HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

NFC North Notes: Bears, CJGJ, Vikings

January 5th, 2024 at 12:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

The last time an NFL team used a franchise tag on a cornerback, the Bears were planning a Jay Cutler-to-Mike Glennon QB transition. Occurring back in 2017, Rams’ second Trumaine Johnson tag remains the most recent instance of a team tagging a corner. Mentioned as a possibility here when the Bears let Jaylon Johnson seek a trade, the contract-year defender being tagged adds up now that Montez Sweat is locked down via an extension. The Chicago Tribune’s Brad Biggs views it as likely the Bears tag Johnson to give them more time to work out an extension.

Receiving his first Pro Bowl invite this week, Johnson has put together a quality contract season — one he acknowledges has made him more money on his second contract. Johnson said in June he wanted that second accord to be with the Bears and reiterated that stance last month. Although the prospect of reaching free agency would understandably appeal to the former second-round pick, the Bears — the most recent team to use any tag on a cornerback, transition-tagging Kyle Fuller in 2018 — can keep Johnson in the fold via a one-year rental or attempt to hammer out an extension by the July deadline. The cornerback tag is expected to cost just more than $18MM.

Here is the latest from the NFC North:

  • The Bears’ plan to move Cody Whitehair back to center did not take off. Snapping issues plagued the veteran, while Pro Football Focus rates 2022 free agency pickup Lucas Patrick 31st among centers this season. Chicago is expected to pursue a center upgrade this year, Biggs notes, with The Athletic’s Kevin Fishbain also predicting the team will aim to stabilize this spot (subscription required). Whitehair, 30, profiles as a cut candidate; he is due a nonguaranteed $10.15MM base salary in his 2024 contract year. Patrick has one game left on a two-year, $8MM deal. The Bears have some wiggle room here, with three starting O-linemen — Braxton Jones, Teven Jenkins, Darnell Wright — on rookie contracts. A handful of teams re-signed centers in 2023, but four-year starters Tyler Biadasz (Cowboys) and Lloyd Cushenberry (Broncos) are two months from free agency. Three-year Raiders center Andre James is as well.
  • C.J. Gardner-Johnson‘s return from a torn pec will give the Lions an unexpected boost for their playoff journey. It also could disrupt the team’s secondary. Ifeatu Melifonwu has been effective since usurping Tracy Walker as a starter alongside Kerby Joseph. The Lions initially stationed Gardner-Johnson in the slot, where he previously played under ex-Saints DBs coach Aaron Glenn, but the Lions DC moved him back to safety to accommodate rookie Brian Branch. Glenn said (via the Detroit Free Press’ Dave Birkett) the team is still determining its DB plan but confirmed Branch will remain the team’s slot corner. A safety rotation, then, seems likely to commence. Designated for return from IR last week, Gardner-Johnson is expected to return in Week 18.
  • Danielle Hunter maxed out his incentive package this season, with the Minneapolis Star Tribune’s Ben Goessling noting the contract-year Vikings defender collected $3MM by reaching the 14-sack plateau. Positioning himself to do well as a first-time free agent, Hunter has registered a career-high 15.5 sacks. On what could be his final Vikings restructure, the 29-year-old edge rusher received $17MM guaranteed and added $3MM in incentives this season. This latest reworking prevents Hunter from being tagged this year, and the Vikings would be hit with a $14.9MM dead-money charge if they cannot re-sign their top sack artist the 2024 league year.
  • In the strange position of seeing both its top free agents-to-be — Hunter and Kirk Cousins — not profile as tag candidates (due to Cousins having already been tagged twice by Washington), Minnesota has big decisions to make soon. Cousins is at least ahead of schedule on his Achilles rehab odyssey, Goessling adds. Cousins, 35, should be expected back for training camp at the latest and has expressed continued interest in another Vikings contract. If the Vikings cannot re-sign Cousins by March 13 — the last day of the 2023 league year — they will face a $28.5MM dead-money total due to the void years in the leverage maven’s contract.

