HEADLINES

2024 NFL Draft

Dolphins Sign 12 UDFAs

May 10th, 2024 at 1:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Dolphins are among the teams which have unveiled their class of undrafted rookies ahead of minicamps. Here are Miami’s additions:

Matos is amongst the highest earners around the league with respect to guaranteed compensation given to undrafted rookies this year. Miami gave him $225K in guaranteed salary as well as a $22K signing bonus, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Meyer also secured a notable commitment ($75K), Wilson notes. Offensive line depth has been a talking point for Miami, and Matos and Meyer will aim to earn roster spots with the team this summer.

Wilson reports Perry drew considerable attention around the league before choosing to sign with the Dolphins. The Colorado transfer earned $150K guaranteed, including a $15K signing bonus. Perry spent the past two seasons with the Horned Frogs, amassing 142 tackles (including 9.5 for loss) and six pass deflections along the way. He could earn a backup job in the secondary while contributing on special teams.

Duck was also a top target of the Dolphins, as evidenced by his up front compensation. The 6-0, 205-pounder received a $20K signing bonus and $150K in total guarantees, per Wilson. Duck transferred from North Carolina to Louisville last offseason. In his single campaign with the Cardinals, he posted 32 tackles and seven pass breakups and he will look to parlay that into a least a practice squad spot.

Texans Sign Round 2 CB Kamari Lassiter

May 10th, 2024 at 1:22pm CST by Adam La Rose

Houston inked six rookies to their respective contracts yesterday. The team’s top selection in this year’s draft is now under contract as well.

The Texans announced on Friday that second-round corner Kamari Lassiter has signed his rookie pact. The Georgia product was selected 42nd overall, which doubled as Houston’s first selection after the team traded away No. 23 to the Vikings well before the draft. While the 2025 capital acquired in that transaction will help the Texans in the near future, Lassiter could play a notable role in the secondary right away.

The 6-0, 180-pounder played three seasons with the Bulldogs, helping the team win back-to-back championships in the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. In the latter year, Lassister showcased his strength as a run defender by amassing five tackles for loss. That continued last year with 37 total stops (including 3.5 for loss).

The 2023 season also saw Lassiter record a career-best eight pass deflections, although he only notched a single interception. He recorded just two picks in college, and that limited ball production no doubt played a role in his slide down the CB board. Questions have also been raised about Lassiter’s long speed, something which will be worth watching as he transitions to the pro game.

Houston already has one starting CB spot locked down in the form of Derek Stingley Jr. The team was busy on the cornerback front in free agency, adding C.J. Henderson, Jeff Okudah and Mike Ford. Lassiter will aim to earn playing time right away amongst those new faces as well as returnees Desmond King and Troy Pride. At a minimum, he should be able to see special teams action and provide depth in the secondary during his rookie season.

With just two unsigned rookies remaining, here is an updated look at the Texans’ 2024 class:

Giants Sign First-Round WR Malik Nabers

May 10th, 2024 at 12:37pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Giants were consistently mentioned as a suitor for one of the 2024 draft class’ top quarterbacks. The team made a notable offer for the No. 3 pick (and with it, Drake Maye), but ultimately remained in place at sixth overall. That allowed New York to draft LSU wideout Malik Nabers and add a dynamic option to the team’s passing game in the process.

Nabers has signed his rookie contract, the Giants announced on Friday. Many players on the verge of their first NFL rookie minicamps have done the same recently in preparation for the weekend. This four-year pact will be worth just over $29MM fully guaranteed, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes. Nabers will collect a signing bonus of just over $18MM.

Like all other first-rounders, Nabers’ deal will also include a fifth-year option the team could pick up for the 2028 campaign. If things go according to plan over the next three seasons, that will not be a difficult decision on New York’s part. Nabers enters the league with major expectations after he solidified his status as one of the top three prospects in a loaded receiver class. Ahead of the draft, it was learned some teams had the All-American rated higher than Marvin Harrison Jr.

While the latter did wind up hearing his name called fourth overall, the Giants were among the teams high on Nabers leading up to the draft. He saw his production increase with each passing season at LSU, including a standout junior campaign to close out his college career. Nabers racked up 1,569 yards and 14 touchdowns on 89 receptions in 2023, displaying explosiveness both before and after the catch.

