HEADLINES

Month: January 2025

Cowboys Place Franchise Tag On RB Tony Pollard

March 6th, 2023 at 11:11am CST by Adam La Rose

Tony Pollard‘s future in Dallas has increasingly become a talking point this offseason, but some clarity has emerged Monday. The Cowboys are using the franchise tag on the running back, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). A team announcement has since confirmed the move.

The news comes as no surprise at this point, of course. Pollard played his way into a considerable pay raise over the past two seasons in particular. He eclipsed the 1,000 yard mark for the first time in his career in 2022, a feat which earned him a Pro Bowl nod. The franchise tag (valued at $10.1MM) was thought to be the likely outcome in his situation in the build-up to the tag window, which is set to close tomorrow.

Over the course of this past weekend, owner Jerry Jones confirmed that the Cowboys would make sure Pollard didn’t hit the open market. A long-term deal would achieve that goal, and the parties now have until July 15 to negotiate one. After the 25-year-old averaged 5.2 yards per carry in 2022 (his third season with an average above 5.0 in that regard), Pollard confirmed his status as by far the most efficient member of Dallas’ backfield. Playing 2023 on the tag would of course be possible, and nearly triple his career earnings, but a multi-year commitment for Pollard would carry other consequences for the Cowboys.

Ezekiel Elliott has long been viewed as a cut candidate, given the structure of his contract. Elliott no longer has any guaranteed money remaining on his pact, which runs though the 2026 season. Releasing the 27-year-old would yield considerable cap savings, especially if he were to be designated as a post-June 1 cut. Knowing the financial burden he represents to the team, Elliott has publicly shown a willingness to take a pay cut to stay in the fold moving forward.

The former fourth overall pick racked up 968 scrimmage yards in 2022, but averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry. That has led to increasing calls for Pollard to take on early-down work, which would leave Elliott as a short-yardage specialist. That role could suit the latter, but a $16.7MM cap hit accompanying it would not be feasible. Regardless of what the Cowboys do with Elliott, Pollard will be a central figure in the team’s offense for at least one more year.

Dallas is said to be eying a notable addition on that side of the ball, as the team looks to add another pass-catching option to complement wideout CeeDee Lamb and, likely, a tight end to replace Dalton Schultz. Doing so would be made possible with a less expensive RB tandem made possible by a release of Elliott or a significant pay cut on his part. Regardless, Pollard demonstrated an ability to operate as a lead back on a full-time basis, something which he could very well be in 2023.

With Pollard joining Raiders tailback Josh Jacobs in the franchise tag club, the position’s market has lost another headliner in terms of free agency. With Jacobs and Pollard unavailable, and the same potentially true of Saquon Barkley, attention will turn to the Giants star, along with the likes of Miles Sanders and David Montgomery for RBs in line for a second contact. Several veterans could hurt their respective markets, but Pollard can now focus on continued negotiations aimed at keeping him in Dallas beyond the coming season.

Rams Give WR Allen Robinson Permission To Seek Trade

March 6th, 2023 at 10:29am CST by Adam La Rose

The Rams have already signaled their intention to reset financially with the impending release of All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner. That could also include a trade involving corner Jalen Ramsey, but moves on the offensive side of the ball as well.

Wide receiver Allen Robinson has been granted permission to see a trade, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (Twitter link). The news comes just one season after Robinson signed a three-year, $46.5MM deal in free agency to give the Rams a new complimentary wideout. Expectations were high for the Pro Bowler given the past performance of Robert Woods in the N0. 2 spot, and Robinson’s previous production with underwhelming quarterback play.

As was the case for essentially all other member of the Rams’ offense in 2022, however, things didn’t go according to plan for the former second-rounder. Robinson saw just 52 targets in his 10 games played, and registered 339 yards and three touchdowns on 33 receptions. His debut Los Angeles campaign was cut short by foot injury which required season-ending surgery.

Robinson could be a candidate to remain with the Rams in 2023, as the team looks for a healthier rebound campaign from he, fellow wideout Cooper Kupp and quarterback Matthew Stafford. However, the ability to shed further salary could entice the team to part ways with Robinson and recoup draft capital for their retooling effort. In that event, Robinson’s $15.25MM in guaranteed compensation for 2023 would become a sticking point.

Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic tweets that L.A. would likely use a sliding scale with respect to retaining salary as part of a trade agreement. The amount to which they would be willing to do so would, of course, be tied to the quality of picks an acquiring team would be prepared to part with. Robinson, 29, could generate a considerable market given his three 1,000-yard seasons and the lack of high-end free agents set to hit the market at the position. The 2023 draft class is also not expected to be as top-heavy as those of previous years.

The departures of Wagner and, quite possibly, Ramsey and Robinson, would mark a massive change in philosophy on the Rams’ part so soon after their Super Bowl triumph. Clearing financial commitments off the books while adding draft capital could, on the other hand, allow them to reset their roster quicker than traditional rebuilds. How Robinson plays into those plans in the coming days will be worth watching closely.

Vikings Release LB Eric Kendricks

March 6th, 2023 at 8:04am CST by Adam La Rose

Cost-cutting season is in full swing, and the Vikings are parting ways with a mainstay of their defense. Minnesota is releasing linebacker Eric Kendricks, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). A team announcement has confirmed the move.

The 31-year-old has spent all eight seasons of his career in Minnesota, putting up consistent numbers throughout his tenure. He has started 113 of his 117 appearances with the Vikings, and racked up at least 100 tackles in all but his rookie campaign. He earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors in 2019 after he notched a career-best 12 pass breakups, and remained a key contributor in the middle of the Vikings’ defense through the 2022 season.

That includes being on the field for over 1,000 snaps in each of the past two campaigns; over that stretch, Kendricks totaled 280 tackles, six sacks and a pair of interceptions. Those numbers speak to his value on the open market, which will likely see him earn a notable short-term deal in his next NFL home. They were not, on the other hand, sufficient for the Vikings’ front office to turn away significant cap savings brought on by this move.

Kendricks had no guaranteed money due for 2023, the final year of his $50MM extension signed in 2018. That contract was restructured one year later as Minnesota battled cap issues. As a result, the former second-rounder was set to count for $11.43MM on the books this season. By releasing him now, Minnesota will open up $9.5MM in cap space and incur a dead cap charge of only $1.93MM.

The Vikings entered Monday in the second-worst financial position in the league, so more similar decisions will likely be made. Minnesota, like all other teams, must become cap compliant by the start of the new league year (March 15), and have a number of other priorities this offseason. Those include new contracts for wideout Justin Jefferson and defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson; the former could feasibly command the largest WR deal in the history of his position, which would obviously require significant flexibility on the team’s part.

It also comes as little surprise that the Vikings’ defense will look significantly different in 2023, with Kendricks (and, likely, a number of other veterans) absent. The unit ranked near the bottom of the league in many categories last offseason, and a rebound on that side of the ball will be needed to improve on the team’s overall 2022 performance. Kendricks, meanwhile, will join a LB free agent class which also includes the likes of Bobby Wagner, Tremaine Edmunds and Lavonte David, as he looks to start the next chapter of his NFL career.

Ravens Strongly Considering Non-Exclusive Tag For QB Lamar Jackson

March 5th, 2023 at 10:05pm CST by Rory Parks

Last month, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that there is a very real possibility that the Ravens use the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Today, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports that Baltimore has strongly considered that option, and several rival executives believe it makes the most sense for the club (subscription required).

The benefits of the non-exclusive tag are obvious. There is, of course, the considerable difference in price between the non-exclusive tag ($32.4MM) and exclusive tag ($45MM). Plus, player and team have been negotiating for a long time, and it is unclear whether any real progress has been made. By utilizing the non-exclusive tag, the Ravens would effectively be allowing other teams to do their negotiating for them, and they may feel confident that no other club is willing to give Jackson the fully-guaranteed contract he has been seeking. If they are correct in that regard, then they would be able to simply match an offer sheet and keep the 2019 MVP in the fold.

By the same token, allowing Jackson to speak with other clubs allows Baltimore to maintain neutrality should the two sides part ways, as Fowler posits. And, in the event that the Ravens choose not to match an offer sheet, they would obtain two first-round picks and would clear up a great deal of salary cap space to use on a different passer.

On the other hand, Baltimore may be able to fetch more than two first-round picks if it were to seek a Jackson trade, and using the lower tag may create additional tension at a time when the relationship between the parties may already be strained. One way or another, GM Eric DeCosta has a career-defining decision to make, and he must make it no later than March 7, the deadline to utilize a tag.

It seems unlikely that a long-term extension will be reached by that deadline, though the Ravens are still trying. Just yesterday, we learned that the club remains optimistic about the chances of such a deal coming to fruition, with one rumor indicating that Baltimore is willing to pay Jackson up to $50MM per year while guaranteeing 80% of the contract. Jackson’s teammate, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, also indicated that Jackson wants to remain in Baltimore.

