Keeping Up With All The Industry Press Releases
The Brooklyn Nets and James Harden Host Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić on NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC Presented by AT&T 5G this Saturday, February 24, at 8:30 p.m. ET on ABC.
The post Full Court Press: Brooklyn Nets and James Harden Host Dallas Mavericks and Luka Dončić on NBA Saturday Primetime on ABC February 24 appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..
Record 1,200 Hours of Paralympic Programming from Tokyo; First-Ever Primetime Coverage on NBC; First Paralympic Coverage on Peacock
Countdown Began This Morning on NBC News’ TODAY with Celebration of Six Months Until Tokyo Paralympics
Extensive Athlete Profiles, Interviews and Features Shared Across NBCU Linear, Digital and Social Media Platforms
Toyota Returns as Presenting Sponsor of NBCU’s Paralympic Coverage
NBC to Air U.S. Paralympic Team Trials on June 27
STAMFORD, Conn. – Feb. 24, 2021 – NBCUniversal is making an unprecedented commitment to the Paralympics with a record 1,200 hours of programming and six months of promotion for the Tokyo Paralympic Games, which take place August 24-September 5, 2021. In its most ambitious effort ever, NBCUniversal’s Paralympic Games coverage, which will once again be presented by Toyota, will include more than 200 hours of television coverage across NBC, NBCSN and Olympic Channel: Home of Team USA; the first-ever primetime hours on NBC; the debut of coverage on NBCUniversal’s streaming service Peacock; live coverage of the Opening Ceremony and Closing Ceremony on NBCSN; and comprehensive live streaming coverage on NBC Sports digital platforms.
Primetime broadcasts on NBC will feature the top stories and moments of the Paralympics, as NBC Sports award-winning storytellers weave edited competition coverage with athlete profiles and interviews, taking viewers inside the Games like never before. With a special focus on the athletes of Team USA, the primetime coverage will showcase the athletes’ backstories and training, motivation and performance, as they compete against the world’s best on the biggest stage in Para Sports.
Programming highlights also include:
The countdown to the Tokyo Paralympic Games ramped up this morning when NBCUniversal marked six months to the Opening Ceremony, starting on NBC News’ TODAY, with appearances from seven Team USA athletes, including 2016 Paralympic gold medalists David Brown (track & field) and Jerome Avery (track & field, guide runner). 13-time Paralympic gold medalist Jessica Long (swimming) is joining Brown and Avery in a virtual media tour today across NBCUniversal programs and platforms.
Promotion will continue with an ongoing series of “Get to Know Team USA” videos published on NBC Olympics’ social and digital platforms, plus additional promotion during NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Tokyo Olympics and in the weeks between the Olympics and Paralympics this summer.
In addition to being the presenting sponsor of NBCUniversal’s Paralympic Games coverage, Toyota will be the exclusive auto advertiser across all linear and digital coverage of the Tokyo Paralympic Games. Nike, United Healthcare, and Eli Lilly join Toyota as exclusive sponsors of NBCUniversal’s coverage of the Tokyo Paralympics.
As part of a robust plan for coverage and promotion leading up to Tokyo this August, NBC will air the U.S. Paralympic Team Trials competition on June 27. Additional Paralympic Team Trials programming details will be announced in the future.
“We are proud to be America’s long-term home of the Paralympics, and Tokyo will mark new heights in our coverage and storytelling,” said Gary Zenkel, President, NBC Olympics. “We are committed to growing our coverage across our platforms and bringing to the American audience the extraordinary achievements of Para athletes well into the future, a vision shared by our Paralympic partners — Toyota, Nike, Eli Lilly and United Healthcare.”
“NBCUniversal’s commitment to the coverage and promotion of the Tokyo Paralympic Games and U.S. Paralympic Team is truly something to celebrate,” said USOPC CEO Sarah Hirshland. “This is a great reflection of our combined pledge to creating a path to parity for the Paralympic Movement while bringing the incredible feats of our Para athletes into more American homes than ever before.”