Both Harrison and fellow top-10 receiver Rome Odunze are generally seen as more polished players, but Nabers’ size (6-1, 188) and athleticism give him plenty of upside at the NFL level. He will immediately take on a notable role on a Giants team which ranked 31st in the NFL in passing yards last season. Quarterback injuries hindered the team’s offense, but with either Daniel Jones or Drew Lock under center New York will aim to be more efficient moving forward.

Nabers will join the likes of Darius Slayton, Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson and recent addition Allen Robinson in the Giants’ receiving corps. Much of the team’s ability to rebound from a forgettable 2023 campaign will depend on their progress in the passing game, and Nabers will be a central figure in that regard.

Giants Add Eight UDFAs

May 10th, 2024 at 10:35am CST by Adam La Rose

The Giants exited the 2024 draft with six rookies, but the team has now added to that mix. Here are the undrafted free agents New York has signed:

Of the seven players players listed above, five received a six-figure guarantee from the Giants. The largest commitment was made to Kubas, whom Dan Duggan of The Athletic reports landed $270K. That figure consists of $240K in base salary in addition to a $30K signing bonus, a strong sign the team expects him to at least secure a practice squad spot in 2024.

Rogers landed $220K in guaranteed compensation, per Duggan. The 6-4, 300-pounder transferred from Nebraska to Oregon after the 2021 campaign. During his two seasons with the Ducks, Rogers totaled 56 tackles (including six for loss) and 1.5 sacks. Jiles received $100K in guarantees, Duggan adds. That represents a strong compensation package for the Division II product.

New York gave Marcellus Johnson a $150K guaranteed base salary along with a $20K signing bonus, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports. Alex Johnson, meanwhile, secured $115K in total guarantees, per Wilson. The latter spent four seasons with the Bruins, and his ball production saw a notable increase last season. Johnson racked up the only five interceptions of his career in 2023, adding three pass deflections.

The Giants’ UDFA class also includes kicker Jude McAtamney, and he represents their international roster exemption. Each team is allowed one designated international player who can be retained without using a 90-man roster spot. McAtamney only attempted one kick last season, but in 2022 he went 12-for-18 on field goals while converting all but one of his 24 extra point attempts. He will look to earn a taxi squad spot as depth behind Graham Gano.

Lions Sign 15 UDFAs

May 10th, 2024 at 8:54am CST by Adam La Rose

The Lions came away with five rookies over the course of the draft. The 2024 event’s hosts have added to that group with 15 undrafted players. Here are Detroit’s rookie free agent signings:

  • Jalon Calhoun, WR (Duke)
  • Steele Chambers, LB (Ohio State)
  • Duke Clemens, OL (UCLA)
  • Kingsley Eguakun, OL (Florida)
  • Chelen Garnes, S (Wake Forest)
  • DaRon Gilbert, LB (Northern Illinois)
  • Hogan Hatten, LS (Idaho)
  • Bryan Hudson, OL (Louisville)
  • Nate Lynn, DL (William & Mary)
  • Morice Norris Jr., CB (Fresno State)
  • Isaac Rex, TE (BYU)
  • Loren Strickland, S (Ball State)
  • James Turner, K (Michigan)
  • Isaac Ukwu, DL (Ole Miss)
  • Isaiah Williams, WR (Illinois)

Williams secured one of the largest guarantees in the league amongst undrafted rookies. The 5-9 speedster received $225K of locked in base salary in addition to a $15K signing bonus, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. Williams began his college career as a quarterback, but over the past three seasons he served as a key member of the Fighting Illini’s passing attack. The 180-pounder recorded 82 catches in 2022 and ’23, totaling a career-high 1,055 yards and five touchdowns last year.

