Amari Gainer | Photo by Louis Grasse/Getty Images Undrafted free agent might be a special teamer this year but could have a big role on the defense moving forward Linebacker Amari Gainer was the star of the preseason for the Las Vegas Raiders, and the last month played out like the script of an underdog movie for him. Gainer went from being an undrafted free agent and longshot to make the roster to the Raiders’ best player during the preseason and earning a spot on the team’s 53-man roster at the end of training camp. While the fanbase wasn’t able to see what he could bring to the table until August, it sounds like the rookie made a strong impression on Las Vegas’ coaching staff as soon as he stepped into the building. “Listen, when he came in the door day one, it was like, ‘Wow, this is a pretty sucker here,’” head coach Antonio Pierce said of Gainer. “He looks good and you saw the movement with him in college from Florida State to North Carolina, but there was always like, ‘Man, there’s more to him.’” Pierce’s quote highlights one of the reasons why Gainer slipped through the cracks of the NFL Draft. He spent his first four years in college at Florida State where he began as an edge defender before lining up more as an off-ball linebacker during his last three years at Tallahassee. Then, a Week 1 injury sidelined the former Seminole for several games in 2022, and his playing time significantly decreased upon returning, recording just 77 snaps that season, per Pro Football Focus. So, he transferred to North Carolina for the 2023 campaign and returned to his original spot on the edge. Flipping back and forth between positions is likely a big reason why Gainer’s true talent was never able to shine through in college. But the Raiders kept him as an off-ball linebacker during OTAs, minicamp and training camp and the results were immediately noticeable. The undrafted backer only played 19 snaps in Las Vegas’ first preseason game against the Minnesota Vikings but he made the most of them, surrendering just one completion on four targets for four yards while breaking up a pass to earn an elite 90.6 PFF grade. Photo by Brandon Sloter/Getty ImagesAmari Gainer He got more playing time the following week—25 snaps—versus the Dallas Cowboys and continued to shine by adding another PBU to his stat line while recording an impressive 75.5 grade. Finally, everything fell into place for Gainer in the Raiders’ last matchup of August against the San Francisco 49ers where he was on the field for 75 defensive snaps and led the team with 13 total tackles. More importantly, that performance locked in his spot on the 53-man roster. “I think the best thing that happened for him was that last game,” Pierce said while recapping the linebacker’s preseason performance. “He went out there and played 90-plus snaps. 70-plus on defense and another 15 or so on special teams. And all you saw throughout the game, and we’ve been seeing it all preseason, is a guy just getting better and better. “But more importantly, somebody that just was playing his heart out. And it meant something to him. Even to that last play where the 49ers were throwing the ball around, if you look at it, I mean, he’s on the ground three times, tackling people, and when the ball ends up at the two-yard line, he’s right there finishing it. So, I thought he did an excellent job.” As the entire NFL transitions to the regular season, Gainer’s role on the Silver and Black’s defense will diminish. Barring an injury, it’s unlikely that he’ll make any starts at linebacker in the fall. But, like most players on the backend of the roster, he’ll have a role on special teams as a rookie and the organization is optimistic about his future. “[Gainer has] put himself in position, not just at linebacker, but also on special teams, to be one of the core guys for us,” Pierce said. “There’s still some development there at the linebacker position that will take place over the course of the season, but he gives us a lot of flexibility because of what he’s able to do both on the line of scrimmage, off the ball linebacker and special teams.” “Amari Gainer had a really good training camp,” general manager Tom Telesco added. “He’s got size and speed, and he shows up. I mean, he really does show up in the passing game really well. And again, [he is] going to have to have some special teams value,…but he’s a young guy with some upside there.” Las Vegas’ two starting linebackers—Robert Spillane and Divine Deablo—are both impending free agents, so the club could use a long-term solution on the second level of the defense next season. Gainer still has plenty of work to do between now and then, and making the most of his limited opportunities in 2024 will be paramount. However, don’t forget his name around this time next year…
Amari Gainer’s preseason performance makes Raiders optimistic about his future
![Stefon Diggs sounds disgruntled about the Bills & wanting to be traded: ‘I forgot how to play [expletive] football?’](https://i0.wp.com/billswire.usatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/65/2024/01/USATSI_22347046.jpg?w=1000&h=600&crop=1&w=1200&resize=1200,0&ssl=1 "Stefon Diggs sounds disgruntled about the Bills & wanting to be traded: ‘I forgot how to play [expletive] football?’")
