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5 Key Stories: 7/14/24 – 7/21/24

July 21st, 2024 at 2:32pm CST by Adam La Rose

The NFL’s brief downtime is set to come to an end with training camps about to open around the league. The past few days have already seen a number of key developments take place, however. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past seven days, here is a quick recap:

  • Aiyuk Requests Trade Amidst Stalled 49ers Talks: Throughout the offseason, Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers have been unable to gain traction on extension talks. The pending free agent receiver has now submitted a trade request, although to no surprise San Francisco does not intend to deal him. Speculation has swirled during recent months regarding the 26-year-old’s future given the gap between his asking price and the team’s valuation of him. At least five teams were prepared to pay Aiyuk roughly $28MM per season upon trading for him at the draft, and the Patriots have remained interested since the window for a swap appeared to close. The start of training camp is a soft deadline for the 49ers to hammer out a contract, but they have experience with lengthy summer holdouts in recent history; team and player will hope this latest episode also results in a deal.
  • Broncos, Meinerz Agree To Extension: Three years into an unexpectedly successful NFL career, Quinn Meinerz has landed a sizable second contract. The 25-year-old guard agreed to a four-year, $80MM extension with the Broncos featuring $45MM guaranteed. A Division III product, Meinerz became a starter midway through his rookie campaign and has established himself as one of the league’s top guards since then. Denver has responded with the most lucrative O-line investment in team history, one made more notable by the expensive pacts already on the books up front. Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers each signed big-ticket deals in free agency last offseason, and Garett Bolles is attached to a $17MM-per-year deal. The latter is a pending free agent, though, and the Meinerz commitment will add to further doubts about his future in the Mile High City beyond 2024.
  • Barrett Retires Prior To Dolphins Debut: The Dolphins appeared to have a high-end insurance option along the edge in the form of Shaquil Barrett, but he will not play in Miami in 2024. The two-time Super Bowl winner announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons in the league. Barrett, 31, served as a complementary player with the Broncos before seeing his production take off in Tampa Bay. Across five Buccaneers campaigns, he racked up 45 sacks and a pair of Pro Bowl nods. Barrett inked a one-year Dolphins deal with Miami seeking edge depth behind the rehabbing Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. Given his retirement decision, the team will lean more on veteran Calais Campbell and first-round rookie Chop Robinson this year. Barrett departs the NFL with over $83MM in career earnings.
  • Fitterer Joins Commanders; Wright To Depart: A pair of notable changes are set to take place in the Commanders’ front office in 2024. Scott Fitterer – who spent the past three seasons as general manager of the Panthers – will join Washington’s staff as a personnel executive. His tenure in Carolina did not go as planned, and the blockbuster trade for the 2023 No. 1 pick and the handling of the Brian Burns situation will hurt his chances of landing a future GM gig. He will nevertheless be an experienced voice this year, one which will be Jason Wright’s last in the nation’s capital. The latter has resigned as president (the title he held since 2020) and he will depart the team no later than the end of this season. Wright’s absence after guiding a transition away from the Dan Snyder era will be felt as new owner Josh Harris moves forward.
  • Cowboys Prioritizing Lamb Over Prescott? The Cowboys have several big-money decisions to make in the near future. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are both set to enter the final year of their respective deals, and the former had been thought to be the higher priority ahead of training camp. The most recent report on the matter points to a Lamb extension actually being the top item on the to-do list, however. The receiver market has surged past $30MM per season this year, with Justin Jefferson’s $35MM AAV leading the way. Coming off a franchise record-setting campaign, Lamb could look to match that deal or at least come close to its value and guaranteed money. The 25-year-old skipped all spring workouts, and staying away from training camp is a distinct possibility. The progress of extension talks will thus be worth watching closely over the coming days.

Offseason In Review: Cincinnati Bengals

July 20th, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Adam La Rose

Joe Burrow’s health was a talking point leading into the 2023 campaign as he dealt with a calf strain. That ailment gave way to a season-ending elbow injury midway through the year, one which added to his missed time and hindered the Bengals’ playoff push.

Cincinnati still managed a 9-8 record, but it was insufficient for a wild-card berth. The team identified improvements in the secondary as a priority, although changes on the other side of the ball have proven to be a key factor in the past few months as well. Alterations along the offensive line and at the skill positions (more of which are likely on hand next offseason) have left the Bengals with several new faces to integrate as Burrow and Co. prepare to navigate another long list of AFC contenders.

