HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Patriots Could Pursue CB Depth

July 18th, 2024 at 7:16pm CST by Ben Levine

The Patriots’ cornerbacks corps is set to look a bit different in 2024. Myles Bryant, Jalen Mills, and J.C. Jackson accounted for 1,743 snaps last season but are no longer on the roster. The team can still feel comfortable atop their depth chart; Jonathan Jones returns after emerging as an outside CB in 2023, and the team will also welcome back 2023 first-round pick Christian Gonzalez, who was limited to only four games as a rookie thanks to a torn labrum and dislocated shoulder.

However, the depth behind that duo remains questionable, and that could lead the Patriots to pursue some reinforcement. As Ben Volin of the Boston Globe writes, the organization could be in the market for a cornerback if somebody “doesn’t emerge in the first couple weeks of camp.”

Volin is confident that the team has a temporary answer to replace Bryant in the slot, with former Bills draft pick Alex Austin having impressed the organization down the stretch last season. Otherwise, the team is eyeing some uninspiring options.

Shaun Wade started six of his 14 appearances last season, but the former Ravens fifth-round pick isn’t guaranteed a roster spot. Marcus Jones impressed on special teams as a rookie but only saw a part-time role on defense. Coming off a shoulder injury that limited him to only two games in 2023, Jones will once again have to prove himself as a cornerback. The rest of the team’s depth includes the likes of sixth-round rookie Marcellas Dial and 2023 seventh-round pick Isaiah Bolden.

If the Patriots’ staff realizes they only have two or three capable CBs, the team could pivot to free agency. Volin specifially points to Jackson, who remains unsigned. The veteran was acquired by New England via trade in October, and he started six of his eight appearances during his second stint with the team.

Former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore remains unsigned, and the cornerback recently expressed interest in a reunion with the organization. Xavien Howard, Patrick Peterson, and Adoree’ Jackson are also still free agents, although there’s a chance the rebuilding squad just prefers to take a chance on an unproven talent.

Saints Place Ryan Ramczyk On Reserve/PUP List; Chase Young Nearing Return

July 18th, 2024 at 7:05pm CST by Sam Robinson

7:05pm: NFL network’s Ian Rapoport has provided a discouraging update, noting that Ramczyk’s placement on PUP means he’s out for the entire season. This applies to all vested veterans placed on reserve/PUP prior to the final roster reduction August 27.

4:00pm: Rumored to be in danger of missing the 2024 season, Ryan Ramczyk is already out of the picture for a chunk of it. The Saints placed the All-Pro right tackle on the reserve/PUP list Thursday, guaranteeing he will miss at least the season’s first four games.

A knee injury Ramczyk battled through last season has the eighth-year veteran at a career crossroads, and the Saints drafted a tackle in Round 1 (Taliese Fuaga). The former Oregon State right tackle is training on the left side, but it does not appear Ramczyk will be counted on in 2024. This transaction points to Ramczyk missing the season, NewOrleans.football’s Nick Underhill tweets.

Teams have the option of placing players on the active/PUP list, which is a training camp-only designation that does not affect a player’s regular-season availability. The Saints taking this step with Ramczyk more than a month before they have to does not bode well for the decorated blocker’s chances of factoring into the 2024 campaign.

Ramczyk, who turned 30 this offseason, has started 101 games. Twelve of those came last season, but knee trouble has pointed to this reality for a bit. A cartilage defect in Ramczyk’s knee has led him to this crossroads, which compounds issues for a Saints team in dire straits at tackle. Dennis Allen had labeled Ramczyk’s offseason knee surgery as minor and projected he would be ready for camp but said in April he felt better about the veteran’s chances at the time of surgery.

The team has not seen 2022 first-rounder Trevor Penning pan out; an early-season benching occurred. The Saints then saw three-year starter James Hurst, who worked at left tackle for two seasons and left guard for most of last year, retire. This came shortly after Andrus Peat, a Pro Bowl guard who was Penning’s primary LT replacement last year, defected to the Raiders. This all but assured the Saints would take advantage of this year’s deep tackle crop, with Fuaga being the prize at No. 14 overall.

As recently as last season, the Saints rolled out an O-line with four first-rounders (Ramczyk, Penning, Peat, Cesar Ruiz) and second-round center Erik McCoy. The team went back to the Round 1 well via Fuaga, who is in line to start at left tackle, but the LG and RT spots are uncertain. Penning trained at right tackle this offseason and may well be the favorite to fill in for Ramczyk, but the Northern Iowa alum’s performance to date leaves that as an unstable position.

