2023 April - Pro Football Rumors

Month: April 2023

Panthers WR DJ Chark Undergoes Ankle Surgery

April 22nd, 2023 at 6:49pm CST by Adam La Rose

DJ Chark was one of two notable receiver additions made by the Panthers this offseason. He comes to Carolina with injury concerns from his previous stops, but a step aimed at ending them has been taken.

Chark recently underwent ankle surgery, as confirmed by head coach Frank Reich (Twitter link via The Athletic’s Joe Person). The new Panthers coach added that Chark could be available to take part in at least some of the team’s OTAs later this offseason. The procedure, if successful, could help the latter move on from the lingering foot and ankle issues he has dealt with in his career.

The 26-year-old did not play a full regular season campaign during his four years in Jacksonville or his one-year stint in Detroit. Chark’s time with the Lions only lasted 11 games, but he averaged 16.7 yards per catch in 2022, demonstrating his continued ability to stretch the field. His production led to a one-year Panthers contract featuring $5MM in guaranteed money. That will give him the opportunity – along with fellow veteran Adam Thielen – to contribute in Carolina’s new-look WR room, one which no longer includes D.J. Moore.

Chark was one of the better members of this year’s weak receiver class in free agency, and he had interest from the Lions in remaining for at least one more season. Instead, he chose to come to Carolina in no small part due to the connection between himself and Duce Staley. The latter – hired by Reich with the title of running backs/assistant head coach – worked alongside Chark in Detroit last season.

“Duce was a big factor in DJ coming here,” general manager Scott Fitterer confirmed, via Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. “He reached out to him once we hit free agency… He reached out and said, ‘Hey, listen, here’s the role, what do you want to do? I’ve been with you’… And really, he recruited him.”

Chark will have a rookie quarterback throwing to him in 2023 as part of his adjustment to a third career NFL team. His connection with Staley will give him a familiar face, however, as he looks to put together a healthy season and boost his free agent value in the process. Assuming he recovers in full from surgery, he will be well-positioned to do just that.

Broncos RB Javonte Williams Facing Uncertain Return Timeline

April 22nd, 2023 at 3:53pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Broncos entered the 2022 season with significant expectations on offense primarily due to the arrival of Russell Wilson, but also with Javonte Williams set to take on a lead running back role. The latter’s breakout campaign was cut short, and it remains unclear when he will be back on the field.

Williams tore his ACL in October, limiting him to only four games in his second NFL season. The 22-year-old was poised to take over as the clear-cut No. 1 back in Denver, after he split snaps with veteran Melvin Gordon as a rookie. Williams’ snap share only rose to 54% in 2022, but he continued to flash potential with an average of 4.3 yards per carry while the team’s offensive issues began to show themselves.

The North Carolina alum was immediately ruled out for the season, and his recovery process includes rehabbing a torn LCL and posterior lateral corner. When asked about Williams’ progress so far, general manager George Paton offered an optimistic answer, albeit one which underscores the uncertainty surrounding when he will be able to play next season.

“Javonte is doing really well in his rehab,” he said, via Denver7’s Troy Renck. “We don’t have a date, but we feel good. We feel good that he’ll be back this season. We’re not entirely sure when. He’s progressing very well… if there’s a runner there – no matter what point of the draft – and he’s the best player on our board, we’ll take a running back, that’s for sure.”

Denver already found a capable backup in Samaje Perine, who signed a two-year, $7.5MM contract in free agency. The 27-year-old played 54 games in Cincinnati, establishing himself as a dependable pass-catching back during his time with the Bengals. A larger role would await him for at least part of the 2023 campaign if Williams is indeed unable to suit up for Week 1.

Given Paton’s willingness to add another RB in the draft – which would come no earlier than the third round, since Denver doesn’t own any of the first 66 picks – the team’s backfield could become crowded when Williams recovers in full. The Broncos ranked 21st on the ground in 2022, averaging 114 rushing yards per game. A healthy Williams (and an offensive line which has seen multiple high-priced investments in free agency) should help boost that figure, though the point at which he will be back very much remains in the air.

Browns Eyeing Pass Rush Addition

April 22nd, 2023 at 2:54pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns have already invested heavily on defense this offseason, bringing in a new coordinator and multiple big-ticket free agents. Further moves along the edge in particular can be expected.

Cleveland has made one addition to their current pass rushing group, inking Obo Okoronkwo to a three-year, $19MM deal. The former Ram and Texan is set to take on a starting role alongside Myles Garrett, something which appeared to be necessary once it became clear Jadeveon Clowney would not be re-signing with the Browns. The latter has yet to find a new home.

