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Articles by Zach Links
How c-stores can stand out and drive loyalty
Convenience operators feel the pressure. 59% say it's tough to stand out from rivals, according to Toast's 2026 Voice of the Retail Industry Survey. Fuel can get a customer off the highway, but what happens once they're inside is what decides whether they come back. Here’s some ways your c-store can differentiate itself from the rest. Fuel margins are thin and largely out of an operator's control, and shelf goods are easy for the next store to copy.
AI use in UK Restaurants: Data and Insights
What do UK restaurant managers and diners really think about AI in UK restaurants? From enthusiasm to adoption and usage, read this report to explore more. Author|21 September 2026 New data from two blind surveys run by Toast, one of 400 UK restaurant managers general AI adoption and one of 500 UK diners on AI and the restaurant experience, reveals a gap between AI enthusiasm and AI adoption, and what it will take to close it.
The tech-driven gourmet grocer: scaling summer efficiency
It’s a Saturday afternoon in July and the line at your specialty market stretches past the cheese case. The coolers are stocked with rosé and craft seltzer, the bakery case is down to crumbs and the register is the only thing standing between a great sales day and a queue of customers who decide their basket is full enough. Summer is typically the peak season for gourmet grocers, fine food shops and specialty markets. It’s also when the strain on operations can runs highest.
Texans To Cut TE Darren Fells
March 18th, 2021 at 12:29pm CST by Zach Links The Texans are releasing Darren Fells (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The tight end was previously set to play out the second-year of his two-year, $7MM contract. Fells, who will celebrate his 35th birthday in April, set a career high with seven touchdowns in 2019. It was an unexpected jump in offensive production for the veteran, who was previously known best for his blocking prowess.
Panthers To Sign Rashaan Melvin
March 18th, 2021 at 12:12pm CST by Zach Links This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. Rashaan Melvin‘s jersey collection has grown even larger. On Thursday, the veteran cornerback agreed to join the Panthers on a one-year deal, as ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter tweets. Melvin has now signed deals with more than 25% of the NFL. His last stop with the Jaguars came to an end on Wednesday.
Dolphins To Sign Matt Skura
March 18th, 2021 at 12:07pm CST by Zach Links The Dolphins are set to sign former Ravens center Matt Skura (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo). Terms of the one-year deal are not yet known. Skura had issues snapping the ball at times last year and wound up getting the hook in favor of Patrick Mekari. In total, he made 12 starts, giving him 51 total first-string appearances over the course of four seasons in Baltimore. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images. Follow @PFRumors
Eagles GM On Zach Ertz Trade Talks
March 18th, 2021 at 12:02pm CST by Zach Links It’s no secret: The Eagles and Zach Ertz could be headed for a divorce. Still, GM Howie Roseman says that he’ll need the right offer in order to part ways with the star tight end. “For us to trade any player, it’s gotta make sense for both sides,” Roseman said (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo). “None of us had the year we wanted to have last year, but that doesn’t define us.
Seahawks To Re-Sign Nick Bellore
March 18th, 2021 at 11:45am CST by Zach Links Nick Bellore has agreed to a brand new deal with the Seahawks, as Mike Renner of Pro Football Focus tweets. The signing has also been confirmed by NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). Bellore, 32 in May, has spent the last two seasons in Seattle. Even as teams around the league have de-prioritized the position, Bellore’s blocking has been highly valued in the Seahawks offense.
Falcons To Sign Erik Harris
March 18th, 2021 at 11:37am CST by Zach Links Former Raiders safety Erik Harris is heading to the Falcons, according to Vic Tafur of The Athletic (on Twitter). Terms of the deal are not yet known. After spending his first season with the Saints, Harris found his way to Oakland in 2017. Since then, he’s spent the last four years with the Raiders, all the way through 2020 in Las Vegas. Playing primarily at free safety, he’s made 30 starts for the Raiders out of 61 total appearances.