NFL Restructures: Saints, Corbett, Grant, Eagles

March 5th, 2023 at 10:03pm CST by Ely Allen

The Saints restructured two contracts yesterday in an effort towards salary cap compliance, according to ESPN’s Field Yates. Both linebacker Demario Davis and tight end Taysom Hill have agreed to the new arrangements to lower their cap hit next season.

Davis is under contract through the 2025 season, Hill through 2026. Davis had another stellar season for the Saints in 2022. Since joining the team in 2018, he’s missed one game and been a first- or second-team All-Pro in every season but his first in New Orleans. The team converted $7.09MM of base salary for the 34-year-old’s 2023 season into a signing bonus, clearing $5.67MM in cap space off of his contract. He now holds a cap hit next year of $7.61MM with a base salary of $1.17MM.

Hill had another productive year as a Swiss-army weapon for New Orleans. The quarterback/tight end continued to show a much larger impact rushing than receiving but steeply declined in his passing numbers this year. The team converted $8.82MM of base salary for the 32-year-old’s 2023 season into a signing bonus, clearing $7.06MM in cap space off of his contract. He now holds a cap hit next year of $6.87MM with a base salary of $1.08MM.

The team still has several avenues it can explore to create cap space. Defensive end Cameron Jordan ($25.7MM), cornerback Marshon Lattimore ($22.4MM), guard Andrus Peat ($18.3MM), running back Alvin Kamara ($16MM), and quarterback Jameis Winston ($15.6MM) all hold cap hits over $15MM that could likely be restructured.

Here are few other recent moves as teams strive towards cap compliance:

  • After signing a three-year, $26.25MM contract a year ago, guard Austin Corbett has agreed to a restructured deal with the Panthers, according to Panthers staff writer Darin Gantt. Corbett contributed to a much-improved offensive line this season, starting all 17 games before suffering a torn ACL in the team’s last game of the year. The 28-year-old is working towards a return spending every day at the facility in recovery. Yates of ESPN reports that the team converted $7.72MM, consisting of his base salary and a $1MM roster bonus, into a signing bonus, freeing up $5.79MM in cap space. Corbert now holds a 2023 salary of $1.08MM and a cap hit of $5.16MM.
  • Yates’s above report on Corbett also mentioned the Browns recent restructuring of wide receiver and return-specialist Jakeem Grant. Grant missed the 2022 season with a torn Achilles tendon after signing a three-year, $10MM contract in the offseason. The renegotiated deal for Grant reportedly reduces his cap hit by $1.77MM.
  • Eagles center Jason Kelce is currently headed towards free agency or, potentially, retirement. Still, since Philadelphia has a habit of building voidable years into contracts in an effort to lessen the salary cap burden of deals, the team found it necessary to decrease that financial burden that Kelce’s expiring contract has on their future. According to yet another report by Yates, the Eagles paid Kelce a $3MM bonus yesterday, consisting of his $2.75MM 2023 roster bonus and $250,000 2023 offseason bonus, to reduce his 2023 cap hit. The move reportedly cleared up around $2.4MM of cap space for Philadelphia next season.

NFL Draft Rumors: Combine, Richardson, Raiders

March 5th, 2023 at 8:55pm CST by Ely Allen

The league is making efforts to change systemic issues in the combine interview process this year. As issues have been unveiled in the line of questioning that some team interviewers use, the NFL has responded with a potential punishment. Teams and their representatives could be fined a minimum of $350,000 and required to forfeit a draft pick “no later than the third round” if they are found to have conducted themselves “in an inappropriate or unlawful manner” during an interview, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports.

Examples of inappropriate lines of questions would be those that concern a prospect’s race, national origin, religion, or sexual orientation, as none of these are factors that affect the playing ability of a prospect. In the past, we’ve heard such issues as former Dolphins general manager Jeff Ireland asking if wide receiver Dez Bryant‘s mother was a prostitute or a coach for the Falcons asking cornerback Eli Apple about his sexual preference, obvious questions that would never be allowed in the course of a normal job interview.

The league also provided teams with plenty of examples of “high-risk questions” and their more acceptable alternatives. Instead of asking if a player suffers from mental illness, a team can inquire about any obstacles or hardships the prospect has overcome in their course of success. Instead of asking if a player was ever in “special education” classes, a team can ask if the player has any difficulties in learning and playing the game and whether or not they need any accommodations to play. Instead of asking if a player or anyone in the player’s family is an alcoholic, a team can ask the less pointed question of whether or not they drink alcohol.

