2022 May - Pro Football Rumors

Packers Sign Round 1 LB Quay Walker

May 5th, 2022 at 4:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

Hours after agreeing to terms with the second of their two first-round picks, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, the Packers locked down their other first-rounder.

Wyatt’s ex-Georgia teammate, linebacker Quay Walker, is now under contract, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). Although the modern-era rookie signing process features far fewer complications than the negotiations before the 2011 CBA, with a slot system now in place, the Packers moved past any complications very early in this process. Walker and Wyatt’s signings coincide with the beginning of the Packers’ rookie minicamp.

Green Bay deviated considerably from a path of not devoting significant resources to its off-ball linebacker spots, selecting Walker 22nd overall a few weeks after giving 2021 free agency flier De’Vondre Campbell a big-ticket deal. Walker and Campbell represent the Packers’ biggest commitment to these two positions in over a decade.

Walker worked as a Bulldogs regular over the past three years, with his most significant contributions coming for the national champions’ dominant 2021 defense — one that saw five of its cogs drafted in the first round. Walker was the third of those Georgia defenders taken. The 6-foot-3 linebacker registered a career-best 65 tackles (5.5 for loss) as a senior last year. Via the fifth-year option that could later be exercised, Walker can be controlled on this rookie deal through 2026.

Jets Claim OL Nate Herbig

May 5th, 2022 at 3:49pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Jets are adding another former starter to their interior offensive line. They made a successful claim for ex-Eagles guard Nate Herbig on Thursday, Mike Kaye of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets.

A 17-game Eagles starter over the past two years, Herbig received a Philadelphia RFA tender in March and signed it in April. The Eagles, however, cut bait after a draft that included a second-round selection of center Cam Jurgens.

Prior to the arrivals of Jurgens and 2021 second-round pick Landon Dickerson, however, Herbig worked as a 12-game starter for the Eagles in 2020. Brandon Brooks‘ full-season absence freed up a guard spot for Herbig, who originally caught on with the Eagles as a 2019 UDFA. The Eagles also turned to Herbig for five starts last season. Although he landed the Jets GM job soon after the 2019 draft, Joe Douglas was still with the Eagles when they signed Herbig.

While the Jets did not use a high draft choice on an offensive lineman, they signed Laken Tomlinson and have the likes of Greg Van Roten and Dan Feeney as swing backups. With no real path to an interior starter job available, with Alijah Vera-Tucker and Connor McGovern at the other two spots, Herbig seemingly stands to compete for a depth spot. The Stanford alum will turn 24 this summer.

Chargers Sign LB Kyle Van Noy

May 5th, 2022 at 3:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

Kyle Van Noy‘s Los Angeles visit has produced an agreement that will bring the veteran linebacker to a fourth team. The Chargers signed Van Noy on Thursday. It’s a one-year deal, ProFootballNetwork.com’s Aaron Wilson tweets.

Productive as a pass rusher despite not working exclusively in that role, Van Noy will join a Chargers team that has made a host of offseason additions on defense. The Bolts’ big-ticket moves came at edge rusher, cornerback and on their defensive line, however. Van Noy will attempt to bolster their linebacking corps.

Although the Patriots became the second team in two years to cut Van Noy, following the Dolphins’ lead, he has registered 11 sacks over the past two seasons. Van Noy, 31, also has forced eight fumbles over the past three. He became a key part of three Patriots Super Bowl defenses and parlayed that production into a four-year, $51MM deal with the Dolphins.

This Bolts pact will not approach that value and will likely come in below the two-year, $13.2MM deal he inked with the Pats last year. But it represents another opportunity for the veteran defender, and on a team that has added the likes of Khalil Mack, J.C. Jackson, Sebastian Joseph-Day and Bryce Callahan to its defense over the past several weeks.

New England elevated Van Noy’s value considerably, acquiring him via trade from Detroit in 2016. Bill Belichick found a spot for a player who became one of the league’s more versatile linebackers. Van Noy has 26.5 sacks over the past five seasons. For linebackers not strictly used as edge defenders, that total trails only Haason Reddick, who morphed into a pure edge during that span. Van Noy also tallied five playoff sacks during that time. He will have an opportunity to contribute alongside Mack and Joey Bosa while mixing in with linebackers Kenneth Murray and Drue Tranquill. The Bolts lost Kyzir White in free agency this offseason.

Falcons Host Nick Kwiatkoski

May 5th, 2022 at 1:56pm CST by Adam La Rose

Veteran linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski may be close to finding his next NFL home. He met with the Falcons today, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter).

Kwiatkoski, who will be 29 by the start of the season, began his career with the Bears in 2016. He was drafted by then-general manager Ryan Pace, who has since been hired by the Falcons, in the fourth round that year. In four years in the Windy City, he totalled 184 tackles and six sacks while registering 22 starts.

