2023 March - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos To Sign DL Zach Allen

March 13th, 2023 at 7:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

A couple of Vance Joseph’s former Broncos charges are still in place in Denver (Justin Simmons, Josey Jewell), but the new DC will bring one of his Cardinals pieces with him. The Broncos are signing Zach Allen to a three-year deal, Jay Glazer of Fox Sports tweets.

Allen is set to join the Broncos on a contract worth $45.75MM and $32.5MM fully guaranteed, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com. This news should lead to Dre’Mont Jones relocating, given what the Broncos have done in free agency Monday. The Broncos have kept in touch with Jones, but with the Browns viewed as the favorites, it is logical for the AFC West team to give Joseph a talented D-lineman he coached in Arizona.

Three of PFR’s top 20 free agents are now pledged to the Broncos, who are signing Allen, Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers to headline a Denver day dedicated to line fortifications. The Allen addition should bring a seamless transition for the former Cardinals draftee. The Cards drafted Allen in the 2019 third round, months after they hired Joseph as DC, and he became a key contributor — particularly during a contract year alongside J.J. Watt.

Allen, 25, led all defensive linemen with eight pass deflections last season, teaming with Watt to form a strong interior D-line duo for a last-place team. The Boston College product will undoubtedly step into the same position in Joseph’s 3-4 scheme in Denver. Allen finished with 5.5 sacks and 20 QB hits last season. He recovered three fumbles and intercepted a pass in 2021, coming along after taking a bit to break into Arizona’s lineup on a full-time basis.

Shortly after dealing Bradley Chubb to the Dolphins, the Broncos indicated Jones was a priority to re-sign. The team negotiated with Jones up to the franchise tag deadline, but the former third-round pick understandably did not want to re-sign before testing the market. The three-year Denver starter is one of the top players left on the board, and although he said before free agency he wanted to stay in Denver, it looks like the sides will split up after four years. Allen can safely be labeled Denver’s Jones replacement.

The Jones-for-Allen swap will still leave the Broncos with standout D-tackle D.J. Jones returning, and Denver also brought back linebacker Alex Singleton on Monday. The team released Graham Glasgow, Ronald Darby and Chase Edmonds to clear out the cap space necessary to enable this Monday spending spree.

Chargers To Sign LB Eric Kendricks

March 13th, 2023 at 7:47pm CST by Ben Levine

Eric Kendricks is heading to the west coast. The long-time Vikings linebacker is signing with the Chargers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).

Kendricks agreed to a two-year deal worth $13.25MM, Rapoport adds (on Twitter). The UCLA alum will receive $6.75MM guaranteed, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets. The Chargers will have a decision to make ahead of this contract’s second year, with Wilson adding Kendricks is due a $1.5MM roster bonus on Day 3 of the 2024 league year.

The Vikings cut the veteran linebacker last week, providing the team with $9.5MM in cap relief. The move ended Kendricks’ eight-year stint in Minnesota that saw him collect at least 90 tackles each season. He earned a first-time All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2019, and he’ll end his Vikings tenure with the third-most total tackles (919) and top-10 marks in tackles for loss (54) and passes defended (51).

Kendricks was set to enter the final year of a $50MM contract he inked with the organization in 2018. Thanks to a subsequent restructure, he was set to earn more than $11MM in 2023. The team decided to take the savings and move on from Kendricks as they look to revamp that side of the ball.

The Chargers will still be getting a highly productive linebacker. The 31-year-old finished the 2022 season with 137 tackles and eight tackles for loss, although Pro Football Focus only ranked him 50th among 81 qualifying linebackers.

Drue Tranquill was the Chargers’ most productive linebacker last season but is currently an unrestricted free agent. Kendricks could easily fill Tranquill’s role, but considering the team’s lack of depth at the position, it’s within the realm of possibility that the Chargers still retain their free agent.

