Under-the-radar NFC breakout players, top 10 backup QB situations and Travis Kelce retirement speculation

Have a good mid-week everyone! John Breech is busy raising his Bengals-loving family, so you have me, Cody Benjamin, to deliver all the latest news from around the world. NFLright here in the Pick Six newsletter.

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1. Minicamp overreactions: Rodgers hurting the Jets?

Aaron Rodgers made headlines on Tuesday by skipping New York Jets minicamp with an “unexcused absence,” and coach Robert Saleh confirmed the star quarterback will not make any appearances during the mandatory round of practices. But Jeff Kerr isn’t making much of the event, no matter how dramatic it is.

This is just the first practice Rodgers has missed, as the quarterback has been present for every voluntary practice. Missing a practice in June doesn’t mean missing a training camp practice in August. … In fact, the Jets are to blame for making this a headline when it didn’t need to be. This story is a nothing burger.

Check out more of Kerr’s thoughts on the latest NFL hot topics right here.

2. Top 10 Backup QB Situations: Chiefs, Vikings Safe

Speaking of missing quarterbacks, sometimes NFL teams are forced to rely on insurance plans at the center. So which clubs are best equipped for emergencies in 2024? We classify the Top 10 Backup Situations in the league heading into the new season, with Kansas City and Minnesota at the top of the pecking order:

Vikings (JJ McCarthy): Rookies are often highly variable, and Minnesota is reportedly determined to delay McCarthy’s unveiling for that reason. But the Michigan product is arguably the best suited to succeed among this year’s new NFL quarterbacks due to his setup: Coach Kevin O’Connell has previously maximized Kirk Cousins, elite weapons like Aaron Jones and Justin Jefferson headline the attack, and McCarthy has the makeup of a potential sage of playful action. He could also benefit from the slow integration behind Sam Darnold.

Chiefs (Carson Wentz): It’s been years since Wentz made a difference regularly, much less as a surefire starter. But his great dual-threat ability has been underrated since he left a dysfunctional group of Washington Commanders; he was legitimately solid in a limited job as Matthew Stafford’s No. 2 in 2023. Couple that, plus his vast experience (93 career starts), with Kansas City’s championship-caliber weaponry and coaching staff, and the Chiefs They could probably remain scary even if the incomparable Patrick Mahomes misses a game or three.

3. Key positional makeovers: Bears, Falcons big boosters

As minicamps wind down and training camps approach, which teams did the best job updating entire groups of positions this offseason? We’ve identified the most notable movers in everything from quarterback to special teams. And two NFC teams in particular look much better than they used to in premium offensive spots:

QB: Atlanta Falcons

In: Kirk Cousins, Michael Penix Jr. Outside: Desmond Knight

Cousins ​​is aging (35) and coming off a serious injury, but he is a proven, steady passer who should quickly allow Atlanta to return to the playoffs. Penix, meanwhile, offers long-term intrigue as a quick left arm succession plan, finally giving the Falcons several reasons for hope at center.

WR: Chicago Bears

In: Keenan Allen, Roma Odunze | Outside: Darnell Mooney

For the first time in a long time, Chicago may actually have one of the NFL main receiving body. Allen is no chicken at 32 with a recent history of injuries, but when active, he’s as safe as they come. Odunze’s route running should also complement DJ Moore’s speed.

4. Unknown NFC breach candidates

Which names aren’t getting as much attention as they deserve heading into the 2024 season? We choose one Underrated potential star for all 16 NFC clubs. Here’s a sample:

• Bears: RB D’Andre Swift – Swift’s name was lost in the shuffle of even bigger moves by the Bears this offseason, including the addition of Caleb Williams at quarterback and the dual additions of Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze at cornerback. But he has always been explosive when used by the Philadelphia Eagles in 2023.
• Lions: CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Terrion Arnold was the Lions’ 2024 draft pick, surprisingly sliding to Motown late in the first round. But Rakestraw’s tenacious physicality could make him an equally perfect fit for a Dan Campbell prospect, especially depending on the availability of Carlton Davis at corner.
• Santos: CB Paulson Adebo – Marshon Lattimore is the familiar name on the perimeter, but the young Adebo turned a corner as a regular starter in 2023, finishing with four picks and a career-high 18 pass breakups. Still largely unrecognized nationally, he could be an even bigger piece in Dennis Allen’s fourth-year defense.

5. Travis Kelce Addresses Retirement Speculation

Kelce’s older brother, Jason, retired after an all-time career with the Philadelphia Eagles this offseason. So when will the Kansas City Chiefs star consider hanging up his cleats? Not so early, he told reporters this week. Despite being 35 years old, Kelce said he still feels like a child when entering the Chiefs facility, vowing to continue his career “until the wheels fall off.”

Talk about renewed confidence from the Denver Broncos’ recent snub. Wilson remained in “pole position” in Pittsburgh’s minicamp quarterback competition, and told reporters this week that he feels “revived in every way” as he approaches his Steelers debut — “mentally, emotionally, spiritually.” Thirty-five years? Give or take 25, he says, now that he’s experiencing “the fountain of youth” in the Steel City.