The NFL may be populated with big burly men, but sometimes they act like school children.
That's been the case over the last few days as practice drama continues to pour in. We're talking fights and hurt feelings, folks.
That plus some roster movement is what you've got in store for you with today's newsletter. Let's get into it.
Player Movement
We've got Za'Darius Smith headed to Atlanta. The move is considered aggressive by the Falcons, who drew Smith into a $6 million one-year deal in the hopes of building up their currently depleted defense.
This after Atlanta suffered a devastating blow in the form of Jalen Walker's torn ACL. Walker, the star rookie linebacker, is now out for the entirety of the season. That, along with James Pearce Jr.'s eight-game league suspension, which is the consequence of a horrifying domestic violence story concerning WNBA star Rickea Jackson has left the Falcons dangerously undermanned. They're hoping Smith can add strength and experience to their defense.
We've also got Von Miller headed to Dallas in a one-year, $5.5 million contract with a $2 million bonus available if he can secure certain sack incentives. Though in the twilight of his career, Dallas is making a confident bet in his ability to put together another strong season.
Preseason Brawls
Big men behaving badly.
Is it most honest to say that we all kind of like the occasional fight in professional sports? At the end of the day, it is always a case of adults behaving badly. But sometimes that bad behavior is entertaining. This week, there was plenty of it.
First, the Dallas Cowboys and New Orleans Saints met in a joint practice session that devolved quickly into violence. Coaches were forced to end several drills early as tension developed. It came to a head during the competitive 11-on-11 session. At this point, defensive players on both sides were routinely hitting even past the whistle. The session dissolved entirely when a full team brawl erupted as a Saints defender laid an aggressive hit on the Cowboys wide receiver. At that point, Dallas's sideline emptied onto the field and punching ensued. Oh boy.
Bo Nix and the Broncos also had their share of bad behavior. Nick Benito and Bo Nix reportedly experienced tension throughout practice. Those bad feelings came to a head when Nix snapped at his offensive line and shoved Benito. At that point, a chaotic multiplayer pileup wound up leaving lineman Calvin Throckmorton with a bloodied face.
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