Garrett and Okoronkwo are in line to start and carry a heavy workload, but the Browns are lacking in experienced depth beyond those two. Cleveland used third- and seventh-round picks on Alex Wright and Isaiah Thomas last year, and have room for at least one more addition either in the upcoming draft or free agency. General manager Andrew Berry confirmed that the team is preparing to bring in more new faces in the pass rush department.

“I would expect us to add more than that,” Berry said, via Cleveland.com’s Mary Kay Cabot. “We’re going to get to 90 eventually. I can’t say if that’s going to be on draft weekend or in May or in August, but I’d expect us to add to that room.”

Garrett earned a third straight Pro Bowl nod in 2022 after notching 16 sacks for the second consecutive season. The Browns’ next leading producer in terms of sacks was new Colts defensive tackle Taven Bryan with only three, however, highlighting the team’s need to invest in Okoronkwo and others this offseason. The draft and free agency each present options for Cleveland to consider.

The Browns aren’t set to pick until No. 74, but they own eight total selections. They should have a number of Day 2 and 3 prospects to choose from, though any rookie likely won’t be counted on to provide much of an immediate impact given the nature of the team’s depth chart. After the draft is over, veterans at all positions who have yet to catch on to a roster will receive increased attention. With respect to edge rushers, that means Clowney, along with the likes of Frank Clark, Yannick Ngakoue and Leonard Floyd will likely come off the market quickly. Any of those names could be paired with another draft addition to provide the Browns with a more complete edge group entering the 2023 season.

Colts’ Jonathan Taylor Addresses Potential Extension, Recovery

April 22nd, 2023 at 1:56pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2022 season was one to forget for the Colts, especially on the offensive side of the ball. An underwhelming year from running back Jonathan Taylor has led to questions about his standing with the team beyond 2023, but he remains squarely focused on the immediate future.

The 24-year-old was limited to 11 games this past season and ended the year on IR due to an ankle injury. He underwent surgery to address the issue, which should help his chances of rebounding in 2023. Taylor posted 1,004 scrimmage yards and four touchdowns in his relatively brief action in 2022, but he was held to a career-worst 4.5 yards per carry.

That marked a disappointing step back from his performance the year prior. Taylor led the league in rushing yards (1,811) and touchdowns (18) in 2021, which seemed to put him on track for a major extension as early as this offseason. His inability to replicate that success – not to mention his injury problems, and the lack of positional value for tailbacks around the league – could hurt the value of his second contract, however. When asked if extension talks have taken place yet, the former second-rounder declined to get into specifics.

“I don’t even know that goes,” Taylor said, via Joel Erickson of the Indy Star, adding, “I’ll keep you posted.” The Wisconsin product has one year remaining on his rookie contract, and a fifth-year option won’t be in play since he was selected after the first round. Given his status as one the team’s best young performers, a new deal would likely be a priority, but the possibility of heading into 2023 without an extension isn’t seen as a detriment at this point.

“It wouldn’t be a distraction to me,” he said. “I’m under contract here for four years, I put the pen to the paper, so that’s where I’m at right now. I have an obligation to them, and an obligation to me, but things will happen naturally.”

As expected, this year’s free agent RB class was unable to land much in the way of lucrative deals on the open market. While Taylor (when healthy) is in a class above those who didn’t receive franchise tags in March, he could be hard-pressed to secure a second contract placing him amongst the highest-paid backs in the league. In the absence of an extension, a strong 2023 campaign would help his bargaining position, something which would be possible with a return to full health.

On that point, Taylor noted that he has yet to be fully cleared to resume all football activities as his recovery continues. He described his surgery as a “perfect success,” though, and remains confident that he will be at 100% by the time the 2023 season kicks off. If the team matches that optimism, a new deal may be in place by that point keeping him on the books for years to come.

Latest On Colts’ First-Round Plans

April 22nd, 2023 at 12:30pm CST by Ben Levine

Multiple reports have connected the Colts to Kentucky quarterback Will Levis, and the organization is still very interested in the prospect. However, things could get tricky if Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud falls to Indy at No. 4. One NFL scout told ESPN’s Matt Miller that the Colts may prefer Levis over Stroud, while another scout indicated that the Colts are hoping another front office will make the decision for them.

“The Colts would probably love for someone to jump them and select Stroud so they can take Levis,” the scout said.

