Attention continues to shift to the draft, but teams are still making moves on the free agent and trade fronts in advance of adding rookies to their rosters; one major off-the-field development took place recently, as well. Here is a quick recap of the past week’s top headlines:
- Harris Reaches Agreement To Purchase Commanders: The Dan Snyder era in Washington appears to be on the verge of coming to an end, with the Commanders owner reaching agreement on a sale which would see the group led by Josh Harris take over the Commanders. The $6.05 billion price would make this the second straight year in which the North American sports record was shattered in terms of sale price (with the Broncos going for $4.65 billion last summer). Harris is already a majority owner in the NBA, NHL and English Premier League. Now, he is poised to inherit a franchise which has been marred by poor play, numerous scandals and the need for a new stadium (unless today’s news regarding new bidder Brian Davis changes the situation). Investigations into workplace culture and financial impropriety centered on Snyder’s tenure at the helm, meanwhile, remain ongoing.
- Lions Deal Okudah To Falcons: The Lions moved on from the third overall pick in 2020, cornerback Jeff Okudah, in a trade with the Falcons. By receiving a fifth-round pick in return, the move marks a highly underwhelming end to Okudah’s tenure in Detroit, which included multiple injury problems. The 24-year-old showed some of the substantial potential he had coming out of college during the 2022 campaign, and should have a significant role in the Falcons’ new-look secondary. A strong season in 2023 could bode well for both team and player, though, with Okudah looking to play his way into a second contract in Atlanta or elsewhere.
- Ravens, Beckham Agree To Deal: All signs seemed to be pointing to Odell Beckham Jr. signing with the Jets, but the veteran wideout instead agreed to a one-year deal with the Ravens. Baltimore guaranteed $15MM for the three-time Pro Bowler, while incentives could push the maximum value of the pact to $18MM. That far outpaces what many believed Beckham, 30, would be able to sign for considering his missed time (including the entire 2022 season) due to multiple ACL injuries. The Ravens’ gamble comes as part of their retooling effort in the passing game, and it has led to the further expectation that quarterback Lamar Jackson (who helped recruit Beckham) will remain with the team in one form or another in 2023.
- White, Baker Request Trades: Two high-profile defenders – Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Cardinals safety Budda Baker – have each asked to be traded amidst unproductive contract talks. White is under contract for one more season on the fifth-year option, but he is reportedly seeking one of the most lucrative deals at the position from Tampa or an acquiring team. Baker, meanwhile, let the Cardinals know in February that he was eyeing a new deal to make him the league’s highest-paid safety; two years remain on his 2020 extension, which doesn’t include any guaranteed money in 2023 or ’24. Both teams will look to navigate these developments as they continue contract talks in an attempt to avoid needing to part ways with either player.
- Carter Still Likely Top 10 Pick? Plenty of speculation has surrounded Jalen Carter in the build-up to the draft, considering his legal situation and underwhelming showing at Georgia’s pro day. Despite those factors, the defensive tackle is still expected to be a top 10 pick. The Bears and Eagles – who hold picks No. 9 and 10, respectively – have both shown interest in Carter and would be well-suited to add him to their defensive fronts. Other teams like Seattle, Detroit and Las Vegas have done their homework on him, which could create a competition to secure him early on Day 1. Despite a number of teams reportedly taking Carter off their draft boards altogether, he shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called next week.