Patricia still may leave Patriots for Broncos
Last week, the Broncos passed over Matt Patricia to hire Vance Joseph as their new defensive coordinator.
But Tuesday, new head coach Sean Payton indicated Patricia could still join his staff in Denver.
“He and I are going to talk this week. … I wouldn’t rule that out,” Payton told reporters at the NFL Combine. “If that possibly came to fruition, it would be for a few things. I’d certainly want to talk to Vance (Joseph) and our defensive coaches. But I know Matt well enough to know how smart he is and what he can contribute. So we’ll see.”
Patricia was the final candidate to interview for Denver’s defensive coordinator position last week. Two days later, the Broncos announced a series of coaching hires that concluded a monthlong process of building out Payton’s new staff. On Tuesday, Payton detailed his interview with Patricia, who last year served as the Patriots’ offensive play-caller but has a defensive background.
“He was outstanding,” Payton said.“i’veknownhimforalongtime. We’ve practiced against the Patriots. I think he’s extremely talented. … So that was easy. I knew right away I wanted to interview Matt.”
Under Patricia’s leadership, the Patriots offense fell to new lows for the Bill Belichick era, averaging 18.1 points per game. Prior to leading the offense with Belichick, Patricia served as a Senior Football Adviser in 2021 and the Lions’ head coach from 2018-2020. His original stint with the Patriots included a six-year run as their defensive coordinator, during which time the team won two Super Bowls.
Patricia does not currently hold an official position with the Patriots after being replaced as their offensive line coach by Adrian Klemm and their offensive play-caller by new coordinator Bill O’brien.
Giants: Golladay out on March 15
Giants GM Joe Schoen told
Kenny Golladay and his agent on Tuesday morning that he will be released on March 15, according to a source.
The team doesn’t have to decide whether it will be a post-june 1 cut or not until March 15. That will dictate the money saved.
If Golladay becomes a straight release, it would save $6.7 million on the cap immediately and carry $14.7 million in dead money in 2023, per Overthecap.com.
If Golladay becomes a post-june 1 release, it will save $13.5 million — but not until June — and carry $7.9 million in dead money.
Golladay’s production never came close to matching his price.
Former GM Dave Gettleman signed him to a four-year, $72 million free agent deal with $40 million guaranteed in 2021, and Golladay finished his two-year Giants career with 43 catches for 602 yards and one touchdown in 26 games.
Schoen would have released him last spring if it had been financially viable, but the contract wouldn’t allow it. So Golladay was reduced to a back up who played in only 12 games and started four.
His release is one of many steps Schoen will take this offseason to continue the roster’s rebuild.
Jets: GM says Carr meeting ‘fantastic’
Days after his release from the Raiders, quarterback Derek Carr visited the Jets to see if he was a potential fit for both sides. But Carr left Florham Park without signing a contract with the team, intent on exploring all of his options.
However, Jets general manager Joe Douglas said the team enjoyed meeting and talking to Carr.
“It was a fantastic visit,” Douglas told reporters during the NFL Scouting Combine on Tuesday. “We enjoyed spending time with him.
“He is the only quarterback I can shed light on for you guys because he’s the only quarterback that’s a free agent. I can say he left a strong impression with everybody.
“Obviously, we are going to be exploring the veteran free-agent quarterback market this offseason. We are going to look at every available option and we are going to make the best decision for the Jets.”
After their offensive struggles last year, the Jets have made it no secret that they’re in the market for a veteran signal-caller this season. They finished 25th in total offense in 2022 [318.2 yards per game] and 29th in points [17.4 points per game].
The Jets made changes to their offensive staff after losing six consecutive games to end the season following a surprising 7-4 start. After the Jets and Mike Lafleur agreed to part ways, they hired Nathaniel Hackett as their offensive coordinator. Also, the Jets added Todd Downing as their passing game coordinator and Keith Carter as their offensive line coach (both were previously with the Titans).
However, Carr is one of many quarterbacks on the radar.
The Jets have been monitoring the status of Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers as he decides if he wants to retire or return for his 19th season in the league. If Rodgers does continue playing, he and the Packers will need to decide if that’s in Green Bay or elsewhere. Green Bay general manager Brian Gutekunst said he has limited conversations with Rodgers since the season ended.
Meanwhile, despite the lack of success he has had in the league thus far, the Jets and Douglas at least publicly continue to back Zach Wilson as they say he is still part of the team’s future.
“In talking to Nathaniel, Todd and our staff, we are so excited to get with Zach and start working,” Douglas said. “We’ve had some positive discussions.” ... On Tuesday, it was announced that the Jets will play in the 2023 Hall of Fame Game against the Cleveland Browns in Canton, Ohio at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, located next to the Pro Football Hall of Fame. The game will take place Aug. 3, at 8 p.m.