“We are so thrilled to bring the Tokyo Paralympics to a broad audience with the support of our amazing partners,” said Alexa Pritting, coordinating producer for NBCU’s Paralympic coverage. “The athletes are stars both on and off the field and we look forward to telling their stories as they compete on the world’s biggest stage.”
“Our unprecedented six-month ramp up for the Paralympics across the widely-distributed platforms of NBCUniversal will bring to life and amplify the incredible stories of the athletes and the Games like never before,” said Jenny Storms, Chief Marketing Officer, Entertainment and Sports, NBCUniversal.
“It is a pleasure to once again work with NBCUniversal to share the Paralympic Games with American viewers, as there is no better global event for Toyota to reinforce our fervent belief that everyone is entitled to the freedom of movement in an inclusive society,” said Lisa Materazzo, group vice president, Toyota Marketing, Toyota Motor North America. “Paralympic athletes demonstrate that when a person is free to move, anything is possible.”
–TOKYO PARALYMPICS–
ESPN today announced the promotions of Kaitee Daley and Flora Kelly to Vice President roles. Daley will continue to oversee ESPN’s industry-leading Social Media team, which in 2020 became the No. 1 sports media publisher for engagement with 4.2 billion total actions across Facebook, Twitter and Instagram (up +64% YOY). Kelly will lead the new Brand Strategy & Content Insights team, responsible for ESPN’s market, fan and media insights that help strengthen and grow the business. Key areas of focus for Kelly and her team will include the ESPN Brand, content development, sports trends, fandom, and audience expansion.
The post ESPN Elevates Kaitee Daley, Flora Kelly to Vice President Roles appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..
First-Place Manchester City Host Fourth-Place West Ham this Saturday at 7:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo
Manchester City’s John Stones & Los Angeles Lakers Guard Alex Caruso Featured on New Episode of THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW Next Monday, March 1 at 5:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN
STAMFORD, Conn. – Feb. 24, 2021 – Marcus Rashford and second-place Manchester United visit fifth-place Chelsea this Sunday, Feb. 28 at 11:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN and Telemundo, highlighting Premier League action across NBC Sports this weekend.
Manchester United defeated Newcastle, 3-1, last weekend behind goals from Rashford, Bruno Fernandes, and Daniel James. Chelsea drew Southampton, 1-1, last weekend and remain unbeaten under Thomas Tuchel. Arlo White and former Premier League player Lee Dixon will call the action live from Stamford Bridge. Leading up to the match on Sunday morning, Manchester United are holding a 90-minute #ILOVEUNITED virtual fan event, with a focus on supporters in the U.S. For more information, click here.
This weekend’s coverage begins Saturday, Feb. 27, at 7 a.m. ET on NBCSN with Premier League Mornings, followed by first-place Manchester City hosting fourth-place West Ham at 7:30 a.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. Manchester City hold a 10-point lead atop the table after defeating Arsenal, 1-0, last weekend, while West Ham moved into the top-four with a 2-1 victory over Tottenham.
Rebecca Lowe hosts this weekend’s Premier League Mornings, Premier League Live and Goal Zone shows, joined by former Premier League players Danny Higginbotham and Tim Howard on Saturday, and Howard and former Premier League player Robbie Mustoe on Sunday. Liam McHugh hosts Monday’s shows alongside Howard and Mustoe.
Following Manchester City-West Ham, West Brom host Brighton & Hove Albion at 10 a.m. ET on NBCSN, and Aston Villa visit Leeds United at 12:30 p.m. ET on Peacock Premium. Then, at 3 p.m. ET, Wolverhampton Wanderers visit Newcastle on Peacock Premium.
Sunday’s match coverage begins with two matches at 7 a.m. ET as third-place Leicester City host Arsenal on NBCSN, and Fulham visit Crystal Palace on Peacock Premium. Next at 9 a.m. ET, Harry Kane and Tottenham host Burnley on NBCSN and Telemundo. Following Chelsea-Manchester United (11:30 a.m. ET, NBCSN and Telemundo), Mohamed Salah and Liverpool visit Sheffield United at 2:15 p.m. ET on Peacock Premium.
