New Orleans Saints

New Orleans Saints head coach Sean Payton shot down the likelihood of his team adding Antonio Brown following Brown's departure from the Oakland Raiders.

"If you're asking if we have any interest in him [Antonio Brown], no," Payton said Saturday, per Herbie Teope of the Times-Picayune.

The Raiders announced earlier in the day they were parting ways with Brown. ESPN's Field Yates noted he's free to sign with another team starting at 4:01 p.m. ET.

Brown hasn't suffered a serious injury or received a lengthy suspension that will leave him out for a chunk of the 2019 season. Despite that, his value has taken a serious hit following his tumultuous and brief tenure with the Raiders.

A lot happened in AB's time with the Raiders. pic.twitter.com/JuesZaLLx8

— ESPN (@espn) September 7, 2019

Brown turned 31 in July and is coming off a 2018 campaign in which he caught 104 passes for 1,297 yards and an NFL-high 15 touchdowns.

Some team is going to give him another chance; the Saints don't make sense as that team.

New Orleans already has one of the league's best receivers in Michael Thomas, who just signed a five-year, $96.25 million extension with the team. Although Brown would obviously help the passing game, he wouldn't address an area of obvious need.

The Saints have only $104,301 in available salary-cap space as well. Assuming Brown wants to get paid after losing a little over $29 million in guaranteed money, New Orleans general manager Mickey Loomis would have to get creative in order to fit him into the roster salary-wise.

NFL Network's Michael Silver tweeted in March that fans should "keep an eye on the Saints" as Brown was engineering his exit from the Pittsburgh Steelers. Any enthusiasm they might have had for possibly acquiring him in the spring appears to have faded completely. 

 

The Louisiana Supreme Court has thrown out the lawsuit filed over the controversial outcome of the 2019 NFC Championship Game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints.

The court explained its decision, via Pro Football Talk's Mike Florio:

"[W]e find plaintiffs' purchase of a ticket merely granted them the right of entry and a seat at the game. [W]e find public policy considerations weigh in favor of restricting the rights of spectators to bring actions based on the conduct of officials of professional sporting leagues. ... While we are certainly cognizant of the passion of sports fans, and particularly those who are fans of the New Orleans Saints, the courts are not the proper forum to litigate such disputes."

Last season's NFC title game featured one of the most glaring non-calls in NFL history, as Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman was not called for defensive pass interference on a third-down pass intended for Saints receiver Tommylee Lewis late in the fourth quarter.

Robey-Coleman acknowledged after the game that he should've been flagged.

"Yes, I got there too early," he said. "I was beat, and I was trying to save the touchdown."

He added: "I just know I got there before the ball got there. And I whacked his ass."

Had Robey-Coleman been called for interference, New Orleans would have been in position to run out the clock and line up for a potential game-winning field goal as time expired. Instead, the Saints had to kick a field goal on the next play, which gave the Rams time to force overtime with a field goal of their own.

Los Angeles pulled out a 26-23 victory in overtime, denying New Orleans its first Super Bowl appearance since 2010.

The heartbreaking loss caused no shortage of outrage in the Big Easy, as Saints fans boycotted Super Bowl LIII, which the Rams lost to the New England Patriots, 13-3.

New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees has responded to a video he filmed for the conservative Christian group Focus on the Family that has a history of lobbying for anti-LGBTQ legislation.

Brees addressed the situation with reporters Thursday, saying he "was not aware of any of the things they said about them lobbying for anti-gay, any type of messaging, or inequality, or any type of hate-type related stuff."

He also sent out a video response on Twitter:

Hopefully this sets the record straight with who I am and what I stand for. Love, Respect, and Accept ALL. I encourage you not to believe the negativity you read that says differently. It’s simply not true. Have a great day. pic.twitter.com/4RdTahE7EZ

— Drew Brees (@drewbrees) September 5, 2019

Per Jenn Bentley of Big Easy Magazine, Brees appeared in a promotional video for the organization's "Bring Your Bible to School Day" event which appeared on Focus on the Family's Facebook page.

After the promotional video was released, The Advocate was among the outlets that expressed concern over the Saints star appearing with the controversial organization.

