HEADLINES

Month: September 2024

Broncos To Place RB Audric Estime On IR

September 11th, 2024 at 4:11pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos kept four running backs on their active roster and gave carries to three during their Week 1 loss to the Seahawks. One of those options will not be available against the Steelers and beyond.

Audric Estime is heading to IR due to an ankle injury, per the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. This will sideline the rookie until at least Week 6. The Broncos used one of their cutdown-day IR-return spots — on cornerback Damarri Mathis — to leave them seven activations. Estime would stand to count toward one of those slots if he is activated from IR.

Fullback Michael Burton is coming up from Denver’s practice squad to its 53-man roster to fill Estime’s spot, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson tweets. The veteran had played Week 1 as a P-squad elevation, joining Lil’Jordan Humphrey in that regard. This is Burton’s second Broncos season, and while he is technically a running back, Denver employs the veteran for his blocking.

This leaves Javonte Williams and Jaleel McLaughlin as Denver’s primary ball-carriers, with rookie UDFA Blake Watson still on the active roster as well. Watson was a healthy scratch in Week 1. The pass-catching back may well need to make his debut against Pittsburgh on Sunday.

A fifth-round pick out of Notre Dame, Estime already ran into injury trouble during the offseason; he underwent a minor knee procedure that limited his time at OTAs and shelved him for minicamp. While this slowed Estime’s development, the Broncos have plans for the former Fighting Irish standout. With Williams in a contract year and having not yet looked himself since October 2022 ACL and LCL tears — though, the fourth-year back impressed in training camp — Estime profiles as a successor. He is signed through 2027.

Estime fell to Round 5 due in part to a 4.71-second 40-yard dash time at the Combine. He clocked a sub-4.6-second time at Notre Dame’s pro day, which came after he had combined for 30 touchdowns from 2022-23. Estime rambled for 18 rushing TDs last season, totaling 1,341 yards on 10 carries. Estime logged two carries for 14 yards and fumbled, though a Broncos teammate recovered, in the team’s 26-20 loss. The Broncos will aim to have their rookie power runner right come October, though Estime’s timetable is not yet known.

Jets’ Jeff Ulbrich Confirms 49ers’ DC Inquiry

September 11th, 2024 at 3:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

In making Steve Wilks a one-and-done as 49ers defensive coordinator, Kyle Shanahan conducted a search that ended with a Nick Sorensen promotion. The eighth-year San Francisco HC’s unofficial search proved more interesting.

Shanahan reached out to Bill Belichick and attempted to gauge Steve Spagnuolo‘s interest in switching sides in this period’s premier AFC-NFC rivalry. Neither effort proved successful. Belichick is holding out hope for a 2025 HC job, as he conducts a media blitz this season, and the Chiefs extended Spagnuolo days after Super Bowl LVIII. The 49ers also reached out to one of Shanahan’s former Falcons coworkers, showing interest in Jets DC Jeff Ulbrich.

[Offseason In Review: San Francisco 49ers]

A 49ers linebacker from 2000-09, Ulbrich is from the Bay Area and worked with Shanahan from 2015-16 in Atlanta. However, Ulbrich needed permission to conduct an interview with the 49ers. Robert Saleh confirmed (via the San Francisco Chronicle’s Michael Silver) that would not happen.

“I don’t blame him,” Saleh said of Shanahan’s Ulbrich pursuit. “He should ask. The answer was no. But I’d ask, too.”

Ulbrich stayed in Atlanta throughout Dan Quinn‘s tenure, as Shanahan left after the Falcons’ 2016 Super Bowl season. He serves as the Jets’ defensive play-caller, though Saleh certainly operates as the lead defensive voice for the team. The Jets turned a corner on defense in Saleh’s second season, but as QB play played the lead role in dropping the 2022 and ’23 Jet teams under .500, no HC interviews have come. The Jets could not have denied Ulbrich permission to meet about a head coaching job, but since he was under contract for 2024, they could block the request.

