NFL Notes: Tom Brady, Giants, Lions & Panthers

Tom Brady

• Ravens owner Steve Bisciotti, Colts owner Jim Irsay, and “others” within the AFC have been “vocal” in lobbying to the NFL against reducing Tom Brady’s four-game suspension, per Tom E. Curran of CSN New England.

Giants

• Dan Graziano of ESPN could not see the Giants taking a chance on free agent OLB Junior Gallette, due to his issues with off-the-field behavior and disruptive demeanor in the locker room.
• Graziano cannot see “many avenues” to where the Giants hold onto Jason Pierre-Paul on a long term basis, since he will likely demand a sizable contract if he plays well in 2015, or the team could simply look for a replacement if he does not perform next season.

Lions

• Michael Rothstein of ESPN writes that rookie RB Zach Zenner’s chances of making the 53-man roster will come down to his play on special teams and whether he can outplay George Winn.

Panthers

• David Newton of ESPN lists fifth-round rookie RB Cameron Artis-Payne ahead of RB Fozzy Whittaker for the No. 2 role, with Whittaker likely handling third-down duties.
• Newton could see Artis-Payne starting if current starter Jonathan Stewart gets injured.
• The sixth and final wide receiver spot will come down to Brenton Bersin and Stephen Hill, with Hill having the “upperhand” with his speed and athleticism.