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Month: September 2024

Za’Darius Smith Frustrated With Contract?

July 24th, 2021 at 2:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Packers not restructuring Aaron Rodgers‘ contract provided one of many Rodgers-saga highlights this offseason, they did adjust Za’Darius Smith‘s deal in order to create cap space. The Pro Bowl pass rusher is believed to be bothered by the fallout from this move.

Going into his third Green Bay season, Smith is disappointed with his Packers contractual status, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes. The Packers exercised an automatic conversion clause in Smith’s deal in March, creating around $8MM in cap space after the team gave Aaron Jones a $12MM-per-year deal. Smith did not realize the implications of this clause, which allowed the Packers to convert base salary to signing bonus money without his go-ahead.

The restructure moved money onto next year’s Packers cap sheet, and Smith is now set to carry a $28.1MM cap charge in 2022. That lofty figure increases the likelihood Smith will be a cap casualty or a trade piece, though given Smith’s production and the fact his contract expires after the 2022 season, a Packers extension would seem to be in play as well. However, the soon-to-be 29-year-old rusher is also irked at the Packers for not paying out his new bonus in March, Florio adds. The team will instead pay it in installments throughout the season, making this new structure similar to a base salary.

The Packers are bringing back Za’Darius and Preston Smith for a third season, doing so despite the latter lagging well behind the former in terms of production. Za’Darius Smith has recorded 26 sacks in two Packers seasons — eight more than his four-year Ravens total — and has not missed a game. Rashan Gary can be controlled on his rookie deal through the 2023 season, giving Green Bay a talented trio of pass rushers.

Za’Darius’ frustration comes at a turbulent time for the Packers, who have failed to patch things up with Rodgers this year. Green Bay’s extension talks with Davante Adams also broke down this week. This will certainly be an interesting stretch for the two-time reigning NFC North champs.

Latest On Packers OT David Bakhtiari

July 24th, 2021 at 12:38pm CST by Ben Levine

David Bakhtiari‘s 2020 campaign came to an end when he suffered a torn ACL in late December.While the All-Pro offensive lineman naturally wants to be in the lineup for Week 1, he acknowledged that he’s more focused on getting back to full health.

“This is my first time going through this, so I’m just going to attack every day, try to hit every benchmark I can,” Bakhtiari said (via Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal). “And once ‘Doc’ can check me off, I can check myself and I can go out there and not only perform and protect myself but perform at the level that the Packers need me to, I think that’s where you’ll see me return, on that date.”

The start of the 2021 season will mark about eight months since the All-Pro lineman suffered the injury, which would definitely be a bit quick for a return from an ACL injury. The Packers surely wouldn’t want to do anything to compromise the health of the three-time Pro Bowler and five-team All Pro (including two first-team nods), especially following another successful season in 2020 where he ranked as the second overall offensive tackle by Pro Football Focus.

Plus, besides preserving the future health of one of their best players, the team also invested some big money in keeping Bakhtiari in Green Bay. Back in November, the team signed the 29-year-old to a whopping four-year, $92MM contract, making him one of the highest-paid linemen in league history. Both sides slightly reworked that contract earlier this offseason, but the move merely pushed some money down the road, helping the Packers’ 2021 cap sheet.

Assuming Bakhtiari is sidelined for the start of the 2021 season, the Packers have a handful of options that they could turn to at left tackle. Billy Turner played both tackles spots in 2020, and he’ll presumably start at one of the two positions to begin the season. Opposite him, the team could temporarily turn to the likes of fourth-round rookie Royce Newman or fifth-round rookie Cole Van Lanen.

Latest On Free Agent DL David Irving

July 24th, 2021 at 11:07am CST by Ben Levine

It’s been more than two months since David Irving was released by the Raiders, and the veteran defensive lineman is still looking for his next gig. Speaking with reporter Aaron Wilson, the free agent said that his next team will be adding a motivated, talented player.

“I want to show people who David Irving really is,” the 27-year-old said (via Wilson on Twitter). “I’m a fighter. I want to dominate, and it’s a different mindset. I’m feeling explosive and I’m ready for anything that comes by way. I’m ready to play and I can’t wait to play football again.”

After getting reinstated by the NFL from his indefinite suspension back in October, Irving ended up catching on with the Raiders for the 2020 campaign. He spent time traveling between the active roster and the practice squad, and he ultimately saw time in two games for Las Vegas, collecting four tackles while playing in only 4-percent of his team’s defensive snaps.

He ended up re-signing with the Raiders back in February, but the team released him only a few months later. Before re-upping with Vegas, Irving also worked out for the Colts and Lions, so there weren’t a lack of suitors at the beginning of the offseason.

