Jason Witten steps away from Monday Night Football to return to Dallas Cowboys

Jason Witten
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Jason Witten has made the decision to end his one year retirement.

On Thursday the Dallas Cowboys announced that the 36 year old will return to the team for the 2019 season. This will make Witten's 16th season in the NFL.

Witten played 15 years with the Cowboys from 2003 to 2017. In that time he amassed 1,152 receptions for 12,448 yards and 68 touchdowns which ranks fourth in receptions and second in career receiving yards for a tight end. He is a two time All Pro and an 11 time Pro Bowler.

Witten will officially sign a contract with the Cowboys who retained his rights since his retirement following the 2017 season.

Witten released a statement stating: “The fire inside of me to compete and play this game is just burning too strong,” Witten said in a statement. “This team has a great group of rising young stars, and I want to help them make a run at a championship. This was completely my decision, and I am very comfortable with it.   I'm looking forward to getting back in the dirt.”

The future Hall of Famer may be setting himself up to coach for the Cowboys once his career is complete. The team has hired several former players to their coaching staff including offensive coordinator Kellen Moore and quarterbacks coach Jon Kitna.

Randy Gregory suspended indefinitely

Randy Gregory
Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

Randy Gregory has once again ended up on the wrong side of the National Football League.

The league announced on Tuesday that Gregory has been suspended indefinitely for violation of the league's substance abuse policy. This is Gregory's fourth suspension since being drafted by the Cowboys in 2015.

Gregory was suspended four games in his rookie season and while serving the suspension was suspended for an additional 10 games resulting in him playing in just two games in 2016. He was suspended the entire 2017 season before making a successful return in 2018.

Last season Gregory finished second in sacks behind DeMarcus Lawrence. There was hope he had finally turned the corner in his life.

Gregory has been outspoken about suffering with mental illness and using marijuana to cope with mental and emotional problems. Gregory reportedly suffers from bipolar disorder. With the NFL's strict stance against marijuana this has been a difficult issue for Gregory to deal with. 

Cowboys are standing behind the 25-year old talent and hopeful he can make a return in 2019. "We’re going to keep working and cheering for him. I think he’s just got to take the next step both on and off the field," vice president Stephen Jones said.

Raiders will play in Oakland in 2019

Oakland Coliseum
photo courtesy: Associated Press

After months of uncertainty on where the Raiders will play this upcoming season, the team has finally found a home.

According to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport, Mark Davis and the Oakland Coliseum Authority reached an agreement on Monday for the Raiders to play in Oakland for the 2019 season.

In addition a team option was put in place for the team to play in Oakland in 2020 if the Las Vegas stadium isn't ready.

While a deal is in place, the agreement needs to be finalized, voted on by the Coliseum Authority, voted on by the Oakland city council and finally voted on by the owners at the Owners Meeting in March before the deal is actually complete.

Raiders Las Vegas stadium is scheduled to open in June 2020.

Patriots owner Robert Kraft charged with soliciting prostitution

Robert Kraft
photo courtesy: Associated Press

New England Patriots owner Robert Kraft is being charged with two misdemeanor counts of solicitation of prostitution stemming from a raid of the Orchids of Asia Day Spa in Jupiter Florida.

Kraft was caught up in a months long investigation involving the spa and a human sex trafficking ring in Florida. Martin County Sheriff says the women involved in the sex ring were told they were coming to the U.S. for legit jobs and held instead as sex workers where they worked seven days a week seeing hundreds of men per year with minimal hygiene.

Police say they have video evidence of Kraft and that he visited the spa on two separate occasions and are currently working on a warrant for his arrest. ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Kraft may not be the biggest name involved.

A spokesperson for the Patriots released a statement in regards to the incident: "We categorically deny that Mr. Kraft engaged in any illegal activity. Because it is a judicial matter, we will not be commenting further."

Bengals hire Lou Anarumo as defensive coordinator

Lou Anarumo
photo courtesy: USA Today

After weeks of unsuccessful searching and declined interviews, the Cincinnati Bengals have found their new defensive coordinator.

