NFL Notes: Browns, Colts, Jets, Steelers

February 7, 2018

The Cleveland Browns announced Wednesday that they’ve hired Sam Shade as assistant special teams coach.

Mike Garafolo reports that Bill Parcells spoke to Ballard to sell him on Dan Campbell as a potential hire for the Colts.
Based on his background working with quarterbacks, Garafolo says that Eagles OC Frank Reich may have the upper hand for the Colts’ job.
According to Garafolo, former Colts president Bill Polian has been a big proponent for Reich.
During his press conference on Wednesday, Colts GM Chris Ballard announced that they will be switching a 4-3 base defense in 2018 that will be influenced by Rod Marinelli and Lovie Smith’s schemes under new defensive coordinator Matt Eberflus. (Stephen Holder)
Regarding Eberflus, Ballard said he was “blown away” by him.

Although Ralph Vacchiano believes Eagles QB Nick Foles would be a good option for the Jets to consider, he does not expect Philadelphia to trade him this offseason.
Vacchiano mentions that there are inherent risks with acquiring Foles including the fact that there’s
“decent-sized element of the unknown” regarding his skill level, he doesn’t have a “sky-high” ceiling and he did not produce at a high level from 2013-2017.
Additionally, the Jets would likely have to part ways with a draft pick to acquire Foles and he would require a contract extension past the 2018 season.
Vacchiano compares Foles to the Jets’ re-signing veteran QB Ryan Fitzpatrick in 2016.

On Wednesday, Steelers president Art Rooney said that waiving OLB James Harrison was a disappointment but indicated that he was involved in the move: “We had discussions about James over the course of the season.” (Ed Bouchette)
Rooney added that there’s blame on both sides for how things played out: “There’s probably blame on both sides of the fence.” Rooney said he wished Harrison could have ended his career with the Steelers. (Ed Bouchette)
As for LB Ryan Shazier‘s future, Rooney said: “I expect Ryan is going to be here one way or the other and have a roll on the team one way or other in 2018.” (Ed Bouchette)
In regards to the decision to move on from OC Todd Haley, Rooney said: “Not too much other than there are times when you make a move to make a change.” (Ed Bouchette)