Issues, such as the behavior of team staffers in interviews, are becoming more and more relevant as the combine flirts with obsoletion. With personal workouts and pro days proving to be the preferred method of evaluation for athletes, the combine is losing support. The event is still super important for small-school prospects who won’t have the same exposure at their own pro days, but if larger surrounding schools are willing to host their smaller, nearby competitors even this issue could be alleviated.

For now, the league will do what it can to make sure that, as long as the event is still happening, it’s done in a way that’s safe and appropriate for future NFL players.

Here are a few more rumors about the upcoming NFL Draft:

  • There’s been plenty of discussion surrounding the draft stock of Florida quarterback Anthony Richardson, with projections anywhere from No. 1 overall pick to the fourth round. Regardless, Richardson reportedly did more than anyone else in Indianapolis this week to help his draft stock with an outstanding combine performance, according to Michael David Smith of NBC Sports. At 6-foot-4, 240 pounds, Richardson put up impressive numbers with a 4.43 40-yard dash, a broad jump of ten feet and nine inches, and a best ever for a quarterback vertical jump of 40.5 inches. As impressive as those numbers are, many teams already lauded him on his athleticism; they needed to see him throw a football. Here, Richardson excelled, again. Over the course of throwing drills, Richardson displayed an arm talent that many questioned was present. Do low-pressure throws to receivers running against air make scouts forget about his 53.8 completion percentage last year? It’s hard to say, but Richardson is doing everything he can to give NFL teams something to think about over the next two months.
  • The Raiders spent their fair share of time evaluating the quarterback position this past week in Indianapolis. In a mailbag to Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal, many fans inquired about life post-Derek Carr. Through all the questions, one thing became (relatively) clear: the Raiders are impressed with Ohio State quarterback C.J. Stroud. The general consensus is that, with the No. 7 overall pick, Stroud will not fall to Las Vegas, leading many to ask about a trade up. Bonsignore seems to be under the impression that Las Vegas feels Richardson or Kentucky passer Will Levis will fall to them at seven. He also projected a 60-percent probability that the team trades up for Stroud as opposed to waiting for Richardson or Levis. However much time remains until a decision must be made, it appears that Las Vegas favors Stroud at this point in time.

Cardinals Expect C Rodney Hudson To Retire

March 5th, 2023 at 7:22pm CST by Ely Allen

After center Rodney Hudson contemplated retirement during the last offseason and spent much of the past season on injured reserve, the Cardinals expect him to finally hang up his cleats this offseason, according to Jeremy Fowler of ESPN. The 12-year veteran is set to turn 34 before the season begins, and as injuries continue to interfere with play, Hudson may be ready to put a bow on an impressive career.

A Chiefs’ second-round pick out of Florida State in 2011, Hudson played in every game for Kansas City as a rookie, earning one start. He earned the starting center job in his sophomore season, but a broken leg ended his season after only three games. After earning that starting job, though, Hudson was forevermore considered a surefire starter at the position.

In the final year of his rookie contract with the Chiefs, Hudson had the best year of his career, starting all 16 games for the first time and grading out as the fifth-best center in the league, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). The Raiders rewarded the strong contract year with a five-year, $44.5MM contract in 2015. Hudson would reward Oakland in return with some of the best years of his career, including his first two Pro Bowl bids. The Raiders avoided allowing Hudson to play out the final year of his new contract, signing him to a three-year, $33.75MM extension that made him the highest paid center in the NFL in 2019. Hudson once again rewarded them with a Pro Bowl season and a second-team All-Pro selection.

As he was headed towards another contract year, and a sizeable cap hit, Las Vegas opted to trade Hudson, along with a seventh-round pick, to the Cardinals in exchange for a third-round pick, used to draft defensive end Malcolm Koonce. Hudson started 12 games for the Cardinals during his debut season in Arizona, finding the IR for a few games due to rib and shoulder injuries. After considering retirement, Hudson returned for a second year with the Cardinals. Unfortunately, Hudson was placed on IR after dealing with knee trouble throughout training camp and the first four games of the season. He would miss the last 13 games of the season due to the injury issues.

