2024 May - Pro Football Rumors

Month: September 2024

Bills To Sign LB Deion Jones

May 2nd, 2024 at 5:47pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bills are adding a former Pro Bowler to their defense. The team is signing linebacker Deion Jones, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter. It will be a one-year deal for the 29-year-old defender.

Jones most recently got into 13 games (three starts) with the Panthers during the 2023 campaign. He finished the season with a career-low 35 tackles while appearing in less than half of his team’s defensive snaps. However, Pro Football Focus still believes he has something left in the tank, grading the veteran 42nd among 82 qualifying linebackers.

Jones struggled during his final few seasons in Atlanta and half-season showing in Cleveland, but he was once one of the Falcons’ most dependable defenders. The former second-round pick averaged more than 100 tackles per season between 2016 and 2021, and that includes a 2018 season where he was limited to only six games and 53 stops. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2017 after finishing with 138 tackles and three interceptions.

With former linebackers coach Bobby Babich earning a promotion to defensive coordinator, Al Holcomb will take over the LB role. He’ll be eyeing a depth chart led by Terrel Bernard and Matt Milano, who was limited to five games last season thanks to a fractured leg. Milano’s fill-in, Tyrel Dodson, is gone, but backup Dorian Williams will still be around in 2024, and the Bills added fifth-round linebacker Edefuan Ulofoshio last weekend. Jones will likely be competing with Williams and Ulofoshio for those backup reps.

Ravens Sign First-Round CB Nate Wiggins

May 2nd, 2024 at 5:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the draft complete, teams are now able to turn their attention to adding UDFAs and inking their selected prospects to their rookie deals. The Ravens have moved quickly on the latter front.

Baltimore has signed five of nine draft picks from this weekend, per a team announcement. That list includes cornerback Nate Wiggins, who was selected with the No. 30 pick. Wiggins was considered a round one lock, and it came as something of a surprise when he was still on the board at the Ravens’ slot. Based on his draft spot, Jason Fitzgerald of Over the Cap projects a $12.8MM deal over four years (with the potential of a fifth-year option in 2028)

Two corners – Quinyon Mitchell and Terrion Arnold – were added 22nd and 24th overall, respectively. Both members of that pair were expected to come off the board before all others at the position, although they (like every other player on the defensive side of the ball) had to wait quite some time to be selected. Wiggins, like Mitchell and Arnold, has considerable potential based on his college production.

The Clemson alum totaled three interceptions and 21 pass deflections during his three-year tenure at the school. Wiggins served as a starter over the 2022 and ’23 campaigns, and he was a first-team All-ACC selection this past season. The 6-2, 175-pounder faces questions based on his playing weight at the pro level, but his fluidity and length should allow him to carve out a role early on.

Baltimore has Marlon Humphrey in place as a cornerback starter, and Brandon Stephens had a surprisingly productive campaign opposite him in 2023. The latter is a pending free agent, so Wiggins could take on a first-team role if he were to depart next offseason. Even before that, Wiggins should be able to find playing time on special teams while rotating in the Ravens’ secondary during his rookie campaign.

The team also announced on Thursday that second-round offensive tackle Roger Rosengarten, fourth-round cornerback T.J. Tampa, and their seventh-rounder additions (center Nick Samac and safety Sanoussi Kane) have inked their respective rookie deals. That leaves Adisa Isaac, Devontez Walker, Rasheen Ali and Devin Leary as the prospects yet to put pen to paper.

Colts Exercise DE Kwity Paye’s Fifth-Year Option

May 2nd, 2024 at 2:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Kwity Paye will remain in the Colts’ plans for at least the next two years. The ascending edge rusher had his 2025 fifth-year option picked up on Thursday, per a team announcement.

Selected 21st overall, Paye was the third edge rusher to hear his name called in 2021. He has been a major factor in the Colts’ front seven since his rookie season, logging 43 games to date (all starts). The 25-year-old has seen his production increase incrementally each year, from four to six to 8.5 sacks.

Given the Colts’ preference for retaining their own, coupled with Paye’s durability and statistics, today’s move comes as no surprise. Qualifying for the lowest-valued option, the Michigan product will collect $13.4MM in 2025 barring a long-term extension being worked out before then. In the immediate future, he should remain a full-time starter in Indianapolis’ edge contingent.

