Extra Points: Flus Bests Belichick, Bears Dominate Three Phases, Brisker's Revenge, MNFields, More
Monday night's beatdown of the Patriots in Foxborough was a statement victory for rookie head coach Matt Eberflus.
Featured Stories
One Timers: Blackhawks Feeling the Good Vibes, Aggressive Penalty Kill, No Goals for Kane, More
What's the deal with the #Blackhawks' wildly good penalty kill this season? How are things going in the locker room, and are we worried about Patrick Kane's lack of scoring?
A Conversation with Joe Maddon
I had the pleasure of chatting with former Chicago Cubs and World Series-winning manager Joe Maddon today. We discussed his exit from Anaheim, roster building in Tampa Bay, finding a balance between feel and analytics in baseball, his future, and more.
Tyler Johnson Ready To Make Up For A Lost Season
Coming off of his first full and healthy offseason in years, Tyler Johnson is feeling great mentally and physically and ready to have a bounce-back season for the Blackhawks.
About Me
Patrick K. Flowers is a Staff Writer at Bleacher Nation where he covers the Chicago sports landscape on a daily basis. Patrick is also a husband and father of two.
How I Work
Patrick is always looking for a story that meshes the box scores in the sports world and the humans that make it all happen. You can expect thoughtful and insightful writing that feels both personal and informative.
Get in Touch
You can get in touch with Patrick via email (patrick.flowers@bleachernation.com) or via the social links at the top of the page.
My Latest Work
Panthers Add Adam Thielen, Lions Bolster Secondary, OBJ Thoughts, and Other NFL Bullets
While many of us watched the United States crush Cuba in the World Baseball Classic semifinals, there were some NFL free-agency signings. One of those moves was former Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen signing with the Carolina Panthers.
• The Panthers — who traded DJ Moore to the Bears last Friday — have a new No. 1 wide receiver in Carolina. Thielen and the Panthers agreed to a new three-year deal worth $25 million with $14 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.
• Thielen was a cap casualty in Minn
• The Panthers — who traded DJ Moore to the Bears last Friday — have a new No. 1 wide receiver in Carolina. Thielen and the Panthers agreed to a new three-year deal worth $25 million with $14 million guaranteed, per Spotrac.
• Thielen was a cap casualty in Minn
Report: NFL Owners Expected to Extend Roger Goodell at Owner's Meetings
The annual owner’s meetings are still a week away, but news about a big announcement expected to come from those meetings has surfaced today. According to Adam Schefter, NFL owners are expected to finalize an extension for Commissioner Roger Goodell.
In a story at ESPN this afternoon, Schefter says that the NFL’s compensation committee is “slated to present the proposed extension to team owners” during a privileged session on Tuesday.
According to Schefter, the extension for Goodell has been i
In a story at ESPN this afternoon, Schefter says that the NFL’s compensation committee is “slated to present the proposed extension to team owners” during a privileged session on Tuesday.
According to Schefter, the extension for Goodell has been i
Texans Extend Laremy Tunsil and Trade Brandin Cooks, Cowboys Out on OBJ? and Other NFL Bullets
Laremy Tunsil set out to reset the market for tackles this offseason, and he sure did. Tunsil and the Texans have agreed to a three-year, $75 million extension, according to multiple sources, including Tunsil himself on Twitter:
• The deal includes $50 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees. Tunsil’s extension makes him the highest-paid tackle in NFL history again after resetting the market for his position.
• In 2020, Tunsil signed a three-year extension with Houston worth
• The deal includes $50 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees. Tunsil’s extension makes him the highest-paid tackle in NFL history again after resetting the market for his position.
• In 2020, Tunsil signed a three-year extension with Houston worth
NFL Free Agency: Who's Still Available? The 30 Best Unsigned Players
After the free agent roller coaster from Monday to Wednesday, things have finally slowed down in the NFL. But the market is not totally barren! So let’s look at some notable names still looking for a new home in 2023.
Best of the Rest
The top players left in the NFL free agency market.
• Lamar Jackson (QB): The Ravens placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson so that any team can negotiate with Jackson. Whether or not anyone is willing to meet his demands and send two first-rounders to Baltimore
Best of the Rest
The top players left in the NFL free agency market.
