Daily Email Update • Vol. 22, #274 • Jan. 16th, 2021
News And Notes From Around The League
Howdy Folks,
We're in the middle of a great weekend of Playoff Football and we've got the News and Notes you need.
Let's get to it.
J
INSIDE THIS ISSUE
1. HOU - QB Deshaun Watson 'just wants out'
2. NO - Tre'Quan Smith activated
3. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger expected back
1. HOU - QB Deshaun Watson 'just wants out'
Source: Sports Illustrated
Houston Texas QB Deshaun Watson remains unhappy with the direction of the franchise, and 'just wants out,' a source close to Watson told Sports Illustrated in an online article posted Saturday, Jan. 16.
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Most reports indicate that Watson's relationship with the franchise is past the point of no return. There have been some team-friendly reports saying things can get worked out but we're not so sure. Watson has a no-trade clause in his contract, meaning he gets to call his shot where he wants to go. The Dolphins is a team that some speculate Watson could have as his destination of choice.
2. NO - Tre'Quan Smith activated
Source: NewOrleansSaints.com
New Orleans Saints WR Tre'Quan Smith (ankle) was activated to the active roster Saturday, Jan. 16.
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The Saints are facing the Buccaneers for the third time this year. They're trying to make it 3-0 and advance to the NFC Championship. Having Smith out there for speed and depth at the WR position will help.
3. PIT - QB Ben Roethlisberger expected back
Source: NFL Network - Mike Garafolo
Pittsburgh Steelers QB Ben Roethlisberger is eliciting optimism within the organization that he'll return for an 18th season in 2021, according to a report Saturday, Jan. 16.
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For years, it seemed like Roethlisberger was toying with the idea of retiring even though he still had something left in the tank. Now, when it seems like Roethlisberger is washed up, he wants to stick around. The Steelers will roll forward with Roethlisberger as their starter in 2021 but they seriously need to make a plan for life without him in the near future. Mason Rudolph is signed through the 2021 season but he's a below-average backup with no future to be a starter for the Steelers.
4. NO - NO hoping to retain QB Jameis Winston
Source: NFL Network - Ian Rapoport
New Orleans Saints QB Jameis Winston is an unrestricted free agent after this season, but the Saints like what they've seen of him, according to a report Saturday, Jan. 16, and want to bring him back with the possibility that QB Drew Brees could retire this offseason.
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Winston did not start when the Saints lost Brees for a few games. Instead, Taysom Hill was the team's starter and Winston was his backup. We'll see if he wants to stay with the team or if another team gives him a clearer shot to be a starter in 2021.
5. BAL - QB Lamar Jackson in line for extension
Source: NFL.com - Adam Maya
Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson is expected to have his fifth-year option picked up by the team this offseason, and the two sides are then expected to look at working out a 'big-time' contract extension this summer.
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No surprise here. Jackson is a franchise quarterback and won the first playoff game of his career last week in the Wild Card Round. The team can build around him for years to come, and he'll be compensated as one of the highest-paid quarterbacks in the league when his extension is done.
That'll do it for today, Folks. Thanks for reading and thanks for being part of the Footballguys Family. We'll see you tomorrow with the Update.
Peace,
J
