NFL Notes: Chargers, Giants, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Jets & Lions

Chargers

• Jason Cole of B/R, citing multiple NFL sources, reports that even if the Chargers win the election for a new stadium in San Diego, it’s possible that they could face multiple legal challenges, which could drag things out into 2017.
• Cole says that the Chargers would then request an extension from the NFL to allow them to continue to focus on a downtown San Diego stadium while keeping the door open to Los Angeles.
• One other issue is that the team would need to purchase land in downtown San Diego.

Giants

• Jordan Raanan reports that Giants WR Odell Beckham Jr and DE Jason Pierre-Paul joined the team for voluntary OTAs on Thursday.

Jets

Manish Mehta of the New York Daily News mentioned during an appearance on Pro Football Talk Live that the Jets could soon decide that they no longer interested in negotiating a contract with QB Ryan Fitzpatrick and instead elect to move on.

“I think it’s coming a lot sooner than some people might expect, and if you’re in the Jets’ position I think your patience should be wearing thin,” Mehta said. “The Jets are probably a bit closer to moving on than has been talked about at this point.”

• Jason Cole of B/R mentions one solution for the Jets and Fitzpatrick would be to include an opt-out clause in his next contract. This would help the Jets by keeping Fitzpatrick’s cap figure in check while giving Fitzpatrick an opportunity to once again test the open market in 2017 and offering him some incentive to put together a solid 2016 season.

Lions

• Lions DC Teryl Austin said of the four interviews he had for prospective head-coaching jobs last year, he felt two were legitimate. (Michael Rothstein)
• Reporters asked Austin if he felt the other two were interviews were related to meeting the Rooney Rule requirements to which he said to take his comments however you want. (Michael Rothstein)
• Austin added that he believes he’ll eventually land a head-coaching job. (Michael Rothstein)