This weekend’s coverage concludes on Monday, March 1 as Dominic Calvert-Lewin and Everton, who topped Liverpool, 2-0, last weekend for their first Merseyside Derby win in over 10 years, host Southampton at 3 p.m. ET on NBCSN and Universo. Following Everton-Southampton on NBCSN is Goal Zone at 5 p.m. ET and a new episode of THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW, featuring Manchester City defender John Stones and Los Angeles Lakers guard Alex Caruso, premiering at 5:30 p.m. ET.
THE 2 ROBBIES PODCAST
Robbie Earle and Robbie Mustoe discuss and dissect the top Premier League storylines after every Matchweek on “The 2 Robbies” podcast. On their latest episode, Earle and Mustoe discuss Everton’s impressive win at Anfield for the first time this century, Manchester City’s masterclass performance against Arsenal, and more. The “2 Robbies” podcast is available anywhere you listen to podcasts.
PREMIER LEAGUE PICK ‘EM
NBC Sports’ Premier League Pick ‘Em returns on the free-to-play NBC Sports Predictor games app, available in the App Store and Google Play Store. Each match week, Premier League Pick ‘Em features a $50,000 jackpot prize for a “perfect score” – predicting the correct exact results of all featured matches in that contest (information on scoring, prizing, and Official Rules here).
Matches in Play for Premier League Pick ‘Em:
Match Week 26
|
NBC SPORTS PUB PASS
For commercial establishments looking to show Premier League, they can get the NBC Sports Pub Pass, the new customizable platform specifically for the retail pub/restaurant market in the USA. The NBC Sports Pub Pass offers Pubs, Bars, Clubs and Restaurants and commercial establishments nationwide all the Premier League matches and programming specifically for commercial establishments – Live, Commercial-Free and On-Demand. To subscribe or to find out more information about the NBC Sports Pub Pass go to https://www.nbcpubpass.com/.
LIVE STREAMING
Peacock – NBCUniversal’s new streaming service – features free and premium tiers across mobile, web and connected TV devices. Starting this season, Peacock Premium is the exclusive home of 175 live matches and a total of 1,500 hours of Premier League programming – the most robust offering ever available in the U.S. – including full-event replays for all 380 matches on-demand (after 9 p.m. ET) for the 2020-21 season. Premier League matches are included with Peacock Premium, which is $4.99 per month. Additionally, Peacock will feature Premier League news and other programming from Premier League Productions on its free, exclusive Premier League TV channel on Peacock, now streaming seven days a week. Visit peacocktv.com/premierleague for more information.
Viewers can sign up for Peacock for free at peacocktv.com. Peacock is currently available on the Roku platform; Apple devices including iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, Apple TV 4K and Apple TV HD; Google platforms and devices including Android
, Android TV devices, Chromecast and Chromecast built-in devices; Microsoft’s Xbox One family of devices, including Xbox One S and Xbox One X; Sony PlayStation4 and PlayStation 4 Pro; and VIZIO SmartCast TVs and LG Smart TVs. Comcast’s eligible Xfinity X1 and Flex customers, as well as eligible Cox Contour customers, enjoy Peacock Premium included with their service at no additional cost.
Premier League games on NBC and NBCSN will be streamed on NBCSports.com and the NBC Sports app — NBC Sports Group’s live streaming product for desktops, mobile devices, tablets, and connected TVs. Coverage will be streamed via “TV Everywhere,” giving consumers additional value for their subscription service, and making high quality content available to MVPD customers both in and out of the home and on multiple platforms. The NBC Sports app is available on the iTunes App Store, Google Play, Roku Channel Store, Apple TV and Amazon Fire.