Joe Flacco Aiming To Play Two More Seasons

January 5th, 2024 at 11:08am CST by Sam Robinson

Joe Flacco will have a chance to start in a playoff game for the first time since a Ravens-Patriots divisional-round matchup nine years ago. This improbable development already had the 38-year-old quarterback planning to suit up in 2024; this stunning re-emergence also looks to be pointing the QB toward an age-40 season.

Considering Flacco was out of football from the time his most recent Jets contract expired in March until a Browns search — in the wake of Deshaun Watson‘s season-ending injury — led to a free agency addition, it is borderline shocking the former Ravens mainstay will be suiting up at all in a playoff game. But he now has designs on playing through the 2025 season, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes.

It should be considered a bit early to guarantee Flacco — a backup from 2020-22 after suffering injuries in 2018 and ’19 — can be a viable option through an age-40 season. Several passers have reached that point throughout NFL history. Tom Brady, Drew Brees, Brett Favre and Vinny Testaverde operated as regular starters past 40 this century, while Josh McCown, Matt Hasselbeck, Mark Brunell, Brad Johnson, Doug Flutie and Warren Moon played into their 40s since 2000. Aaron Rodgers turned 40 last month but saw his comeback from Achilles surgery fall short; the Jets QB is signed through 2024 and joins Flacco in aiming to play through 2025.

Going on a 4-1 march with Flacco as their starter, the Browns are interested in having Flacco back for his age-39 season. With Watson coming back, that would be an interesting dynamic. While Flacco has impressed as a fill-in starter, teams have viewed him as a backup since a neck injury ended his Broncos season in 2019. Flacco signed to back up Sam Darnold in 2020 and agreed to be the Eagles’ QB2 behind Jalen Hurts in 2021, being traded back to the Jets to play behind Zach Wilson.

No one was especially interested in Flacco this year, but he has probably changed that conversation for 2024. Injuries to starters across the league could result in clubs placing a higher priority on backups come March, and Flacco will join the likes of Darnold, Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew, Jacoby Brissett, Tyrod Taylor and Marcus Mariota among possible bridge or QB2 options who could fare decently in free agency. Breer estimates Flacco could command around $10MM per year, particularly if a team authorizes a two-year contract. He played for $1.5MM in 2020 and $3.5MM in each of the past two years.

If Flacco’s price creeps toward the eight-figure-AAV range, it is conceivable the Browns would pass due to the Watson commitment. Flacco did decline offers to join other teams’ 53-man rosters while on Cleveland’s practice squad, prioritizing fit at this stage of his career. It will be interesting to see how the 16th-year veteran’s market looks come March; his postseason start will help determine what kind of offers come in for a player essentially discarded last year.

Iowa CB Cooper DeJean Declares For Draft

January 5th, 2024 at 10:28am CST by Sam Robinson

Teams that have taken cornerbacks early in the first round have benefited tremendously in recent years. Sauce Gardner and Patrick Surtain have become early All-Pros, while Derek Stingley has been central to the Texans’ resurgence. Devon Witherspoon has made an impact in Seattle, making the Pro Bowl in Year 1.

This draft strategy obviously is not bulletproof, but teams eyeing an early-draft CB investment will have an option in Iowa’s Cooper DeJean. The junior Hawkeyes corner announced he will enter the 2024 draft. DeJean sits 14th on Mel Kiper Jr.’s ESPN.com big board, slotted as the top draft-eligible cornerback.

Teaming with 2023 Broncos third-round pick Riley Moss in 2022, DeJean intercepted five passes that season and returned three of those picks for touchdowns. This season, the 6-foot-1 cover man sustained what the team called a lower-leg injury in practice. This occurred back in mid-November, and it sidelined DeJean for the rest of his final college season. Assuming DeJean can bounce back from that during pre-draft preparation, the former four-star recruit will be a good bet to become a first-round pick.