Those four games now appear to be his last in the NFL as the Cardinals expect him to retire. For Arizona, this puts them squarely in the market for a new center. Billy Price, who started in place of Hudson, is set for free agency. Even if he weren’t, Price graded out as the second-worst center in the league this season, according to PFF. Guard Sean Harlow also has experience at center but is also set to hit free agency.

If All-Pro Eagles center Jason Kelce doesn’t join Hudson in retirement, he’ll be the top option in free agency this spring. Otherwise, Jets center Connor McGovern had a strong contract year and Jon Feliciano should be available, as well, after switching from guard to center for the Giants last year. If Arizona chooses to go the draft route, North Dakota State’s Cody Mauch, TCU’s Steve Avila, and Minnesota’s John Michael Schmitz are considered the top prospects at the position, according to Dane Brugler of The Athletic.

If this is the end of Hudson’s career, it’s one he can be proud of. With three Pro Bowls and an All-Pro selection, as well as some of the most prolific contracts for a center in NFL history, Hudson has plenty to hang his hat on after 12 years of play.

Latest On Derek Carr

March 5th, 2023 at 6:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

MARCH 5, 6:05PM: Fowler continued with the updates today, tweeting that, while New Orleans and Carolina remain in the conversation for Carr, the former Raiders quarterback “has a slight lean toward the Jets.” It’s unclear what New York’s main priority is, as they’ve been heavily connected to Rodgers, but Fowler reports that they’ve “made an impression” on Carr.

MARCH 5, 3:36PM: While New Orleans remains one of the top teams to watch on the Carr front, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes that “at least” two others have inquired about the four-time Pro Bowler. The Jets and Panthers are in a different situation than the Saints, of course, but that trio could see increased competition in the coming days if more teams join the fray.

MARCH 4: Plenty of attention around the NFL is currently being paid to the 2023 class of quarterbacks in the upcoming draft. The top veteran passer currently on the market is certainly the subject of significant speculation and reporting as well, though.

Derek Carr has been connected to a number of teams since he was released by the Raiders. Those include the Jets, who view him as their backup plan to Aaron Rodgers, and the Saints, who are reportedly prepared to work out a deal with Carr at any time now. The Panthers could also be in the market for a veteran signal-caller, though they are positioned to be contenders for one of the top rookie QBs this year as well.

Carolina met Carr in person earlier this week at the combine. That signaled their interest in at least doing their due diligence at the position, though it also came not long after the team was reported to be unwilling to meet the $35MM-per-year contract the 31-year-old is said to be seeking. That did not represent the only contact between the Panthers and Carr.

The two parties spoke over the phone before the combine and will do so again this Monday, as detailed by ESPN’s David Newton. When speaking on the subject of a possible Carr deal, head coach Frank Reich indicated that he would view the four-time Pro Bowler has a long-term investment despite his age (especially compared to the possibility of drafting a signal-caller in the first round of April’s draft). The latter approach is nevertheless believed to be the Panthers’ preference, reports Cameron Wolfe of NFL Network (video link).

That could point Carr towards the Saints as his free agent process continues to take shape. On that point. Luke Johnson of the New Orleans Advocate tweets that Carr could sign with his new team before free agency begins, perhaps as early as this coming week. That sentiment is shared by Wolfe’s colleague Ian Rapoport (video link).

The Saints have plenty of work still to do in terms of becoming cap compliant, let alone carving out enough space to afford Carr on a market-value deal. Like the Panthers, however, they are in need of at least an intermediate-term upgrade under center, so their interest is unlikely to wane in the coming days. That timeline could see a final decision made on Carr’s part, which would represent the first major development in the 2023 quarterback market.

NFC Coaching Updates: Wilson, Seahawks, Cardinals

March 5th, 2023 at 5:15pm CST by Ely Allen

When Jonathan Gannon departed to become the new head coach in Arizona, the Eagles had several options to fill the newly vacant defensive coordinator position. In the end, Philadelphia decided to hire externally, bringing in Seahawks assistant head coach and defensive assistant Sean Desai. According to Ian Rapoport, one in-house assistant coach has decided to part ways with the franchise after being passed over for the promotion, a situation not uncommon with coordinator jobs.

Former Eagles passing game coordinator and defensive backs coach Dennard Wilson was mentioned early as a top candidate to replace his former boss. Wilson certainly deserved mention. With the title of passing game coordinator, Wilson coached a group that allowed the few passing yards in the league this season. This feat is made all the more impressive by the fact that opposing offenses were doing whatever they could to keep up with the league’s No. 2 scoring offense.

