NFL Notes: Cowboys, Jets, Packers & Raiders

Cowboys

• Albert Breer of TheMMQB.com writes that DE Greg Hardy‘s departure has contributed to an increase in locker room chemistry for the Cowboys.
• Rookie QB Dak Prescott as also been a “gigantic part” of the team chemistry, according to Breer.

Jets

• According to Albert Breer, it’s still possible that Jets QB Ryan Fitzpatrick could regain his starting job at some point after he was benched in favor of Geno Smith.
• However, it’s Breer’s understanding that the Jets want to get Bryce Petty some real game action at some point to gauge what they really have in him.

Packers

• In regards to the struggles of Packers QB Aaron Rodgers, Albert Breer says that there have been “rumors’ circulating that he’s distracted and becoming bored.
• However, a Packers’ source tells Breer that “distracted” narrative is overblown and instead attributed the issues to the offense as a whole being out of sync, which has made Rodgers look worse.

Raiders

According to Albert Breer, Raiders owner Mark Davis has ascended in terms of his status in league circles and has proven to be a better negotiator than anyone thought he could be.

“He’s earned a great deal of respect amongst the owners,” said Chargers owner Dean Spanos. “He’s a committed owner. He loves the business. He’s in this for the long haul. And I think he’s gonna be successful in Las Vegas if he gets there, which I think he will. It remains to be seen obviously, but that’s my opinion—he’ll get there.”

Some of the issues still to be worked out include:

• Casino owner Sheldon Adelson has committed $650 million to the Las Vegas stadium project, but NFL bylaws prevent him from owning a piece of a franchise. Breer says that Adelson could still get revenue from non-NFL events, but there’s also question whether this would be a worthwhile investment for him.
• The Raiders would need 24 votes to relocate the team to Las Vegas. According to Breer, the majority of owners are undecided but Davis does have support from influential Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
• The gambling issue is still something that will need to be worked out and commissioner Roger Goodell mentioned yesterday that he opposes legalized sports gambling.
• Breer says that the city of Oakland is still expected to make another attempt to keep the Raiders in the Bay Area.
• One other issue worth keeping an eye on will be the relocation fee for the Raiders. Breer says that it’s likely to be less than the $550 million the Rams paid to move to Los Angeles.