That led him to the Raiders, who signed him to a three-year, $21MM deal in 2020. Kwiatkoski’s first year with the team was a productive one; he made a career-high 81 tackles, adding an interception and four pass breakups. He also started all 12 games he played in, logging a much higher snap percentage than he had in any previous year. However, he was limited to eight games in 2021 campaign due to an ankle injury.

The West Virginia product had his contract restructured twice by the Raiders, but it wasn’t enough to avoid his inclusion in the team’s numerous front seven changes this offseason. He was cut at the onset of free agency, leaving a dead cap charge of $5MM. That left him on the open market again, pointing him, eventually, to the Falcons. In Atlanta, he could help fill the void left by the departure of 2021 NFL tackle leader Foyesade Oluokun.

As Pelissero notes, however, Kwiatkoski does have two other visits scheduled. Whether with the Falcons or one of those clubs, he adds, Kwiatkoski “should sign somewhere soon”.

Latest On James Bradberry

May 5th, 2022 at 12:49pm CST by Adam La Rose

The draft has come and gone, meaning that much of the attention regarding the Giants is being turned back on to cornerback James Bradberry. Keeping in line with what has been expected throughout the offseason, it appears he will be on his way out of New York soon.

ESPN’s Jordan Raanan reports that “all signs point” to Bradberry being released “soon” (Twitter link). That had long been the expected outcome of this situation, though in the run-up to free agency it was reported he was drawing trade interest. As Raanan details, general manager Joe Schoen recently described the trade market for the 28-year-old as being “tougher than expected”.

The relative lack of offers is directly tied, of course, to the primary reason the team is set to move on from him in the first place. Bradberry is scheduled to have a cap hit of just over $21.8MM in 2022, the final non-void year on his contract. Schoen acknowledged the possibility of extending him to lower that figure, but called it a “last resort”. Moving on from the Pro Bowler would be the latest in a string of cost-cutting moves the Giants have made, as Schoen continues to try and carve out much-needed cap room.

The Chiefs were named as one of the teams most interested in acquiring Bradberry before or during the draft, but they elected to use three selections on corner prospects. As was noted at the time, it was always far more likely teams would look to add him as a free agent after his release, rather than trading for his contract. On that point, Raanan notes how hitting the open market so late in free agency will likely hurt the value of his next deal. Still, his age and level of play should generate notable interest from a number of teams looking to add to their secondary.

Kyle Van Noy To Visit Chargers

May 5th, 2022 at 11:01am CST by Adam La Rose

The Chargers may be close to making another defensive addition. The team is hosting free agent linebacker Kyle Van Noy, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link).

Van Noy finds himself in familiar territory this offseason, having been released after a solid year in terms of production. In his second stint with the Patriots, he totalled 66 tackles and five sacks, adding a pick-six along the way. He also earned a PFF coverage grade of 84.3, showcasing his ability as a contributor both against the run and pass.

The 31-year-old has taken on a significant role since 2016, his third year in the league. He has shouldered a starter’s workload since 2017, his first full season as a Patriot. However, the BYU product was part of a New England linebackers corps which was in need of getting younger and more athletic this offseason. That, coupled with the nearly $5MM the team saved by releasing him, led to him hitting the open market once again.

Tyler Dragon of USA Today reports (on Twitter) that Van Noy is “expected to sign” with the Chargers. Assuming he does, he will represent another notable addition on the defensive side of the ball. The team has already signed Pro Bowl corner J.C. Jackson and traded for All-Pro edge rusher Khalil Mack, among other moves. He would join the likes of Kenneth Murray, Troy Reeder and Drue Tranquill at the second level of what should be a much-improved defense in 2022.

Packers To Sign First-Rounder Devonte Wyatt

May 5th, 2022 at 10:03am CST by Adam La Rose

Earlier this week, the first 2022 draftee signed his rookie contract. Today, the first prospect selected on Day 1 has inked his NFL deal. The Packers have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link).

Wyatt was the second of two Packers first-round choices, going 28th overall. He is set to join former Georgia teammate Quay Walker, who went at No. 22. Wyatt was the second interior defensive linemen selected, behind another former Bulldog, Jordan Davis (taken 13th by the Eagles).

The six-foot-three, 315 pounder was a mainstay of Georgia’s defensive front, and played a key role in the team’s national championship. The 2021 campaign was his most productive, as he totalled 39 tackles (including seven for a loss) and 2.5 sacks. Seen as the more trusted prospect in terms of pass rushing compared to Davis (albeit the one with less overall upside), Wyatt was projected by many to be taken in the latter stages of the first round.

