NFL OWNERS TO DISCUSS SNYDER
Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder’s future is on the agenda for discussion at upcoming committee meetings in Florida ahead of the annual NFL meeting in Arizona in late March, according to a person familiar with the docket.
The person said voting to oust Snyder if he chooses not to sell the team remains a possibility.
Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay, at a league meeting in October, said there’s “merit to remove” Snyder. That would take an unprecedented vote of 24 of the other 31 team owners to happen.
Two weeks after Irsay’s comments, and with multiple investigations ongoing into the team’s workplace culture, finances and Snyder himself, he and wife Tanya hired a firm to “consider possible transactions.” Asked at the time if the Snyders were considering selling part or all of the team, a spokesperson said, “We are exploring all options.”
The sales process has since included the likes of Amazon founder Jeff Bezos, Philadelphia 76ers and New Jersey Devils owner Josh Harris and Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta getting involved to various degrees. The New York Post reported that Snyder was blocking Bezos from putting in for a bid, despite him hiring a firm to explore that possibility.
The Commanders are taking issue with the contents of a newspaper report about the sale process and demands being made by Snyder. The team, in a statement late Monday, said a story published hours earlier by The Washington Post is “simply untrue.”
Citing anonymous sources, the Post reported that Snyder and his attorneys have demanded that NFL owners and the league indemnify him against future legal liability and costs if he sells the team and threatened to sue if not. The
Post said Snyder also wants the findings of a league investigation into him kept private and that his demands angered owners and renewed discussion about possibly taking a vote to remove him.
In the aftermath of The Washington Post story about Snyder seeking indemnification, ESPN on Tuesday reported that a federal grand jury has issued subpoenas related to team finances after prosecutors launched an inquiry into a $55 million loan he took out without the knowledge and approval of his then-minority owners. ESPN said the criminal inquiry is being led by a team of FBI and IRS agents.
Packers’ Rodgers dilemma
The Green Bay Packers will continue to play the waiting game with Aaron Rodgers.
They’re also ready with a backup plan.
Though General Manager Brian Gutekunst’s first choice still appears to be bringing
back the four-time league MVP and longtime face of the team, Gutekunst acknowledged the Packers are willing to go with Jordan Love — if needed.
“I think he’s ready to play. I think he’s ready to be an NFL starting quarterback,” Gutekunst said Tuesday, referring to Love. “He’s worked really hard. He’s shown a lot of progression. I know he’s really eager to have that, and I think that’s the next step in his progression, is to play.”
First, though, Rodgers must make his call.
The one-time Super Bowl champ is scheduled to cost the Packers $59.5 million, a prohibitively high number that would prevent the team from doing much in free agency.
Rodgers has already acknowledged publicly if he does return, he likely would redo his contract. He also has completed the “darkness retreat” he said would help him sort out his options.
Green Bay also must decide whether to exercise its fifthyear option on Love, their firstround pick from 2020 who has not played much as Rodgers’ backup. Extending Love’s contract through next season would cost the team $20.3 million in 2024.
Falcons release Mariota
Atlanta released quarterback Marcus Mariota, a move that was expected after the veteran was benched late in the season.
The Falcons were 5-8 with Mariota as the starter before rookie Desmond Ridder started the final four games, winning two.
After Mariota was benched, he left the team to have seasonending knee surgery. The Falcons are expected to save approximately $12 million in salary cap space by cutting Mariota.
Notable
Carolina will meet with free agent quarterback Derek Carr
this week at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, according to a person familiar with the situation.
Carr, 31, already has met with the New York Jets and the New Orleans Saints. Jets GM Joe Douglas said the team will meet again with Carr this week.
A person familiar with the situation says the New York Giants have told wideout Kenny Golladay and his agent he will be released on March 15 after two horrible seasons.
Seahawks center Austin Blythe announced his retirement after seven seasons with four teams.
The Commanders put the franchise tag on standout defensive tackle Daron Payne.
Browns GM Andrew Berry says the team intends to release veteran safety John Johnson III after two seasons.
The Eagles promoted quarterbacks coach Brian Johnson to offensive coordinator. The Eagles also hired Sean Desai as defensive coordinator.