Steelers, JuJu Smith-Schuster Still In Talks
March 18th, 2021 at 11:28am CST by Zach Links The Jets want JuJu Smith-Schuster, but a return to the Steelers hasn’t been ruled out, according to NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter). The two sides are still in talks, so a deal could come together at the right price. Smith-Schuster’s production has tailed off over the last two seasons, but it appears that he’s still seeking top-of-the-market money. Corey Davis just agreed to a three-year, $37.5MM deal with the Jets.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/18/21
We’ll keep tabs on today’s “minor” moves here:
Buccaneers’ Chris Godwin Signs Tender
March 18th, 2021 at 10:21am CST by Zach Links No surprise here. On Thursday, Buccaneers wide receiver Chris Godwin signed his franchise tender (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). Godwin is now set to earn $15.9MM in 2021, though the two sides have until mid-July to work out a long-term deal. There’s mutual interest in a multi-year arrangement, though the Buccaneers have already committed significant dollars to top players in 2022 and beyond.
Broncos Rescind Phillip Lindsay’s Tender
March 18th, 2021 at 10:13am CST by Zach Links Change of plans. On Thursday, the Broncos announced that Phillip Lindsay’s tender has been rescinded. [RELATED: Broncos Add Mike Boone] The running back was originally assigned the low restricted free agency tender, giving the Broncos one more year of club control at a rate of $2.133MM. However, the Broncos found another tailback in Vikings free agent Mike Boone, which meant that Lindsay was no longer needed.
Giants To Sign QB Mike Glennon
March 18th, 2021 at 10:06am CST by Zach Links The Giants have signed veteran quarterback Mike Glennon. A pal of Glennon’s, Brandon Bishop, first broke the news on Twitter. It has since been confirmed by several reporters, including NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). Glennon has started in just nine games since 2016, but remains a highly respected backup and mentor. In New York, he’ll backstop and quasi-coach youngster Daniel Jones who will look to rekindle his rookie year magic.
Jets Eyeing JuJu Smith-Schuster
March 18th, 2021 at 9:59am CST by Zach Links The Jets have been in talks with wide receiver JuJu Smith-Schuster (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The Steelers free agent would join the newly-signed Corey Davis in the Jets’ WR group. While many of this year’s top free agents have already found lucrative deals, things have been fairly quiet around Smith-Schuster. He recently said that he’d like to stay in Pittsburgh, but it’s not clear whether a return is in the works.
Patriots Cut Marqise Lee, Beau Allen
March 18th, 2021 at 9:52am CST by Zach Links The Patriots’ spending spree has pushed a handful of veterans out the door. Wide receiver Marqise Lee and defensive tackle Beau Allen have been released, as Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets. [RELATED: Patriots’ Patrick Chung Retires] Neither Allen nor Lee saw a regular season snap in New England. Lee signed with the Patriots in April on a one-year deal for the veteran minimum.
Patriots’ Patrick Chung Retires
March 18th, 2021 at 9:29am CST by Zach Links Patrick Chung announced that he is retiring from the NFL (Instagram link). Chung opted out of the 2020 season but was said to be aiming for a 2021 return. The Patriots selected Chung in the second round of the 2009 draft, and he spent all but one year of his career with New England. In that time, he’s started in 112 regular season games and collected three Super Bowl rings.
Patriots To Sign Ted Karras
March 17th, 2021 at 11:37am CST by Zach Links Ted Karras is returning to the Patriots, as Jeff Howe of The Athletic tweets. Once finalized, it’ll be a one-year, $4MM deal for the veteran center, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). Karras joined the Dolphins for the 2020 season. He started in all 16 games and played on all 1,067 of their offensive snaps. Before that, he spent the previous four years with the Patriots, winning a pair of Super Bowls in front of Tom Brady.
Dolphins To Sign Adam Butler
March 17th, 2021 at 11:30am CST by Zach Links Adam Butler will reunite with Brian Flores. The former Patriots defensive tackle has agreed to a two-year deal with the Dolphins (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The contract could be worth up to $9.5MM with bonuses. Last year, the Patriots kept Butler from the open market (and, likely, the waiting arms of Flores) with a second-round tender. This time around, the Patriots allowed Butler to walk amidst their own free agency spending spree.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/17/21
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Rams Trade Michael Brockers To Lions For Seventh-Round Pick
March 17th, 2021 at 9:56am CST by Zach Links Early Wednesday, the Lions acquired defensive lineman Michael Brockers from the Rams. The cost? A 2023 seventh-round pick, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). Lions GM Brad Holmes kicked off his new responsibilities by shipping Matthew Stafford to Los Angeles in a blockbuster trade. This week, he went back to the Rams’ well for Brockers, a 2012 first-round pick who was a bit too pricey for L.A., even though he’s been productive.