This will be a blow for a perennially cap-strapped team. The Saints gave Ramczyk a five-year, $96MM extension in 2021. That contract included $43MM guaranteed at signing and $60MM guaranteed in total. Part of a 2017 draft class that changed the Saints’ trajectory, Ramczyk is a three-time All-Pro (first team in 2019) who has given the Saints stability on the right side. Ramczyk reworked his contract this offseason, dropping his cap number from $27MM to $12.9MM. A dead money charge of $23.1MM would come the Saints’ way if Ramczyk moves off the roster via release, though that number could be split via a post-June 1 cut.

In less impactful Saints news, the team placed tight end Juwan Johnson, defensive end Tanoh Kpassagnon, linebacker Nephi Sewell and free agency DE addition Chase Young on the active/PUP list. Chris Olave landed on the active/NFI list. Players moved to the active/PUP or active/NFI lists can be activated at any point. The Saints activated rookie wide receiver Bub Means from the active/NFI list Thursday.

Young is coming off offseason neck surgery, though the former No. 2 overall pick has been viewed as likely to be ready for Week 1. His recovery has gone well enough the team does not expect a lengthy stay on the active/PUP list, Underhill adds. A similar assessment emerged last month, pointing to Young — who saw a severe knee injury change his path in Washington — being ready in the not-too-distant future. Young signed a one-year, $13MM deal comprised largely of per-game roster bonuses.

Free Agent CB Stephon Gilmore Remaining “Patient” While Seeking Next Job

July 18th, 2024 at 5:39pm CST by Ben Levine

Stephon Gilmore is one of the biggest names remaining on the free agent market. With all 32 teams opening training camp over the next week, the former Defensive Player of the Year isn’t in any rush to find a new home. The veteran cornerback told Josina Anderson that he’s remaining patient as he seeks his next gig.

“Honestly, I’m still being patient and staying ready until teams see what they have in training camp; but you mean to tell me among 32 teams that there are 64 starting corners that are better than me? I don’t think that,” Gilmore said. “If teams want to win, I think they should sign the best players. I know I’m still a starter in this league. I started games last year, but the season doesn’t start until September, we got a while.”

Gilmore previously said that he’s waiting for the “right opportunity,” but it’s uncertain if the soon-to-be 34-year-old is still being selective at this point in the offseason. At the very least, it sounds like the veteran is seeking a starting gig. After spending the 2023 season with the Cowboys, Gilmore stated a desire to re-sign with Dallas, although there were few developments on that front. Gilmore also flirted with another former squad in the Panthers, and he recently hinted that he’d be open to a reunion with the Patriots.

The former Bills first rounder earned a number of accolades during his subsequent four-year stint with the Patriots. He’s only earned a single Pro Bowl nod while bouncing around the NFL in recent years, spending time with the Panthers, Colts, and Cowboys since the 2021 campaign. Gilmore has still graded out favorably by Pro Football Focus over that span, and since being limited to eight games with Carolina in 2021, he’s topped 1,000 defensive snaps in each of the past two seasons (the first time he’s accomplished this feat in his NFL career).

In other words, Gilmore still clearly has something left in the tank, but it sounds like he’s willing to wait for teams to evaluate their current depth options. As Gilmore noted to Anderson, he’ll also be competing with a number of defensive backs who are also unsigned. Gilmore specifically pointed to free agent safety Justin Simmons, but there are plenty of other notable veteran CBs still on the market, including Xavien Howard, Patrick Peterson, and Adoree’ Jackson. Considering Gilmore’s resume plus his recent performance and availability, teams will surely come knocking sooner than later.

Darius Slayton Would Have Welcomed Trade If Giants Planned To Reduce Role

July 18th, 2024 at 2:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

Joining Courtland Sutton as a starter-level wide receiver — but one south of the NFL’s top tier — to angle for a contract adjustment this offseason, Darius Slayton returned to work during Giants OTAs. A minor incentive update took place to bring the sixth-year pass catcher back to the team.

Rather than threaten Daniel Jones‘ job security and future in New York with a quarterback move in the first round, the Giants likely impacted Slayton’s by choosing Malik Nabers sixth overall. Slayton, who has led the Giants in receiving yards four times in the past five years, still stands to play a regular role in 2024. But the Giants also have Joe Schoen draftees Wan’Dale Robinson and Jalin Hyatt on the roster, complicating the Dave Gettleman-era draftee’s status.

[RELATED: Assessing Slayton’s Trade Candidacy]

Slayton, however, expects to remain a regular presence. But if the Giants were not planning to use the former fifth-rounder frequently, he would have welcomed a trade.

