Arrowheadlines: Patrick Mahomes would be up for the challenge of facing Aaron Rodgers twice a year

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Patrick Mahomes would welcome the challenge of Aaron Rodgers in the AFC West | NBC Sports

So how does Mahomes feel about that possibility? He addressed it from the 15 and the Mahomies golf tournament in Hawaii.

“Obviously, it’d be awesome,” Mahomes said. “To have that challenge . . . two times a year, every single year. It would be a great, great opportunity. I mean, he’s a heck of a football player. He’s been doing it for a long time that I’ve watched play and learned a lot from. But definitely if he came to the AFC West, it would make it a little tougher for us, but we’re up to the challenge.”

The NFL’s best pass-rushers from every gap | Touchdown Wire

4i-Technique: Jarran Reed, Kansas City Chiefs

The Chiefs signed former Seahawks defensive lineman Jarran Reed to a one-year, $7 million contract this offseason, and interior offensive linemen facing Kansas City’s defensive front this season are not going to enjoy it. Not only will they have to deal with the aforementioned Chris Jones, but here comes Reed with his five solo sacks and 14 total pressures from the 4i alignment — on the inside shoulder of the tackle. Who will Kansas City’s opponents double in this case?

Predicting Every NFL Team’s 2021 Surprise Rookie Gem | Bleacher Report

Kansas City Chiefs: Nick Bolton, LB, Missouri

The Kansas City Chiefs traded their first-round pick to land offensive tackle Orlando Brown Jr. in what is easily the highlight of their draft season. This is a championship-caliber team without many other holes to fill.

However, the addition of second-round linebacker Nick Bolton still figures to be a valuable one. While leaning on the run against Kansas City didn’t necessarily result in controlling games, the Chiefs did rank 21st in rushing yards allowed.

Bolton—who amassed 95 tackles, eight tackles for loss, two sacks and five passes defended in 2020—can be a tone-setter at the second level for Kansas City, helping bolster the run defense while also providing solid coverage and the sort of physical hits that make ball-carriers think twice about charging into the open field.

ESPN’s Marcus Spears Makes Bold Claim About Cleveland Browns Roster | The Spun

Heading into the 2021 season, the AFC appears to be loaded with talent. After a loss in last year’s Super Bowl, the Kansas City Chiefs rebuilt their offensive line and seem ready for another run through the postseason. Lamar Jackson won his first playoff game in 2020 with the Baltimore Ravens and will no doubt be hungry for more this season.

But, ESPN’s Marcus Spears named the Cleveland Browns as the AFC team with the best roster on paper heading into summer training camp. The NFL analyst went through some of the highlights of Kevin Stefanski’s group, to make the case that Cleveland has the most complete unit in the conference.

Around the NFL

Sources: Seattle Seahawks, Atlanta Falcons discuss Julio Jones trade | ESPN

Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson and Jones have been in touch, having phone conversations to discuss the possibility of playing together, Russini reported.

Seattle already boasts a talented wide receiver corps led by DK Metcalf and Tyler Lockett, who each had 10 touchdown receptions and more than 1,000 yards receiving last season.

Sources told Russini on Thursday that the Falcons have an offer of a future first-round draft pick on the table for Jones. Atlanta has asked teams that have inquired about Jones for a first-round draft pick in return, sources told ESPN’s Adam Schefter last Monday.

San Francisco 49ers have created win-win situation at quarterback; five make-or-break players in 2021 | NFL.com

2 - Sam Darnold

Carolina Panthers · QB

No more excuses will be issued for the fourth-year pro if he fails to realize his potential in Carolina. Darnold has been placed in a highly favorable environment, with a creative offensive coordinator (Joe Brady) directing an attack that features numerous high-end playmakers. From Christian McCaffrey to D.J. Moore to Robby Anderson, the Panthers offer the young QB1 a bevy of catch-and-run specialists with the capacity to turn short passes into big gains. In addition, the team eliminated any threats to his job as the QB1 by trading away his predecessor, Teddy Bridgewater, and bypassing a potential quarterback of the future on draft weekend. With the Panthers pushing all of their chips to the middle of the table to bet on Darnold’s talents, it is time for the former USC standout to put up or wave goodbye to his chance of becoming a franchise signal-caller.

In case you missed it at Arrowhead Pride

The Chiefs players with the most to gain (or lose) this offseason

Pete: wide receiver Byron Pringle

Sammy Watkins is now a member of the Baltimore Ravens, and those 1,726 regular-season snaps need to go somewhere. Due to their experience and draft standing, the co-favorites to get them are Demarcus Robinson and Mecole Hardman — but Byron Pringle should be in the mix. Discussing the wide receiver position this offseason, Chiefs general manager Brett Veach has often mentioned the 2018 undrafted free agent out of Kansas State — and whenever called upon, he has seemed to rise to the occasion. At 6-1 and 203 pounds, he is a better size-and-shape fit for the “X” than Hardman, and he may have the fast track to regular playing time if he can ward off Robinson and rookie Cornell Powell. Pringle caught the attention of Dave Toub in 2020; is Andy Reid next?

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