NFL Notes: Lions, Packers, Raiders, & Steelers

Lions

• According to Neil Stratton, the Lions have hired Saints area scout Brendan Prophett as their new Director of Pro Scouting.
• Stratton adds that the Lions have also hired former Falcons area scout Scott Sika for the same position.

Packers

• Aaron Wilson reports that the Packers have invited S Brent Spikes for a tryout at their minicamp this weekend.

Raiders

An NFL owner tells Mike Freeman of B/R that percentage of the Raiders relocating to Las Vegas “is now 50 percent—and maybe as high as 75.”

According to Freeman, it’s clear that the NFL is warming up to the idea of a team being located in Vegas, despite their prior concerns.

Sources tell Freeman that Cowboys owner Jerry Jones has been pushing Mark Davis to sell the Raiders or relinquish control of the team for years now. Jones said publicly that he would support having a team in Vegas before adding the caveat: with “the right ownership.”

Freeman adds that the owner he spoke with believes there’s a small chance that Davis is bluffing about relocating the team and is instead using the talks to get a better deal from the city of Oakland.

• The Raiders announced that they’ve signed undrafted rookies G Denver Kirkland, WR Jaydon Mickens, and OL Terran Vaughn.

Steelers

Steelers GM Kevin Colbert tells Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk that he expects WR Antonio Brown to honor his contract, despite the fact that he’s underpaid by market standards.

“He does have two years left and we expect that to be honored without any issue,” Colbert said. “Again, Antonio’s a unique player. We understand that and he understands our policies. I don’t ever see that changing as long as we still have the mindset that it’s been good for the organization. Again we understand that he’s a special player and we’re glad we have him for two more years anyway.”

The Steelers have made a point to not negotiate extensions for their players until they’re in the final year of the agreement.