Jaguars Cut Rashaan Melvin
March 17th, 2021 at 9:43am CST by Zach Links The Jaguars are releasing Rashaan Melvin (Twitter link via PFT). The veteran cornerback opted out of last season, so he’ll look to suit up for the first time since 2019. [RELATED: Jaguars Sign Shaq Griffin] Melvin has spent time with eight different NFL teams. He joined the Jaguars in free agency after spending 2019 with the Lions. His one-year deal – worth $2.25MM – tolled into 2021, before it was shredded.
Dolphins To Sign Justin Coleman
March 17th, 2021 at 9:37am CST by Zach Links Former Lions cornerback Justin Coleman has agreed to terms with the Dolphins (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). He’ll receive a one-year deal worth up to $2.75MM. The actual base value of the deal is not yet known. [RELATED: Dolphins To Sign RB Malcolm Brown] The Lions signed Coleman to a four-year, $36MM pact back in 2019, but he only ended up making it halfway through that deal.
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/17/21
March 17th, 2021 at 9:03am CST by Zach Links Today’s the deadline for teams to extend tender offers to their restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents. We’ll keep tabs on the latest here: RFAs Tendered: Non-Tendered: ERFAs Tendered: Non-Tendered: Follow @PFRumors
Falcons’ Dante Fowler Takes Pay Cut
March 17th, 2021 at 9:32am CST by Zach Links The Falcons have a little extra room to work with. Edge rusher Dante Fowler has agreed to a pay cut for the coming year, as Jeff Schultz of The Athletic tweets. [RELATED: Bills Trade TE Lee Smith To Falcons] Fowler joined the Falcons on a three-year, $48MM deal last year, but didn’t produce in his first season with the team.
Raiders To Sign John Brown
March 17th, 2021 at 9:25am CST by Zach Links John Brown is going to Las Vegas. On Wednesday, the wide receiver agreed to a one-year, $3.75MM deal with the Raiders, as Adam Caplan of SiriusXM tweets. Brown will help replace Nelson Agholor, who inked a surprisingly lucrative deal with the Patriots. The Raiders are also down Tyrell Williams, who was cut early on in the offseason.
Washington Re-Signs Lamar Miller
March 17th, 2021 at 9:18am CST by Zach Links Lamar Miller is staying with the Washington Football Team. The veteran running back will return on a one-year deal, per agent Drew Rosenhaus (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). [RELATED: WFT Adds Ryan Fitzpatrick] Miller signed with WFT in December, but has yet to suit up for a game. In fact, he hasn’t played since 2018 thanks to an ACL tear and other injuries.
Panthers “Locked On” Texans’ Deshaun Watson
March 17th, 2021 at 9:10am CST by Zach Links Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is “Plan A, B and C” for the Panthers, according to Joe Person of The Athletic (on Twitter). So far, the Texans have been unwilling to budge and the Panthers have been noticeably quiet in the early stages of the offseason. That could all change soon if owner David Tepper gets his man. “We are very committed to Deshaun [Watson] as our quarterback. He is our quarterback,” new Texans head coach David Culley said recently.
49ers Sign Alex Mack
March 17th, 2021 at 8:57am CST by Zach Links Trent Williams isn’t the only notable lineman headed to San Francisco. Free agent center Alex Mack also agreed to join the 49ers in the wee hours of Wednesday morning (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). It’s a return to sunny California for the UC Berkeley product. The deal also marks a reunion with 49ers head coach Kyle Shanahan. Mack previously played for Shanahan with the Browns and Falcons.
Vikings To Release DT Shamar Stephen
March 16th, 2021 at 12:18pm CST by Zach Links The Vikings are set to cut defensive tackle Shamar Stephen, as Adam Caplan of ESPN.com tweets. Previously, he was set to carry a cap hit of $5.083MM. Releasing Stephen will save $3.75MM on the books for 2021. [RELATED: Vikings To Sign Tomlinson] A seventh-round Vikings pick in 2014, Stephen has spent most of his career in Minnesota, save for his 2018 season with the Seahawks.