Focus on the Family, founded by James Dobson in 1977, has a long history of campaigning against equal rights for LGBTQ people that includes supporting legislative bans against same-sex marriage, LGBTQ adoption and transgender people using bathrooms according to their gender identity.

Brees has spoken out against bullying and discrimination in the past, including recording a public service announcement for Ellen Degeneres' daytime talk show in 2010.

The Miami Dolphins traded outside linebacker Kiko Alonso to the New Orleans Saints on Sunday morning, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL.com.

Adam Schefter of ESPN reported the Saints traded linebacker Vince Biegel to the Dolphins in exchange for Alonso.

The Dolphins are in full rebuild mode this offseason after firing head coach Adam Gase, letting starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill and edge-rusher Cameron Wake walk and trading sack leader Robert Quinn to the Dallas Cowboys and offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil to the Houston Texans.

As such, Alonso wanted to move on, per Pelissero. The veteran requested a trade during training camp and has finally gotten his wish.

Miami went 7-9 last season but isn't expected to do much in 2019, with Caesars Palace placing the Fins at the bottom of the Super Bowl LIV odds ledger at 300-1.

Alonso has led the Dolphins in tackles in two of the past three seasons, racking up 125 last season. He's amassed 354 since the Philadelphia Eagles traded him to Miami after the 2015 campaign.

The 29-year-old started his career with the Buffalo Bills in 2013 and made an immediate impact with 159 tackles and four interceptions. Unfortunately, a torn ACL suffered during a 2014 offseason workout kept him on the sidelines for that entire campaign. The Bills then decided to trade Alonso to the Buffalo Bills for running back LeSean McCoy.

Alonso only stayed in Philadelphia for one season, playing 11 games (one start) and accumulating 43 tackles. After the season, the Eagles traded him, cornerback Byron Maxwell and the 13th overall pick in the 2016 NFL draft to the Dolphins for their eighth overall pick.

He's done well in a Miami uniform, but with the team looking to build from scratch, the veteran probably doesn't fit in their long-term plans.

Alonso, who has two years left on a four-year, $28.9 million deal, should excel in New Orleans if his recent production is any indication. He'll try to crack a starting linebacker corps that currently includes AJ Klein, Alex Anzalone and Demario Davis. 

As for Miami, Sam Eguavoen is the next man up on the Dolphins' depth chart at strong-side linebacker. The 26-year-old is in his first NFL campaign after three years with the CFL's Saskatchewan Roughriders. He had 173 tackles, four sacks and an interception during his time with the team.

New Orleans Saints cornerback P.J. Williams reportedly accepted a plea deal on Tuesday regarding a driving while intoxicated charge. 

According to TMZ Sports, Williams was charged with DWI, speeding, improper lane usage and failure to use a turn signal when he refused a breathalyzer test and was arrested in January after he was pulled over for driving 80 mph in a 50 mph zone.

However, TMZ noted Williams' deal required him to plead guilty to a reduced charge of reckless operation of a vehicle. Williams had to pay a $340 fine as part of the guilty plea.

New Orleans selected Williams in the third round of the 2015 NFL draft, and he appeared in 15 games for the team last season. He started seven of those contests and returned his only interception for a touchdown.

The Saints signed him to a one-year deal this past offseason.

The New Orleans Saints released veteran wide receiver Rishard Matthews.

Head coach Sean Payton confirmed Saturday the team terminated Matthews' contract, per NFL Network's James Palmer.

Matthews signed with the Saints in June after getting a tryout with New Orleans during its preseason minicamp. He spent the 2018 season with the Tennessee Titans and New York Jets, catching five passes for 24 yards in eight games.

The 29-year-old also briefly featured in New Orleans' 34-25 defeat to the Minnesota Vikings on Friday. He finished with one reception for seven yards.

The Saints released Cameron Meredith in July. Meredith played six games between 2017 and 2018 while recovering from a torn ACL, and The Athletic's Larry Holder noted Matthews was at the time viewed as a more valued piece:

Add it all up for Meredith. Health issues, younger WRs emerging. Also the Saints are giving veteran Rishard Matthews a chance.

