Fins Loaded for Fireworks 🐬🧨

Good morning. This is the Opening Drive, the weekly newsletter that brings you the best of the NFL so you’re always the smartest one at the water cooler.

Rodgers is ready for OTAs, Claypool is headed to Buffalo, the Dolphins offense is loaded, the NFL Network is cleaning house, and we've got a deep dive on stadium financing.

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Jets QB Aaron Rodgers expected to be full participant at OTAs (NFL.com)

• Free agent WR Chase Claypool signs with Bills (PFT)

• Steelers decline 5th-year option on RB Najee Harris (Yahoo Sports)

• Chargers add veteran WR DJ Clark (PFT)

• Dolphins add another star playmaker on offense (Yardbarker)

• Bills sign former Jaguars DE Dawuane Smoot (Sports Illustrated)

• Marvin Harrison Jr. declines to sign NFLPA licensing deal in favor of rumored $1M Fanatics contract (Bleacher Report)

• NFL to allow Guardian Caps on helmets during regular season (ESPN)

• Panthers part ways with director of pro personnel, asst. director of pro personnel (Yahoo Sports)

• Michael Irvin out at NFL Network with major changes coming (NY Post)

• NFL Network pulls the plug on ‘Total Access’ after 21-years (Yahoo Sports)

• Veteran broadcaster Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms replaced by Matt Ryan and JJ Watt on CBS’ ‘NFL Today’ pregame show (Variety)

• No charges for Cowboys' Dak Prescott for alleged 2017 assault (ESPN)

• ESPN, NFL Network are believed to be closing in on a deal (PFT)

OPENING DRIVE REQUIRED READING

We’re adding a new feature this week called ‘Opening Drive Required Reading.’ Some of these may be longer form articles and features we think are particularly interesting and worth checking out. We’ll do our best to share stories without a paywall, but occasionally there’s just no way around it.

Enjoy fam. 🤝

• Mike Sando of The Athletic published an interesting take on what happened inside the Falcons’ draft room when the team took QB Michael Penix Jr. with the number eight overall pick.

• Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated delves into the decision-making process of the Falcons, Vikings, and Broncos as they selected their QBs in the 2024 draft.

WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
The Miami Dolphins offense. The Miami Dolphins' offense is primed to take the league by storm in 2024. After a breakout season in 2023, head coach Mike McDaniel has further bolstered his unit with a slew of explosive playmakers. The Dolphins' crown jewel is the dynamic duo of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa and wide receiver Tyreek Hill. Their chemistry was on full display last season, and with another year in McDaniel's system, they are poised to elevate their game to new heights. The addition of rookie running back Jaylen Wright from Tennessee further strengthens the Dolphins' ground attack, adding a physical presence to complement the speed of Raheem Mostert and De'Von Achane. But the real x-factor may be the signing of veteran wideout Odell Beckham Jr. The three-time Pro Bowler brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of dominance to an already formidable receiving corps that includes the electrifying Jaylen Waddle. With OBJ, Tagovailoa now has a true go-to target to rely on in critical situations. McDaniel's offensive genius lies in his ability to tailor his schemes to the strengths of his personnel. By leveraging the versatility of his weapons, he can create mismatches and exploiting defenses in myriad ways. The Dolphins' offense is poised to be a juggernaut, a testament to the team's commitment to building a championship-caliber unit. With a plethora of talent and McDaniel's innovative mind, the Dolphins' offense is primed to dominate the competition in 2024.

Who’s down?
The NFL Network. The NFL Network is undergoing a profound transformation, marked by the departure of prominent personalities and the cancellation of its flagship program, "NFL Total Access." At the center of this upheaval is the sudden exit of Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin, who has been a mainstay on the network for years. Irvin's dismissal, which comes amid unspecified "shakeups" at the network, is the latest blow to the NFL Network's credibility. The long-running "NFL Total Access" show, known for its in-depth analysis and breaking news coverage, has also been canceled, leaving fans and industry insiders alike questioning the network's strategic direction. These developments are part of a broader restructuring effort at the NFL Network, which has included a series of layoffs and cost-saving measures. The network's vice president of communications, Alex Riethmiller, has confirmed the changes, stating that the network is "evaluating its talent roster for the upcoming 2024 season and beyond." Amid the turmoil, the NFL Network is also engaged in ongoing negotiations with ESPN, with the potential of the Disney-owned network taking over the NFL Network and other NFL Media properties. This move would see the NFL receiving a minority stake in ESPN, potentially reshaping the landscape of sports media. As the NFL Network navigates these uncertain times, the future of the network remains in flux. Fans can only hope that the network's leadership will find a way to rebuild and regain the trust and loyalty of its audience, who have come to rely on its unparalleled coverage of the sport they love.

NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
A deep dive on stadium financing

The financing of modern sports stadiums has long been a contentious issue, with billionaire team owners often turning to taxpayers to foot the bill. Over the years, this practice has become increasingly commonplace, with cities and states across the country shelling out billions of dollars to support the construction and renovation of these facilities. One of the most striking examples is the case of the NFL's Buffalo Bills. When the team was in need of a new stadium, the state of New York and Erie County agreed to contribute a staggering $850 million towards the $1.4 billion project. This means that taxpayers are responsible for over 60% of the total cost, a significant burden that has drawn criticism from economists and policymakers alike. Similarly, the Chicago Bears' pursuit of a new domed lakefront stadium has faced scrutiny from experts, who estimate that the project could cost taxpayers nearly $7 billion, significantly higher than the team's own projections. This raises questions about the true value of these investments, as studies have shown that the economic benefits of new stadiums often fail to justify the public's financial commitment. The trend of public-private partnerships in stadium financing is not limited to the NFL. In the NBA, the Golden State Warriors' new Chase Center in San Francisco was built with the help of $200 million in public funds, while the Los Angeles Clippers' new Intuit Dome will receive over $300 million in taxpayer support. As these examples illustrate, the modern sports landscape has become increasingly reliant on taxpayer-funded stadiums, with the burden often falling on local communities. This practice has come under growing scrutiny, with calls for greater transparency and accountability in the financing of these facilities.

Did you know?

🏈 Taxpayers are responsible for over 60% of the $1.4 billion cost for the new Buffalo Bills stadium, contributing $850 million.
🏈 The new Chicago Bears domed lakefront stadium is estimated to cost taxpayers nearly $7 billion, significantly higher than the team's own projections.
🏈 The Golden State Warriors' new Chase Center in San Francisco received $200 million in public funds as part of the public-private partnership.
🏈 The Los Angeles Clippers' new Intuit Dome will receive over $300 million in taxpayer support as part of its financing.

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