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Month: December 2024

Antonio Pierce: Luke Getsy’s Play-Calling Needs Improvement

October 31st, 2024 at 11:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Luke Getsy came to the Raiders after the team’s negotiations with Kliff Kingsbury broke down. Eventually pivoting to a Commanders offer (with some help from minority Commanders owner Magic Johnson), Kingsbury sought a three-year deal from the Raiders, who were offering a two-year pact.

The Raiders circled back to Getsy, who had received interest for official and unofficial (in the Jets’ unique case, which also involved Kingsbury) OC jobs following his Bears firing. Getsy has seen the Raiders change quarterbacks and the latest preferred starter (Aidan O’Connell) go down with an injury. The Raiders have also traded their top offensive player, unloading a disgruntled Davante Adams. As could be expected, Las Vegas is struggling on that side of the ball.

Las Vegas ranks 26th in scoring (18 points per game) and 28th in total yardage. DVOA slots Getsy’s offense in that neighborhood, measuring it 27th through eight games. Although Antonio Pierce is not contemplating a change, the Raiders HC took aim at his play-caller amid a four-game skid.

“It has to get better,” Pierce said of Getsy’s play-calling, via the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore. “… There’s been a lot of opportunities for us to score points and make opportunities. And, yeah, that’s on the play-caller. It does start with the coordinator. He’s got to be the one that takes the fall for that and gets most of the blame. But it is collective.”

Pierce further couched that assessment by saying the team’s struggles are “on all of us,” but this situation will be one of the many to monitor moving forward. The Raiders have not scored more than 20 points since Week 3, when the Panthers stampeded to their only win of the season (after a bounce-back 2023, Patrick Graham‘s defense ranks 27th in points and 23rd in DVOA). The Raiders rank 31st in rushing yards, as their post-Josh Jacobs period has not started well.

Las Vegas let Jacobs walk, not submitting an offer in the ballpark of a four-year, $48MM Packers deal that included just $13.5MM guaranteed at signing. The Raiders instead added Alexander Mattison to play behind Zamir White, adding the ex-Vikings Dalvin Cook replacement on a one-year, $2MM deal. Neither White nor Mattison has impressed, respectively sporting 3.0 and 3.2 per-carry averages. Pro Football Focus ranks the Raiders’ O-line 18th.

The Raiders have seen Brock Bowers become their runaway lead target but would-be sidekick Michael Mayer, whom the team traded up for early in the 2023 second round, land on the reserve/NFI list. Pierce said earlier this month Mayer is dealing with “personal stuff” and did not have a return timetable. Jakobi Meyers, who has landed in trade rumors, leads Raiders wide receivers with 325 yards. Adams contributed just three games to the Raiders’ cause, going down with a hamstring injury. The team viewed Adams as slow-playing his return amid trade uncertainty.

Getsy drew some iffy hands with the Bears as well, with Justin Fields not establishing consistency as a passer. He now looks to be in a worse situation, as the Raiders remain in search of their next franchise QB and appear to be considering moving Meyers after trading Adams. How the team’s second half unfolds will affect Pierce’s future, and Getsy’s will certainly be tied to it.

Examining Final Stage Of WR Trade Market

October 31st, 2024 at 10:45pm CST by Sam Robinson

The top dominoes on the wide receiver trade market have likely fallen. Third-round picks changed hands in the Davante Adams and Amari Cooper swaps, and DeAndre Hopkins will join Adams as a Hall of Fame candidate — one who can now bolster his case by moving the needle for a Chiefs threepeat bid.

Diontae Johnson also wound up in a second trade this year, albeit for lower-than-expected compensation. This offseason also brought the likes of Stefon Diggs, Keenan Allen and Jerry Jeudy being traded, marking another busy year — both contractually and transactionally — at the position.