Trades:

Mixon’s Bengals future was in question last offseason, with his cap figure being weighed against the prospect of a transition to a younger setup in the backfield. Team and player reached agreement on a restructure during which the 27-year-old took a notable pay cut. Before a 2024 roster bonus was due, Cincinnati elected to move forward with a Mixon release.

The team ended up reversing course, though, with Houston taking on the veteran as a new lead back. The Texans showed heavy interest in making a backfield addition representing an upgrade over Devin Singletary, including a lucrative Saquon Barkley offer. Tony Pollard and D’Andre Swift were also on the team’s radar, but Mixon will carry the load for at least the short-term future.

Mixon, who became the third-leading rusher in Bengals history last season, agreed to a two-year, $19.75MM extension upon arrival in Houston. As a result of that agreement (which includes $13MM in guarantees), the Oklahoma product is under contract through 2026 to begin the second phase of his career. The Texans’ offense features plenty of pass-catching options, but Mixon should be a factor in his new team’s bid to repeat the success of 2023.

For the Bengals, life after the former second-rounder will mark a notable change in the backfield. In each of his healthy seasons since 2018, Mixon logged no fewer than 210 carries, topping 1,200 scrimmage yards during each of those campaigns. Cincinnati will have a much more cost-efficient running back setup moving forward, but the team’s production in the ground game will face question marks.

Free agency additions:

With respect to PFR’s top 50 free agent list, the Bengals withstood many more losses than additions this spring. Rankins is nevertheless a notable new face along the defensive interior. The 30-year-old delivered a strong showing during his one-and-done Texans campaign, racking up six sacks. That figure represented his highest total since 2018 and included a three-sack performance against Cincinnati. He will be counted on to deliver an impact in the pass-rush department as a central member on the team’s new-look defensive line.

Rankins received an offer averaging $12MM per year from the Texans before deciding to join the Bengals. The former Saints first-rounder logged a consistent workload during his Jets stint (2021-22), and his uptick in production in Houston will lead to high expectations on his fourth career team. Pairing Trey Hendrickson with a dependable interior rush contributor could help a defense which ranked 17th in sacks last season. Cincinnati struggled against the run in 2023, though, and the team’s new faces up front will play a key role in determining if improvement takes place.

The Bengals finished mid-pack through the air in 2023 despite Burrow’s missed time. Their largest issue on offense was the ground game (90 rushing yards per contest, 31st in the league). With Mixon no longer in the picture, increased attention will be paid to Chase Brown in addition to Moss moving forward. The latter operated in a rotational capacity during the start of his career, but the midseason 2022 trade which moved him from the Bills to the Colts resulted in an uptick in playing time.

For two different stretches last season, Moss operated as Indianapolis’ lead back. The 26-year-old received double-digit carries eight times in 2023, and his 183 total attempts were comfortably the most of his career. Undersized at 5-9, the 205-pounder will be tasked with operating between the tackles for Cincinnati to complement Chase’s speed. Moss did not receive as lucrative of a deal as many other free agent backs this offseason, but his addition could prove to be a highly cost-effective one if he translates his Colts success to his new home.

Entering the offseason, Cincinnati planned to make a short-term addition at right tackle while also seeking out a more permanent solution at the position via the draft. That approach led to a Mekhi Becton visit prior to the Brown signing. Like he did during his first Patriots stint, Brown manned the blindside over the past two seasons upon returning to New England. The 31-year-old blocker struggled in 2022 but when healthy last season, he rebounded in terms of PFF evaluation (80.2 overall grade). He also has experience at the right tackle spot he will play with the Bengals.

Brown’s deal contains incentives (just as his Patriots pacts did), so his play in Cincinnati will carry financial implications. With Burrow’s health remaining a top organizational priority, pass protection at both tackle spots will continue to be an area of scrutiny for the Bengals. Brown’s long-term replacement may very well be in the organization, but the 10th-year veteran could provide an experienced option during at least the start of the campaign.

