HEADLINES

Seahawks’ RG Anthony Bradford Still In Mix To Start

June 30th, 2024 at 7:24pm CST by Ely Allen

The Seahawks are seeing a bit of change on the interior of their offensive line this offseason. Charles Cross and Abraham Lucas return at tackle and Anthony Bradford returns after starting 10 games in 2023, but the departures of Evan Brown and Damien Lewis required updates to the depth chart. Throw in the fact that Seattle drafted UConn guard Christian Haynes in the third round of this year’s draft and not even Bradford is a sure thing to return to a starting role this year.

We talked about this a bit in a recent breakdown of the team’s offensive line, but a more recent update from the end of minicamp may inform things a bit differently.

As a fourth-round rookie out of LSU last year, Bradford was one of the larger linemen in last year’s rookie class, weighing in at 332 pounds. His strength and size were worth the investment, but a lack of natural athleticism and quickness were thought to limit Bradford to a developmental role to start his career.

Multiple injuries to players like Phil Haynes, Lucas, and others forced Bradford into a starting role much earlier than expected. Bradford performed respectably as a starter but certainly left loads of room for improvement. As expected, the area he was predicted to need developing in, pass protection, was a huge handicap to the offensive line. Pro Football Focus (subscription required) graded his pass blocking as the 70th-best in the league out of 77 graded guards.

In our breakdown we entertained the possibility of Haynes beating out Bradford for the starting job as a rookie. All 49 of Haynes’ starts for the Huskies came at right guard, so it’s a position with which he’s very familiar. A second-team All-American in 2022, Haynes excels in the areas Bradford struggles in. During his college career, Haynes was noted for his plus athleticism and great short-area quickness. With scouts noting his strength, football IQ, and finishing mentality, as well, a lot of signs seem to be pointing to Haynes being the favorite to take over the job in 2024.

ESPN’s Brady Henderson set the record straight earlier this month after interviewing new head coach Mike Macdonald following the final day of minicamp. Per Henderson, Macdonald claimed that Bradford is “right in the mix” to start. Bradford hadn’t been participating in the offseason program as he worked his way back from an ankle injury but was finally working with the team in the final days of camp. With the starting experience, it sounds like he’ll continue to be given every opportunity to retain his starting job.

One player to keep an eye on was also mentioned in our previous breakdown. McClendon Curtis, an undrafted rookie last year, has been an under-the-radar option for Seattle. As Bradford missed time in recovery, it was Curtis taking the majority of first-team snaps on the offensive line, while Haynes spent most of his time on the second-team unit. McClendon isn’t boasting a ton of experience, only playing four special teams snaps in his rookie year, but coaches seem to appreciate what he’s done so far in the offseason.

This is a battle that’s sure to rage into training camp. Haynes will continue learning and growing in the new system, attempting to usurp his predecessor; Bradford will continue working his way back from injury, attempting to show his development from a rocky rookie season; and Curtis will hang around as an unlikely but potential option to take the job.

5 Key Stories: 6/23/24 – 6/30/24

June 30th, 2024 at 4:44pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the NFL’s offseason in full swing, contract matters in a number of cases are front and center for the time being. Teams and players have plenty of time to work out extensions, but attention will remain aimed on situations where uncertainty exists. In case you missed any of this week’s top developments, here is a quick recap:

