2023 NFL Preseason News
Scott Morris | June 13, 2023
The start of the 2023 NFL season is closing in. Teams will be increasing their preparation. Front offices have roster decisions, while the players are all out to improve on last season.
Major injury news would dampen the preseason, but that scenario probably won’t happen. Meanwhile, here is a look at some of the big stories that emerged over the last few days.
Hunter Boycotting Minicamp
A difficult offseason with the Minnesota Vikings doesn’t appear to be getting better anytime soon. Linebacker/pass-rush specialist Danielle Hunter said he won’t be part of this week’s mandatory minicamp.
The 28-year-old is in the final year of his contract with the Vikes, looking at a long-term extension. Hunter didn’t participate in the voluntary portion of the offseason workouts, but missing this camp is a much bigger issue between him and the team.
Minnesota released star running back Dalvin Cook last week, saving some money by shedding payroll. The team may choose to fine Hunter if he indeed skips the minicamp, but it’s unclear what direction they will go.
Hunter battled injuries a season ago, but finished with 10 sacks. Other teams have been hoping to pry away the pass rusher, but the Vikings have not indicated he’s available.
Patriots Release Robinson
The New England Patriots announced Monday that they’ve released running back James Robinson. It’s less than three months after the Pats signed the 24-year-old to a two-year deal, though no guaranteed money was involved.
Monday was the first day of New England’s mandatory minicamp, all of the players going through physicals. While the results of those physicals were not announced, it’s not a stretch to surmise Robinson’s release was related to that exam.
Robinson tore his Achilles at the end of 2021 with the Jacksonville Jaguars, and was looking to make a return to the league. New England signed Robinson to replace Damien Harris, who departed and signed with the Buffalo Bills this offseason.
In limited action with the New York Jets a season ago, Robinson wasn’t able to offer much in the way of production. Thus, the Pats are in the running-back market once again.
Priced at +750, they’re the rank outsiders to win the AFC East, as per NFL division odds.
Guy Not “Camping”
The New England Patriots are typically an organization that avoids much drama during the preseason. That isn’t the case this time around. Defensive tackle Lawrence Guy isn’t in attendance at the team’s minicamp. He is reportedly eyeing an adjustment to his contract.
Guy’s been with the Patriots the past half-dozen seasons, one of the best at his position over the last decade. Back in 2021, Guy and his agent were able to negotiate a four-year extension, but the talks were rancorous.
There’s now a change of agents, hoping that new representation gets him a better pact with the Pats. The team could choose to fine Guy over his absence, though coach Bill Belichick hinted there were some potential “excused absences” at camp.
Homage to Watt
The Houston Texans are expected to improve in 2023, plenty of good, young players on the roster. There aren’t going to be a ton of stories surrounding the team this preseason, but Houston did make some news the past few days.
Planning to induct J.J. Watt into the Texans’ Ring of Honor later this fall, celebrating the career of one of the best players in the history of the franchise. It will take place Oct. 1st, before the game against the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Watt ended 101½ sacks as a Texan, winning the Defensive Player of the Year Award three different times. Houston released Watt back in February 2021, allowing him the chance to play with a contending team to round out his career. However, two seasons with the Arizona Cardinals resulted in one postseason losing effort.
Ironically, both of Watt’s teams are listed at 80-1 (+8000) bombardiers to win the AFC and NFC, respectively, according to NFL conference odds.
