<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/brian-hoyer-of-patriots-ruled-out-for-at-least-four-weeks-following-head-injury-20221006-SPD-2926.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Odell Beckham Jr.</a> remains unsigned as the NFL season enters Week 5 because he is waiting to play again after tearing his ACL in the Super Bowl victory by the Rams against the Bengals. There has been much conjecture about where he would go now that he is still a free agent.



Nevertheless, it seems as if the wide receiver has already stated the five clubs he would love to deal with. On Thursday, former NFL player and current ESPN analyst Marcus Spears brought up the topic by saying that Beckham should join the Cowboys. 



Fans of the Cowboys should rest easy, however, since Odell made it plain right away that he had no intention of joining their team. As a follow-up to their conversation, the 29-year-old challenged Spears to predict the five clubs the receiver is interested in joining.



<h2>The five possible destinations for Odell Beckham Jr.</h2>



Then Spears gave his list, to which Beckham said that Spears’s top five teams were spot on. . “We see eye to eye,” Beckham said on Twitter.



The Chiefs, Packers, Rams, Bills, and Ravens are the five teams. Nothing on this list comes as a major shock. Because of how their offense has performed during the first four games, the Rams have been lobbying for months to get Odell back.

Odell Beckham Jr. names five NFL clubs that have his attention for eventual comeback - thesportsdrops NEWS

Odell Beckham Jr. names five NFL clubs that have his attention for eventual comeback

miniaturas

Multiple sources indicate that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/how-kyle-shanahan-inspired-jimmy-garoppolo-george-kittle-for-49ers-mnf-win-over-rams-20221005-SPD-2905.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England Patriots</a> quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tua-tagovailoa-of-dolphins-discharged-from-hospital-after-head-and-neck-injury-scare-20221001-SPD-2873.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Brian Hoyer</a> sustained a concussion in Sunday’s overtime defeat to the Green Bay Packers and has since been put on injured reserve by the team. Hoyer will miss at least the next four games due to injury, thus the earliest he might return would be in Week 9 against the Indianapolis Colts, the Patriots last regular season game before their bye in Week 10.



The Patriots started Hoyer in Week 4 because Mac Jones couldn’t play because of a severe ankle injury. He led the offense on a field goal drive, completing five of six throws for 37 yards, before suffering a concussion in the first half. It forced the rookie quarterback Bailey Zappe into action, and he finished the game 10 of 15 passing for 99 yards and a score.



Given Hoyer’s situation, it’s possible that Zappe may get the nod to start for the Patriots against the Lions on Sunday at Gillette Stadium. On both Wednesday and Thursday, Jones took part in limited practice and is allegedly trying to play this weekend. Things would also make sense for the Patriots to take it slow with their previous first-round choice.



<h2>Brian Hoyer expected to return for Week 9</h2>



With a 1-3 record through the first four games, New England finds itself in last place in the AFC East for the first time since Week 13 of the 2014 season. Under Bill Belichick’s leadership, this has only occurred once before, back in 2000.



These recent losses to the Patriots’ quarterback room make it much more difficult for them to get back into the postseason race at a time when their schedule is relatively easy.

Brian Hoyer of Patriots ruled out for at least four weeks following  head injury

Brian Hoyer of Patriots ruled out for at least four weeks following head injury - thesportsdrops NEWS

The San Francisco 49ers took down the reigning Super Bowl champions on Monday night to get back to winning ways. The Niners pulled off a 24-9 home win to make their record 2-2.



It’s not like the hosts needed extra motivation to get the win, given that they were on a losing record prior to the game. However, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/49ers-planned-to-trade-jimmy-garoppolo-to-commanders-2814-20220922-SPD-2814.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> and George Kittle revealed that <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-49ers-coach-kyle-shanahan-says-deebo-samuel-inspires-him-2423-20220801-SPD-2423.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Kyle Shanahan</a> found a way to lit a fire beneath them.



The 49ers head coach made the team rewatch last season’s NFC Championship game, in which they lost to the Rams. According to Garoppolo and Kittle, that worked.



<h2>Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle reveal Kyle Shanahan’s way to give them extra motivation vs. Rams</h2>



“Just watching that film, you feel the emotions … Just watching the film, it’s silent, but you can take yourself back to that spot and put yourself in that emotional state you were in. I think that’s good for competitors; I really do. After last week, too, it gave us a little motivation,” Garoppolo said, via 49ers Webzone.