After breakdowns in the secondary became a consistent problem for the 2023 Bengals, it came as no surprise that additions at the safety spot were deemed a priority. Stone, 25, established himself as a strong special-teamer early in his Baltimore career, but he took on a much larger defensive workload this past season. The former seventh-rounder logged an 82% snap share and translated that into an AFC-leading seven interceptions and nine pass deflections. A repeat of that ball production would certainly be welcomed in a Jessie Bates-less defensive backfield.

Bell landed a three-year Panthers deal last offseason, but after a single campaign with the team he was released in a cost-shedding move. That paved the way for an inexpensive return to Cincinnati, one which could see him reprise his former starting role. With recent first-rounder Dax Hill transitioning from safety to corner, the play of Stone and Bell on the backend will go a long way in determining how much the Bengals rebound from 2023’s struggles against the pass.

Re-signings:

Taking a flier on Gesicki will give the Bengals a new look at tight end from a pass-catching standpoint, but the team will continue to depend on familiar faces at the position. Sample has not come close to matching his playing time or production from 2020, but he has remained a staple in Cincinnati’s offense in the years since. The 28-year-old also contributes on special teams, and third-phase responsibilities will no doubt continue moving forward as Hudson looks to once again serve as a complementary receiving target.

The same holds true for Irwin, who has spent his entire five-year career in Cincinnati. The former UDFA scored four touchdowns on only 15 receptions in 2022, and he followed that up with personal bests in receptions (25) and yards (316) last season. He could take another step forward in 2024 and in doing so provide the Bengals with cost-effective production in the passing game. Considering the team’s current (and future) financial situation at the receiver spot, effective depth will be critical.

Notable losses:

Once the Bengals added Orlando Brown Jr. in free agency last offseason, the writing seemed to be on the wall for Williams. The former first-rounder rescinded a trade request and accepted a right tackle assignment for 2023, once again serving as a full-time starter. Williams underwhelmed in terms of PFF evaluation (for the second year in a row), which no doubt hurt his market value and hindered his chances of finding a left tackle gig with a new team.

The 26-year-old nevertheless secured $30MM on a two-year Cardinals deal. Arizona will move Paris Johnson Jr. to the blind side in 2024, a transition which comes as little surprise considering his pedigree and college experience. That will leave Williams to continue handling right tackle responsibilities in his new home while the Bengals move in a different direction

Reader’s torn quad – the second of his career – ended his Bengals tenure and threatened to reduce his market value. Cincinnati hoped to keep its four-year DT starter in the fold, but it soon became clear he would at least explore other opportunities. The 30-year-old enjoyed a consistent spell in Cincinnati (when healthy), proving his $53MM Bengals pact to be a solid investment on the team’s part.

To little surprise, Reader was unable to match that figure on his third career contract. His Lions visit ultimately yielded a two-year deal, but its maximum value ($27.25MM) only includes $7.4MM guaranteed at signing. The former fifth-rounder’s health and performance in Detroit will determine whether or not he remains with the Lions for 2025. Likewise, uncertainty surrounds the veteran and rookie additions the Bengals brought in to replace him.

With Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins both in need of new deals, it became clear entering the 2023 season that Boyd’s next contract would likely come from a new team. Upon hitting the market, several teams were listed as suitors. One of those was his hometown Steelers, with which a mutual interest existed for working out an agreement. The Steelers were not willing to increase the value of the initial offer made to the Pittsburgh native, though, steering Boyd in a new direction.

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Release Candidate: Kadarius Toney

July 20th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Ben Levine

As the Chiefs navigated their post-Tyreek Hill offense, the front office was seeking reinforcement at the receiver position. One of the team’s most notable WR acquisitions was Kadarius Toney, who the Chiefs acquired from the Giants midway through the 2022 campaign. While Toney has won a pair of Super Bowl rings during his year-plus in Kansas City, the wideout hasn’t lived up to the billing. Now with only a year remaining on his rookie contract, it’s uncertain if he’ll even reach the 2024 campaign with the Chiefs.

A 2021 first-round pick by the Giants, Toney showed flashes during his rookie campaign, finishing with 39 catches for 420 yards. However, injuries quickly proved to be an issue in both 2021 and 2022, leading to the Giants deciding to cut bait. The Chiefs swooped in and acquired the intriguing wideout, sending New York a future third- and sixth-round pick.

