyton Manning's No. 3 option, Wayne came into his own in 2003 with 838 yards and seven touchdowns in 16 starts. 

Wayne had a streak of seven consecutive seasons with at least 1,000 receiving yards from 2004 to 2010, including a league-leading 1,510 yards in 2007. He made the Pro Bowl six times in seven seasons from 2006 to 2012 and was on the All-Pro team three times, earning first-team honors in 2010 and making the second team in 2007 and 2009. 

The Colts elected not to re-sign Wayne when his contract expired after the 2014 season. He signed a one-year deal with the New England Patriots as a free agent that August but requested his release before the regular season. 

After not playing in 2015, Wayne announced his retirement from the NFL in 2016. He and Marvin Harrison are the only players in Colts history with at least 1,000 career receptions and 14,000 receiving yards.     

The Indianapolis Colts are reportedly searching for an upgrade over Carson Wentz at quarterback ahead of the new league year March 16.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reported on where things stand with the Colts during an appearance on The Pat McAfee Show on Friday:

Are the Colts moving on from Carson Wentz??

"I know they are actively looking for another QB because Chris Ballard is always trying to improve" ~@RapSheet#PMSLive pic.twitter.com/cgobxjzNt8

— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) February 25, 2022

Indy finds itself in a unique situation entering the offseason one year after trading its 2022 first-round pick as part of the blockbuster deal for Wentz.

The 29-year-old North Dakota State product didn't play poorly during his first year with the Colts. He tallied nearly four times as many touchdown passes (27) as interceptions (seven) and played all 17 games after some durability issues during his time with the Philadelphia Eagles.

Those numbers don't tell the entire story, however, as Wentz was backed up by the NFL's second-ranked rushing attack, led by Jonathan Taylor. That created a lot of stacked boxes and light secondaries, which helped inflate his numbers.

When the Colts needed to pass, such as in a Week 17 loss to the Jacksonville Jaguars that kept them out of the playoffs, they couldn't do it consistently. Wentz finished that contest with just 185 passing yards with one touchdown and one pick.

That's why his mediocre Pro Football Focus grade (70.9) may appear out of step with his solid raw stats.

After the season ended, Indianapolis head coach Frank Reich didn't commit to Wentz as the team's starting quarterback.

"We've got to be better in the passing game," Reich told reporters. "It was definitely below our standards, and there's multiple reasons for that. We have to take ownership of that as coaches and players."

Wentz is under contract through 2024, but the Colts can save $28.3 million against the salary cap if they trade him or $13.3 million if they release him, per Spotrac.

They probably won't go that route unless they find a clear upgrade, and that's only likely to happen via trade because it's a lackluster year for free agents and draft prospects at the position.

The Arizona Cardinals' Kyler Murray, Green Bay Packers' Aaron Rodgers and Seattle Seahawks' Russell Wilson are among the high-profile quarterbacks who've been mentioned in the rumor mill, but it's not a guarantee any of them will be traded.

NFL reporter Jordan Schultz reported earlier Friday that Colts owner Jim Irsay would "love" to make a deal for Wilson.

Any franchise-altering trade would be exceedingly difficult without a first-round pick in this year's draft, though.

While it appears the Colts will do their due diligence on another quarterback change in the coming months, it's impossible to rule out Wentz as their Week 1 starter next season.

Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay is reportedly a "huge" fan of Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and would "love" to make a blockbuster trade for the nine-time Pro Bowl selection.

Boardroom's Jordan Schultz reported Irsay's interest in Wilson on Friday but noted the Colts' lack of a first-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft could significantly hamper those efforts.

Indianapolis dealt its 2022 first-rounder, which turned into the No. 16 selection, to the Philadelphia Eagles last March as part of the trade for quarterback Carson Wentz following the retirement of Philip Rivers last offseason.

Wentz put up solid numbers during his first year in Indy. He completed 62.4 percent of his throws for 3,563 yards, 27 touchdowns and just seven interceptions while playing all 17 games.

Yet, Pro Football Focus gave him a lackluster 70.9 overall grade, and Colts head coach Frank Reich didn't commit to Wentz as the team's starter for 2022 when asked at season's end.

"We've got to be better in the passing game," Reich told reporters in January. "It was definitely below our standards, and there's multiple reasons for that. We have to take ownership of that as coaches and players."

It's raised questions about whether Indianapolis will once again switch quarterbacks after missing the playoffs with a 9-8 record.

Wentz is under contract through 2024 as part of a four-year, $128 million deal, but the Colts can avoid a dead-cap hit if he's traded, per Spotrac. They face a $15 million dead-cap hit if he's released, but that still represents $13.3 million in cap savings.

It's an underwhelming year in terms of free-agent quarterbacks and draft prospects at the NFL's most important position, however, so if the Colts are seeking a game-changer under center, it would likely have to come via trade.

That's where the lack of a pick in the opening round comes into play. Indy's first selection doesn't come until No. 47 overall, so the front office would likely have to build any offer around future first-rounders.

Whether the Seahawks with Wilson, the Green Bay Packers with Aaron Rodgers or any other team that could have a high-profile quarterback on the block this offseason would be interested in that type of offer is unclear, especially since there would be plenty of competition.

Indianapolis could also try to package a player, its second-round pick and other assets to move into the first round, but that would come at a high cost and only make sense if there's already an agreement in place for a star QB.

Wilson, who's been the focus of trade rumors since last year, tossed 25 touchdowns and six interceptions across 14 games for the Hawks in 2021.

While he'd be an ideal fit for the Colts, who otherwise have a roster built to contend for a Super Bowl title, Irsay and Co. would have to get creative to make a deal happen.

The family of former Houston Oilers wide receiver Ken Burrough said Thursday he had died at his home in Florida, according to Reuters. He was 73. 

Burrough, the last NFL player to wear No. 00, was selected 10th overall by the New Orleans Saints in the 1970 NFL draft. He spent one season with the franchise, catching 13 passes for 196 yards and two touchdowns in 12 games, before being traded to the Oilers ahead of the 1971 season. 

The NFL prohibited players from choosing No. 00 as their jersey number in 1973. However, Burrough and former Raiders center Jim Otto were allowed to continue wearing it through their careers. 

Burrough made a name for himself in Houston over 11 seasons. He caught 408 passes for 6,906 yards and 47 touchdowns in 144 games. He earned his first Pro Bowl selection in 1975 after catching 53 passes for 1,063 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games. 

The Texas Southern product caught 43 passes for 816 yards and eight touchdowns in 14 games in 1977 to earn his second Pro Bowl honors. 

Burrough retired from the NFL after the 1981 season. He ranks third in Oilers/Tennessee Titans history in receiving yards. He also ranks second in touchdown catches.