  • Negotiations Ongoing Between Aiyuk, 49ers: The future of Brandon Aiyuk has been a central storyline throughout the offseason. Per his request, the pending free agent wideout met with the team to further discuss an extension; reports pointed to a positive outcome with a mutual desire to avoid a trade existing. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old later acknowledged the sides have been far apart on contract terms at times during negotiations. San Francisco was in a similar situation with Deebo Samuel before a trade request was ultimately rescinded and a multi-year deal was worked out. A similar resolution in the case of Aiyuk – who floated the Steelers and Commanders as alternative destinations – would allow the team to keep a critical member of its offensive core in place beyond 2024.
  • Dolphins Yet To Submit Market-Value Tagovailoa Offer: Two quarterbacks (Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff) have joined the NFL’s $50MM-per-year club this offseason, and Tua Tagovailoa is among the passers who could land a similar deal in the near future. To date, the Dolphins have not been willing to make an offer in that neighborhood, however. The Pro Bowler has turned down at least one Miami contract so far, and his remarks on his situation have suggested a hometown discount will not be forthcoming. Tagovailoa, 26, has faced questions related to his health and upside, although a full campaign in 2023 and notable statistical output when on the field will increase his leverage. Extension talks continue, but for now he is on track to play out his fifth-year option ($23.17MM) this season.
  • Lamb On Track For Cowboys Holdout? One of the other receivers angling for a lucrative second contract is CeeDee Lamb, who has missed spring workouts with the Cowboys this offseason. Now that Justin Jefferson has reset the receiver market – signing a $35MM-per-season Vikings accord, the largest for a non-QB – traction could be gained between Lamb’s representatives and Dallas’ front office. With nothing imminent, however, a training camp holdout could be coming this summer. The All-Pro delivered the most productive season in franchise history last season, giving him plenty of leverage in contract talks. Known to be waiting for the top of the WR pecking order to be established, the Cowboys are not looking to move the bar to new heights on a monster Lamb accord. The 25-year-old would incur fines with a training camp absence, but the team could elect to waive them in his case.
  • Policy Named Packers’ Next President: Mark Murphy will reach mandatory retirement age next summer, but his successor is now officially in place. The team’s board of directors unanimously tapped Ed Policy for the role of president and CEO starting next year. The 53-year-old has been with Green Bay since 2012, serving as the team’s COO for the past six years. He will continue in that regard until taking over as de facto owner after Murphy steps aside. Policy represented an expected choice for the role, but the Packers vetted 90 candidates (and 10 finalists) before choosing him to lead the team’s front office.
  • Daboll To Take Over As Giants’ Play-Caller: Brian Daboll had a successful run as a play-calling offensive coordinator with the Bills before landing the Giants’ head coaching gig. To the surprise of many, his choice for OC (Mike Kafka) called plays for most of the past two seasons. Kafka survived the staff turnover seen this offseason, but Daboll is on track to take over play-calling responsibilities in 2024. The latter guided the offense this spring, and carrying on through training camp and into the regular season will create a notable storyline tied to his future. Tension in 2023 between Daboll and his assistant has been well documented, and his job security will be a talking point if the coming season does not go according to plan. A strong start to the year on offense, by contrast, could quell concerns about his Giants tenure.

Latest On Isaiah Simmons, Giants’ Safety Competition

June 30th, 2024 at 3:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Giants took a flier on Isaiah Simmons last year, trading a seventh-round pick to the Cardinals to acquire him in August. The former first-rounder has struggled to find a permanent role in the NFL, but his debut season in New York was sufficient to land him a new deal.

Simmons re-signed on a one-year deal featuring $1.4MM guaranteed in April after logging a part-time defensive role with the Giants. Seeing a 33% snap share under Don Martindale, the 25-year-old recorded 50 tackles, three pass deflections and one each in the sack, interception and forced fumble departments. The Giants have since moved on from Martindale, though, bringing in Shane Bowen as his replacement.

When speaking about how Simmons will be used in 2024, Bowen indicated he will be used as a nickel back on first and second downs. On third downs, by contrast, the Clemson alum will shift to what Bowen termed a ‘money’ position (h/t ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). Simmons began his career as a linebacker before Arizona shifted him to safety. If Bowen’s plan unfolds as currently set up, he will continue to be used in a fluid manner while trying to find a long-term home in the NFL.

Elsewhere on the Giants’ defense, the safety position is one to watch. Xavier McKinney‘s free agent departure created a vacancy in the starting lineup, one which Dane Belton could fill in 2024. The latter has made 32 appearances and seven starts to date, posting two interceptions in each of his first two years in the league. New York selected Tyler Nubin in the second round of the draft, however, providing the team with another option for first-team responsibilities.

Nubin was considered by many to be the top safety in this year’s class, but Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post writes Belton was ahead of him on the depth chart during spring practices. Plenty of clarity will emerge for many position battles during padded practices in training camp, of course. For the time being, though, Belton has a leg up in the competition. Maintaining that advantage would be key for the 23-year-old considering he will be eligible for an extension after the 2024 season.

