PALM BEACH, Fla. – The NFL Owners Meeting took place last week, and I had the privilege of attending to hear what the head coaches and general managers said. With that in mind, here are some relevant quotes about players who matter to you.
Bears: Ben Johnson has a plan to protect Caleb Williams
Williams was sacked 68 times as a rookie in 2024, and Johnson knows that can't happen again. The new head coach in Chicago got help on the offensive line with the additions of guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson and center Drew Dalman, but the whole offense has to help protect Williams.
“It takes a village,” Johnson said. “I don't know what the number was in terms of seconds that he held the ball before releasing it. But we would certainly like to bring that number down. Part of that is how well can we scheme No. 1 or No. 2 in the progression open for him?”
Vikings: Kevin O’Connell excited about the addition of Jordan Mason
Aaron Jones set career highs in touches, carries, and offensive snaps in his first season with the Vikings in 2024. But O'Connell felt like Jones, who turned 30 in December, had too much work, hence the excitement about Mason.
“We wanted to make sure we were using Aaron in a way that allowed him to be his most impactful self,” O’Connell said.
Packers: Matt LaFleur hopes to find Christian Watson (knee) replacement
Watson suffered a torn ACL in Week 18 last season. LaFleur is hopeful the rest of the receiving corps will step up, including Jayden Reed, Romeo Doubs, and Dontayvion Wicks.
“Obviously, it doesn't help when you lose a guy like Christian Watson and who knows when we'll get him back,” LaFleur said.
Lions: GM Brad Holmes says Jameson Williams “still scratching the surface”
Holmes confirmed that the Lions are “most likely going to be doing that” when asked about giving Williams his fifth-year option.
“He was a tremendous player for us last year. He's still scratching the surface. I do think he's got more in him as well, so it makes sense for us to do what we can to keep him around,” Holmes said.