Stefon Diggs sounds disgruntled about the Bills & wanting to be traded: ‘I forgot how to play [expletive] football?’
Stefon Diggs sounds disgruntled about the Bills & wanting to be traded: ‘I forgot how to play [expletive] football?’ Nick Wojton Stefon Diggs is ready to start his career as a member of the Houston Texans… before then, he needed a let out a few thoughts on the Buffalo Bills first. In a surprise move, the Bills traded Diggs to Houston this offseason. Because of the massive $30 million dead cap hit Buffalo takes on their salary cap to get rid of Diggs, it was a shocking move. According to Diggs, all that happened because he wanted it to. Diggs told GQ Sports that he wanted out to leave Buffalo. It was known that he wanted to leave the Minnesota Vikings which led to his initial arrival with the Bills, but Diggs is now being pretty frank that he wanted out. “None of those teams wanted to get rid of me,” Diggs said. In terms of the Bills, Buffalo general manager Brandon Beane was mostly coy about why the 30-year-old wideout was traded. But Beane did say it was what the team wanted, too. “It was made in what we believe was the best interest of the Bills. We can go round and round — I don’t think I could frame it any better,” Beane said. Now begs the question… why did Diggs want to be traded since, according to him, he made the first move here? Diggs has some specific finger pointing and Joe Brady is the one on the other end of it. Diggs said once Brady replaced Ken Dorsey as offensive coordinator in 2023 that he was not part of the game plan as much. He did not like that and was blunt. While a player can handle such a situation a bit better, Diggs does have a point. Over the first nine games of the 2023 season, Diggs appeared poised for a career year. Diggs had 70 catches for 834 yards and seven touchdowns during that spell, including going over 100 yards in four of the first five games of the campaign. Diggs only had 37 grabs for 349 yards in his final eight games. Much of that had to do with a larger emphasis on running the ball more under Brady’s watch… and that evidently led to Diggs’ departure and potentially a much spicier contest in Week 5 when the Bills visit the Texans. Read all the best Bills coverage at the Democrat and Chronicle and Bills Wire.
Rams rookie OL praised as another day 3 steal
Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger calls Rams’ Beaux Limmer “a physical presence in the middle” While Sean McVay debates whether or not his 2023 second round pick or L.A.’s most expensive free agent should start at center this season, the Rams real center of the future might be third on the unofficial depth chart: Sixth round rookie Beaux Limmer. Hailed as a steal for a sixth round pick for the Rams when it happened, Limmer’s preseason may have only solidified that narrative. Perhaps the only question will be, “How soon could Limmer even get into a game while the Rams still have Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson?” In a review of some of his preseason film, NFL Network’s Brian Baldinger praised Limmer as one of the best surprises of the year so far and highlighted his ability to push around 2023 first round pick Mazi Smith and putting him into place so that L.A.’s running backs could make their way to the second level. Baldinger praises Limmer’s movement, staying square, vision, reads, getting to the second level, and his ability to move people around to open running lanes. .@RamsNFL @beaux_knows_ showed throughout preseason that he belongs on the Rams 53. @RazorbackFB #BaldysBreakdowns pic.twitter.com/A6a8YLACbC — Brian Baldinger (@BaldyNFL) September 2, 2024 “Beaux Limmer is taking Mazi Smith right off the ball right here. It’s everything. The guy just looks like he knows what he’s doing: Pointing out the mike, understanding the blitz concepts, his eyes are in the right place, he’s got the movement to come over and just shove people to the ground. There’s a physical presence to him in the middle.” In the preseason there was a physical presence provided by Limmer. But in the regular season, will it be a long wait to find out what the Rams really have in Beaux Limmer?
