Jared Goff
Lions GM Brad Holmes, who was the Rams’ scouting director when they drafted Jared Goff in 2016, believes the quarterback has always had a “chip on his shoulder” since being recruited to the University of California.
“I remember going through the (scouting) process on him coming out and he actually didn’t go to Cal regarded where he thought he should have been regarded,” Holmes said, via Justin Rogers of The Detroit News. “He had a chip on his shoulder coming into Cal. He went to a — let’s just say a bad Cal team. I think they only won one game that first year. He had a chip on his shoulder and got them up to a bowl victory as he exited.”
Holmes compared Goff’s current situation to when he struggled during his rookie season in Los Angeles and feels a “change of scenery” will reinvigorate the quarterback.
“His ’16 season (rookie year), let’s just call it a bad situation he was put in. They labeled him a bust, so, you know, chip on his shoulder going into ’17. Then, obviously, you know how things went down (this offseason), so I think he’s got another chip on his shoulder, where hopefully not only the change of scenery, but I think we’re getting Jared right at the right time.”
In the end, Holmes said his expectations are for Goff to play comfortably and enjoy the game.
“I just want him to be comfortable and enjoy it,” Holmes said. “I think that’s what he’s showing out there in these OTAs and hopefully we’ll see this in minicamp. You know, I like the approach (coach) Dan (Campbell) has taken with him. It’s like, ‘Hey man, you’re the starter and this is your team. Go compete, practice and make sure practice is how you want practice to be.’ To give him that kind of ownership I think has been big for him and I think he’s really enjoying that breath of fresh air.”
Bears
Arlington Heights Mayor Tom Hayes said the Bears potentially moving to his city is a possibility.
“It’s still on the table, to my understanding, but it’s a complete, definite ‘maybe,'” Hayes said, via Christopher Placek of the Daily Herald. “I’m not in a position where I could say it’s a definite ‘go’ or definite ‘no go.'”
- Bears TE Jimmy Graham said he thought about retirement, but HC Matt Nagy and GM Ryan Pace talked him out of it. (Adam Jahns)
- LB Roquan Smith said even though he isn’t thinking about a new contract, it is a goal of his to stay in Chicago. (Jahns)
- Bears WR Allen Robinson posted on Twitter that he is attending minicamp. Robinson is currently set to play 2021 on the franchise tag, which he has already signed.
Packers
Former Packers WR James Jones addressed the recent comments made by Team President Mark Murphy about QB Aaron Rodgers being a “complicated fella.”
“I have a very good relationship with Mark Murphy,” Jones said during an appearance on NFL Network. “Mark Murphy has a very good relationship with all of his players. . . . If you have a relationship with Aaron Rodgers, no, he’s not a complicated fella. And that’s with anything. You are talking about the future of a Hall of Fame quarterback’s career. Yeah, it’s gonna be complicated. He wants some things, you want some things. So it’s gonna be complicated. But listening to Mark Murphy talk, I am not reading into it too much. I’m pumping my brakes . . . I am relaxing. Don’t read too much into it. I know Mark personally, Mark loves all his players. And, yes, this situation is complicated because you’re dealing with a guy who wants certain things, you’re dealing with an organization who wants some things and you’re trying to come together as one to get this thing fixed. So it’s gonna be a little complicated. . . . So when you do have a relationship with him . . . no, it is not complicated. So get together, get a relationship with Aaron Rodgers like I have one, and get together and get it fixed.”
- Packers rookie WR Amari Rodgers said RB Aaron Jones attending voluntary OTAs showed he is a role model: “It showed a lot … he was here from Day 1, being that example.” (Matt Schneidman)
Looking for the latest NFL Insider News & Rumors?
Be sure to follow NFL Trade Rumors on TWITTER and FACEBOOK for breaking NFL News and Rumors for all 32 teams!