More pieces figure to be moved before the deadline. Here is where things stand with the remaining trade chips at the receiver position:

Likely departures

Darius Slayton, Giants

This Giants regime attempted to move on from Slayton two years ago, leaving the proven target out of the starting lineup into training camp and cutting his pay on a rookie contract. Slayton ended up mattering quite a bit in Brian Daboll‘s first year, which produced a surprise playoff berth despite Kadarius Toney and Kenny Golladay producing next to nothing and Sterling Shepard and Wan’Dale Robinson suffering season-ending injuries. Slayton, as he has throughout his career, remained a reliable albeit unspectacular Daniel Jones weapon. Slayton, 27, has led the Giants in receiving four times since being a 2019 fifth-round pick but has never eclipsed 800 yards, illustrating the long-running issues plaguing this aerial attack.

Malik Nabers arrived as a result of those issues (and the Patriots passing on the Giants’ trade-up bid for Drake Maye), but Slayton has not been marginalized. The sixth-year wideout, with 420 yards in eight games, is on pace for a career-high total. He continues to aid Jones, but with the Giants falling to 2-6 and having a Commanders matchup on tap, teams will call on Slayton. Linked to several big-name receivers this year, the Steelers are believed to be interested. The Texans may be lurking as well.

Just more than $1.3MM remains on Slayton’s through-2024 contract, and although a recent report pointed to a high asking price, this remains the best chance for the Giants to collect an asset for a player they did not extend — despite the veteran’s efforts to secure better terms — this offseason.

Mike Williams, Jets

Williams is 30, coming off an ACL tear and on a team that has rendered him to the periphery following the Adams acquisition. The free agency pickup combined for one reception since Adams’ Week 7 debut and has just 11 catches for 160 yards in eight games as a Jet. With Allen Lazard regaining steam with Aaron Rodgers healthy, it is unsurprising the Jets started shopping Williams in earnest immediately after the Adams trade. Just more than $2.3MM will remain on the former top-10 pick’s contract after tonight’s game; the Jets will wait until after their Week 9 matchup to see if a worthwhile offer emerges.

Considering the rumor volume here, enough smoke exists to predict a second Williams separation from a team this year. The Saints and Steelers have pursued him, though at 2-6, New Orleans no longer profiles as a buyer despite being in on Adams weeks ago. The Jets also are in a seller’s position, though GM Joe Douglas‘ job being on the line may keep the subtractions to a minimum. The Chargers are 4-3 and have inquired about bringing the 2017 draftee back, despite cutting him in March.

Lazard’s Thursday IR placement does throw a wrench in teams’ potential plans to trade for Williams. He was previously viewed as a near-certainty to be dealt. It would be interesting if that injury prompted the Jets to take Williams off the market due to the high-stakes circumstances tied to this season.

A to-be-determined Patriot

Three separate Pats wideouts — K.J. Osborn, Tyquan Thornton and trade-rumor fixture Kendrick Bourne — have been tied to potential moves. At 2-6, New England will need to aim for some moves before next week’s deadline. Bourne, 29, has indicated he would like to stay to help the team’s Drake Maye-fronted rebuild. In addition to Thornton being one of many highly drafted Bill Belichick wideouts who have failed to take off in Foxborough, second-year target Kayshon Boutte has griped about his role.

This fluid situation will almost definitely involve one trade. Osborn, Bourne’s rumor regularity notwithstanding, may be the more likely veteran piece New England deals. The Pats are believed to be shopping he and Bourne, despite the latter having re-signed (on a three-year, $19MM deal) in March. The 49ers, who wanted Bourne back during Brandon Aiyuk trade talks with the Patriots this summer, appear to be standing down at the position following Aiyuk’s injury. The Pats signed Osborn for one year and $4MM, but just $1.18MM consists of base salary, providing relative value for teams, as Osborn has two 600-plus-yard seasons as a Vikings slot on his resume.

Calls coming in

Tee Higgins, Bengals

Carson Palmer‘s quasi-retirement and a Jason Campbell injury producing a monster offer (first- and second-rounders) brought the Bengals to make a deadline trade; Carlos Dunlap becoming a malcontent before the 2020 deadline keyed another such move. Teams have asked about Higgins for a while, as the former second-rounder requested a trade in March. Despite a failure to complete an extension with Ja’Marr Chase this offseason, the Bengals have made it clear the younger WR is their long-term priority.

