HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

Texans To Bring Back QB Case Keenum

March 13th, 2023 at 1:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

Case Keenum is coming back to Houston. After beginning his career with the Texans, Keenum — per veteran Houston reporter John McClain — is returning to the team.

A former Texans UDFA back in 2013, Keenum has journeyed the country as a starter and a backup. He is now coming back to Houston, where he played his college ball, on what looks like a bridge agreement. It is a two-year contract, McClain notes.

Keenum, 34, will come back for $6.25MM, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. He will collect $4MM guaranteed. This agreement should be expected to precede a Texans quarterback pick at No. 2 overall. Houston has not made a serious investment at the position since Deshaun Watson‘s off-field trouble surfaced.

Since leaving Houston back in 2016, Keenum has played in St. Louis, Los Angeles, Minnesota, Denver, Washington, Cleveland and Buffalo. Although he was DVOA’s top-rated quarterback in 2017, when he replaced Sam Bradford and took the Vikings on a stunning ride to the NFC championship game, Keenum has mostly filled in as a backup or bridge starter as a pro. He began that run with 10 starts for the Texans from 2013-14.

Most recently, Keenum got into two games as Josh Allen‘s backup in Buffalo during the 2022 campaign. He last started a game in 2021 when he earned two starts for the Browns. In those two games, the veteran completed 38 of his 57 pass attempts for 375 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception. The Browns were 2-0 in those two games.

Dolphins To Sign QB Mike White

March 13th, 2023 at 1:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Jets are awaiting news on their preferred 2023 starting quarterback, but in the meantime they are set to lose depth at the position. Mike White is signing with the Dolphins on a two-year contract worth up to $16MM (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter).

New York’s quarterback situation appeared to be relatively straightforward heading into the 2022 season. White was projected to serve as a backup to Zach Wilson, but things didn’t at all go according to plan. The latter missed time to start the season, and was benched in favor of White midway through the campaign.

The Jets’ offense performed better with White at the helm, though his individual numbers certainly weren’t eye-popping. He went 1-3 as a starter, completing 59% of his passes and throwing more interceptions (four) than touchdowns (three). Still, the team recently made it clear that they intended to keep him, given the potential showed on either side of a major rib injury suffered partway through the year.

Joe Flacco, like White, saw time in 2022 with the Jets. He is a pending free agent, however, which would have made retaining the latter even more of a priority in the event Wilson isn’t on the roster much longer. The Jets remain publicly committed to the 2021 second overall pick, but his struggles have led Gang Green to be all in on acquiring Aaron Rodgers.

While White’s absence could be acutely felt by the Jets, he could prove to be a savvy addition on Miami’s part. The Dolphins tried adding a veteran backup last offseason in Teddy Bridgewater, but he dealt with multiple injuries just as starter Tua Tagovailoa did. The latter’s concussion issues have led to speculation about his playing future, though the team will pick up his fifth-year option for next season. Even with stability at the top of the depth chart, Miami was widely expected to be in the market for a notable backup.

White will compete for the No. 2 role with Skylar Thompson, who was called into action late in the year and in the playoffs in 2022. The Jets, meanwhile, will have added motivation to keep Wilson in the fold while trying to land an upgrade under center.

Bills To Sign G Connor McGovern

March 13th, 2023 at 1:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

Expected to make an effort to upgrade their offensive line this offseason, the Bills are signing Connor McGovern. This is the former Cowboys guard, the younger of the NFL’s two Connor McGoverns, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.

It is a three-year deal worth $23MM, Garafolo adds. McGovern, who spent his contract year primarily working as Dallas’ left guard, will be expected to commandeer a Buffalo starting spot inside.

Pro Football Focus ranked the Bills’ offensive line 23rd last season, one that ended with an ugly home divisional-round loss to the Bengals. The team has Rodger Saffold unsigned from last year’s starting lineup. The ex-Rams and Titans blocker stepped in as a Bills guard starter in 2022. Buffalo also has Ryan Bates under contract, after matching a Bears RFA offer sheet last year. But McGovern is tied to starter-level money. It should be expected he will work as a first-stringer up front to help the AFC East champions.

McGovern, 25, started 29 games for the Cowboys from 2020-22. An injury kept the former third-round pick off the field as a rookie, and he did not secure a Week 1 starting gig until last season. But McGovern was viewed as having the lead on Tyler Smith for Dallas’ left guard spot — prior to Tyron Smith‘s avulsion fracture that changed the team’s O-line plans — in training camp. McGovern also held off Jason Peters for the Cowboys’ left guard gig, starting 15 games.