Cardinals Re-Sign T Kelvin Beachum

March 13th, 2023 at 7:37pm CST by Ely Allen

After an injury-filled year on their offensive line, the Cardinals have agreed to a new deal that will bring back their most dependable lineman, offensive tackle Kelvin Beachum, according to freelance journalist and former Cardinals staff writer Mike Jurecki. Set to turn 34 in June, the veteran tackle will return to Arizona on a new two-year contract.

Beachum had to work his way into a starting position in his first two years in the league for the Steelers, but after earning it, Beachum refused to let go. He was Pittsburgh’s starting left tackle every year after his rookie season. The only exception came after a torn ACL cost him the last 10 games of the 2015 season, the last year of his rookie contract.

The ACL injury, the only major injury of his career, hurt his chances of a strong, long-term contract, but after a year as Jacksonville’s left tackle, Beachum signed a three-year, $24MM deal with the Jets. After two years s the starting left tackle in New York, Beachum, once again, found himself on the open market, signing with the Cardinals who would switch him to the right side of the offensive line for the first time since his rookie year.

Beachum has only ever missed two games in Arizona due to injury, but his durability was best put on display this past year after starting every game of the season for the Cardinals. Beachum was the only Arizona offensive lineman to account for over 72-percent of the team’s offensive snaps in 2022, playing nearly 98-percent of them.

Beachum has played for three years in Arizona now and finishing out this new deal will make the Cardinals the team Beachum has played for the longest in his career. He’s been the team’s starting right tackle since 2020, and there’s no reason to believe he won’t continue that role for the next two years.

The news of his return is certainly heralded and welcomed after last year’s endurance, but it’s slightly unexpected that the team chose to go this route. Within its many injuries on the offensive line last season, the Cardinals were able to see that it had two capable starting tackles in D.J. Humphries and Josh Jones. Both players graded out better than Beachum, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), and with Jones still on his rookie contract and Humphries still five years younger than Beachum, many thought youth and affordability would prevail. Not only that, but Beachum, who clearly has good ball left in the tank, was thought to have priced himself out of Arizona, especially since moving forward with Jones and Humphries would be the more affordable play.

Regardless, the Cardinals rewarded Beachum for his endurance and veteran leadership. After showing last year that age is just a number, Beachum will continue to show how durable he can be for the next two years in Arizona.

Falcons To Re-Sign P Bradley Pinion, FB Keith Smith

March 13th, 2023 at 7:29pm CST by Ben Levine

The Falcons have re-signed a pair of key special teamers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta has re-signed punter Bradley Pinion. Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (on Twitter) that the Falcons have re-signed fullback Keith Smith.

Pinion is inking a three-year pact worth $8.65MM, putting him in the top-eight of the highest-paid punters. The deal includes $4.325MM in guaranteed money, with Pinion taking home $3.5MM of that guaranteed money in 2023.

Pinion was the only punter selected during the 2015 draft, going in the fifth round to the 49ers. He spent four years in San Francisco before a three-year stint with the Buccaneers that saw him earn a Super Bowl ring. He spent this past season with the Falcons, where he recorded a career-high 45.9 average yards per punt.

Smith has spent the past four seasons in Atlanta, collecting four tackles while appearing in more than 1,000 special teams snaps. Smith has also had a minor role as a blocker on offense, and he’s even had some brief cameos in the receiving game. In four years with the Falcons, the 30-year-old has collected 22 receptions.

Dolphins Re-Signing LB Duke Riley

March 13th, 2023 at 7:23pm CST by Ely Allen

After two years in Miami, linebacker Duke Riley has agreed to a two-year deal to return to the Dolphins, according to Adam Schefter of ESPN. The 28-year-old linebacker is a veteran who rotates in on defense and anchors on special teams.

Riley entered the league as third-round draft pick out of LSU for the Falcons. While he failed to reach his draft potential, Riley’s been able to produce in limited time for whatever defense he’s been a part of. After losing playing time, and eventually his starting job, in Atlanta to Foyesade Oluokun in 2018, Riley was traded to the Eagles.