While more interest may develop, Irving is nearly four years removed from his last season of consequence. The 6-foot-7 pass rusher did log seven sacks in eight games with the Cowboys in 2017; that has likely continued to generate interest. Since then, he’s only seen time in four NFL games, and it remains to be seen whether he’ll get another shot in the NFL.

Browns Sign WR Anthony Schwartz, Finalize Draft Class

July 24th, 2021 at 9:20am CST by Ben Levine

And just like that, the Browns have finished signing their draft class. After signing cornerback Greg Newsome II, the team completed the signing of their rookies by inking third-round receiver Anthony Schwartz to his pact (per Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot on Twitter). The four-year deal is worth $4.86MM.

[RELATED: Browns Sign First-Round CB Greg Newsome II]

Schwartz made a name for himself as a high school athlete, setting a number of sprint records. He ultimately joined Auburn to play football, and he saw time in 33 games across three seasons with the Tigers, hauling in 117 receptions for 1,433 yards and six touchdowns. Thanks to his explosive speed, Cleveland selected the wideout in the third round (No. 91) of the draft.

Odell Beckham Jr. and Jarvis Landry sit atop the depth chart in Cleveland, but Schwartz could find himself generating some offensive snaps if he can beat the likes of Donovan Peoples-Jones, Rashard Higgins, and KhaDarel Hodge. There’s also a chance the rook contributes on special teams, although he’d have to beat out Peoples-Jones and D’Ernest Johnson for those roles.

With the signing, the Browns have officially inked all eight of the draft picks:

Round 1: No. 26 Greg Newsome II, CB (Northwestern)
Round 2: No. 52 (from Panthers) Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, LB (Notre Dame) (signed)
Round 3: No. 91 (from Saints) Anthony Schwartz, WR (Auburn)
Round 4: No. 110 (from Eagles) James Hudson, OT (Cincinnati) (signed)
Round 4: No. 132 Tommy Togiai, DT (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 5: No. 153 (from Lions) Tony Fields II, LB (West Virginia) (signed)
Round 5: No. 169 (from Rams) Richard Lecounte III, S (Georgia) (signed)
Round 6: No. 211 Demetric Felton, RB (UCLA) (signed)

Browns Sign First-Round CB Greg Newsome II

July 24th, 2021 at 9:08am CST by Ben Levine

Another first rounder has put pen to paper. Browns first-round cornerback Greg Newsome II has inked his rookie contract, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). The No. 26 pick in the draft will get the standard four-year contract worth $12.75MM.

Newsome had a standout career at Northwestern, starting 18 games and guiding the Wildcats to a pair of Big Ten title games. After earning first-team All-Big-Ten honors in 2020, the defensive back declared for the draft. While Newsome was the fourth cornerback off the board, that was still good enough to warrant a first-selection.

The 6-foot-1 cornerback is a strong candidate to start opposite Denzel Ward in Cleveland, although Greedy Williams will give the rookie a run for his money as the veteran looks to return from a season-long shoulder ailment. No matter what role Newsome ends up playing, he’s ready to contribute however he can.

“My goal honestly is just to do whatever I can to help the team win,’’ Newsome said (via Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com). “Obviously, I would love to start at corner. I think any corner in the room would love to be a starting corner. At the end of the day, if I am helping the team win, that is all I can ask for.”

Newsome was the 29th first-round pick to ink their rookie contract, although his delay was inevitabl3 after switching representation earlier this offseason. Following the signing, the only unsigned first-round picks are Jets quarterback Zach Wilson (No. 2), 49ers quarterback Trey Lance (No. 3), and Chargers offensive tackle Rashawn Slater (No. 13).

Packers Sign Third-Round WR Amari Rodgers, Finalize Draft Class

July 23rd, 2021 at 9:31pm CST by Sam Robinson

Ahead of their training camp, the Packers will have their rookie contingent signed up. For several weeks, Amari Rodgers resided as the lone unsigned Packer draftee. The team changed that Friday, inking its third-round wide receiver pick to the standard four-year rookie deal.

A Clemson product who played a key role on each of the Tigers’ three Trevor Lawrence-led teams, Rodgers continues the line of Green Bay Day 2 receiver investments. However, the Packers have not taken a Day 2 wideout since Ty Montgomery — whom the team reconverted to running back early in his career — in 2015. Green Bay has experienced success with second- or third-round receiver picks during the Aaron Rodgers era — Davante Adams, Randall Cobb, Jordy Nelson, James Jones, dating back to 2007 — and selected Amari Rodgers at a crucial juncture on its timeline.