“Absolutely honored,” Ulbrich said (via Silver) of Shanahan’s interest. “I have unbelievable, tremendous respect for Kyle, and that organization, and the team they’ve built, and the coaching staff that they have. So, what an honor it was. But at the same time, I am so connected [to the Jets].”

The Jets were not the only team to block a coordinator interview this offseason. The Panthers kept Ejiro Evero from meeting about other DC positions, while the Giants blocked a Seahawks Mike Kafka OC summit. Although Saleh would not let Ulbrich out of his contract, Silver adds the fourth-year Jets DC received an offseason raise.

Shanahan considered promoting Sorensen to replace DeMeco Ryans in 2023, but like Ryans back in his early days on San Francisco’s staff, the veteran HC viewed Sorensen as needing more developmental time. After two seasons with the team, Shanahan deemed Sorensen ready. The 49ers ranked third in scoring defense and fourth in DVOA, but Wilks’ unit struggled in the NFC playoffs. Despite holding the Chiefs without a touchdown — excluding a drive that began at the 49ers’ 16-yard line — that defense could not prevent a game-tying field goal to force overtime and could not hold serve with Kansas City defense in the extra period.

Sorensen, who spent eight seasons on Pete Carroll‘s Seahawks staff, will take a crack at maximizing the talent on the 49ers’ defense. The Jets will hope their offense does enough to complement their Saleh-Ulbrich defensive setup this season.

Week 7 In Play For T.J. Hockenson’s Return

September 11th, 2024 at 1:29pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Vikings are hoping to have Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson back before the midseason point. While not too much in the way of a timetable has emerged regarding the high-priced pass catcher ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler points to Week 7 as a potential activation point.

Hockenson started the season on the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list after tearing his ACL and MCL in December 2023. The 2022 trade acquisition is eligible to be activated from the PUP list after four weeks, but his ongoing rehab may keep him sidelined for a few extra weeks. Considering Minnesota’s bye comes in Week 6, it makes for a natural onramp ahead of a potential debut.

Despite missing the last two games of the 2023 season, Hockenson recorded career-high marks in receptions (95) and receiving yards (960) in his first full season with the Vikings. The former top-10 pick arrived in Minnesota from Detroit in a 2022 deadline deal and smoothly assimilated into Kevin O’Connell‘s offense. Hockenson impressed the Vikings’ front office enough to earn a four-year, $63.5MM extension ahead of last season, making him the highest-paid tight end in the NFL before the Chiefs gave Travis Kelce a raise this offseason.

Hockenson’s absence has left the Vikings thin at tight end. Josh Oliver, a former third-round pick who mainly profiles as a blocker, has taken over as the starter. Behind Oliver are veteran Johnny Mundt, who has just 48 catches across an eight-year career, and 2022 seventh-round pick Nick Muse, who has just one career reception.

That lack of tight end depth did not hamper the Vikings in their Week 1 win over the Giants. A stellar defensive showing and efficient games from quarterback Sam Darnold and running back Aaron Jones carried Minnesota to a 28-6 victory.

Darnold, however, signed with the Vikings due in large part to their offensive weaponry. The former Jets and Panthers starter worked with All-Pro Justin Jefferson, former Pro Bowler Aaron Jones and 2023 first-rounder Jordan Addison. Hockenson will round out a stellar Vikings skill-position corps, giving the free agent QB addition a better chance to succeed in what now profiles — after J.J. McCarthy‘s season-ending injury — as an interesting audition year.

Rams Place Steve Avila, Joe Noteboom On IR

September 11th, 2024 at 1:16pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Rams have placed starting left guard Steve Avila and starting left tackle Joe Noteboom on injured reserve, sidelining both offensive linemen for at least four weeks.

Avila sprained his MCL in the Rams’ Week 1 matchup with the Lions. Noteboom had to be carted to the locker room during the same game with an ankle injury. The Rams also signed veteran cornerback Ahkello Witherspoon to their practice squad for some added secondary depth.

