Foles set to hit free agency
Giants decline ’19 option on Stewart
NEW YORK, Feb 7, (RTRS): Eagles quarterback Nick Foles is set to buy his way out of Philadelphia and into free agency.
According to multiple reports, the Eagles opted to use the $20 million option for 2019 to retain Foles and shop him for compensation. Foles countered, using a provision in his contract – a $2 million buyout – to free himself to return to the open market when free agency begins next month.
Among teams potentially in the market for a quarterback this offseason are the Jacksonville Jaguars, Miami Dolphins, Denver Broncos and New York Giants.
Foles, 30, led the Eagles to the playoffs two consecutive seasons after injuries to starter Carson Wentz. Philadelphia won its firstever Super Bowl title with Foles under center two seasons ago and lost this year to New Orleans in the NFC divisional round.
Pittsburgh Steelers wideout Antonio Brown allegedly pushed the mother of his daughter to the ground last month in Florida, according to a police incident report obtained by ESPN.
The alleged incident took place Jan 17 in Hollywood, Fla, when the woman dropped off their child at Brown’s residence and asked to be reimbursed for the girl’s hair appointment. The report states that after the woman positioned herself on the threshold so Brown couldn’t close his door, he asked her to leave. He later used both hands to push her to the ground, according to the Hollywood Police Department incident report.
The New York Giants declined a 2019 option for running back Jonathan Stewart, according to multiple reports, avoiding the final year of a contract that would have paid the veteran $2.35 million in base salary.
Stewart, 31, was a disappointment in his first year with the Giants in 2018, gaining just 17 yards on six carries over three games before being lost for the season with a foot injury. He reportedly signed a two-year, $6,575,000 contract with the team last off season.
New England Patriots safety Patrick Chung reportedly will have surgery Thursday on the broken arm he sustained Sunday in Super Bowl LIII.
Chung walked off the field with his right arm in an air cast after helping to tackle Los Angeles running back Todd Gurley early in the third quarter.
Atlanta Falcons kicker Matt Bryant was told he will be released by the team.
Bryant issued a statement via Twitter, saying he was informed Atlanta would be moving on to a new kicker next season. Presumably, Giorgio Tavecchio, who made all five of his field-goal attempts for the Falcons in 2018, will replace the 43-year-old and 17-year NFL veteran.
Indianapolis Colts offensive lineman Matt Slauson announced his retirement via Instagram, ending a standout 10year career.
Slauson, 32, started at right guard for the Colts this season until he sustained a fractured bone in his back in Week 5. He stayed active with the team the remainder of the season but did not play again.
Foles
New England assistant coach Chad O’Shea was hired as offensive coordinator of the Dolphins, joining new head coach Brian Flores in Miami after they coached together in Super Bowl LIII.
O’Shea coached in three Super Bowls with New England and was in charge of the wide receivers last season. The 46-year-old will be the primary play-caller with the Dolphins.
Greg Schiano is set to fill the defensive coordinator post with the Patriots, effectively replacing Flores.
Flores, who maintained the title of linebackers coach in 2018 after Matt Patricia left to become head coach of the Detroit Lions, was the defensive play-caller for New England.
He worked closely with head coach Bill Belichick to devise game plans and make in-game adjustments.