HEADLINES

Month: November 2024

Latest On 49ers’ RB Depth

June 15th, 2024 at 12:50pm CST by Ben Levine

Christian McCaffrey‘s recent two-year extension with the 49ers all but assures that he’ll be on the roster through at least the 2026 season. However, there’s uncertainty surrounding the future of the team’s other RBs, and that likely influenced the front office’s approach to the offseason.

[RELATED: 49ers Extend RB Christian McCaffrey]

Elijah Mitchell (unrestricted) and Jordan Mason (restricted) are both set to hit free agency after the season. The duo’s expiring contracts ended up influencing the 49ers’ decision to trade up for fourth-round RB Isaac Guerendo and sign UDFA Cody Schrader, per ESPN’s Nick Wagoner.

Mitchell once seemed poised to take over the starting RB gig in San Francisco, as he collected 1,100 yards from scrimmage as a rookie. However, injuries limited him to only 16 games across the past two years, and with McCaffrey leading the depth chart, Mitchell has compiled only 581 yards over that two-year span. Mason, meanwhile, has averaged 5.6 yards on his 83 carries, and Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle writes that the RB is a likely lock to make the 2024 squad.

Considering his draft status, Guerendo is also probably a lock to make the roster. After peaking with 500 yards at Wisconsin in 2022, the RB took it to another level at Louisville in 2023, collecting 1,044 yards from scrimmage and 11 touchdowns. Schrader, a Missouri product, is probably destined for the practice squad, although he should be in line for a larger role in 2025. The odd man out in this equation would likely be Patrick Taylor, who got into 34 games with the Packers between 2021 and 2023.

While McCaffrey has been able to put together two-straight healthy seasons, the 49ers will surely be wary of his workload as he enters his age-28 season. With $24MM guaranteed over the next two seasons, the 49ers will want to be careful with their offensive star…which will put even more reliance on the rest of the team’s RB depth.

Bills LB Matt Milano “Limited” Participant At Minicamp

June 15th, 2024 at 9:41am CST by Ben Levine

Matt Milano‘s leg injury was expected to keep him off the practice field until training camp, but the veteran linebacker was able to put in some work during this week’s minicamp. Coach Sean McDermott told reporters (including Tyler Dunne of GoLongTD.com) that Milano was a limited participant at last week’s practice.

While Milano isn’t all the way back to full strength, this is still an encouraging update. McDermott noted that Milano would spend most of minicamp doing individual work. The linebacker is officially considered “day-to-day,” and there’s hope he’ll be a full participant by the time training camp kicks off. Even then, McDermott cautioned that the team may bring the veteran along slowly as he returns from a broken leg.

“One day at a time,” McDermott said (via Matthew Fairburn and Tim Graham of The Athletic), “and hopefully tomorrow, if overnight things stay managed, then we’ll continue to build through the break that we’re going to go on. Then, hopefully in training camp, he’s at a spot where, when we open up, he’s available. It’s just a matter of … trying to put practices back to back”

We heard previously that Milano was on schedule with his recovery but it was “probably going to be more closer to training camp until” he sees the field again. The fact that the linebacker is getting a head start could only be seen as a positive for the Bills.

Milano suffered a broken leg during Buffalo’s trip to London last October. Prior to that, the seven-year veteran had collected 30 tackles, one forced fumble, and two interceptions in five games. This followed a standout 2022 campaign where Milano earned a first-team All-Pro nod after finishing with 99 tackles, three interceptions, and 11 passes defended.

With Milano temporarily absent from practices, the Bills could have given the likes of Dorian Williams, Baylon Spector, and rookie fifth-round pick Edefuan Ulofoshio more reps, but that trio is currently sidelined with their own injuries (per The Athletic).

Lions Expected To Sign UFL Kicker Jake Bates

June 15th, 2024 at 9:05am CST by Ely Allen

TODAY, 9:05am: Bates will be inking a two-year deal with the Lions, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

FRIDAY, 10:00pm: The NFL interest in UFL kicker Jake Bates has been no secret over the past several weeks. Bates has been taking the football world by storm in his season with the Michigan Panthers out of Detroit. Now, it’s seeming like he’ll get a chance to play for the city’s NFL team as Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 reports that the Lions are expected to add the big leg to their roster.

Bates signed with the Texans last year after going undrafted but was waived just prior to the preseason. This wasn’t extremely surprising as Bates didn’t kick any field goals in college. During time at Texas State and Arkansas, Bates was utilized singularly on kickoffs, using leg strength gained in two seasons of college soccer at Central Arkansas. Finding his place in the UFL, though, Bates has taken the football world by storm.

