ROCHESTER, N.Y. -- Hot Button is a 'round-the-clock feature that covers anything across the scope of sports. We're here to bring you everything hot: News items, highlights, takes — everything but hot meals — whether local, national or international. Better yet, it’s interactive. Share your thoughts in comments, and even post your own links to interesting, safe-for-work sports stories.
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WASHINGTON LANDS IN
DALLAS ON ONE-YEAR DEAL
Saturday, March 19: Former Steelers receiver James Washington is going from Pro Bowl quarterback to another — Ben Roethlisberger to Dak Prescott — agreeing on a one-year contract with the Cowboys as a free agent. Financial details were not disclosed.
The Steelers drafted Washington out of Oklahoma State in the second round of the 2018 draft. He had a breakout season in 2019, with 44 catches for 735 yards and three touchdowns, playing 68 percent of offensive snaps. But he struggled to get on the field his last two seasons in Pittsburgh, even with an injury to Juju Smith-Schuster last season, playing less than 45 percent of snaps in each season.
In four seasons, Washington caught 114 passes for 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns. He will help Dallas fill the gap left by the trade of Amari Cooper to the Browns.
My take: I never understood why Washington wasn't more prominent in the Steelers' pass game. Always seemed to make an important catch while on the field. He's not a big separation guy and his strength was, well, his strength on deep, 50-50 balls. Whether it was route running or Roethlisberger's elbow limiting the deep ball, the Texas native will get a shot to shine in Dallas. Best to him. Did Washington get a fair shot to show his full potential in Pittsburgh? — Bob
TOP MICHIGAN PROSPECT OJABO
INJURED DURING PRO DAY
Friday, March 18: Former University of Michigan linebacker David Ojabo suffered a leg injury Friday during the Wolverines' Pro Day, needing assistance from trainers to leave the field.
According to NFL Network, Ojabo, one of the highest rated edge defenders in the draft, was participating in a non-contact, pass-drop drill when he fell to the turf while turning upfield after a catch.
The extent of Ojabo's injury is not known, but he was seen leaving Al Glick Field House in Ann Arbor on crutches, with a walking boot on his left leg with his calf wrapped. He told reporters on scene, "I'll be back. you can print that in your article."
My take: Heartbreaking for this kid, particularly if it threatens his draft status. I'm curious why Ojabo was participating. His combine was very good, running a 4.55-second 40-yard dash and 4.45 20-yard shuttle, and his game tape is even better. He was solidly as a first-rounder in every mock draft I've seen, anywhere from late-teens to mid-20s. I really don't think he had much to gain from the Pro Day. Hope he's OK. — Bob
NFL, FORMER STEELERS
REPORTER CLAYTON DIES
Friday, March 18: ESPN National Football League reporter and Braddock, Pennsylvania native John Clayton has died after a short illness, according to his family. He was 67.
The Seahawks issued a statement on his passing at the request of the Clayton family and ESPN colleague Chris Mortensen tweeted about the death of his friend:
John Clayton passed away today at a Seattle area hospital. His wife Pat and sister Amy were at his side and communicated earlier he passed peacefully after a brief illness.
— Chris Mortensen (@mortreport) March 19, 2022
We loved John. We are mourning his loss.
Pat has asked the @Seahawks to release further information.
Clayton began his sports journalism career in Pittsburgh, covering the Steelers for the Pittsburgh Press in 1972. He moved to Seattle in 1985 to cover the Seahawks for the News Tribune in Tacoma before joining ESPN's NFL coverage team in 1995. After his full-time work with ESPN ended in 2017, Clayton returned to Seattle, writing for local publications and hosting a radio program on Seattle Sports 710 AM. His Twitter account has activity as recent as March 10, when Clayton shared a link to his op-ed on what's next for the Seahawks after the Russell Wilson trade and the release of Bobby Wagner.