The conversation involving the Colts and Levis initially involved Florida’s Anthony Richardson, with most draft pundits assuming the Colts wouldn’t have a shot at Bryce Young or Stroud. Young is still the favorite to go first-overall, but there are now whispers that the Texans may not select a QB at No 2. If the Cardinals are unable to find a trade partner at No. 3, then the Colts could have their choice of the three remaining QBs with first-round grades.

There’s a better chance that trades impact the top-three selections and, in that scenario, the Colts won’t have their preferred target on the board by the time the fourth pick is on the clock. Previous reports indicated that the front office was not interested in making a move up the draft board, but if Chris Ballard and co. are determined to draft a QB and aren’t enamored with Richardson, then they may have no choice than to make a trade for Levis or Stroud.

Of course, all of these reports could simply be a smokescreen while the Colts hide their true intentions. Ballard seemed to question the legitimacy of the recent reports, stating that there’s no incentive to show their hand.

“I always love to read the reports that the Colts love this guy and they love that guy,” the GM said (via Zak Keefer of The Athletic). “Like, who’d that come from? It didn’t come from me. Who’s telling them who we love and who we don’t love? They don’t know.

“…Like, there’s always this assumption we’ve targeted one player,” he said. “This is the main assumption right now. I don’t know if that’s an accurate assumption. Matter of fact, I’d say it’s not.”

Buccaneers Pick Up Fifth-Year Option On OT Tristan Wirfs

April 22nd, 2023 at 11:43am CST by Ben Levine

While Tristan Wirfs‘ future position is in question, the Buccaneers are assuring the offensive lineman is on the roster through at least the 2024 campaign. According to Greg Auman of Fox Sports (on Twitter), the Buccaneers are picking up the OL’s fifth-year option. Scott Reynolds of PewterReport.com was first with the news.

The 2020 first-round pick has established himself as one of the top right tackles in the NFL, earning a pair of Pro Bowl nods and two All-Pro selections. Wirfs has finished in the top-10 of Pro Football Focus’ guard rankings in each of his first three seasons, including a seventh-place finish in 2022. After not missing a game through his first two seasons in the NFL, Wirfs missed three games last year with an ankle injury (he was also inactive for the regular season finale).

Interestingly, the Buccaneers are considering changing Wirfs’ position and moving him to the left side of the line. Unlike some of the league’s other top RTs, Wirfs didn’t actually play much left tackle in college and ended up sticking on the right side in the NFL. While the move hasn’t been finalized, the Buccaneers seemingly started to prepare for the transition by moving on from long-time left tackle Donovan Smith. Wirfs is also reportedly open to moving to left tackle.

While today’s move locks Wirfs into an $18.2MM salary for the 2024 campaign, a potential change to the left side of the offensive line could have a significant impact on his future earnings. Lane Johnson and Jawaan Taylor are the only two right tackles in the NFL who top the $20MM AAV mark, while the league’s three top-paid left tackles (Laremy Tunsil, Trent Williams, David Bakhtiari) earn at least $23MM per year. Ryan Ramczyk has the highest total contract among RTs at $96MM, and his contract contains language that would bump his pay if he moved to left tackle and excelled.

Latest On DT Jalen Carter’s Draft Stock

April 22nd, 2023 at 10:06am CST by Ben Levine

Jalen Carter‘s troubling pre-draft process reportedly led some teams to completely remove the Georgia defensive lineman from their draft boards.. Carter is unlikely to climb back into the top-four, but his draft stock may not have taken as big of a hit as initially anticipated. Adam Caplan of ProFootballNetwork.com writes that teams still have the defensive tackle as the top-graded player on their draft boards.

Carter will not face jail time in connection with the misdemeanor charges he faced after two members of Georgia’s football program, offensive lineman Devin Willock and recruiting analyst Chandler LeCroy, died in car accident. Further, the defensive lineman had a weak pro day, but it sounds like the prospect did some work to repair his image during his private workouts with NFL teams.

Sources told Tashan Reed of The Athletic that Carter remains atop the Raiders draft board. While the organization is aware of “how drafting Carter could garner a negative reaction” following Henry Ruggs‘ fatal DUI felony charge, the front office has also done their due diligence on the prospect.

“We looked at Jalen like every other player that’s in the draft,” Raiders GM Dave Ziegler said. “I don’t think we want to cheat the process with any prospect in that regard. We want to hit those bases for each individual prospect. And, of course, on some prospects it’s deeper; there’s just more things to look at and more things to consider based on their situation. Jalen, in that regard, was similar to a lot of players in the draft and we feel very comfortable with the work that we’ve done on him.”

Lions general manager Brad Holmes shared a similar sentiment about Carter. While the executive didn’t elaborate as much as Ziegler, he did acknowledge that the front office “felt better” about the lineman following his in-person visit (per NFL Network’s James Palmer on Twitter).

