NFL Rumors: Sean Payton Considering Return as HC; Linked to Saints, Rams and Chargers
Dec 11, 2022
ATLANTA, GA JANUARY 09: New Orleans head coach Sean Payton watches his team warm up prior to the start of the NFL game between the New Orleans Saints and the Atlanta Falcons on January 9th, 2022 at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
If Sean Payton returns to coaching next season, the Los Angeles Chargers or Los Angeles Rams could be his preferred landing spot, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network:
The @NFLGameDay Notebook with @MikeGarafolo and @TomPelissero: The specter of Sean Payton hangs over every coaching situation; What to expect for Lamar Jackson & Kenny Pickett; Tom Brady has plenty of options for 2023; The Odell Beckham Jr sweepstakes led to… a holding pattern. pic.twitter.com/wgCUYuMZ05
"He is a TV analyst living in Los Angeles and based on his conversations I've had, if he had his druthers, that is where he would remain in the city of Los Angeles," Rapoport said of Payton. "Potentially if somehow, some way the Rams job or the Chargers job came open, that is certainly be something Sean Payton would take a look at."
In addition to the Los Angeles teams, there is also a chance Payton could return to the New Orleans Saints after stepping away from the team last season, according to Jeff Duncan of NOLA.com.
"One person close to Payton and familiar with his thinking believes a return to the Saints is possible 'if things go sideways' in New Orleans," Duncan reported.
The Saints have struggled to a 4-9 record this year in the first season under Dennis Allen, clinching the team's first losing record since 2016. Duncan clarified that the organization does not want to move on from Allen, with general manager Mickey Loomis and owner Gayle Benson considered "loyal supporters."
There could still be a push to bring back Payton, who had a 152-89 record across 15 years with New Orleans, winning a Super Bowl after the 2009 season.
Payton's familiarity with the Saints, along with the fact they already control his rights, could make this a quality landing spot for the 58-year-old.
It's unknown if there will be an opening in Los Angeles, although there have been rumors of Rams coach Sean McVay retiring throughout the past year. With the team struggling to a 4-9 record this year, he could decide to step away from the team.
The Chargers are currently 6-6, but they have had higher expectations the past two years under Brandon Staley. If the team misses the playoffs again, Staley could be on the hot seat.
Payton will likely be in high demand throughout the offseason, especially after saying that he plans to return to the sidelines this week on Tom Brady's Let's Go! podcast.
"I think sooner than later," Payton told Brady (h/t Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk). "I really enjoy the current job I have. ...But I think relative to coaching, though, I know that I want to coach again and it's not really been a secret. But I wanna find the right spot."
The Indianapolis Colts and Carolina Panthers already have openings after firing coaches during the season.
Report: Cameron Jordan, Saints Fined $550K for Allegedly Faking Injury vs. Buccaneers
Dec 10, 2022
TAMPA, FL - DECEMBER 5: Cameron Jordan #94 of the New Orleans Saints walks into the injury tent on the sidelines during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 5, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Kevin Sabitus/Getty Images)
The NFL has fined the New Orleans Saints $550,000 after defensive end Cameron Jordan allegedly faked an injury in Monday's game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk.
The Saints were fined $350,000, while Jordan ($50,000), defensive line coach Ryan Nielsen ($50,000) and head coach Dennis Allen ($100,000) picked up individual fines.
The Saint released a statement denying allegations of faking an injury:
Statement from the Saints on the $550,000 of fines handed down to the team, Dennis Allen, Ryan Nielsen and Cam Jordan. pic.twitter.com/klCmrbXaD9
Are fines made by nfl open to public? I just feel like this should be public knowledge. ‘Cause some of the fines are silly but this 1… ridiculous. Anyways & for what a “deliberate action to delay game” before a tm punts? NFL just wanted a new patek aquanaut or summ… not off me
The incident took place midway through the fourth quarter as the Buccaneers were hurrying to the line of scrimmage on a 4th-and-10. Jordan went down with an injury, forcing a stoppage, and the Bucs then punted instead of trying to convert the fourth down.
According to Florio, cameras captured Jordan "receiving direction" from the sideline to go down with an injury.
Tampa Bay won 17-16 on a last-second touchdown pass by Tom Brady.