Ravens restructure Nnamdi Madubuike’s contract to create extra salary cap space
Ravens restructure Nnamdi Madubuike’s contract to create extra salary cap space glenn erby We previously wrote about Baltimore’s need to become salary cap compliant before Thursday’s season opener against the Chiefs. GM Eric DeCosta has several options at his disposal. DeCosta used one on Monday, restructuring the contract of All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, freeing up $3.65 million in salary cap space. He did it again on Tuesday, restructuring All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike. The 49ers restructured the contract of WR Deebo Samuel, creating $16.4M in cap space. The Ravens restructured the contracts of DT Nnamdi Madubuike, K Justin Tucker and LB Roquan Smith, creating $9.3M in cap space. The Jets restructured the contracts of LB Quincy Williams and… — Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2024 Madubuike improved greatly in his fourth season with the Ravens. He led the team with 13 sacks, 33 quarterback hits, and 12 tackles for loss, which earned him his first Pro Bowl honor. Madubuike had a breakout season in a contract year, setting himself up for a four-year, $98 million extension.
Bengals release Week 1 depth chart
Photo by Justin Casterline/Getty Images Any surprises? The Cincinnati Bengals made it through training camp and the preseason, leaving their sights set squarely on Sunday’s season opener against the New England Patriots. With battles at key positions in camp, we were all anxiously awaiting the first depth chart of the season, which is now here. On the offensive side of the ball, there weren’t many surprises. The offensive line returns four starters from 2023, with veteran Trent Brown getting the nod over rookie right tackle Amarius Mims. Even before Mims’ pectoral injury, many planned for Brown to at least start the season anchoring the right side. For the last several seasons, Tyler Boyd was always listed as the third wide receiver, but he has moved on to Tennessee, leading the way for second-year Princeton produce Andrei Iosivas to step into a larger role. Indications from training camp say that Zack Moss and Chase Brown will come close to splitting carries at running back, but Moss is listed as the starter heading in to Week 1. Moss started for the Indianapolis Colts for four weeks last season, filling in for the injured Jonathan Taylor. In that span, Moss led the NFL in rushing. At tight end, familiar face Drew Sample is listed as the first tight end over new signee Mike Gesicki. Gesicki has spent a lot of time in the slot or out wide in his career, so he will still see the field plenty, regardless of the depth chart position. Defensively, the Bengals have seen a lot of turnover from the 2023 unit that struggled mightily. A battle most of us watched closely in camp seems to have ended with converted safety Dax Hill winning the starting cornerback spot opposite Cam Taylor-Britt. Hill battled with his former University of Michigan teammate DJ Turner II for the second cornerback spot and has shown coaches enough to earn the start Sunday. Hill’s vacant free safety spot will be filled by free agent signee Geno Stone, and the return of veteran Vonn Bell puts him back at starting strong safety despite Jordan Battle’s impressive rookie season. Lou Anarumo likes to get creative with defensive backs, so you can still expect to see plenty of Battle this season. At defensive tackle, the newly signed Sheldon Rankins gets the start alongside BJ Hill. Hill has been with the Bengals in a rotational role since joining the team in 2021. Now in a contract year, he is in line to be the primary run-stopper in the middle of the Bengals’ defensive line. Rankins brings an interior pass rush that the Bengals have sorely missed. Defensive ends stay the same with Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard back to terrorize opposing quarterbacks. Joseph Ossai will again be behind Hendrickson on the right side, with Cedric Johnson behind Hubbard on the left while Myles Murphy rehabs from injury. Specialists Cal Adomitis and Evan McPherson return as the long snapper and kicker, respectively. Ryan Rehkow will be the team’s primary punter and holder for field goals. Rehkow battled with the incumbent Brad Robbins throughout the preseason until a hip flexor handed the job to Rehkow, at least until Robbins is back. Charlie Jones is healthy and will return as the primary punt returner, with Chase Brown and Trayveon Williams both being the deep men for kickoff returns. The roster is set, the depth chart is in place, and there is only one thing left to do: BEAT THE PATRIOTS! Who Dey?!
