HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Jordan Love Will Not Participate In Packers’ Training Camp Without Deal

July 22nd, 2024 at 10:51pm CST by Adam La Rose

Jordan Love and the Packers have yet to reach agreement on an extension. To little surprise, the ascending quarterback will not take part in training camp practices before a deal is in hand.

Love’s camp informed Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst on Sunday that he would not take the field until an extension agreement is reached (h/t Jason Wilde of the Wisconsin State Journal). Love will engage in a hold-in by attending camp and choosing not to take part in drills. The increasingly common strategy avoids fines being incurred, something which is the case for holdouts.

“I think so, but you never know,” Gutekunst said (via Wilde) when asked if a deal could be finalized in the near future. “We’re working really hard to get that done. It’s really important for us.”

Dianna Russini of The Athletic confirms both parties remain confident an agreement will be worked out shortly. Finances (as opposed to factors such as guarantees, term and cashflow) are believed to be the biggest remaining issue in this case as the Packers weigh the risks of a Love investment after less than one strong season of production against the cost of waiting for him to up his value further. When speaking publicly on Monday, Gutekunst noted (via Ryan Wood of the Green Bay Press-Gazette) the cap implications of a mega-deal is the primary cause in the ongoing delay.

Teams with major QB commitments on the books are indeed forced to make a number of important decisions at other positions. The Packers will still have a cost-effective offense at the receiver and tight end positions given their recent draft additions even when Love (due $10.5MM in salary this year) signs his next pact, but remaining flexible beyond 2024 is a major consideration on the team’s part. Nevertheless, Gutekunst’s remarks point to Love being the next signal-caller to land a lucrative new deal.

The 2020 first-rounder has long been expected to land an AAV above $50MM despite only taking over as starter at the start of last season. His strong finish to the campaign has put him firmly in Green Bay’s long-term plans, and both team and player remained hopeful an agreement would be in place before today. That has not proven to be the case, but Love remaining sidelined for practices could provide further incentive to get a deal over the finish line.

Bengals To ‘Try Hard’ To Complete Ja’Marr Chase Extension

July 22nd, 2024 at 9:55pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the deadline having passed for franchise tag recipient Tee Higgins to sign a long-term deal, he will play out the 2024 campaign ahead of an expected free agent departure next offseason. By that point, fellow Bengals receiver Ja’Marr Chase will likely have an extension in place.

The latter has played three years in the NFL, making him eligible for a second contract. With Cincinnati having made the obvious decision of picking up his fifth-year option, Chase is on the books through 2025. A multi-year commitment at or near the top of the receiver market is in the team’s plans, though.

When speaking to the media on Monday, Bengals owner and de facto GM Mike Brown said the team will “try hard” to ensure quarterback Joe Burrow is able to continue playing with his former LSU teammate for years to come (h/t Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer). Brown labeled Burrow as priority No. 1 for the franchise, something demonstrated by his $55MM-per-year extension signed last offseason. Chase, per Brown, is No. 2 on that list.

In spite of that remark, Brown notably added (via ESPN’s Ben Baby) a Chase mega-deal is not likely to be hammered out this summer. He said “the die has probably been cast” regarding an agreement not coming together until next offseason. It will be interesting to see if that stance alters negotiations once training camp opens.

The 24-year-old earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors in 2021, and he has received a Pro Bowl nod in each of his three Bengals campaigns. Chase has seen the market move to new heights this offseason, with Justin Jefferson landing $35MM per year on his Vikings accord. That pact – which Chase waited to be finalized before taking part in Bengals negotiations – is the most expensive one ever given to a non-quarterback. Chase skipped OTAs, but he did participate in mandatory minicamp, suggesting he could elect to avoid a training camp holdout this week.

Brown also confirmed (via Conway) Cincinnati is hoping to work out an extension with kicker Evan McPherson. The 2021 fifth-rounder has had a consistent start to his career, putting him on the radar for a multi-year deal keeping him in the fold beyond 2024. McPherson, 25, resides in a division featuring three of the highest-paid players at the position. Justin Tucker (Ravens), Dustin Hopkins (Browns) and Chris Boswell (Steelers) are among the nine kickers attached to a deal averaging at least $5MM per year. The Bengals would likely need to make the Florida product a member of that group to keep him in place him via a second contract.