“Just rewatching it this week definitely adds a little fuel to the fire. They’re out there talking a little bit of smack about it, and you’re like, ‘Last year is last year. We’re just going to do our best to give it to you this year,” Kittle said.

How Kyle Shanahan inspired Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle for 49ers' MNF win over Rams

How Kyle Shanahan inspired Jimmy Garoppolo, George Kittle for 49ers' MNF win over Rams - thesportsdrops NEWS

During Thursday night’s game against the Cincinnati Bengals, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/49ers-planned-to-trade-jimmy-garoppolo-to-commanders-2814-20220922-SPD-2814.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Miami Dolphins</a> quarterback <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-frank-reich-doesnt-blame-matt-ryan-for-colts-early-struggles-2806-20220921-SPD-2806.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tua Tagovailoa</a> was sacked in the second quarter, sustaining injuries to his head and neck. He was brought to a nearby hospital, treated, and eventually discharged.



After being taken to the University of Cincinnati Medical Center, the Dolphins reported that he was alert and moving all of his limbs soon before halftime. Eventually, the 24-year-old was able to leave the hospital and return to South Florida with the rest of the squad, according to a source quoted by ESPN.



Tagovailoa was reportedly in excellent spirits after arriving back in South Florida on Friday. It is believed that was no structural damage found, and Tagovailoa, who wore a neck brace out of an abundance of caution, would undergo an MRI to rule out any more issues.



<h2>Tua’s injury prompts NFLPA to pursue legal options</h2>



Tagovailoa seemed to have acute arm weakness after being sacked by Bengals nose tackle Josh Tupou, who also appeared to have slammed Tagovailoa in the back of the head with the sack. About 10 minutes passed before he was brought off the field on a stretcher.



The National Football League has decided to release the results of its inquiry into whether or not the quarterback had a sufficient concussion exam before last week’s game against the Bills. Initial estimates suggested the evaluation would be finished within “a week or two from now,” but Tagovailoa’s concussion in Thursday night’s game against the Bengals has thrown those estimates into doubt.

Tua Tagovailoa of Dolphins discharged from hospital after head and neck injury scare - thesportsdrops NEWS

Tua Tagovailoa of Dolphins discharged from hospital after head and neck injury scare

After a chaotic summer of attempting to move him, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-frank-reich-doesnt-blame-matt-ryan-for-colts-early-struggles-2806-20220921-SPD-2806.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">San Francisco 49ers</a> got lucky when <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/there-was-no-respect-there-ryan-fitzpatrick-reveals-why-tom-brady-annoys-him-2769-20220916-SPD-2769.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Jimmy Garoppolo</a> stayed on the team. Trey Lance was designated the 49ers’ starting quarterback after San Francisco dealt away Jimmy Garoppolo in hopes of relieving the burden on Lance.



However, the 49ers decided to modify Garoppolo’s contract so that he could serve as Lance’s backup when he had shoulder surgery over the summer, reducing the likelihood that he would be traded. After just two games, Lance went down with an ankle injury that ended the season, and Garoppolo returned to the starting position he had held for the previous five years, where he had excelled.



In the offseason, the 49ers believed they had a buyer for Garoppolo, which would have drastically changed their 2022 campaign. According to ESPN, before Garoppolo underwent shoulder surgery, the 49ers thought they had a contract with the Washington Commanders. 



<h2>Jimmy Garoppolo was expected to complete move to Commanders</h2>



Washington moved on and completed the trade for Carson Wentz after Garoppolo elected to undergo surgery on his shoulder because it wasn’t recovering as quickly as expected. The 49ers chose to restructure Garoppolo’s deal after they couldn’t locate a trade partner for him during training camp. 



No trade or franchise tag provisions are included in Garoppolo’s new agreement, but he will get a fully guaranteed base salary of $6.5 million. In 2023, Garoppolo will be a free agent and may choose his next club.

49ers planned to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to Commanders

49ers planned to trade Jimmy Garoppolo to Commanders - thesportsdrops NEWS

The Colts made a big move in the offseason by trading for veteran <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-russell-wilson-reacts-to-broncos-failed-field-goal-attempt-vs-seahawks-2746-20220914-SPD-2746.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">quarterback</a> Matt Ryan, who left Atlanta after 14 years. Carson Wentz failed to impress and, after only one year, Indianapolis decided to change the direction.