Kansas City Chiefs roster
Salary cap space All information shown is current as of 5:28 p.m. on Tuesday, September 3 Current space: between $5.7 million and $5.8 million — likely $5.7 million. This includes the estimated salary cap impacts of all known signings and releases. More information about our cap space calculation is available below the tables. Please note: All NFL teams must remain below the salary cap between the beginning of the new league year in mid-March and the end of each season. Suppose our estimate of the team’s cap space is a negative number. In that case, it’s either because a) contracts for some reported signings have not yet been officially submitted to the league office, or b) there is a difference between publicly available salary information and the official figures. Most recent transactions Activated from practice squad (9/3) defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu Signed to practice squad (9/2) defensive back Eric Scott Signed to practice squad (9/2) defensive tackle Marlon Tuipulotu and running back Emani Bailey Released from practice squad 9/2 defensive tackle Matt Dickerson and defensive tackle Neil Farrell Released from practice squad 8/30 running back Emani Bailey Signed to practice squad (8/30) cornerback Nic Jones, quarterback Bailey Zappe Signed (8/30) running back Samaje Perine Wavied (8/30) defensive back Eric Scott Signed to practice squad with IPP exemption (8/28) tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick Signed to practice squad (8/28) running back Emani Bailey, linebacker Swayze Bozeman, safety Deon Bush, linebacker Cole Christiansen, tight end Baylor Cupp, defensive tackle Matt Dickerson, defensive tackle Neil Farrell, running back Keaontay Ingram, defensive end Truman Jones, defensive tackle Fabien Lovett, tackle Lucas Niang, wide receiver Nikko Remigio, wide receiver Justyn Ross, cornerback Keith Taylor and wide receiver Montrell Washington Claimed from Cowboys (8/28) defensive back Eric Scott Waived 8/28 cornerback Nic Jones Acquired through trade (8/27) tight end Peyton Hendershot Waived with injury designationTyree Gillespie Waived (8/27)Emani Bailey, linebacker Swayze Bozeman, tight end Baylor Cupp, defensive tackle Neil Farrell, tackle Chukwuebuka Godrick, cornerback Kamal Hadden, running back Keaontay Ingram, linebacker Curtis Jacobs, defensive end Truman Jones, defensive tackle Fabien Lovett, cornerback D.J. Miller, tackle Lucas Niang, quarterback Chris Oladokun, wide receiver Cornell Powell, running back Deneric Prince, running back Louis Rees-Zammit, wide receiver Nikko Remigio, wide receiver Justyn Ross, cornerback Keith Taylor, wide receiver Kadarius Toney and wide receiver Montrell Washington Released (8/27)Irv Smith Jr., defensive tackle Matt Dickerson, safety Deon Bush, linebacker Cole Christiansen Reserve/NFI (8/27) defensive end BJ Thompson Reserve/PUP (8/27) defensive end Charles Omenihu Acquired through trade (8/26)Cameron Thomas Signed (8/26) wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster Waived (8/26) defensive back Miles Battle, quarterback Ian Book, defensive back Ekow Boye-Doe, wide receiver Phillip Brooks, defensive end Owen Carney, defensive tackle Alex Gubner, defensive back Kelvin Joseph, tackle Griffin McDowell, long snapper Randen Plattner, wide receiver Kyle Sheets, tight end Geor’quarius Spivey and tackle Nick Torres Released with injury settlement (8/23) wide receiver Jaaron Hayek Reserve/Injured (8/22) wide receiver Jaaron Hayek Signed contract extension (8/22) center Creed Humphrey Waived with injury designation (8/21) wide receiver Jaaron Hayek