With OTAs continuing around the NFL, teams and players have plenty of opportunities to discuss contract maters. In a number of cases, that has seen agreements on new deals reached. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:
- Dolphins Extend Waddle: With his fifth-year option having been picked up, Jaylen Waddle was already tied to the Dolphins through 2025. As the team hoped, though, an agreement was reached on a long-term pact. Miami’s young 1,000-yard wideout secured a four-year, $87.5MM deal. The extension includes $76MM guaranteed, with plenty of base compensation locked in at signing and shortly thereafter. The 25-year-old has proven to work well in tandem with Tyreek Hill, and he now sits fourth in the NFL in terms of receiver AAV. Waddle profiles as a focal point on offense for years to come despite Hill’s presence. In the wake of further upward movement at the top of the position’s market, meanwhile, the latter is angling for a new Dolphins deal of his own.
- Collins Lands Texans Extension: Shortly before the Waddle deal, Nico Collins inked a Texans extension also making him one of the league’s top earners amongst receivers. Following a breakout season in 2023, he signed a three-year accord with a base value of $72.5MM. The former third-rounder is part of an offense which features Tank Dell and offseason trade acquisition Stefon Diggs, meaning there will considerable competition for targets in 2024. Still, Collins, 25, will be expected to produce after he posted 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns during C.J. Stroud’s debut season. With the latter on his rookie deal for the coming years, the Texans have acted aggressively with respect to investments at the offensive skill positions, and Collins represents a key figure in that effort.
- Love Set To Approach Top Of Market With Packers Deal? The Packers entered 2023 with Jordan Love at the helm despite his inexperience. The former first-rounder put forth a strong showing in the latter half of the campaign, though, helping his market value on a long-term deal. Love is reportedly expected to land a Packers extension near the top of the quarterback market, which would entail an annual average value of more than $50MM. The 25-year-old is under contract for 2024 as a result of the bridge deal which replaced his fifth-year option, but the $11MM it calls for falls well short of what he will be earning on his next pact. Green Bay’s offense (filled with a young skill position corps) will hinge on Love’s development for years to come if the team can reach its stated goal of working out a lucrative agreement.
- 49ers Extend Jennings: The 49ers’ receiver room received some short-term clarity with Jauan Jennings signing a two-year deal worth up to $15.4MM. The pact – which includes $10.5MM guaranteed – takes the place of his 2024 RFA tender and ensures he will remain in San Francisco to continue his role as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have frequently been mentioned in trade speculation this offseason, although the team appears content to retain both wideouts for at least one more year. Jennings, 26, has proven to be a consistent complementary option in the passing game while serving as a strong run blocker during his time in the Bay Area. That will continue on a cost-effective basis compared to what Aiyuk and Samuel will require if they are to be retained beyond 2024.
- Watt Also Considering Steelers For Comeback: After spending the past season as a broadcaster, J.J Watt led it be known he would be willing to play for the Texans in 2024. Such a development would see the future Hall of Fame defensive end reunite with former teammate DeMeco Ryans, Houston’s head coach. Watt is also open to returning to the field with the Steelers, though. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year did not play in Pittsburgh before his retirement, but a deal sending him there would allow him to play with his brother T.J. Watt. The latter has a DPOY award of his own and he is under contract as the focal point of the Steelers’ edge rush for two more seasons. The elder Watt, 35, has made it clear a return is possible just for the coming season and only if injuries force Houston or Pittsburgh into an unwanted roster position. Still, the potential for a comeback makes for an interesting storyline.