PFF did not view McGovern as especially sound in his contract campaign, slotting him outside the top 60 at guard. But the Bills were sold on the Penn State product — on a midlevel deal, at least. McGovern joins Bates, Mitch Morse and Dion Dawkins as veteran-contract players on Buffalo’s front, though none of these blockers is tied to top-five money at their respective position.

The Cowboys will lose an interior starter for the second straight year, with McGovern following Connor Williams to the AFC East. Dallas has higher priorities, however, and has Zack Martin signed to an upper-echelon guard deal. The team is still planning to keep both Tyron Smith and Terence Steele alongside Tyler Smith. It will be interesting to see if Dallas moves one of these blockers to guard to ensure each starts in 2023.

Lions To Sign CB Cameron Sutton

March 13th, 2023 at 12:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

Ending last season with the NFL’s worst-ranked defense, the Lions are adding one of the top cornerbacks available. They are picking up former Steelers corner Cameron Sutton, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.

Sutton, who has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, will head to Detroit on a three-year, $33MM deal featuring $22.5MM guaranteed. Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (via Twitter) that Sutton will also receive a $10.9MM signing bonus.

A former third-round pick, Sutton will do far better on his third NFL contract compared to his second. He just finished out a two-year, $9MM deal — agreed to just prior to free agency in 2021. The Steelers received quality work from Sutton last season; he was by far their most dependable corner. Sutton finished in the top five in passer rating allowed as the closest defender, per Next Gen Stats, last season (among corners) and ended the year with a career-high 15 passes defensed.

The Lions, meanwhile, ranked 30th in pass defense and have not been able to rely on Bob Quinn-era draftee Jeff Okudah just yet. The new addition will now be a centerpiece player for Aaron Glenn‘s defense in 2023. The seventh-year veteran will attempt to fill a void on the outside in Detroit, though Sutton also brings extensive slot experience as well. That will give Glenn options as he attempts to pick up the pieces ahead of his third season as DC.

Detroit did not roster a cornerback that ranked inside Pro Football Focus’ top 60 at the position last season. Despite Okudah being the highest-drafted corner (No. 3 overall) since 1997, he has not shown sufficient consistency. The team is almost definitely targeting upgrades at other defensive positions as well, though Sutton will qualify as a significant improvement at corner.

The Steelers have T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick tied to top-market deals at their respective positions, and Cameron Heyward is on an upper-tier interior defensive line pact as well. The team has not devoted much in the way of financial resources to the cornerback spot since passing on a third Joe Haden contract last year. Pittsburgh rolled into the 2022 season with no corner tied to a deal north of $4.5MM per year. The team has since signed Patrick Peterson to a two-year agreement, but it can be assumed the aging veteran’s contract will not qualify as a high-end accord.

Falcons, DT David Onyemata Agree To Terms

March 13th, 2023 at 11:59am CST by Adam La Rose

A very busy day for the Falcons is continuing. Atlanta has agreed to terms on a new contract with defensive tackle David Onyemata, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (Twitter link). In a follow-up, he adds that the pact is worth $35MM over three years, with $24.5MM fully guaranteed.

The 30-year-old former Saint was one of few high-end DTs in this year’s free agent class. He has not wasted time in finding a home with this intra-divisional agreement. By joining the Falcons, Onyemata will be able to continue working with Ryan Nielsen, who served as the Saints’ co-defensive coordinator last year after years as a d-line coach.

Nielsen is now in place as DC in Atlanta, a team which entered the offseason with a number of roster holes. An upgrade along the defensive interior was one of several priorities, and signing Onyemata should help significantly in that regard. The former fourth-rounder has been a consistent contributor across his time in New Orleans, seeing a snap share of at least 60% in each of the past three seasons and four overall.

A rare product of the Canadian collegiate system, Onyemata has made 68 starts and 103 total appearances. His pass-rush production (including five sacks in 2022) will lead to significant expectations for him in Atlanta, as the Falcons will have a high-end tandem with he and Grady Jarrett in the middle of their defensive front.

Atlanta has already traded for tight end Jonnu Smith and re-signed right guard Chris Lindstrom to an historic extension today. This deal is one of likely several which will be aimed at helping their defense take a step forward in 2023. Onyemata, meanwhile, will see a notable raise from his previous deals as he looks to prove his with a new NFC South employer.

Broncos To Sign G Ben Powers

March 13th, 2023 at 11:52am CST by Sam Robinson

One of the top interior offensive linemen in this year’s class is heading to the Mile High City. Guard Ben Powers is set to join the Broncos on a four-year contract, per Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link).