The NFL released a memo last Friday stating it would fine players, coaches and teams for faking injuries, calling them "deliberate actions to delay the game."
In Sunday's game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Cincinnati Bengals defensive back Jessie Bates III seemingly faked an injury to help his team complete a substitution. Bates was also fined $50,000 on Saturday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.
On Monday, several fans called out Jordan for apparently doing the same:
Cam Jordan with maybe the most blatant fake injury of all time we all saw that right??
It's clear the league office felt the same and levied the fine against the player, the coaching staff and the organization.
It could be difficult for the NFL to prove injuries are not genuine, but the league is taking steps to reduce these attempts to get a competitive advantage.
Saints' Mark Ingram Apologizes for Failing to Get Late 1st Down vs. Buccaneers
Dec 6, 2022
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Mark Ingram II #22 of the New Orleans Saints warms up prior to the game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Raymond James Stadium on December 05, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
New Orleans Saints running back Mark Ingram took the blame for his team's 17-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday night.
In a Twitter post after the game, Ingram apologized to his teammates for failing to get a crucial first down after catching a pass on 2nd-and-8 midway through the fourth quarter.
Im sick about this one. Regardless of circumstances or how I feel I have to get that fresh set of downs for the squad. I apologize to my teammates my coaches and my city for a crucial mistake. We work way too hard and sacrifice blood sweat and tears. I will be better. ⚜️🖤
Ingram caught a pass from Andy Dalton and appeared as if he could have picked up an additional yard or two for a first down, but he elected to step out of bounds short of the sticks.
Dalton's third-down pass to Marquez Callaway was incomplete. Saints head coach Dennis Allen elected to punt the ball away from the Bucs' 44-yard line with 5:31 left to play.
Tom Brady led the Bucs on a 10-play, 91-yard touchdown drive that cut the deficit to 16-10 with three minutes left in regulation.
The Saints offense went three-and-out on its next possession, giving Tampa the ball back with 2:29 on the clock. Brady hit Rachaad White for a six-yard touchdown with three seconds left to give the Bucs a comeback win.
The Saints had a 98.7 win probability before Mark Ingram ran out of bounds 1 yards short of a first down on the second-and-8 play around the 6-minute mark of the fourth quarter.
This was Ingram's second game back after he missed four weeks with a sprained MCL suffered during the Saints' 24-0 loss to the Las Vegas Raiders on Oct. 30.
It's unclear if Ingram's decision may have been an attempt to protect himself from being hit. Bucs linebacker Devin White was bearing down on him before he stepped out of bounds.
It's certainly not entirely Ingram's fault that New Orleans lost the game, either. Allen's decision to punt on the same drive cost his team 12.7 percent win probability, per NumberFire.com.
New Orleans' offense also came away with three field goals in each of its three red-zone trips against the Bucs defense.
Despite entering the game with a 4-8 record, the Saints were very much alive in the playoff race because the NFC South has been a mess. They would have gone into their Week 14 bye with the same number of wins as the Bucs (five) and just one game back in the loss column if they had been able to hold on.
Now, the Saints are effectively four games behind the Bucs after being swept in the two-game season series with four games to play.
Saints Blasted by Twitter for 'Epic' 4th-Quarter Collapse in Loss to Tom Brady, Bucs
Dec 6, 2022
TAMPA, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 05: Head coach Dennis Allen of the New Orleans Saints reacts against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the fourth quarter in the game at Raymond James Stadium on December 05, 2022 in Tampa, Florida. (Photo by Julio Aguilar/Getty Images)
The New Orleans Saints have not had the 2022 season they were hoping for, but they reached a new low with an embarrassing 17-16 loss to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers on Monday Night Football.
The Saints (4-9) had taken a 13-point lead early in the fourth quarter and looked to be cruising to victory, which would have been crucial for the team's hopes to stay alive in the race for the NFC South. However, New Orleans allowed 14 points in the final three minutes to allow Tampa Bay to escape.
Tom Brady and the Buccaneers (6-6) wore down the Saints defense with 10- and 11-play drives to steal the victory. New Orleans wasted a clean performance from quarterback Andy Dalton, who threw for 229 yards and a touchdown on 20-of-28 passing and is now 0-13 in primetime games on the road.
