NFL Weekly Report: OTAs Are About To Begin

Matt Ryan Retires?

After an abysmal season with the Indianapolis Colts, Matt Ryan has stepped into the broadcasting booth and will work with CBS for their football coverage this upcoming season. However, Matt Ryan made it clear that he was not retiring and was still waiting to find work in the NFL as a quarterback. If he chooses to not officially retire, then he will be paid $12 Million by the Indianapolis Colts for the upcoming season. Don’t expect him to play at all this season as it appears he has lost his arm but to stay on the free agent wire maximizes his bank account.

Matt Ryan reportedly chose a combination of game and studio work at CBS over Sean Payton's vacated chair at Fox. https://t.co/UNCs2M9HN0

— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) May 22, 2023

Peacock Gets Into The Streaming Wars

It has been announced that Peacock, the NBC streaming service, has been granted the rights to the first ever playoff game to be streamed on a major network and not on the cable broadcast. The total price for the right to the game is $110 Million and while it’s a win for the network, it is not a win for the fans. To watch the game, you will have to either purchase a year’s subscription to Peacock or purchase a 1-month subscription of $4.99. This will complicate viewing for the fans but also for large establishments, like bars, restaurants and casinos that make their money off the viewership on the premise. This is most likely a test run with the NFL, but it really is a loss for the fans that don’t have access to streaming networks.

Zeke Elliott Update

Another week of rumors about free agent running back Zeke Elliott. The former Cowboys RB is still unsigned as he wants to be paid top dollar for his services. The teams rumored to be interested are the Cleveland Browns and Los Angeles Chargers. Both teams have a need for depth but not as a starter. If we are to believe the reports circling around the internet, then some NFL teams and GM’s believe he has “lost a step.” He has been fairly reliable injury wise outside of the 2017 season (played 10 games) but his stats have been great, but he had his worst statistical season in 2022 with 876 rushing yards and begun to take a back seat to the now starter, Tony Pollard. It appears the teams may wait for an offseason injury or training camp to sign him for 2023.

REPORT: General managers around the #NFL believe that 3x Pro Bowl running back Ezekiel Elliott has “lost a step” but “Zeke … wants to be paid,” and the market that Zeke wants just may not be there, per ESPN. pic.twitter.com/pvXFc6Rw6i

— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) May 17, 2023

Notable Trade/Cut Candidates With Some OTAs Starting Next Week

Some predominant names have been thrown around and rumored this week. The two biggest names are Vikings RB Dalvin Cook and Raiders WR Hunter Renfrow. Both have battled injury and have seen their production this past season wane. Both have battled injuries and have seen their fill ins thrive with increased opportunities. If Cook and Renfrow are not traded, then they could be potentially cut before the season starts. Other names to look out for include Jets WR Corey Davis, Chiefs RB Clyde Edwards Helaire, and Chargers LB Khalil Mack.

Jadaveon Clowney Returning To Houston?

The former All-Pro could be headed back to his original team that drafted him #1 overall in 2014 NFL Draft. Both sides have had communication with each other on a possible reunion. Clowney spent the past two seasons in Cleveland where he accumulated 11 sacks and 15 tackles for loss. During his five seasons in Houston, he had 29 sacks. He also made 3 three Pro Bowls and was named to the second team All-Pro in 2016. He was later traded to Seattle in 2019 and then had a short stint in Tennessee. Another veteran voice locker room could be helpful especially with a rookie defensive minded head coach with DeMeco Ryans taking the reins in Houston.