Bates started off the season extremely hot, making 15 of 18 field goal attempts, before eventually cooling off to end the season going 21-for-28 on field goals. While the initial accuracy was admirable, what really made an impression was his leg strength. Of his seven misses, five were from over 50 yards, yet he still ended the season seven-for-12 from long distance. Of those seven makes from 50+, three of those were from 60 yards or further.

The young kicker doesn’t shy away from the spotlight either. Two of his makes have been game-winners, including a career-long 64-yarder to open the season. His 64-yard make is second to only Justin Tucker‘s 66-yarder in Detroit’s stadium. He did miss a 53-yard game-winning attempt in the team’s regular season finale, though.

Bates has received interest from a few NFL teams, but because of his contract with the UFL squad, he was unable to sign with anyone until the team’s season came to an end. With Bates’ Panthers losing to the Birmingham Stallions last weekend, the window will soon open for Bates to sign. Wilson reports that any official deal won’t be signed until Tuesday of next week. Aside from the Lions, Bates recently visited the Packers and Commanders, per Wilson. The Ravens were also listed as a team of interest, and Wilson notes two other teams showed interest, as well.

Whenever Bates does arrive in Detroit, he will be in competition with the Lions’ incumbent kicker Michael Badgley. Badgley took over late in the season for Riley Patterson, who served as the team’s kicker for 13 games last year. In replacement duty, Badgely went four-for-four on field goal attempts, though he did miss two extra points. During the team’s run to the NFC Championship Game, Badgley was a perfect three-for-three on field goals and 11-for-11 on extra points. Despite this consistency, Badgley was rarely tested in big moments. Throughout the playoffs, head coach Dan Campbell repeatedly opted to go for it in long field goal scenarios.

The only other option currently on the roster is James Turner, an undrafted rookie from Michigan. A grad transfer for the Wolverines after four years at Louisville, Turner showed inconsistent production at the collegiate level. Turner missed eight field goals and two extra points in his sophomore season with the Cardinals. He never made more than 20 field goals in a season and only had a career-long of 50 yards, so he may not be the answer to Campbell’s hesitation from long distance.

That answer could come, though, in the form of Bates. With his first opportunity to placekick last year, Bates caught everyone’s attention with early accuracy, a strong leg, and a clutch ability in big moments. If he can carry that early success into his first NFL season, he should stand a solid chance at beating out Badgley and Turner for the job in 2024.

Latest On Chase Young’s Recovery From Neck Surgery

June 15th, 2024 at 9:01am CST by Ben Levine

Chase Young got a positive update on his recovery from neck surgery. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Saints defensive end “received a positive report” during a check-up with “renowned neck specialist” Dr. Robert Watkins.

[RELATED: Chase Young’s Neck Injury Affected 2023 Trade Market]

The plan is for Young to undergo more tests in about six weeks, which would bring us to the end of July/the beginning of August. Fowler notes that Young intends to participate in Saints training camp, which opens in California on July 24.

Young’s neck issues date back to last year’s preseason, when the former second-overall pick suffered a stinger that ultimately forced him to miss the regular-season opener. Young didn’t miss another game for the rest of the 2023 campaign, although the lingering injury reportedly affected his trade market. The impending free agent was eventually traded from the Commanders to the 49ers for a third-round pick, with Young getting into 12 games (including postseason) for his new squad. The player went under the knife after the season.

The Saints ended up snagging the edge rusher in free agency, giving him a one-year deal that could be worth up to $13MM if the free agent acquisition can stay healthy. Of course, that’s easier said than done. After earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors, Young suffered a knee injury that derailed his 2021 and 2022 seasons. He rebounded nicely in 2023, finishing with 7.5 sacks, but it doesn’t sound like the veteran is completely past his injury struggles.

While the Saints were clearly banking on Young’s upside, the acquisition will surely test the team’s depth. Saints stalwart Cameron Jordan underwent surgery earlier this year to address a significant ankle injury, although the veteran was able to participate a bit in this week’s practices. The team does still have Carl Granderson on the edge, with the former UDFA coming off a career season. 2021 first-round pick Payton Turner and 2023 second-round pick Isaiah Foskey are also competing for depth spots.

Latest On Extension Talks Between Packers, Jordan Love

June 14th, 2024 at 10:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

Trevor Lawrence became the latest quarterback in the $50MM-per-year club by agreeing to his monster Jaguars extension. Jordan Love may be the next ascending signal-caller to join him in that regard.