The Lions finished the 2023 campaign with Michael Badgley as their kicker, and he was re-signed earlier this offseason. The 28-year-old entered Friday as the only kicker on Detroit’s roster, but Turner will provide offseason competition. The latter spent his first four seasons at Louisville, converting 79.7% of his field goal attempts. That figure rose to 85.7% with the Wolverines in 2023, and Turner connected on all but one of his extra point kicks

Like Williams, Chambers switched positions midway through his college tenure. He started his time with the Buckeyes as a running back, though he only received 28 carries across the 2018 and ’19 seasons. The move to linebacker prompted a spike in playing time, and Chambers increased his tackle total with each passing season over the last three years. In all, the 6-1, 220-pounder racked up 208 stops, three sacks and four interceptions; he will aim to translate that production into at least a special teams opportunity in Detroit.

Raiders Sign Round 1 TE Brock Bowers; Antonio Pierce Denies Terrion Arnold Coin-Flip Rumor

May 9th, 2024 at 10:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Raiders have their top 2024 draftee under contract. The team and tight end Brock Bowers came to terms on his four-year rookie contract Thursday, checking off a notable box off the team’s offseason checklist.

Bowers’ deal can run through 2028 via the fifth-year option, a decision that Raiders will be in line to make during the 2027 offseason. The Raiders chose Bowers 13th overall, selecting the Georgia tight end despite having traded up for Notre Dame tight end Michael Mayer early in last year’s second round.

Closely linked to a Jayden Daniels trade-up effort, the Raiders were also interested in Michael Penix Jr. The Falcons selecting the Washington quarterback at No. 8 surprised most and led to a scenario in which the Raiders were shut out of the first-round QBs, as the Broncos stopped the six-passer run by drafting Bo Nix at No. 12. With the Raiders in need of a QB and lurking at No. 13, the Broncos did not view it as safe — based on their need — to trade down for a shot at grabbing Nix later.

As for the Raiders, they nabbed one of this draft’s top skill-position prospects in Bowers. An interesting storyline developed in the aftermath of Las Vegas adding this draft top tight end. Terrion Arnold, who went 24th to the Lions, said during an appearance on The Next Round (video link) Antonio Pierce informed him the Raiders determined their Bowers investment — a Bowers-or-Arnold decision, per Arnold — on a coin flip. Raiders assistant GM Champ Kelly did not confirm or deny that rumor, but Pierce (via ESPN’s Ryan Clark) did shoot down Arnold’s recount of the Raiders’ first-round decision. Pierce also denied speaking with Arnold during the draft.

Pierce said as soon as both J.J. McCarthy and Nix went off the board, the team agreed on Bowers as the selection. The team viewed a value gap between the Daniels-Caleb Williams–Drake Maye tier and the McCarthy-Penix-Nix trio, helping to explain why the Raiders stayed at No. 13 after Daniels went off the board.

The Raiders do figure to be linked to QBs in the 2025 draft class months ahead of that event, as Gardner Minshew sits as a clear bridge option. Although Pierce made no secret of the team’s QB need this offseason, the Raiders appear set to table that rather critical issue to 2025. A pre-draft report suggested Pierce was readier to trade up for a passer in Round 1 compared to GM Tom Telesco. It is not known how aggressive the Raiders were in their pursuit of a first-round arm, but they ended up standing down and will go into their offseason program with Minshew and Aidan O’Connell.

Pre-draft rumors suggested Bowers would not make it out of the top 10, and the Rams tried to trade up for the standout tight end. But the six-QB run helped Bowers tumble to No. 13. Bowers comes to Las Vegas after being the rare tight end to lead his team in receiving in each of his college seasons. Yardage-wise, Bowers went 882-942-714 at Georgia, becoming a central part of the Bulldogs’ two national championship wins as an underclassman. Bowers, who totaled 26 touchdown receptions in his college career, missed time last season due to ankle surgery.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/9/24

May 9th, 2024 at 10:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

As a number of teams prepare for rookie minicamps this weekend, Thursday has represented a signing day of sorts for rookie draftees. Here is the latest batch of mid- and late-rounders to sign their four-year rookie deals:

Arizona Cardinals

Buffalo Bills

  • T Travis Clayton (seventh round, England)

Denver Broncos

Houston Texans

Las Vegas Raiders

New Orleans Saints

  • QB Spencer Rattler (fifth round, South Carolina)
  • WR Bub Means (fifth round, Pittsburgh)
  • LB Jaylan Ford (fifth round, Texas)
  • DT Khristian Boyd (sixth round, Northern Iowa)
  • T Josiah Ezirim (seventh round, Eastern Kentucky)

New York Giants

Tennessee Titans

49ers Sign Round 2 CB Renardo Green, Two Other Draftees

May 9th, 2024 at 9:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

Dozens of undoubtedly high-end pens are being put to paper around NFL facilities today, and the 49ers are in on the rookie signing action. San Francisco inked three members of its rookie class Thursday night.