Thursday the team announced the hiring of Lou Anarumo as their new defensive coordinator.

Anarumo spent 20 years as a college coach before he began his NFL coaching career with the Miami Dolphins in 2012. He was the interim defensive coordinator on October 8, 2015 after the team fired Kevin Coyle. He was made the defensive backs coach in the 2016 season under then new head coach Adam Gase. He served as the defensive backs coach for the New York Giants in 2018. 

Anarumo joins new head coach Zac Stacy and new offensive coordinator Brian Callahan for the Bengals 2019 season. 

Antonio Brown, Steelers agree to part ways

Antonio Brown
Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

Antonio Brown's time in Pittsburgh  is likely over.

Brown took to Twitter on Tuesday to post a message about his meeting with owner Art Rooney II:

Had a great meeting with Mr.Rooney today we discussed a lot of things and we cleared the air on several issues! We both agreed that it is time to move on but I’ll always have appreciation and gratitude towards the Rooney family and @steelers organization! #CallGod #Boomin pic.twitter.com/DEgURchvhW

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 19, 2019

 Brown first requested a trade in late January. On Saturday he took to Twitter to talk about his displeasure with the organization specifically with quarterback Ben Roethlisberger and head coach Mike Tomlin.

Brown's agent Drew Rosenhaus told ESPN that neither he nor Brown have permission to speak with any teams in regards to a trade deal and that the Steelers were handling all of the talks.

Brown still has three years remaining on his current contract extension with the Steelers that he signed in 2017. The team owes a $2.5 million roster bonus to him if he isn't released or traded by March 17.

Brown had a great season in 2017 with 104 receptions for 1,297 yards and 15 touchdowns. This was his sixth straight season with 1200 plus yards. Steelers will be able to command high compensation for Brown.

Dolphins add Reggie McKenzie to front office staff

Reggie McKenzie
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Dolphins are making moves this offseason including to their front office staff.

According to ESPN, the team hired Reggie McKenzie as a senior personnel executive on Saturday.

McKenzie began his NFL career in 1994 as a scout with the Packers. He worked his way up over his 18 years with the team to director of player personnel and finally to director of football operations.

In 2012 the Raiders hired McKenzie as general manager. In 2016 the team gave McKenzie a four-year contract extension through the year 2020. Following the 2016 season he won NFL Executive of the Year by Pro Football Writers of America. The team's success was short lived and McKenzie was fired during the 2018 season.

 McKenzie's role with the Dolphins is unclear for now but he will work with general manager and director of football operations Chris Grier to help improve the team with new head coach Brian Flores.

Demaryius Thomas suffers minor injuries in one car accident

Demaryius Thomas
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Free agent wide receiver Demaryius Thomas was involved in a single car accident in Denver on Saturday.

Denver Police Department released a statement on Saturday saying that Thomas lost control of his vehicle which caused it to rollover and come to a stop in the median. Thomas and his two passengers were transported to the hospital. He and a male passenger were treated for minor injuries and released. A female passenger sustained more serious but non life threatening injuries.

The cause of the accident is still under investigation. Thomas was released by the Texans on Tuesday.

Antonio Brown takes to Twitter to slam Ben Roethlisberger, Mike Tomlin

Antonio Brown
photo courtesy: Associated Press

The drama continues in Pittsburgh with Antonio Brown and the Steelers.

On Saturday Brown took to Twitter to start a ASKAB hashtag that culminated in him answering 10 questions from fans about his relationship with teammates and coaches and quickly the situation escalated.