As Rapoport notes, the deal is for four years (with a fifth-year team option) carrying a fully guaranteed value of $12.86MM. The contract also includes a $6.533MM signing bonus. In Green Bay, Wyatt will join a defensive line led by Kenny Clark, but which faces uncertainty beyond the 2022 season. Both Dean Lowry and free agent signee Jarran Reed have only void years left on their respective contracts after the coming season, so Wyatt will provide a long-term answer on the defensive front as the Packers try to keep their Super Bowl window open as long as possible.

Steelers To Hold Second GM Interviews With Ryan Cowden, John Spytek

May 5th, 2022 at 8:52am CST by Adam La Rose

With the draft over, longtime Steelers general manager Kevin Colbert’s tenure in that role has officially come to an end. As a result, the team’s search for his replacement is now front and center. NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports (on Twitter) that second interviews will be conducted with Ryan Cowden and John Spytek, among others.

Cowden has been with the Titans since 2016. After 16 years in Carolina, Tennessee hired him to work in the player personnel department, and he has played a key role in the team’s recent success. As a result, he has generated interest in recent GM searches, including an interview with the Giants earlier this year for their opening and his first meeting with Pittsburgh one month later.

Spytek has followed an almost identical recent career path to Cowden. He too was hired in 2016 (after spending time as a scout with the Browns and Broncos) and has served as first director, then vice president, of player personnel for the Buccaneers. Likewise, his contributions to the team’s success has caught the attention of other clubs. He interviewed with the Vikings and Raiders before doing so with the Steelers this offseason.

As Garafolo notes, the list of candidates to be interviewed a second time will grow longer than these two. For now, though, here is an updated look at Pittsburgh’s search:

Morocco Brown, college scouting director (Colts): Interviewed
Ran Carthon, director of player personnel (49ers): Interviewed
Ryan Cowden, vice president of player personnel (Titans): To conduct second interview
Ed Dodds, assistant general manager (Colts): Interviewed 2/4
Joe Hortiz, director of player personnel (Ravens): Interviewed
Brandon Hunt, pro scouting director (Steelers): Interviewed
Omar Khan, vice president of football and business administration (Steelers): Interviewed
Dan Morgan, assistant general manager (Panthers): Interviewed
Jerry Reese, former general manager (Giants): Interviewed
Louis Riddick, former director of pro personnel (Eagles): Interviewed
Rick Spielman, former general manager (Vikings): Interviewed
John Spytek, director of player personnel (Buccaneers): To conduct second interview
Andy Weidl, vice president of player personnel (Eagles): Interviewed
Doug Whaley, vice president of player personnel (XFL): Interviewed
John Wojciechowski, co-director of player personnel (Packers): Interviewed
JoJo Wooden, director of player personnel (Chargers): Interviewed by 2/4

Chargers Sign CB Bryce Callahan

May 4th, 2022 at 9:38pm CST by Ben Levine

Bryce Callahan is staying in the AFC West. The Chargers announced that they have signed the free agent cornerback.

Callahan joined the Bears as an undrafted free agent in 2015, and he ended up spending four seasons in Chicago. Following a 2018 season where he collected 45 tackles, two sacks, two interceptions, and six passes defended, the defensive back inked a three-year, $21MM deal with the Broncos.

He missed his first season in Denver thanks to a foot injury, but he managed to start 16 games for the Broncos over the final two years of his contract. In 21 total games for Denver, Callhan collected 71 tackles, nine passes defended, and two interceptions.

In Los Angeles, he’ll be joining a depth chart that’s headlined by free agent acquisition J.C. Jackson. The Chargers are also rostering 2021 second-round pick Asante Samuel Jr. and veteran Michael Davis.

RB Sony Michel To Visit Dolphins, Saints

May 4th, 2022 at 7:56pm CST by Ben Levine

There aren’t many RBs with first-round pedigree and 1,000-yard seasons still on the market. One of them, Sony Michel, is starting to generate some interest around the NFL. Per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (on Twitter), Michel visited the Dolphins today and is set to meet with the Saints later this week.

Michel was the 31st-overall pick in the 2018 draft, and he immediately played a role for the Patriots. He finished his rookie campaign with 981 yards from scrimmage, but he made a name for himself with his postseason performance. In three playoff games, Michel collected 345 yards from scrimmage and six touchdowns en route to a Super Bowl championship.

The running back continued his production in 2019, finishing with 1,006 yards from scrimmage and seven touchdowns. However, he found himself in and out of New England’s RB rotation in 2020, and he was traded to the Rams prior to the 2021 campaign. During his lone season with the Rams, Michel collected 973 yards from scrimmage, and he added another 72 yards in four postseason games.

The Dolphins have been busy adding to the running backs room this offseason, signing Chase Edmonds and Raheem Mostert to join Myles Gaskins in Miami’s backfield. The Saints also added a former player in Mark Ingram, with Alvin Kamara once again leading the depth chart.