Of course, that group saw a rather notable addition this weekend. During the first round of the 2024 draft, the Colts became the first team to select a defensive player. They added edge rusher Laiatu Latu 15th overall, providing the team with a high-upside prospect (albeit one with a notable injury history). Latu and Paye will be an intriguing young pairing along the edge for at least the next two seasons.

With respect to veteran defensive ends, Indianapolis has 2023 addition Samson Ebukam attached to a $24MM deal. The team also retained Tyquan Lewis at the outset of free agency on a two-year, $12MM pact. The Colts extended defensive tackle DeForest Buckner recently, and he will remain a focal point of their pass rush along the interior.

Overall, Indianapolis ranked fifth in sacks last season despite no one player reaching double digits. That by-committee approach will continue moving forward, and Paye’s ability to continue progressing will be a key storyline for the team. Another career-year could set himself up for a notable payday, but even if that does not take place the option price will be somewhat reasonable given the top of the edge market. With Latu in place as a future starter, Paye’s performance in 2024 will be worth monitoring closely.

Packers To Decline Fifth-Year Option On CB Eric Stokes

May 2nd, 2024 at 2:18pm CST by Adam La Rose

A second fifth-year option decision has been made today. Just like the Titans with fellow corner Caleb Farley, the Packers will set Eric Stokes up for free agency next offseason. The latter will have his option declined, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

Stokes was an impactful starter right away upon entering the NFL, logging 14 starts. He recorded 55 stops, 14 pass deflections and one interception that year, showcasing his potential as a long-term mainstay in the Packers’ secondary. Things have not gone according to plan on the injury front since then, however.

The 25-year-old was shut down after nine games in 2022, and in the subsequent offseason he underwent knee and foot surgeries. When healthy near the start of this past season, the Packers’ depth at corner left him outside of the starting lineup. The trade sending Rasul Douglas away at the deadline appeared to open up a first-team role once again for Stokes, but the latter wound up back on injured reserve shortly after returning to action. He finished the campaign on IR for a second time.

In all, Stokes has been limited to just 12 games across the past two years. As such, it comes as little surprise the Packers will pass on his option. Picking it up would have cost a fully-guaranteed $12.47MM in 2025, a pricey figure considering the risk of further missed time. Green Bay also has a lucrative CB commitment on the books in the form of Jaire Alexander, who is under contract through 2026.

Slot man/returner Keisean Nixon is also attached to a $6MM-per-year deal, and the Packers will wait to see how the 2024 season turns out before investing further in Stokes. The Georgia alum will compete with the likes of Corey Ballentine, Robert Rochell and seventh-round rookie Kalen King for defensive snaps in 2024. If he manages to remain healthy, a season similar to that of his rookie campaign could set Stokes up for a strong free agent market and a notable deal from Green Bay or another team. His ability to deliver on that front will be a key storyline for the team this season.

Titans To Decline CB Caleb Farley’s Fifth-Year Option

May 2nd, 2024 at 2:02pm CST by Adam La Rose

Today marks the deadline on fifth-year option decisions, and the Titans are among the teams which had yet to make on call on their 2021 first-rounder. In the case of cornerback Caleb Farley, Tennessee will pass on the 2025 option, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports.

Farley entered the NFL with injury concerns, but his production in college (six interceptions, 19 pass deflections across the 2018 and ’19 seasons) nevertheless made him one of the more attractive defensive prospects in the class. So far at the pro level, the Virginia Tech product has been limited to just 12 contests; he missed the 2023 season in its entirety.

For that reason, today’s decision comes as little surprise. Picking up Farley’s option would have locked the Titans into a fully guaranteed 2025 salary of $12.47MM. Given his missed time, that commitment would have carried considerable risk. Instead, the 25-year-old will now enter the 2024 campaign knowing it represents his walk year. Farley has started only a pair of games to date, so attaining a first-team role will be a critical first step to establishing his value.