Higgins is tied to a $21.8MM franchise tag tender, being the only 2024 tag recipient not extended this offseason. Couple that $10MM-plus salary number, if traded after Week 9, and the Bengals’ past and it is a mortal lock the longtime Chase wingman finishes the season in Cincinnati. Higgins, 25, could be re-tagged in 2025, giving the Bengals another window to move on if/once they hold onto him at this year’s deadline.

Cooper Kupp, Rams

The Rams made news earlier this month by both confirming they had received calls on Kupp and a separate report suggesting the team was shopping him. The Chiefs, Bills and Steelers are among the teams to discuss Kupp with the Rams; Kansas City is believed to have preferred Kupp to the player ultimately acquired (Hopkins). But the Rams have won two straight, the second of which featuring Kupp and Puka Nacua back at work.

Sean McVay has all but confirmed Kupp is not going anywhere, and the Rams — who had wanted a return that surpassed the Adams price (conditional third-round pick) — have the former triple-crown winner signed through 2026.

D.K. Metcalf, Seahawks

At this season’s outset, Deebo Samuel appeared much less likely than Metcalf to play out a three-year contract inked during training camp in 2022. Now, Samuel is back as the 49ers’ No. 1 wideout (thanks to Aiyuk’s injury) and Metcalf is drawing trade interest. Calls have come in on the sixth-year pass catcher, who is tied to a three-year, $72MM extension that runs through 2025. The Seahawks, however, are not expected to move their top wideout.

Paired with Tyler Lockett for six seasons, Metcalf is a more appealing trade option due to his age (26). Lockett is 32, and while it is worth wondering the Seahawks would be more amenable to moving the older player, no rumors have swirled there. Seattle has hired a new coaching staff and would drop to 4-5 with a loss to Los Angeles this weekend, but it appears the Mike Macdonald-run team will stick with the big-bodied target throughout the season before potentially reassessing ahead of his contract year.

On trade radar

Jakobi Meyers, Raiders

The Raiders did extensive work on the past two quarterback classes, going elsewhere in 2023 and then seeing an effort to trade up for Jayden Daniels predictably fail this year. Las Vegas is between eras at quarterback, with a flood of rumors set to tie the team to the 2025 class undoubtedly coming soon.

The team already picked up a Jets 2025 third-rounder, but with Meyers initially signed to continue working under his three-year Patriots OC (Josh McDaniels), he makes sense as a trade chip as well. Although the Raiders were rumored to want to keep the sixth-year vet, teams are monitoring his status. The Texans, whose GM (Nick Caserio) was in place when the Pats signed Meyers as a UDFA, may be one of them. Meyers’ three-year, $33MM deal runs through 2025; no guarantees are on the accord post-2024.

Josh Palmer, Chargers

Drafted by current Raiders GM Tom Telesco, Palmer is not believed to be in the Jim Harbaugh-run Chargers’ plans much longer. The former third-round pick has been productive in recent years, as injuries to Mike Williams and Keenan Allen proved frequent in that span.

Capable of playing inside and outside, Palmer would be of interest to a team that misses on Slayton — if, in fact, the six-year Giant is moved. The Bolts are believed to be open trading Palmer, potentially wanting someone else to fill in alongside new top target Ladd McConkey. Palmer appears likely to leave as a free agent in March, so it is logical — even at 4-3 — for the Chargers to consider moving on now.

Courtland Sutton, Broncos

Never one to be excluded from rumors during one of the NFL’s trade windows, Sutton remains the Broncos’ top wideout. His purpose is now boosting Bo Nix‘s development, which is going better than most expected. As Nix won NFL Rookie of the Month honors for October, Sutton is still coming up as a candidate to be moved. The Steelers are interested, to the point they may have the ex-Russell Wilson weapon as their lead trade target. This is old hat for the seventh-year player, who has been coming up in trade rumors since the 2022 deadline. Sean Payton confirmed his WR1 drew more interest this year.

