NFL Notes: Rex Ryan, Cardinals, Lions, & Titans

Rex Ryan

Richard Deitsch of Sports illustrated reports that Jets HC Rex Ryan will have plenty of suitors if/when he’s fired at the end of the season.

According to Deitsch, Ryan has as a “golden ticket” for an NFL analyst job next year.

“He pretty much has everything TV networks would look for. He has personality, he’s not shy about his opinions, and he’s a colorful character,” said ESPN senior coordinating producer Seth Markman. “I think he would be successful whether it is in studio or doing games. When I close my eyes and listen to him I hear a little bit of John Madden in him. There is going to be a lot of interest in Rex if that is what he wants to do.”

Industry sources tell Deitsch that Ryan could make$3 to $5 million per year as a broadcaster.

Cardinals

• Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk reports that Cardinals S Tyrann Mathieu is likely to miss two or three games after he suffered a broken thumb this past weekend.
• Meanwhile, Mike Jurecki reports that Mathieu could try to play with a cast on his injured thumb for the rest of the season.
• Jurecki adds that it doesn’t appear surgery will be required on Mathieu’s injured thumb.

Lions

• HC Jim Caldwell told reporters on Monday that DT Nick Fairley and G Larry Warford are “getting better“, but both are still without a timetable for their return. (Michael Rothstein)

Titans

• WR Justin Hunter could remain hospitalized for a few days after he sustained a lacerated spleen in Week 13. (Jim Wyatt)
• Ian Rapoport adds that the belief right now is that Hunter will not need to undergo surgery.
• Paul Kuharsky writes that there is no way the Titans can pay RB Shonn Greene the $3.5 million he’s owned in 2015.