Chairshot NFL News Report: Cardinals Executive Suspended, Ravens Add Ethan Pocic and Titans Honor Chris Johnson

The NFL suspends a Cardinals scouting executive for gambling violations, Baltimore signs Ethan Pocic, Tennessee prepares to honor Chris Johnson and more.

The NFL has suspended Arizona Cardinals director of college scouting Ryan Gold indefinitely after an investigation found that he violated the league’s gambling policy.

Elsewhere, Baltimore added veteran center Ethan Pocic while continuing extension talks with Zay Flowers, Tennessee announced an emotional honor for Chris Johnson, and Carolina restored an important piece of its offensive-line depth.

Cardinals Executive Suspended Indefinitely

Ryan Gold was suspended after the NFL determined that he shared confidential, non-public information about Arizona’s 2026 draft selections before the picks were announced.

The investigation also found that Gold participated in parlay wagers involving NFL and college football games. The league said it found no evidence that any game or play was affected, and there was no indication that another Cardinals employee, coach or player knew about or participated in the activity.

Gold has spent 13 seasons with Arizona and was promoted to director of college scouting in June 2025. The Cardinals said they fully support the league’s decision and are focused on the beginning of training camp. Gold has the right to appeal the suspension.

Ravens Add Ethan Pocic to Offensive Line

Baltimore agreed to terms with Pocic on a one-year contract worth as much as $4.5 million. The 30-year-old center has made 97 career starts and spent the past four seasons with the division-rival Cleveland Browns. He suffered a torn Achilles in December but has reportedly been medically cleared for training camp.

Pocic immediately becomes a leading candidate to start at center for an offensive line expected to feature several new starters. His experience should provide stability in front of Lamar Jackson while Baltimore evaluates its younger interior linemen.

Ravens Optimistic About Zay Flowers Extension

Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta said negotiations with Flowers’ representatives remain a work in progress, but he is optimistic that the two sides will eventually complete an extension.

Baltimore exercised Flowers’ fifth-year option earlier this year, guaranteeing him approximately $27.3 million for the 2027 season. That gives the Ravens contractual control for two more years, but completing an extension now could protect the team against another increase in the wide receiver market.

Flowers has recorded consecutive 1,000-yard seasons. He finished last year with career highs of 86 receptions and 1,211 yards while earning his second Pro Bowl selection.

Titans Will Induct Chris Johnson Into Ring of Honor

The Titans will induct Chris Johnson into the franchise’s Ring of Honor during halftime of their September 13 season opener against the New York Jets.

The announcement comes weeks after Johnson revealed that he had been diagnosed with ALS. Tennessee controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk said Johnson’s place in the organization extends beyond his statistics and deserves to be celebrated.

Johnson rushed for 7,965 yards and scored 58 total touchdowns during his six seasons with Tennessee. His unforgettable 2009 campaign included 2,006 rushing yards and an NFL-record 2,509 yards from scrimmage, earning him Offensive Player of the Year honors.

Panthers Bring Back Brady Christensen

Carolina re-signed Brady Christensen to a one-year contract before the beginning of training camp. Christensen has started 34 of his 59 NFL appearances and has lined up at all five offensive-line positions during his Panthers career. His 2025 season ended after eight games because of a torn Achilles.

His versatility gives Carolina insurance across an offensive line that has dealt with multiple injuries. Christensen may not enter camp guaranteed a starting position, but his ability to cover every spot should make him one of the team’s most valuable reserves.

Trey McBride Voted NFL’s Top Tight End

Trey McBride was selected as the NFL’s best tight end in a preseason vote conducted among eight Associated Press football writers.

The Cardinals star received five first-place votes, finishing ahead of George Kittle, Brock Bowers, Sam LaPorta and Kyle Pitts. McBride caught 126 passes last season, breaking Zach Ertz’s single-season record for a tight end. He also produced 1,239 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns.

Arizona enters training camp with considerable uncertainty at quarterback and throughout the roster, but McBride has established himself as the dependable centerpiece of its offense.

Levi Wallace Announces Retirement

Levi Wallace announced his retirement after seven NFL seasons. The former undrafted free agent appeared in 96 games and made 72 starts during his career with Buffalo, Pittsburgh and Denver. He finished with 333 tackles, 12 interceptions and 56 passes defended.

Wallace’s career is another example of an undrafted player creating longevity through consistency. He developed from a roster hopeful into a regular starter and remained in the league far longer than most players who enter without being selected.

NFL Transactions

• Baltimore Ravens agreed to terms with center Ethan Pocic on a one-year contract
• Carolina Panthers re-signed offensive lineman Brady Christensen to a one-year contract
• Houston Texans signed fourth-round guard Febechi Nwaiwu
• New England Patriots waived defensive tackle Travis Shaw
• Cornerback Levi Wallace announced his retirement

The violation involving Gold is especially serious because it crossed two lines simultaneously: participating in football wagering and distributing confidential information obtained through his position. Even without evidence that a game was compromised, protecting draft and competitive information is essential to the league’s credibility.

Baltimore’s moves carry more direct football implications. Pocic gives the Ravens an experienced option at one of the offense’s biggest unsettled positions, while an extension for Flowers would secure one of Jackson’s most important weapons before the receiver market grows again.

Johnson’s Ring of Honor induction will carry the greatest emotional weight. His record-breaking 2009 season already guaranteed his place in Titans history, but the timing turns the ceremony into an opportunity for the organization and its fans to support him during a far more difficult battle.