Sutton, 29, is tied to a four-year, $60MM deal — one that has become rather team-friendly, especially with no 2025 guarantees in place — that features just a $1.13MM base salary. Because the Broncos restructured the deal for cost-saving purposes, Sutton would tag them with more than $15MM in dead money — an amount that would be spread between this year and next in the event of a trade. The low salary would appeal to trade suitors, but with Wilson set to count more than $30MM against the Broncos’ 2025 cap, taking on another chunk of dead money now would be a curious strategy. Sutton’s exit would come as strange due to his importance to Nix’s growth and the Broncos having declined a third-round offer from the 49ers in August.

Jonathan Mingo, Adam Thielen, Panthers

Thielen is a 34-year-old receiver on a Panthers team early in a rebuild. No guarantees remain on the ex-Viking’s three-year, $25MM contract for 2025, making him a logical trade candidate. This topic came up recently, and despite the Panthers trading Johnson already, it is doubtful they would pass on offers to keep Thielen, who profiles as a 2025 cut candidate. The former Minnesota UDFA, who tacked on a third 1,000-yard season to his resume last season, remains in the IR-return window after a hamstring injury.

A 2023 second-round pick who has not thus far justified his draft slot, Mingo came up recently as a player who is probably not part of the Panthers’ long-term plans. Mingo may have more trade value, despite the accomplishment gap between these Carolina targets, due to his age and contract status. The Ole Miss alum’s rookie deal runs through 2026, though he is sitting on just 12 catches for 121 yards despite not missing a game this season.

Courtland Sutton, Darius Slayton On Steelers’ Radar?

October 31st, 2024 at 10:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Steelers have climbed to 6-2, they have seen Russell Wilson deliver two promising starts in wins over the Jets and Giants. Those conquests still do not appear to have moved the AFC North leaders out of a wide receiver market they have populated for months.

The Steelers have been tied to Davante Adams, Deebo Samuel, Brandon Aiyuk and Mike Williams at points this year. Cooper Kupp also came up in conversations. Pittsburgh’s interest in Williams remains, with the team joining the Chargers and Saints (and probably others) as clubs looking into a player the Jets continue to shop. Considering Pittsburgh’s need, it also should not surprise the team is being linked to two trade-block regulars.

Courtland Sutton and Darius Slayton are believed to join Williams on the Steelers’ radar, according to Sportskeeda’s Tony Pauline, who indicates a hierarchy exists here. The Steelers are believed to have plenty of interest in prying Sutton from Denver, though Pauline adds the Broncos — as they have for years — are setting a high asking price on one of this NFL period’s trade-rumor mainstays.

Sutton’s name, despite the Broncos’ 5-3 record, came up recently — yet again. Sutton, 29, has been mentioned at just about every NFL trade window since the 2022 deadline. The Broncos then set a second-round asking price on the 6-foot-4 wideout during the 2023 offseason, seeing him usurp Jerry Jeudy as Wilson’s top target. Wilson and Sutton formed a rapport, one that produced a few acrobatic catches from the former second-round pick, last season. As a result, it would not surprise if the Steelers were one of the teams in on Sutton this offseason.

Sean Payton confirmed several clubs called about Sutton this year, doing so after the Broncos unloaded Jeudy for fifth- and sixth-round picks. The most notable 2024 Sutton “what if?” came in August, when the 49ers offered a third-round pick to the Broncos in what would have been a three-team deal that sent Sutton to Denver and Aiyuk to Pittsburgh. The Steelers’ trade framework with the 49ers for Aiyuk did not turn out to be enough, as the now-high-priced veteran recommitted to San Francisco — weeks before sustaining a season-ending injury.

It would represent odd timing for the Broncos to finally part with Sutton, as their WR corps is thin — especially after Josh Reynolds landed on IR and then suffered injuries in a recent shooting — beyond the seventh-year vet. Second-rounder Marvin Mims has not developed as the Broncos hoped, and the team is otherwise reliant on fourth- and seventh-round rookies (Troy Franklin, Devaughn Vele). Trading Sutton now would stand to affect Bo Nix‘s development, hence the high price the Broncos are again setting.