My take: By all accounts a true gentleman and dogged reporter. A bevy of tributes and condolences from throughout the NFL have been posted on social media following the news. Rest In Peace. — Bob
ADAMS TRADED TO RAIDERS,
GETS BIG MONEY EXTENSION
Friday, March 18: Aaron Rodgers set a record for quarterback contract average annual value and now one of his favorite targets is setting a record too ... but for another team. The Packers traded two time All-Pro receiver Davante Adams to the Raiders Thursday, and Las Vegas then gave him a record contract — five years, $141.25 million, the largest for a receiver in National Football League history. In return, the Packers get the Raiders' first- and second-round draft picks in 2022.
Adams has been to the last five Pro Bowls and has been selected First Team All-Pro each of the las two seasons. In eight NFL seasons, the second-round pick of the Packers in 2014 has 669 catches for 8,121 yards and 73 touchdowns. He was franchise-tagged by the Packers last week ahead fo free agency
The Raiders had a positional need with receivers Zay Jones and DeSean Jackson leaving through free agency, and Henry Ruggs under arrest for homicide related to a deadly car accident in Las Vegas last season.
My take: The Broncos went out and got Russell Wilson to compete. The Chargers beefed up their defense. And the Raiders decide to give 30 million a year ... to a wide receiver. Don't get me wrong, Adams is a tremendous talent, I just don't see that much monetary value in the position. — Bob
BROWNS HAVE DECISION TO MAKE
AFTER MISSING OUT ON WATSON
Thursday, March 17: [Ed note: I'm going to mix my take with the news report]. The Browns find themselves in an interesting predicament. Reports are circulating that Cleveland is out of the DeShaun Watson sweepstakes and now must decide what to do with Baker Mayfield.
Roster-wise, they don't need to make any decision because Mayfield is under contract, having had his fifth-year option exercised last season. But there might be some tension now that the organization, which gave Mayfield a vote of confidence after an injury-prone, poor season in 2021, just tried to discard him in favor of an elite franchise quarterback. Clearly, they don't believe Mayfield is the answer long term, at least not at a level Watson's at, and they've shown their hand in what they feel Mayfield's worth — or isn't — financially. If he stays for 2022 and has a good season, there's little chance he remains in Cleveland when free agency looms.
Mayfield didn't help himself, either, self-immolating in a late-night, woe-is-me social media message to fans, which read like a goodbye disguised as thanking them for their support. Mayfield might have overplayed his hand a bit, too, in assuming Browns fans love him to the extent he suggested.
It's an interesting crossroads for the franchise, considering that the Steelers have Mitch Trubisky under center at $7 million this season and next, with a reasonable argument to be made that they are comparable quarterbacks. Jameis Winston and Marcus Mariota are still available free agents, and the Browns could trade Mayfield — he still has value — to a team like Houston for some draft capital, then take a flyer on one of the three or four quarterbacks with high-ish ceilings in this draft.
If you're the Browns (I'm looking at you cnpeters!) What do you do? Keep Mayfield for 2022 and lose him in free agency, trade him for draft capital and retool the offense for 2023, or something else? Look forward to your comments on this. — Bob
FREEMAN SIGNS DEAL
IN DODGER BLUE INK
Thursday, March 17: Freddie Freeman may or may not be Irish, but he didn't need any St.Patrick's Day luck to agree on a six-year, $162 million deal with the Dodgers in the wee hours Thursday morning. At $27 million average annual value, it's the second highest ever for a first baseman, behind Miguel Cabrera, though Freeman plays Gold Glove level defense, too.
The 32-year-old former NL MVP slashed .300/.393/.503 in 2021, his 12th and last season with the Braves, who drafted him in the second round in 2007. He led the National League with 120 runs, adding 31 homers and 93 RBIs, as he helped lead the Braves to the World Series championship.
The Dodgers have been to every postseason since 2013, but have only one World Series title — the pandemic-shortened 2020 season — to show for it. Freeman's bat, with a career slash of .295/.384/.509, appears to help secure another postseason appearance in 2022.