Second-round cornerback Renardo Green and fourth-round picks Isaac Guerendo, a running back, and Jacob Cowing (a wide receiver) are now signed to their four-year rookie deals. With Green being selected at No. 64, his contract will not be fully guaranteed. Last year’s second-round closer — Broncos wide receiver Marvin Mims, who arrived at No. 63 — received two fully guaranteed years and no guarantees into Year 3.

Although this 49ers draft is best known for being the first since 2021 to feature a first-rounder, Green is the team’s first second-round selection since 2022. The Florida State alum operated as a starter for two seasons, earning second-team All-ACC acclaim last year. The 49ers appear set to attempt to plug in the 6-foot corner into the slot role.

Since letting K’Waun Williams walk in 2022, the 49ers have been unable to find a steady slot presence. Logan Ryan ended up in the role to close last season; the veteran DB has since retired. The 49ers had hoped 2023 free agent signing Isaiah Oliver would fill the void alongside perimeter starters Charvarius Ward and Deommodore Lenoir, but he did not end up doing so and has since been released. Oliver caught on with the Jets.

While the 49ers have a host of young corners and veteran Isaac Yiadom on their roster and carry the option of moving Lenoir inside on passing downs, the team may still want a full-time slot cog. Though, 49ers GM John Lynch said the team views Green as a player capable of helping the cause inside or outside. With Lenoir and Ward in contract years, the team may need to turn to this year’s No. 64 overall pick as a regular by 2025 at the latest.

Panthers Sign Entire 2024 Draft Class

May 9th, 2024 at 9:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

Thursday’s frenzy of draft-slot deals continues, and the Panthers are knocking this task off in one session. Carolina agreed to terms with its entire 2024 draft class tonight, locking in seven rookie contracts.

Xavier Legette headlines the list. Although the Panthers did not hold a first-round pick coming into the draft (thanks to the Bryce Young trade), they will have a fifth-year option on Legette’s contract by virtue of trading up one spot to No. 32 for the South Carolina prospect. The wide receiver’s rookie deal will be fully guaranteed.

The Panthers and Patriots both sent the Bills offers for No. 32, after Buffalo had traded down from 28, and Legette is believed to have been New England’s target as well. Buffalo chose Carolina’s offer, which included the Panthers sending over a fifth-round pick to climb from No. 33 to No. 32. Legette will join 2023 second-round wideout Jonathan Mingo, with the Panthers using two picks in the 30s — Mingo went 39th last year — to supplement veterans Adam Thielen and Diontae Johnson. With Thielen’s guarantees done after 2024 and Johnson’s Steelers-constructed extension expiring after this season, Legette and Mingo profile as the Panthers’ long-term Young targets.

Catching teams’ eye partially because he clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash at 227 pounds, Legette was not on the first-round radar for much of his Gamecocks career. While lauded for his blocking, Legette did not eclipse 200 receiving yards in any of his first four South Carolina seasons. Teaming with Spencer Rattler once again in 2023, Legette broke through for 1,255 yards and seven TD receptions. He and Mingo will give Young two big-bodied targets, with the latter checking in at 220 pounds.

Carolina traded second-round picks in the 2023 and ’25 drafts to obtain Young, but the team came into this draft with two picks in Round 2 thanks to the Brian Burns trade. That gave the Panthers the No. 39 pick in this draft. GM Dan Morgan accepted a Rams offer to move down to No. 52, picking up a fifth-round pick and a 2025 second-rounder in the process. Carolina then packaged that fifth-rounder (along with another 2024 fifth) to Indianapolis to climb to No. 46, making Jonathon Brooks this year’s first running back selected.