• Lamar Jackson (QB): The Ravens placed the non-exclusive tag on Jackson so that any team can negotiate with Jackson. Whether or not anyone is willing to meet his demands and send two first-rounders to Baltimore
Happy St. Patrick's Day, Jonah Williams Wants a Trade, Patriots Sign Mike Gesicki, and Other NFL Bullets
From attending afternoon mass at St. Gabriel’s on 45th & Wallace to the drunken ritual of my teens and early 20s of attending the South Side parade on 103rd & Western, St. Patrick’s Day and its festivities have always been a staple for me. But, of course, it looks a little different these days. Green food dye for my beer and the kid’s drinks, usually a mixture of Spring Training baseball and March Madness in the background as we all listen to music and catch up. Nonetheless, it’s one of my favor
Bengals Get Joe Burrow Some Protection, Patriots Busy on Wednesday, and Other NFL Bullets
For the first time this week, I was able to slow-roll my way into bullets—no crazy early-morning signings or trades. But I can’t lie; it’s been nice. So let’s start the day by discussing some news that surfaced last night, like the Bengals signing Orlando Brown Jr. to help shore up the offensive line in front of Joe Burrow.
• Joe Burrow is going to get paid. It’s a matter of when not if. So, Cincinnati was wise to throw some money at an offensive lineman to help protect their eventual investment
• Joe Burrow is going to get paid. It’s a matter of when not if. So, Cincinnati was wise to throw some money at an offensive lineman to help protect their eventual investment
Giants Land WR Paris Campbell on One-Year Deal
The New York Giants continue to add weapons for Daniel Jones. After extending Jones last week, the Giants have moved their focus to adding help in the passing game. Today the Giants have signed former Colts wide receiver Paris Campbell.
Paris Campbell comes to New York after spending his first four seasons in Indianapolis. Campbell caught a career-best 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns last season. As we know, the QB situation for Campbell and Indianapolis receivers was less than des
Paris Campbell comes to New York after spending his first four seasons in Indianapolis. Campbell caught a career-best 63 passes for 623 yards and three touchdowns last season. As we know, the QB situation for Campbell and Indianapolis receivers was less than des
Giants WR Darius Slayton is Staying in New York
The New York Giants are keeping Darius Slayton in New York, according to multiple reports this afternoon. The Giants were rumored to be considering releasing Slayton, but he’ll stay in New York.
Darius Slayton has spent his first four seasons with the Giants after being taken in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Slayton caught 46 passes for 724 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season.
He has 170 receptions for 2,554 yards and 15 touchdowns in 59 games with New York. Slayton caugh
Darius Slayton has spent his first four seasons with the Giants after being taken in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Slayton caught 46 passes for 724 yards and two touchdowns in 11 games last season.
He has 170 receptions for 2,554 yards and 15 touchdowns in 59 games with New York. Slayton caugh
Report: Cowboys Expected to Release RB Ezekiel Elliott
Not surprisingly, the Ezekiel Elliott era in Dallas is coming to a close. The Dallas Cowboys are expected to release Elliott as soon as this afternoon when the 2023 NFL league year officially opens, according to Clarence E. Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.
“Per a source close to the situation,” Hill wrote this morning. “the Cowboys are set to part ways with the two-time NFL rushing champ, and the running back is preparing to start fresh with a new team. The move could come as soon as W
“Per a source close to the situation,” Hill wrote this morning. “the Cowboys are set to part ways with the two-time NFL rushing champ, and the running back is preparing to start fresh with a new team. The move could come as soon as W
Eagles to Release Darius Slay, Late-Night Moves, and Other NFL Bullets
You know that thing where you fall asleep too early and then wake up, and you’re up too late, and the following day is just blah? Yeah, that’s me today. I love my wife and kids for knowing I was exhausted as I passed out on the couch mid-sentence while watching my daughter play PlayStation, but I wish they would have woken me up. Anyways, plenty of news already this morning, including the Eagles’ plans to release cornerback Darius Slay.
• After failing to come to terms on a re-worked deal, the E
• After failing to come to terms on a re-worked deal, the E
Baker Mayfield is Heading to the Buccaneers
The Buccaneers have added another face to their QB room this morning. According to multiple reports, Baker Mayfield will head to Tampa Bay on a one-year deal worth up to $8.5 million.
Baker Mayfield split time with the Panthers and Rams last season after being traded to Carolina last offseason. Mayfield started six games for the Panthers last season. He posted a 74.4 passer rating and a 1-5 record before being cut by Carolina.