Jaguars To Sign Shaquill Griffin
This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. Shaquill Griffin is heading to the Jaguars. The former Seahawks cornerback has agreed to a three-year, $40MM deal, as NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Ravens Re-Sign Tyus Bowser
March 16th, 2021 at 11:44am CST by Zach Links The Ravens have re-signed outside linebacker Tyus Bowser to a four-year deal, $22MM deal, as Adam Caplan of SiriusXM tweets. With incentives, the pact could be worth as much as $27MM. A healthy portion of the contract — $12MM — is guaranteed. [RELATED: Patriots Sign Ravens’ Judon] The deal gives Bowser some long-term security while helping the Ravens to maintain at least some consistency heading into 2021.
Jaguars To Sign Jihad Ward
March 16th, 2021 at 11:23am CST by Zach Links The Jaguars have agreed to sign former Ravens defensive end Jihad Ward (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The deal will reunite Ward with ex-Baltimore position coach Joe Cullen who now serves as the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator. Ward will join former Bears standout Roy Robertson-Harris on the Jags’ revamped defensive line.
Chiefs Re-Sign Taco Charlton
March 16th, 2021 at 10:50am CST by Zach Links The Chiefs are bringing back Taco Charlton. On Tuesday, the defensive end agreed to return on a one-year deal (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero). Charlton fractured his leg in November, midway through the Chiefs’ thrilling victory over the Panthers. Up until that point, he had been playing a decent-sized role as a rotational pass-rusher. In the previous six games, he racked up two sacks, four quarterback hits, and a forced fumble.
Jaguars To Sign Chris Manhertz
March 16th, 2021 at 10:44am CST by Zach Links The Jaguars are staying busy. On Tuesday, tight end Chris Manhertz agreed to sign with Jacksonville on a two-year, $7.25MM deal (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter). Manhertz is primarily a blocking tight end. After stops with the Bills and Saints, he found his way to the Panthers in 2016. In 2017, he found a regular role in the offense and got even more playing time while Greg Olsen was out with injuries.
Bengals To Sign Chidobe Awuzie
March 16th, 2021 at 10:38am CST by Zach Links The Bengals have agreed to sign Chidobe Awuzie to a three-year deal (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo). Awuzie missed half of the Cowboys’ season due to injury, but the Bengals believe in his potential. Awuzie finished 2020 with 38 stops, five passes defensed, and one interception. All in all, he has 213 tackles, four interceptions, 37 pass deflections, and two forced fumbles across four pro seasons.
Bears Interested In Andy Dalton
March 16th, 2021 at 10:17am CST by Zach Links The Bears have interest in signing Andy Dalton, according to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune (on Twitter). Dalton, who will turn 34 in October, started nine games for the Cowboys last year. Dalton wasn’t great in his fill-in starts for Dak Prescott, but the Bears are exploring every option possible. As it stands, veteran Nick Foles projects to serve as their starter and Mitch Trubisky probably won’t be back as their safety net.
Lions Cut QB Chase Daniel, DT Danny Shelton
March 16th, 2021 at 10:10am CST by Zach Links The Lions couldn’t find a taker for quarterback Chase Daniel. The backup has been released, along with defensive tackle Danny Shelton (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The Lions kicked off their offseason by trading Matthew Stafford to the Rams for Jared Goff plus draft picks. Daniel, they thought, could have fetched them some later round capital, but no one wanted to take on the remainder of his three-year, $13.05MM deal.
Buccaneers’ Leonard Fournette Considering Seahawks Offer
March 16th, 2021 at 10:03am CST by Zach Links So far, the Buccaneers have kept most of the band together. Meanwhile, running back Leonard Fournette is considering a competitive offer from the Seahawks, according to Albert Breer of The MMQB (on Twitter). The former fourth-overall pick was unceremoniously let go by the Jaguars at the end of the 2020 preseason.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/16/21
We’ll keep track of the latest “minor” moves here:
RFA/ERFA Tender Decisions: 3/15/21
March 16th, 2021 at 9:56am CST by Zach Links Tomorrow is the deadline for NFL teams to extend tender offers to their own restricted free agents and exclusive rights free agents. We’ll keep tabs on the latest here: RFAs Tendered: Chiefs: G Andrew Wylie Cowboys: DT Antwaun Woods Dolphins: OL Adam Pankey Raiders: K Daniel Carlson (second-round tender) Texans: DT P.J. Hall Non-Tendered: ERFAs Tendered: Non-Tendered: Follow @PFRumors
Dolphins To Re-Sign LB Vince Biegel
March 16th, 2021 at 9:48am CST by Zach Links The Dolphins will re-sign linebacker Vince Biegel, as Josh Tolentino of The Athletic tweets. It’s a one-year deal for the veteran as he looks to rebound from a lost season. [RELATED: Dolphins Trade Shaq Lawson To Texans For Benardrick McKinney] Biegel suffered an Achilles’ tendon tear last August, stopping his 2020 campaign before it even began.