— Larry Holder (@LarryHolder) July 29, 2019

Matthews had a career-high 65 receptions and 945 receiving yards in 2016 and saw his production dip only slightly in 2017 (53 receptions, 795 yards). Midway through last year, however, Matthews sought his release from the Titans after his role in the offense had significantly diminished. Things didn't improve following his move to the Jets.

Now, he's facing another setback.

According to ESPN's Field Yates, the Saints used the "left squad" designation for Matthews. The phrase is generally self-explanatory and used when a player abruptly leaves his team.

Sean Payton announced that WR Rishard Matthews was released, along with TE Jake Powell. Veteran OL Ulrick John was placed on injured reserve. Payton confirmed that Matthews chose to leave. He did not specify a reason but said, “It’s not for everyone.” https://t.co/o0EaICSqN6

— Mike Triplett (@MikeTriplett) August 10, 2019

By officially releasing Matthews outright, he'd likely get another chance in the NFL straight away.

When a player is placed on the reserved/left squad list, he's unable to return to his team or sign elsewhere. The NFL formally reinstated Su'a Cravens in February 2018 after the Washington Redskins added him to the reserve/left squad list, effectively putting his career on hold.

Fantasy owners can expect more of the same from Alvin Kamara this season.

During New Orleans Saints training camp, head coach Sean Payton was asked by reporters about how he plans to use Kamara without Mark Ingram, who departed for the Baltimore Ravens in free agency.

"It will be similar to what we've been seeing," Payton said, per ESPN's Mike Triplett. "We've been pleased with the balance we've had with him. We think it's been a good count." 

The Super Bowl-winning head coach continued: "Look, is one player taking exactly Mark Ingram's reps? I can't tell you that right now. And yet I think there's that presumption that Alvin's going to get more. And I think our pitch count and how we’ve played and utilized him has been really good."

According to Triplett, Kamara played in 82 percent of New Orleans' snaps last season during Ingram's four-game suspension and 61 percent for the remaining games alongside Ingram. 

The 24-year-old two-time Pro Bowler finished last season with 194 carries for 883 yards and 14 touchdowns on the ground and 81 receptions for 709 yards and four touchdowns through the air. It's Kamara's ability as a pass-catching back that makes him especially valuable in fantasy despite limited rushes.

And then there's Latavius Murray, who signed with the Saints as a free agent after playing for Minnesota the last two seasons. In theory, Murray becomes a surprise fantasy asset now that Payton has indicated that the 29-year-old will be handling a similar workload to Ingram's. 

Kamara and Murray are two very different backs, as the latter has never caught a touchdown since entering the NFL in 2014. With the Vikings last season, Murray rushed 140 times for 578 yards and six touchdowns opposed to 22 catches for 141 yards. 

According to ESPN's Fantasy Football, Kamara is projected to rank third among running backs behind Saquon Barkley and Christian McCaffrey. Murray is ranked 40th. "Murray is a sneaky flex in touchdown-only leagues, but his real appeal is as arguably the most valuable handcuff in fantasy," ESPN's evaluation said, in part.

All of this is operating under the assumption that Payton's plan in August is full-proof for an entire NFL season.

The threat of injury to Kamara or Murray aside, quarterback Drew Brees is entering his age-40 season. It's always possible that the Saints could be forced to rely on the run more should Brees show any indications of slowing down. 

The New Orleans Saints are set to file a legal brief in support of the NFL as part of a lawsuit against the league by fans in response to the pass interference no-call in the 2018 NFC Championship Game against the Los Angeles Rams.

David Hammer of WWL reported the Saints' filing states it shares the fanbase's disappointment about the result but feels the NFL's rule changes to in-game challenges of pass interference are a satisfactory response to the situation.

Rams cornerback Nickell Robey-Coleman blatantly interfered with Saints wide receiver Tommylee Lewis on a third-down play in the final minutes of the fourth quarter of the NFC title game.

Instead of a first down for New Orleans deep in Los Angeles territory with less than two minutes remaining, the Saints were forced to attempt a field goal, which they made. It left the Rams enough time to tie the game with 15 seconds left in regulation before winning in overtime.