[RELATED: Rams Place Puka Nacua On IR]

After Avila’s injury on Sunday night, the Rams moved Jonah Jackson to left guard and put in rookie Beaux Limmer at center. The Rams seem poised to stick with those changes moving forward after signing rookie center Dylan McMahon from the Eagles’ practice squad, likely to back up Limmer.

2022 seventh-round pick AJ Arcuri stepped in at left tackle after Noteboom went down, but he may not take over the starting job. The Rams also signed Geron Christian to their active roster and Ty Nsekhe to the practice squad, two tackles that could be ready to debut by Week 2. Additionally, if Rob Havenstein recovers from an ankle injury that sidelined him for Week 1, he could take over at his long-held right tackle post and allow Warren McClendon to flip to the left side. Alaric Jackson is also set to return from suspension in Week 3.

Avila spent most of his college career at center before starting 17 games (and playing every offensive snap) for the Rams at left guard as a rookie. His success at his new position caused the Rams to move 2024 free agent signing Jonah Jackson to center over the summer, though Jackson will likely switch back to guard after Avila’s injury.

Noteboom’s injury is yet another hiccup for a player that the Rams were hoping would be a long-term successor to Andrew Whitworth, who retired after the Rams won the 2022 Super Bowl. Los Angeles gave Noteboom a three-year, $40MM contract, but he only started six games before an Achilles tear ended his season. He struggled with injuries again in 2023, making just 14 appearances and six starts. The team then benched him for Jackson.

Witherspoon is a seven-year veteran with 77 appearances and 57 starts in his career, mostly at cornerback. He started all 17 games for the Rams in 2023 but did not re-sign in the offseason. Los Angeles signed ex-Bills cornerback Tre’Davious White instead. Witherspoon’s experience and familiarity with the Rams’ defense could quickly lead to activations from the practice squad in upcoming games.

Cardinals Place RT Jonah Williams On IR

September 11th, 2024 at 12:06pm CST by Sam Robinson

12:06pm: The Cardinals are transferring Williams to IR, Gannon announced. This is not too surprising given the initial report. The sixth-year blocker will be sidelined until at least Week 6. Gannon is not sure if Williams will require surgery on his unspecified knee injury.

10:29am: Jonah Williams‘ Cardinals debut involved only 22 snaps, as an injury took the free agency addition off the field. The Cardinals will need to make an early-season adjustment as a result.

The former first-round pick will miss time due to the knee injury he sustained in Buffalo, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler tweets. While the team is still evaluating how long it will need to play without its highest-paid blocker, it does appear a multi-week absence is on the table.

Although Williams missed his entire rookie season due to a shoulder injury, he has played at least 16 games in each of the past three seasons. However, the 2019 first-round pick’s Bengals tenure also included a 2020 IR placement due to a knee malady. Williams missed six missed games that season. It is premature to suggest Williams’ next injury hiatus will rival that, but if he is placed on IR, no activation can commence until at least Week 6.

Williams agreed to a two-year, $30MM deal with the Cardinals in free agency. While Williams protested a switch to right tackle by requesting a trade out of Cincinnati last year, he ended up doing as the team asked and switching positions (to accommodate the Bengals’ Orlando Brown Jr. signing). Williams’ initial hesitancy about an RT move made it interesting he would sign with a team planning to use him on the right side. Arizona soon switched Paris Johnson Jr. from right to left tackle.

The five-year Bengal is the only Cards O-lineman tied to a contract north of $6MM per year. Pairing with Johnson’s rookie contract, Williams was to step in as veteran help in Jonathan Gannon‘s second season. That plan is on hold, but a Steve Keim-era pickup is plenty qualified to man the fort in the meantime.

Kelvin Beachum came in to relieve Williams against the Bills. Despite the Cardinals demoting the veteran last year by drafting Johnson sixth overall, he has remained as an experienced swingman under Gannon and OC Drew Petzing. Beachum, 35, has been with the Cardinals since 2020. He worked as the team’s full-time right tackle from 2020-22, making this a rather easy transition compared to the transitions teams often have to make when a starting O-lineman goes down. Granted, Beachum did struggle against Von Miller, but he still provides the Cardinals with a proven option rather than a career backup or spot starter being asked to come in.