NFL Twitter lit up the Saints for their "epic" collapse, with many calling for changes within the organization:
In a season of failures, this is the low point for the #Saints. Words can’t describe how pathetic this collapse is.
The amount of things they had to do to blow this game is actually impressive. They somehow pulled it off.
Saints were 113-1 since 2000 in regular season and playoffs when leading by 13+ in final 5:00 before losing tonight. Only other loss came vs Matthew Stafford and Lions on Oct. 19, 2014
Trailing 16-3 with 5:34 remaining in the game, the Buccaneers had just a 0.7% chance of winning.
The Buccaneers late-game comeback goes down as the 4th-most improbable of the Next Gen Stats era (since 2016) based on the NGS win probability model.#NOvsTB | Powered by @awscloudpic.twitter.com/9i9GTEqjFW
#Saints screwed up that game so unbelievably bad. That was a smaller-scale 2014 #Packers Bostick collapse, and I’m sorry for bringing that up, but damn.
The Saints have been beset by injuries to multiple key players, but this loss was inexcusable. Had the defense not run out of gas, New Orleans would've been in a surprising position to fight for the division crown.
The Saints don't have many solutions available at the moment, but they will try to regroup during their bye in Week 14 before returning to action with another division matchup, against the Atlanta Falcons, on Dec. 18.
Drew Brees Says He’s ‘Good’ and Wasn’t Struck by Lightning After Video Goes Viral
Dec 2, 2022
NEW ORLEANS, LOUISIANA - NOVEMBER 25: Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees speaks to the fans during halftime of the game between the Buffalo Bills and the New Orleans Saints at Caesars Superdome on November 25, 2021 in New Orleans, Louisiana. (Photo by Chris Graythen/Getty Images)
Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees was not struck by lightning during a commercial shoot for PointsBet USA.
A video was posted on social media that appeared to show the future Hall of Famer being struck by a bolt of lightning while filming the ad in Venezuela.
Estrella de la @NFL@drewbrees fue impactado por un relámpago en el Catatumbo mientras grabábamos un comercial al sur del lago de Maracaibo. Pasó hace unas horas. Más información en breve... pic.twitter.com/b8PQdRpdtN
Brees told ESPN's Katherine Terrell via text he's "good" and was not struck by lightning.
PointsBet issued a statement on Twitter after footage of the apparent lightning strike was released:
We are aware of the media coverage regarding PointsBet brand ambassador Drew Brees. We are in communication with Brees' team and will continue to monitor events throughout the coming hours. At this stage we will not be making any further comment.
In a follow-up video release, Brees and PointsBet made it pretty clear without blatantly saying it that the lightning video was part of a viral marketing push:
Time to let you in on a little fun we've had with @drewbrees guys. He's alive and well and "buzzing" for a weekend of free bets. Keep your eyes on our channels all weekend for bet drops for US vs. Netherlands, College Football and NFL. pic.twitter.com/vhnLm5S0Cw
PointsBet signed Brees as a brand ambassador for the company in July 2021. The deal also gave the 13-time Pro Bowler an equity stake and cash component in the company.
PointsBet launched a new lightning bet feature for NFL games in October.
Brees' deal with PointsBet came on the heels of NBC Universal announcing a five-year media partnership in August 2020. The partnership gave a 4.9 percent equity stake in the company.
NBC Sports signed Brees after his retirement from the NFL to serve as the color commentator for Notre Dame games and an analyst for Football Night in America for the 2021 season. He left the network in May.
Brees played 20 seasons in the NFL from 2001-20. He began his career with the San Diego Chargers and spent five years with the organization.
The Saints signed Brees as a free agent after the 2005 campaign. He became the most important player in franchise history, leading them to nine playoff appearances in 15 seasons and a victory in Super Bowl 44.
Brees retired as the NFL's all-time leader in passing yards (80,358), though that record has since been surpassed by Tom Brady. He also ranks second to Brady in career touchdown passes (571).
Saints to Consider Starting Jameis Winston at QB Over Andy Dalton, Dennis Allen Says
Nov 15, 2022
New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton, left, and quarterback Jameis Winston watch during the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals, Thursday, Oct. 20, 2022, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP Photo/Matt York)
The New Orleans Saints fell to last place in the NFC South with Sunday's 20-10 loss to the Pittsburgh Steelers, and the team could be in for a major change.