Carter’s agent declared no visits to teams without a top-10 pick would take place, putting the Lions (No. 6) and Raiders (No. 7) in prime position to select the Georgia product without making a trade. In addition to those two organizations, Carter has also visited with the Seahawks (No. 5), Falcons (No. 8), Bears (No. 9) and Eagles (No. 10).

Raiders Still Considering First-Round QB?

April 22nd, 2023 at 9:37am CST by Ben Levine

Even after adding veteran quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo earlier this offseason, the Raiders are still considering a rookie QB. We heard earlier this week that the organization was eyeing projected second-round quarterback Hendon Hooker, but the front office is also keeping their options open in the first round. General manager Dave Ziegler told reporters that the Raiders “haven’t ruled anything out” in regards to a first-round QB.

“Having Jimmy does supply us with a very high-quality starting player at the position. And so, we feel comfortable with that,” Ziegler said (via Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal). “But I think to close that door and say that’s not something you would do because of X, Y and Z. That’s not the business we’re in.

“…Any time you can find a young player at that position that’s going to have an impact on your team, you have to keep an open mind to that.”

As Bonsignore writes, the Raiders “were as active as any team in the NFL” when it came to evaluating quarterback prospects. Currently sitting with the No. 7 pick, the Raiders could even move up the draft board in pursuit of their preferred player. The Raiders are armed with selections in each round of the draft, including extra picks in the third, fifth, sixth, and seventh.

However, the Raiders might not even have to make a trade. If the Cardinals keep their pick (coupled with the possibility that the Texans could pivot away from a rookie QB at No. 2), then the Raiders may find that one of Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis falls to them at No. 7. Further, thanks to the addition of Garoppolo, the Raiders are in no rush to add a player at the position, and a rookie QB would surely be redshirted behind the Raiders’ free agent acquisition for at least the 2023 campaign.

The Raiders have plenty of holes on defense, so even if a QB does fall to No. 7, there’s still a chance the front office goes for a player who could contribute now. In that scenario, the front office could make a push for Hooker. The Tennessee product visited the Raiders earlier this month and are believed to have been impressed with the prospect. Coming off a November ACL tear, Hooker isn’t expected to be a serious option for the organization with the seventh-overall pick.

NFL Suspends Lions WR Jameson Williams For Gambling; Four Others Banned

April 21st, 2023 at 10:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

A year after Calvin Ridley drew an indefinite suspension for gambling, the NFL will ban another prominent wide receiver. Jameson Williams received a suspension for violating the NFL’s betting policy, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport confirms (Twitter link).

The NFL also suspended Lions wide receiver Quintez Cephus for gambling. Williams will be sidelined six games, according to the Lions. The Lions have since waived Cephus and released safety C.J. Moore, whom the league also hit with a suspension. The NFL also suspended Lions wideout Stanley Berryhill and Commanders edge rusher Shaka Toney, Rapoport reports.

Cephus and Moore received indefinite suspensions, which will cover at least the 2023 season. A former fifth-round Lions pick, Cephus had been with the team since 2020. Moore resided as a core Lions special-teamer over the past four seasons.

Williams and Berryhill remain with the Lions. Berryhill joined the 2022 first-round pick in drawing a six-game ban. Toney, a 2021 seventh-round Washington draftee, received an indefinite suspension. Toney remains with the Commanders.

“As a result of an NFL investigation, it came to our attention that a few of our players had violated the league’s gambling policy,” Lions GM Brad Holmes said. “These players exhibited decision-making that is not consistent with our organizational values and violates league rules. We have made the decision to part ways with Quintez and C.J. immediately. We are disappointed by the decision-making demonstrated by Stanley and Jameson and will work with both players to ensure they understand the severity of these violations and have clarity on the league rules moving forward.”

This obviously represents a bad look for the two franchises and the NFL, coming not long after the league reinstated Ridley from his year-long suspension. The league’s policy permits players to bet on sports — just not NFL games — but prevents player bets while in team facilities. The NFL did not find the four Lions or Toney used inside information, per KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson (on Twitter), but Friday’s news still stands to alter the Lions’ plans at wide receiver. Williams and Berryhill made mobile bets on non-NFL sporting events while in the Lions’ facility, Eric Woodyard of ESPN.com adds.