Following is the schedule for NBC Sports’ upcoming Premier League coverage (all times ET, subject to change):
| Date | Time (ET) | Match | Platform |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 7 a.m. | Premier League Mornings | NBCSN |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 7:30 a.m. | Manchester City v. West Ham | NBCSN, Universo |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 9:30 a.m. | Premier League Live | NBCSN |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 10 a.m. | West Brom v. Brighton & Hove Albion | NBCSN |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | Noon | Premier League Live | Peacock Premium |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 12:30 p.m. | Leeds United v. Aston Villa | Peacock Premium |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 2:30 p.m. | Premier League Live | Peacock Premium |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 3 p.m. | Newcastle v. Wolverhampton Wanderers | Peacock Premium |
| Sat., Feb. 27 | 5 p.m. | Goal Zone | Peacock Premium |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 7 a.m. | Leicester City v. Arsenal | NBCSN |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 7 a.m. | Crystal Palace v. Fulham | Peacock Premium |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 9 a.m. | Tottenham v. Burnley | NBCSN, Telemundo |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 11 a.m. | Premier League Live | NBCSN |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 11:30 a.m. | Chelsea v. Manchester United | NBCSN, Telemundo |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 1:30 p.m. | Premier League Live | NBCSN |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 2 p.m. | Premier League Live | Peacock Premium |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 2:15 p.m. | Sheffield United v. Liverpool | Peacock Premium |
| Sun., Feb. 28 | 4:15 p.m. | Goal Zone | Peacock Premium |
| Mon., Mar. 1 | 2 p.m. | Premier League Live | NBCSN |
| Mon., Mar. 1 | 3 p.m. | Everton v. Southampton | NBCSN, Universo |
| Mon., Mar. 1 | 5 p.m. | Goal Zone | NBCSN |
| Mon., Mar. 1 | 5:30 p.m. | THE MEN IN BLAZERS SHOW | NBCSN |
–NBC SPORTS–
Sunday Night’s Matchup is First NHL Regular-Season Game on NBCSN to Exceed 1 Million Viewers (1.068 Million)
Flyers-Bruins is Most-Streamed NHL Regular-Season Game in NBC Sports Digital History
Golden Knights-Avalanche Averages Nearly 1.4 Million Viewers for Saturday Afternoon Portion of Game on NBC, Up 30% vs. Last Year’s NHL Regular-Season Average on NBC (Excluding Winter Classic)
Midnight-2 a.m. ET Portion of Golden Knights-Avalanche Averages 394,000 Viewers on NBCSN, Most-Watched Late Night Game Since Season Opener in 2019
STAMFORD, Conn. – Feb. 24, 2021 – Amidst the spectacular and picturesque backdrop of Lake Tahoe, this weekend’s NHL Outdoors games produced numerous viewership milestones across NBC Sports, including the most-watched regular-season game in NBCSN’s 15-year history of televising NHL games for Sunday night’s Flyers-Bruins game. On Saturday, Golden Knights-Avalanche began in the afternoon on NBC but was delayed for hours due to sunshine making the ice unplayable, and ultimately finished after midnight on NBCSN.
Following are highlights:
SUNDAY: FLYERS VS. BRUINS ON NBCSN
SATURDAY: GOLDEN KNIGHTS VS. AVALANCHE ON NBC & NBCSN
Viewership for the Avalanche’s 3-2 victory over the Golden Knights on Saturday is divided into two parts. After starting at 3 pm ET on NBC, the game was delayed for hours due to sunshine that made the ice unplayable. It eventually restarted at midnight ET on NBCSN.
*Late night is defined as a game that begins after 10 p.m. ET
–NBC SPORTS–
Sunday Doubleheader Headlined by East Division-Leading Boston Bruins Facing N.Y. Rangers at Noon ET on NBC
Sunday Nightcap on NBCSN – Red Wings-Blackhawks at 7 p.m. ET; NHL Live Begins Coverage at 6 p.m. ET
Wednesday Doubleheader Features Wednesday Night Hockey Matchup Between Rangers-Flyers at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN; Kings Face Off vs. Blues at 9:30 p.m. ET on NBCSN
Tonight’s Coverage Features Sidney Crosby and Penguins vs. Alex Ovechkin and Capitals at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN
Chicago Blackhawks Goaltender Malcolm Subban Interview with Anson Carter Available Now on Season Two of Hockey Culture
STAMFORD, Conn. – Feb. 23, 2021 – NBC Sports presents an Original Six doubleheader this Sunday, headlined by David Pastrnak and the East Division-leading Boston Bruins against Alexis Lafreniere and the New York Rangers on NHL on NBC at Noon ET. Sunday evening features a showdown between Patrick Kane and the Chicago Blackhawks against Dylan Larkin and the Detroit Red Wings at 7 p.m. ET on NBCSN. NHL Live begins coverage at 6 p.m. ET.
