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Daily Slop – 30 Apr 25 – With mid-July deadline for approval, Commanders stadium deal now faces a tough D.C. political fight

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A collection of articles, podcasts & tweets from around the web to keep you in touch with the Commanders, the NFC East, the NFL and sports in general, and a sprinkling of other stuff

Commanders links

Articles

Washington Post (paywall)

D.C. Council split on whether to support bringing Commanders to RFK

The mayor and the team need a majority of the D.C. Council to agree — and lawmakers remain far from united on the deal, which is expected to cost taxpayers more than $1 billion.

Architects of a $3.7 billion deal to bring the Washington Commanders to the RFK Stadium site have framed the team’s return to D.C. as almost inevitable.

But Bowser and the team need a majority of the D.C. Council to agree — and lawmakers remain far from united on the deal, which is expected to cost D.C. taxpayers more than $1 billion.

Bowser is expected to include the public financing portions of the project in her 2026 capital budget submission, which administration officials say is expected in the coming weeks but delayed by Congress, which threw D.C.’s budgeting process into chaos by suddenly cutting local funds through a stopgap spending bill passed in March.

Once the deal makes its way to the council, it will require seven votes to pass. The terms Bowser agreed to with the team say the council must approve D.C.’s financial contribution and other legislation related to the deal by mid-July, or else the exclusive agreement between the city and the team will expire (though it may be extended if both parties agree).

[E]ven those open to funding the stadium in some form were concerned about the price tag for taxpayers.

“There are the folks who are hard no’s, there’s some folks who are hard yeses,” said D.C. Council member Matthew Frumin (D-Ward 3). “I’m hoping the rest of us are saying: ‘could be for it, could be against it, need to take a hard look at it before making a decision in the context of this really difficult budget.’”

Sports Illustrated

Washington’s new stadium includes two surprising features that tie the team back to its roots

1. End Zone Seating in the Shape of a “W”

One of the most creative features of the new stadium design is in the end zone. Seating will be arranged in the shape of a “W,” a clear nod to Washington’s name, culture, and brand. This subtle yet symbolic gesture will become a visual signature on broadcasts and a unique experience for fans seated in that section.

2. A View of the U.S. Capitol

Thanks to the stadium’s deliberate alignment and open sightlines, fans sitting in certain areas will be able to see the iconic U.S. Capitol building beyond the structure. It’s a powerful, patriotic reminder of the franchise’s connection to the nation’s capital and its roots in the heart of D.C.

Mayor Bowser said the city knew right away that partnering with the Commanders was the key to bringing the RFK site back to life. “We said we could do it all — Commanders, housing, park space, recreation, retail, entertainment and more – and, together, that’s what we are delivering.”

Commanders.com

Commanders sign K Matt Gay, release Zane Gonzalez

Gay, a fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2019 draft, comes to Washington after spending two seasons with the Indianapolis Colts. Over the course of his time in the AFC South, Gay hit 82.1% of his field goals, including a 57-yarder, and 98.6% of his extra points.

For his career, Gay is an 85.5% field goal kicker and was also a member of the Los Angeles Rams from 2020-22. The three-year stint was Gay’s most successful stretch in the NFL, as he only missed six field goals on 80 kicks. Gay was also selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 with the Rams for hitting 94.1% of his field goals and was 4-of-5 on kicks of 50-plus yards.

Commanders.com

5 things to know about Trey Amos

He’s a “PBU machine.”

There weren’t many defensive backs who had as many pass breakups as Amos did in 2024. Pro Football Focus had him tied for second-most among cornerbacks last season, and he has 35 for his career.

And most analysts agree that when it comes to disrupting passes, Amos is one of the best.

“Dude is a PBU machine — very savvy about using his long arms at just the right time,” ESPN’s Mina Kimes said on social media. “Can play both press man and reads QBs well in zone. I’m a fan.”

The Commanders saw that performance on film, but what stood out to them was how he managed to stay consistent against top-tier talent. Their R&D department had him ranked in the 96th percentile against highly talented players, which is why Peters said the department was the loudest group that cheered when they drafted Amos.

“He’s played against a lot of really good players, and he doesn’t back down to anybody,” Peters said. “And it’s almost like he relishes it.”

And while the Commanders intend to let Amos and the rest of the cornerbacks compete, they already have an idea about how they can best utilize that physicality.

