HEADLINES

Month: December 2024

Seahawks’ Jamal Adams Deal Imminent?

June 18th, 2021 at 9:43pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jamal Adams minicamp holdout has not produced reports of acrimony between he and the Seahawks. The Seahawks excused Adams’ absence from minicamp, and Pete Carroll described his extension talks as amicable.

An agreement may be on the immediate horizon. All signs are pointing to an extension being finalized around the start of training camp, according to Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times. Adams is going into a contract year; he is set to earn $9.86MM on the fifth-year option.

Given what Seattle traded to acquire Adams — 2021 and ’22 first-round picks, a ’21 third and safety Bradley McDougald — it can be easily assumed the impending extension will make him the NFL’s highest-paid safety. Justin Simmons currently holds that distinction, after signing a four-year Broncos deal worth $61MM. Adams will surely try to move the price north by a notable margin.

The Seahawks have authorized top-market extensions before, giving Russell Wilson a then-NFL-record $35MM-per-year deal in April 2019 and extending Bobby Wagner at the current off-ball linebacker high-water mark ($18MM AAV). They appear poised to include Adams in this blueprint. Wagner signed his current deal around the start of Seattle’s 2019 training camp and agreed to his 2015 extension in early August of that year. Wilson’s first extension (in 2015) occurred days before Wagner’s.

The Seahawks also might create a bit more cap space ahead of an Adams deal, with Carroll also signaling the team’s interest in keeping Pro Bowl left tackle Duane Brown beyond his 2021 contract year.

Adams thrives as a box safety and set a position record with 9.5 sacks last season. This unique skill set, while leaving some coverage skills to be desired, figures to factor into the 25-year-old defender’s negotiations. The former Jets top-10 pick began extension discussions way back in January 2020, when he was still a Jet, but talks paused and the Jets traded him to Seattle. The Seahawks communicated to Adams a preference he play on his rookie deal last season. Adams did so and made his third straight Pro Bowl. His second NFL team looks set to reward him.

Jessie Bates Aiming For Bengals Extension

June 18th, 2021 at 8:09pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Bengals’ defense has struggled in recent years, one of their safeties emerged as a high-level performer in that span. Jessie Bates is on the cusp of a major payday, and the fourth-year defender would prefer it come from the Bengals.

Pro Football Focus’ top-graded safety in 2020, Bates is just 24 — nearly four years younger than Justin Simmons, who just signed a safety-record contract. It took the Broncos safety two franchise tags to secure that four-year, $61MM deal, but Bates should be in position to follow suit with a big-ticket extension — perhaps in the next several weeks.

“Obviously, I feel like I’m a core piece in Cincinnati. My family is three hours away, so I would love to be here,” Bates said, via Laurel Pfahler of the Dayton Daily News. “My main goal is to take that next level that I keep saying as a leader on this team. The money part of it will come. I just want to win.

“Any time it’s a new contract extension or anything, you get very excited, but like I said, I made a change with my agent last year for this reason. I think a lot of guys focus too much on it, but I feel very comfortable with the change that I made. He knows what he’s doing. It’s not his first time doing it.”

A little over a year ago, Bates hired David Mulugheta of Athletes First. Bates then had his best season as a pro, recording a career-high 15 passes defensed. He is now going into a contract year.

The former second-round pick has proven consistent since the Bengals took him 54th overall three years ago. The Fort Wayne, Ind., product has intercepted three passes in each of his three seasons and posted 100-plus tackles in all three. With six safeties signed to deals averaging more than $14MM per year, Bates can comfortably push to join them.

The Bengals have done a host of late-summer extensions in recent years, pointing to a window for Bates. Tyler Boyd signed his extension in July 2019, while Joe Mixon signed his in early September of last year. The Bengals gave recently departed stars A.J. Green, Geno Atkins and Carlos Dunlap big-money re-ups just ahead of the 2015 and ’18 seasons, respectively. The franchise also has a rookie-quarterback contract around which to build now.

No Packers-Aaron Rodgers Resolution Expected Until Training Camp

June 18th, 2021 at 7:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Packers have completed their offseason program but have yet to bring Aaron Rodgers back into the fold. Followers of this year’s top NFL storyline can expect to wait a while longer for an end to this impasse.

Rodgers officially became a minicamp holdout last week, incurring more than $93K in fines from missing Green Bay’s mandatory June workouts. Nothing that has surfaced this offseason points to Rodgers budging ahead of training camp, and the Packers appear prepared to wait on more talks until then. No resolution between the parties should be expected ahead of Green Bay’s training camp, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com notes (video link).

Like most teams, Green Bay is scheduled to begin its training camp July 27. The Rodgers holding pattern lasting until then would further drive speculation the reigning MVP will stick to his guns and never play for the Packers again. Team president Mark Murphy made multiple comments over the past month that certainly did not help the situation with the disgruntled superstar, indicating this standoff has divided the Packers’ fan base. He also quoted the late Ted Thompson by calling Rodgers a “complicated fella” last week. The idea that the Packers are bracing for Rodgers’ departure has surfaced around the league, John Clayton of 104.3 The Fan Denver notes.