But so far, the former Falcons <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/there-was-no-respect-there-ryan-fitzpatrick-reveals-why-tom-brady-annoys-him-2769-20220916-SPD-2769.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">signal-caller</a> got off to a slow start with his new team. The Colts’ season opener against the Houston Texans finished in a stalemate, but things got much worse the following week.



On Sunday, the Jacksonville Jaguars destroyed the Colts 24-0, limiting Ryan to just 16 of 30 passes completed, 195 yards and three interceptions. Even so, Frank Reich said the 37-year-old quarterback is not to blame.



<h2>Colts HC Frank Reich has Matt Ryan’s back after ugly Jaguars loss</h2>



“I mean the protection yesterday wasn’t our best effort. He was under duress a number of times,” Reich said, via ProFootballTalk. “There’s still mistakes that he made, that we all make, but I think overall — listen, I understand how the quarterback position is. You’re really dependent on everybody else on there, but you’re at the center of it so you have to make it work.



“What I love about Matt is that he takes responsibility. He’s the leader. I could not be happier that he’s our quarterback. He’s an elite leader and I really believe he can be an elite player in this offense. We’ve all got to pull it together. We all have got to carry our own weight, each one of us, including him and everybody on that offense.”

NFL News: Frank Reich doesn’t blame Matt Ryan for Colts’ early struggles

NFL News: Frank Reich doesn’t blame Matt Ryan for Colts’ early struggles - thesportsdrops NEWS

Despite his 17 years in the NFL, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-takes-leave-from-buccaneers-until-august-20-for-personal-matters-2506-20220811-SPD-2506.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Ryan Fitzpatrick</a> still doesn’t think highly of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-tom-brady-could-retire-for-good-in-2023-if-bucaneers-win-super-bowl-2204-20220714-SPD-2204.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Tom Brady</a>. The retired quarterback made his distaste for the Buccaneers ace quite obvious during a recent appearance on Barstool Sports‘ Pardon My Take. 



The seven-time Super Bowl champion’s frank and blasphemous assessment of an anonymous quarterback in June 2021 prompted the hosts to bring up the topic of Brady. Back then, Brady was explaining to his listeners how one club didn’t sign him because they weren’t interested in replacing their existing quarterback.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“One of the teams, they weren’t interested at the very end. I was thinking, you’re sticking with that [explicit]. Are you serious?&apos;”</blockquote>



<h2>What Ryan Fitzpatrick thinks of Tom Brady</h2>



“It had to be me”, Fitzpatrick was certain that Brady was talking to him, even if the general public seems to think he was referring to Derek Carr or Jimmy Garoppolo instead.



<blockquote class="wp-block-quote">“I’ve told this story before, but he just p—-s me off. Because you’re in Buffalo, you’re playing New England, they’re kicking our a– every single year, they’re beating us. We finally in 2011 knocked them off. It was right at the beginning of the season. We had this great start, and he threw five interceptions in the game, which was just wonderful to see. Every single one of them. Just wonderful to see. “And (Brady would) run straight off. Like, no handshake, no quarterback middle of the field, no, ‘Where are the cameras? OK, hey, stay healthy buddy.’ Pat me on the head and let me go. Just ran straight off. So it bothered me so much because there was no respect there. Every time I played him after that, I was like ‘All right, let’s make this dude respect me.&apos;”</blockquote>

"There was no respect there" &#8211; Ryan Fitzpatrick reveals why Tom Brady annoys him

"There was no respect there" - Ryan Fitzpatrick reveals why Tom Brady annoys him - thesportsdrops NEWS

"There was no respect there" – Ryan Fitzpatrick reveals why Tom Brady annoys him

Russell Wilson’s return to <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-bobby-wagner-explains-decision-to-join-rams-after-seahawks-release-2228-20220717-SPD-2228.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seattle</a> didn’t go as expected. While many thought he would emerge victorious in his first game since being traded to Denver, it was Geno Smith who gave his side the win.



The Broncos failed to control the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Seahawks</a> quarterback and struggled to get things going offensively. The worst part of the night, however, came late in the fourth quarter. Broncos head coach Nathaniel Hackett made a controversial call by sending kicker Brandon McManus to the field to attempt a 64-yard field goal in 4th and five.



McManus missed the kick, and many wondered what could have been if Wilson was given the chance to go for it. The quarterback, however, showed support for his coach and McManus after the loss.