The first question a fan asked was about the conflict between Brown and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. Brown answered:

No conflict just a matter of respect! Mutual respect! He has a owner mentality like he can call out anybody including coaches. Players know but they can’t say anything about it otherwise they meal ticket gone. It’s a dirty game within a game. #truth https://t.co/MsSyBVd3Ny

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 16, 2019

When asked if he was only looking to go to a new team to get a new contract Brown stated

Not for the money its for the love of the sport ! The commitment to win relentlessly consistently passionately ! Plus I made 70 million it’s public record not to be cocky just truth! Time to play for my own Team AB84 the family ! https://t.co/v4vFO2QCSf

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 16, 2019

When asked if there was a chance he'd remain in Pittsburgh Brown said he still had love for the city:

Love Steelers Nation everything to my heart ❤️ no more ! https://t.co/uWwi5mB3R3

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 16, 2019

Finally, Brown explained why he didn't play in Week 17 and took aim at coach Mike Tomlin for his absence:

After the coach tell the team I quit while nursing some bumps then invite me to watch the show with same guys thinking I quit i can not stand with that! I’m the bad guy doe we miss post season think about it https://t.co/imrJ8jnnBc

— Antonio Brown (@AB84) February 16, 2019

No one knows the future of the relationship between the team and Brown, but Brown has agreed to a sit down meeting with owner Art Rooney II at Brown's home in Florida. 

Bengals running back Mark Walton arrested for battery

Mark Walton
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Cincinnati Bengals running back Mark Walton was arrested on a battery charge in Miami on Saturday.

Walton got into an argument with a couple after they asked him to move his car which was blocking the entrance to the parking garage at his condo building. An argument ensued and Walton grew upset when a woman in the other car tried to film him with her cellphone. He and the woman were injured when he grabbed for her phone.

Walton posted bond and was released from Miami-Dade County Jail.

NFL settles collusion lawsuit with Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid

Eric Reid and Colin Kaepernick
photo courtesy: Getty Images

The collusion case between the NFL and former San Francisco 49ers quarterback Colin Kaepernick and Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid has come to a resolution.

On Friday Kaepernick's attorney Mark Geragos and the NFL released a joint statement: "For the past several months Mr. Kaepernick and Mr. Reid have engaged in an ongoing dialogue with representatives of the NFL. As a result of those discussions, the parties have decided to resolve the pending grievances. The resolution of this matter is subject to a confidentiality agreement so there will be no further comment by any party."

The NFLPA released a statement in support of the settlement: “Today, we were informed by the NFL of the settlement of the Colin Kaepernick and Eric Reid collusion cases,” the NFLPA said. “We are not privy to the details of the settlement, but support the decision by the players and their counsel. We continuously supported Colin and Eric from the start of their protests, participated with their lawyers throughout their legal proceedings and were prepared to participate in the upcoming trial in pursuit of both truth and justice for what we believe the NFL and its clubs did to them. We are glad that Eric has earned a job and a new contract and we continue to hope that Colin gets his opportunity as well.”

Details of the settlement were not released. Kaepernick's kneeling for social injustice and inequality caused a firestorm and a national debate that culminated in President Trump speaking out against the protests. The league instituted a rule to ban protest during the national anthem that was never implemented.

While Reid has found employment with the Carolina Panthers, Kaepernick has not played since 2016. This settlement may end any chances of his return.

Baltimore Ravens to trade quarterback Joe Flacco to Denver Broncos

Joe Flacco
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Baltimore Ravens are committing long-term to Lamar Jackson.

According to ESPN the Ravens are trading Joe Flacco to the Denver Broncos for a mid-round pick. The trade will not become official until the start of the league year on March 13th.

This move ensures that the Broncos will be moving on from Case Keenum. After an outstanding 2017 campaign for the Vikings, Broncos signed Keenum to a two-year $36 million deal with $25 million guaranteed. His 2018 season was a disappointment with a completion percentage of just 62.3 percent and a QB rating of 46.9 percent. Broncos will shop Keenum who is guaranteed $7 million in 2019.

The addition of Joe Flacco is by no means an upgrade for the Broncos. According to NFL Research, since 2013, Flacco ranks 34th in quarterback rating, 35th in yards per attempt and 35th in touchdown percentage. Ravens have missed the playoffs five out of six years with Flacco and in his 11 year NFL career Flacco has never been selected to a Pro Bowl. He was benched for Lamar Jackson midseason last year.

