A number of intriguing developments have taken place around the league in recent days. In case you missed any of the top headlines from the past week, here’s a quick recap:
- Snyder, Harris Sign Commanders Sale Agreement: The sale of the Washington Commanders took another step forward with Dan Snyder and incoming owner Josh Harris announcing that they have signed an exclusive sale agreement. Harris has long been expected to take over the embattled franchise this offseason, but this latest development leaves only ratification by the league’s other owners as the final hurdle yet to be cleared. That process may not take place at the next owners’ meetings later this month, but it is nevertheless expected to occur rather smoothly. The $6.05 billion price for the team is another North American sports record, and Harris will join the league after finishing as a runner-up for the Broncos last offseason. Attention will increasingly turn, meanwhile, to the outcome of the latest investigations into Snyder and the Commanders, and the degree to which his alleged misconduct becomes public as he transitions away from his 24-year ownership tenure.
- Vikings Deal Smith To Browns: Cleveland has made it a priority to add to their front seven this offseason, and that endeavor has now resulted in the trade acquisition of veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Vikings. A swap of Day 3 picks helped send the three-time Pro Bowler back to the AFC North, after his stint in Minnesota lasted only one season. Smith, 30, requested earlier this year to be released by the Vikings despite the presence of two more years on his contract and having recorded double-digit sacks for the third time in the past four seasons. The former Raven and Packer will give Cleveland a proven pass-rushing presence opposite Myles Garrett, and compliment the free agent signing of Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Minnesota will now lean increasingly on their own March addition, Marcus Davenport, as both teams look to take a step forward on defense in 2023.
- Texans To Extend Mason: The Texans continue to invest in their offensive line, and their right guard spot will be secure for years to come. Shaq Mason agreed to a three-year, $36MM extension, which will keep him on the books through the 2026 campaign. That accord is another notable one for the longtime Patriot, who had a one-year stint in Tampa Bay last season. One of the few healthy members of the Buccaneers’ offensive front in 2022, the 29-year-old confirmed his status as one of the better guards in the league. He was traded to Houston earlier this offseason in a cost-shedding move, though, allowing him to join a young interior o-line with the Texans. Mason, along with 2022 first-rounder Kenyon Green and second-round rookie Juice Scruggs, figure to be in the team’s plans at guard and center, respectively, for the foreseeable future.
- Saints Sign Moreau: Not long after his decision to step away from football following a cancer diagnosis, tight end Foster Moreau signed with the Saints. The 26-year-old got a three-year, $12MM deal, which demonstrates how confident he and the team are that a full recovery from Hodgkin’s lymphoma will take place. Moreau will be reunited with quarterback Derek Carr after the pair played together with the Raiders, and the former has a path to signficant playing time on his new team. It was during a Saints free agent visit that Moreau was originally diagnosed, but talks between the parties on a potential contract picked up again after New Orleans traded away Adam Trautman. Moreau could be on the field as early as OTAs later this month, but even if not, his presence will be welcomed on a number of fronts.
- Chargers Remain Intent On Retaining Ekeler: One of the ongoing storylines around the league has been the standing trade request from Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. The 27-year-old is seeking a new contract, one which will likely come from another organization on the free agent (rather than trade) market. Ekeler is thus expected to remain in Los Angeles for the 2023 campaign, as confirmed by general manager Tom Telesco. The latter made clear that the team has no intention of seeking out a trade partner, despite having granted the two-time touchdown leader permission to do so. Ekeler – who has amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards in three of the past four seasons – is due $6.25MM this season, but could play his way into a larger figure (relative to the depressed RB market) with another strong campaign with the Bolts.