<h2>Russell Wilson supports Broncos’ decision to attempt late field goal</h2>



“Well, we got the best field goal kicker maybe in the game,” Wilson said, via ProFootballTalk. “We said, ‘Where can you make it from tonight?’ and he said 46, left hash. I think we were on the 46. That was before the drive. We got it there; unfortunately didn’t go in.



“I think he has the leg for it for sure. Just went a little left I believe and just — I believe in Coach Hackett. I believe in what we’re doing. Believe in everything, and any time you can try to find a way to make a play on fourth and five, that’s great too. Also, I don’t think it was the wrong decision. I think he can make it. Obviously hindsight he didn’t make it, but we were in that situation again I wouldn’t doubt whatever he decided.”

NFL News: Russell Wilson reacts to Broncos’ failed field goal attempt vs. Seahawks - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Russell Wilson reacts to Broncos’ failed field goal attempt vs. Seahawks

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/ben-roethlisberger-weighs-in-on-who-should-be-the-steelers-starting-qb-2684-20220906-SPD-2684.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Darren Waller</a>, tight end with the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-joe-judge-reacts-to-the-concerns-around-the-patriots-offense-2637-20220831-SPD-2637.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Las Vegas Raiders</a>, was said to be in negotiations for a massive contract last month. According to CBS Sports NFL Insider Josina Anderson, Waller agreed to a new three-year, $51 million contract on Saturday, making the extension official.



Raiders head coach Josh McDaniels was quoted on the club’s website as saying, “Darren Waller is an exemplary teammate in every way, and we’re excited to see him continue to grow as a leader on this team. He brings a tremendous commitment and work ethic to the building every day and we couldn’t be more thrilled that he will be a part of the Raiders Family for years to come.”



Waller’s new average annual value (AAV) of $17 million makes him the highest-paid tight end in the league, surpassing George Kittle of the San Francisco 49ers, whose contract has an AAV of $15 million. Drew Rosenhaus, Waller’s agent, said that finalizing this agreement was difficult.



<h2>Darren Waller to stay in Las Vegas until 2025</h2>



As reported by NFL Media, Waller’s new contract is worth $25 million over the next two years and includes a $19.25 million signing bonus. Bonuses for being on the active roster amount to $2.55 million of that total. The remaining $12 million in 2024, $13 million in 2025, and $15 million in 2026 are apparently non-guaranteed bonuses. In addition, he receives a yearly Pro Bowl bonus of $250,000.



The Ravens initially picked the now-29-year-old from Georgia Tech in the sixth round of the 2015 NFL Draft. Waller’s work existence got off to a difficult start because of his personal struggles with drug misuse. However, Waller beat his dependency and is now regarded as one of the league’s top tight ends.

Darren Waller of Raiders becomes highest-paid tight end after agreeing three-year extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

Darren Waller of Raiders becomes highest-paid tight end after agreeing three-year extension

18 years later, the Steelers will enter an <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-joe-judge-reacts-to-the-concerns-around-the-patriots-offense-2637-20220831-SPD-2637.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> season without Ben Roethlisberger under center. Big Ben decided to call it a career <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-dak-prescott-feels-cowboys-are-in-a-better-position-than-in-2021-2596-20220825-SPD-2596.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">last season</a>, leaving a huge legacy and some big shoes to fill in Pittsburgh.



Mike Tomlin has three different options to replace the two-time <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> champion but he decided to wait until the last minute to reveal his choice. The season opener is this weekend but we still don’t know the answer.



Mitchell Trubisky, Mason Rudolph, and Kenny Pickett have all battled for the job throughout training camp. There is not consensus on who should be the starter, but for Roethlisberger, the former Bills’ QB should be his successor.



<h2>Ben Roethlisberger believes Mitchell Trubisky should start for Steelers</h2>



“In my opinion, I think Mitchell Trubisky is the starter,” Roethlisberger said on his podcast, via CBS Sports. “He should start. He’s a veteran, he’s been around for a while, he gives you, in my opinion, the best chance to win right now.”



That doesn’t mean, however, that Big Ben doesn’t like the other quarterbacks. Roethlisberger was also full of praise for Pickett, who was selected 20th overall in this year’s Draft.



“Kenny has done a great job,” Roethlisberger added. “From what I’ve seen in the preseason, you wouldn’t be like, ‘Oh man, he’s a rookie. He’s got some learning curves.’ … I think he’s done a great job.”