After Matthew Stafford went down, Sean McVay brought Mayfield to Lo
Baker Mayfield split time with the Panthers and Rams last season after being traded to Carolina last offseason. Mayfield started six games for the Panthers last season. He posted a 74.4 passer rating and a 1-5 record before being cut by Carolina.
After Matthew Stafford went down, Sean McVay brought Mayfield to Lo
Aaron Rodgers Confirms He Wants to Play for the Jets, But the Packers Still Have to Actually Trade Him
Well, there you have it. Aaron Rodgers has finally broken his silence. But, as many expected, the quarterback who has made it clear that he doesn’t care for mainstream media saved his big decision for the Pat McAfee show.
Rodgers said that he decided last Friday and wants to play for the New York Jets in 2023. Rodgers also said the hold-up is on the Packers and what they want to get from the Jets as compensation.
Now that that’s out of the way, we’ve got some things to discuss.
Well, the Pack
Rodgers said that he decided last Friday and wants to play for the New York Jets in 2023. Rodgers also said the hold-up is on the Packers and what they want to get from the Jets as compensation.
Now that that’s out of the way, we’ve got some things to discuss.
Well, the Pack
Patriots Have Called About DeAndre Hopkins and Jerry Jeudy; Monitoring Odell Beckham Jr. Market
After losing wide receiver Jakobi Meyers to the Raiders on Tuesday, Bill Belichick and the Patriots are searching for a new weapon for Mac Jones. That search reportedly involves DeAndre Hopkins, Jerry Jeudy, and Odell Beckham Jr.
Jeff Howe (who covers the Patriots for The Athletic) reported this afternoon that the Patriots have called the Cardinals and Broncos about Hopkins and Jeudy. How also said that the Patriots attended Odell Beckham Jr.’s workout last week in Arizona.
Meyers signed a thr
Jeff Howe (who covers the Patriots for The Athletic) reported this afternoon that the Patriots have called the Cardinals and Broncos about Hopkins and Jeudy. How also said that the Patriots attended Odell Beckham Jr.’s workout last week in Arizona.
Meyers signed a thr
Bills Safety Jordan Poyer is Staying in Buffalo
The Bills will keep veteran safety Jordan Poyer in Buffalo. There was legitimate concern that Poyer might not return, but ultimately, the two sides will reunite in Buffalo on a two-year deal, per Ian Rapoport.
On his podcast (The Jordan Poyer Show), the long-time Bills safety said he wouldn’t mind playing somewhere warmer and with better tax advantages.
That led to speculation that he could be on his way to the Miami Dolphins, a team that could offer both. Of course, the Dolphins could have al
On his podcast (The Jordan Poyer Show), the long-time Bills safety said he wouldn’t mind playing somewhere warmer and with better tax advantages.
That led to speculation that he could be on his way to the Miami Dolphins, a team that could offer both. Of course, the Dolphins could have al
Jacoby Brissett Signs a One-Year Deal with the Commanders
Sam Howell will have some competition in D.C. this season after the Washington Commanders inked Jacoby Brissett to a one-year deal. The deal with Washington is worth up to $10 million with $8 million guaranteed.
I didn’t get everything right in my QB carousel predictions last week, but I did call this one right (among others like Garoppolo and the Panthers trade-up).
Brissett parlays his time in Cleveland as the de facto starter in place of the suspended Deshaun Watson into a shot at another s
I didn’t get everything right in my QB carousel predictions last week, but I did call this one right (among others like Garoppolo and the Panthers trade-up).
Brissett parlays his time in Cleveland as the de facto starter in place of the suspended Deshaun Watson into a shot at another s
Former Lions RB Jamaal Williams Signing with the Saints
The free agent market keeps on spinning tonight, as former Detroit Lions running back Jamaal Williams heads to New Orleans on a three-year deal (Adam Schefter).
A career-high (and Lions record) 17 touchdowns last season were good enough to net Jamaal Williams a new long-term deal with New Orleans. His contract with the Saints is worth $12 million, with $8 million fully guaranteed.
Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 scores on 262 carries in his first season with the Lions. Williams played f
A career-high (and Lions record) 17 touchdowns last season were good enough to net Jamaal Williams a new long-term deal with New Orleans. His contract with the Saints is worth $12 million, with $8 million fully guaranteed.