As Sutton is tied to a four-year, $60MM deal that features no guarantees in 2025 — the contract’s final year — Slayton is winding down a two-year, $12MM accord. The Giants wide receiver has started strong this season, becoming a nice complementary piece alongside fast-emerging rookie Malik Nabers. The latter is New York’s future at the position, with Slayton — a Dave Gettleman-era draftee who has come up in trade rumors at multiple points — a player the Giants will undoubtedly consider moving before the Nov. 5 deadline.

The Giants are also setting a notable price on their WR trade chip, as both Slayton and Azeez Ojulari have drawn interest but are not locks to move. Though, the Giants’ 2-6 record — ahead of a Commanders matchup — may carry the day. Slayton appears a Sutton backup plan, per Pauline, but probably will be easier to obtain at this point.

The Steelers have sought a George Pickens complement for months, having traded Diontae Johnson during the legal tampering period in March. Slot player Calvin Austin has become Pittsburgh’s de facto WR2, with 257 yards, but given their hot start, the Steelers figure to make a final push to help Wilson before the deadline.

Diontae Johnson Addresses Ravens Trade; WR Unlikely To Serve As Starter?

October 31st, 2024 at 9:56pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Ravens are among the teams which have made an addition at the receiver spot. Baltimore added Diontae Johnson from the Panthers by agreeing to a Day 3 pick swap in which Carolina retained much of his remaining salary.

Given the low acquisition cost on the part of the Ravens, expectations will be tempered for Johnson upon arrival. The 28-year-old was long considered one of the top options at the receiver position available via trade, with a mid-round pick once being the asking price. Carolina’s willingness to take only a minor upgrade in draft capital while absorbing most of Johnson’s outstanding compensation speaks to the mutual desire of both parties to move on.

“Once I found out where I was going, I was excited,” the Toledo product confirmed when asked about his acquisition by the Ravens (via Clifton Brown of the team’s website). “Sigh of relief. I’m ready to work.”

With three seasons of at least 882 receiving yards on his resume, Johnson brings not only experience to the Ravens’ receiving corps but also a notable pedigree compared to the the team’s other options at the position. Baltimore has recent first-rounders Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman on their way to career highs in production, but adding another target – especially in the event either member of that pairing were to miss signficant time – represents a reasonable move. It remains to be seen how involved Johnson will be once he acclimates Baltimore’s offense.

On that point, veteran insider Josina Anderson reports the Johnson acquisition is not expected to result in a reduction in Flowers’ or Bateman’s workloads. Baltimore rarely uses three-receiver sets, and with all three of the team’s tight ends (Mark Andrews, Isaiah Likely and Charlie Kolar) along with fullback Patrick Ricard healthy that should remain the case moving forward. Johnson – whose most productive campaign came in 2021 with 1,161 yards and eight touchdowns – will slot in ahead of Nelson Agholor for the WR3 gig in that scenario.

Ravens head coach John Harbaugh added the team is considering using Johnson as a punt returner. Deonte Harty is currently on IR due to a knee injury, creating a need on special teams. Johnson has not handed return duties since the first two years of his career (having also done so in college), and that may be his best path to signficant usage with his newest team. As a pending free agent, his production in any and all capacities will be key in determining his market value.

NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/31/24

October 31st, 2024 at 9:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

Thursday’s practice squad moves:

Buffalo Bills

Los Angeles Rams

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

Tennessee Titans

Broncos’ Baron Browning Does Not Wish To Be Traded; No Extension Talks Ongoing?

October 31st, 2024 at 8:21pm CST by Adam La Rose

Sitting at 5-3 on the year, the Broncos could be in position to add ahead of the trade deadline but a few players have been mentioned as targets for other teams. Among those is outside linebacker Baron Browning.

