First Down And Tenn Saturday: Titans Market Marcus Mariota
By Les Bailey
It’s been over six years since the Tennessee Titans have had a marketable athlete, now they have Marcus Mariota. In fact, According to the Titans’ director of finance, Stuart Spears, Mariota’s jersey currently ranks as the NFL’s top seller in May. With that being said, the Titans have yet to get the former Oregon star’s signature on a contract.
Marcus Mariota ranked 39th most marketable athlete – Paul Kuharsky ESPN Titans Reporter
During a six-year downturn with no playoff appearances that bottomed out with last year’s 2-14 season, the Tennessee Titans haven’t had much to market.
Now they’ve got the 39th most marketable athlete in the world, according to SportsPro.
On their list of the most marketable athletes, Mariota ranks ahead of people likeYasiel Puig of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Russell Westbrook of the Oklahoma City Thunder and horse show jumper Jessica Springsteen, daughter of rocker Bruce.
The top 10 has not yet been revealed.
No developments yet in Mariota talks – Mike Florio Pro Football Talk
Per a source with knowledge of the situation, no developments are expected this week.
Mariota is the only pick taken in the top seven who has not yet signed. Because the first overall pick in the draft (quarterback Jameis Winston) signed a deal that includes offset language for the fully-guaranteed four-year deal and the third overall pick (linebackerDante Fowler Jr.) agreed to a contract that has no offset language (allowing Fowler to get paid twice, if he gets cut), the question of whether Mariota’s language will include offset language could become a major sticking point.
Otherwise, the deal could be done very quickly, especially since the ceiling has been set by Winston and the floor by Fowler.
NFL rejects NFLPA Roger Goodell recusal motion in Tom Brady appeal – Will Brinson CBS Sports
The NFL rejected an NFLPA motion for Roger Goodell to recuse himself from the Tom Brady appeal, a league source tells CBS Sports NFL Insider Jason La Canfora.
The Patriots quarterback was suspended four games for his involvement — or perceived involvement — in Deflategate. NFL VP Troy Vincent announced the suspension and issued the original punishment in a letter to Brady, with his decision being authorized by Goodell.
The commissioner then was set up to hear Brady’s appeal and, despite what many would consider to be a conflict of interest, he won’t recuse himself at the union’s request.
Brady’s appeal was formally filed this week, sources tell La Canfora.
Three Key Camp Battles Looming for the Titans – Terry Lambert PFSpot
We are still two months away from the opening of training camp, but it’s time to start sorting through some potential camp battles that will shape up the depth chart this season. There are a few question marks still left on the roster, mainly along the offensive line.
Ruston Webster was able to add talent up front, even after the draft was over. How this new talent will mesh remains to be seen. With that, here are my three biggest camp battles that I will be watching for this summer.
NFL’s new PAT rule may affect linemen more than kickers – John Glennon The Tennessean
When the NFL voted earlier this week to move the extra-point line of scrimmage back to the 15-yard line, the intent was to impact the kickers.
But the big guys blocking for the kicker may feel the effects of the change as well.
In years past, the defending team didn’t necessarily put an extreme amount of energy into trying to block extra points. It had to guard against the possibility of a fake from the 2-yard line, and extra-point kicks were all but automatic anyway — the success rate over the past five years was better than 99 percent.
But there are at least a couple reasons the rush may come a little harder.
Next: Tennessee Titans Position Breakdown: Center