Ben Powers (vertical)Broncos GM George Paton said the team would be focusing on its offensive line, and this contract will bring one of the top interior O-linemen available to Denver. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adds that the contract is worth $52MM and includes $28.5MM guaranteed (Twitter link).

This marks the third upper-crust contract the Broncos have authorized for a guard since 2017; they have added Ronald Leary (four years, $36MM), Graham Glasgow (four years, $44MM) and now Powers in that time. Neither of the prior two deals ended up panning out for the AFC West team — Denver cut Glasgow after three seasons on Friday — and this one will ensure Dalton Risner finds a home elsewhere. The former second-round pick is now one of the top free agents left on the board.

This agreement will put Powers firmly in the top 10 among guards, and Sirius XM’s Adam Caplan tweets he will earn $15MM in its first year. Powers, 26, has gone from needing to win a competition to lock down a spot as a Ravens starter in 2022 to becoming one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. The Broncos are giving Powers a $13MM signing bonus, and Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets his 2023 and ’24 base salaries will check in at $2MM and $12MM, respectively.

The deal essentially comes in at two years and $27MM, with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adding most of Powers’ 2025 money does not become guaranteed until Day 5 of the 2025 league year. That gives him two seasons to prove valuable in Denver. Powers’ $27MM through 2024 is fully guaranteed.

This will give the Broncos a guard tandem of Powers and Quinn Meinerz; Pro Football Focus ranked the latter as its No. 6 overall guard in 2022. Powers checked in much lower, just inside the top 40, but the advanced metrics website ranked him as its second-best pass-blocking guard. ESPN’s run block win rate also placed Powers in the top 10 among guards.

For the Ravens, this will continue a trend. Often prioritizing compensatory picks, Baltimore has let the likes of Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Jensen and Bradley Bozeman walk in free agency over the past 10 years. Powers will parlay his 18-start contract year into big dollars, creating a need up front for the Ravens. The AFC North team still has Ben Cleveland and swingman Patrick Mekari under contract.

Eagles C Jason Kelce To Play In 2023

March 13th, 2023 at 11:45am CST by Adam La Rose

The Eagles are expected to lose a number of key players in the coming free agent period, but a mainstay of their offense will remain in place. Center Jason Kelce announced (on Twitter) that he will play in 2023.

“I have put much thought into whether it makes sense to play another season,” he said. “After talking it over with my wife and many other friends and family, I have decided to return for another year. Thank you to all my supporters and detractors for fueling me.”

The 35-year-old was said to be mulling retirement ahead of the Eagles’ Super Bowl loss. His remarks prior to the game suggested that he would still have a desire to continue his career regardless of the outcome of that game, though, so today’s announcement comes as little surprise. He will extend his Eagles career to at least 13 seasons.

Kelce has been a model of durability during his NFL tenure, missing significant time only in his second season. His high standard of play has also been seen throughout his career, including well into his 30s. The former sixth-rounder earned his sixth career Pro Bowl nod in 2022 (his fourth straight), as well first-team All-Pro honors for the fifth season (and second in a row).

Being able to keep Kelce, who has one year remaining on his contract at a cap hit of just over $9MM, will be a welcomed development for the Eagles. The team’s o-line played a crucial role in their success on offense, and the veteran pivot was at the heart of their production. The news also comes on a day when the expected exodus of Eagles starters has begun, including defensive tackle Javon Hargrave and linebacker T.J. Edwards.

Kelce will remain in place at the center position, leaving 2021 draftee Cam Jurgens likely to slot in at left guard in 2023. The latter is seen as Kelce’s successor, but the time for him to take the C spot will not arrive for at least one more year.

Ravens Release DE Calais Campbell

March 13th, 2023 at 11:39am CST by Adam La Rose

During Super Bowl weekend, Calais Campbell confirmed that he would play in the 2023 season. It was expected that he would do with the Ravens, but it appears that might not be the case. Baltimore announced on Monday that the veteran defensive end has been released.

The 36-year-old has been in Baltimore since 2020, and been a key starter in the defensive line rotation. He has flirted with the possibility of retirement in recent years, but made it official last month that he would continue his storied career at least one more season. He had one year remaining on his existing contract, leading to the belief that the Ravens would keep him in the fold, albeit at a reduced rate if possible.

Campbell was due to account for more than $9MM on the cap this season, a relatively steep figure given his reduced production and the team’s financial situation with Lamar Jackson set to take on a larger portion of their cap commitments on the franchise tag or a long-term deal. Cutting Campbell will result in $7MM in cap savings.