Per ESPN's Katherine Terrell, Saints head coach Dennis Allen said Monday that he is consdering reinserting Jameis Winston as the starting quarterback over Andy Dalton for this week's game against the Los Angeles Rams, though a decision has not yet been made.
"I think we've gotta look at everything," Allen said. "Yeah, I think we've gotta look at everything. And that will be a process we go through today and tomorrow as we get ready for the Rams."
After Winston was sidelined with back and foot injuries, Dalton has started the past seven games for the Saints (3-7). However, Allen said Dalton's role as the starter was contingent upon the offense continuing to perform well with him under center. New Orleans has totaled just 23 points combined in its last two games after scoring over 20 points in five consecutive outings.
Allen noted that a decision for this week's starter will also come down to Winston's health, adding that he is pushing to play despite the fact that he might not fully recover this year.
"I feel like I think we probably have to visit with him a little bit in terms of that or visit with the medical staff in terms of that," Allen said. "And I think Jameis said this the other day, I don't know that he's ever gonna be 100 percent healthy this season. But he's in here every day, he's in here every morning working with the trainers, getting himself ready. And I feel like he's closer to being there."
The Saints are also reeling from injuries to their offensive line, which will play into the decision for the starting quarterback. New Orleans placed starting center Erik McCoy on injured reserve this weekend. Starting left tackle James Hurst exited early against the Steelers with a concussion, and starting right guard Andrus Peat missed the game entirely.
"I think everything goes into the decision," Allen said. "I don't think any decisions are made in a vacuum. But we've gotta try to do what we feel like gives our team the best chance to win. So that's ultimately what the decision will come down to."
Including Sunday's matchup against the Rams, the Saints have three games left before their bye in Week 14. The NFC South is not out of reach, as the first-place Tampa Bay Buccaneers are just 5-5.
New Orleans will need to go with its best option to keep pace in the division, and that might be Winston, who showed his potential last year with a 14-to-3 touchdown-to-interception ratio.
Saints' Alvin Kamara's Hearing After Arrest on Battery Charges Delayed Until 2023
Nov 10, 2022
GLENDALE, ARIZONA - OCTOBER 20: Alvin Kamara #41 of the New Orleans Saints looks on during an NFL football game between the Arizona Cardinals and the New Orleans Saints at State Farm Stadium on October 20, 2022 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
The next hearing in the battery case involving New Orleans Saints running back Alvin Kamara has been delayed until 2023.
According to ESPN's Katherine Terrell, Kamara will have a status conference Jan. 23 before a preliminary hearing March 1.
The five-time Pro Bowler was charged with battery resulting in substantial bodily harm and conspiracy to commit battery in February. He was allegedly part of a fight outside a Las Vegas nightclub.
Per Mike Triplett of ESPN, a police report states that Kamara is shown on surveillance footage "punching a man approximately eight times before Kamara's associates proceeded to stomp on him several more times on the ground."
The man, Darnell Greene Jr., lost consciousness and suffered an orbital fracture.
Kamara told authorities Greene made a disparaging comment to one of his friends and told him, "I'll whup your ass too." Kamara said he wasn't involved in the initial altercation but stepped in because "he thought the man was running away and had done something to his group," per Triplett.
In October, Greene filed a civil lawsuit against Kamara. He's seeking more than $10 million in damages.
Terrell noted the delay of Kamara's hearing means it's unlikely the NFL hands down a suspension this season.
Through seven games in 2022, the 27-year-old has run for 443 yards and one touchdown while catching 36 passes for 319 yards and two scores.
Chris Olave Trade Advice, Saints WRs 2022 Outlook Ahead of Fantasy Football Deadline
Nov 9, 2022
Chris Olave
New Orleans Saints wide receiver Chris
Olave represents a high-upside target ahead of the fantasy football
trade deadline.
The Saints' pecking order in the
passing game is shifting with longtime No. 1 receiver Michael Thomas
expected to miss the remainder of the season after being placed on injured
reserve last week because of a toe injury, and Olave is in position
to benefit.