Rodgers’ latest salvo came during an interview to promote his upcoming appearance on TNT’s The Match. The three-time MVP’s “I’m Offended” T-shirt and his alluding to Matt LaFleur‘s decision not to go for it on the Packers’ crucial fourth-and-goal try late in the NFC championship game came after Murphy’s comments (via Bleacher Report, on Twitter). Rodgers’ one-liner also came a few weeks after he said philosophical differences between he and Packers management created this divide.

Training camp will represent this duel’s next phase. The Packers can fine Rodgers $50K for each day he misses. While this holdout is not believed to involve money, the Packers’ last-ditch hope may be a bet Rodgers will be unwilling to sit out one of his final prime years. The franchise could take this feud the distance by refusing to trade Rodgers and then unloading him in 2022, when Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk writes teams beyond the Broncos and Raiders may be interested. Rodgers’ value could go up if more teams enter the fray in 2022, but a trade for a 38-year-old quarterback who just missed a full season may also feature reduced compensation compared to what the Packers could receive by dealing him on the heels of an MVP season. It is hard see the Raiders not joining the Broncos in a Rodgers derby this year, were one to take place, but they are not presently believed to be interested.

The longer the Packers wait would also cut into time Rodgers would have to learn another team’s offense, but trade talks are not believed to have taken place in several weeks. This situation may pause for the next five.

ESPN, Fox Pursuing Robert Griffin III

June 18th, 2021 at 5:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

While numerous backup quarterback types have changed teams this offseason, Robert Griffin III news has been scarce since the Ravens cut him earlier this year. Friday, however, brought news that would point to the veteran quarterback pausing or ending his playing career.

ESPN and Fox are interested in Griffin as a college football and NFL analyst, according to Outkick.com. RG3 wowed both networks in auditions earlier this year, Andrew Marchand of the New York Post notes. Fox’s interest prompted ESPN to increase its offer to the 31-year-old quarterback, Marchand adds.

Both networks, however, are waiting to see if RG3 will push to play in 2021. If he does not, it appears he will have high-profile off-field options — ones that would not necessarily end his playing career.

Griffin has returned to the NFL after a hiatus previously. After the Browns cut him in March 2017, Griffin did not play that season. The former Offensive Rookie of the Year signed with the Ravens in 2018, working as a backup for the past three seasons. Following Baltimore’s 2019 Joe Flacco trade, RG3 served as Lamar Jackson‘s primary backup for the past two seasons. Griffin, however, threw one touchdown pass and four interceptions as a Raven, completing 57% of his passes. A hamstring injury ended Griffin’s 2020 campaign.

The Ravens are going with younger passers behind Jackson for the time being. Trace McSorley and 2020 UDFA Tyler Huntley are vying for Baltimore’s QB2 role this year. That competition failing to produce a clear winner could prompt the Ravens to circle back to Griffin, but he has not been connected to the Ravens or another team this offseason.

Tom Brady Not Committing To Playing Beyond 2022

June 18th, 2021 at 4:53pm CST by Sam Robinson

During Super Bowl week, Tom Brady said he would consider playing past age 45 — his long-held target year. The Buccaneers then signed the superstar quarterback to an extension that pushes his two-year contract to a three-year pledge.

Brady is now signed through 2022. GM Jason Licht later floated age 50 as a (perhaps half-serious) consideration, but Brady is not making any hard plans beyond next season.

“Fifty? That’s a long time. Even for me, that’s a long time,” Brady said, via USA Today’s Jori Epstein. “I’ve always said 45 was the age that I wanted to reach and that was my goal. This year I’ll be 44, so next year I’ll be 45. I got a two-year contract. I’m going to be able to obviously play this year and God forbid anything happens but play next year and then see what happens after that.

“If I still want to keep playing, I might be able to do that. And if that’s enough, then that would be enough.”

[RELATED: Bucs Extend Bruce Arians, Jason Licht]

Quarterbacks have played through age-44 seasons; Vinny Testaverde, Warren Moon and Steve DeBerg suited up at 44. George Blanda played until he was 48, though the quarterback/kicker was almost exclusively a kicker following his age-44 season. While Testaverde started six games for the 2007 Panthers — a year after serving as Brady’s backup — Brady will be the only full-time QB1 at this age. Blanda is the only player to have thrown a pass at age 45, so Brady making it to 2022 as Tampa Bay’s starter would add to his list of NFL firsts.

Brady has managed to avoid serious injury for more than 10 years, missing only the four games mandated by the Deflategate ban since his September 2008 ACL tear. Although Brady underwent knee surgery this offseason, he was back in time for Tampa Bay’s minicamp. The Super Bowl LV MVP will attempt to lead a Bucs title defense over a 17-game season this year and, barring a significant injury, is almost certain to return in 2022. Brady’s health will likely determine his 2023 plans.

“I’ll just have to evaluate all that when it comes,” Brady said. “It’s a physical sport; anything could happen. So I’m going to go out there this year and give everything I’ve got like I’ve done every other year, and then take it from there.”

Steelers Host G Trai Turner On Visit

June 18th, 2021 at 4:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

Retooling on their offensive line, the Steelers are looking into veteran help. They brought in Pro Bowl guard Trai Turner for a visit Friday, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter).