John Elway has had a terrible track record with selecting quarterbacks. While signing Peyton Manning worked out in the team's favor before his retirement, the team also drafted Brock Osweiler in 2012 who started 21 games over four seasons before signing with the Texans where he lasted one season before being shipped off to Cleveland and ending up back in Denver and then signing with the Dolphins for one-year in 2018. Trevor Siemian was drafted by the Broncos in 2015. He lasted three seasons before being traded to the Vikings. Paxton Lynch was drafted by the team in 2016. He lasted two seasons before being cut before the start of the 2018 season.

Broncos still hold the 10th overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft. It is likely they will draft a quarterback to learn under Flacco's tutelage this season.

Antonio Brown requests trade from Steelers

Antonio Brown
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Antonio Brown may be finished in Pittsburgh.

According to Adam Schefter, Brown requested a trade from the Steelers on Tuesday.

Brown took to Twitter to post a farewell message to the city of Pittsburgh. 

Brown has spent his entire nine year NFL career with the Steelers. In that time he has amassed 837 receptions for 11,207 yards and 74 touchdowns making him one of the most prolific receivers of all time. Despite this, the team has not won a Super Bowl during this time.

Continuing tension has arose between the team and Brown. Brown missed meetings during the last week of the season and didn't play in Week 17. There have also been issues between Brown and quarterback Ben Roethlisberger. 

While the Steelers haven't said they will trade Brown they have made preparations for that scenario and could garner as much as a first round draft pick for the talented receiver. 

Kyler Murray commits to the NFL

Kyler Murray
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Football or baseball? As time was winding down to the start of spring training in baseball or NFL Scouting Combine for football, Kyler Murray had a big decision to make. Monday, Murray announced his decision.

Murray took to Twitter to and posted a statement that he is committing himself full time to becoming a NFL quarterback.

The 2018 Heisman Trophy winner will return $1.29 million of the $1.5 million signing bonus he received so far and forfeit the remaining $3.16 million. Oakland Athletics will still retain Murray's rights but won't get a compensatory pick. Athletics drafted him ninth overall last season.

Murray passed for over 4,300 yards and 42 touchdowns last season. He is expected to be a highly coveted draft pick likely to go in the early first round.

Cleveland Browns sign running back Kareem Hunt

Kareem Hunt
photo courtesy: USA Today

Kareem Hunt has been given a second chance at a career in the NFL.

ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that the young running back signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns on Monday.

Chiefs released Hunt on November 30th. Since that time the talented back has remained on the Commissioner's Exempt list unable to practice or play for any team.

Hunt is still under investigation by the league for the February incident that was caught on video as well as two other incidents of assault. He will likely face a lengthy multi game suspension once the investigation is complete.

Hunt will be reunited with John Dorsey who drafted him to the Chiefs in 2017.

Robert Alford signs with Arizona Cardinals

Robert Alford
Photo Courtesy: Getty Images

It didn't take long for cornerback Robert Alford to find a new home.

According to Ian Rapoport, the recently released star signed a three-year $22.5 million deal on Thursday.

Cardinals defense is under the leadership of their new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph. Alford's signing will be a welcome addition to a defense that finished 20th last season.

Alford has 10 sacks and one forced fumble in his six year NFL career with the Falcons. He joins Patrick Peterson, Budda Baker, Antoine Bethea and D.J. Swearinger in a very stacked secondary.

Patriots hiring Greg Schiano as defensive coordinator

Greg Schiano
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Patriots have found their new defensive coordinator.

According to the Boston Globe, New England is hiring former Ohio State defensive coordinator Greg Schiano as their newest defensive coordinator.

Schiano does have previous NFL experience. He worked as a defensive assistant and defensive backs coach for the Chicago Bears in 1996 to 1998. He later became the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for two seasons in 2012 where he led the team to a 11-21 record before being fired at the end of the 2013 season.