#Saints coach Sean Payton referenced it post-game: Senior VP of Officiating Al Riveron did, in fact, acknowledge the missed call vs the #Rams to Payton. The NFL admitted its error — the call should have been have defensive pass interference, source said.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) January 21, 2019

L.A. went on to lose Super Bowl LIII to the New England Patriots.

In June, the NFL announced officials will now have the ability to review potential pass interference when there's "clear and obvious visual evidence" a foul may have been committed.

Three federal lawsuits filed against the league in reference to the no-call have all been dismissed. Saints fans have attempted to reignite the effort at the state level in Louisiana, where Judge Nicole Sheppard of the New Orleans Civil District Court ordered NFL commissioner Roger Goodell to testify in the case.

The NFL is bidding to have the state lawsuit dismissed, though, and now it has the Saints' support in that effort.

The NFL's next great rivalry is between a long snapper and a video game. 

Zach Wood of the New Orleans Saints took exception to being the lowest-rated player in Madden 20 by using the video game for target practice Friday:

“Saints long snapper Zach Wood is the lowest-rated player in Madden”

Here’s what he thinks of @EAMaddenNFL 😂

Ratings boost 👀 pic.twitter.com/AQ16gf990w

— New Orleans Saints (@Saints) August 2, 2019

EA Sports' Madden Twitter account had a cheeky response:

Might we suggest holding on to the game copy a little harder...

— Madden NFL 26 (@EAMaddenNFL) August 2, 2019

Wood's complaints seemed to pay off, as ESPN's Mike Triplett noted a Madden representative emailed the Saints to let them know the 26-year-old will receive a ratings boost. 

Per EA Sports, Wood's initial rating was a 36 overall with his best skill being acceleration (78). 

Complaining about Madden ratings is nothing new for NFL players, though Wood's gripe will at least result in him getting a bump when EA Sports provides an update to the game. He's appeared in all 32 games over the past two years as the long snapper for one of the league's best offenses. 

The 2019 NFL preseason kicked off with the Atlanta Falcons vs. Denver Broncos game Thursday night. And with the beginning of the preseason comes the anticipation for the regular season. 

The Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears will play in the first game of the regular season on September 5. While that's still a little over a month away, it's never too early to start thinking about how your team compares to the rest of the field.

Last season saw the New England Patriots take home their sixth Lombardi Trophy—tying the Pittsburgh Steelers for the most wins of all time. While dynasties are still top contenders in 2019, some younger teams are on the rise as well. 

Here's a breakdown of how the league looks going into the first week of the preseason. 

           

1. New Orleans Saints

The Saints' position at the top of the rankings was in jeopardy while star receiver Michael Thomas held out for a bigger contract.

However, after a six-day training camp holdout, he was given an almost $100 million five-year extension, making him the highest-paid receiver in the NFL. And Thomas intends to “earn every penny” of the deal, according to ESPN's Mike Triplett.

They're hungry to make it to the Super Bowl after losing in the NFC Championship game because of a blown pass interference non-call, which should make for an interesting season for the Saints.

         

2. New England Patriots

It may be surprising to see the Super Bowl Champions not at the top of this list.

While the Patriots have shown they are a top contender regardless of Tom Brady's age, the absence of star tight end Rob Gronkowski—one of the 41-year-old quarterback's favorite targets—is sure to take a toll on the team.

That's not to say they won't make it deep into the postseason, as the Patriots and Saints are projected to be the top two teams in their conferences, but Brady's age and Gronk's absence doesn't guarantee the six-time champs a No. 1 spot.

         

3. Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs still have their top receiver in Tyreek Hill, who was cleared for training camp.

The 25-year-old hauled in almost 1,500 receiving yards last season and led Kansas City wideouts with 12 touchdowns.

Patrick Mahomes now has another year of experience and high-level play under his belt, which can only make him better moving forward when facing off against veteran quarterbacks like Brady, Drew Brees and more.

However, Kansas City will be without top running back Kareem Hunt, who led the team with 14 total rushing and receiving touchdowns.