The Iowa native has shown the ability to play outside and in the slot in college, which would certainly be of interest to a team in an era that has seen the role of the slot corner role exponentially. He spent two seasons as an Iowa starter and operated regularly on punt returns in that span as well. DeJean returned a punt for a touchdown against Michigan State this season, after averaging 16.5 yards per punt return as a sophomore (on just 10 returns).

The Hawkeyes have made a noticeable imprint on the NFL in recent years. Lukas Van Ness, Jack Campbell and Sam LaPorta went off last year’s draft board in the top 34. Van Ness and Campbell followed Tristan Wirfs and Tyler Linderbaum as Iowa alums chosen in Round 1 this decade. Putting together one of the best seasons by a rookie tight end in NFL history, LaPorta joined Linderbaum and George Kittle as ex-Hawkeyes selected for the Pro Bowl this week.

Latest On Bill Belichick’s Patriots Future

January 4th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Ben Levine

As we get closer to Black Monday, the job status of Bill Belichick will continue to command headlines. While it’s still uncertain if the legendary coach will stick in New England, it sounds like rival teams are preparing for a divorce.

According to Josina Anderson, there are “teams within the NFC South” that have “potential” interest in Belichick. Considering the Panthers’ midseason coaching change, the organization has been loosely connected to Belichick. Mike Jurecki of Arizona Football Daily confirms that Carolina “has always been an option.”

However, there haven’t been any previous rumblings of a pursuit by the Buccaneers, Saints, nor Falcons. Each of those teams’ head coaches could be at risk of losing their jobs, so it’s hard to definitively point to any one team based on Anderson’s report.

It sounds like it isn’t just rival teams that are anticipating a break up. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, some Patriots staff members are “bracing for change.” As a result, these individuals “have begun examining outside opportunities out of necessity,” a hint that Robert Kraft and co. could make sweeping changes to the organization.

Andrew Callahan and Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald recently explored what led up to this point in New England. Following a dismal showing from the offense in 2022, there was hope in New England that replacing Matt Patricia with Bill O’Brien would solve some of the issues. However, Belichick was a proponent of sticking with Patricia, and while O’Brien tried to clean house on the offensive coaching staff, the head coach denied the request. This led to a divide on the offensive coaching staff, and the new OC had clear frustrations with the WR and OL coaches.

It sounds like those frustrations were shared by the assistant coaches, although they weren’t necessarily targeted at O’Brien. A source told Callahan and Kyed that newly-hired offensive line coach Adrian Klemm “confronted” director of player personnel Matt Groh “in a loud exchange” earlier this season. Klemm would later take a leave of absence, resulting in assistant coach Billy Yates and veteran OL James Ferentz leading the unit. Per the Boston Herald, Klemm isn’t expected to be back with the Patriots next season.

There were also issues among players. Cornerback Jack Jones “blew up” at position coach Mike Pellegrino after not starting the Germany game, leading to the player’s release, according to the Herald. Meanwhile, offensive lineman Trent Brown reportedly spoke openly about leaving for an NFC team this upcoming offseason.

Ultimately, sources believe Belichick’s “personnel control and inability to assemble a functional staff” led to his demise in New England. Still, these sources stressed that players continued to play hard for their head coach, and there’s a belief that he “hasn’t lost his fastball as a hands-on coach.” We’ll soon learn if Kraft feels the same way.

Dalvin Cook, Ravens Agree To Terms

January 4th, 2024 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Rumored as a Dalvin Cook suitor, the Ravens will indeed bring the former Pro Bowler into the fold. Cook is committing to Baltimore, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter.

Cook commanded considerable interest this offseason, but he struggled with the Jets. The Ravens, however, have lost two key backs for the season. J.K. Dobbins went down in Week 1, while explosive rookie Keaton Mitchell suffered an ACL tear last month. Unclaimed on the waiver wire, Cook will move into position alongside Gus Edwards and Justice Hill. This will be a practice squad agreement to start, ESPN.com’s Jamison Hensley tweets.