“He’s really more of an outside guy,” Peters said. “He is like an outside, press corner is where that’s probably his bread and butter. I think his best position is outside. I don’t think he can’t play inside, but I think you’re best using him outside.”

ESPN

2025 NFL draft: Yates’ favorite picks in every round

Jacory Croskey-Merritt, RB, Washington Commanders (No. 245)

Croskey-Merritt had a winding college path that started at Alabama State and ended at Arizona, though eligibility issues limited him to only 13 rushes for the Wildcats in 2024. He has a very intriguing combination of size, speed and overall footwork, but he must develop his instincts and vision. He’s a moldable player for the Commanders to develop.

Pro Football Talk

Commanders first-rounder Josh Conerly Jr. got a prank call, too

Commanders first-round tackle Josh Conerly Jr., the 29th overall pick in round one, told 106.7 the Fan on Tuesday that he was on the wrong end of a Jerky Boys skit during the first night of the draft,

“I got one prank call,” Conerly said. “It was somebody in Colorado acting like they were the Broncos. Mine wasn’t as bad and as cruel as some of the other ones.”

Riggo’s Rag

Overlooked prospect given dream Commanders’ chance against all odds

Collin Schlee’s chances of making the Commanders’ roster are remote at best

Schlee’s chances of cracking this roster are minuscule. He doesn’t seem to mind. He has been through this kind of thing before. The chance to keep playing football, especially so close to home, is enough to make him put off whatever other plans he may have for his life and be a part of the Commanders.

The prospect’s college journey was a long and winding road. After leading Oakdale High School to an undefeated, state championship season back in 2019, he made stops at Kent State and UCLA before returning to the east coast for a final year at Virginia Tech.

He has learned a lot of playbooks, including Chip Kelly’s with the Bruins. Schlee has seen a lot and brings a level of maturity into the league.

When he broke the news, Ben Standig of The Athletic reported that the Commanders intend to let Schlee play a little bit at wide receiver in addition to quarterback during Washington’s rookie minicamp. He’s an athlete, and the coaching staff will give him a chance to show that off in May.

When he was at Kent State, Schlee would occasionally line up in two-quarterback sets that allowed him to get out from under center and operate in space. Perhaps the Commanders might be onto something with a slight position switch, although the chances of him lasting through the summer are unlikely.

Watching Schlee play and listening to him talk, he reminds me a lot of Taylor Heinicke, another signal-caller who was too small and had too weak an arm for the NFL. Despite enormous odds, we all know that he did make it into the league.

Schlee will get the chance to do that as well and in his backyard. It’s hard not to root for the guy.

Podcasts & videos

1 Big Thing: Why the Commanders news will be more than just a new stadium ️ | SC with SVP

Ari’s Team-By-Team NFL Draft Recap For All 32 Squads (queued up to the Commanders)

Washington Commanders Cut Stadium deal

NFC East links

NFL.com

NFL Power Rankings: Which teams were helped/hurt most by 2025 draft?

1 – Philadelphia Eagles

One of these years, I am gonna be unimpressed by an Eagles draft class. This is not the year. General manager Howie Roseman doesn’t need me to say it, but he’s good at his job. Ditto for the scouting staff as a whole. Not all of Philadelphia’s picks are going to work, which we know; it’s the process and the thought and the patience that stand out. It all makes sense. Did you realize the Eagles could have 12 picks in next year’s draft? And at the very least, Jihaad Campbell, Andrew Mukuba and Ty Robinson — their first three picks from this year’s draft — figure to enter the rotation in 2025, with Mukuba capable of winning a starting job. How many teams picking 32nd over the years can claim to have that strong a haul? Jalen Hurts and the boys are even better insulated to make another title run.

6 – Washington Commanders

I’ll understand if you want to complain about the lack of an edge rusher in this year’s draft haul, but that just seemed to be the way the picks went. I really liked the Commanders’ overall approach, and let‘s not forget how few resources they entered the weekend with. Two of their picks were spent to land Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel, so if your draft graders aren’t folding in that value, please gently swat their wrists for me. Josh Conerly Jr. was just OK value for me in Round 1, but Trey Amos was a strong value in the second, so that more than evened out the returns on those first two picks. Washington now has the next three months to figure out if there are ways of procuring more pass-rush talent. The Commanders are set up very well for the future, even if last year’s Texans serve as a reminder that progress isn’t always linear.