Williams rushed for 1,066 yards and 17 scores on 262 carries in his first season with the Lions. Williams played f
Late Night Free Agent Signings: Dre'Mont Jones, Dalvin Tomlinson, Kaden Elliss, Jimmie Ward, More
The NFL free agency knows no limits, not even late-night hours. As Team USA put a late-night beatdown on Canada in the WBC, the Rapoports and Schefters of the world were still hammering out NFL signings 280 characters at a time. Dre’Mont Jones, Dalvin Tomlinson, Kaden Ellis, and more found new homes last night. Let’s discuss this.
The Seattle Seahawks have inked former Broncos DT Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $51 million deal. Jones will receive $23.5 million in the first year and $35.02 mill
The Seattle Seahawks have inked former Broncos DT Dre’Mont Jones to a three-year, $51 million deal. Jones will receive $23.5 million in the first year and $35.02 mill
Jakobi Meyers is Heading to the Raiders on a Three-Year Deal
Did you know that not a single wide receiver was signed on Monday’s first day of the legal tampering period? Yep. Well, we’ve got one early today. Former Patriots wide receiver Jakobi Meyers is heading to Vegas.
Adam Schefter is reporting that Meyers will sign a three-year deal with the Raiders:
Meyers’ deal with the Raiders will pay him $33 million over three seasons. It also includes $21 million guaranteed.
Meyers said this to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson on his decision to choose the Raider
Adam Schefter is reporting that Meyers will sign a three-year deal with the Raiders:
Meyers’ deal with the Raiders will pay him $33 million over three seasons. It also includes $21 million guaranteed.
Meyers said this to CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson on his decision to choose the Raider
Falcons, Bears Spend Big on Monday, Receiver Market Getting Going, and Other NFL Bullets
There was a ton of spending going on around the NFL world on Monday. But the Falcons and Bears did a considerable amount of it. How does their Monday spending affect what they have left to spend?
• The Atlanta Falcons started the day by making guard Chris Lindstrom the highest-paid guard in the NFL with a massive contract extension and ended it by adding Taylor Heinicke to their QB room.
• In between the Lindstrom and Heinicke deals, Atlanta signed linebacker Kaden Elliss, safety Jessie Bates II
• The Atlanta Falcons started the day by making guard Chris Lindstrom the highest-paid guard in the NFL with a massive contract extension and ended it by adding Taylor Heinicke to their QB room.
• In between the Lindstrom and Heinicke deals, Atlanta signed linebacker Kaden Elliss, safety Jessie Bates II
Did Lamar Jackson Turn Down a $200 Million Guaranteed Deal from the Ravens?
The Lamar Jackson saga marches on, and this time the star quarterback is putting his two cents into the conversation on Twitter.
Jackson broke his Twitter silence on Tuesday when he quote tweeted a post by SN Nation’s ‘Baltimore Beatdow’ with a headline that read: “Schefter: Lamar Jackson turned down $200 million guaranteed deal back in September.”
On Monday, Adam Schefter made this claim on his podcast, ‘The Adam Schefter Podcast’:
“Chris Mortensen and I reported on this last September when
Jackson broke his Twitter silence on Tuesday when he quote tweeted a post by SN Nation’s ‘Baltimore Beatdow’ with a headline that read: “Schefter: Lamar Jackson turned down $200 million guaranteed deal back in September.”
On Monday, Adam Schefter made this claim on his podcast, ‘The Adam Schefter Podcast’:
“Chris Mortensen and I reported on this last September when
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Interviews and Original Reporting
Blackhawks 5, Kraken 4 -- Three Stars, Key Takeaways
Tyler Johnson pots a pair as the Blackhawks come from behind to beat the Seattle Kraken.
A Conversation with Joe Maddon
I had the pleasure of chatting with former Chicago Cubs and World Series-winning manager Joe Maddon today. We discussed his exit from Anaheim, roster building in Tampa Bay, finding a balance between feel and analytics in baseball, his future, and more.
Andreas Athanasiou Wants to Play the Blackhawks Right Out of the Top Pick in the Draft
Andreas Athanasiou and I discuss his role with the Blackhawks, playing with Patrick Kane, and defying expectations this season.
Tyler Johnson Ready To Make Up For A Lost Season
Coming off of his first full and healthy offseason in years, Tyler Johnson is feeling great mentally and physically and ready to have a bounce-back season for the Blackhawks.
My Blog
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Email: patrick.flowers@bleachernation.com