Schiano has a long standing relationship with head coach Bill Belichick and left Ohio State after the retirement of head coach Urban Meyer to return to coaching in the NFL. He will replace Brian Flores who left to become the Miami Dolphins head coach.

Patrick Mahomes wins 2018 MVP, OPOY awards

photo courtesy: USA Today

Saturday night the NFL held their annual awards ceremony in Atlanta. While the highlight of the night was the announcement of the Pro Football Hall of Fame class of 2019, the winners of the most prestigious awards of the night didn't come as a big surprise.

Patrick Mahomes was named both the league MVP and the Offensive Player of the Year. Mahomes threw for 5,097 yards and 50 touchdowns to just 12 interceptions in 2018 making him the runaway favorite for both awards.

Chicago Bears snagged two coaching awards with Matt Nagy winning the Coach of the Year award and Vic Fangio winning Assistant Coach of the Year award.

Aaron Donald won his second consecutive Defensive Player of the Year award. He previously won the Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2014.

Saquon Barkley beat out Baker Mayfield for Offensive Rookie of the Year and Darius Leonard beat out Derwin James and Bradley Chubb for Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Andrew Luck had a great year passing for 4,953 yards and 39 touchdowns and leading his team back into the playoffs. He was awarded the Comeback Player of the Year for his effort.

Chris Long was named Walter Payton Man of the Year for his philanthropic efforts through his Chris Long Foundation.

Secondary players get recognition with Pro Football Hall of Fame 2019 inductees

photo courtesy: Pro Football Hall of Fame

Saturday the Pro Football Hall of Fame selection committee made their choices for induction into the Hall. The Class of 2019 included Broncos owner Pat Bowlen and NFL contributor Gil Brandt, but the biggest surprise came from the large number of secondary players that were included.

This year's class included four secondary players; cornerback Ty Law, safety Ed Reed, cornerback Champ Bailey and safety Johnny Robinson. Aeneas Williams was the last secondary player to get inducted in 2014.

Center Kevin Mawae and tight end Tony Gonzalez round out the list of finalists to be inducted this year. Gonzalez and Reed both made the final selection in their first year of eligibility.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame enshrinement ceremony will be held Saturday, August 3rd in Canton.

Super Bowl LIII Prediction

New England Patriots vs. Los Angeles Rams

Patriots come in off an impressive win over the Chiefs. The Pats are a different team in the postseason being nearly unstoppable. While there were lingering questions about the team's defense leading up to their matchup against the Chiefs, all of this was laid to rest within the first half of the game. While the Chiefs were able to mount a comeback, they were no match for Brady and the Pats amazing offense. This team will be hard to beat on the biggest stage.

Rams come in off a controversial yet still tremendous win over the Saints. While the defense struggled in the team's three losses this season, they were able to make key stops in the Championship. Goff stepped up and looked like a solid veteran and Todd Gurley showed why he was the offensive player of the year in 2018. Sean McVay will have this team ready to face any challenge the Pats may throw their way.

Rams had one of the top offenses in the league all season and will give the Patriots all they can handle, but the Pats will not lose back to back Super Bowls with Belichick and Brady leading the charge.

Prediction: Patriots 

Julius Peppers announces retirement from the NFL

Julius Peppers
photo courtesy: Associated Press

After 17 seasons in the league, Carolina Panthers defensive end Julius Peppers announced his retirement from the NFL on Friday.

Peppers was an All-American at UNC where he won the Chuck Bednarik Award as the top defensive player, the Lombardi Award as the best collegiate lineman and the Bill Willis Trophy as the best defensive lineman.

Peppers was drafted No. 2 overall in 2002 by the Panthers. He would spend eight seasons with the team before signing with the Chicago Bears in 2010. He would sign with the Green Bay Packers in 2014 and go on to spend three seasons with them before returning to the Panthers in 2017.

Peppers finished his career fourth overall in career sacks with 159.5. He also had 51 forced fumbles, 11 interceptions and four touchdowns.