New York struggled in a number of defensive categories last season, although the team’s pass defense (19th in yards allowed through the air) fared better. Still, Bowen and Co. will aim for improvement in 2024, and Simmons along with the winner of the Belton-Nubin competition will have notable roles in that effort. They will be among the players to watch closely as training camp unfolds.

Eagles CB Zech McPhearson Expected To Take Part In Training Camp

June 30th, 2024 at 1:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

An Achilles tear kept Zech McPhearson off the field for the entire 2023 season. The fourth-year Eagles corner has successfully rehabbed the injury, though, and he should be available when training camp starts in July.

McPhearson indicated in April that he was on track to suit up for the start of the regular season, so this latest update comes as little surprise. Still, a return to full health would be a welcomed development to an Eagles secondary which struggled last season and has seen a number of new arrivals. Philadelphia’s special teams will also be bolstered by McPhearson’s return.

“I’m 100 percent, man,” the 26-year-old said (via Inside the Birds’ Andrew DiCecco). “I’m just glad to be back. My body’s feeling good, I’m feeling good. I just wanna go out there and compete. I got so much built up inside me. I got a chip on my shoulder. It’s a lot going on outside, but I block out all that noise.”

McPhearson missed OTAs and minicamp due to his rehab, but taking part in training camp will set him up for a return to action this fall. The former fourth-rounder made 33 regular season appearances across his first two Eagles campaigns, taking part in four playoff contests during that time. He logged only a rotational defensive role in that stretch, but he could serve as a familiar slot corner option behind returnee Avonte Maddox in 2024. McPhearson has also worked as a backup on the perimeter, though the Eagles have a pair of rookies (Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean) capable of handling that role.

One year remains on McPhearson’s rookie contract, and a healthy season would certainly help his free agent stock. The Texas Tech product’s health will be worth watching once training camp begins, but if all goes according to plan he should be able to take part in a full season after a year spent on the sidelines.

P Marquette King Seeking NFL Opportunity

June 30th, 2024 at 12:40pm CST by Rory Parks

Marquette King has not punted for an NFL team since 2018. However, he still wants to get back in the league, and he is hopeful that a recent addition to his resume will assist him in that endeavor.

Now 35, King was named to the All-UFL team for his work with the Arlington Renegades this year, and in a post on X, he referenced that accomplishment and included a video of one of his recent punts (h/t Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk).

He wrote, “you can’t tell me that there are 32 punters better than me. All UFL Punter in a league where punting isn’t easy at all! I’m manifesting a call from an NFL team again soon… by the way what was the hang on this?”

King signed with the Raiders as an undrafted free agent in 2012 and ultimately spent his entire rookie season on injured reserve. The following summer, he beat out veteran Chris Kluwe for the club’s punter job, and he ended up leading the league with 48.9 yards per boot. His big leg and on-field celebrations made him one of the most recognizable figures in one of the least glamorous positions in sports, and he remained with the Raiders through the end of the 2017 campaign.

In January 2018, the Raiders hired Jon Gruden as their new head coach, and the club released King several months later due to a “personality clash.” King had racked up four personal foul penalties over the prior two seasons, and he was also assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct foul when dancing with a penalty flag that had been thrown against the Bills for roughing the punter.

In an effort to exact some revenge against his former employer, King quickly signed with the division-rival Broncos, whose high-altitude home venue also seemed to be a good fit for his abilities. Unfortunately, he suffered a thigh injury in a loss to the Chiefs in Week 4 of the 2018 season, and then-HC Vance Joseph called him out for what he perceived to be a lackluster performance in that contest, a performance that Joseph did not attribute to the injury. It was reported at the time that King would be placed on IR but would be released when healthy, and that is indeed what came to pass.

That Kansas City game is the last NFL contest in which King appeared. Over his four-game 2018 sample, his 44.1 yards-per-punt average was 22nd in the league, though he had already placed seven kicks inside the 20, which put him just outside the top-10 in that regard. While he did generate some free agent interest over the next couple of years, none of that interest produced a contract. It appears his last workout for an NFL team came in November 2020, when he visited the Cowboys.

