NFL Notes: Game Changes, Cowboys, Panthers, Raiders, Las Vegas

Game Changes

Jason La Canfora reports that “pace of play” is going to be a popular phrase mentioned over the next few days at the owner meetings, as the league and commissioner Roger Goodell attempt to speed up game times and cut down on commercial breaks.

“That’s going to be a major topic of this week, across various meetings,” an NFL source tells La Canfora. “Without a doubt, that’s Roger’s biggest initiative of this offseason.”

Cowboys

• Cowboys VP Stephen Jones said the loss of seven players in free agency was largely strategic. “We feel the draft is inordinately strong on the defensive side of the ball.” (David Moore)
• Regarding their draft plans, Jones said: “If a great offensive player shows up, that doesn’t mean we aren’t going to pick (him). But our focus is on defense.” (David Moore)
• Jones mentioned that addressing their defensive remains a priority: “No. 1 priority is to get more pressure. 1A, make more plays on the ball, turnovers.” (Rob Phillips)

Panthers

• Jason La Canfora reports that there are whispers going around that the Panthers could be the next team to be sold.
• Panthers owner Jerry Richardson is reportedly battling some health issues and has no heirs for the franchise after cutting out his sons.
• La Canfora says that owners anticipate there being “stern restrictions” forbidding a relocation of the franchise, there is a “growing sentiment” that a sale of the Panthers could become a “front-burner” topic.
• According to La Canfora, the Panthers would be a coveted franchise if available and there should be no shortage of suitors.

Raiders

• According to Jason La Canfora, there’s no reason to believe the Raiders’ relocation to Las Vegas won’t pass in the coming days.
• La Canfora says that there’s a strong indication that Raiders owner Mark Davis has more than the 24 votes required to move the team, which includes the support of influential Cowboys owner Jerry Jones.
• Jones told John Kryk at the owners meeting that: “It’s going to be an exciting day for Vegas.“
• Even so, some owners still have “massive reservations” about putting a team in Las Vegas, but these concerns still aren’t enough to prevent a move.