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USA Today
3 days ago
- Sport
- USA Today
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders?
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders? Our top-20 countdown rolls on with the most electrifying pass catchers in Saints history Over the course of time, New Orleans Saints pass catchers have played a vital role in some of the most glorious passing seasons ever. With countless All-Pro and Pro Bowl-level talents, many have cemented themselves in the history books as cornerstones of one of the league's most dynamic aerial attacks. From clutch playoff performances to record-setting regular seasons, these players helped elevated their respective offenses for decades. Whether it was stretching the field, making contested catches, or as security blanket for their quarterback, each of these players contributed mightily to the evolution of offense in New Orleans. Here's a look at the top 20 all-time receiving yardage leaders in New Orleans Saints history: 20. TE Dave Parks (1968-1972): 2,254 receiving yards 19. WR Michael Haynes (1994-1996): 2,368 receiving yards 18. WR Chris Olave (2022-present): 2,565 receiving yards 17. RB Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 2,608 receiving yards 16. WR Robert Meachem (2008-2014): 2,707 receiving yards 15. WR Donte' Stallworth (2002-2005): 2,791 receiving yards 14. WR Wes Chandler (1978-1981): 2,801 receiving yards 13. WR Brandin Cooks (2014-2016): 2,861 receiving yards 12. TE Henry Childs (1974-1980): 3,224 receiving yards 11. WR Quinn Early (1991-1995): 3,758 receiving yards 10. TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 3,849 receiving yards 9. WR Lance Moore (2006-2013): 4,281 receiving yards 8. WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 4,377 receiving yards 7. RB Alvin Kamara (2017-present): 4,762 receiving yards 6. TE Jimmy Graham (2010-2023): 4,791 receiving yards 5. WR Danny Abramowicz (1967-1973): 4,875 receiving yards 4. WR Michael Thomas (2016-2023): 6,569 receiving yards 3. WR Joe Horn (2000-2006): 7,622 receiving yards 2. WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 7,854 receiving yards 1. WR Marques Colston (2006-2015): 9,759 receiving yards
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Raiders Considering Bringing Back Former Pro Bowl Defender: Report
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently holding their rookie minicamps in Henderson, Nevada, but it's not just rookies at practice. This is also a chance for teams to get a closer look at some veteran free agents. Jaylon Smith was once one of the best linebackers in the NFL when he was with the Dallas Cowboys, but injuries derailed his career. The Raiders took a flyer on him back in 2023, but he only played in one game and was eventually released. Advertisement He wasn't able to land with another team for the 2024 season. However, the Raiders have a new coaching staff in place and appear to be interested in him. Former Las Vegas Raiders LB Jaylon Terada-Imagn Images According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Smith is at the Raiders' rookie minicamp, and it trying out for a roster spot. The former Pro Bowl linebacker has never played for head coach Pete Carroll before, but he does have a decent amount of experience in Patrick Graham's system at this point, having played for him while he was the defensive coordinator for the Giants and Raiders. Smith is going to turn 30 in June, so he should have some juice left in the tank. That said, it's been several years since he was a Pro Bowl-level player. Advertisement There are some concerns about the Raiders' linebacker room, so there's an opportunity for a veteran player like Smith to stand out. Perhaps a year off was what he needed to get back on track. It remains to be seen if the Raiders will end up signing him, but it's clear they're interested in bringing in another veteran linebacker. Related: Raiders Make Major Roster Announcement on Friday Related: Ex-Raiders QB Will Not Tryout With Broncos Despite Previous Report
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles might be better positioned at a crucial skill position than experts believe.