Tennessee has been active in drafting at the CB spot in recent years, selecting Kristian Fulton in the second round in 2020 before adding Farley to the mix. Fulton departed in free agency this offseason, leaving 2021 third-rounder Elijah Molden and 2022 second-rounder Roger McCreary to join Farley as in-house options at the position. Of course, the Titans have been busy in adding to their secondary recently, in part due to the shortcomings of their drafted players.

Tennessee added Chidobe Awuzie in free agency before – following a lengthy negotiation period – trading for Chiefs standout L’Jarius Sneed and subsequently extending him. Those veterans will be counted on as starters, meaning Farley will have a tall order in terms of earning a sizable role on defense even if he can remain healthy next season. Still, he possesses notable upside given his age and college pedigree, and a step forward in his development during the 2024 campaign will help his free agent stock considerably. As things stand now, though, the Titans are planning for a CB room without him in the near future.

Ezekiel Elliott Addresses Cowboys Reunion

May 2nd, 2024 at 11:48am CST by Adam La Rose

After a single season in New England, Ezekiel Elliott is back where his career began. The longtime Cowboys running back signed a one-year deal worth up to $3MM on Monday, and his comments reflecting on the agreement confirmed his desire to return to Dallas.

“This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here,” Elliott said (via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”

Leading up to the draft, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made it clear Elliott could be brought back regardless of if a rookie was added during the weekend. Especially with Dallas not selecting a running back, it came as no surprise the 28-year-old was brought back into the fold. Elliott played on a one-year deal with the Patriots in 2023, and he produced underwhelming rushing totals (642 yards on a 3.5 yards per carry average).

However, the former rushing champion noted that his knee is in better shape now than it was during his most recent Cowboys campaign. Elliott dealt with a torn PCL in 2022, a year in which he saw 231 carries (his fewest with Dallas) and ceded early-down work to Tony Pollard. The latter served as the Cowboys’ lead back in 2023 while playing on the franchise tag, but his free agent departure has created a vacancy atop the depth chart.

Jones has publicly stated he feels Elliott can still operate as a lead back based on his performance in New England. The Ohio State product took over that role once Rhamondre Stevenson was injured, and his 51 receptions led the Patriots’ low-powered offense. Elliott recorded 313 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air, and that production could help him earn playing time on third downs in addition to his short-yardage abilities.

“I feel like I’m still a starter,” Elliott added, echoing Jones’ comments. “I got the chance to start down the stretch last year. I felt comfortable in that role. I looking forward to doing what I need to do for this team.”

Dallas also has Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis as other running backs in place for the time being. Elliott provides far more experience than that trio in addition to his familiarity with the organization. The Cowboys have yet to unveil their UDFA class, one which could include one or more backfield options. The team has $5.25MM in cap space (a figure which will drop once its rookie class is signed), meaning another veteran addition could be made. In Elliott’s case, though, both team and player are enthusiastic about the potential brought about by their reunion.

Patriots Sign K Joey Slye

May 2nd, 2024 at 11:01am CST by Adam La Rose

Joey Slye has not needed to wait long to find a new employer. The veteran kicker has an agreement in place with the Patriots, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports. The team has since announced the move.

Slye was let go by the Jaguars on Tuesday. Jacksonville – which already rostered Riley Patterson – was one of the teams which added a kicker during the draft, making Slye expendable. The latter is a veteran of 78 games, however, and he will provide experienced competition for Chad Ryland in training camp.

Selected in the fourth round of the 2023 draft, Ryland had an underwhelming rookie season. The 24-year-old connected on only 64% of his field goal attempts, including just five of 10 kicks from between 40 and 49 yards. Ryland did miss only one of his 25 extra point attempts, but his 2023 performance did not compare well with that of Nick Folk, whom New England released last offseason.

Ryland is still under contract for three more years on his rookie pact, but teams often move quickly in terms of finding replacements at the kicker position when it is deemed necessary. Slye, 28, could step in as the team’s preferred option depending on how he fares during training camp and the preseason. The former UDFA has experience with the Panthers, Texans and 49ers, but much of his regular season action has come with the Commanders.