          

4. Los Angeles Rams

After falling to the Patriots in a 13-3 loss—the fewest points in Super Bowl history—the Rams are returning Jared Goff, Todd Gurley, Brandin Cooks and Robert Woods.

They shouldn't have any problem making it to the playoffs, but they will face some stiff competition in a deep NFC that holds New Orleans, Dallas and Chicago. In their own conference, they also have to be wary of the Seattle Seahawks.

However, after a successful year of experience and chemistry with his receivers and backs, Goff is stacking up to have another impressive season with his top-five team.

          

5. Philadelphia Eagles

The Eagles have proved they're a hard team to keep down, sneaking into the 2018 playoffs by winning the last three games of the regular season, including against the Rams in Los Angeles.

Nick Foles took over again—after winning the Super Bowl for Philadelphia in 2018—when Carson Wentz suffered a late-season back injury.

Foles led the team to a win over the Bears in the Wild Card Round and brought his team within six points of the Saints in the Divisional Round.

You can never count this team out, as they seem to always have a few tricks up their sleeve. With a healthy Wentz for the upcoming season, Philly will be a top competitor once again.

           

6. Indianapolis Colts

The Colts ended their 2019 season on a strong note, clinching a playoff spot and going on to beat AFC South rival Houston in the Wild Card Round—even though the Texans had clinched the division.

Indianapolis will hope to carry that momentum into the new season, which Andrew Luck and Eric Ebron should have no problem doing.

           

7. Chicago Bears

Chicago suffered a tough 16-15 loss at the hands of the Eagles after Cody Parkey's 43-yard field-goal attempt bounced off the crossbar with five seconds left in the game.

Despite that devastating finish, the Bears had a phenomenal season in Matt Nagy's first year as head coach, finishing with a 12-4 record and clinching the NFC North for the first time since 2010.

The Bears wanted to use the loss as motivation for the future, and that will serve them well throughout the season.

         

8. Los Angeles Chargers

After a phenomenal, 12-win season that ended in a divisional-round loss to the Patriots, the Chargers look like they may be in trouble.

Running back Melvin Gordon had over 1,000 total yards and 14 total touchdowns last season, but he is now holding out of training camp as he seeks a new contract.

Per ESPN, Gordon's agent has requested a trade for his client, as the 26-year-old player is not happy with the Chargers' initial offer of $10 million per season.

Despite depth in the receiver position, a Gordon trade or holdout would leave Los Angeles lacking in the backfield and could hurt them in the long run.

      

9. Cleveland Browns

While this may be an overly hopeful ranking for the Browns, they are stacking up to be the most exciting team in football.

Whether you're a fan or not, you're going to tune in to see the likes of Baker Mayfield, Odell Beckham Jr. and Kareem Hunt.

However, Hunt will be serving an eight-game suspension for violating to the league's personal conduct policy, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.

With top talent in every position, though, the Browns are sure to make a push for their first playoff appearance since 2002.

              

10. Dallas Cowboys

Dallas is in a bit of a sticky situation at the moment, as its three top players are looking for contract extensions.

While Dak Prescott and Amari Cooper are both taking a less aggressive approach and continuing to practice while they work out their deals, star running back Ezekiel Elliott is holding out of training camp until his contract is renegotiated.

Elliott will play a huge part in the Cowboys' success this year, and his appearance on the field will dictate where they fall in the preseason rankings and their ability to win games when the season begins.

       

11. Baltimore Ravens

Lamar Jackson showed what he could do for Baltimore last season, and they decided to stick with him and traded away longtime starting quarterback Joe Flacco.

In addition to throwing 1,201 yards and six touchdowns, Jackson highlighted his potential as a dual-threat QB by rushing just under 700 yards and for five touchdowns.

This season will prove interesting for the Ravens, who will see if they made the right decision going all-in on the 2016 Heisman winner.

          

12. Houston Texans

The Texans had a nine-game win streak and won 11 games in the 2018 season, with Deshaun Watson leading the way alongside DeAndre Hopkins.

Like Jackson, Watson is able to take the ball himself when he has no options down the field.