Eagles might be better positioned at a crucial skill position than experts believe. There's a drop-off in talent at wide receiver after A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the Eagles are in better shape than people are saying. There is no longer a reason to debate. The NFL's best wide receiver duo plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, the guys in Miami and Cincinnati were considered before making that statement, but A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have the star power. They have the stats. They win more, perform better in bigger moments, and now have the hardware to validate themselves further. Each NFL franchise has its needs. In a league that bases its model partially on parity and a salary cap, that won't change from one offseason to another. Philly attacked a new league year that began with significant losses by adding low-risk, high-reward signings. They added ten prospects during the NFL Draft, but there are still holes to fill. Might there be a chance that they're in better shape in one area than we give them credit for being? Jahan Dotson might be good enough to stabilize the Eagles' wide receiver corps as a third option (for now). ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently shared his thoughts on each NFL franchise's most glaring need. His theories about the Eagles' most obvious roster deficiency won't shock you. "A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith might be the best starting receiver duo in the NFL, but there's a steep drop after them. The other receivers combined for only 365 receiving yards last season, led by Jahan Dotson's 19 catches for 216 yards. The only newcomer is former Panthers receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., who had just three catches and 41 yards for the Raiders last season." Here's the thing. Two statements that seemingly contradict one another can both be accurate. Scahtz is right about what he is saying, but the Eagles are also in better shape at WR3 than they are given credit for being. Jahan Dotson's fifth-year option was declined, so Philly likely doesn't see him as a long-term option. That doesn't mean the Birds have reached levels of separation. It would seem the Eagles' offense is one significant injury away from potential disaster, and that's probably true. That's also true about most NFL rosters. The Cincinnati Bengals will be in trouble if they lose Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase for a significant period and are forced to rely on Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, and Kendric Pryor. The Miami Dolphins will also be in trouble if Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are injured. That would mean Tua Tagovailoa's best offensive weapons are Malik Washington, Erik Ezukanma, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. You can see where this is headed, right? If A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith aren't available for action, Philadelphia has something to consider. Everyone saw that scenario play out in Tampa vs. the Buccaneers, and the results weren't pretty (a 33-16 loss), but again, name five teams who wouldn't have that same issue. Dotson isn't a Pro Bowl-level player but proved trustworthy when Jalen Hurts looked in his direction. Second-year players Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson are back and in the mix. Terrace Marshall is the new guy. Philadelphia doesn't need anyone in this WR3 role to be elite. After all, they're, more often than not, probably going to be the fifth option in this Eagles' attack anyway. Nick Sirianni has never shied from saying this offense runs through Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and newly restructured Dallas Goedert. All the WR3 needs to do is make the most of his opportunities when they come. Jahan Dotson can do that. He's better than most NFL teams' third cover cornerback. If Smith, Wilson, and Marshall can step up, the back half of the depth chart at wide receiver becomes one of Philly's biggest strengths, for the time being anyway. We'll see what the plan is in the slot moving forward.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Drake Maye named a Top-10 second-year NFL player to watch in 2025-2025 season
Drake Maye named a Top-10 second-year NFL player to watch in 2025-2025 season Will Drake Maye further prove he's the New England Patriots' franchise quarterback in 2025 Drake Maye didn't begin his rookie NFL season as the New England Patriots' starter, but ended his rookie season as a clear-cut franchise quarterback. New England continued to struggle in the post Tom-Brady era during its 2024-2025 campaign: missing the playoffs for a third-straight season, plus finishing 4-13 and in the AFC East cellar for a second-straight year. Jacoby Brissett was largely ineffective in five weeks as the Pats starter, forcing Jerod Mayo to start his rookie from UNC. Maye finished his rookie season with 2,276 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions, plus Maye added 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Maye's passing numbers aren't Pro Bowl-level by any means, but considering New England's Swiss cheese of an offensive line, Maye played fairly well. The Patriots upgraded their roster big-time in the offseason, highlighted by revamping Maye's receiving corps, adding former Tar Heel Mack Hollins and trading for Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. New England snagged Maye's protector in the NFL Draft, taking LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell fourth overall. Because of these moves, NFL Network analyst Marc Ross named Maye as one of his Top 10 breakout candidates – amongst second-year players. "The Patriots have made a concerted effort this offseason to build around Maye, who had a highly impressive rookie year, despite working behind a leaky offensive line and with minimal firepower around him," Ross said. "Back in January, New England hired head coach Mike Vrabel, who took the Titans to the playoffs in three of his six seasons in Tennessee – and was inducted into the Patriots' Ring of Honor in 2023. Vrabel brings some stability to the coaching staff. In addition, the return of Josh McDaniels – as offensive coordinator – should help Maye take more ownership at the line of scrimmage and play to his strengths." Barring an injury bug in upstate New York, the Buffalo Bills will run the AFC East with Josh Allen once again. Don't be surprised to see Maye's Patriots shock the league, though, winning plenty more games and possibly sneaking into the playoffs. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
Yahoo
06-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ravens made a "football decision" (wink, nod) about Justin Tucker
The Ravens have been in a delicate spot from the moment the first allegations surfaced in January against kicker Justin Tucker. On Monday, they made an indelicate exit from the relationship. On one hand, there have been no findings that Tucker has done anything wrong, in civil court, criminal court, or the Court of Commissioner Goodell. Tucker has unequivocally denied the numerous accusations of misconduct during massage-therapy sessions. Advertisement On the other hand, he plays a position that is as interchangeable as they come. Especially since Tucker has regressed from his previous perennial Pro Bowl-level performance. When faced with the choice between a run-of-the-mill kicker who is creating a significant distraction and is due to make $4.2 million this year and one who isn't, it's a no-brainer. And with run-of-the-mill kickers available anywhere and everywhere, the Ravens were always going to be moving on from Tucker. They opted to do the dance. To wait until after the start of the new league year in March, when Tucker could be released with a post-June 1 designation and significant 2025 cap savings. To wait until after they could use a sixth-round pick on Arizona kicker Tyler Loop, without their potential selection of a kicker during the draft being obvious. To wait until they could get a look at Loop during this weekend's rookie minicamp. The fact that it was couched by G.M. Eric DeCosta as a "football decision" is no surprise. Players are released for football reasons all the time. There's no mechanism in the Collective Bargaining Agreement for challenging the constant churn of football decisions. If the decision was influenced (as it likely was) in whole or in part by non-football reasons, the Ravens would have invited a potential CBA issue by saying so. At a minimum, Tucker could have argued under the "one punishment" principle that the team's decision to release him in the aftermath of the allegations should short-circuit the pending Personal Conduct Policy investigation. (He still could.) Advertisement This was all strategic and calculated by the Ravens, as all best-interests-of-the-team decisions are. After the Ravens' 2024 playoff run ended, DeCosta said he expects Tucker to be the Ravens' kicker in 2025. Then came the allegations. Instead of immediately applying a supposed "zero tolerance" policy to Tucker, the Ravens waited. They weathered a P.R. storm that was more like a light drizzle. And they were able to wait for the draft (and rookie minicamp) to come and go before making a move. On Sunday, Ravens coach John Harbaugh emphasized that the team would make football decisions only about Tucker. The next day, they made one. It most likely wasn't only a football decision. But there's no way to prove it, because the Ravens have said (and not said) all the right things about Tucker's off-field situation. All that said, DeCosta's statement seemed to be a little bit over the top. As noted by Brandon Kleen of multiple members of the sports media have questioned the tone and content of the team's announcement. Advertisement The Ravens likely would prefer to be dragged until the next bright, shiny object distracts the media (i.e., tomorrow morning at the latest) than risk inviting an argument that they were influenced by Tucker's off-field situation. Still, here's what we (or at least I) think the Ravens would have said, if they were being candid and direct: "Justin has been a great kicker. Last year, he wasn't as great as he'd been. We were willing to give him a chance to get back on track. But the off-field allegations became just too much. If it had been one or two people, we'd be willing to let it play out. But 16? It's hard to think they all are lying, and he's currently not good enough to justify circling the wagons until it all plays out." Obviously, they didn't say it that way. And they'll take some P.R. heat for it. Still, it will be very difficult for Tucker to do anything about it. And that likely has been the plan from the moment they realized that they couldn't and wouldn't bring him back for 2025.