The Packers have major questions about the status of their passing attack. Aaron Rodgers remains AWOL, having turned down an extension offer that would have made him the NFL’s highest-paid player again. The disgruntled quarterback has not shown for Packers workouts this offseason and is not expected to report to camp on time. Adams has also become frustrated with the franchise, breaking off extension talks ahead of his contract year.

Green Bay will be deeper at receiver this season, however. Marquez Valdes-Scantling and Allen Lazard remain under contract, and 2020 free agency add Devin Funchess — a COVID-19 opt-out last year — is back in the fold.

A 5-foot-9 slot cog at Clemson, Amari Rodgers should add some juice to this aerial attack. With Tee Higgins leaving early for the NFL and Justyn Ross out for the season with an injury, Rodgers led Clemson in receiving last season en route to becoming this year’s No. 85 overall pick. He finished with 1,020 yards in 12 games, surpassing his combined total from the 2018 and ’19 seasons.

While it remains uncertain if a Rodgers-Rodgers connection will materialize, the Packers have the makings of an improved receiving corps in 2021. Here is how Green Bay’s draft class breaks down going into camp:

Round 1: No. 29 Eric Stokes, CB (Georgia) (signed)
Round 2: No. 62 Josh Myers, C (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 3: No. 85 (from Titans) Amari Rodgers, WR (Clemson) (signed)
Round 4: No. 142 Royce Newman, OG (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 5: No. 173 Tedarrell Slaton, DT (Florida) (signed)
Round 5: No. 178 Shemar Jean-Charles, CB (Appalachian State) (signed)
Round 6: No. 214 Cole Van Lanen, G (Wisconsin) (signed)
Round 6: No. 220 Isaiah McDuffie, LB (Boston College) (signed)
Round 7: No. 256 Kylin Hill, RB (Mississippi State) (signed)

Raiders Sign Third-Rounders Malcolm Koonce, Divine Deablo To Wrap Draft Class

July 23rd, 2021 at 8:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Raiders are ready to roll for training camp; all their rookies are now under contract. Las Vegas came to terms on the customary four-year rookie deals for third-round picks Divine Deablo and Malcolm Koonce on Friday.

Las Vegas took Koonce, a defensive end out of Buffalo, at No. 79 before drafting Deablo (Virginia Tech) a pick later. The team is set to open its training camp July 27, joining 28 other squads in that regard. Deablo, Koonce and second-round safety Trevon Moehrig represent the Raiders’ Day 2 draft contingent. Moehrig signed his rookie deal last month.

Primarily a safety at Virginia Tech, Deablo is on track to begin his NFL career as a linebacker. Deablo began his Hokies career as a wide receiver, ranking as a top-25 wideout recruit nationally in 2016, but moved to the defensive side in 2017. Deablo was a key Virginia Tech defender from 2018-20. Last season, he intercepted four passes; one of those picks came against top 2021 pick Trevor Lawrence. Deablo will join an experienced Raiders linebacking corps, being positioned to potentially see extensive time following the 2021 season.

Koonce combined to register 13 sacks over the past two seasons. He tallied 11 tackles for loss in 2019, when he added three forced fumbles. Koonce finished as a first-team All-MAC defender during the conference’s six-game season. In that truncated campaign, Koonce still posted five sacks. He will join a Raiders edge-rushing corps that now houses Yannick Ngakoue, who signed to team with Clelin Ferrell and former fourth-round find Maxx Crosby. Crosby was also a MAC pass-rushing standout.

Going into camp, here is how the Raiders’ 2021 draft class breaks down:

Round 1: No. 17 Alex Leatherwood, OL (Alabama) (signed)
Round 2: No. 43 (from 49ers) Tre’von Moehrig, S (TCU) (signed)
Round 3: No. 79 (from Cardinals) Malcolm Koonce, DE (Buffalo) (signed)
Round 3: No. 80 Divine Deablo, S (Virginia Tech) (signed)
Round 4: No. 143 (from Vikings via Jets) Tyree Gillespie, S (Missouri) (signed)
Round 5: No. 167 (from Seahawks) Nate Hobbs, CB (Illinois) (signed)
Round 7: No. 230 (from Jets via 49ers) Jimmy Morrissey, C (Pittsburgh) (signed)

Latest On Seahawks’ Jamal Adams Extension Plans

July 23rd, 2021 at 7:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Seahawks appear ready to make Jamal Adams the NFL’s highest-paid safety, but they may not be planning to create a new tier for safety contracts.