NBCSN presents a doubleheader on Wednesday night, beginning with Wednesday Night Hockey between Kevin Hayes and the Philadelphia Flyers hosting Lafreniere and the Rangers at 7 p.m. ET. The nightcap features Ryan O’Reilly and the St. Louis Blues hosting Anze Kopitar and the streaking Los Angeles Kings at 9:30 p.m. ET. Studio coverage will include a feature on three black members of the Kings organization who are making an impact on and off the ice: prospects Quinton Byfield and Akil Thomas, and scout Blake Bolden.
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin will continue their storied rivalry tonight on NBCSN when the Pittsburgh Penguins play the Washington Capitals at 7 p.m. ET.
This week continues NBC Sports’ presentation of Frozen February, a month-long celebration of hockey and digital and social content centering on the intersection of race and diversity in the sport as part of Black History Month.
HOW TO WATCH
| Date | Coverage | Commentators | Time (ET) | Network |
| Tues., February 23 | NHL Live | Kathryn Tappen, Patrick Sharp, Dominic Moore | 6:30 p.m. | NBCSN |
| Pittsburgh at Washington^ | Kenny Albert, Pierre McGuire | 7 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| NHL Overtime | Kathryn Tappen, Patrick Sharp, Dominic Moore | 9:45 p.m.* | NBCSN | |
| Wed., February 24 | NHL Live | Liam McHugh, Patrick Sharp, Dominic Moore, Bob McKenzie | 6 p.m. | NBCSN |
| N.Y. Rangers vs. Philadelphia | Brendan Burke, Keith Jones, Brian Boucher | 7 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| Los Angeles vs. St. Louis | John Kelly, Darren Pang | 9:30 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| NHL Overtime | Liam McHugh, Patrick Sharp, Dominic Moore, Bob McKenzie | 12 a.m.* | NBCSN | |
| Sun., February 28 | Boston vs. N.Y. Rangers | Kenny Albert, Brian Boucher | Noon | NBC |
| NHL Live | Kathryn Tappen, Anson Carter, Patrick Sharp | 6 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| Detroit vs. Chicago | John Forslund, Eddie Olczyk | 7 p.m. | NBCSN | |
| NHL Overtime | Kathryn Tappen, Anson Carter, Patrick Sharp | 9:45 p.m.* | NBCSN |
*Immediately following game coverage
^Blacked out in local markets: Pittsburgh, Washington
HOCKEY CULTURE SEASON TWO
Chicago Blackhawks goaltender Malcolm Subban joined NHL on NBC analyst Anson Carter for a conversation about growing up in a hockey family, his passion for connecting with the youth in the community, and supporting Matt Dumba of the Minnesota Wild taking a knee and giving a speech last August, on the latest episode of NBC Sports’ Hockey Culture.
The conversation is available now on Hockey Culture’s dedicated YouTube Channel and below are highlights:
Subban on supporting Matt Dumba, together with Darnell Nurse, taking a knee and giving a speech prior to a game last August: “We wanted to support him and knew it would be very powerful if we had a hand on his shoulder while he was (taking a knee)…it was a great speech by him. It takes a lot of strength and courage to speak the way he did in front of everyone.”
Subban on his passion for connecting with the youth in the local community: “When you’re looking into communities, I’m a big believer — my dad’s a principal and my sisters are teachers — that the children are our future and the more you touch children, the greater it will make our world and cities.”
OUR LINE STARTS
NHL on NBC analysts Anson Carter and Dominic Moore joined Kathryn Tappen to discuss the Chicago Blackhawks’ fast start this season, Patrik Laine’s impact for the Blue Jackets in Columbus as well as a look at the Penguins and the team’s potential upcoming activity in the trade market on the latest episode of NBC Sports’ NHL weekly podcast, Our Line Starts.