With D.J. Humphries off the roster, Beachum is Arizona’s longest-tenured O-lineman. He has 149 NFL starts on his resume. The former Steelers and Jets left tackle starter is tied to a two-year, $5.15MM contract.

Texans Place CB Jeff Okudah On IR, Sign DE Rashad Weaver

September 11th, 2024 at 9:55am CST by Sam Robinson

One of Houston’s defensive free agency additions, Jeff Okudah will not be part of the team’s game plans for the foreseeable future. The former No. 3 overall pick is now on IR.

The Texans shifted the former Lions and Falcons cornerback to their IR list due to a hip injury. Okudah worked as a backup in the team’s season opener, playing behind Derek Stingley Jr. and Kamari Lassiter.

Filling Okudah’s roster spot, Rashad Weaver will come up from the practice squad. The Texans signed the former Titans edge rusher to their 53-man roster. This will mark a quick rebound opportunity for Weaver, a three-season Tennessee contributor who did not make the Titans’ 53-man unit last month.

Houston signed two former top-10 cornerback picks this offseason. While ex-Jaguars and Panthers CB C.J. Henderson did not make the team, Okudah did. The one-year, $4.75MM contract made it a good bet the Texans would hold a roster spot for the former Ohio State standout. Kris Boyd resides as an active-roster backup on the perimeter. The Texans also have slot corner Myles Bryant on their active roster. The team added Desmond King and Troy Pride to its practice squad Tuesday.

This certainly qualifies as disappointing for both parties, as Okudah has battled injuries throughout his career. The ex-Detroit draftee, who had started 24 games from 2022-23, lasted just five snaps before going down against Indianapolis. Okudah missed 29 games during his first four NFL seasons; this transaction will add at least four more absences. The Texans have six injury activations remaining, having used their allotted two upon cutting their roster to 53 last month.

Weaver initially caught on with DeMeco Ryans‘ team shortly after the Titans waived him. Weaver cleared waivers and landed on Houston’s P-squad earlier this month. The Titans had used Weaver as one of their top Harold Landry replacements in 2022, when the former fourth-round pick registered 5.5 sacks. Weaver, however, did not tally a sack during the 2021 or 2023 seasons. With a new regime running the show in Tennessee, Weaver did not make the team. Arden Key skirting a rumored six-game suspension helped lead Weaver off the roster.

The 26-year-old edge rusher joins Jerry Hughes and Derek Barnett as the Texans’ reserve options behind starters Danielle Hunter and Will Anderson Jr.. King represents insurance at corner for the defending AFC South champions, playing with the team for the past three seasons.

Browns Place S Juan Thornhill, DT Maurice Hurst II, Others On IR

September 11th, 2024 at 9:14am CST by Sam Robinson

An ugly Week 1 Browns loss has obviously brought more scrutiny on the team’s Deshaun Watson contract, but the former Pro Bowler did not have some key offensive pieces due to 2023 injuries. The Browns received some bad news regarding some other contributors since their loss to the Cowboys as well.

The team placed four players on IR on Wednesday. Safety Juan Thornhill, defensive tackle Maurice Hurst, linebacker Tony Fields and linebacker Mohamoud Diabate are all out for at least four games. Calf and ankle injuries will respectively sideline Thornhill and Hurst.

Thornhill resides as the biggest name here; the ex-Chiefs starter operates as a Browns first-stringer, having signed a three-year, $21MM contract that came with $14MM fully guaranteed. Thornhill has started all 12 games he has played with Cleveland, but injury issues have intervened during the former second-round pick’s career. He missed six games last season, though no IR stint took place, and sustained an ACL tear late in his 2019 rookie campaign. One of last season’s absences also occurred due to the Browns resting starters in Week 18.