As a pending free agent, Browning could draw interest from teams looking to add depth in the pass-rush department for the stretch run. The 25-year-old worked as an inside linebacker during his rookie season, but since then has has been a key figure along the edge. With respect to the 2024 season in particular, Browning’s playing time has taken a dip but he did miss four games with a foot injury.

Now healthy, the Ohio State product is competing for playing time alongside the likes of Nik Bonitto and fellow 2021 draftee Jonathon Cooper. The latter could find himself as Denver’s priority in terms of an extension, and in that case Browning could be worth dealing away before a free agent departure. If the former third-rounder has his way, though, he will remain in the Mile High City beyond the coming deadline.

“I really don’t try to stress myself with stuff I can’t control,” Browning said when asked about a potential trade (via Parker Gabriel of the Denver Post). “Worrying about that won’t do me no good. I just try to stay in the moment and stay where my feet are. I love it here. I love my teammates. This is where I was drafted. And I hate moving.”

Near the bottom of the league in terms of cap space, the Broncos could stand to move out a signficant contract or two. The financial benefits of dealing Browning would be minimal, however, as he is on his rookie contract. Veteran receiver Courtland Sutton – who once again finds himself on another team’s trade radar – would, by contrast, yield more breathing room.

Browning also noted that he is not aware of any extension talks taking place between his representation and the Broncos. Cooper is in need of a new deal during the offseason, while Bonitto will be eligible for an extension this spring. Retaining one or both members of that pairing for the long term would come as no surprise, but Browning could very well find himself in that situation as well. With the November 5 deadline approaching, Denver will need to at least decide on whether or not he remains in the team’s 2024 plans over the coming days.

Dolphins DT Zach Sieler To Miss Time

October 31st, 2024 at 7:36pm CST by Adam La Rose

OCTOBER 31: Sieler will not require surgery, per an update from Wolfe. McDaniel is unsure at this point if returning to the lineup in time for Week 9, but in any event significant missed time beyond Miami’s next game should not be expected given that news.

OCTOBER 25: The Dolphins’ offense is set to receive a major boost in Week 8. The team’s defense will, on the other hand, be missing a key contributor for the time being.

Defensive tackle Zach Sieler suffered an orbital bone fracture in practice, Cameron Wolfe and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report. He will be out for Week 8 at a minimum, but further evaluation will be needed to determine a firm recovery timeline. It remains to be seen if surgery and/or a stint on injured reserve will be required.

Missing Sieler for an extended period would deal a blow to Miami’s defensive front. The former seventh-rounder has emerged as a full-time starter during his time with the Dolphins, which dates back to the 2019 campaign. Sieler has logged a snap share of at least 77% each season since 2022, serving as a key member of the team’s D-line. Especially with free agent departure Christian Wilkins no longer in the picture, Sieler’s presence is crucial on a defense which ranks fourth in yards allowed per game.

The 29-year-old has been an important run-stopping presence over the past several years, and he chipped in as a secondary pass-rushing option as well before landing an extension last summer. That three-year, $30.75MM pact raised expectations, and Sieler delivered in 2023 with a career-high 10 sacks. Now that Wilkins is gone, Sieler has been counted on to a larger extent in terms of providing an interior rush presence. Being without it for a lengthy stretch would hinder a defense which already ranks 30th in the NFL in sacks.

Moving Sieler to IR would ensure at least a four-game absence. When speaking about the injury on Friday, head coach Mike McDaniel deemed the situation week to week (h/t Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald), so the outcome of further testing will be crucial in determining how long Sieler is sidelined for. The likes of Calais Campbell, Benito Jones and Brandon Pili will be counted on to handle a larger workload along the D-line in his absence.

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/31/24

October 31st, 2024 at 6:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Thursday’s minor moves:

Jacksonville Jaguars

New York Jets

Pittsburgh Steelers

  • Released: T Dylan Cook

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Gipson was issued a six-game PED suspension in July, but he has yet to be reinstated by the league. Today’s development marks a step in that direction, however, since it allows the 34-year-old to begin practicing. Once he is brought back into the fold Gipson will take on a role in the Jags’ secondary (or at least on special teams) as he plays what could be the final season of his 13-year career.

