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Buccaneers had code name for Tom Brady pursuit
The Tampa Bay Buccaneers didn't need to do much to lure Tom Brady away from the New England Patriots, but they believed it was going to be a pretty difficult process.
With the low possibility Brady walked away from the Patriots after 20 years, the Buccaneers came up with a a code name for operation get the six-time Super Bowl champion to Tampa Bay.
It was dubbed "Operation Shoeless Joe Jackson," per ESPN.com's Ian O'Connor, because the likelihood Brady walked away from the Patriots was as likely former Chicago White Sox hitter Joe Jackson walking out of a cornfield in Iowa.
Buccaneers director of player personnel John Spytek came up with the code name because they wanted to keep any Brady speculation to a minimum in case the QB didn't sign with the team.
After all that, the Bucs ended up landing one of the best free agents the NFL has ever seen and Brady seems extremely excited to begin a new era under head coach Bruce Arians.
More must-reads:
- Bucs GM says Tom Brady pitched himself to the team
- Report: Tom Brady was 'Belichick'd out' with Patriots
- The 'Single-season sack leaders by NFL team' quiz
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NFLPA reportedly under federal investigation
The ongoing saga with the NFL Players Association has taken another turn, as the organization is also reportedly the subject of a federal investigation. ESPN's Don Van Natta Jr. and Kalyn Kahler reported on Friday that there is an ongoing criminal investigation involving the NFLPA regarding potential misuse of funds and self-enrichment of union officials. A senior union attorney sent a memo to NFLPA officials this week informing them of the federal probe. The document states that the NFLPA is "now on notice of financial actions that may be criminal" and that the union faces "immediate threats requiring prompt actions," according to ESPN. While the document did not specify which individuals are part of the criminal investigation, the notice was sent days after executive director Lloyd Howell Jr. and director of strategy J.C. Tretter resigned from their positions with the NFLPA. Howell was accused of misusing union funds and faced other troubling allegations. Tretter resigned because he felt like he was left to take the heat for the scandal that has been unfolding, though he has denied any wrongdoing. The NFLPA is searching for an interim executive director. ESPN reports that the memo sent to union officials this week warns that potentially hiring an outside executive director might not be a wise move without knowing exactly how deep "the problems may be." Howell was the executive director of the NFLPA for two years.
Report: Mariners to stay in the mix for Eugenio Suarez despite recent trade
The lead up to the MLB trade deadline is off and running, with the Seattle Mariners striking a move with the Arizona Diamondbacks on Thursday. Some might have expected Eugenio Suarez, a former Mariner, to be heading back to his old team. Instead, it was first baseman Josh Naylor who was shipped off to Seattle. However, that doesn't mean these two teams are done dealing. MLB.com's Daniel Kramer reported on X that "Eugenio Suarez is still Seattle’s top priority and being aggressively pursued by the Mariners." Suarez, on the back of an All-Star selection, is one of the hottest names on the market. With an eye-catching 36 home runs, good for second place in the National League, and 87 RBI, a bountiful number of MLB contenders are fighting for his services. Before his stint with Arizona, Suarez compiled two seasons' worth of monstrous home runs with the Mariners. A fan favorite, Mariners fans have been raving about the possibility of bringing him back. Despite their haste in acquiring Naylor, the chances of importing his teammate alongside him remain high. At 34 years old, Suarez is at his peak and would greatly improve the slugging of the playoff-hopeful Mariners. The third baseman would take the place of rookie Ben Williamson at the position. Williamson has performed valiantly, but his contact bat doesn't bring the same run-producing stature as Suarez. For a club that loves to hit home runs, Suarez would be the cherry on top. With the team currently ranked sixth in the MLB in home runs (144), the power-hitter would upgrade the Mariners into one of the best slugging lineups in the league. Coming at a high cost, the risk would be worth it. Pairing up Suarez with a lineup featuring multiple All-Stars in catcher Cal Raleigh, center fielder Julio Rodriguez and left fielder Randy Arozarena would be frightening. The high-octane lineup would give the Mariners something to rely on as they push for the playoffs. The Mariners are currently in vigorous pursuit of the injury-riddled Houston Astros, trailing the AL West leader by five games. Consistent offense has been difficult to come by for the Mariners, leading to some troubling losses. With a locked-and-loaded pitching rotation, the Mariners have no time to wait to bolster the offense. Adding Suarez may be the piece they need to unlock a giant-slaying squad. As we inch closer to the trade deadline, which takes place July 31 at 6 p.m. ET, be on the lookout for the Mariners to punch another deal with the Diamondbacks.