This IR placement comes after both Thornhill and fellow starter Grant Delpit played 95% of the Browns’ defensive snaps in Week 1. Bad news emerged in the wake of Cleveland’s loss, and Jim Schwartz‘s high-end defense will need some help. The team is rather well equipped to handle this issue, having re-signed ex-Schwartz Eagles charge Rodney McLeod this offseason.

McLeod, who suffered a season-ending biceps injury last year, re-signed with the Browns this offseason. The 34-year-old safety plans to retire after the season, but the Browns appear to need extensive contributions from the 13th-year vet before that happens. Brought in as a mentor-type who would work as a third safety presence under the ex-Eagles DC, McLeod did start five games last season. He now qualifies as important depth for a team battling recent defensive injuries while trying to withstand offensive absences stemming from long-term rehab timetables.

Hurst is on IR for a third straight season. A biceps tear cost the second-generation NFLer all of the 2022 season, but the Browns signed the defensive tackle last year. The Michigan product played in 13 Browns games as a reserve in 2023, helping the team lead the NFL in pass defense. The seventh-year DT, however, will join Thornhill, Fields and Diabate in missing at least four games.

With the Browns already using two of their injury activations — due to using the allotted two August injury-return slots on O-lineman Michael Dunn and running back Nyheim Hines — the team will probably not be able activate all four players from today’s IR transactions. They are down to six injury activations. While Thornhill profiles as a clear candidate to return, the others might not factor into Cleveland’s 2024 season much.

Signing linebacker Khaleke Hudson off the Saints’ practice squad and signing defensive end Sam Kamara on Tuesday, the Browns have since filled the remaining three roster spots by signing wide receiver David Bell and cornerback Mike Ford from their practice squad. The Browns had waived Bell late last week but circled back to the former third-round pick via a P-squad slot.

Brandon Aiyuk Nixed Trade To Steelers; Latest On Browns, Patriots’ Proposals

September 10th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Due to the 49ers‘ interest in keeping Brandon Aiyuk via an extension, the fifth-year wide receiver carried substantial control during his trade sweepstakes despite the lack of a no-trade clause. Although Aiyuk shut down Cleveland and New England as destinations, as his San Francisco talks continued, he was believed to be fine being dealt to Pittsburgh. Until the 11th hour, that is.

While Aiyuk ended up signing a four-year, $120MM extension to remain with the 49ers, FOX’s Jay Glazer reports the team nearly traded him to the Steelers on the day he agreed to terms. After giving Aiyuk what amounted to an ultimatum two weeks ago, the 49ers were finalizing a trade to the Steelers. Aiyuk intervened, however, leading to a frantic sequence that shut down this would-be deal. The Steelers’ party line pointed to the team expecting Aiyuk to sign a 49ers extension, but it certainly appears they were in this until the end.

Aiyuk showed up early to the 49ers’ facility August 29, meeting with Kyle Shanahan to inform the eighth-year HC he was still interested in staying. Shanahan attempted to call the 49ers’ front office power brokers to inform them of this, but Glazer adds he was unable to get through due to team brass’ discussions with the Steelers about the then-impending trade. Shanahan then proceeded to run across the facility to stop trade talks, with the team then expressing its final ultimatum.

Aiyuk had until the end of practice August 29 to commit to the team — via the extension offer that had been on the table since August 12 — or be traded. Shanahan effectively confirmed (via 49ersWebZone.com) Glazer’s account after the 49ers’ Week 1 win over the Jets.

That development wrapped one of the busiest wide receiver sagas in recent NFL history. The 49ers had put two offers on the table for Aiyuk earlier in August — a three-year deal worth $87MM and the four-year, $120MM proposal — but SI.com’s Albert Breer indicated the fifth-year wideout rejected both. San Francisco had remained at its $26MM-per-year offer — which surfaced in May — until training camp but eventually came up toward Aiyuk’s price point. The guarantees in San Francisco’s 3/87 offer are not known, but the AAV would have still checked in more than $5MM north of Deebo Samuel‘s three-year deal (3/71.55).