Baltimore has managed to build a strong offense despite key losses. Dobbins has not been available for nearly four months, while Mitchell only played in eight games. The Ravens have also been without Mark Andrews since mid-November. But the 13-3 team has done its best work without this trio, beating the 49ers and Dolphins convincingly over the past two games. Cook will, however, provide intriguing depth. This season’s issues notwithstanding, the former Vikings star does have a long track record of success.

Cook, 28, spent more than two months in free agency following his Vikings release. Countless rumors emerged connecting him to teams, mostly in the AFC East. The Jets beat out the Dolphins for the talented ball carrier, but he did not make much of an impact. Breece Hall was ready to go in Week 1, and the 2022 second-round pick put any timeshare thoughts to bed early. Cook has amassed just 214 yards on 67 carries this season, becoming an afterthought during another disappointing Jets season.

The 67 carries did not exactly add much to Cook’s odometer, and he only took double-digit handoffs in one game (Week 1) this season. That said, his career carry total is over 1,300 now. Cook’s 1,349 career totes rank sixth among active backs. Baltimore now employs two players in that top six, with Melvin Gordon at 1,586. Gordon has not played much of a role with the team this season, totaling 63 yards on 19 carries in three games. Cook may soon leapfrog the ninth-year veteran as well. He will have more than two weeks until Baltimore’s divisional-round game to cram in Todd Monken‘s offense.

Gordon has spent time on Baltimore’s practice squad this season but currently resides on the team’s active roster. Jake Funk and Owen Wright represent the running back contingent on the Ravens’ P-squad. It would seem one of the three non-Edwards-Hill runners would need to go to make room for Cook.

The Jets have seen offensive line injuries impact their offense, and the Aaron Rodgers setback obviously defined Gang Green’s season. Cook has still flashed underwhelming form, especially considering how productive he was in Minnesota. Coming into the season, Cook was the NFL’s only back to total at least 1,100 rushing yards each year from 2019-22. He posted 1,173 yards (4.4 per tote) and eight touchdowns with the Vikings last season, doing so despite a nagging shoulder injury. Cook underwent offseason surgery, though his Twin Cities form has yet to resurface. Last season, Cook also rated in the bottom third in Next Gen Stats’ rushing yards over expected metric.

Unloading Mecole Hardman at the deadline, New York also attempted to trade Cook. The four-time Pro Bowler pursued an exit as well, though he stood down after the deadline. The latter’s $7MM base salary made that difficult, and he continued to languish on the bench as the Jets trudged through another season defined by Zach Wilson‘s failure to develop. The Cowboys explored a potential Cook addition, and the Ravens took a chance on no team claiming Cook’s salary (which amounted to a final game check) on waivers. No one did, and the team that clinched the AFC’s No. 1 seed landed him.

Cook played a key role in helping the 2019 Vikings to the divisional round and elevating the ’22 squad to an unexpected NFC North title. The Ravens are highly unlikely to be eyeing Cook as a starter, but the team will explore him as a complementary piece as it attempts to book its first Super Bowl berth in 11 years.

Chargers Continue Jim Harbaugh Prep; Michigan HC Aiming To Land L.A. Job?

January 4th, 2024 at 9:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

Michigan is set to play for a national championship for the first time in the CFP era, defeating Alabama in overtime Monday night. The Wolverines had encountered a rough patch before Jim Harbaugh‘s arrival, but the former Super Bowl HC has them positioned as one of college football’s premier programs. Michigan again looks to be competing with the NFL for its coach’s services.

Specifically, the Chargers loom as an opportunity Harbaugh may covet. While Harbaugh-to-NFL buzz has surfaced over the past two offseasons, the Bolts continue to be connected to their former quarterback. The Chargers-Harbaugh pairing has gained steam recently, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler, who adds the Bolts have done preliminary homework on the former 49ers HC.