20 – Dallas Cowboys

In a vacuum, the first three picks really made a lot of sense. Tyler Booker continued the OL bolstering, while Dallas snagged Donovan Ezeiruaku and Shavon Revel Jr. below where I thought they might be picked. Even a few of the Day 3 selections have a chance to stick in what was a typically sound draft haul. That said, I have questions. Who is helping CeeDee Lamb out? What is the RB pecking order? Will Micah Parsons be a happy — and RICH — man soon? The Cowboys might not be able to eliminate every concern before August, but they’re foundationally solid. Will that matter in a suddenly fearsome NFC East, with the Eagles and Commanders having just faced off in the conference title game? That remains to be seen in head coach Brian Schottenheimer’s first season.

30 – New York Giants

I thought the Giants did well in the draft — potentially very well, if the Jaxson Dart pick works out. I feel relatively confident in edge monster Abdul Carter becoming a star, provided his foot doesn’t act up. I even really liked the Day 2/3 crop, especially the picks of DT Darius Alexander, RB Cam Skattebo and OL Marcus Mbow. But what could take this group from enticing to thrilling is Dart offering hope at the game’s most important position. Russell Wilson figures to be the starter, and Jameis Winston is the likely backup to start off, unless Dart shows out early and often in camp and the preseason. He wasn’t my favorite quarterback in this class, and I still wonder if the G-Men ultimately will wish they had just waited until the 2026 draft to target a quarterback. But for now, there’s at least an undercurrent of excitement about turning things around.

The Athletic (paywall)

NFL Draft 2025 team-by-team rankings: Best and worst classes, from 1 to 32

5. New York Giants

Favorite pick: Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State

Darius Alexander was exactly what the Giants needed to complement Dexter Lawrence, and Cam Skattebo is an ideal running mate to pair with Tyrone Tracy. But let’s not overthink this one. Carter has the type of burst off the ball that strikes fear in the eyes of blockers and will help the Giants’ defense get off the field. New York has an impressive collection of talent on that side of the ball.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Marcus Mbow, G, Purdue

Considered a potential top-100 pick, Mbow fell to Round 5, mostly because of positional-fit questions. The Giants will be hoping he can provide depth at both guard and tackle as a rookie and show enough to be considered a long-term option, especially with right guard expected to be a need after the season.

11. Philadelphia Eagles

Favorite pick: Jihaad Campbell, Edge/LB, Alabama

With some teams concerned about his durability, Campbell fell to the bottom of Round 1 — and into Eagles general manager Howie Roseman’s sights. We don’t have a crystal-clear picture of how Philadelphia plans to use him, but it sounds like he might become the Eagles’ version of Micah Parsons, which is an ideal fit for his talent as a downhill force player. Sign me all the way up.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Smael Mondon Jr., LB, Georgia

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: The Eagles added another Georgia defender. And with former Bulldogs linebacker Nakobe Dean on the mend, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio will be leaning on the rest of his linebackers to play critical roles, including Mondon. He can get stuck at times in his reads, but he is an above-average athlete and can make stops all over the field.

12. Dallas Cowboys

Favorite pick: Donovan Ezeiruaku, Edge, Boston College

After McMillan went top 10, I loved the fit for Tyler Booker at No. 12. But Dallas got even better value with its two picks on Day 2. A bendy athlete with long arms, Ezeiruaku was my 22nd-ranked player because of his ability to reach the quarterback (No. 1 in the FBS with 1.38 sacks per game in 2024).

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Jay Toia, DT, UCLA

A prospect who easily could have been drafted in the fourth round, Toia is a stout, wide-bodied run defender who can stack and shed the point with ease. With his ability to muck things up at the line, it won’t be surprising when he earns a valuable role as a one-technique tackle in coordinator Matt Eberflus’ scheme.

19. Washington Commanders

Favorite pick: Trey Amos, CB, Ole Miss

A top-40 prospect on my board (and a player some thought could sneak into the first round), Amos “slipped” to the late second, where the Commanders addressed a need and found terrific value. At 6-1, 195 with 4.43 speed, Amos was an All-SEC corner in 2024 (16 passes defended) and showed he could smother in man coverage or be disruptive from zone.