That $26MM-per-year number came in lower than the Steelers’ extension offer — $27.7MM — but Aiyuk said he factored quarterback play and long-term success into his decision, ESPN.com’s Nick Wagoner adds. The 49ers saw Aiyuk and Brock Purdy form a potent connection last season, when Aiyuk zoomed to second-team All-Pro honors and led the NFC champions in receiving by a wide margin.

San Francisco has also become one of this period’s most reliable teams, advancing to two Super Bowls and two more conference championship games since 2019. The Steelers continue to stay above .500, but they have not won a playoff game since 2016. Their quarterback situation also invites major questions — particularly beyond 2024.

The Steelers had been part of a potential three-team trade — for all intents and purposes — involving the Broncos, as the 49ers had attempted to flip Pittsburgh’s third-round pick for Courtland Sutton. Denver declined, but Breer adds the 49ers ultimately called around a dozen teams discussing trades for wide receivers. The Steelers offered second- and third-round pick for Aiyuk but did not include any players, which did not mesh with what the 49ers wanted as they constructed another Super Bowl-contending roster. The other 49ers calls also involved the team attempting to trade the Steelers third-round pick for a wideout.

Despite the 49ers’ reservations about the Steelers not including a veteran player in their proposal, Pittsburgh and San Francisco agreed to trade parameters in mid-August. Despite his team’s short- and long-term QB uncertainty, Mike Tomlin had presented a draw for Aiyuk. This ties to the respected HC’s conversations with the wideout during the pre-draft process in 2020, Breer adds. The Steelers had traded their 2020 first-rounder for Minkah Fitzpatrick months earlier but did draft a wideout with its first pick that year (Chase Claypool, No. 49). The 49ers had taken Aiyuk at 25.

The Browns were willing to offer Aiyuk $30MM per season on a three-year deal, but the top extension offer in this derby still came from a Patriots team that had also chased Calvin Ridley in free agency.

New England also sent two offers Aiyuk’s way, per Breer, who adds the team was willing to pay the former first-round pick $32MM per year on a four-year deal and $30MM AAV on a three-year contract. As far as the Pats’ trade offer goes, Breer reports they proposed a 2025 second-rounder, a 2026 fourth and one veteran player. The 49ers had asked about a Kendrick Bourne reunion. While Breer does not specify which player the Pats were set to include, Bourne represents a good guess — even though his ACL rehab landed him on the PUP list.

George Pickens does not have much in the way of proven help in Pittsburgh. Ex-Rams and Falcons supporting-caster Van Jefferson started Sunday. Roman Wilson did not make his debut in Atlanta, but Tomlin said the third-round rookie will see more practice time soon. An ankle injury kept Wilson off the field during the preseason. The Steelers have a strong WR development track record, but after narrowly missing out on Aiyuk, they certainly look to need a quick progression from Wilson.

“I’m comfortable with the performance of these guys,” Tomlin said about his auxiliary WR group. “(I) had some questions, even dating back to spring, and to be quite honest with you, I probably went into the receiver room a couple weeks into camp and told them that. I just believe in being really transparent.

“But the consistency with which those guys performed in Latrobe and with team development has made me more comfortable, and specifically I’m talking about Scotty Miller and Van Jefferson. I just can’t say enough about the consistency with which they’ve performed, their floor.”

The Steelers added Miller, who joined Jefferson in playing under Arthur Smith last season, shortly after the draft. Miller played 17 offensive snaps against the Falcons; Jefferson logged 49 and caught one pass.

Cowboys, Micah Parsons Will Discuss Extension After 2024 Season

September 10th, 2024 at 10:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

With mere hours to spare, the Cowboys managed to take care of their top two extensions in time for the start of the regular season. Both Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb have four-year extensions in hand, and they will not face questions about potential free agent departures during the 2024 campaign.