The subject of Harbaugh’s salary ask — potentially around $15MM — could complicate matters for an organization not known for spending big on head coaches, but the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora indicates Harbaugh “badly” wants the Bolts job. Harbaugh interviewed with the Vikings in 2022 and Broncos last year but ended up back at Michigan. The Bolts bring the allure of a prized young quarterback, Justin Herbert, changing the equation. Then again, Harbaugh is not the only coaching candidate who is believed to be drawn to this job.

Lions OC Ben Johnson is believed to have interest, while other coaching agents have pitched their clients to Chargers ownership. The past three Chargers HCs reported to GM Tom Telesco, whom the franchise fired along with Brandon Staley last month. Harbaugh reporting to a GM he does not have a good relationship with might be a non-starter, considering the leverage he holds with Michigan. And a team should probably tread lightly with regards to Harbaugh and a GM — given how the deterioration between the Harbaugh-Trent Baalke relationship derailed that 49ers power structure.

Harbaugh’s success in the pros and in with his alma mater aside, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe notes he is not especially popular among NFL front offices and scouting staffs (subscription required). Questions understandably persist about Harbaugh meshing with a front office. Considering the Chargers’ long-held ownership-GM-HC workflow, this would naturally be an issue. Then again, team president John Spanos has said the organization is not committed to that setup with this next hire. Owner Dean Spanos is aiming at a “reimagining” effort when it comes to the franchise’s decision-making hierarchy. As of now John Spanos operates as a key voice above the GM.

With the Chargers already putting out Harbaugh feelers, it would appear ownership is at least ready to explore this partnership. Michigan has offered Harbaugh multiple extensions recently. One of those, a 10-year proposal, would prevent Harbaugh from exploring NFL opportunities in 2024. But that deal would not restrict the oft-tempted HC from doing so beyond this year. That Wolverines offer is believed to be worth $125MM. A shorter-term Michigan proposal worth around $11MM has also been extended. If the Chargers become serious bidders, Harbaugh may have an interesting decision to make.

The Chargers have opted for first-time HCs with their past three hires (Mike McCoy, Anthony Lynn, Staley), keeping costs low. They will need to commit much more to their HC job to lure Harbaugh out of Ann Arbor. But the Vikings and Broncos were close to doing so. If Michigan defeats Washington for the title, the embattled HC — who has been twice suspended this season — would have accomplished everything at that level. The NFL would both provide an escape from NCAA punishment relating to the sign-stealing scandal that engulfed Michigan this season and give Harbaugh a second chance at a Super Bowl title.

Herbert’s presence, along with other veteran pieces, also separates the Chargers from the other current openings and those that could potentially emerge within days. The past two offseasons have ended with Harbaugh recommitting to Michigan. His recent issues notwithstanding, the powerhouse program will certainly be interested in keeping him win or lose in the CFP title game.

With Harbaugh not on an NFL staff, the Chargers could interview him earlier than the rest of the crowd. Coaches on NFL staffs must wait until after the divisional round to interview this year. He would also only cost money, whereas the Patriots still look to be hoping to collect an asset for Bill Belichick‘s rights. Harbaugh, 60, also may be viewed internally as a better option than the 71-year-old Patriots HC. The Bolts’ level of interest in the accomplished college candidate will be one of the central storylines to follow as this year’s HC carousel spins.

Notable 2024 Pro Bowl Incentives

January 4th, 2024 at 8:52pm CST by Ben Levine

The NFL released the AFC and NFC Pro Bowl rosters last night. While the annual All-Star event has lost some of its luster (and is eyeing a significant revamping in 2024), a Pro Bowl selection is still a significant accomplishment for many players…especially from a financial standpoint.