Day 3 pick who could surprise: Kain Medrano, LB, UCLA

The Commanders are set at linebacker for 2025, but Medrano will provide much needed depth — and I’ll bet he makes a name for himself as a rookie special-teamer. The running back depth chart is a little crowded in Washington, too, but Jacorey Croskey-Merritt offers better home-run potential than the players ahead of him.

Bleeding Green Nation

How the Eagles keep winning the draft

2020 was a needed wake up call for the team. They had just drafted Jalen Reagor instead of Justin Jefferson in the 1st round, which was considered a bad decision at the time and in hindsight was an all time bad decision.

Since then they’ve had four great drafts, and just had what is considered another strong one. Here’s how they did it.

They started drafting top players from top programs

From 2021 on, 6 of the 15 Eagles draft picks from rounds 1-3 played their final college game in the title game: DeVonta Smith, Landon Dickerson, Jordan Davis, Nakobe Dean, Jalen Carter, and Nolan Smith. An additional four day three draft picks were also on college football title game teams: JaCoby Stevens, Kelee Ringo, Trevor Keegan, and Myles Hinton. And three more played in the college football playoffs: Andrew Mukuba, Smael Mondon, and Cameron Williams.

With college schemes closer to the NFL than they have ever been before, and talent concentrated on a handful of college teams more than ever before, the best college teams are closer to being a “33rd” team than ever before.

They stopped bringing in bad athletes

From 2016 to 2019, the Eagles drafted 24 players with an RAS grade, only 9 of them scored at least an 8.00 (out of 10). Just as many scored below a 7.00.

From 2021 on, the Eagles have drafted 32 players with an RAS grade, and 24 of them had a grade of at least 8.00, and only 4 had a grade of below 7.00.

They shifted UDFA focus to bigger programs and better recruits

From 2020 on, 61% were from Power 4/5 conferences, and 85% were from FBS programs. From 2016-19, they brought in 16 players from FCS or NAIA programs. None of them amounted to anything. Since then, they’ve brought in just one.

They followed the wisdom of the crowds

If someone says the draft is luck, or a crapshoot, or random… they are wrong. Certainly there is an element of luck involved, but the league has gotten pretty good at determining who should be early draft picks, and who should not. If the draft was truly random, talent would be evenly distributed and late round stars like Puca Nacua and Brock Purdy would be the norm, not the exception.

After the overthinking-it mistake of Jalen Reagor, not a consensus top 40 player, over Justin Jefferson, a top 20 prospect, (and Davion Taylor, barely a top 150 prospect at 103) the Eagles have drafted in the top half of the draft players that were if not the “best player available” then among the best players available.

NFL league links

Articles

Pro Football Talk

Third day of draft averages 4.3 million viewers, up 43 percent

The Shedeur Sanders slide lasted into the third day of the draft. That was bad for him, good for the draft.

Per the NFL, Saturday’s coverage averaged 4.3 million viewers across all platforms. It was a 43-percent increase over the final day of the draft from 2024.

All three days showed a bump over 2024. The first night increased by 11 percent, and the second was up by 48 percent. Each day sets a level that it will be hard for the 2026 draft to match — unless Arch Manning declares and then has a similar free fall.

Front Office Sports

Shedeur Sanders Has NFL’s No. 3 Rookie Jersey After Draft Slide

Despite being the 144th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, new Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders has the third-best-selling jersey so far among incoming rookies.

The NFL released a list of the 10 best-selling jerseys from the 2025 NFL Draft, as of Monday (in order):

  • Jaguars receiver/cornerback Travis Hunter
  • Titans quarterback Cam Ward
  • Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders
  • Raiders running back Ashton Jeanty
  • Panthers receiver Tetairoa McMillan
  • Giants quarterback Jaxson Dart
  • Giants edge rusher Abdul Carter
  • Packers receiver Matthew Golden
  • Colts tight end Tyler Warren
  • Bears tight end Colston Loveland

The jerseys are selling for $129.99 on the official NFL Shop website, which is run by Fanatics. While Hunter’s No. 12 jersey and Ward’s No. 1 jersey top the list, Sanders’s is shown as 00 for now. There is no Browns player currently wearing No. 2, which Sanders wore in college, but he is listed as an unsigned draft pick on Cleveland’s official roster page.

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