My take: Good thing they had that lockout! Problem solved! Freeman will make about half what the Pirates spend this season, for those counting at home — that percentage is more an indictment of the Pirates than the Dodgers, by the way, but it's still telling of how much spending disparity exists in MLB. No worries, in five years when the CBA expires we can all hold out hope again for a salary c ... oh, never mind. — Bob
BILLS GET BETTER ON DEFENSE,
SIGN MILLER TO BIG DEAL
Wednesday, March 16: The Bills made a big splash in free agency, landing eight-time Pro Bowl edge rusher Von Miller on a six-year, $120-million contract with $51 million guaranteed.
Miller, 32, just won the Super Bowl with the Rams, getting traded to Los Angeles from the Broncos at the trade deadline. He was rumored to go to many teams, including back to Denver or to Dallas, but he ends up joining the 2021 AFC East champions, who are looking to get to the Super Bowl for the first time since the 1993 season.
The three-time First Team All-Pro and Super Bowl L Most Valuable Player, had a productive 2021 after sitting out 2020 due to COVID-19 — Miller was the first NFL player to contract the virus and had difficulty recovering, electing to sit out and recover. He had 9.5 sacks combined last season, adding four sacks a forced fumble and fumble recovery in the postseason for the Rams. Miller will now slot in next to two-time Pro Bowl middle linebacker Tremaine Edmunds with Matt Milano on the other side to form an athletic linebacking corps.
My take: This is a good signing for the Bills, but they are overpaying. It will likely be a three-year deal — there's no way they keep Miller to his age 38 season, unless he gets into Deebo-type conditioning — once his guaranteed money is paid out he'll be released, but he does give Buffalo another veteran with winning pedigree as they try to get over the hump in the AFC. What do you think? Did the Bills overpay? — Bob
TITANS MAKE INTERESTING
OT RULE CHANGE PROPOSAL
Wednesday, March 16: The Titans have formally proposed a rule change to overtime that allows each team to get a possession in overtime unless the first team to have the ball scores a touchdown and converts a two-point conversion.
This differs from the proposal introduced by the Colts two weeks ago and subsequently joined by the Eagles, which just simply states that each team gets one possession, unless there's a defensive touchdown.
My take: I really like this. Nice twist by the Titans. Really puts it on the coach in overtime if a touchdown is scored on the opening possession on whether to go for two. If you make it, you win; if you don't convert the two-pointer, you can lose on a touchdown and an extra-point kick. What do you think? Too complicated or a cunning twist? — Bob
JUDGE RULES MINOR-LEAGUERS
MLB EMPLOYEES, OWED BACK PAY
Wednesday, March 16: A U.S. District judge in California has ruled that minor-league baseball players in are full-time employees under the law and should be compensated for training time and given transportation compensation for driving to and from games in California, Arizona and Florida. As "full-time employees" of Major League Baseball "throughout the calendar year," those who played in those three states are due back pay in travel compensation and wages for spring training, extended spring training and instructional leagues.
In a complicated case which dates back to 2014, Senne v. Office of the Commissioner of Baseball, Judge Joseph C. Spero issued a 181-page ruling on his decision based on pre-trial motions. A full trial is scheduled for June 1. Spero said Major League Baseball also owes over $1.8 million in fines for incomplete record-keeping.
My take: I've got no idea how much money that would amount to and and how wages would be determined, but it seems like it would be pretty big, if it goes all the way back to 2014. Maybe if we have some labor lawyers in comments we can get an understanding on how this might play out in a trial or if MLB should settle. I'm also interested in the determination that they were MLB employees, even though MiLB was a separate organization until 2021, and if the affiliates aren't the ones who might be on the hook instead. Fascinating. — Bob
TATIS OUT THREE MONTHS
AFTER WRIST SURGERY
Wednesday, March 16: The Padres will be without All-Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. until the mid-June at the earliest, as he had wrist surgery Wednesday to repair damage allegedly from a motorcycle accident in his native Dominican Republic.
The 23-year-old played missed 32 games with an injured left shoulder and COVID-19 in 2021, but still managed to lead the national League with 42 home runs, slashing .282/.364/.611 with 31 doubles and 25 stolen bases. He was third in NL MVP voting, behind winner Bryce Harper and Juan Soto.