This is the first known visit for Turner, a five-time Pro Bowler whom the Chargers released in March. The Bolts attempted to trade the decorated blocker but could not find a taker. Still, Turner is one of the top free agents available in mid-June.

Turner turned 28 earlier this week and mounted his Pro Bowl streak from 2015-19. Injuries limited the ex-Panther standout to nine games in 2020, but he figures to have a few seasons left in the tank. The former third-round pick has made 89 career starts. That number would jump out on the current Pittsburgh O-line.

All-Pro center Maurkice Pouncey retired, and the Steelers let longtime left tackle Alejandro Villanueva sign with the Ravens in May. Multiyear starter Matt Feiler is now with the Chargers, with whom he is in line to succeed Turner as a guard starter. Interestingly, the Steelers’ most stable O-line spot may be guard. All-Pro David DeCastro is the lone remaining “Killer B’s”-era O-line starter, and the team gave 2020 fourth-round pick Kevin Dotson three starts as a rookie. Pro Football Focus viewed Dotson’s first-year work sample favorably, slotting him as a top-30 guard.

Turner certainly would represent an experience upgrade on the second-year blocker, but injuries have impacted his career in recent years. Turner missed seven games last season and was sidelined for nine over his final three Carolina campaigns. The Panthers, who signed him to a four-year deal worth $45MM, traded him to the Chargers for Russell Okung in 2020. Turner’s next contract will likely be a prove-it deal, potentially setting him up for one more notable payday in 2022.

Seahawks Open To Duane Brown Extension

June 18th, 2021 at 4:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

Russell Wilson and Jamal Adams have resided as the Seahawks’ top priorities this offseason, but the team has not forgotten about its Pro Bowl left tackle. Duane Brown joined Adams in not participating at the team’s minicamp, though the veteran blocker did attend while the All-Pro safety stayed away.

Also joining Adams in a contract year, Brown is pursuing an extension. The Seahawks, who traded for the former Texans first-round pick during the 2017 season, appear onboard with such an approach. Although Brown is going into his age-36 season, Pete Carroll is open to keeping him beyond 2021.

“He’s a big part of what we’re doing and we’re counting on him being with us. We’ll look down the road together and we’ll see what’s the right thing to do,’’ Carroll said, via the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta. “… We would love for him to be with us. If he wants to keep playing, we want him to keep playing.”

[RELATED: Seahawks Confident On Jamal Adams Deal]

The 14th-year lineman has delivered upper-echelon left tackle play for the Seahawks, and Wilson made upgrading the team’s offensive line an issue earlier this year. Seattle acquired Gabe Jackson via trade, but Brown remains the team’s most accomplished blocker. Pro Football Focus tabbed him as the league’s fifth-best tackle last season.

Exiting minicamp, Brown’s $11.5MM-per-year deal ranks 16th among left tackles. None of the tackles ahead of Brown on the salary list are older than him, however. Brown’s age should cap his earning potential on a fourth contract, but he should be able to secure additional guarantees in the near future. No guaranteed money remains on his 2018 extension.

Another extension would also create cap space, reducing Brown’s $13.3MM 2021 cap number, that would help with an Adams extension. The Seahawks currently have just more than $8MM in cap space.

Lions Sign WR Chad Hansen

June 18th, 2021 at 1:36pm CST by Zachary Links

The Lions have signed Chad Hansen, per a club announcement. Terms of the deal are not yet known, but it’s likely a one-year, low-cost deal for the wide receiver. 

Originally a Jets fourth-round pick, Hansen did not see live action in 2018 or ’19. However, the Texans turned to him late last season, doing so after the team’s original receiver quartet — Will Fuller, Kenny Stills, Brandin Cooks and Randall Cobb — became unavailable due to either injuries, a suspension (Fuller), or a release (Stills). Hansen caught 17 passes for 236 yards and a touchdown in five Houston contests (two starts) last year. In between the Jets and Texans, Hansen also spent some time with the Patriots, Titans, Broncos, and Saints.

To make room on the roster, the Lions have waived wide receiver Jonathan Adams.

Chargers Sign TE Matt Seybert

June 18th, 2021 at 12:39pm CST by Zachary Links

The Chargers announced a handful of signings on Friday morning. Tight end Matt Seybert, defensive lineman Willie Yarbary, linebacker Damon Lloyd, and wide receiver Michael Bandy will all join the team’s 90-man offseason roster.

[RELATED: Derwin James On Track For 2021]

Seybert, Yarbary, and Bandy played together for a time with the Conquerors of the Spring League. Seybert, a Michigan State product, caught 26 passes for 284 yards and three touchdowns in 2019, his final year on campus. Yarbary, who played his college football at Wake Forest, has been fighting for his chance while playing for multiple non-NFL pro leagues. Bandy, a University of San Diego alum, registered 163 grabs for 2,850 yards and 26 touchdowns between his 2018 and 2019 seasons for the Toreros.

The top of the Chargers’ TE depth chart is well set, thanks to new addition Jared Cook. But, beyond that, there should be at least one spot potentially available for Seybert.

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