2020-21 REGULAR SEASON COVERAGE ON NBC SPORTS
NBC Sports is scheduled to present roughly 100 games featuring all 31 teams on NBC and NBCSN during the 2020-21 NHL regular-season, including a record 16 regular-season games on the NBC broadcast network. Click here for more info.
–NBC SPORTS–
ESPN will present all three games of the NCAA 2021 Women’s Frozen Four as part of its inaugural coverage of the NCAA Division I Women’s Ice Hockey Championship from the Erie Insurance Arena in Erie, Pa., beginning March 18.
The post ESPN to Present the 2021 NCAA Women’s Frozen Four Beginning March 18 as Part of New, Multi-Year Agreement appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..
As part of ESPN’s celebration of “Black History Always,” and in conjunction with the ACC’s Unity Week, ACC Network will air ACC Unite: No Struggle, No Progress tonight at 7 p.m. ET.
The post ACC Unite: No Struggle, No Progress Airs Tonight at 7 p.m. ET appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..
“If Watson gets traded, it’s going to have to include a gigantic package, maybe the highest price ever paid for a player in league history. It’s justified.” – King on any potential trade for QB Deshaun Watson
“I’d be surprised if the Panthers hadn’t made an offer by now, quite frankly. This is a fit in many ways. Very aggressive new owner (David Tepper), who would move mountains for a franchise QB.” – King on the Panthers as a potential Watson trade partner
“The trade was fair to both the Colts and Eagles…If anyone can fix (Wentz) after the 2020 debacle it’s probably (Frank) Reich.” – King on Carson Wentz trade
Tony Dungy Hosts Panel on State of Minority Coaching in College Football, Available Later Today on NBC Sports’ Digital Channels
STAMFORD, Conn. – Feb. 22, 2021 – Peter King explores potential trades for Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson in this week’s edition of Football Morning in America, available now exclusively on NBCSports.com. King also discusses the NFL quarterback market, including Indianapolis’ deal for Carson Wentz, and shares his thoughts on how to help players in their post-playing lives.
Pro Football Hall of Fame head coach and NBC Sports analyst Tony Dungy, who was the first African-American head coach to win a Super Bowl, hosts a conversation on the state of minority coaches in college football with Maryland head coach Mike Locksley and former Notre Dame and Stanford coach Ty Willingham. The conversation will be available later today on NBC Sports’ YouTube channel. Earlier this month, Dungy hosted a roundtable on the state of minority coaching hires in the NFL with former Colts and Lions head coach Jim Caldwell, Atlanta Falcons President & CEO and member of the NFL’s Competition Committee Rick McKay, and co-host of Peacock’s Brother From Another Michael Smith.
Across NBC Sports, Peacock’s weekday block of NFL programming from 7 a.m. – 7 p.m. ET, which provides extensive NFL coverage, includes PFT Live featuring Mike Florio and Chris Simms live at 7 a.m. ET, followed by The Dan Patrick Show at 9 a.m. ET, The Rich Eisen Show at Noon ET, Brother From Another, with Michael Holley and Michael Smith, at 3 p.m. ET, and PFT PM at 5 p.m. ET. On Monday, Safety Blitz, featuring Rodney Harrison and Jac Collinsworth, streams at 6 p.m. ET, and Chris Simms Unbuttoned streams at 6 p.m. ET Tuesday-Friday. ProFootballTalk.com continues to provide the latest offseason news, and the NBC Sports EDGE’s A Good Football Show and Chris Simms Unbuttoned podcast discuss offseason storylines.
The following are highlights from this week’s edition of Football Morning in America:
DESHAUN WATSON
King on the NFL quarterback market: “Every offseason has good storylines. But this year, from the time Adam Schefter put the over-under on starting quarterback changes in 2021 at 18 (and took the over), football antennae have been raised at the most important position in team sports.”
King on the Texans and QB Deshaun Watson: “Over the weekend, two common themes emerged about Houston’s near future. One: The Texans have one untouchable player, Watson, as of now. Two: Houston is not only not interested in trading Watson but also not interested in listening to offers for him.”