The latter is well past the 12-month mark since his bridge deal was signed last offseason. That one-year extension took the place of his fifth-year option as Love took over for Green Bay on a full-time basis. The 2020 first-rounder helped guide the Packers to the divisional round of the playoffs, and a lucrative long-term investment is now the expected outcome of negotiations this offseason.

General manager Brian Gutekunst recently confirmed the team’s preference to work out a deal before training camp opens next month. It is clear that feeling is mutual based on Love’s remarks on the subject. When asked about his looming deal, the 25-year-old said he is optimistic an agreement will be reached in time for camp. He added he expects contract talks to pick up in the coming days with minicamp having taken place (h/t ESPN’s Rob Demovsky).

Lawrence’s deal matches Joe Burrow‘s in terms of average annual value ($55MM). Love has been named as another candidate to approach that figure, but at a minimum he should manage to become the seventh quarterback to reach the $50MM plateau. The Utah State product had only one start to his name before the 2023 campaign, one in which he endured expected growing pains. The close of the regular season and the playoffs eliminated doubt on the team’s part that a mega-pact would be worthwhile, though.

Love finished second in the NFL in touchdown passes (32) and seventh in yards (4,159) last season, providing reason to believe he can guide a young Packers offense to similar success moving forward. He is due $11MM for 2024 as things stand, but that will change dramatically if a deal is worked out in short order. Given the public stances of both team and player in this case, it would not come as a surprise if Love opened training camp with a new deal in hand.

Steelers’ Cameron Heyward Open To 2025 Free Agent Departure

June 14th, 2024 at 9:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

It has become clear this offseason that Cameron Heyward is seeking a new deal from the Steelers. If an extension agreement is not reached, he could enter the 2025 offseason as a free agent.

Heyward is due a $16MM base salary this season, the final year of his $65.5MM 2020 contract. The reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year winner has spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh, and he hopes to remain with the Steelers for years to come. No hometown discount should be expected, though, which leaves open the possibility of an agreement not being reached in time for the start of the season.

In that case, the 35-year-old would play out the 2024 campaign as a walk year. His latest comments on his future confirm he is immediately focused on the coming season, one which will be critical in establishing his value. Heyward saw his production drop in an injury-shortened 2023 slate, and multiple core muscle surgeries have taken place aimed at providing the opportunity for a rebound. A strong showing this year would help boost Heyward’s stock on a new Steelers accord or one sending him elsewhere.

“I have talked to my wife, and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else,” the three-time All-Pro said, via The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly (subscription required). “If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it. But I am still enjoying the ride here this year.”

Heyward is seeking a two-year extension, something which would greatly strengthen his chances of playing out his full NFL tenure as a Steeler. That could, of course, still wind up being the case. His comment certainly points to an openness to exploring the market, though, meaning the progress of negotiations during the summer will be an interesting storyline to follow.

Pittsburgh has a mix of veterans (Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry) and recent draft additions (DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton, Logan Lee) along the defensive interior. Heyward will have a large role to play once again in 2024 as the leader of that group, but whether or not that will double as his final Pittsburgh campaign remains to be seen.

Commanders Wrap Up Draft Class Signings

June 14th, 2024 at 9:44pm CST by Ely Allen

Shortly after signing the quarterback they drafted No. 2 overall, the Commanders wrapped up the contract work for the rest of their rookie draft class today, as well. Per Nicki Jhabvala of the Washinton Post, Washington signed second-round tight end Ben Sinnott and third-round offensive tackle Brandon Coleman to their rookie contracts today, completing their rookie signings for this year.

Despite being projected for the fourth-round (Dane Brugler of The Athletic had him ranked as the sixth-best tight end prospect in 2024), Sinnott was the second tight end taken off the board as a second-round pick. This was just the latest example of Sinnott outperforming expectations. Coming out of high school, Sinnott had only one FCS offer but opted to walk on at Kansas State.

Sinnott’s value comes in his versatility. Made in the mold of the sparingly used H-back role, Sinnott played all over the field for the Wildcats, winning the NCAA’s Lowman Trophy (awarded to the top fullback in the nation) while leading his team in receiving yards. With veteran Zach Ertz reuniting with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury after both spent time in Arizona, Sinnott has a chance to learn from one of the better tight ends of the previous generation and provide a separate look as TE2 on the roster.