Let's analyze the top options in the
New Orleans aerial attack, explore what their fantasy value could be
moving forward and debate whether it's time to make a trade offer for
the rookie from Ohio State.
Chris Olave
New Orleans used the No. 11 overall
pick in the 2022 draft on Olave, so he's the receiver who's generating the most buzz in Thomas' absence. His big-play ability is intriguing, and the more consistent targets figure to bolster his value.
If you want to trade for him, now might
be the last chance to land him at a reasonable price.
He's coming off a modest performance
against the Baltimore Ravens on Monday night—six catches for 71
yards and no touchdowns—but the more important factor is his
targets (nine) nearly doubled his closest competition, Marquez
Callaway with five.
That gap may close a bit when Jarvis
Landry returns from injury, but it shows Olave is in position to lead
the Saints' receiving group for the rest of 2022.
Making a fair offer now while he's the
No. 15-ranked receiver in PPR leagues and coming off a mediocre game
is probably the best chance for interested fantasy managers to land him because his value
could explode during the season's second half.
Most managers will likely opt to keep
him, however, and it's reasonable to believe he could be a
league-winning asset down the stretch.
Jarvis Landry
The biggest question in a Thomas-less Saints offense is whether Olave is the clear top target or if the ball is going to get spread around pretty evenly when the roster is healthy.
In turn, Landry could possess some sneaky value once back from an ankle injury.
He's spent time as a No. 1 receiver at
both of his previous stops with the Miami Dolphins and Cleveland
Browns, and his strong route-running makes him a reliable option on
short and intermediate routes.
It's still hard to imagine Landry getting 10-plus
targets on a regular basis if Thomas is unavailable, though. So it's
important to keep expectations within reason.
That said, the 29-year-old LSU product
will likely warrant some occasional spot starts against weaker secondaries, especially in potentially high-scoring games.
If he does return and shine with Thomas is out,
he could also create some nice fantasy trade value for himself over the next few weeks.
Marquez Callaway
Callaway operated as the Saints' No. 1
target last year after Thomas' injury, but he didn't turn that
opportunity into fantasy stardom. He finished as the 43rd-ranked
receiver in PPR leagues despite playing in all 17 games.
So it's hard to have a ton of optimism
about his production given what will likely be a crowded battle for
targets. He should be more involved, but his scoring figures to remain heavily dependent on touchdowns, which are difficult to
predict.
He could emerge as a consistent flex option if further injuries arise at the position, but that's about
the extent of his upside until proved otherwise.
Callaway may still be worth a flier for
those seeking a little wideout depth, though.
Andy Dalton, Saints Offense Called Out by NFL Twitter for Struggles in Loss to Ravens
Nov 8, 2022
Baltimore Ravens cornerback Marlon Humphrey (44) is sacked New Orleans Saints quarterback Andy Dalton (14), with Baltimore Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton nearby in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Monday, Nov. 7, 2022. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
After last week's 24-0 win over the Las Vegas Raiders, the New Orleans Saints believed they found a formula for success that would carry them through the remainder of the season. However, their performance on Monday Night Football against the Baltimore Ravens proved otherwise.
The Saints offense had a dreadful showing in a 27-13 loss at the Superdome as they dropped to 3-6. New Orleans quarterback Andy Dalton did nothing to lead the team to success, throwing for 210 yards, a touchdown and an interception. His touchdown pass came late in the game when the Ravens already had victory in hand.
In last week's game, the Saints rode Alvin Kamara's three touchdowns to victory. This week, Kamara was barely a factor in the team's game plan, as the five-time Pro Bowler totaled 12 touches and 62 yards from scrimmage.
Fans on social media were not happy with what they saw from the Saints on Monday night, and they let the team hear all about it:
I’ve seen enough Andy Dalton for tonight. Can we all agree on that?
The Saints offense looks terrible. At least Jameis Winston would take some shots down field. Yeah, some may go to the other team but, Andy Dalton is trash. #MNF#saints
Through nine games, the Saints have yet to find their identity on offense. It would seem that feeding Kamara would be the best course for success, but it's hard for him to get going when the Dalton-led passing attack is completely ineffective.
New Orleans will have to get its act together when the team visits the Pittsburgh Steelers (2-6) in Week 10 on Sunday.