King on Texans GM Nick Caserio: “I’m told he’s categorically opposed to trading Watson, period – either in the next nine weeks before the draft (when he’d clearly get the best deal to start the Texans’ post-Watson lives) or ever. It’s easy to say that, of course, when the deadline is far away. No one knows who will fold, who will stay strong. Caserio and owner Cal McNair have never been in the eye of a storm like this one.”
King: “So if Watson continues to say he won’t play for the Texans, Caserio would be able to make his best deal in the days before the April 29 first round. Below are the best candidates.”
KING’S BEST CANDIDATES FOR A WATSON TRADE
King on a potential deal: “I can hear many of you now: Price tag’s too steep! You’re crazy! I’m not. If Watson gets traded, it’s going to have to include a gigantic package, maybe the highest price ever paid for a player in league history. It’s justified. Twenty-five-year-old franchise quarterbacks never come on the market. But the price isn’t for everyone.”
Carolina Panthers: “I’d be surprised if the Panthers hadn’t made an offer by now, quite frankly. This is a fit in many ways. Very aggressive new owner (David Tepper), who would move mountains for a franchise QB.”
King Proposal: “A 7-for-1 deal. Running back Christian McCaffrey, quarterback Teddy Bridgewater, receiver Robbie Anderson and first-round and second-round picks in 2021 (eighth and 39th overall), a first-round pick in 2022 and third-round pick in 2023 in exchange for Watson.”
New York Jets: “GM Joe Douglas is a big home-grown advocate, and I believe New York would chafe at doing a mega-pick deal for Watson because too many dyed-in-the-wool scouts there believe in building the team through the draft. But so many of the ingredients are there.”
King Proposal: “A 6-for-1 deal. Quarterback Sam Darnold, defensive lineman Quinnen Williams, first-round picks in 2021 (second overall) and 2022 (the higher of New York’s two first-round picks), plus second-round picks in 2021 (34th overall) and 2023 in exchange for Watson.”
San Francisco 49ers: “San Francisco would be okay with entering 2021 with Jimmy Garoppolo as its starter. But no matter what Kyle Shanahan and John Lynch say, they can’t be totally comfortable with it…If the Niners could convince Garoppolo to waive his no-trade clause, I could see San Francisco being all in here, even though the Niners clearly would have to part with some major assets.”
King Proposal: “Seven-for-1. Garoppolo, linebacker Fred Warner (that really hurts), tackle Mike McGlinchey, first-round picks in 2021 (12th overall) and 2022, plus a second-round pick in 2021 and third-round pick in 2022 for Watson. It’s a lot for the Niners to pay; of all the players in all the deals I’m proposing, Warner would be the most coveted one in my book.”
Miami Dolphins: “You’d hear a big, loud, ‘We’re not trading Tua if the Dolphins weren’t at least pondering Watson.’ Why wouldn’t they be? It’s extremely hard, after seeing one year of Tua Tagovailoa, to think his mega-upside would equal the 2021 Watson. It’s logical to at least look into it.”
King Proposal: “Miami trades defensive end Christian Wilkins, quarterback Tua Tagovailoa, first-round picks in 2021 (third overall) and 2023, and second-round picks in 2021 and 2022 for Watson.”
CARSON WENTZ
King on the Colts’ trade for Carson Wentz: “My bet is that the Colts had plans to pursue Wentz this offseason, but before they’d trade for a player with four years and $96 million left on his contract, they had to be sure that (Andrew) Luck wasn’t having second thoughts about playing…And once they felt sure Luck was ensconced in retirement, they moved full speed ahead on Wentz.”
King on the trade: “The trade was fair to both the Colts and Eagles. A third-round pick this year and a first-round pick in 2022 (if Wentz plays 75 percent of the snaps in Indy this year, or 70 percent and the Colts make the playoffs)…Plus, Indy takes the risk of the contract: $96 million over the next four years, with $47.5 million guaranteed. Heck of a risk on a quarterback who failed so spectacularly, and in many ways, in 2020.”