In light of that, it is difficult to say whether he will land an opportunity with an NFL club, but he’s making his case just the same.

Latest On Falcons’ CB2 Competition

June 30th, 2024 at 10:58am CST by Rory Parks

The Falcons have AJ Terrell entrenched as their top starting cornerback outside the numbers, but the competition for Atlanta’s other starting boundary CB job was one of the club’s key storylines in the spring. That battle will continue into training camp, as Josh Kendall of The Athletic details (subscription required).

One of the two primary combatants is Clark Phillips III, a 2023 fourth-rounder who flashed in his rookie campaign but who also dealt with the growing pains generally expected of a Day 3 rookie. In 11 games (five starts), Phillips yielded a fairly low QB rating of 88.8 and recorded five passes defensed, but Pro Football Focus assigned him a mediocre overall grade of 59.0, making him the 85th-best CB out of 127 qualified players. Kendall observes that Phillips’ struggles are at least partly due to his 5-9 stature, which does work against him in his efforts to earn a boundary gig.

Mike Hughes, meanwhile, is a former first-round pick of the Vikings who has never quite lived up to his draft status. He signed a two-year contract with the Falcons last March, making Atlanta his fourth team since turning pro in 2018. His first year with the club did not go particularly well, and he actually finished 21 spots below Phillips in terms of PFF grades. Most of his action came at the nickel, but with Dee Alford having impressed with his more extensive slot work last season, it seems that Hughes will have to return to a boundary role to maintain significant playing time.

Of course, the Falcons could still make an addition to the CB room, which Kendall does not rule out. He does not say that the team is actively looking to make such a move, though perhaps that will change if neither Hughes nor Phillips get out to a good start in training camp. Stephon Gilmore is one of the players who remains available on the free agent market.

Phillips got plenty of first-team reps during OTAs as Terrell dealt with a hamstring issue. As Amna Subhan of the Falcons’ official website writes, both Phillips and Hughes saw time with the starting defense during mandatory minicamp.

Hughes, now 27, is in a platform season and could position himself nicely for another multi-year deal if he can beat out his younger counterpart and perform well for what could be a playoff-bound club in 2024.

Commanders, Steelers Were Contenders For WR Brandon Aiyuk

June 29th, 2024 at 10:35pm CST by Ely Allen

The month of June has been full of news pertaining to the strained contract negotiations between wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers. As things currently stand, it appears that a trade is no longer expected separate the two parties, but negotiations seem to be at a standstill as both sides refuse to cede ground on price. While most all signs are still pointing to Aiyuk playing for San Francisco in 2024, he did mention two other teams whose uniforms he could see himself in should negotiations fall through over the summer.

In his appearance on The Pivot Podcast (video link), Aiyuk was asked what uniform he sees himself playing in next season. “If I were to take a guess, probably a Niner uniform,” he answered. “Probably a Niner uniform. If not a Niners uniform, probably a Washington Commanders uniform. If not a Washington Commanders uniform, probably a Steelers uniform.”

Aiyuk would be a phenomenal addition to either squad. In D.C., the second-team All-Pro wideout would join Terry McLaurin atop the depth chart as Jahan Dotson would return to a WR3 role. Aiyuk would be a massive upgrade over last year’s WR2, Curtis Samuel. Currently, without Aiyuk, Washington has Dotson bumping up to WR2 in his third season as Dyami Brown, Olamide Zaccheus, and Jamison Crowder attempt to hold off third-round rookie Luke McCaffrey for the WR3 job.

Aiyuk would also be an interesting addition to the Commanders due to his history with No. 2 overall pick Jayden Daniels. The rookie out of LSU transferred to Baton Rouge after three years at Arizona State. Daniels’ freshman season in Tempe aligned with Aiyuk’s senior year with the Sun Devils. Working together on offense, Aiyuk led the team with 65 catches for 1,192 yards and eight touchdowns. Reuniting the two could be a huge safety blanket for Daniels as he makes the jump to professional play.

