5 Key Stories: 7/21/24 – 7/28/24

With training camps opening around the league, a number of big-ticket extensions were finalized in recent days. Not every player eligible for a new deal has one in hand at this point, though, leading to a few high-profile holdouts. In case you missed any of the top developments from the past week, here is a quick recap:

  • Packers Extend Love, Clark: Green Bay’s first few training camp practices did not involve quarterback Jordan Love taking part as he and the team continued to negotiate an extension. Shortly after reports indicated progress was being made, the parties agreed to a four-year, $220MM deal. Love, 25, parlayed his strong second half showing from last year into an accord including a practical guarantee of just over $140MM which will keep him in place through 2028. The 2020 first-rounder now sits in a tie for the lead in terms of annual average compensation ($55MM). Prior the Love deal, the Packers finalized a three-year, $64MM extension with Kenny Clark. The latter is positioned to remain the focal point of Green Bay’s defensive interior, as he has been for much of his eight-year career. Clark earned his third Pro Bowl nod in 2023 after recording a personal best seven sacks, and continued production will be expected of him for years to come.
  • Dolphins Finalize Tagovailoa Extension: Hours before the Love deal was in place, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins reached agreement on another QB mega-deal. Miami’s starter is set to collect just over $212MM in new money on his extension, one which is believed to consist of a three-year commitment in terms of guaranteed compensation. Tagovailoa is therefore set to remain in place through 2027 at a minimum as he aims to duplicate his 2023 success. While staying healthy for a full campaign, the 26-year-old led the league in passing and received his first Pro Bowl invitation last season. Miami will be counting on continued health and production under center while attempting to achieve more consistency on offense and take a step forward from last year’s wild-card exit. Tagovailoa will be a central aspect of those efforts for the foreseeable future.
  • Darrisaw Agrees To Market-Topping Vikings Deal: Two years remain on Christian Darrisaw’s rookie contract with the Vikings opting to pick up his fifth-year option this spring. Team and player worked out a long-term arrangement well before free agency, though, agreeing to a four-year extension worth $104MM. The $26MM AAV of the pact moves Darrisaw (who will collect at least $43.73MM in guarantees) to the top of the pecking order amongst blindside protectors. Penei Sewell’s Lions deal is the most lucrative tackle contract in the league, but Darrisaw will be counted on to remain a foundational member of Minnesota’s offensive core for the long-term future. The 25-year-old is on the books through 2029.
  • Jaguars Extend Campbell: Jacksonville worked out extensions for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen earlier this offseason, and cornerback Tyson Campbell became the latest to secure a long-term investment. The latter signed a four-year, $76.5MM extension, making him the highest-paid corner amongst those without a Pro Bowl appearance. Campbell has been a full-time starter during his three years as a Jaguar, and his ball production from 2021-22 helped his value considerably. The 24-year-old struggled in coverage last year in particular, but the team has nevertheless ensured he will remain a key member of the secondary for the long-term future. The Jags are aiming to bounce back from last season’s second half collapse, and Campbell’s performance in 2024 will go a long way in determining their success in that regard.
  • 49ers’ Williams, Cowboys’ Lamb Staging Training Camp Holdouts: A few veterans have elected to skip the beginning of their respective teams’ training camps and incur daily fines along the way. Haason Reddick (Jets) is one of them, as is 49ers left tackle Trent Williams. Three years remain on the latter’s contract, but he is now seeking a raise. Williams, 36, has performed as expected during his four San Francisco campaigns, earning first-team All-Pro honors each of the past three years. The future Hall of Famer is due over $77MM over the next three years, but none of his remaining salaries are guaranteed. CeeDee Lamb, meanwhile, has followed through on his expected approach of skipping camp until he secures a monster extension. Dallas has other financial priories, but getting Lamb on the books at or near the top of the WR market is a key one. The Cowboys have a new offer in place, so a resolution could be reached soon.
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