With almost $38MM in projected cap space for next offseason, Cincinnati has the flexibility to retain a number of impactful in-house players. Chase and McPherson are logical candidates for new deals, and it will be interesting to see if one or both have extensions in hand by the time the regular season starts.

Ravens Notes: Jackson, Bateman, OL, Tampa

July 22nd, 2024 at 8:55pm CST by Ben Levine

Before veteran Eddie Jackson landed in Baltimore, the safety got a ringing endorsement from a Ravens defender. Linebacker Roquan Smith told reporters that he put in a good word to management about Jackson.

“Yes, I always tell the truth,” Smith said (via the team’s website). “I have great respect for Eddie [Jackson] and [I’ve] known Eddie since I came into the league. Like I said earlier, I think he’s a great asset for our team. [He’s] obviously been making plays in this league for a very long time, and with the pieces that we have here, and then with his talent, and having him in his role, I think it will go well for us.”

Jackson previously spent his entire seven-year career with the Bears, and he played more than four of those seasons alongside Smith. After starting all 100 of his appearances in Chicago, Jackson won’t be nearly as relied upon in Baltimore. The team is mostly looking for a replacement for Geno Stone, who often played with Marcus Williams and Kyle Hamilton in three-safety looks.

Smith also touched on the major shakeup on the sidelines. Inside linebackers coach Zach Orr replaced Mike Macdonald as Baltimore’s defensive coordinator, and the star pass-rusher is optimistic that the new defensive play-caller will seamlessly replace the former defensive play-caller.

“I think are very similar that’s here, and I have a great deal of respect for Zach [Orr and] his mindset,” Smith said. “He’s been out there on the field, and believe it or not, obviously him and Mike [Macdonald] are two totally different people, and they’re unique in their own way, but through the headset, they actually sound the same. Every voice I’ve heard through a headset all sounds the same. I’m like, ‘Is that Mike or something?’ I told ‘Z.O.’ one day during OTAs, so it’s pretty funny. I’m excited for ‘Z.O.,’ for him to showcase what he’s able to do with the pieces that we have here and showcase it to the world. We’ve all been doubted before, [how] things may not be as good as this, that or the third, but the game gives us the opportunity to prove that. I have a great deal of respect for ‘Z.O.,’ and that he’ll prove it week-in and week-out, and it’s going to start here in training camp, preparing for the year.”

More notes out of Baltimore…

Minor NFL Transactions: 7/22/24

July 22nd, 2024 at 7:52pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Baltimore Ravens

Detroit Lions

Green Bay Packers

Houston Texans

  • Waived-injured: WR Jared Wayne

Kansas City Chiefs

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

  • Signed: WR Kevin Austin Jr.

New York Jets

CB Jerry Jacobs To Visit Panthers

July 22nd, 2024 at 6:44pm CST by Ben Levine

Despite auditioning for a handful of teams earlier this offseason, Jerry Jacobs remains unsigned. After about two months of inaction, it sounds like his market is starting to pick back up. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that the cornerback will visit the Panthers later this week.

[RELATED: CB Jerry Jacobs To Visit Falcons, Vikings]

The former UDFA spent the first three seasons of his career in Detroit, starting 29 of his 40 appearances. Jacobs is coming off a 2024 campaign where he got into a career-high 744 appearances while starting 12 of his 15 games. He finished the year with 55 tackles, eight passes defended, and three interceptions. Pro Football Focus only ranked Jacobs 91st among 127 qualifying cornerbacks, with the site giving him one of the lowest positional grades for his coverage ability.

Still, Jacobs’ starting experience will make him an attractive option for teams seeking secondary depth. The 26-year-old visited with the Jaguars, Falcons, and Vikings earlier this offseason, although a deal obviously never materialized.

Carolina would be a logical landing spot for the cornerback, as the team is eyeing a bit of a makeover at the position. Donte Jackson and Jeremy Chinn are no longer around, meaning Jaycee Horn will be positioned to take over as the team’s top cornerback. The depth behind the former eighth-overall pick is questionable, explaining why the organization has been connected to a reunion with Stephon Gilmore. Any notable cornerback acquisition would likely be competing with Dane Jackson to be the team’s CB2.

Bengals Not Seeking CB Addition

July 22nd, 2024 at 4:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

A number of veteran cornerbacks are still available, but the Bengals are not currently in the market for an addition. When speaking to the media on Monday, player personnel director Duke Tobin expressed confidence in the team’s incumbent options.