Adams and the Seahawks have been expected to come to terms on a record-setting safety extension, meaning a deal worth north of Justin Simmons‘ $15.25MM-per-year contract. But Seattle does not want to move Adams beyond Bobby Wagner‘s $18MM-AAV deal, according to Ian Rapoport and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com (video link). This would appear to create a range for Adams’ next contract.

[RELATED: Seahawks’ Jamal Adams Deal Imminent?]

The All-Pro defender frequently plays alongside Wagner in the box, having become a historically productive pass rusher at the safety position, but a deal worth more than Wagner’s would completely reset the safety market and give the Seahawks three players earning at least $18MM annually. Adams also is coming off a so-so coverage season, per Pro Football Focus. The Seahawks want their 25-year-old chess piece to be their third-highest-paid player, behind Russell Wilson and Wagner, but the former Jets standout has hoped to avoid being constrained by the other top contracts at the safety position.

Seattle traded two first-rounders and change for Adams, giving him a Khalil Mack– or Laremy Tunsil-type negotiating position. While Mack’s 2018 Bears extension raised the bar for pass rushers by $1MM annually, from Aaron Donald‘s then-record place, Tunsil’s 2020 Texans accord created a new tier for left tackle pacts. The Seahawks would clearly prefer the Mack route here, though the Rams may have laid the groundwork for a compromise. After dealing two first-rounders for Jalen Ramsey, the Rams made him the NFL’s highest-paid corner — by $2.75MM per year — last September. The Seahawks may be prepared to let Adams’ next contract create similar AAV distance from the current top earners at his position.

Beyond an extension that locks up Adams long-term, the Seahawks have the option of the franchise tag in 2022. Adams, who is set to make $9.86MM on the fifth-year option this season, has sought a long-term deal since becoming extension-eligible in 2020. Contract talks with the Jets led him out of New York, and that trade has left Seattle without a first-round pick until 2023.

Given the leverage this trade provided Adams, it will be interesting to see how this process concludes. The Mack, Tunsil and Ramsey extensions point to Adams becoming the NFL’s highest-paid safety, and he could push that number near $20MM per year.

Vikings Keep Rick Dennison On Staff

July 23rd, 2021 at 6:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

6:29pm: Dennison’s agent has chimed in on this situation, indicating his client remains in the picture for the Vikings, via the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling (on Twitter). The Vikings have indeed managed to retain Dennison, keeping him on staff as a senior offensive advisor. Rauscher remains in place as the team’s offensive line coach.

3:31pm: The Vikings released a statement indicating that while Dennison does not have a medical or religious exemption to avoid the vaccine under the NFL’s COVID-19 protocols, he and the team continue to hold discussions, the St. Paul Pioneer Press’ Chris Tomasson tweets. These discussions would seemingly be centered around Dennison changing his mind on the vaccine, but it does not appear he is 100% out the door just yet.

2:44pm: Vikings offensive line coach Rick Dennison will not be with the team going forward. The longtime NFL assistant is done with the Vikings due to his refusal to receive a COVID-19 vaccine, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com reports.

While the NFLPA bargained for players to not be required to receive the vaccine, coaches must provide medical or religious grounds in order to refuse it. Otherwise, they cannot work with players onsite. Dennison’s refusal will wrap his two-plus-year tenure with the Vikings, who hired him as their O-line coach in January 2019. Minnesota will promote assistant O-line coach Phil Rauscher to fill the position, Cronin adds.

The Vikings hired Dennison after bringing Gary Kubiak aboard as offensive coordinator, and he was set to work under new OC Klint Kubiak this season. Dennison, 63, was set to serve as a key aid for the younger Kubiak this season. He is believed to be the first coach to part ways with a team due to a vaccination refusal. The Vikings also hired Ben Steele to fill Rauscher’s assistant O-line coach post, per Cronin. Steele spent the past two seasons with the Falcons; he worked as their tight ends coach in 2020.

Dennison had been on Gary Kubiak’s Super Bowl-winning Broncos staff as OC and initially rose to an NFL offensive coordinator role by succeeding Kubiak in that post in Denver in 2006. Dennison later worked under Kubiak as OC in Houston and was the Bills’ OC in 2017. The former Broncos linebacker has been an NFL assistant since Mike Shanahan began his HC tenure in Denver in 1995.

This marks the second time in four years the Vikings have needed to replace their O-line coach in July. Tony Sparano‘s death in July 2018 forced Minnesota to rearrange its staff. Dennison became Sparano’s full-time replacement months later, also working as the team’s run-game coordinator.

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