Had Wilson not been a favorite for the promotion in Philadelphia, he likely would’ve been a hot commodity around the league. He’s held back only by a lack of experience, perhaps why Desai, a former defensive coordinator, was granted with the coordinator position over him. It’s a bit late for Wilson to be hitting the open market as many jobs have been filled. As far as I can tell, the Bills are the only team with a vacant defensive coordinator position. Wilson shouldn’t have any issues finding a job, though, after his success in Philadelphia.

Here are a few other coaching updates from around the NFC:

  • The Seahawks have added a pass rush specialist coach to their staff, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, hiring Brandon Jordan to the position. Jordan is widely regarded as a top pass rush coach in the game, long providing private training sessions with NFL pass rushers such as Jadeveon Clowney, Cameron Heyward, Chandler Jones, Von Miller, and T.J. Watt. He most recently held the same position at Michigan State, helping them go from 97th in the country with 12.0 sacks in 2020 to 6th in the nation with 43.0 sacks in 2021. This will be his first NFL opportunity.
  • With defensive coordinator Vance Joseph heading from Arizona to Denver, a defensive assistant is expected to follow Joseph from the Cardinals, according to Troy Renck of Insider Denver7. Renck reportedly fully expects Cardinals defensive quality control coach Rob Grosso to follow Joseph to Denver. Grosso had followed Joseph to Arizona after he was fired from his head coaching position in 2019. Grosso had served as assistant to the head coach in Denver working with outside linebackers and special teams. The Joseph disciple is expected to find his way back to Denver with his boss.

5 Key Stories: 2/26/23 – 3/5/23

March 5th, 2023 at 4:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

The calendar has flipped over to March, which means the NFL Combine and the impending franchise tag deadline have driven most of the headlines in recent days. Here’s a quick recap of some of the top stories from the past week:

  • Bears Open To Trading No. 1 Pick: Only twice this century has the No. 1 pick in the draft been traded, but that is a distinct possibility in 2023. The Bears are reportedly leaning toward a move down the board, something which GM Ryan Poles hinted at when giving incumbent quarterback Justin Fields a strong endorsement. Several QB-needy teams have top-10 picks, so a bidding war shouldn’t be difficult for the Bears to generate while fielding calls. Interestingly, Poles added that a trade involving the top selection could take place before free agency begins, which would be an unprecedented move.
  • Saints Prepared To Sign Carr: Derek Carr figures to have several suitors as the top quarterback currently available, but New Orleans is reportedly “ready” to sign him right now. The Saints are in the market for an upgrade under center from their 2022 setup, and they pursued Deshaun Watson last offseason. They have plenty financial work remaining to become cap compliant, however, and will likely face competition from the likes of the Jets and Panthers to sign the 31-year-old. Carr could make his decision in the coming days, so his future – and that of the Saints at the QB position – could become clearer soon.
  • Raiders To Tag Jacobs: The NFL’s leading rusher could have commanded a hefty payday on the open market, but he will remain in Vegas for at least one more season. Unless a long-term deal can be agreed upon with Josh Jacobs, the Raiders will tag him at a cost of $10.1MM. A multi-year deal appears to be each party’s preference, though Jacobs’ 2022 performance would no doubt drive up his contract demands; the two sides can negotiate a pact until mid-July assuming the tag gets used. The same holds true of Tony Pollard with the Cowboys.
  • Wentz, Mariota Headline Veteran Cuts: Joining Carr in early quarterback free agency this past week were Carson Wentz of the Commanders and Marcus Mariota of the Falcons. Neither move came as a surprise, as the veterans lost their No. 1 positions midway through the 2022 season after being signed as bridge starters. Both Washington and Atlanta are likely to make additions under center this offseason, albeit with less expensive options to compete with Sam Howell and Desmond Ridder, respectively. Wentz and Mariota will look to catch on with a preferable situation as they attempt to rebuild their value. They are joined on the open market by other notable veterans such as wideout Kenny Golladay and running back Leonard Fournette.
  • Jaguars To Tag Engram: After an up-and-down tenure with the Giants, Evan Engram enjoyed a career-year in 2022 with the Jaguars. He and the team have expressed their desire to continue their partnership, and the 28-year-old will remain in Duval County on at least the franchise tag (valued at $11.35MM). A long-term deal remains a strong possibility, and could take shape before the March 7 tag deadline. Failing that, Engram and the Jags could keep negotiating through July 15 as they look to retain several core members of last season’s playoff squad.
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