Joining a backfield housing Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard, Brooks comes to Charlotte after a November 2023 ACL tear. The Bijan Robinson Longhorns RB1 successor is expected to be cleared by training camp, but his 2023 injury undoubtedly affected his draft stock. This draft did not offer the type of RB prospects last year’s did, but another new Panthers regime dived in by making Brooks the only back chosen in the first or second round. Robinson’s former backup totaled 1,139 rushing yards (6.1 per tote) and 10 touchdowns in 11 games.

The Panthers did not see their Sanders investment pay off last year, and they benched the ex-Super Bowl starter for Hubbard. Sanders’ guarantees wrap after 2024, and Hubbard’s rookie deal expires after this season. This points to Brooks having a route to being Carolina’s unquestioned RB1 by 2025, should he prove healthy following this rehab process. This year, however, may feature a committee approach in Carolina.

It will be interesting to learn how well Brooks’ side did regarding guarantees, as second-round slot deals are producing the most wiggle room as of late. With the rookie contracts done, here are the drafted rookies set to develop under the Panthers’ coaching staff this offseason:

  • Round 1, No. 32 (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina) (signed)
  • Round 2, No. 46 (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas) (signed)
  • Round 3, No. 72 (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky) (signed)
  • Round 4, No. 101: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas) (signed)
  • Round 5, No. 157 (from Browns through Vikings): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State) (signed)
  • Round 6: No. 200 (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State) (signed)
  • Round 7, No. 240 (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan) (signed)

Colts Sign Round 1 DE Laiatu Latu, Four Other Draftees

May 9th, 2024 at 8:24pm CST by Sam Robinson

Thursday’s run of first-rounders inking rookie deals will continue with Laiatu Latu. The Colts agreed to terms with their top pick, who is now signed through 2027.

The UCLA prospect — the first defender off the board in this year’s draft, at No. 15 — will see his contract fully guaranteed, as all first-rounders’ deals are, and the Colts can keep him on this deal through 2028 via the fifth-year option. For now, Latu will get to work building on his Los Angeles-based career resurgence.

[RELATED: Colts Pick Up Kwity Paye’s Fifth-Year Option]

A neck injury at Washington forced a medical retirement from Latu, but he resurfaced with the Bruins in 2022. Last season’s Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year showing (13 sacks, 21.5 tackles for loss) solidified Latu’s value as a first-rounder. With six QBs going off the board in the first 12 picks, other teams opted to fill wide receiver and tackle needs. The Raiders opted for a value pick in Brock Bowers. This left Latu on the board for the Colts, who jumped at the chance to grab a player they viewed as the draft’s top defender.

Latu began to display first-round-level form with a 10.5-sack 2022 season at the then-Chip Kelly-run program. He also intercepted two passes last season. The Colts had made offers to trade up in Round 1, and pre-draft reports suggested Indianapolis was targeting a skill-position player. Malik Nabers may well have been Indy’s target, but the Colts circled back to the WR position in Round 2 by taking Texas’ Adonai Mitchell. Latu will be plugged into a suddenly deep DE corps.

The Colts did not meet with Latu on a “30” visit, but they joined most teams in being comfortable with his medical outlook. The Falcons were interested enough in Latu they attempted to trade back into the middle of Round 1 — after eschewing their edge-rushing need to take Michael Penix Jr. at No. 8 — to draft the Pac-12 star.

In Indianapolis, Latu joins former first-rounder Kwity Paye, ex-second-rounder Dayo Odeyingbo and 2023 free agency pickup Samsom Ebukam. This trio fared well for the Colts last season; each posted at least eight sacks — career-high totals across the board. That group, with a heavy assist from DeForest Buckner, accumulated 51 — good enough for fifth in the league. Latu joining this rush cadre certainly should provide more strength for Indy’s suddenly formidable pass rush.

Additionally, linebacker Jaylon Carlies and cornerback Jaylin Simpson signed fifth-round rookie deals, while cornerback Micah Abraham and defensive tackle Jonah Laulu agreed to terms on their seventh-round contracts Thursday night.

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