NFL Notes: T.J. Ward, Chuck Pagano, Antonio Callaway

T.J. Ward

Veteran free-agent S T.J. Ward said he is “100 percent” healthy and feels like he could be playing the “best football” of his career if given the opportunity.

“It’s been a little frustrating at times, a lot frustrating at others,” said Ward, via Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic. “But everything is a learning experience and trying to figure is this still the direction God wants me to go. Because I know I’m more than good enough to be playing. Shoot, I’m 100 percent healthy. I feel that if I was playing right now, I’d be playing the best ball of my career. But for whatever reason, I’m not and I just have to deal with it for now and see what’s next.”

We have him featured in our Top 50 Available 2018 NFL Free Agents list.

Chuck Pagano

Former Colts HC Chuck Pagano says he’s hoping to return to coaching next year.

“Absolutely. My family thinks I’m nuts . . . for wanting to do it. Yeah. I’d love to get back,” Pagano said, via the Indianapolis Star. “You love the preparation, you love the grind, you love the competition, the camaraderie in the locker room. You miss the team. You miss the players.”

For what it’s worth, Pagano says he “deep hatred” for the Patriots and would like to get another shot to beat them.

“Of course, of course, it’s a deep hatred,” Pagano said. “Respect them, respect [Bill] Belichick, what he’s doing. I respect Tom Brady, what a run they’ve had to be able to have the sustained success that they’ve had over the long course of time is truly amazing in today’s NFL. I think you guys know that and understand that, so I do respect that. There is a deep hatred there. . . . My No. 1 reason for trying to get back? Maybe I get another shot at them.”

Antonio Callaway

• TMZ Sports reports that Browns WR Antonio Callaway was cited for speeding hours before their game against the Chargers last week.
• Callaway was going 58 mph in a 35 mph when police pulled him over and gave him a citation before sending him on his way.
• Callaway was previously pulled over for a traffic violation that led to him being cited for possession of marijuana and driving on a suspended license. This case is still ongoing.