“I don’t play football to just play,” Slayton said during an appearance on Keyshawn Johnson’s All Facts, No Brakes podcast (via the New York Daily News). “I want the chance to show that I’m amongst the best in the game. But the reality of being a receiver is if you don’t get the opportunities to do so, you’re not gonna have the production.

“Obviously you’re trying to maximize your dollars. But at the same time, I kinda wanted to make sure it was known that if being here and me being a part of the offense — and being a big part of the offense — is not the thing here, then that’s OK. But we’d either like to move on and go somewhere else or make the investment that implies that I am that. So that was kind of where we ended up.”

It will still be interesting to see if Slayton’s role diminishes significantly, as the Giants will be aiming for Nabers to lead the way at receiver. Slayton has been a de facto No. 1 wideout for a team that has made some missteps at the position since trading Odell Beckham Jr., never exceeding 800 receiving yards in a season but eclipsing 700 four times. Slayton only commanded 79 targets last season; that ranked 52nd in the NFL last season.

Neither Robinson nor Hyatt have become reliable performers just yet, either, but the Giants have those Day 2 draftees respectively signed through 2025 and 2026. Slayton’s two-year, $12MM deal expires at season’s end. Even though the 27-year-old veteran returned to the Giants in May, he will probably come up in trade rumors — especially if Robinson and/or Hyatt take a step forward — before the November deadline. If the Giants wanted to move on before the season, no guaranteed money remains on Slayton’s deal.

Isaiah Hodgins, Allen Robinson and others are vying for the team’s No. 5 wide receiver spot, but Slayton — who rebounded from a rare rookie-deal pay cut in 2022 to sign his $6MM-per-year accord — is viewed as safely on the roster. With a few teams in need of receiver help, Slayton’s status will be worth monitoring in the months before the deadline.

Cardinals Sign Round 3 RB Trey Benson, Wrap Draft Class Deals

July 18th, 2024 at 2:26pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Cardinals have completed rookie-deal negotiations with third-round pick Trey Benson. With Arizona announcing the running back’s signing Thursday, all non-first-round picks have agreed to their four-year rookie pacts.

Only three players remain unsigned. The Vikings have not signed either of their two first-rounders — J.J. McCarthy, Dallas Turner — and the Bengals have not yet come to terms with tackle Amarius Mims. Of course, modern rookie deals do not feature the kind of complications they brought before the 2011 CBA introduced the slot system. It should be expected Minnesota and Cincinnati will wrap these processes soon, as rookies are now in training camp.

Benson’s contract comes shortly after the Jets agreed to terms with their third-round pick, wide receiver Malachi Corley. Considering Corley was chosen one spot in front of the Florida State alum, who went 66th overall, the Cardinals’ final unsigned draftee appeared on track to finish off this process. After all, every other third-rounder — including the Cardinals’ other three Round 3 choices — had been signed for weeks now.

Arizona has not featured too much in the way of James Conner insurance during the ex-Steeler’s time in the desert. Benson stands to provide some and could well become Conner’s successor. The starter’s three-year, $21MM deal expires after the 2024 season. Entering this campaign, however, Benson should mix in as a backup. Conner has missed time in each of his three Cardinals seasons, however, clearing a path for the rookie and 2023 waiver claim Michael Carter.

This year’s draft did not feature the level of RB prospects the 2023 class brought. No back came off the board until the Panthers traded up for Jonathon Brooks at No. 46. Benson became the second RB selected. Benson put together 990- and 906-yard showings over the past two seasons with the Seminoles. The Oregon transfer caught 20 passes for 227 yards in 2023, completing a 15-touchdown college finale. Accumulating only 316 college carries, Benson soon clocked a 4.39-second 40-yard dash time at the Combine to present an intriguing profile for NFL teams.

Here is how the Cardinals’ 2024 draft class looks as first-year players get to work:

Jason Wright To Depart Commanders Following 2024 Season

July 18th, 2024 at 12:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2024 season will be the last for Jason Wright as a member of the Commanders. He and team owner Josh Harris said on Thursday Wright will leave the organization by the end of the upcoming campaign.

As detailed by Nicki Jhabvala and Mark Maske of the Washington Post, Wright will immediately step down from his role as president. He will carry on the duties he previously had in that capacity while taking on the title of senior advisor. Harris and Tad Brown will lead the search for Wright’s replacement.

The Post report notes that Wright – who joined the team in 2020 – was believed to have his previous contract expire in August, making his departure an unsurprising one. He could leave prior to the conclusion of the coming season, in which case the Commanders would allow him to accelerate the process of taking on his next opportunity. Today’s news was foreshadowed by the fact Wright, 42, was a finalist to succeed Mark Murphy as president of the Packers next year.

