Players react to new anthem rule

Renton, Wash.

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll wanted to be talking about football matters — Seattle's recommitment to the run game, the addition of two new coordinators, almost anything to do with what happens between the lines.

Instead, the league's oldest coach has spent the past few days processing and discussing the league's new mandate that players on the field stand for the national anthem.

Players from Seattle, Buffalo, Denver and New Orleans were among those grappling with how to move forward following the league's announcement Wednesday of a new national anthem policy, which will fine teams if players on the field are not standing for the anthem.

Seattle's Doug Baldwin had the most striking comments, directed at both the league and President Donald Trump after Trump's remarks to "Fox & Friends" on Thursday saying "maybe you shouldn't be in the country" if you don't stand for the anthem.

"He's an idiot. Plain and simple," Baldwin said. " ... But for him to say anybody who doesn't follow his viewpoints or his constituents' viewpoints should be kicked out of the country is not very empathetic."

Seattle QB Russell Wilson agreed with the sentiment that the owners' decision was a message to players to essentially be quiet.

Protest: Civil rights activists gathered outside of NFL headquarters and called on team owners to overturn their new anthem policy.

Packers: Signed tight end Marcedes Lewis.

Jaguars: Signed rookie receiver DJ Chark for four years.