Minshew Ado About Something

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.

MinshewMania hits Vegas, Bo Nix will start for the Broncos, CeeDee is ‘still waiting on that phone call’ 📱, Ja’Marr Chase showed up to practice, Chargers players got stuck in an elevator, the NFLPA wants its players in the Olympics, Sunday Ticket is available on the App Store, Creed Humphrey became the league’s highest paid Center, and Tua threw B Flo under the bus.

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Now, let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Las Vegas Raiders name Gardner Minshew as starting quarterback over Aidan O’Connell (Yahoo Sports)

• Broncos name Bo Nix starting quarterback for regular season (Bleacher Report)

• Commanders name rookie Jayden Daniels starting quarterback for regular season (ESPN)

• Report: Potential Brandon Aiyuk trade to Commanders is back in play (PFT)

• Bengals WR Ja'Marr Chase returns to practice amid contract dispute (NFL.com)

• CeeDee Lamb on contract negotiations: 'Still waiting on that phone call' (on3)

• Chargers players rescued from 'inoperable elevator' by Dallas Fire-Rescue (Yahoo Sports)

• Chiefs, Creed Humphrey agree to four-year, $72M deal that makes him highest-paid center in NFL (CBS Sports)

• Falcons signing CB A.J. Terrell to four-year, $81 million contract extension (Yahoo Sports)

• Commanders trade former first-round WR Jahan Dotson to Eagles (ESPN)

• Kyle Shanahan on Trent Williams' contract: 'Hopefully it's getting close' (Bleacher Report)

• Chargers QB Justin Herbert (foot) resumes practicing for first time since July (NFL.com)

• Rams LT Alaric Jackson suspended two games for violating NFL's personal conduct policy (NFL.com)

• CB Chris Claybrooks’ eight-game suspension is deemed complete after he sat out last season (PFT)

• WR Zay Jones has been suspended five games by the NFL for violating the league's personal-conduct policy (PFT)

• CB J.C. Jackson suspended one game for violating the league's personal-conduct policy (PFT)

• Pro Football Hall of Fame revises bylaws governing annual selection process (NFL.com)

• NFL, NFLPA working to allow players to compete in flag football during 2028 Olympics (Bleacher Report)

• The NFL could approve the framework for private equity investment in franchises before the regular season starts (FOS)

• Team USA flag football QB Darrell Doucette claims he is better than Patrick Mahomes (on3)

• NFL increases gambling policy education, integrity monitoring efforts (AP)

• Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes gives $5 million to Texas Tech for stadium, football center projects (on3)

• Mike Greenberg named as the new host of ESPN’s ‘Sunday NFL Countdown’, succeeding Sam Ponder (FOS)

• Sunday Ticket is available on Apple app store, for $679.99 (PFT)

OPENING DRIVE REQUIRED READING

• There's been debate over whether NFL stars should compete in flag football for the first time in the 2028 Olympic Games. Caitlin Clark’s Olympic snub should be a lesson, Joe Rexrode writes.

• Ralph Vacchiano writes why it's now or never for Aaron Rodgers to lead cursed Jets out of the darkness.

WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
Creed Humphrey. In a move that solidifies the Kansas City Chiefs' offensive line for years to come, Creed Humphrey has agreed to a four-year, $72 million contract extension, making him the highest-paid center in the NFL. This deal is a well-deserved reward for the 25-year-old's exceptional play since being drafted in the second round in 2021.

Humphrey has been an anchor for the Chiefs' offensive line, providing stellar protection for Patrick Mahomes and paving the way for the team's potent offense. His dominance has not gone unnoticed, as he was ranked as the best center in the league by Pro Football Focus headed into the 2024 season.

"Creed has been one of the most valuable and consistent players on our offensive line since joining the team," said Chiefs head coach Andy Reid. "His combination of strength, technique, and intelligence makes him an invaluable asset in the trenches."

Humphrey's impact extends beyond his individual performance. His leadership and communication skills have been instrumental in coordinating the offensive line's efforts, ensuring seamless execution of the team's high-powered offense.

With Mahomes at the helm and Humphrey anchoring the line, the Chiefs have their sights set on continued success and potential Super Bowl runs in the coming years. This contract extension not only rewards Humphrey's excellence but also secures a crucial piece of the team's championship puzzle for the foreseeable future.

Who’s down?
Brian Flores. In a recent interview, Miami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa opened up about his tumultuous relationship with former head coach Brian Flores, now the defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings. Tagovailoa's remarks have sent shockwaves through the NFL, reigniting the debate surrounding Flores' controversial tenure in Miami.

"It was a very difficult situation for me," Tagovailoa candidly stated, referring to his time under Flores' leadership. "I'm still trying to get over some things that happened there." The young quarterback's comments hint at a strained dynamic between player and coach, fueling speculation about potential conflicts behind closed doors.

Flores, known for his no-nonsense approach, responded with a measured tone, wishing Tagovailoa "nothing but the best" while acknowledging that the comments were "not positive" for him personally. However, the Vikings' locker room has rallied behind their new defensive coordinator, with players praising Flores' leadership and professionalism.

As the NFL world dissects Tagovailoa's revelations, questions arise about the impact of coaching styles on player development and team chemistry. While Flores' defensive prowess is undeniable, his tenure in Miami was marred by controversies, including his high-profile lawsuit against the Dolphins and the NFL for alleged racial discrimination.

With both Tagovailoa and Flores embarking on new chapters in their careers, the football community eagerly awaits further insights into this intriguing saga. Flores' coaching acumen is undeniable, but his prickly personality and tendency to create controversy cannot be ignored. As he tries to rehabilitate his image in Minnesota, he may need to do some self-reflection.

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