NFL Notes: Giants, Titans, Vikings

Giants

Dan Duggan of NJ.com has a great article up detailing the family issues that have played a role Giants CB Eli Apple‘s disappointing 2017 season.

Multiple sources tell Duggan that one of the primary issues that impacted Apple is an abrupt falling out with his stepfather Tim Apple.

“One of the biggest reasons Eli is declining so much this year as opposed to last year is (Tim’s absence),” Apple’s half-brother Dane Blackson tells Duggan. “I know everyone always talks about the fame and all of the attention and how all of that can go to your head. But you have to imagine that from middle school to the NFL, Tim was there. Tim made this whole thing happen. Tim didn’t miss a game. Whenever Eli looked for that support, that was always there. Now, this year whenever he goes to look for support, it’s not real, it’s not genuine.”

Titans

• Regarding the lack of playing time for RB Derrick Henry, Cameron Wolfe of ESPN writes that the Titans believe RB DeMarco Murray offers better pass protection, receiving, and experience than Henry.
• Wolfe mentions that though third-round WR Taywan Taylor is a talented player, he has struggled in adjusting to the team’s scheme and has been out of position “a few times” this season.
• Wolfe expects the Titans to draft a defensive player with their first-round pick. It is worth mentioning that Tennessee has drafted an offensive player with their first selection the past seven years.
• Wolfe could also see the Titans drafting two guards, a speedy/receiving running back, and a backup quarterback.

Vikings

• Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk writes that the Vikings face a difficult decision regarding the expiring contract situations for Case Keenum, Teddy Bridgewater, and Sam Bradford this offseason.
• Regarding Bradford, Florio believes the veteran has become a “forgotten man” in the lineup and it “makes no sense” to keep him around with Keenum and Bridgewater healthy.
• If the Vikings do re-sign Bradford, it would have to be for “backup money” and with the understanding that he’ll have a backup role.
• As for Bridgewater, Florio writes that “rolling the dice” on him is adherently risky due to the fact that he has not played since suffering a knee injury from over a year ago.
• Keenum, on the other hand, is setting himself up for a large payday and has made a Kurt Warner-like transformation to his career and would be difficult to let depart for the open market.
• Florio adds that the Vikings could use the transition or franchise tag on Keenum if they are unable to come to an agreement. The non-exclusive franchise tag will cost around $22.5 million for 2018 and would become the starting point for long-term negotiations.