In Philidelphia, Riley once again got an opportunity to carve out some starting time while still helping on special teams. He dealt with some injuries here and there in 2020, ending the season on injured reserve. When his contract expired, the Eagles allowed him to hit free agency and he found his way to South Beach.

In Miami, Riley continued his role as a rotational linebacker and special teamer, starting three games in his first season with the team. He earned a second one-year contract with the Dolphins to play through the 2022 season and appeared in every game, starting two. Riley hasn’t provided the top production numbers of other free agent linebackers who will sign massive deals, but he is reliable and consistent in what he does provide.

With fellow inside linebackers Elandon Roberts and Sam Eguavoen also headed towards free agency in Miami, Riley becomes the primary backup for the inside linebacker position behind Jerome Baker and the newly acquired former Titan, David Long. The two-year contract will be the first multiyear contract for Riley since his entry level draft contract. It’s a fitting reward for a grinder who gives his all on special teams and fills in well when needed on defense.

Chargers To Re-Sign QB Easton Stick

March 13th, 2023 at 7:13pm CST by Ben Levine

The Chargers are retaining their backup QB. The team has agreed to a new contract with quarterback Easton Stick, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).

It’s a one-year, $1.8MM deal for the backup, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). Considering Stick’s struggles to take control of the QB2 spot on the Chargers depth chart, this contract seems to be a strong indication that he’ll be the definitive backup heading into next season.

Following a prolific career at North Dakota State that saw him set the record for most wins by a starting QB in NCAA Division I FCS history, Stick was selected in the fifth round of the 2019 draft. He’s only seen time in one game since entering the league, completing one four-yard pass during the 2020 season. The Chargers didn’t give a QB2 any snaps during the 2021 season, and Chase Daniel got the brief call in 2022.

Now heading into 2023 with a new contract, there’s a good chance Stick will finally hold the second spot on the depth chart. At the very least, he’ll provide the coaching staff with a familiar face in case something happens to Justin Herbert.

Panthers Willing To Trade QB Matt Corral?

March 13th, 2023 at 6:55pm CST by Ben Levine

The Panthers are expected to use their newly acquired first-overall pick on a quarterback, meaning their young signal-callers could be available via trade. According to NFL Network’s Mike Giardi (on Twitter), the Panthers would consider moving Matt Corral in a trade.

The Ole Miss product was selected in the third round of the 2022 draft, with the Panthers intending to bring him along slowly while hoping that one of their veterans could provide at least a season-plus of production. Neither Sam Darnold nor Baker Mayfield ended up working out for the organization, and the Panthers also made it clear that P.J. Walker wasn’t in their plans.

Even with the inconsistent QB depth chart, the Panthers were unable to get a look at their rookie, as Corral suffered a preseason Lisfranc injury that knocked him out for the season. The team could have repeated their plan in 2023 by pairing the young QB with one or two veterans, but the organization instead decided to go all-in with the first-overall pick. While it remains to be seen who will ultimately be selected, it’s clear that the Panthers will hand that unknown rookie QB the keys to the offense.

Considering Corral’s college resume, a team would surely make a run at the QB. He earned second-team All-SEC honors in 2021 after finishing with 20 touchdowns vs. five interceptions while adding another 11 touchdowns on the ground. Per Giardi, the cost wouldn’t be high to acquire the QB, and it’s unlikely the Panthers will be able to recoup their third-round investment.

49ers Re-Sign DT Kevin Givens To One-Year Deal

March 13th, 2023 at 6:33pm CST by Ely Allen

Despite the star power the 49ers are planning to bring over from Philadelphia in Javon Hargrave, San Francisco has no plans of allowing its depth at the position to suffer. One of those moves to secure depth was re-signing defensive tackle Kevin Givens.

An undrafted free agent out of Penn State from 2019, Givens has slowly earned the trust and confidence of the coaching staff in San Francisco. After factoring into the team’s defense as a rotation piece off the bench for much of his first three years, Givens was given plenty of starting opportunities in 2022.