The six-time Pro Bowler has started 40 of his 41 games in Baltimore, seeing a consistent snap share of 64% and 62% over the past two seasons. He had a resurgent season from a pass-rushing perspective in 2022, registering 5.5 sacks. Those numbers could help him earn a new contract with the Ravens or any number of other teams, particularly on a short-term deal.

“Calais defines what it is to be a Raven,” general manager Eric DeCosata said in a statement. “He personifies professionalism, and his contributions to our organization – both on and off the field – are immense… While this is the worst part of the business, we have not closed the door on the possibility of him returning to our team in the future.”

The Ravens have recent draftees Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington and Travis Jones in place on the interior of their d-line. Veteran Michael Pierce will also play in 2023 after he agreed to reduce his cap number this year. Campbell would be welcomed back in at least a rotational role by the Ravens, who will have a number of other offseason priorities even if they are able to bring him back.

Bears To Sign LB T.J. Edwards

March 13th, 2023 at 11:19am CST by Adam La Rose

The Bears have struck first in the tampering period of free agency. They are set to sign linebacker T.J. Edwards to a three-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter).

Rapoport adds that the pact is worth $19.5MM, and includes $12MM guaranteed (Twitter link). Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports tweets that Edwards will receive a $4.5MM signing bonus, and have nearly all of his compensation for the first two years guaranteed. That represents a sizable investment in the team’s linebacking corps, but Chicago has the spending power to make a number of other additions in the coming days. This will surely not be the last deal aimed at boosting the Bears’ front seven.

The 26-year-old was one of the headliners in this year’s free agent LB class, arguably representing the top option aside from Tremaine Edmunds. Especially since the latter has reportedly agreed to a massive deal of his own, the Edwards addition demonstrates how committed GM Ryan Poles has been to upgrading at the position and how willing he is to spend at one which is generally undervalued.

Chicago had Roquan Smith at the heart of their linebacking corps heading into the 2022 season, but his trade request cast doubt on the team’s ability to retain him beyond his contract year. They dealt him to the Ravens at the trade deadline, clearing up the money needed to pursue Edwards and Edmunds, but also creating a major need on defense to properly execute head coach Matt Eberflus‘ scheme. These additions will go a long way to filling that gap.

Edwards took on a more significant role in the Eagles’ defense with each successive year of his career. He topped 1,000 snaps in 2022, starting all 17 games in the regular season. He comfortably set a new career-high in tackles with 159, adding a pair of sacks and seven pass breakups. His age gave him higher upside that a number of older, more accomplished ‘backers, so it comes as little surprise that he was an immediate target of the Bears.

Chicago entered the free agency frenzy with the most cap space in the league, giving them the ability to make numerous splashes on the open market. The additions of Edwards, Edmunds, offensive lineman Nate Davis, not to mention the acquisition of wideout D.J. Moore as part of last week’s blockbuster trade, should set the Bears up for a significant step forward in 2023.

Patriots Expected To Re-Sign CB Jonathan Jones

March 13th, 2023 at 11:17am CST by Adam La Rose

Jonathan Jones had been expected to test the open market this week, but that will no longer be the case. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the corner is re-signing with the Patriots on a two-year contract (Twitter link).

The 29-year-old played out the final season of a three-year extension he signed with the Patriots in 2019. His production over that span, including seven interceptions and usage both in the slot and on the boundary, would have made him a candidate for a notable contract from New England or another team on the open market. Ultimately, it looks like he took a bit of a discount to stick around with the Patriots.

The former UDFA out of Auburn mostly played in the slot during his first six seasons in the NFL, but he was required to take on a larger role in 2022 following the loss of J.C. Jackson in the secondary. Jones ended up having a career season from a statistical standpoint while playing on the outside, finishing with career-highs in interceptions (four) and passes defended (11) while starting a career-high 16 games.

Pro Football Focus also gave Jones some praise for his new role, ranking him 38th among 118 qualifying cornerbacks. When serving as a slot cornerback, Jones had a pair of top-20 finishes, including a fifth-place ranking in 2020.

“He’s tough, well prepared, smart kid,” Belichick said this past season (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “His playing strength for his size is good, speed’s very good, instincts, quickness, good tackler. He’s a good player and really good off the field with preparation and communication.”

While the Patriots were able to bring back Jones on an affordable contract, the team wasn’t in dire need of cornerback help. The organization got some solid production from rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones in 2022, but with Jonathan Jones back in the fold, the team won’t be as reliant on the upcoming sophomores.

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