With organized team activities (NFL OTAs) now underway, NFL franchises have officially taken the next step in preparation for the 2015 NFL season. While these workouts are voluntary, preliminary stops on the road to mandatory mini-camps and training camps, there is still a great deal going on around the league at this important time of the off-season. With that in mind, let’s take a look at a few of the important happenings of the week.
NFL OTAs: Stories From Around the League
-Unfortunately, it starts off with an unfortunate turn of events as Denver Broncos’ LT Ryan Clady tore his ACL during an OTA session and will miss the entire 2015 season. The Broncos’ confirmed this by placing the protector of Peyton Manning’s blindside on injured reserve, as the 2008 first-round pick finds himself on the road to recovery for the second time in three years. In 2013 a Lisfranc injury sidelined Clady for most of the season and he finds himself in similar circumstances at this juncture of his career. It’s a rotten break for a talented player and a team that already had needs along the offensive line. Early indications are that second-round rookie Ty Sambrailo will get the first crack at the left tackle job, but in the long run the chief concern is for Clady. He has a lot of time to get healthy for the 2016 campaign and here’s hoping the former Boise State star can shake the injury bug going forward. Get well soon, Ryan.
-Speaking of injuries, it appears that Sam Bradford is still on the road to recovery from the ACL tear he suffered last year. This is the same ACL he tore twice in less than a calendar year, and as such it’s a wise move that the former number one overall pick takes this process slowly. Early reports from OTAs indicate that Bradford is still moving with a bit of a limp as he waits to gain clearance to take part in team drills, while Mark Sanchez is handling all of the first- team reps. In fact, head coach Chip Kelly has declared an open competition for the Eagles 2015 starting quarterback job.
That’s understandable given the circumstances, and I don’t doubt that Kelly means what he says, but at the end of the day, one has to think that this is still going to be Bradford’s gig when Week One rolls around. The fact is, the Eagles gave up their starting quarterback (Nick Foles), a 2015 fourth-round pick, and a 2016 second-round pick to acquire Bradford and a 2015 fifth-round pick. The franchise wouldn’t have surrendered those assets for a backup quarterback. As Sam the (former) Ram continues to get healthy and ultimately impresses in training camp, the job should be his for the taking.
-Dez Bryant showed up unexpectedly for at a Dallas Cowboys’ OTA session on Thursday and apparently took part in some individual position drills. This is a bit of a surprise considering the often-contentious nature of franchise tag disputes between NFL stars and organizations. The Cowboys tagged Bryant almost three months ago and as is the case with many franchise players, the All-Pro wideout has yet to sign his one-year, $12.8 million tender in the hopes of securing a long-term deal.
It is not uncommon for these disagreements to linger on well past this point, often deep into training camp, but Bryant’s passion is clearly unquestioned. By showing up to practice, even in a limited capacity, Bryant accomplishes a great deal. It’s a terrific PR move, winning over his coaches, teammates, fans, and the media alike by displaying his dedication to his craft, and by only participating in individual drills he puts himself at a minimal risk of injury.
Contract negotiations are a lot like chess matches, and this one doesn’t seem to be anywhere near it’s completion, but kudos to Bryant for making a move like this. Whether playing under the tag or a long-term pact, Bryant is sure to shine as one of the game’s premiere pass-catchers once again in 2015.