Watson and Hopkins are the anchors of the team, and their chemistry will not only make them a fun duo to watch, but will also help them win games.

        

13. Minnesota Vikings

While Kirk Cousins had a solid first year with Minnesota—throwing 4,298 yards and 30 touchdowns—his second year will cement his future with the team if he can keep up the same numbers while decreasing the number of interceptions he throws.

The quarterback has a pair of top wideouts in Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs, with whom he's showed chemistry, but he will need a boost from the offensive line to make an impact this year.

           

14. Seattle Seahawks

Seattle has some decisions to make in terms of its pass rush, after trading defensive end Frank Clark in the offseason and having key defensive tackle Jarran Reed suspended for the first six games of the season for violating the personal conduct policy.

While the Seahawks try to work out what to do about their defensive line for the first six weeks, they will rely on quarterback Russell Wilson to give them an offensive cushion.

              

15. Pittsburgh Steelers

This will prove to be a vital season for the Steelers as they move into the post-Antonio Brown era.

Ben Roethlisberger has been throwing to Brown since the team drafted him in 2010, so this season is bound to be a learning curve for the experienced quarterback.

Brown's departure will also allow for receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster to step up and take on more of the 37-year-old QB's passes.

        

16. Carolina Panthers

The Panthers had some trouble at the end of last season with Cam Newton, who struggled with a right shoulder injury that put him on the injured reserve.

While the 30-year-old has thrown a 45-yard pass without pain, he has also sat out of drills during training camp, describing his return as "a process."

If Newton can't stay healthy, Carolina may not have a consistent enough quarterback to make a postseason run.

           

17. Green Bay Packers

Matt LaFleur begins his time as a head coach this season, leaving his offensive coordinator position with the Titans to lead the Packers.

While Green Bay has always had a powerful offense, led by veteran quarterback Aaron Rodgers, its defense has been lacking. However, the team made defense a priority in the offseason, adding pass-rushers, safeties and more.

Rodgers described the defense as having "a little more juice," which may help them be stronger contenders this year.

            

18. Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons struggled to keep their defensive backfield healthy last season, with injuries plaguing their defenders and making them the fifth-worst total defense in yards given up (6,152), according to ESPN.

While Atlanta had hope for this year, it has already suffered a loss after safety J.J. Wilcox tore his ACL last week and was ruled out for the season.

If the Falcons can't keep their backfield healthy, they are in danger of giving up the deep pass again this season.

           

19. Tennessee Titans

Tennessee is still wondering whether Marcus Mariota will solve its long-term quarterback problem.

After what seemed like an exciting 2017 season, his performance in 2018 left much to be desired as he threw eight interceptions to 11 touchdowns 14 games.

The Titans have stuck with the 25-year-old since they took him as the No. 2 overall player in the 2015 draft, but another forgettable year may put Mariota in trouble.

          

20. San Francisco 49ers

San Francisco had hoped up-and-coming quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo would become its franchise QB after getting him from the Patriots in 2017.

While the 27-year-old may still do that, his first full season with the 49ers was cut short when he suffered a torn ACL in the third game last season. He's looked rusty in camp, according to Grant Cohn of Inside the 49ers, especially compared to backup Nick Mullens, who has gained more experience with the offense in Garoppolo's absence.

Garoppolo will have to find a way to get back in rhythm quickly when the season starts or risk being replaced again.

            

21. New York Jets

The Jets are up here for one reason only: Le'Veon Bell.

While I still wouldn't draft him as No. 1 in my fantasy football league (made that mistake last year), he will most definitely make an impact on the field for New York this year.

The 27-year-old is hungry to show everyone he's still the 1,291-yard, nine-touchdown running back he was in 2017, and you can expect him to put on a show to prove it.

            

22. Denver Broncos

Joe Flacco has left his longtime home in Baltimore and will now be a veteran quarterback option for the Denver Broncos, who have struggled to find a consistent QB since their Super Bowl win in 2016.

Most recently, Case Keenum filled the role in 2018 and threw 15 interceptions, averaging just 6.6 yards per pass attempt.

Flacco, 34, will prove to be an interesting addition, with the Broncos continuing to be a bit of a mystery.