With injuries plaguing the position room and holding players like Javon Kinlaw and Arik Armstead to a combined 15 total games this past year, Givens heard his named called. Givens started 11 games for the 49ers this season in their absence. He could’ve started a few more if not for a few games missed with a sprained MCL. He matched or tallied career-highs in total tackles (20), tackles for loss (7), quarterback hits (3), and sacks (2.0). Givens struggled in run defense, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), but graded out much better as a pass rusher.

Givens doesn’t provide the 49ers with a top-level of play on the defensive line, but the team isn’t asking him to give that. They expect that high-level of play from their top draft picks and acquisitions like Hargrave, and Givens is expected to fill in as an injury or rotation replacement without missing a beat. Givens provides that for San Francisco, and his success when called into action this season has been rewarded with another one-year deal.

Panthers Re-Sign C Bradley Bozeman

March 13th, 2023 at 6:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

Both Bradley Bozeman and the Panthers wanted the sides’ one-year partnership to extend beyond 2022; they reached an agreement to make this happen Monday.

The Panthers are re-signing Bozeman, David Newton of ESPN.com tweets. The Panthers’ starting O-line from 2022 is now entirely locked in for the ’23 season. The Panthers have announced the move.

After only scoring a one-year deal during the 2022 free agency period, Bozeman will receive a midlevel accord to stay in Charlotte. It is a three-year, $18MM contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. This year featured a few comparable centers on the market, with Bozeman joining Garrett Bradbury, Ethan Pocic, 49ers resurgent starter Jake Brendel and the recently released Ben Jones. Although the Panthers have a new coaching staff in place, they ended up prioritizing continuity up front.

Bozeman, 28, will stay in place alongside Ikem Ekwonu, Brady Christensen, Austin Corbett and Taylor Moton in Carolina. The Panthers had gone through some issues up front, save for Moton, leading up to 2022. But the Scott Fitterer-Matt Rhule tandem did well to patch up the unit. Frank Reich will inherit a much better O-line — one Pro Football Focus ranked 15th last season — and Bozeman’s re-up ensures Carolina will be the rare team to keep its five O-line starters.

ESPN slotted Bozeman sixth in its pass block win rate metric, and Bozeman played a significant role in the Panthers still managing to deploy a quality run game — largely on the legs of D’Onta Foreman — after trading Christian McCaffrey. Bozeman has been a starter for the past four seasons, lining up as a Ravens guard in 2019 and ’20. The Ravens produced historic rushing totals in those seasons, with Lamar Jackson breaking the quarterback rushing record in 2019. Bozeman moved to center in 2021 but could not generate much interest on the market. After outlasting Pat Elflein in the pivot with the Panthers, Bozeman finally scored his coveted payday.

Colts Shopping C Ryan Kelly

March 13th, 2023 at 6:22pm CST by Ben Levine

The Colts could be looking to move on from their Pro Bowl offensive lineman. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Colts are shopping center Ryan Kelly. The organization could also consider cutting the veteran, but they’ll exhaust the trade market before making a move.

Kelly inked a sizable four-year, $50MM extension with the Colts prior to the 2020 season. He earned Pro Bowl nods in both 2020 and 2021, and in 2022, he started all of his team’s games for the first time since 2019.

However, thing’s aren’t as rosy as they may appear. The Colts offensive line struggled mightily in 2022, with Pro Football Focus grading Kelly as a middle-of-the-road center (16th among 36 qualifying players). Despite the Pro Bowl nod, the site ranked Kelly 32nd among 39 centers during the 2021 campaign, and they haven’t given the player a top-10 grade since 2019.

With impending cap hits of $12.4MM and $14.6MM in 2023 and 2024, respectively, the Colts could decide to move on from the veteran as they continue to pivot towards the future. Considering his track record, it wouldn’t take long for a team to scoop up Kelly in free agency, and there’s a chance the organization could find a suitor on the trade market.

Kelly isn’t the only Colts player who’s on the trade block. Per Fowler, tight end Mo Alie-Cox is also “potentially available.” The 29-year-old has averaged 24.7 receptions for 300 yards and three touchdowns per season over the past three years.