Ben Roethlisberger weighs in on who should be the Steelers' starting QB

Ben Roethlisberger weighs in on who should be the Steelers' starting QB - thesportsdrops NEWS

It is often believed that the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a> preseason doesn’t matter much to fans, and instead only coaches care about it to try and test their players before the real competition begins.



However, that’s not completely true. While the results are meaningless compared to the regular season, when things don’t look good in preseason, people start to worry. If not, look at the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-julian-edelman-reveals-the-real-reason-behind-his-retirement-2604-20220826-SPD-2604.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patriots</a>.



<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-bradys-hilarious-confession-about-the-play-that-could-have-changed-his-career-484-20220506-SPD-484.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">New England</a> has gone through many changes this offseason, and its offense doesn’t seem to be responding well. The Patriots decided not to name an Offensive Coordinator after Josh McDaniels left, which only creates even more doubts around the team. Joe Judge, however, doesn’t look worried.



<h2>Joe Judge not worried about Patriots’ offense</h2>



“I’m not a big guy to take one small clip of something and over magnify it,” Judge said, via Khari Thompson of Boston.com. “I say all the time, the NFL is a league of extremes. It’s one week, what’s the storyline. We’ve got a week in between the games, in this instance we have two weeks in between the games. So it’s what’s the storyline that’s going to run? You can’t chase that. You can’t chase the narratives. You’ve got to show up every day.



“There may be an adjustment here or there, just based on how we match up with something. But preseason games are really much more about getting out there and letting players play. It’s not really scheme heavy, it’s not about game-planning against the opponent. We had competitive practices last week against the Raiders. That’s a great opportunity to go out there and try new things, to work some things you’ve got in the playbook and see how they develop.”

NFL News: Joe Judge reacts to the concerns around the Patriots’ offense - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Joe Judge reacts to the concerns around the Patriots’ offense

Though Julian Edelman looked ready to come back for a 12th season in 2021 after being limited to only six games in 2020 due to a knee injury, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-bradys-hilarious-confession-about-the-play-that-could-have-changed-his-career-484-20220506-SPD-484.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patriots</a> icon decided to step away only a few weeks before the Draft.



Back in the day, Edelman was one of the best wide receivers in the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/tom-brady-super-bowl-rings-how-many-nfl-championships-has-the-quarterback-won-93-20220502-SPD-93.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">NFL</a>. He won four <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Super Bowl</a> rings and recorded 620 receptions for 6,822 yards and 36 touchdowns in 11 seasons.



However, when he noticed his level was not even close to the player he once was, Edelman made up his mind. In an appearance on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, he explained his decision.



<h2>Julian Edelman explains why he retired</h2>



“Atrocious. That’s honestly why I retired,” Edelman said about watching himself on film, via NBC Sports Boston. “When you start looking old — it’s not even just the games, it’s the practices, the body language. I mean, I wanted to throw up. That’s why I had to retire.



“When you’re a younger player — I remember you play a couple guys and they’re in their absolute prime when you’re still trying to figure things out. And then you figure things out and it’s like four or five years later, and that guy that you still are battling who was a badass dude has diminished — that’s blood in the water. I’m going to embarrass him every time. I’m going to try to light him up, because I remember how hard it was and how he used to embarrass me. The blood was in the water. Guys were going to come after me. I had to get out.”

NFL News: Julian Edelman reveals the real reason behind his retirement - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Julian Edelman reveals the real reason behind his retirement

Having missed much of the 2020 season due to an ankle injury, Dak Prescott came back strongly in 2021 by leading the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-mike-mccarthy-gets-strong-support-from-cowboys-owner-jerry-jones-2364-20220726-SPD-2364.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowboys</a> to the NFC East title. Dallas, however, fell short of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-sean-payton-believes-hell-return-to-coaching-but-doesnt-know-where-2277-20220719-SPD-2277.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">expectations</a> by losing in the Wild Card round.



This offseason, the team lost high-profile players in La’el Collins and Connor McGovern, who hit the free agency, while it also traded star wideout Amari Cooper. Therefore, many believe they won’t do better than in 2021.



But Prescott is certainly not one of them. Though the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cowboys</a> lost significant weapons, while divisional rivals like the Eagles strengthened themselves, the star quarterback feels they are in an even better place than last year.