           

23. Jacksonville Jaguars

Jacksonville swapped Blake Bortles for Nick Foles, which is sure to help their somewhat stagnant offense from last year.

No one player had more than five touchdowns, and Bortles struggled to keep the ball out of the hands of defenders, throwing 11 interceptions.

Foles has proved he can make the most out of difficult situations, winning a Super Bowl and taking down top teams to battle his way into the playoffs. This can only help the Jaguars.

          

24. Oakland Raiders

The Raiders are looking up this season with the addition of veteran star Antonio Brown.

Derek Carr didn't have a breakout receiver last season he could rely on and target consistently. However, that's no longer the case after Brown joined the team.

Playing with a new quarterback may take some getting used to—Brown had spent his whole NFL career with Ben Roethlisberger—but Carr and the former Philadelphia star have been working on their chemistry, with the receiver saying he's “embracing the new.”

           

25. Washington Redskins

Washington is watching a quarterback battle heat up in its training camp, where Dwayne Haskins, Colt McCoy and Case Keenum are competing for the starting position.

While all three bring different talents to the competition, Keenum and McCoy both have NFL experience and Haskins is the Redskins' first-round pick out of Ohio State.

It seems to still be anybody's game.

           

26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The story with the Bucs seems to still be quarterback Jameis Winston and whether he'll start performing like they need him to.

As the No. 1 overall pick in the 2015 draft, there were high expectations for the 25-year-old that he hasn't completely filled.

Tampa Bay has not made the playoffs since 2007, and Winston's performances each year have seemed to get worse; he threw 19 touchdowns and 14 interceptions in 2018.

All eyes will be on him once again, and he needs to step up this season if he wants the Buccaneers to keep investing in him.

        

27. Detroit Lions

Matt Patricia enters his second year as head coach of the Lions after only notching six wins in his first season—including a win over his former team, the Patriots.

Detroit has consistency in quarterback Matthew Stafford, and the addition of slot receiver Danny Amendola will give him another weapon down the field in addition to Kenny Golladay and Marvin Jones Jr.

            

28. Buffalo Bills

Josh Allen has the potential to make a real impact in Buffalo.

Despite only notching six wins in his rookie season, the Bills' No. 7 pick threw just over 2,000 yards and 10 touchdowns. He also showed his ability to move quickly out of the pocket and run the ball himself, leading the team in rushing yards with 631 and rushing touchdowns with eight.

His second year with the team will show how much he has developed and where he can grow within the organization.

            

29. Cincinnati Bengals

Veterans Andy Dalton and A.J. Green won the first four of five games last season, but then dropped nine of the next 11 to finish the season with six wins. The two will return for the Bengals this season, alongside young running back Joe Mixon.

However, the focus needs to be on the defense, after Cincinnati was blown out by the Saints and Chiefs last year, as well as giving up 20 or more points in 13 of their games.

            

30. Miami Dolphins

While the Miami Dolphins have Ryan Fitzpatrick, who will guarantee them at least a few wins on the season, they are amid a major rebuild.

The team has some solid players in DeVante Parker, Kenyan Drake and Eric Rowe, but it is focused on the future.

And if Josh Rosen doesn't end up being a long-term fix for Miami, it'll want to have a high draft pick to have a chance at picking up a QB in the future.

          

31. New York Giants

The Giants were largely mocked after drafting Duke's Daniel Jones with the sixth pick, however, the rookie has shown some potential in training camp, being singled out as a Thursday standout.

The 22-year-old may get some opportunities to play if Eli Manning continues to struggle, even though the veteran looks likely to lock up the starting position with a dominant camp performance.

Saquon Barkley also makes the team fun to watch, but don't expect them to win too many games this year unless they make some drastic changes.

            

32. Arizona Cardinals

Yes, the Cardinals used their No. 1 pick to draft 2019 Heisman winner and top quarterback Kyler Murray. But, it will take some time for the rookie to get comfortable in their system and become a confident, successful starting quarterback in the NFL.

The 21-year-old will need some time to turn Arizona around, and the team will need to pick up some more weapons for him besides Larry Fitzgerald.