It’s been no secret that the Steelers are looking for veteran wide receiver help after sending Diontae Johnson to Carolina. The team currently rosters budding star George Pickens and Van Jefferson, who impressed in 2021 with an 800-yard, six-touchdown season but has faltered in the two seasons since. Pittsburgh also selected Michigan wide receiver Roman Wilson in the third round of this year’s draft and are holding out hope that third-year wideout Calvin Austin will blossom soon.

Still adding Aiyuk to the roster in Pittsburgh would be huge for new quarterbacks Russell Wilson and Justin Fields. The Steelers showed early interest in acquiring Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel, back around the time of the draft, but should Aiyuk come up in an offer, it’s hard to imagine they would turn him away.

When all is said and done, it’s still widely expected that Aiyuk will remain in the Bay Area for at least next season. The two sides continue to work towards a common goal, but the 49ers seem to be employing similar tactics as they did when extending Samuel two years ago. If that road continues, a new Aiyuk deal could be coming around the end of July, like Samuel’s did. Should things fall through, though, it sounds like Aiyuk is open to a change of scenery.

2025 Salary Cap Projections For All 32 Teams

June 29th, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Ben Levine

While a number of big-name veterans remain unsigned, 2024 free agency is effectively over. In addition to settling on 53-man rosters ahead of the 2024 campaign, NFL front offices will also use the next few months to sign their extension-eligible players to long-term pacts.

These extensions are obviously intended to keep players locked to their respective teams for the foreseeable future. However, these extensions can also help front offices clean their books as they prepare for future offseasons. With that in mind, here’s a look at where teams currently stand in regards to 2025 cap space (h/t to OverTheCap.com):

  1. New England Patriots $91.93MM
  2. Arizona Cardinals $77.42MM
  3. Washington Commanders $69.51MM
  4. Pittsburgh Steelers $67.98MM
  5. Dallas Cowboys $64.82MM
  6. Chicago Bears $58.81MM
  7. New York Jets $58.28MM
  8. Minnesota Vikings $54.52MM
  9. Green Bay Packers $47.45MM
  10. Detroit Lions $43.68MM
  11. Los Angeles Chargers $42.92MM
  12. Cincinnati Bengals $37.87MM
  13. Denver Broncos $34.35MM
  14. Los Angeles Rams $34.22MM
  15. Tennessee Titans $27.51MM
  16. Jacksonville Jaguars $27.36MM
  17. Tampa Bay Buccaneers $25.74MM
  18. Las Vegas Raiders $22.53MM
  19. New York Giants $17.15MM
  20. Carolina Panthers $16.42MM
  21. Indianapolis Colts $14.23MM
  22. Kansas City Chiefs $11.67MM
  23. Philadelphia Eagles $6.40MM
  24. Atlanta Falcons $130K
  25. Baltimore Ravens -$3.58MM
  26. Buffalo Bills -$3.71MM
  27. Houston Texans -$5.68MM
  28. Miami Dolphins -$9.36MM
  29. Seattle Seahawks -$20.48MM
  30. San Francisco 49ers -$38.91MM
  31. Cleveland Browns -$42.85MM
  32. New Orleans Saints -$88.15MM

The numbers above reflect “effective cap space,” meaning they account for the top-51 players and projected rookie classes. This list is based on a projected salary cap of $260MM.

It’s not a huge surprise to see the Patriots atop the list, as the organization is currently sitting with the most amount of cap room heading into the 2024 campaign. With hopeful franchise QB Drake Maye locked into an affordable rookie contract, the organization will surely be looking to capitalize on their cap flexibility. The Patriots were traditionally fiscally responsible under Bill Belichick‘s leadership, so it will be interesting to see how the organization proceeds with Jerod Mayo and Eliot Wolf now running the show. The Patriots aren’t far removed from a 2021 offseason where they spent a then-record $160MM in guaranteed money on free agents, so owner Robert Kraft certainly isn’t shy about opening the checkbook when the opportunity arises.

Some of these teams will surely see their totals dry up as they sign players to extensions. This is especially relevant for the Cowboys, who are eyeing lucrative extensions for Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb. Most of the team’s upcoming moves will likely be made with the Dak/CeeDee extensions in mind, and once those deals come to fruition, there’s a good chance the Cowboys end up falling towards the bottom of this list.