“I like what we’ve got there,” Tobin said (via Jay Morrison of Pro Football Network). “We’ve got young guys that can run and cover, who have a lot of upside to them. We’ve got some new guys working in there, and it will be exciting to see how they do. Do I feel like we have an immediate need for a veteran to make our team? No.”

Cincinnati struggled against the pass last year, and improving the secondary was deemed an offseason priority. That led to a number of moves at the safety position, but major additions at the cornerback spot were not made. The Bengals have two starting spots locked up in the form of 2022 second-rounder Cam Taylor–Britt on the perimeter and veteran Mike Hilton in the slot.

The other boundary corner role will come down to DJ Turner or Dax Hill. The former struggled in coverage as a rookie while the latter has not fit in as planned at safety. Hill transitioned to corner this spring, and training camp will offer the Bengals an opportunity to evaluate his progress. Cincinnati has a number of relatively inexperienced corners further down the depth chart, so adding one of the options still on the market would give the team insurance at the position.

The likes of Stephon Gilmore, Xavien Howard, Adoree’ Jackson and Patrick Peterson have yet to find a new home, though that will likely change in the near future. Many veterans sign deals at the onset of training camp, and waiting a few weeks could leave the Bengals short on options to choose from if a signing is deemed necessary. For now, however, Cincinnati will move forward with attention focused on the Turner-Hill competition.

Vikings Place T.J. Hockenson On PUP List; TE Ahead Of Schedule In Rehab

July 22nd, 2024 at 2:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

T.J. Hockenson saw his first full Vikings season cut short by ACL and MCL tears. The Pro Bowl tight end will begin training camp on the active/PUP list as he continues to rehab, the team announced on Monday.

That move comes as little surprise. The injury occurred in December, and more than one month elapsed before Hockenson’s surgery took place. Players placed on the active/PUP list can be activated at any time, but Minnesota will no doubt proceed with caution regarding his recovery. Hockenson’s rehab process has been positive to date, though.

“T.J. will begin training camp on the PUP list,” head coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed when speaking to the media on Monday (video link). “He’s well ahead of schedule from a standpoint of some of the benchmarks on his rehab. T.J., looking back at the offseason program, did not miss really a day outside going to see his surgeon in Los Angeles. He was here every single day and that continued through the summer.

“The significant injury that it was, we want to make sure to follow our plan to when T.J. gets on the field and continues to do more and more throughout training camp, and hopefully at some point when he’s ready to go we want to make sure everything is done the right way for T.J., because he’s such a significant part of our organization.”

Upon trading for Hockenson midway through the 2022 season, Minnesota has seen the expected return from a production standpoint. The 27-year-old signed an extension last August averaging $16.5MM per season, and he posted a 95-960-5 statline in 15 games prior to the injury. Hockenson is under contract through 2027, so his long-term health is an obvious priority for team and player in his case. As things stand, though, he could find himself back on the field earlier than expected.

Latest On Bears, OL Teven Jenkins

July 22nd, 2024 at 1:51pm CST by Adam La Rose

In June, Teven Jenkins made it known attempts from his camp to pursue a Bears extension were unsuccessful. His latest comments on the matter provide further clarity on the timing of a potential deal being worked out.

The fourth-year offensive lineman said on Monday (via ESPN’s Courtney Cronin) the Bears informed his agents any potential extension would take place no earlier than the team’s bye week. As a result, Jenkins will be a pending free agent in 2024 through at least Week 7. Plenty will depend on his level of play as he continues to operate along the interior.

Jenkins entered the league with the expectation of being able to serve as a right tackle starter. He struggled in that role, but moving to guard allowed him to take a notable step forward. The 26-year-old was PFF’s third highest-rated guard in 2022, and he ranked 14th last season, one in which he missed the first four games of the campaign. Jenkins (who took snaps at both left and right guard in 2023) would up his market value with another strong showing this fall.

Chicago has 2022 fifth-rounder Braxton Jones in place on the blindside with 2023 10th overall pick Darnell Wright at the right tackle spot. The former has two years remaining on his rookie deal, while the latter can remain under team control through 2027 via the fifth-year option. Pairing those two with a Jenkins extension would ensure stability up front for the Bears.

Jenkins in particular and the team as a whole will face expectations on an offense featuring a new quarterback (Caleb Williams) and several acquisitions at the skill positions (led by running back D’Andre Swift and receivers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze). The play of the offensive line will be key, of course, and Jenkins’ financial future will be determined if he continues his strong guard play and convinces the Bears to make a multi-year commitment in him.

