After seeing Mike Pettine's comments about Flores this morning, I think it's safe to say we have pretty good evidence for where some of the "tension in the building" was coming from this season, and why Flores waited to sign an extension. The timing of Pettine retiring and Flores signing can't be a coincidence. (Also, I have it on good authority from people who know both men that Flores and Chris Kuper were not fond of each other, either.)
The new league year starts on March 11, which is when teams have to be under the cap for the '26 season (i.e. using the bonuses and salaries, whether guaranteed or not, in existing contracts for the '26 season). So, cuts usually precede that deadline, but not always. That's also why players try to have guarantees (salary or bonus) trigger within a day or two of the new league year--that way if they get cut, it's when other teams still have money to spend.
I don't want to let facts get in the way of a good narrative, but the NFL was never patient. Ray Rhodes was fired after going 8-8 in his only season in Green Bay. Pete Carroll was fired by the Jets after one 6-10 season, and then by the Pats after going 27-21 over three. Marty was fired after going 14-2. As the expression goes, they all knew the job was dangerous when they took it.
After seeing Mike Pettine's comments about Flores this morning, I think it's safe to say we have pretty good evidence for where some of the "tension in the building" was coming from this season, and why Flores waited to sign an extension. The timing of Pettine retiring and Flores signing can't be a coincidence. (Also, I have it on good authority from people who know both men that Flores and Chris Kuper were not fond of each other, either.)
The new league year starts on March 11, which is when teams have to be under the cap for the '26 season (i.e. using the bonuses and salaries, whether guaranteed or not, in existing contracts for the '26 season). So, cuts usually precede that deadline, but not always. That's also why players try to have guarantees (salary or bonus) trigger within a day or two of the new league year--that way if they get cut, it's when other teams still have money to spend.
I don't want to let facts get in the way of a good narrative, but the NFL was never patient. Ray Rhodes was fired after going 8-8 in his only season in Green Bay. Pete Carroll was fired by the Jets after one 6-10 season, and then by the Pats after going 27-21 over three. Marty was fired after going 14-2. As the expression goes, they all knew the job was dangerous when they took it.
Mel pick for Vikings number at #2 is an offensive center from Iowa. Makes good sense.