The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Payton: Broncos don’t regret Wilson’s release
Letting go of QB cost Denver largest dead cap hit in NFL history.
ORLANDO, FLA. — Releasing Russell Wilson cost Denver an $85 million salary cap hit over the next two seasons but Broncos coach Sean Payton has no regrets. Asked if it was difficult to move on from Wilson, now with the Steelers, considering the Broncos are taking the largest dead cap hit in NFL history, Payton responded: “No.”
He paused, and then added: “I mean, it’s always difficult when you take a cap hit like that. We spent time deciding how we were going to take that and then we move forward again.”
Jarrett Stidham will get a chance to be Denver’s starting quarterback and Payton indicated the team is interested in trading with Arizona for the No. 4 spot in the draft.
J.J. McCarthy’s biggest fan
New Chargers coach Jim Harbaugh reiterated that J.J. McCarthy is the best quarterback in a draft class that’s expected to see Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye selected before him. Harbaugh and McCarthy led Michigan to a national championship last season so the coach knows the QB better than most.
“They could be adulating J.J. or being booed or being hit, and then this killer comes out,” Harbaugh said. “Whether it’s good, whether it’s bad, he’s got an extra gear, especially when he’s being challenged. And you also see the big personality and (he’ll) do anything for another guy on the team . ... He’s incredible. Big market, small market, cold weather, hot weather, it wouldn’t matter. I’ve said it before. I think he’s the best quarterback in the draft. That’s my opinion. There’s great quarterbacks in the draft. He’s the one who plays quarterbacks the best.”
Aidan’s team
The Raiders signed veteran Gardner Minshew after he nearly led Indianapolis to the playoffs but the starting job is Aidan O’Connell’s to lose. “Whatever happens and whatever we do, it has to go through Aidan O’Connell. Being honest with you because he’s earned that right,” Raiders coach Antonio Pierce said.
O’Connell completed 62.1% of his passes for 2,218 yards, 12 TDs and seven interceptions as a rookie, going 5-4 after replacing Jimmy Garoppolo.
Rodgers’ return
Jets coach Robert Saleh expects Aaron Rodgers to be ready for organized team activities in the spring after the four-time NFL MVP tore an Achilles tendon in New York’s season opener. It’s no surprise since Rodgers had already resumed throwing late last season and was considering a comeback if the Jets would’ve been in playoff contention.
Saleh said he had no reaction when speculation arose that Rodgers was being considered as a running mate for Robert F. Kennedy Jr.’s presidential campaign. “I think it was viewed a little bit differently in the political world than it was, at least in our world,” Saleh said.