Jaguars To Re-Sign Sidney Jones
March 16th, 2021 at 9:39am CST by Zach Links This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. The Jaguars are re-signing cornerback Sidney Jones (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). Terms of the deal are not yet known. Jones was on track to be a first-round pick in 2017 before an Achilles tear at Washington’s pro day. The Eagles nabbed him at No. 43 overall, but he’s struggled to stay healthy ever since. After three seasons with the Birds, Jones joined the Jaguars last year.
Broncos Pick Up Von Miller’s Option
March 16th, 2021 at 9:28am CST by Zach Links This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. The Broncos will exercise Von Miller‘s option for the 2021 season, as Mike Klis of 9News tweets. By picking up the edge rusher’s option, the Broncos will lock in $7MM of Miller’s $18MM total payout for 2021. Broncos GM George Paton indicated that he wanted to keep Miller, though the team was hoping to negotiate a new deal at a lesser rate.
Patriots To Sign Hunter Henry
March 16th, 2021 at 9:20am CST by Zach Links The Patriots will sign tight end Hunter Henry to a three-year, $37.5MM deal, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). The former Chargers tight end will receive $25MM guaranteed as a part of the deal. Henry will join the newly-acquired Jonnu Smith, giving the Patriots the top two tight ends in free agency. Together, they’ll help to fill the long-standing void left by Rob Gronkowski‘s departure.
Jaguars To Sign Carlos Hyde
This is breaking news. Please refresh for updates. The Jaguars have agreed to sign Carlos Hyde (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The former Seahawks running back will get a two-year, $6MM deal. Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/15/21
March 15th, 2021 at 6:16pm CST by Zach Links Today’s “minor” moves: Arizona Cardinals Re-Signed: P Andy Lee Carolina Panthers Released: DT Zach Kerr Dallas Cowboys Re-Signed: WR Noah Brown Houston Texans Signed: S Terrance Brooks, G Justin McCray, DT Vincent Taylor, CB Tremon Smith Jacksonville Jaguars Signed: S Rudy Ford New England Patriots Re-Signed: DT Carl Davis New York Giants Re-Signed: DT Austin Johnson Minnesota Vikings Re-Signed: Rashod Hill Follow @PFRumors
Jaguars To Sign Phillip Dorsett
March 15th, 2021 at 6:10pm CST by Zach Links The Jaguars are set to sign Phillip Dorsett (Twitter link via ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler). Terms of the deal are not yet known, but it’s likely of the low-cost, short-term variety. The former Patriots receiver made two trips to the Super Bowl (including a victory in Super Bowl LIII) during his time in New England.
Lions Re-Sign Jalen Reeves-Maybin
March 15th, 2021 at 6:01pm CST by Zach Links The Lions are bringing back Jalen Reeves-Maybin (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). Once finalized, it’ll be a one-year, $2.38MM fully–guaranteed deal. Much of that deal will be off of the books, however, due to the veteran salary benefit. Reeves-Maybin, a 2017 fourth-round pick, has spent his entire career in Detroit. Despite the change in regime, he’ll get at least another year with the Lions.
Jaguars Re-Sign Dawuane Smoot
March 15th, 2021 at 5:45pm CST by Zach Links The Jaguars will re-sign defensive lineman Dawuane Smoot, as Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. It’ll be a two-year deal worth $14MM in total. The Jaguars inked Roy Robertson-Harris earlier in the day but still found room to keep one of their own. Though he’s not a marquee name, new head coach Urban Meyer apparently liked Smoot’s ability to move around the line.
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