NFL Rumors: Did Saints make the wrong choice at kicker?
The New Orleans Saints haven't made any egregious franchise decisions in the post-Drew Brees era. Parting ways with long-time kicker Wil Lutz, however, could be one of the more questionable moves of the decade.
The Saints traded Lutz to Sean Payton's Broncos for a 2024 seventh-round pick, allowing the veteran kicker to reunite with his former coach. Lutz, who has kicked for NOLA since 2016, hasn't shed many tears over his departure. Apparently, he's already adopted Russell Wilson's super corny catchphrase, "Let's ride."
Though this so-called breakup was initiated by the Saints, at least one member of the NFL community believes NOLA is worse off for the move. Lutz's agent, John Perla, told the Denver Gazette that Lutz "didn't lose his job" in Saints training camp.
Taking Lutz's place is undrafted free agent rookie Blake Grupe. The 24-year-old Grupe played for Arkansas State and Notre Dame; in 2022, he converted 73.7 percent of his field goal attempts.
That's not any better than Lutz's numbers from his injury-plagued 2022 season, when he converted 74.2 percent of his field goal attempts.
Maybe the Saints are just trying to bring in some fresh blood in 2023? New year, new quarterback, new kicker.
NFL Rumors: Bills prove they're still a top free agent destination
The Buffalo Bills want to remind you that they're an AFC playoff contender, too. In case anyone forgot.
The Bills just signed former Texans linebacker Christian Kirksey to their practice squad after Kirksey was released in final roster cuts. Kirksey, a former third-round pick back in 2014, will add middle linebacker depth on Buffalo's practice squad. He started in all 17 games for the Texans last year and finished with 124 tackles, three sacks, and two interceptions.
Now nearing the wrong side of 30, Kirksey can't be too upset with where he landed this offseason. Getting cut from the Texans may have been an unpleasant surprise, but joining a serious Super Bowl contender like the Bills must feel like an insane upgrade.
Kirksey has played for the Browns and Packers in the past and should have no trouble fitting into the Bills. God forbid the Bills' defense suffers any injuries, Kirksey is a grizzled veteran capable of making an impact whenever his number is called.
Good for the Bills, and good for Kirksey.
NFL Rumors: Dolphins chuckle at Jaylen Waddle trade rumors
Given the latest offseason rumors, it's reasonable to believe the Miami Dolphins have Colts running back Jonathan Taylor on their radar.
It's less reasonable to believe the Dolphins would give up star wideout Jaylen Waddle in a potential trade for Taylor.
Nay, it's just about ludicrous. Dolphins general manager Chris Grier laughed in response to a reporter asking whether Waddle was requested in a Taylor deal. Grier set the record straight, declaring that Waddle "will not be available to anybody."
Nice try, Indy. But Miami isn't falling for it.
Waddle, a 2021 No. 6 overall pick, put up 1,000-plus yard seasons in his first two years in the league. He finished the 2022 season with a whopping 18.1 yards per catch and eight touchdowns and is arguably poised for an even bigger breakout campaign in 2023.
The Colts technically have until the October 31 trade deadline to try and deal Taylor -- they should just know they're not getting anywhere near a first-round pick -- or, in Waddle's case, a former first-rounder -- in return for an injured back who will start the year on the PUP list.
Elite wideout or elite back? Most NFL teams would pick the wideout every time.