Chicago is currently projected to have over $47MM in 2025 cap space, so affording a second Jenkins contract should be feasible. If the team elects not to extend the Oklahoma State alum, he could look to benefit from the upward trajectory of the guard market in free agency.

G Greg Van Roten To Visit Giants

July 22nd, 2024 at 1:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

Among the players meeting with prospective teams at the onset of training camps is Greg Van Roten. The veteran guard has a visit lined up with the Giants, as first reported by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler.

This summit will take place today, veteran insider Josina Anderson adds. Van Roten, 34, is among the most experienced offensive linemen still on the market with 110 games under his belt. He served as a full-time starter with the Raiders last season, logging over 1,000 snaps at right guard.

Van Roten did not sign with Vegas until last May, inking a one-year, $1.6MM deal. That proved to be a team-friendly accord considering his career-high PFF grade of 75.3. The former UDFA’s value presumably saw an increase as a result, but he remains unsigned. Van Roten visited the Seahawks in April before Seattle elected to add Laken Tomlinson along the interior.

A native of Rockville Center, New York, Van Roten would be returning to familiar territory if he were to join the Giants. He played for the Jets in 2020 and ’21, then spent the following campaign with the Bills. A return to first-team duties on a permanent basis during his one-and-done Raiders stint could allow him to compete for a starting gig in New York.

The Giants have considerable room for improvement along the O-line compared to last season. Left tackle Andrew Thomas is positioned to remain the anchor of the unit, and 2023 second-rounder John Michael Schmitz is on track to remain in place at center. The right tackle position (in the wake of Evan Neal‘s struggles) as well as both guard roles are up for grabs during training camp, however. Van Roten would join the likes of Jon Runyan Jr. and Jermaine Eluemunor as new faces up front if he were to sign. The Giants currently have roughly $11.5MM in cap space.

Latest On Eagles HC Nick Sirianni

July 22nd, 2024 at 11:14am CST by Adam La Rose

Plenty of attention will be paid to how the Eagles fare at the start of 2024 given the way in which last season ended. Success in rebounding from a second-half collapse and a wild-card exit (or a lack thereof) will of course have implications for head coach Nick Sirianni.

The 43-year-old guided Philadelphia to a 14-3 record and a trip to the Super Bowl in 2022. For that reason, it came as something of a surprise his job security was a talking point at times this offseason despite the poor end to the ’23 campaign. Sirianni was retained, but major changes on his staff were deemed necessary for him to remain in place for a fourth season.

Diving deeper into this situation, Dianna Russini noted on The Athletic’s Scoop City podcast that Sirianni had “100 percent” control over the Eagles’ offense during Brian Johnson‘s tenure as offensive coordinator. The latter was fired at the end of the season, one during which (as Russini adds) Sirianni and quarterback Jalen Hurts did not always mesh well with one another on a personal level and issues related to a conservative, run-first approach emerged. Sirianni publicly admitted to the offense’s shortcomings down the stretch in 2023 and said he would take a step back with respect to his influence moving forward.

Russini notes that Sirianni was never truly in danger of being fired, but he did not have free reign when hiring the replacements for Johnson and DC Sean Desai. General manager Howie Roseman “had his hands all over every decision” this offseason, per Russini. Notably, that included the hiring of Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio as offensive and defensive coordinators. Veteran coaches – especially those with a winning percentage as strong as Sirianni’s .667 mark – are typically able to make such staff changes without heavy front office influence.

Much of the Eagles’ offensive success in 2024 will depend on how Moore fares in his next offensive coordinator posting. The 35-year-old spent four seasons with that title in Dallas before a single campaign at the helm of the Chargers’ offense. If Moore can prove to be an effective Shane Steichen replacement, Sirianni could afford to take a less involved approach on that side of the ball. Of course, improvement in the secondary in particular will also be needed as Fangio – who hopes to complete his storied NFL career in Philadelphia – takes control of the defense.

It would come as no surprise if a repeat of last season’s drop-off following a 10-1 start resulted in further changes along the sidelines. As a result, Russini predicts Sirianni will “probably” be on a relatively short leash entering the 2024 campaign. With Bill Belichick looming as a potential replacement, Sirianni’s job status will be worth monitoring closely.

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