Around the League

By John Sigler | Saints Wire

Mike Vrabel has quickly risen within the NFL coaching ranks, but the Tennessee Titans’ head coach was better known for his feats as a player. He rose to prominence with the New England Patriots from 2001 to 2008, making a ton of plays at linebacker and occasionally mixing it up on offense in red zone packages — he was thrown to 14 times in his Patriots career, scoring a touchdown on all 10 of the passes that he caught.

But Vrabel’s experience on defense was the subject of a question from ESPN’s Dianna Russini before his Titans kicked off with the Indianapolis Colts on Thursday night. When asked if he had any memories of interacting with Colts quarterback Philip Rivers during his playing career, Vrabel had to smile.

“We were out in Qualcomm Stadium,” Vrabel said, smirking and recalling a game with Rivers and the then-San Diego Chargers. “And I told him (and) anybody within earshot that he would never be Drew Brees, that I knew it, he knew it, and everyone else knows it. We laughed about it and it looks like both of ’em ended up having really great careers.”

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A look at who came away on the right (and wrong) side of the deadline

By Cody Benjamin| CBS Sports

When Tuesday began, it wasn't just the start of Election Day. It also marked trade deadline day in the NFL. But if somehow you were completely unaware of the latter, you'd be fully forgiven for your mistake thanks to an especially quiet afternoon around the league. Despite big names like Jimmy Garoppolo, Amari Cooper, Golden Tate, Duane Brown and Dante Fowler being moved mid-season from 2017-2018, this year's deadline -- much like that of 2019 -- failed to produce just about any notable action.

With teams hesitant to take on future salary cap space and part with 2021 draft picks, per Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer, only a handful of low-tier reserves found new homes on Tuesday, with the New England Patriots landing wide receiver Isaiah Ford and the Miami Dolphins acquiring running back DeAndre Washington.

That said, it's not too hard to identify winners and losers from this year's deadline: ...

Full Story - CBS Sports

By John Sigler | Saintswire

The New Orleans Saints made their first and maybe only move ahead of the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 3 by acquiring San Francisco 49ers linebacker Kwon Alexander, who should add a ton of athleticism and starting experience to their defense.

And according to 49ers general manager John Lynch, Alexander is also bringing an impressive strength of character and leadership qualities with him.

“Kwon’s time with our team might not have been long but it was very impactful,” Lynch said in a statement from the team. “A tremendous teammate, his non-stop motor, ferocious play and selfless nature helped establish a standard for our locker room that will carry on. On behalf of the entire organization, I want to wish Kwon all the best and think him for all of his contributions to our team.” ...

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By John Sigler | Saintswire

One former member of the New Orleans Saints is looking for a new team. The Carolina Panthers announced Tuesday that they are releasing cornerback Eli Apple, who signed with them as a free agent this summer. If he joins a new squad, it will be his fourth team in three years after the Saints acquired him in a midseason trade with the New York Giants back in 2018.

Apple coincidentally took his first defensive snaps with the Panthers against his old squad, totaling four tackles on 28 reps versus the Saints. Pro Football Focus dinged him with three completions allowed on three passes into his coverage, giving up two catches to Deonte Harris (for 25 yards) and another reception to Marquez Callaway (for 7 yards, converting a first down).

A lingering hamstring injury had kept Apple off the field throughout Carolina’s training camp and the opening weeks of the season; his only action before Week 7’s Saints-Panthers game came on a handful of special teams snaps. ...

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