There were a number of Pro Bowlers whose selections were tied to contract incentives. We’ve collected some of the notable Pro Bowl incentives below:

Eagles linebacker Haason Reddick didn’t have a traditional Pro Bowl incentive, but his selection will still result in more money. Per Corry, Reddick’s 2024 base salary will increase by $500K (from $13.75MM to $14.25MM) thanks to the Pro Bowl selection.

A handful of former first-round picks also boosted the value of their fifth-year options by earning their first Pro Bowl nod (via Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus): Ravens safety Kyle Hamilton, Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson, Ravens offensive lineman Tyler Linderbaum, Lions offensive lineman Penei Sewell, and Seahawks cornerback Devon Witherspoon. Jets cornerback Sauce Gardner and Broncos cornerback Patrick Surtain boosted the value of their fifth-round option to the maximum amount with a second Pro Bowl selection.

Beyond incentives, players also get some cash for just participating in the Pro Bowl event. As Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports writes, players on the winning team will earn $88K, while players on the losing team will get $44K. This even applies to Pro Bowl players who can’t participate since they’re playing in the Super Bowl.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 1/4/24

January 4th, 2024 at 8:09pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s practice squad transactions:

Dallas Cowboys

Detroit Lions

Kansas City Chiefs

New York Giants

Isaiah Buggs will provide the Chiefs with some defensive line depth as they head into the playoffs. After playing a part-time role with the Steelers to begin his career, Buggs joined the Lions in 2022 and proceeded to have a career season, finishing with 46 tackles, one sack, and one forced fumble in 17 games (13 starts).

That performance earned him a two-year, $6MM extension this past offseason. However, his playing time dropped in 2023, and he collected 12 tackles and one sack in 10 games (three starts) before getting released earlier this week.

Minor NFL Transactions: 1/4/24

January 4th, 2024 at 7:43pm CST by Ben Levine

One minor move to pass along:

Detroit Lions

After spending the offseason with the Patriots, Anthony Firkser joined the Lions practice squad in October. He eventually earned a promotion to the active roster but only got into two offensive snaps in two appearances. Firkser spent the first four seasons of his career with the Titans, including 2020 and 2021 campaigns where he compiled a combined 73 receptions for 678 yards and three touchdowns.

WR Marquise Brown Open To Re-Signing With Cardinals

January 4th, 2024 at 6:37pm CST by Ben Levine

Marquise Brown played out the 2023 season on his fifth-year option and is set to hit free agency following the season. While the Cardinals receiver should have a number of suitors, he admitted to Darren Urban of the team website that “of course [he] would want to be back” in Arizona next season.

After sending a first-round pick to the Ravens for Brown and a third-round selection in 2022, the Cardinals immediately picked up the wideout’s fifth-year option. The two sides never sounded particularly close to an extension over the past two years, but the receiver told Urban that his contract status never bothered him since he’s “just a confident guy.”

“I feel like I’m one of the best in the game,” he added. “Playing receiver is all about opportunity. But as far as the wide receiver position, route running, releases, big plays, I feel like I have all that in my tool box. I really feel no pressure.”

During his two years in Arizona, Brown hasn’t come close to replicating his 1,000-yard season from 2021. However, his numbers could partly be attributed to both injury and inconsistency at quarterback, and he’s still managed to average around 50 receiving yards per game.

Brown was brought to Arizona to replace Christian Kirk, who got a four-year, $72MM deal from the Jaguars. Brown should be healed from his heel injury by the time free agency comes around, and he could be eyeing a similarly lucrative contract. It remains to be seen if that contract will come from the Cardinals, but it sounds like the wideout is appreciative of his time in Arizona and would consider re-signing.

“I learned a lot and my play grew a lot,” Brown said. “I proved to myself a lot of things I wanted to see this year. It was unfortunate the season didn’t go the way we wanted as far as us winning, but I feel like I showed what I can do. For me, it’s about working. Keep continuing to prove yourself. that’s what this business is. No matter if you have a good year, you’ve got to repeat that good year. If you have a bad year, you have to come back at do better.”

Load More Posts