King on Wentz and Colts head coach Frank Reich: “Wentz is 28. He was awful last season and justifiably was benched for the last four games in Philadelphia. But he looked like the long-term guy the previous three years (81 TDs, 21 interceptions), and if anyone can fix him after the 2020 debacle it’s probably Reich.”
King on Wentz’s desire to go to the Colts: “I’m told the Colts were his first, second and third choices in trade, mostly because of Reich and also because he’s a Midwest (North Dakota) guy, and Indianapolis has about 1 percent of the sporting venom of Philadelphia.”
King on Wentz’s 2020 season: “He saw ghosts; he often rushed throws even when he didn’t have to because he was used to heavy pressure from a line he didn’t trust anymore…He didn’t respond well to hard coaching, tuning out much of what he was being taught. After the Eagles spent a 2020 second-round pick on a quarterback, Jalen Hurts, Wentz didn’t trust the front office either.”
King on the Eagles since winning Super Bowl LII: “The team as a whole, poof! Gone, into thin air. Doug Pederson’s last four years: Super Bowl win, playoffs, playoffs, 4-11-1…fired. Whaaaaat? What has happened in sports?!…There might be a team in the 55-year history of Super Bowl that has dissolved faster than these Philadelphia Eagles, but I can’t think of one.”
King on the Eagles: “Over the weekend, in talking to two people who know the inner workings of the Eagles, it’s clear that there is a stunned disbelief inside the team from (owner Jeffrey) Lurie on down. A year ago, Pederson and Wentz were the keystones for the future of the franchise. Today, it’s almost inconceivable Nick Sirianni and Jalen Hurts are the coach and quarterback, and the franchise is cap-strapped with so few young building-block players.”
NEWS & NOTES
King on the death of former NFL WR Vincent Jackson: “I think it’s too early to know exactly why Vincent Jackson’s life ended far too soon at 38, but the signs that he was spiraling downward are there: successful former football player (four times a nominee for the NFL’s Walter Payton Man of the Year award), estranged from his family, serious alcoholism suspected.”
King on his idea to help retired players and their post-career lives: “I say convene a combined league-union Blue Ribbon Panel, with mental-health and cognitive-health experts from each side, to examine why so many players struggle in their post-career lives. Invest real money in addressing the afterlives of football players. Invest real money in safety nets for players who go off the grid and whose lives their good friends are seriously concerned about, so that prominent players and excellent contributors to society don’t die binging on alcohol or other substances after giving up on finding a good life post-football.”
King on Drew Brees: “I think it’s good for Drew Brees to be in control of his fate and all that, but it’s Feb. 22. It’s been 36 days since Jay Glazer announced Brees would definitely be retiring after the Saints’ final playoff game, 36 days since that last playoff game. And crickets. It’s widely (overwhelmingly?) assumed Brees will retire and transition to broadcasting. Drew, you’ve got the stage to yourself this week. No quarterback trades likely. It’s all yours.”
King on Jacoby Brissett: “I think I’d love to see free-agent quarterback Jacoby Brissett sign with the Eagles. Great spot for Brissett, who still wants to play, probably won’t have a solid starting opportunity in this market, but would be an excellent backup if Jalen Hurts struggles in Philadelphia.”
Read the full FMIA column here and catch the weekly Peter King Podcast here.
The following are additional highlights of NBC Sports’ NFL coverage:
A new “Football Morning in America” posts every Monday morning exclusively on NBCSports.com through the NFL season. It was announced in May 2019 that King signed an exclusive agreement with NBC Sports Group that included writing a weekly Monday morning NFL column for NBCSports.com; making regular appearances on PFT Live with Mike Florio; and continuing to contribute to Football Night in America, the most-watched studio show in sports.
—NBC SPORTS—
ESPN will offer nearly 120 regular season college lacrosse games across ESPNU, ACC Network (ACCN), ESPN3, ESPN+ and ACCNX this season.
The post Lax is Back: ESPN Networks Set to Air Nearly 120 NCAA Men’s Lacrosse Games This Season appeared first on ESPN Press Room U.S..