On the other side of the list, the Saints will be eyeing some significant cost-cutting moves heading into the 2025 offseason. The team could free up some significant space via extensions with Alvin Kamara and Taysom Hill, as the duo is currently slated to count for a combined $44.7MM against the cap in 2025. Marshon Lattimore‘s $31.4MM cap hit is another notable roadblock that will need to be resolved, although the organization has less flexibility when it comes to Derek Carr‘s impending 2025 cap hit of $51.4MM.

Latest On Commanders’ CB Situation

June 29th, 2024 at 9:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Commanders invested a first-round pick at the cornerback position last year, and the team followed that up with a second-round selection this spring. Both Emmanuel Forbes and Mike Sainristil could see notable roles in 2024.

Forbes had a record-breaking college career in terms of pick-sixes, but his ball skills were balanced against concerns related to his frame. The Mississippi State product was listed at 173 pounds during his rookie year, although to little surprise ESPN’s John Keim notes he has added weight this offseason. After finding himself a healthy scratch at times in 2023, Forbes could be in line for increased usage in Year 2.

The 23-year-old took first-team reps during spring practices, Keim notes. He rotated in a starting perimeter role with free agent addition Michael Davis, a veteran of 107 games and 74 starts with the Chargers. Forbes, by contrast, was limited to six starts and a 50% defensive snap share last season. He totaled one interception and 11 pass deflections, but coverage was an issue with three touchdowns and a 103 passer rating allowed as the nearest defender.

The Commanders overhauled their coaching staff this offseason, and the arrival of Dan Quinn has provided Forbes with a clean slate ahead of an important second season in the nation’s capital. Carrying over his spring performances into training camp – when padded practices take place – will of course be important for Forbes as he looks to earn a starting role opposite Benjamin St-Juste on the perimeter. Keim adds that Sainristil, meanwhile, will be used in the slot as he transitions to the pro game.

A converted receiver, the Michigan alum proved to be an effective cover man on the inside during his college career. Sainristil developed into a key member of the Wolverines’ defense, and translating that success in Washington would be crucial for a team which ranked last in points and yards allowed in 2023. Deploying a starting CB trio of Forbes, Sainristil and St-Juste would certainly mark a departure from Washington’s previous secondary and leave the team with a young set of cover men.

The latter is entering the final year of his rookie contract, but Forbes and Sainristil could both be under team control though 2028 if Forbes’ fifth-year option were to be picked up. A decision on that front will not need to be made until after the 2025 campaign, but it will be informed in large part by his play under Quinn and Co. this year.

Jets WR Xavier Gipson In Line For Starting Role?

June 29th, 2024 at 8:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

Upon joining the Jets as an undrafted free agent last year, Xavier Gipson managed to carve out a special teams role. As his rookie season progressed, though, he also saw increased usage as a receiver. That could have him in line for significant snaps to begin the 2024 campaign.

Gipson served as New York’s primary returner in 2023, and that role is likely be his again this season. The 23-year-old racked up 830 yards between his kick and punt returns, and his third phase contributions were of course highlighted by his game-winning touchdown in Week 1. In the latter half of the campaign, Gipson became a regular on offense and that could remain the case in the fall.

Spring practices pointed to Gipson having a lead on the starting slot receiver role over third-round rookie Malachi Corley, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. The latter established himself as a unique member of 2024’s highly regarded receiver class especially based on his production after the catch. That should allow Corley to thrive in the slot, but if he takes time to acclimate to the pro game Gipson could maintain a first-team role. The S.F. Austin alum posted 221 yards on 29 receptions last year.

That production came from a 45% offensive snap percentage, and an uptick in usage (coupled with, of course, a healthy season for Aaron Rodgers) could lead to a notable offensive output from Gipson. New York has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart, and free agent signing Mike Williams will provide the team with a vertical threat. While Breece Hall is set to shoulder a large workload in the backfield, a complementary role should await Gipson if he has a strong training camp.

The competition for a first-team slot role will be worth watching as the summer unfolds. Even if Corley manages to win it, however, Gipson should still be able to make an impact in the return game. As his rookie season showed, a spot in the receiver pecking order would be reasonable as well.

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