Slye spent six games in Washington during the 2021 season, and he went 12-for-12 on field goals in that span. That earned him an extended stay in the nation’s capital, and he remained the team’s full-time kicker in 2022 and ’23. Slye saw his accuracy drop to 83.3% then 79.2% over the past two seasons, though, and the Commanders added Brandon McManus in free agency. That left Slye on the move to Jacksonville before the draft, but he will now turn his attention to earning a roster spot in New England.

Chiefs Not Pursuing Post-Draft Free Agent Additions

May 2nd, 2024 at 9:39am CST by Adam La Rose

The period immediately following the draft often entails a number of veterans finding new homes. The Chiefs are positioned to make at least one notable addition with respect to a free agent still on the market, but that should not be expected at this time.

“We accomplished a lot between the free agency period and the draft,” Chiefs general manager Brett Veach said when speaking to reporters (via Jesse Newell of the Kansas City Star). “And now I think we’ll have a chance to really evaluate these young guys, and evaluate these new players we brought in on our 90-man signings right after the season and with the undrafted free agent guys we got. So we’ll have a chance to evaluate this team.”

Entering the draft, receiver and offensive tackle were widely seen as the team’s most pressing roster needs. Moving up the board on both occasions, the Chiefs landed wideout Xavier Worthy on Day 1 then tackle Kingsley Suamataia in the second round of the draft. Both players figure to have at least a depth role on offense as rookies, and that will especially be true if Kansas City decides against bringing in veteran competition.

Veach added that new deals for Donovan Smith (who was a full-time starter on the blindside when healthy in 2023) and Mecole Hardman (who served as a complementary wideout upon returning to Kansas City after being traded by the Jets) are not currently under consideration. Both players are among the more experienced options at their respective positions still on the market, and it will be interesting to see if interest from outside teams picks up in the comings days and weeks.

“If we need to go in a different direction before training camp, we will,” Veach added. “But I think now, we’re excited with where the roster is, and look forward to the final OTA periods… For right now, I think we’re going to let these young guys go out there and see what they can do and how much they can absorb.”

The two-time defending champions currently have just over $16MM in cap space, so even after their draft class is signed the team will have the flexibility to make additions. Kansas City’s roster sits at 81 (out of an offseason maximum of 90), and as such a healthy number of UDFAs will be incoming. Veteran pickups could remain on the table depending on how the summer takes shape, but any notable signings would come as a surprise based on Veach’s comments.

Giants, WR Darius Slayton Discussing Contract Resolution

May 2nd, 2024 at 8:52am CST by Adam La Rose

Darius Slayton is away from the Giants’ offseason program as he angles for a new contract. He was in attendance at the annual Gridiron Gala in New York, though, and while there he provided an update on where things stand with he and the team.

“Right now, my agent [Michael Perrett] and [general manager] Joe [Schoen], they’re in negotiations. They’re talking,” Slayton said (via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). “Hopefully we’ll come to a resolution here soon.”

Slayton re-signed with the Giants last offseason on a two-year, $12MM deal. A $2.6MM roster bonus has already been paid out, and the 27-year-old is due a base salary of $2.5MM for the 2024 campaign. An adjustment to the deal or an extension could increase Slayton’s security beyond the coming season, and the latter move would likely lower his 2024 cap hit ($8.15MM).

Schoen said prior to the draft that no talks with Slayton’s camp were ongoing, so this update marks a notable departure from that stance. The Giants used their top draft pick on a wideout (LSU’s Malik Nabers), a move which has the potential to provide the team with a true No. 1 at the position. Schoen noted, however, that Nabers’ addition will have no impact on New York’s intentions with respect to Slayton.

The latter is “confident” a resolution will arrive before training camp, and it will be interesting to see if negotiations produce an agreement in the coming days or weeks. Slayton recorded a team-leading 770 yards and four touchdowns on 50 receptions in 2023, with his catch total matching his career high. Expectations will be elevated for the Giants’ passing game this season regardless of who is under center, and Nabers’ presence could lower Slayton’s role on offense. Still, he figures to be a key figure for New York moving forward, and a new deal would add clarity to his future.

Drew Lock In Play To Win Giants’ Starting QB Job?