Coleman was a three-year starter at TCU splitting time between the guard and tackle spots on the left side of the line. His first year as a starter saw him start eight games at guard, he started all 15 games of the 2022 season at left tackle, and he played four games at guard and seven games at tackle in his final collegiate season. His efforts last year earned him second-team All-Big 12 honors.

Coleman may have a lot asked of him in his rookie year. The Commanders allowed Sam Howell to be the most-sacked quarterback in the league last year, yet they only used one draft pick on the offensive line and waited until the third round to do it. They did bring in two free agents to likely start at center and right guard, but the left tackle starting job remains open for competition after the team released Charles Leno. The new coaching staff has refused to place that pressure directly on Coleman’s shoulders this early, but the former Horned Frog will certainly be in the competition for the job with Cornelius Lucas and Trent Scott.

Here’s a breakdown of Commanders 2024 rookie draft class, now including their latest signees:

Minor NFL Transactions: 6/14/24

June 14th, 2024 at 6:41pm CST by Ely Allen

Friday’s minor NFL transactions:

Jacksonville Jaguars

Los Angeles Chargers

  • Signed: WR Praise Olatoke

New Orleans Saints

Olatake joins the Chargers offense as a member of the league’s International Player Pathway Program. Born in Nigeria, Olatoke was raised in Scotland before attending Ohio State as a sprinter in track and field. Olatoke clearly possesses next level speed, earning first-team All-Big Ten honors while posting a 10.27-second 100-meter dash time, but doesn’t have much competitive football experience. In fact, the Olatoke’s only experience playing football was on the Ohio State club team. Truly an inspiration for club players everywhere.

Brewer lands on injured reserve but does so without an injury designation. If Brewer plans to play in the backup role he held last year, he’ll now need to reach an injury settlement with the team in order to do so.

Patriots, Rhamondre Stevenson Progressing On Extension

June 14th, 2024 at 5:36pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Bill Belichick-run Patriots operation did not place considerable value on the running back position. A few New England regulars received their paydays elsewhere during the legendary coach/GM’s stay. As the team transitions to an Eliot Wolf-led front office, it appears they are at least giving strong consideration to extending their starting RB.

Rhamondre Stevenson confirmed this by indicating he viewed an extension as close, and while the deal is not done, The Athletic’s Jeff Howe notes the sides are making progress (subscription required). Although an extension could be on the horizon, the 2021 fourth-round pick remains in a contract year.

New England did prioritize the pass-catching RB position during Tom Brady‘s tenure, forging long-running partnerships with Kevin Faulk and James White. Though, the team did not retain Danny Woodhead or Shane Vereen in between. Stevan Ridley also left New England after his rookie contract. Ditto BenJarvus Green-Ellis and Damien Harris, though Stevenson had effectively usurped the latter by the time his rookie deal expired. LeGarrette Blount left for Pittsburgh but returned on a low-cost deal. Corey Dillon provided an exception, being extended (five years, $17.5MM) early in Belichick’s tenure.

The NFL’s RB landscape has changed considerably since that Dillon deal (2005). Christian McCaffrey‘s recent extension (two years, $38MM) topped his own position-record number, which had stood since April 2020. Most of the teams who rostered a high-priced RB as of 2023 have moved on from that player or agreed to a pay cut. The past several months have provided some hope for impact backs, with the likes of Jonathan Taylor and Saquon Barkley scoring more than $26MM guaranteed in total. Stevenson, however, has not shown himself to be on that tier. That will make extension numbers — should they indeed emerge — interesting to view.

Excluding All-Pro-level backs and the host of veterans who signed one-year deals this offseason, the contracts given to D’Andre Swift and Tony Pollard may prove relevant to the Patriots-Stevenson negotiations. The Bears gave Swift a three-year, $24MM deal that includes $14MM guaranteed in full. The Titans’ Pollard deal is less player-friendly, covering three years and $21.75MM and guaranteeing the five-year Cowboy $10.49MM at signing.

Despite coming into the NFL a year later, Stevenson (26) is a year older than Swift. He showed considerable promise in a poor Patriots offense in 2022 by totaling 1,461 scrimmage yards. He ranked ninth in Next Gen Stats’ rushing yards over expected metric that season. Being asked to play alongside Ezekiel Elliott last year, Stevenson took a step back (857 scrimmage yards) and missed the final five games of the season with a high ankle sprain. Considering Stevenson’s resume, David Montgomery–Miles Sanders territory (in the $6MM AAV range) may apply as the Patriots consider a second-contract compromise.