Older transactions are at the bottom of the page. Roster by position Positon Group Num Players Offensive Linemen 10 J.Taylor, J.Thuney, C.Humphrey, T.Smith, K.Suamataia, W.Morris, M.Caliendo, H.Nourzad, E.Driskell, C.Hanson Tight Ends 4 T.Kelce, N.Gray, J.Wiley, P.Hendershot Running Backs 3 I.Pacheco, S.Perine, C.Steele Wide Receivers 7 J.Smith-Schuster, M.Hardman, M.Brown, R.Rice, X.Worthy, S.Moore, Ju.Watson Quarterbacks 2 P.Mahomes, C.Wentz Defensive Linemen 10 D.Nnadi, F.Anudike-Uzomah, M.Danna, G.Karlaftis, Ch.Jones, T.Wharton, M.Pennel, C.Thomas, M.Herring, M.Tuipulotu Linebackers 5 D.Tranquill, N.Bolton, L.Chenal, J.Cochrane, Ca.Jones Defensive Backs 9 Ja.Watson, J.Reid, T.McDuffie, B.Cook, J.Williams, N.Johnson, C.Conner, J.Hicks, C.Roland-Wallace Placekickers 1 H.Butker Punters 1 M.Araiza Long Snappers 1 J.Winchester Total 53 – Please note: The number of players listed in each position group may include players who are under contract, but are not counted on the active roster because of a roster exemption. Those players are indicated in the second table. The Total shown here is the number of players who are counted on the active roster; adding up the numbers for each position group may give a different result. Roster by category Active Roster Pos No. Hgt Wgt Exp Thru Hit Dead Svgs Anudike-Uzomah, Felix2023:1/31:KAN Kansas St. DE 97 6-3 255 1 2026 $2.7M $9.7M -$7.0M Araiza, Matt2022:6/180:BUF San Diego St. P 14 6-2 200 2 2024 $795K $0K $795K Bolton, Nick2021:2/58:KAN Missouri LB 32 5-11 237 3 2024 $3.5M $401K $3.1M Brown, Marquise2019:1/25:BAL Oklahoma WR 5 5-9 180 5 2024 $7.0M $6.5M $456K Butker, Harrison2017:7/233:CAR Georgia Tech K 7 6-4 199 7 2024 $3.4M $18.5M -$15.1M Caliendo, Mike2022:UDFA:KAN W. Michigan OL 66 6-4 301 2 2024 $915K $0K $915K Chenal, Leo2022:3/103:KAN Wisconsin LB 54 6-3 250 2 2025 $1.4M $425K $951K Cochrane, Jack2022:UDFA:KAN S. Dakota LB 43 6-3 236 2 2024 $985K $0K $985K Conner, Chamarri2023:4/119:KAN Virginia Tech DB 27 6-0 205 1 2026 $1.1M $564K $539K Cook, Bryan2022:2/62:KAN Cincinnati S 6 6-1 206 2 2025 $1.6M $716K $878K Danna, Michael2020:5/177:KAN Michigan DE 51 6-2 257 4 2026 $4.7M $13.0M -$8.3M Driskell, Ethan2024:UDFA:KAN Marshall T 75 6-9 329 0 2026 $808K $265K $543K Gray, Noah2021:5/162:KAN Duke TE 83 6-3 240 3 2024 $3.2M $78K $3.1M Hanson, C.J.2024:7/248:KAN Holy Cross OL 61 6-5 300 0 2027 $816K $85K $731K Hardman, Mecole2019:2/56:KAN Georgia WR 17 5-10 187 5 2024 $985K $0K $985K Hendershot, Peyton2022:UDFA:DAL Indiana TE 88 6-4 254 2 2025 $985K $0K $985K Herring, Malik2021:UDFA:KAN Georgia DE 94 6-3 275 3 2024 $985K $0K $985K Hicks, Jaden2024:4/133:KAN Washngton St. CB 21 6-2 211 0 2027 $927K $529K $398K Humphrey, Creed2021:2/63:KAN Oklahoma C 52 6-4 302 3 2024 $5.2M $35.4M -$30.2M Johnson, Nazeeh2022:7/259:KAN Marshall S 13 5-10 199 2 2024 $915K $0K $915K Jones, Cam2023:UDFA:KAN Indiana LB 44 6-1 226 1 2025 $920K $10K $910K Jones, Chris2016:2/37:KAN Mississippi St. DT 95 6-6 310 8 2028 $7.4M $60.0M -$52.7M Karlaftis, George2022:1/30:KAN Purdue DE 56 6-4 263 2 2025 $3.3M $7.1M -$3.8M Kelce, Travis2013:3/63:KAN Cincinnati TE 87 6-5 250 11 2025 $19.6M $22.1M -$2.6M Mahomes, Patrick2017:1/10:KAN Texas Tech QB 15 6-2 225 7 2031 $37.0M $113.6M -$76.6M McDuffie, Trent2022:1/21:KAN Washington CB 22
Confident Daniel Jones talks playoffs, and points as season dawns
