NFL Rumors: Baker Mayfield "or" Kyle Trask will be Bucs starter this season
Leave it to a conjunction to take down Baker Mayfield in Tampa Bay.
The Bucs released their depth chart for the 2023 season, and one curious little word stood out to NFL fans and pundits: "Or."
At the quarterback position on the chart, the Bucs listed Baker Mayfield in the starting spot but added an "or" between his name and presumed No. 2 QB Kyle Trask, which not-so-subtly suggests the starting quarterback spot is still up for grabs…
Florida product and 2021 second-rounder Kyle Trask has never started an NFL game, and he completed only three passes for 23 yards last season. His competition? One of the most laughed-at quarterbacks in the game right now. It's only early August, and Tampa Bay's season already looks like a joke.
ESPN's Adam Schefter pointed out the "or" on the depth chart as strange and unfamiliar, but college teams have been doing it for years, sometimes listing as many as three players who could win the starting job.
Based on the whispers coming out of Bucs' training camp, Mayfield hasn't exactly been making the best first impression on his new teammates. Tampa should have known the franchise was screwed the day Mayfield sat in front of the media and said he wasn't going to be Tom Brady. Well, now it looks like he may not be the starter, either.
NFL Rumors: Kareem Hunt finalizes deal with Saints after Kamara verdict
The first free agent running back domino has fallen: Kareem Hunt is heading to New Orleans.
Amid an offseason tinged with controversy surrounding the RB position, ex-Browns back Kareem Hunt has found a new home with the Saints. Hunt joins the black-and-gold's incredibly talented running back room and could make an immediate impact at the start of the season as Alvin Kamara serves his three-game suspension.
The Saints also have offseason addition Jamaal Williams and rookie Kendre Miller on the depth chart, raising questions as to where Hunt may fit once Kamara returns to the field.
In 2022, Hunt played in all 17 games for the Browns but only as a backup to Nick Chubb — he'll likely retain the same role in NOLA.
Barring an injury setback, Kamara should be the No. 1 back on the team. Ex-Lions star Jamaal Williams and Hunt can battle it out for the next spot on the depth chart, and the developing Miller or currently injured Eno Benjamin may play a larger role on special teams.
With the Hunt signing, the Saints' offense grows another sharp prong. Derek Carr, Michael Thomas, Chris Olave, Taysom Hill, and a ball-carrying room of three proven rushers?
This isn't the same Saints team your grandfather rooted for.
NFL Rumors: Chiefs' update on Kadarius Toney, Isiah Pacheco
It's the NFL preseason, which means it's time for franchises to start boarding the hype train. The reigning Super Bowl champs have garnered mixed reviews of 2023 training camp so far from Kadarius Toney's knee injury to Travis Kelce's reckless punch, but make no mistake, their hype train is packed to the brim and ready to leave the station.
In the latest update out of Chiefs camp, general manager Brett Veach delivered the words every fan wanted to hear. Well, other than: "We have agreed to an extension with Chris Jones."
Both Toney and running back Isiah Pacheco are reportedly on track to play in Week 1. Veach said the team was in a "good place with those guys" and should see them on the field sooner rather than later.
"Organizationally, we feel pretty good those guys will be ready to play, barring no setbacks. I think we're in a good place with both of those guys."
Toney underwent knee surgery after tearing his meniscus on the first day of training camp; Pacheco has had various surgeries for his hand and shoulder this offseason and was a limited participant in camp.
The good news is both starting weapons should be available come the Chiefs' first regular season game, September 7 against the Lions. How each player performs after injury will be a different story.