Theoretically, we've hit the start of a lull for NFL news. The 2013 NFL Draft is over, and select OTAs won't begin for another two weeks. Monday was unusually busy, however, with the news cycle consumed by Tim Tebow's release from the New York Jets, and reaction to Jason Collins becoming the first openly gay, active male professional athlete in a major sport.
NFL news and rumors: Tim Tebow ‘radioactive,’ Dolphins do damage control for Mike Wallace
We’re technically in a dead period for NFL news, but there was plenty to chew from around the league Monday, including more on Tim Tebow’s release and reactions to Mike Wallace’s insensitive tweet.
Among all of the hullabaloo, you may have missed tidbits on Branden Albert's lukewarm trade negotiations, Tyrann Mathieu's contract and Collin Klein's future at quarterback. Here is the latest from around the league:
Tim Tebow reportedly showed up to the New York Jets this offseason in impeccable shape and sporting an improved throwing motion. Despite Tebow’s hard work, however, teams have been trying to distance themselves from him in the wake of his release. One general manager called Tebow “radioactive,” according to the New York Post.
Teams are reportedly turned off by the media attention that seemingly follows Tebow wherever he goes. When weighed against his playing ability, front offices see the distraction as too much to handle. The Canadian Football League, Arena Football League and, sure, Lingerie Football League could be more than willing to accept Tebow’s shortcomings, however.
Mike Wallace tweeted some rather insensitive remarks after Jason Collins came out as the first openly gay active male athlete in a major sport on Monday. The Miami Dolphins promptly released a statement saying that Wallace's tweet was unacceptable.
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Dan Kadar breaks down the Jadeveon Clowney sweepstakes “Mike Wallace has apologized for his comments, and we have addressed the matter with him. Mike’s comments do not reflect the views of the Miami Dolphins. We believe in a culture of inclusiveness and respect, and any statements to the contrary are in no way acceptable to our organization. We will address the entire team about our policy of inclusion and make sure they all understand the importance of respecting individual choices.”
Wallace quickly deleted the tweet and sent out an apology. More importantly, Collins received overwhelmingly positive support from players around the NBA.
Branden Albert has been on the verge of being traded since, well, basically the beginning of free agency. Now that the long-discussed deal with the Miami Dolphins has disappeared into air, it's unclear what the Kansas City Chiefs want to do. Reports suggest that they are still shopping Albert, this time for a 2014 second-round pick.
They are also apparently keen on keeping Albert if they can't come to an agreement with another suitor, according to the Kansas City Star. There is certainly incentive to hanging on to Albert. Coupled with the selection of Eric Fisher with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2013 NFL Draft, Albert helps give the Chiefs a formidable offensive line for the foreseeable future.
Albert wants a long-term deal at a hefty rate, and at some point the Chiefs will likely have to make a deal or let him go. There is no rush to get rid of him now that they have him locked up under the franchise tag for 2013, however.
The trade sending Davone Bess from the Miami Dolphins to the Cleveland Browns was one of several surprises during the 2013 NFL Draft. The deal made sense from the Dolphins' standpoint. They were in a number crunch after adding Mike Wallace and Brandon Gibson in the offseason. Reports suggest that friction between Bess and the organization may have also played in role in the deal, however.
Bess missed the final three games of the regular season due to a back injury. The Dolphins did not place Bess on injured reserve under in hopes that he could play through the pain. Bess sat instead, and apparently irked members of the front office in the process.
Bess called his departure from the Dolphins "bittersweet," but it may be for the best. In Cleveland, he'll have a chance to serve as a mentor among a young receiving corps, and act as a needed sure-handed slot receiver for Brandon Weeden.
The Pittsburgh Steelers haven't had to rely on a rookie starter since Maurkice Pouncey took over at center in 2010. The loss of several key veterans this offseason may change that, however. Outside linebacker Jarvis Jones, running back Le'Veon Bell and wide receiver Markus Wheaton are all in position to move into starting roles beginning with the 2013 season.
Jones is the most intriguing as a first-round pick. He'll have to beat out Jason Worilds for the right to replace James Harrison, which won't be an easy task. Bell and Wheaton seemingly have an easier path for playing time. Bell could start from Day 1 ahead of the ineffective Jonathan Dwyer and Isaac Redman. Wheaton's skillset is very similar to the departed Mike Wallace.
It’s bizarre that Mathieu’s contract even became a topic of discussion, but given his mercurial reputation, perhaps it shouldn’t be surprising.
Peter King reported Monday that the Arizona Cardinals would not be giving Mathieu any guaranteed money in his Monday Morning Quarterback column, and Mathieu's agent quickly fired back, calling King's report "ridiculous." The agent did confirm that the Cardinals would be taking some protections, however, including screening Mathieu with weekly drug tests.
Mathieu is set to move to free safety next season.
The Houston Texans are going to give Collin Klein an opportunity to play quarterback in the NFL.
Klein is facing many of the same problems as Tim Tebow. He was tremendously productive in college, but he enters the NFL with wonky passing mechanics, and many believe that he will have to switch positions to contribute at the next level. Like Tebow, he has the frame and athleticism to potentially be an excellent tight end.
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Klein wants to play under center. After all, he finished third in Heisman Trophy voting as a signal caller. Klein could have a hard time making the depth chart in Houston, with T.J. Yates, Stephen McGee and Case Keenum all on the roster behind incumbent starter Matt Schaub, however.
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