Warriors still positioning themselves for Giannis Antetokounmpo blockbuster
Things have largely gone cold on the Giannis Antetokounmpo trade front, but that does not mean teams are not thinking of the possibility of that changing. Tim Kawakami of the San Francisco Standard noted that the Warriors are being cautious in negotiations with restricted free agent Jonathan Kuminga, as he could be possible trade bait if Antetokounmpo is traded by the Milwaukee Bucks. The Warriors are adamant about not giving away Kuminga for less than his full trade value, which is why his situation remains unresolved with August looming. Kuminga and the Warriors have yet to agree on a contract, and it remains unclear when the situation will be resolved. He has a $7.9 million qualifying offer on the table, and signing it would allow him to approve any trade he is involved in. If he signs a multiyear extension, he would not be eligible to be traded until January, which could complicate things if Antetokounmpo decides late in the offseason that he wants a move. Presumably, Kuminga would be a key part of any trade the Warriors make involving Antetokounmpo. However, with no market materializing, there seems to be a growing chance he could remain with the team next season. The former No. 7 overall pick averaged 15.3 points, 4.6 rebounds, 2.2 assists and 0.8 steals per game last season. He appeared in 47 games, making 10 starts and averaging 24.3 minutes per game. However, he has been unable to consistently lock down a major spot in coach Steve Kerr’s rotation, which reportedly led to some tension between the two last season. Antetokounmpo, meanwhile, still seems unlikely to be traded, but teams are still going to prepare for the possibility.
The heartfelt advice fueling Commanders breakout hopeful as hype surges
The Washington Commanders are a close-knit squad. Everyone is on the same page and pulling in the same direction in pursuit of one common goal. And the veterans have no trouble lending their support to fledgling stars looking for increased responsibilities. One piece of heartfelt advice is fueling a potential breakout candidate for bigger and better things. And based on the early results at training camp, it's having the desired effect. Washington is giving second-year defensive back Tyler Owens all he can handle over the early stages of camp. The former undrafted free agent is getting first-team reps in the nickel and at the safety spot. He doesn't look out of place, which bodes well for his chances of additional involvement in 2025. Tyler Owens leaning on Commanders veterans in pursuit of increased role in 2025 Owens isn't shy when it comes to seeking advice from those with far more NFL experience. Jeremy Reaves is among them, and the All-Pro special teamer lifted the lid on the industry secrets he's passed on to his teammate this offseason. Man, just slow down, take a deep breath. Understanding that football is the same concept at all levels, it's just spoken differently, and it's done a little differently, is important, but football is football. You're a heck of a player; you're a freak athlete. Let that do the work for you. If you train your mind, your body will follow, so I just tell him that and he's getting more and more of an understanding. Now he's just going out there and playing, so I'm excited for him because I've seen the growth, and that's the most important part of it.Jeremy Reaves via Commanders.com The Texas Tech product has been all ears, and he's putting these tidbits to good use. Owens looks more comfortable in the defensive scheme. He's always had exceptional athleticism, but the Commanders are starting to see more from the player now that the game is slowing down for him. This is a massive positive from Owens' perspective. He emerged as a training camp star last summer en route to making the 53-man roster. An injury stunted his progress, but the flashes on special teams and being around the squad should serve him well in Year 2. What comes next is down to Owens. He's giving himself a fighting chance of being a bigger part of Joe Whitt Jr.'s strategy this season. And if he achieves this objective, one couldn't dismiss the possibility of him becoming a long-term piece of Washington's defensive puzzle. Owens has every athletic intangible needed to be successful. And having such a strong veteran support system is only helping his cause. More Commanders news and analysis
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