“This feels like the right moment for me to explore my next leadership opportunity,” a statement from Wright reads. “I’m extremely grateful to my Commanders colleagues, our fans and this community for all that we have accomplished these past four years, and am looking forward to the start of a very successful season for the Burgundy and Gold.”

Wright’s upcoming departure will mark another notable change in the front office following Harris’ 2023 purchase of the Commanders. The latter’s first season in control consisted of evaluating the organization at all levels before authorizing sweeping changes in recent months. That process has included Dan Quinn being hired as Ron Rivera‘s replacement on the sidelines as well as Adam Peters joining as general manager (although his predecessor, Martin Mayhew, remains in the organization). Earlier this week, it was learned ex-Panthers GM Scott Fitterer will be a member of Washington’s front office moving forward.

“Jason has made a remarkable impact on the Commanders organization since he joined four years ago,” a statement from Harris reads. “He stepped in at a time of immense challenge and has led this organization through an incredible transformation that set that stage for everything that is to come. I am extremely grateful to Jason for his partnership to me and the rest of the ownership group over the past year. His guidance has been invaluable and his leadership has helped reshape our culture.”

Wright’s hire was made during times of transition in the nation’s capital with the organization facing allegations of workplace misconduct and a toxic culture under then-owner Dan Snyder. Much has changed for the franchise since then, and Wright will look to use the improvements seen in Washington as a means of landing another high-ranking executive role on a new team.

Latest On Saints DE Payton Turner

July 18th, 2024 at 11:57am CST by Adam La Rose

Payton Turner‘s career has not gone according to plan to date, but the 2024 season could serve as a key turning point. The fourth-year Saints defensive end is healthy entering training camp.

“I felt really good going into last year,” Turner said (via KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson). “Unfortunately, the first game I had that toe injury. I did have an offseason back procedure. I’m feeling good. I’m feeling healthy right now and I’m ready to get after it this year.”

The 25-year-old has been limited to just 15 games across his first three seasons with New Orleans. A shoulder injury as a rookie in addition to last year’s turf toe stalled his ability to carve out a key role along the edge. Turner has seen his defensive snap share drop with each passing season, and Cameron Jordan and Chase Young are positioned to hold starting roles in 2024.

Still, a strong rotational workload could have a significant financial impact for Turner. To little surprise, the Saints declined his 2025 fifth-year option this spring. Picking it up would have represented a $13.39MM commitment – a far more lucrative one than his production to date would justify. Instead, 2024 is a contract year as he looks to put together a healthy campaign and boost his free agent stock in the process.

Turner has totaled three sacks and 13 pressures so far, and increasing those totals could help him earn an extended stay with the Saints. Jordan has two years remaining on his deal, while Carl Granderson is on the books through 2027. Young took a one-year flier from New Orleans, making him (along with Tanoh Kpassagnon) a pending free agent.

New Orleans continued to invest along the edge via the draft by selecting Isaiah Foskey in the second round last year. He figures to remain in the team’s plans for at least the next few seasons, but whether or not that will be the case for Turner will be determined over the course of the coming campaign. A positive health update is an encouraging starting point in the latter’s case.

WR Randall Cobb Open To 2024 Deal

July 18th, 2024 at 11:10am CST by Adam La Rose

11:10am: Cobb is in fact still open to playing this season, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network notes. His limited 2023 production makes it little surprise no market has emerged in recent months, but a change in that respect could take place as training camps open up around the league. If not, Cobb will try his hand at broadcasting this fall.

9:35am: Randall Cobb‘s playing career has come to an end. It was announced on Thursday the former Pro Bowl wideout will join the SEC Network for the 2024 campaign. ESPN’s press release on the matter notes that Cobb retired following this past season.

Cobb entered the league in 2011 with the Packers. That began an eight-year run in Green Bay, one in which he proved to be a consistent pass-catching option for Aaron Rodgers. The Kentucky alum had his best season in 2014, racking up 1,287 yards and 12 touchdowns. That production (which was preceded by strong performances as a returner) yielded his only Pro Bowl nod.

Following the expiration of his four-year, $40MM Packers contract, Cobb took a one-year Cowboys deal. That accord saw him register a career-high 15.1 yards per catch average while posting 828 yards. The former second-rounder then landed a three-year Texans deal in 2020, but he only wound up playing a single season in Houston. A summer 2021 trade saw Cobb rejoin the Packers.