“You know, we’ll see,” Jerod Mayo said of an extension, via the Boston Sports Journal’s Mike Giardi. “I will say this about Rhamondre: I think he’s one of the better backs in the league, no doubt about it. I think over the last few years, it’s been kind of tough on him, as far as getting started. So, I’m excited to see what he does this season. And look, he’s earned everything that he gets. He is our starting running back, and hopefully, we do get something done.”

The Pats added pass-catching back Antonio Gibson on a three-year, $11.25MM deal that includes $5.3MM guaranteed up front. Stevenson’s second contract will come in above that place, but it is worth wondering how much higher this new Pats regime will go for the fourth-year back. Wolf has made a point to reward in-house players this offseason, re-signing the likes of Michael Onwenu, Kyle Dugger, Josh Uche and Kendrick Bourne. It looks like Stevenson will have the chance to stay in Foxborough beyond 2024, though some work remains.

Rams Contacted Jets, Vikings About Round 1 Trade-Up

June 14th, 2024 at 4:29pm CST by Sam Robinson

Known for trading first-round picks for veteran talent since returning to Los Angeles, the Rams finally used their allotted selection on a college performer this year by drafting Florida State’s Jared Verse at No. 19. But this came after reports of the team trying to climb into the top 10.

A pre-draft report indicated the Rams were interested in moving into the top 10, and Georgia’s Brock Bowers was believed to be the team’s target. The Rams have Tyler Higbee coming off a late-season ACL tear, with Hunter Long having undergone MCL surgery shortly before that. The team signed Colby Parkinson in free agency, but Bowers certainly would have represented a splashier piece in Sean McVay‘s offense.

The Rams targeted the Jets with a trade-up effort. Not seeking one of the quarterbacks still on the board, the Jets eventually used their position to squeeze an extra fourth-round pick from the QB-needy Vikings. That J.J. McCarthy-centered transaction came after GM Joe Douglas took a call from Rams counterpart Les Snead. A recent look into the Rams’ draft process (h/t The33rdTeam.com’s Ari Meirov) points to Snead offering Nos. 19 and 52 to the Jets for No. 10.

Snead revealed Douglas was not interested in moving down from 10 to 19. That drop likely would have taken the Jets out of the running for the player they eventually grabbed at 11 — Penn State tackle Olu Fashanu. Following the Jets-Vikings trade, the Rams came back with an offer that included Nos. 19, 52 and third- and sixth-round picks for No. 11, Meirov adds. While would have brought an interesting haul for the Jets, the team’s decision to pass shows its level of interest in Fashanu, who became this year’s third tackle chosen.

The Rams’ call was also interesting due to the pre-draft Jets-Bowers connections that developed. The Jets hosted the Georgia tight end on a “30” visit following his clearance from ankle surgery, and pre-draft reports suggested Gang Green stood as the floor for the three-year SEC standout. The Jets also were believed to be interested in adding another wide receiver to the mix, but after the Bears took Washington’s Rome Odunze at No. 9, the team — which had also been linked to trading down — made a deal with the Vikings and still landed Fashanu at 11.

Fashanu joins March pickups Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses in a Jets tackle group that promises to be deeper than last season’s contingent, while Verse will join ex-Seminoles teammate Braden Fiske — whom the Rams acquired after completing a second-round trade-up effort (via the Panthers) — in a group effort to replace the retired Aaron Donald.

McVay also called ex-assistant Kevin O’Connell about a move to No. 11, but the eighth-year Los Angeles HC was fairly sure the Vikings — after a run of QB work and extensive rumors leading up to the draft — would stay and pick McCarthy were he still on the board at 11.

It certainly would have been interesting to see the Rams equip Matthew Stafford with a dynamic tight end. The Rams have obviously enjoyed sustained success under McVay, but they have not employed a Pro Bowl tight end during the Super Bowl-winning HC’s tenure. Though, Higbee has put together multiple productive seasons. Going down in the Rams’ wild-card loss, Higbee will not be ready for training camp. It would not surprise to see the ninth-year veteran land on the reserve/PUP list to start the season.

The Falcons’ Michael Penix Jr. pick at No. 8 halted any Broncos trade-down interest as well. Sean Payton‘s interest in adding Bo Nix effectively cut off the Rams’ options re: Bowers. The Raiders will attempt to make good use out of a Bowers-Michael Mayer tandem, having made a best-player-available choice — after six QBs went off the board before their No. 13 overall slot — to bring in this draft’s top TE.

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