Teams around the NFL are turning their attention to organized team activities and the mandatory minicamps which will soon follow them. Developments related to potential holdouts once attendance becomes mandatory have been seen in recent days, while a pair of blockbuster extensions were also worked out. Here is a recap of the past week’s top stories:
- Lions Extend Goff: For the second time in his career, Jared Goff has secured a massive new deal. The former No. 1 pick agreed to a four-year, $212MM extension with the Lions which will keep him in place through at least 2027. This pact (which includes an option for 2028) carries a $53MM AAV, the second-highest figure in the NFL. It also features a practical guarantee of $148MM and a no-trade clause, making this a favorable deal for Goff. The 29-year-old has revived his career in Detroit, helping lead the team to the NFC title game in 2023. Expectations will be high for a repeat over the coming years on a Lions offense which also has Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell attached to mega-deals of their own. Detroit drafted a potential Goff replacement (Hendon Hooker) last year, but he no longer has a path to playing time in the foreseeable future.
- Buccaneers Hand Winfield Jr. Record-Breaking Deal: When the Buccaneers used the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr., it was clear that move served as a means of buying time for extension talks. A long-term deal arrived when the sides agreed to a four-year, $84.1MM contract which takes the place of the tag. The All-Pro now holds the title of not only the league’s highest-paid safety, but the top earner amongst all defensive backs. Winfield, 25, enjoyed a career year in 2023 and he will remain a foundational member of Tampa Bay’s defense moving forward (especially over the next two years, where he will see $45MM fully guaranteed). With new deals for Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David and now Winfield done this offseason, the Bucs’ attention will turn to a monster Tristan Wirfs accord.
- Tagovailoa’s Contract Status Driving Dolphins Absence: With offseason workouts in their voluntary phase, absences amongst high-profile players are generally not viewed as being as impactful as training camp holdouts. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been away from the team for most of their offseason program to date, however, which marks a departure from his past participation habits. The 2020 first-rounder saw classmates Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert sign monster extensions last offseason, and talks on his own deal are ongoing. Tagovailoa’s decision to skip most Miami activities so far is believed to be related to his lack of a new deal. The 26-year-old had a fully healthy (and productive) season in 2023, helping his market value. He is set to earn $23.17MM on his fifth-year option this campaign, but a multi-year accord will be much pricier.
- Hendrickson Practicing With Bengals: Before the draft, it was learned Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Bengals. The Pro Bowl edge rusher attempted to negotiate a new deal coming off a career year in March, but a lack of success on that front drove the request to be moved. Nothing has taken place since, though Hendrickson has resumed working out with the Bengals. Cincinnati has no desire to move on from the 29-year-old, who has amassed 39.5 sacks in three seasons with the team. Two years remain on Hendrickson’s deal, but his scheduled salaries ($14.8MM, $15.8MM) are not guaranteed. It will be interesting to see if he plays in 2024 on his existing pact or if further efforts to secure more up-front compensation are made this summer.
- Jets Eyed De Facto Hackett Replacement? Nathaniel Hackett is in place as the Jets’ offensive coordinator, but the team struggled on that side of the ball last season. In the wake of his less-than-stellar New York debut, the team reportedly sought out a staffer who would have outranked Hackett this offseason. The 44-year-old had a disastrous tenure as head coach of the Broncos which lasted less than one season, but his ties to Aaron Rodgers has allowed the pair to resume their relationship with the Jets. Head coach Robert Saleh was previously linked to searching out a hire tasked with limiting Hackett’s influence, but no move has taken place. The latter will thus remain a key figure for the Jets this year, as the team aims to rebound on offense with a healthy Rodgers.