Across 25 appearances in 2021 and ’22, he logged a much smaller workload than he had in years past. Cobb nevertheless scored six touchdowns during that span while remaining a deep threat. Once Rodgers was dealt to the Jets last offseason, a wishlist of familiar faces quickly emerged. To little surprise, Cobb found himself on it.

New York inked the veteran last May, providing Rodgers with another one of his desired receiving options. Cobb made 11 appearances with the Jets in 2023, but he recorded only five receptions during that span. Now, at the age of 33, he will turn his attention away from the playing field as he transitions to broadcasting.

“I am incredibly excited to be coming home to the SEC with this new role,” Cobb said in a statement. “The level of greatness this conference provides year after year is unmatched – I cannot wait return to the conference family with this SEC Network crew.”

In all, Cobb will hang up his cleats with 178 combined regular and postseason appearances to his name. Across 13 seasons in the NFL, he amassed just over $72.5MM in career earnings.

Texans Host OL Cameron Erving

July 18th, 2024 at 10:26am CST by Adam La Rose

The Texans may bring in veteran reinforcements along the offensive line in the build-up to training camp. Houston recently hosted Cameron Erving on a workout, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 notes.

Erving has seen playing time with five teams across his nine seasons in the NFL. The former first-rounder spent the early portion of his career along the interior, logging time at both guard spots as well as center in 2016. More recently, though, he has primarily operated as a tackle.

The 31-year-old made 21 starts between 2019-21 while playing for the Chiefs, Cowboys and Panthers. Each of those came at left tackle, but at no point did he draw a favorable PFF evaluation. Run blocking in particular was an issue in that respect, and he hardly played during the 2022 campaign. That was set to remain the case last season with the Saints until Ryan Ramczyk was placed on IR in December.

That move allowed Erving to be signed from New Orleans’ practice squad to the active roster to close out the campaign. The Florida State product made three appearances (and two starts) in Ramczyk’s place, allowing one sack and four pressures during his limited action. Considering his journeyman status and his underwhelming performances of late, it comes as no surprise he remains unsigned deep into the summer.

The Texans dealt with a slew of injuries up front last season, and adding veteran depth could provide insurance in case of a repeat in 2024. Houston has Laremy Tunsil and Tytus Howard in place as starters at the left and right tackle spots. The team is positioned to use Juice Scruggs in the middle along with Shaq Mason at right guard, while the left guard spot is up for grabs during training camp and the preseason.

Erving would likely look to compete for the swing tackle role or a backup gig along the interior if he were to sign with the Texans. Houston has over $20MM in cap space at the moment, so the team will have the flexibility to add Erving or a number of other veterans looking for a training camp gig in the coming days.

Arthur Smith Was Not Interested In Jets Role

July 18th, 2024 at 8:58am CST by Adam La Rose

Earlier this week, a report named Arthur Smith as one of the coaches contacted by the Jets as part of their efforts to add a veteran offensive coach to oversee Nathaniel Hackett. Smith did not end up joining New York’s staff, though, ultimately being hired by the Steelers as their offensive coordinator.

Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk confirms communication did indeed take place between Smith and the Jets. The 42-year-old was not interested in the opportunity, he adds. Smith’s hesitation to join Robert Saleh‘s staff stemmed in part from uncertainty regarding what his role would be, per Florio.

In the wake of the 2023 season, it was learned Saleh explored moves which would limit Hackett’s authority over the Jets’ offense. A subsequent report confirmed New York looked into hiring a coach who would outrank Hackett and thus serve as de facto OC. Smith was a target in that regard following the end of his Falcons head coaching tenure, but Florio notes his preference was the Pittsburgh offensive coordinator gig.

No other teams met with Smith prior to his Steelers hire, one which will see him return to coordinator duties for the first time since 2020. He guided the Titans’ run-first offense for two seasons, and his success in that regard put him on the head coaching track. Three straight 7-10 campaigns in Atlanta will likely leave Smith waiting for another opportunity in that regard, but in the meantime he will turn his attention to guiding Pittsburgh’s offense – a unit which is expected to rely heavily on the run game.

Scrutiny will remain high, meanwhile, as it pertains to Hackett and the Jets. The 44-year-old had a disastrous head coaching spell in Denver before his New York hire. Aaron Rodgers‘ Week 1 Achilles tear hindered the team’s offense, but improvements on that side of the ball in 2024 will likely be needed for Hackett (along with, potentially, Saleh and general manager Joe Douglas) to remain in place beyond the coming season. Without a supervisor being hired, Hackett will once again have the reins of the Jets’ offense in the absence of Smith – or a staffer of similar experience – overseeing him.

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