[Offseason In Review: Dallas Cowboys]

Throughout the offseason, the Cowboys’ negotiations on the Prescott and Lamb fronts were made against the backdrop of Micah Parsons also being eligible for a new deal this year. With two years remaining on his rookie contract, it came as no surprise the All-Pro edge rusher was third on the priority list regarding an extension. With the current season underway, talks on a monster second pact between Parsons and the team will be delayed until the spring.

“Right now, it’s certainly not anything that’s on the table,” Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan regarding Parsons extension talks (via Jon Machota of The Athletic). “Micah made a conscientious decision that he thinks he can put together an even better year. I think he got off to a great start against the Browns. I think his play speaks louder than words.

“I think he expects to have a great year under [defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer]. And then probably feel comfortable to talk about it then. Each individual is different. Opportunities come and when they are and the player feels good about something then we’ll certainly will move to do something. At the same time, sometimes players just aren’t ready yet. They don’t feel like their situation is in the right situation to start the process.”

Parsons will collect just under $3MM this season, and Dallas’ decision to pick up his fifth-year option has him on track to earn $21.32MM in 2025. A long-term extension will of course check in at a much higher rate given the nature of the edge market and the three-time Pro Bowler’s production to date. Parsons amassed 40.5 sacks in his first three years, and he added another during the Cowboys’ Week 1 win on Sunday. Remaining healthy and delivering another double-digit sack campaign would position him well for a major payday next offseason.

Nick Bosa‘s 2023 49ers extension carries an annual average value of $34MM. That figure briefly allowed him to hold the title of the league’s highest-paid non-quarterback before being surpassed by Justin Jefferson. Bosa is still the top earner for defensive players, though, and his contract could be a target for Parsons once negotiations take place. The 25-year-old said in June he was onboard with waiting out the 2024 offseason and allowing the Prescott and Lamb deals to be worked out (while also letting the salary cap jump once more before working on an extension).

Parsons has been connected to an asking price which would move him to the top of the pecking order for edge rushers, although the same was true of Lamb at one point and his Cowboys deal falls short of Jefferson’s in terms of value and guarantees. Prescott, on the other hand, secured an AAV of $60MM, moving the bar in terms of quarterback compensation by $5MM. It will be interesting to see how the Cowboys handle negotiations knowing Prescott and Lamb are set to carry major cap hits for the foreseeable future while also trying to afford a massive Parsons commitment.

On his Off the Edge podcast, the Penn State product confirmed his desire to remain a Cowboy well after the 2024 and ’25 seasons (video link). Whether or not Parsons and the team can meet that goal via a long-term deal will not be known until the current campaign comes to an end, however.

Browns Add LB Khaleke Hudson Off Saints’ Practice Squad

September 10th, 2024 at 9:54pm CST by Ely Allen

Saints practice squad linebacker Khaleke Hudson is heading to Cleveland, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Hudson will join the Browns‘ active roster after being signed from the practice squad in New Orleans. A gameday elevation this past weekend, Hudson could be one of the first players in the league to play for more than one team this season.

Hudson signed with the Saints in the offseason after playing out his rookie contract as a fifth-round pick in Washington. A solid rotation player through the first three years of his career, Hudson earned a bigger role in 2023, starting eight games for the Commanders and tallying career highs in total tackles (74), tackles for loss (5), sacks (1), quarterback hits (2), and passes defensed (2).

Despite the strong contract year that led to his deal with the Saints, Hudson didn’t end up making the initial 53-man roster, though New Orleans did retain him on the practice squad. Now, though, he’ll get a new opportunity to play in Cleveland, where Brandon Bouyer-Randle sits on injured reserve and Mohamoud Diabate and Tony Fields II take up spots on the injury report. He provides some experienced, starting depth on the defense.

Additionally, with Pro Bowl tight end David Njoku facing a potential absence due to an ankle injury, the Browns added veteran Geoff Swaim to the practice squad, per Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2. Jordan Akins sits on the roster behind Njoku, and Swaim will now add some additional experience and depth from the practice squad, if necessary.

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