The Lions traded up 20 spots to draft Williams 12th overall last year, doing so despite the Alabama-developed speedster suffering a torn ACL in the previous national championship game. Williams missed 11 games last season and caught just one pass — a 41-yard touchdown — upon returning; the Lions used their rehabbing receiver sparingly. But Williams was set to be a key component of the Lions’ 2023 offense. Those plans are on hold. Williams and Berryhill will be permitted to participate in offseason workouts, training camp and preseason games, per NFL rules, but the receivers will then be shut down until Week 7.

Additionally, the Lions fired several staffers last month for violating the gambling policy, Woodyard reports. The Lions first learned of the NFL’s investigation in March. The staffers’ dismissals coupled with the four player suspensions point to a widespread problem — regarding rule awareness at the very least — among the Lions here. Williams’ agency indicates (via Rapoport) the second-year wideout accepts responsibility for his infraction but notes the penalty stems from an otherwise-legal bet — just one that took place on team property. Players are also prohibited from making bets on team planes or in hotels on the road.

For decades, the NFL featured a short list of players banned for gambling policy violations. That number has grown substantially over the past four years. Friday’s news runs the number of NFL players suspended for gambling to seven since 2019, following Ridley and defensive back Josh Shaw. Ridley is on track to return to action as a Jaguar; Shaw never played again after his ban.

A former UDFA, Berryhill played four games for the Lions last season. Toney served as a backup pass rusher in 16 with the Commanders in 2022. He did not record a sack last season but registered 1.5 as a rookie in 2021. Toney’s future with the NFC East team should certainly be considered in doubt. Should Toney be back with the Commanders in 2024, two years will still remain on his rookie contract. This suspension will lead to the deal tolling.

As for the Lions, their receiver situation suddenly looks quite different. Williams was set to join Amon-Ra St. Brown and the recently reacquired Marvin Jones as the team’s top receivers. Josh Reynolds also remains under contract. The Lions signed Jones on March 29; it is fair to wonder if the NFL’s investigation into Williams and Cephus played a part in that move. Of course, the Lions re-signed Moore on March 18; the organization clearly learned of this investigation after that date. Cephus joined Berryhill in only playing in four games last season, but the three-year veteran represented depth for a position group that lost DJ Chark this offseason.

Bills Notes: Hopkins, Miller, Diggs

April 21st, 2023 at 9:38pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bills have frequently been named as a potential destination for DeAndre Hopkins. The Cardinals wideout has been on the trade block for some time now, and an addition at the position is expected on the Bills’ part either on the trade front or at the draft.

[Poll: Who Will Acquire Hopkins?]

Von Miller – who was active in trying to recruit Odell Beckham Jr. to Buffalo last offseason in particular – is again pushing for a significant WR move. Fueling that effort is his belief that Hopkins is eyeing a move to the Bills, something which the latter recently hinted at.

“You got a lot of guys coming in and out [of offseason workouts],” Miller said, via Nick Wojton of BillsWire. “I talk to Hop all the time. It’s kind of like the same thing with OBJ, you just never know until you know. Hop said he wanted to be Buffalo Bill – and you just never know until you get that DeAndre Hopkins signature on a contract. I’m not sure of what circumstances are or what’s going on with that. I would love to see DeAndre Hopkins be here.”

The Bills are in need of a wideout to ease Stefon Diggs‘ workload; they also represent a contender, something which is important for Hopkins as he prepares for a potential trade and adjusted contract. Fitting him in at his current 2023 cap hit ($29.9MM) would be highly difficult given the team’s current financial situation, but recruiting from Miller could help convince Hopkins to play his role in green-lighting a move.

Here are a few other notes from Orchard Park:

Miller himself is the subject of plenty of questions heading into 2023, of course. The 34-year-old is coming off a torn ACL which cut short his debut season in Buffalo, the first of a six-year, $120MM deal which brought him to the Bills. Miller said he has yet to resume football activities, but he remains confident at this point in his rehab that he will be available “early in the season” (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe). That falls in line with the team’s expectation dating back to January; Miller’s importance to the Bills’ pass rush means his return will be highly anticipated, but also that he surely won’t be rushed back to the field.
Voluntary workouts started this week for Buffalo, meaning that tracking their attendance was a notable exercise. Diggs was among the absentees, as stated by general manager Brandon Beane (via Joe Buscaglia of The Athletic, on Twitter). Many players skip the opening of offseason programs as part of ongoing contract disputes, but that isn’t the case for Diggs given the four-year, $96MM extension he signed last offseason. The decision by the 29-year-old to stay away from the team hasn’t led to any speculation as of yet, and missed time at this point in the spring usually isn’t harmful for star players from an on-the-field perspective. Diggs should be expected to join the team in the near future, though.

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