Chris Pedota, NorthJersey.com / USA TODAY NETWORK Giants’ quarterback enters the season with high expectations New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones is heading into the season with high expectations. On Tuesday, Jones talked about expecting to both lead an offense that scores a lot of points this season and a team that goes to the playoffs. “We have high expectations of this team, and we certainly plan to play in the playoffs, plan to play in the postseason. We’re going to get there by focusing on what we’re doing right now,” Jones said. Jones thinks the offense, which scored just 15.6 points per game last year, will be vastly improved. “We’ve got high expectations. High expectations of what we can be as a group on offense,” he said. “I think based on the work we’ve put in and progress we’ve made, we expect to be a good unit, score a lot of points and attack a defense a lot of different ways.” Jones expressed confident in the offensive line, which has been a problematic group for the Giants for a number of years. “I’ve got a lot of confidence in that group. I think that group’s played well,” Jones said. “I think they’ve played really well throughout training camp. We’ve got some veterans who (we) brought in, some older guys who I think have done a good job and gotten on the same page. I think (Offensive Line Coach) Carm (Carmen Bricillo) has done a really good job working with that group. I feel like we have a good plan this week. I’m excited. I think that group’s played well.” Jones, incidentally, said whether or not to keep or shave his beard will be a “game-time decision.” We know which side Kay Adams is on: .@heykayadams addresses the GIANT elephant in the room… @JEluemunor @Giants @Daniel_Jones10 pic.twitter.com/LTHTf1Ol7f — Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) September 3, 2024
Cowboys offense: Zeke Elliott, Dalvin Cook not expect to lead Dallas rushing attack
Photo by Ric Tapia/Getty Images Little known Rico Dowdle could surprise many Browns fans in Week 1 When the Cleveland Browns and Dallas Cowboys square off in Week 1 of the 2024 NFL regular season everyone expects a show. The Browns had the best defense in the regular season last year but the Cowboys have the connection between QB Dak Prescott and WR Ceedee Lamb. Cleveland hopes that the returning Deshaun Watson can take advantage of multiple injuries on Dallas’ defense and his strong supporting cast. While the Browns are favorites in Week 1, they also face a few important injury concerns while the Cowboys started the week healthy. The offense in Dallas has seen some huge changes in the backfield over the last couple of seasons. First, the Cowboys moved on from Ezekiel Elliott in favor of Tony Pollard. Elliott was brought back but Pollard departed in free agency this offseason. Dallas added veteran Dalvin Cook after training camp but little-known Rico Dowdle might actually carry the unit in 2024: In a room that includes Elliott and Dalvin Cook, Dowdle should be the favorite to lead the Cowboys in rushing attempts and rushing yards this season. Dwodle was undrafted in 2020 after four years with the South Carolina Gamecocks. His best season came as a freshman when he had 764 yards rushing and six touchdowns. He added more pass receptions as his college career went on but topped out at 22 catches for 167 yards. The 26-year-old Dwodle has played in 36 games for the Cowboys. He missed all of 2021 with a hip injury and 12 games in 2022 with one to his ankle. Before last year, Dwodle had only seven rushing attempts but got 89 in 2023 for 361 yards and two touchdowns. This preseason, Dwodle was only on the field for the first week of preseason. He had three carries for 14 yards. With Cleveland’s stout defense and playing on the road, it would be a surprise if Dwodle burst on the scene in Week 1 but he’s a name Browns fans might want to know.
