NFLPA Flunks Commanders with Worst Grade

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.

Chiefs Owner Gets 'F-Minus-Minus-Minus', Tom Brady beat his scouting combine 40-yard dash time (24-years later), Josh Harris is interviewing QB prospects 🙄, and we've got a breakdown of the history of the franchise tag. Lastly, we pay tribute to legendary NFL writer Chris Mortensen who passed away on Sunday.

Let’s dive in.

QUICK HITS

• Award-winning ESPN NFL reporter Chris Mortensen dies at 72 (ESPN)

• Bucs and star WR Mike Evans agree to two-year, $52M deal (NFL.com)

• Texas WR Xavier Worthy wows, sets 40-yard dash record with 4.21 seconds (Yahoo Sports)

• The NFLPA released their annual team report cards (Yahoo Sports)

• RB Josh Jacobs reportedly seeking a one-year deal with the Raiders (Sportskeeda)

• People inside the Falcons organization have Jayden Daniels as QB1 in the upcoming draft (Sports Illustrated)

• Jerry Jones elaborated on his vow to go “all-in” this year (Pro Football Talk)

• NFL Players Association explores the possibility of a drastically revamped offseason program (Pro Football Talk)

• Chiefs plan $800M renovation to Arrowhead Stadium after 2026 World Cup (AP)

• NFL is testing a system to electronically measure 1st downs, replace chains (Bleacher Report)

• The 49ers promoted Nick Sorensen as new defensive coordinator (NFL.com)

• Tom Brady beats his NFL combine 40-yard dash time — 24 years later (NY Post)

• The NFL is grappling with ‘the opt-out generation’ (Yahoo Sports)

WHO’S UP? WHO’S DOWN?

Who’s up?
The Waterboys (literally). Last week, the Conquering Kili class of 2024 reached the summit of Mt. Kilimanjaro, standing at 19,341 feet. Conquiering Kili, part of the Waterboys initiative and the Chris Long Foundation, connects clean water advocates and Veterans from the military and NFL to climb Africa's highest peak. In doing so, they raise funds and awareness for clean water initiatives in East Africa. Team members train for six months before attempting the challenging climb. To date, the Waterboys have funded over 300 wells, providing life-sustaining water to more than 300,000 people. Through partnerships with established NGOs like Worldserve International, the Waterboys leverage the power of sports and military service to make a tangible impact. With a growing coalition of athlete and Veteran ambassadors, this innovative charity harnesses influence for global good. Congratulations to the Conquering Kili class of 2024 on their monumental achievement.

Who’s down?
The Washington Commanders. The Commanders once again find themselves in the basement of the NFL Players Association's latest report card, with failing grades in six critical categories. Most alarmingly, players reportedly endured multiple sewage leaks in the locker room throughout the season, showcasing the dilapidated state of the facilities. The training staff also ranks near the bottom, with only 52% of players receiving adequate injury treatment time due to understaffing. The lone bright spot was the strength and conditioning coaches, who ranked 5th overall. If new owner Josh Harris wants to turn around this beleaguered franchise, resolving these stadium and facility issues is an absolute must after years of neglect under previous owner Dan Snyder. In addition to the facilities, Harris is taking an unusually hands-on role in the team's draft process. Harris sat in on interviews with top quarterback prospects at the NFL Combine, signaling a strong desire to draft a new franchise quarterback. While most owners play a limited role, Harris seems intent on asserting his influence over personnel decisions. This echoes the approach of Panthers' owner David Tepper, who reportedly pushed for drafting QB Bryce Young in 2023 despite struggles compared to other top quarterback prospects. The wisdom of Tepper's move remains in question and only time will tell if Harris' hands-on approach will lead to success or if he too is overestimating his own drafting acumen.

A TRIBUTE TO CHRIS MORTENSEN

Chris Mortensen passed away on Sunday March 3. Mortensen (or “Mort”) was an award-winning giant in NFL journalism who set the standard for breaking news and providing insightful analysis. For over 30 years at ESPN, Mort established himself as one of the most well-respected and beloved figures in the industry. Diagnosed with throat cancer in 2016, he courageously battled the disease while continuing to passionately cover the sport he loved. Mort was a mentor to many and treated colleagues, players, coaches, and fans alike with kindness and care. He broke major stories with credibility and attention to detail, including Peyton Manning's retirement. Mort's passing leaves a void in the lives of his ESPN family, his legion of friends, and football fans who trusted his reporting. He will be remembered for his pioneering career, fierce work ethic, and perhaps most of all, his warm heart. Mort was truly one of a kind and will be deeply missed. His legacy lives on through the generations of journalists he inspired. He is survived by his wife, Micki, and son, Alex.

NUMBERS YOU SHOULD KNOW
A deep dive on the history of the franchise tag

The franchise tag is an important tool that allows NFL teams to retain impending unrestricted free agents for one year. This binding agreement goes into effect if specific conditions are met. There are two types of tags — Exclusive Franchise Tag which prohibits the player from negotiating with other teams, and non-Exclusive Franchise Tag which allows the player to negotiate with other teams, but gives the current team the right to match any offer or receive two first-round draft picks if the player goes elsewhere. Teams can only use the franchise tag once per year. In 2022, the quarterback tag amount was $29.7 million. Since its inception as the "Elway Rule" in 1993, the tag has been used 92 times to prevent star players from leaving in free agency. While beneficial for teams, the tag is unpopular with players because it limits their leverage in contract talks. Notable players like Le'Veon Bell have held out after being tagged. This offseason, potential candidates include Giants RB Saquon Barkley, Jaguars LB Josh Allen, and Panthers DE Brian Burns. Overall, the franchise tag remains a pivotal tool for NFL front offices to retain top talent headed into free agency, despite objections from players regarding its restrictive nature. When used strategically, it can help teams maintain continuity by securing their superstar players.

Did you know?

🏈 The salary for a player on an exclusive tag is whichever of the following two numbers is higher: the average of the five largest salaries at the player’s position that year, or 120% of the player’s salary from the previous year.
🏈 The salary for a player under the non-exclusive tag is whichever of the following two numbers is higher: the average of the five highest salaries at the player’s position throughout the last five years but under the current year’s salary cap, or 120% of the player’s salary from the previous year.
🏈 According to NBC Sports, a second straight tag costs 120% of the salary from the previous season. A third consecutive tag is either 144% of the salary from the second tag, 120% of the average of the top five salaries at the player’s position, or the average of the five largest salaries at the NFL’s top-paid position.
🏈 The franchise tag deadline for 2024 is Tuesday, March 5.

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