May 1st, 2024 at 10:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

Giants GM Joe Schoen has repeatedly indicated Daniel Jones is on track to return by training camp and reprise his role as the team’s starting quarterback. The team also showed tremendous confidence in the rehabbing QB by using the No. 6 overall pick to draft Malik Nabers, doing so despite extensive work on this year’s passer class.

Jones’ resume doubles as an unusual one for a quarterback on track for a sixth year as a team’s starter, but the party line (and Jones’ contract) centers around that being the Giants’ path. However, more rumblings about a QB competition are coming out. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah said during his Move the Sticks podcast (h/t the New York Post’s Ryan Dunleavy) Drew Lock holds a legitimate chance to win that starting job.

The Giants thoroughly scouted this year’s QB class, being closely linked to both Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy and hosting the likes of Bo Nix and Spencer Rattler on “30” visits along with the recent North Carolina and Michigan starters. The value did not align for the Giants at No. 6, with a clear line of demarcation forming between Maye and the next tier at the position. That led to the team offering the Patriots Nos. 6 and 47, along with a 2025 first-rounder for No. 3 overall. As it stands, the Giants remain a Jones-centric operation.

“Yeah, for me, I said it in January after the season. Expectation was Daniel would be our starter and we brought Drew Lock in to be his backup and Tommy [DeVito] has been the backup,” Schoen said, via ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan. “So that’s where we are and that’s how we’ll move forward this season. Daniel is still under contract for three more years. As it sits today, that is where we are.”

Certainly not a ringing Jones endorsement, Schoen’s comments come after Seahawks GM John Schneider said the Giants dangled the carrot of giving Lock a chance to compete for the starting job. Lock could well vie for playing time when Jones is healthy, the New York Daily News’ Pat Leonard adds.

Schoen’s assessment also points to a second “prove it” year for the 2019 No. 6 overall pick. Jones, 26, responded well to such a challenge in 2022, piloting a moderately talented Giants team to a surprising divisional-round run. But he fared poorly before going down last season, doing so after receiving $81MM guaranteed at signing. That deal guarantees Jones’ $35.5MM base salary this season. After this year, the Giants can move on without too much in the way of dead money.

The Giants’ QB research project pitted this year’s class against Jones and Lock, and Jeremiah adds Maye provided the cutoff point. The team used Lock as a central comparison tool while evaluating this year’s class, per Jeremiah, who said the former second-round pick has a “really good shot” of winning the Giants’ job. Given the team’s 2023 commitment to Jones, it would be borderline shocking if Lock — who signed a one-year, $5MM deal in March — beat him out. On the whole, however, Jones has not given the Giants what they hoped for in an Eli Manning successor. And just about everything went wrong for the five-year starter last season.

A March report indicated the Giants’ QB search largely hinged on a lack of confidence Jones could stay healthy. Jones’ health history also is believed to have partially influenced Lock’s decision to sign with the Giants. Two neck injuries — one of which requiring a 2022 surgery — have hindered the scrutinized starter, and he will not be full-go until at least training camp. That will open the door to Lock offseason starter reps. Those could be important, if this is to become a genuine competition.

Chosen 36 spots after Jones in 2019, Lock lost a competition with Geno Smith in 2022 and did not threaten the latter’s job security last year. The former Broncos draftee has proven erratic when given extended run as a starter. Lock led the NFL in INTs during his last full-season starter run (2020), doing so despite only finishing 12 games. He also played the lead role in sinking the Broncos in 2021, starting the team’s final three games (all losses) after entering a Week 15 contest with the team at 7-6. Lock, 27, did play well in a start against the Eagles last year, leading a game-winning drive. Of course, the Eagles’ defense was on the brink of a full-on collapse at that point.

It would be interesting to see the Giants bail on Jones as their starter just as they have given him a No. 1-caliber wide receiver prospect; the team’s previous hopes at doing so failed miserably. But Jones has just one top-half QBR finish (2022) and one season with more than 15 TD passes (2019). He should be considered on the hot seat. The Giants also would owe an additional $12MM in injury guarantees if Jones is unable to pass a physical by the start of the 2025 league year.

Moving parts exist here, and while it would surprise if Lock received the call based on his past and the Giants’ Jones investment, this could be a storyline to monitor soon.

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