The Padres, favorites to challenge the Dodgers for first in the NL West last season, finished a disappointing 79-83, 28 games back of the surprising Giants, now must figure out how to contend with those two teams until their best hitter returns.
My take: It will be interesting to see if the Padres intend to find a substitute in free agency or a trade, or if they'll move Manny Machado over to short and rotate at third with Jake Cronenworth, Ha-Seong Kim and Austin Nola. Not ideal. And they have to add another bat to the everyday lineup with universal DH. They made big moves before the 2021 season, I'm curious if new manager Bob Melvin, who did wonders with low-payroll teams in Oakland, will ask GM A.J. Preller for help. — Bob
MAYFIELD WRITES HEARTFELT
THANK YOU TO BROWNS FANS
Wednesday, March 16: Baker Mayfield wrote a heartfelt note to Brown's fans early Wednesday morning, amid rumors that Cleveland is making overtures to acquire DeShaun Watson.
Thanking those who have ardently supported him and appreciated his "mentality that aligned so well with this city's hard working people," Mayfield began by offering "This is not a message with hidden meaning. ... I have no clue what happens next, which is the meaning behind the silence I have had during the duration of this process," leading many to speculate that Mayfield might be shown the door in the near future.
With many uncertainties, here is where my head and heart is. pic.twitter.com/psipN96cmh
— Baker Mayfield (@bakermayfield) March 16, 2022
Mayfield struggled through an injury-riddled season in 2021, missing three games, and finishing 6-8 in his 14 starts with 17 touchdowns and 13 interceptions, just one season after going 11-5 with a 26 to 8 touchdown-to-interception ration nd leading the Browns to their first playoff appearance since 2002 and first playoff win since 1994.
The Browns and head coach Kevin Stefanski gave Mayfield a vote of confidence after the season and said they were expecting a better season from Mayfield once fully healthy in 2022, the last year of his rookie contract — he is not signed beyond the upcoming season.
The price for acquiring Watson is expected to be three first-round picks, though that might come down if a player of Mayfield's caliber is sent to Houston in exchange. There is still much uncertainty around Watson and his availability for the 2022 season. The National Football League has not yet ruled on whether in will discipline Watson for violating its personal conduct policy, as Watson works to settle 22 sexual abuse and assault civil suits. A Houston grand jury did not return any criminal indictments against Watson when the facts were presented last week.
In other Browns news Tuesday, eight-year veteran center J.C. Tretter, president of the players' union, was cut to free up $8.25 million in cap space.
My take: Watson comes with a $40-million cap hit if Houston doesn't retain any salary. He's a franchise guy, but it's a risk taking him on from a cost standpoint and the draft capital involved. An extension is due to Denzel Ward, and they just took on $20 million for receiver Amari Cooper. Myles Garrett's a $29-million cap hit in 2023. It's the kind of decision that works out for the franchise or dooms it to mediocrity — or worse — for five years minimum. — Bob
RIZZO SET TO WEAR BRONX
PINSTRIPES AGAIN IN 2022
Wednesday, March 16: Anthony Rizzo agreed to terms on a new contract with the Yankees late Tuesday, a two-year, $32 million deal with a player opt-out after the upcoming season. With the move, the Yankees appear to be out on the bidding for former Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who is now expected to sign with the Red Sox.
The three-time All-Star and Platinum Glove first baseman was traded by the Cubs to the Yankees at the deadline last summer. The 32-year-old slashed .249/.340/.428 with eight home runs and 21 RBIs for New York in 49 games. He hit a solo home run in the Wild Card game loss to Boston.
My take: Rizzo isn't the player he was five years ago, but he's a plus defender with OPS+ around 110 over the last three seasons, so he's still a bit above average with the bat. Great clubhouse guy. Good enough eye still to hit in the five-hole. If he flashes his mid-2010s form, he gets to opt out and cash in. Win-win. — Bob