Will Levis To Remain Titans’ Starter Once Healthy

October 31st, 2024 at 6:05pm CST by Adam La Rose

Will Levis last played in Week 6 as he continues to recover from an AC joint sprain. The second-year quarterback has not developed as hoped this season, but he should return to the top of the depth chart when healthy.

Titans offensive coordinator Nick Holz indicated on Thursday (via team reporter Jim Wyatt) Levis is expected to serve as the team’s starter once he returns to action. Veteran Mason Rudolph has handled QB1 duties with Levis on the mend, overseeing the team’s offense in blowout losses to the Bills and Lions. Tennessee sits at 1-6 on the year, so a run at the postseason during the latter stages of the campaign would be a surprise.

Especially with that in mind, getting Levis as many reps as possible once he is healthy is a logical goal for Tennessee. Selected with the No. 33 pick last spring, the 25-year-old took over from Ryan Tannehill midway through his rookie season. He did not deliver many strong outings from a statistical standpoint, but offseason changes (highlighted by Brian Callahan taking over as head coach) were aimed at giving Levis a better environment to develop in. Turnovers in particular were a major issue prior to his injury, however.

Overall, Levis’ touchdown-to-interception ratio sits at 13:11 and he has fumbled 10 times in his career. The Penn State and Kentucky product has been sacked 43 times in only 14 starts, an illustration of the Titans’ need for improvement along the offensive line but also Levis’ required development as a passer. The team’s receiving corps no longer features DeAndre Hopkins, but Calvin Ridley and Tyler Boyd will again provide him with plenty of experience in the pass-catching corps upon return.

Levis has been a limited participant in practice both days this week, continuing a trend dating back to when Rudolph first took over. The latter is a pending free agent, and whether or not he is offered another Titans deal will no doubt be influenced by his performances while atop the depth chart. Levis can be expected to reclaim that spot relatively soon provided he does not encounter setbacks in his recovery.

Jets Place DT Leki Fotu On IR, Activate TE Kenny Yeboah

October 31st, 2024 at 5:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

Allen Lazard has landed on injured reserve, sideling him for at least four games. He is joined in that respect by defensive tackle Leki Fotu, per a team announcement.

Fotu began the season on IR, and he was only activated two weeks ago. The free agent addition has therefore logged just 46 defensive snaps so far this season, and this second IR stint will further interrupt his 2024 campaign. Fotu served as a rotational member of Arizona’s D-line rotation over the past four years, and he was positioned to do the same upon arrival with the Jets.

The 26-year-old signed a one-year, $2.5MM deal to join New York. That low-risk investment has not gone as planned so far, but once healthy Fotu could be an effective contributor against the run. Fulfilling that role would be welcomed by team and player; the Jets have posted strong numbers in certain defensive categories this season, but they rank only 17th against the run. An effective showing to close out the campaign would also, of course, help Fotu’s market value.

New York also activated tight end Kenny Yeboah from injured reserve on Thursday. Like Fotu, he was listed as designated for return before the roster cutdown deadline, allowing him to see the field at some point after Week 4. Yeboah had his practice window opened last week, so it comes as no surprise he has been activated in time for tonight’s matchup against the Texans. In a corresponding move to the special teamer’s activation, fellow tight end Anthony Firkser was released.

As expected, Riley Patterson will indeed be the first kicker to get the first opportunity to take over for the injured Greg Zuerlein. Added to the practice squad (along with Spencer Shrader) yesterday, Patterson will not be a gameday elevation for Thursday’s game; rather, he has been signed to the active roster. Given Zuerlein’s struggles this season, Patterson could certainly play his way into an extended opportunity with the Jets even after the veteran is healthy.

Offensive lineman Alec Lindstrom – who has bounced on and off the Jets’ roster in recent days – has also been signed off the taxi squad to the active roster. The 26-year-old has yet to make a regular season appearance in the NFL, but he will again dress as a backup option up front for today’s game.

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