For Rueben Bain Jr. to become an NFL star, he’ll need to do it as an outlier.

The ultra-productive Miami edge rusher’s arms measured at 30 7/8 inches at the NFL scouting combine — one of the shortest measurements at his position in recent decades.

Since 1999, only four edge rushers measured in with shorter arms than Bain, according to ...Read more

NEW YORK — Another member of the Jets’ 2022 draft class has been traded.

The Jets are trading pass rusher Jermaine Johnson to the Titans in exchange for defensive tackle T’Vondre Sweat, sources told the New York Daily News. NFL Network was first to report the trade.

The deal cannot be processed until the start of the new league year on ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — Fresh off a bout with food poisoning, Sean Payton made a decision he believes will improve the health of his offense.

Tuesday, he officially, publicly handed off play-calling duties to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb. He did not look sick or gag when he said it. So, for now, we must believe it. Take him at his word.

In ...Read more

KANSAS CITY, Mo. — A contingent of media swarmed the middle stage inside the Indianapolis Convention Center, the precursor for a barrage of questions to one of football’s best stories.

To a nearby stage walked the general manager of another team, and he stared out toward a much smaller crowd.

Brett Veach, the Chiefs' general manager, ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — Former Ravens offensive coordinator Todd Monken looked, above all, comfortable Wednesday afternoon at the NFL scouting combine — or at least comfortable in his choice of uniform for the moment. He was clad head to toe in Nike, including a baby blue Jordan-brand hoodie, gray track pants and sneakers that seemed to glide as much...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — After a five-year hiatus, Denver Broncos head coach Sean Payton rejoined the competition committee this offseason. He said he likes “our league” and having a say in the rules that govern it.

But every once in a while, his self-described “BS meter” spikes.

Last year’s discussions surrounding the Tush Push struck a ...Read more

Let’s keep this incredibly simple for the brain trust in Santa Clara, Calif.

Do the San Francisco 49ers actually want to compete for the Super Bowl this upcoming season?

Yes or no?

If the answer is yes, they need to sign left tackle Trent Williams to a contract extension. End of discussion. Roll the credits. There is no middle ground, no ...Read more

MIAMI — Jon-Eric Sullivan described the Miami Dolphins as being in a “needy quarterback situation” when talking about the roster he inherited as the team’s new general manager.

While this admission made at the NFL combine surprises absolutely nobody, the description, and a subtle exclusion, does provide a hint of what’s to come this ...Read more

DENVER — Do they give merit badges for awesomeness? While Sean Payton was jetting to the scouting combine, his left tackle was hanging out with Boy Scouts.

“We need guys to come in that (locker room) that have great attitude,” Garett Bolles, the Broncos’ Pro Bowl blocker, told me Monday morning at Ball Arena, just before the big guy ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — See anything on the Chicago Bears roster that interests you? Reach out to Ryan Poles.

The general manager is willing to consider just about anything as the team seeks to create needed salary-cap flexibility in the next two weeks. The Bears are trying to thread the needle of being competitive again in 2026 while building a ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — Sean Payton is stepping into a new phase of his decades-long head coaching career.

The Denver Broncos head coach confirmed Tuesday that he is handing primary offensive play calling responsibility to new offensive coordinator Davis Webb. Payton said he would still call some plays and be heavily involved in game planning.

Payton...Read more

MINNEAPOLIS — Minnesota Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell referred to wide receiver Rondale Moore as “one that got away” following Moore’s death Saturday, Feb. 21, at the age of 25.

Executive Vice President of Football Operations Rob Brzezinski also acknowledged Moore’s passing when he and O’Connell talked to local Twin Cities media ...Read more

NEW YORK — With the franchise and transition tag deadline a week from Tuesday, Gang Green is prepared to use it on Breece Hall.

Jets general manager Darren Mougey said on Tuesday that they will use one of the tags if they cannot reach a long-term deal with the running back.

“The tags are an option,” Mougey said during his press ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said Tuesday that he is “confident” that the team will be able to work out a contract extension with two-time NFL Most Valuable Player and quarterback Lamar Jackson.

Jackson, 29, has two years remaining on his current deal but is due to carry a prohibitive $74.5 million salary cap hit ...Read more

INDIANAPOLIS — There should be no focus at this week’s NFL combine on players that the Giants have flagged for character concerns.

There should be no leaks about players who the National Football League and its 32 teams may deem unworthy of representing their shield or logo for some gray area in their scouting report.

Not while the NFL and...Read more

PITTSBURGH — Aaron Rodgers is making the Pittsburgh Steelers wait again, and I can see it is already triggering some fans and media types who just want him to make a decision.

That thinking is not only short-sighted, it is once again giving Rodgers all of the power, and there is no need for that.

The Steelers should be focused on the future ...Read more

PHILADELPHIA — In the wake of the untimely deaths of three young NFL players, A.J. Brown on Monday posted a 9-minute, 8-second testimonial on Instagram encouraging NFL athletes struggling with mental health issues to seek counseling and God rather than taking their own lives. It was poignant and it was beautiful.

It was a revealing glimpse ...Read more

MIAMI — Have you ever been in so much of a financial bind you have found yourself paying the rent or mortgage, maybe even the car note, with a high-interest credit card?

Month after month, as the interest grows, so does the debt, and eventually the collectors are calling every day, and you’re eventually forced to tighten the budget to dig ...Read more