<h2>Dak Prescott says Cowboys are in better position than last year</h2>



“Very, very optimistic,” Prescott said on Peter King’s podcast, via CBS Sports. “Because of the team we had last year and because of what we went through, the way that we’ve handled it moving forward, I think we’re in a better position this year than we were last year. And I know some guys have gone and some guys have left and went to other teams, but that’s the nature of this business. 



“What we have built here, the core, the leaders, mixed with a great group of young guys who are hungry to make names for themselves and get in this league running. I feel very, very confident about where we are and excited about where we are and am just ready to keep building and get this thing rolling.”

NFL News: Dak Prescott feels Cowboys are in a better position than in 2021 - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Dak Prescott feels Cowboys are in a better position than in 2021

When the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-panthers-acquire-baker-mayfield-from-browns-2078-20220708-SPD-2078.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Panthers traded for Baker Mayfield</a>, it seemed pretty clear they wanted him to take the reins this year. However, Matt Rhule wanted him to fight for the job before announcing who would be QB1.



This week, Carolina finally announced that Mayfield will be the starting quarterback in <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/jacoby-brissett-reacts-to-possibly-taking-over-for-deshaun-watson-2437-20220802-SPD-2437.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Week 1 of the 2022 NFL season</a> against his former team, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-rumors-browns-interest-in-reuniting-with-odell-beckham-jr-slim-to-non-existent-1400-20220609-SPD-1400.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Cleveland Browns</a>.



That means Sam Darnold‘s aspirations of keeping the job are over after weeks of fighting for the position. Though it’s not what he wanted, he didn’t complain about the Panthers’ decision to bench him.



<h2>Sam Darnold not mad about losing Panthers’ QB job to Baker Mayfield</h2>



“We were fighting for the starting job,” Darnold said, via ProFootballTalk. “Every day was our game day out there during camp, especially as we got into these last couple weeks. . . . Obviously it didn’t go my way. Coach named Baker the starter. My mindset is it is what it is. For me, right now, I’m gonna do everything I can to support Baker and get him ready to play a game.”



At the end of the day, this is a team sport, regardless of which position you’re playing. Darnold had his chance last year, and he didn’t seize it. Now it’s Mayfield’s turn, and Darnold has no option but to support him and be ready in case he’s needed.

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield - thesportsdrops NEWS

NFL News: Sam Darnold opens up on losing Panthers' QB job to Baker Mayfield

<a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/patrick-mahomes-admission-on-chiefs-shocking-loss-to-bengals-in-2022-nfl-playoffs-2485-20220809-SPD-2485.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Patrick Mahomes</a> didn’t have a great performance in the 2021 season. However, even after throwing a career-high 13 interceptions, he still managed to lead the Chiefs to a deep run in the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/super-bowl-champions-list-of-all-time-winners-215-20220503-SPD-215.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">postseason</a>.



Things didn’t end well, as Kansas City eventually lost to the Cincinnati <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/nfl/nfl-news-joe-mixon-believes-the-bengals-have-what-it-takes-to-return-to-the-super-bowl-1848-20220628-SPD-1848.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Bengals</a> in the AFC Championship Game. Still, it was another year they went far with Mahomes under center. With the 2022 NFL season drawing nearer, all eyes will be on them again.



It will certainly be a different year for Mahomes with a new group of wide receivers as Tyreek Hill left for the Dolphins. However, Travis Kelce believes his quarterback will take his level to new heights.



<h2>Travis Kelce Says NFL Will See An Even Better Version Of Patrick Mahomes</h2>



“What Pat’s able to do is keep developing. He keeps finding ways to get better as a quarterback,” Kelce said, via Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports. “And that, by far, is what’s made this offense take off and go into more of a passing offense than what we’ve had in the past.



“I’ve always thought he’s been one of the smartest guys I’ve ever been around on the football field — whether it’s just playing off natural instincts or actually knowing what the defense is doing. I’ll leave that up to him to tell you. But I think his development over the offseason has got a lot to do with taking it to that next step, whether it’s that next read or understanding what the defense is doing so you know where to go even more precise with the ball instead of just feeling out the defense.



“I’ve really seen that out of him in this camp more than any. I see it from Pat every game that we play on and off the field. He’s just a competitor, a natural competitor.”



It’s not like Mahomes has anything left to prove, but it will be interesting to see how he performs after big changes in the Chiefs’ WR room. If you ask Kelce, we should only expect to see even better things from him.

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