Ravens restructure Justin Tucker’s contract to create extra salary cap space
Ravens restructure Justin Tucker’s contract to create extra salary cap space glenn erby We previously wrote about Baltimore’s need to become salary cap compliant before Thursday’s season opener against the Chiefs. GM Eric DeCosta has several options at his disposal. DeCosta used one on Monday, restructuring the contract of All-Pro linebacker Roquan Smith, freeing up $3.65 million in salary cap space. He did it again on Tuesday, restructuring All-Pro defensive tackle Nnamdi Madubuike and Justin Tucker. Tucker’s restructure saves the Ravens over $1.7 million. The 49ers restructured the contract of WR Deebo Samuel, creating $16.4M in cap space. The Ravens restructured the contracts of DT Nnamdi Madubuike, K Justin Tucker and LB Roquan Smith, creating $9.3M in cap space. The Jets restructured the contracts of LB Quincy Williams and… — Field Yates (@FieldYates) September 3, 2024 Last season, Tucker (90.2%) connected on 31-of-36 field goal attempts and 50-of-51 points after tries, scoring a career-high team record and AFC-best 143 points in 2023. All but one of Tucker’s misses last season have been on tries of at least 53 yards, including a blocked 55-yarder. In 2023, Tucker posted his ninth-ever season, reaching at least 30 field goals made, with no other kicker in NFL history producing more than five such seasons. He also owns an NFL-record 12 straight seasons (each year of his career) with at least 25 field goals made.
Bengals host Olympic wrestler Mason Parris for workout
Photo by Kadir Caliskan – United World Wrestling/Getty Images The Bengals are looking in some unorthodox places for potential roster additions. There have been plenty of stories of athletes from other sports trying to make a name for themselves in the NFL. The Cincinnati Bengals may be hoping they strike gold with one of the most recent attempts in USA Olympic wrestler Mason Parris. The team hosted him for a workout this week, according to Charlie Clifford. Parris worked out as a defensive end and linebacker. Very cool: Olympic wrestler Mason Parris, fresh off the Paris Summer Games, worked out for the Bengals today. The former Lawrenceburg H.S. football star & Dan Hodge winner at Michigan went through drills at LB and DE. Said it “went well” & hopes to remain in contact w/ the club. pic.twitter.com/oIlQx5flWz — Charlie Clifford (@char_cliff) September 2, 2024 For his last football experience, you have to go back to his high school days. He was a three-time First-Team All-State linebacker and three-time Tri-State football Indiana Defensive Player of the Year. He then went to Michigan and focused on his promising wrestling career. As a fifth-year senior, he was undefeated. Parris went on to qualify to represent the USA in the Summer Olympics this year. He made it to the round of 16 before losing. He has several medals in other international contests outside of the Olympics including a Gold in the 2023 Pan American games in the men’s 125 kg. He went undefeated in that particular event. Wrestling and hand usage are mentioned quite a bit when talking about players in the trenches, which would explain the possible move to defensive end. Also, Parris likely hasn’t been working on his speed to be able to play linebacker in the NFL. This is probably an offseason roster candidate. The Bengals’ defensive line is in a good spot right now aside from injuries. Myles Murphy was a first-round pick from last season playing behind Trey Hendrickson and Sam Hubbard. Murphy should return soon after missing the first four games while on IR. Joseph Ossai is still looking to return to his promising form from the 2022 season, and the team just claimed KJ Henry from the Washington Commanders. Some competition never hurts in the offseason, though.