Toney struggled to carve out a significant role during his first season in Kansas City, finishing with 14 receptions in seven games. He showed out a bit in that year’s playoffs, finishing with 50 yards in Kansas City’s divisional-round victory before setting the Super Bowl record with a 65-yard punt return (while also hauling in a touchdown). With JuJu Smith-Schuster and Mecole Hardman out the door, Toney had a chance to step into a major role with Patrick Mahomes heading into 2023.

Unfortunately, it was more of the same for the third-year pro. Toney was unable to emerge ahead of Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, and Marquez Valdes-Scantling (and, of course, TE Travis Kelce). The Chiefs even went out and re-acquired Hardman, leading to Toney being inactive for four of the team’s final seven games, plus each of the Chiefs’ four playoff contests.

Heading into the 2024 campaign, Toney faces even more competition than he did last year. The Chiefs were quick to add Marquise Brown on a one-year agreement, and they moved up in the first round to select Xavier Worthy. That leaves Toney to compete with many of the same WRs who he was unable to supplant during the 2023 season, but there are fewer roster spots this time around.

Rice’s future is in question following some troubling off-the-field incidents, but the 2023 second-round pick notably finished his rookie season with 935 yards from scrimmage. Hardman and Watson were ahead of Toney at the end of the 2023 season, and the team is also still rostering 2022 second-round pick Skyy Moore. Even when accounting for Rice’s uncertain roster status, Toney would have to leap at least one player if he hopes to make the roster.

The Chiefs unsurprisingly declined Toney’s fifth-year option back in May, making the wide receiver a free agent after this season. While moving on from his $2.5MM salary in 2024 wouldn’t provide any cap relief, the dead cap charge isn’t enough to make his cut untenable. With only three seasons under his belt, Toney would be subject to waivers, and his draft pedigree could be enough for a team to bite. More likely, Toney will hit free agency before having to settle for a lower salary (and/or even a practice squad gig).

The NFL’s Eight-Figure Dead Money Hits For 2024

July 18th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

The NFL moved into new territory this offseason, with one Broncos decision creating a staggering gap between the most costly dead money hits and No. 2 on the all-time list. Beyond Denver’s Russell Wilson release, other teams are taking on notable dead cap hits in 2024. Here are the players who will account for more than $10MM in dead money on teams’ payrolls this year.

  1. Russell Wilson, QB (Broncos): $53MM
  2. Stefon Diggs, WR (Bills): $31.1MM
  3. Kirk Cousins, QB (Vikings): $28.5MM
  4. Haason Reddick, EDGE (Eagles) $21.52MM
  5. Jamal Adams, S (Seahawks) $20.83MM
  6. J.C. Jackson, CB (Chargers): $20.83MM
  7. David Bakhtiari, T (Packers): $18.15MM
  8. Danielle Hunter, EDGE (Vikings): $14.91MM
  9. Carlton Davis, CB (Buccaneers) $14.1MM
  10. Andrus Peat, OL (Saints): $13.64MM
  11. Kevin Byard, S (Titans): $13.36MM
  12. Mike Williams, WR (Chargers): $12.46MM
  13. Aaron Jones, RB (Packers): $12.36MM
  14. Chandler Jones, EDGE (Raiders): $12.27MM
  15. Mike Evans, WR (Buccaneers): $12.19MM
  16. Keenan Allen, WR (Chargers): $11.62MM
  17. Xavien Howard, CB (Dolphins): $11.41MM
  18. Michael Thomas, WR (Saints): $11.19MM
  19. Laken Tomlinson, G (Jets): $10.74MM
  20. Leonard Williams, DL (Giants): $10.64MM
  21. Arik Armstead, DL (49ers) $10.31MM
  22. Quandre Diggs, S (Seahawks): $10.26MM
  23. Byron Jones, CB (Dolphins): $10.1MM
  24. Maliek Collins, DT (Texans): $10MM

Months after trading for Wilson, the Broncos gave the decorated quarterback a five-year, $245MM extension. While Wilson offered something of a bounce-back effort from a shockingly mediocre 2022, Sean Payton‘s team still opted to designate him as a post-June 1 cut. Wilson’s $37MM injury guarantee, which the Broncos attempted to move in an effort that led to NFLPA involvement but no grievance, would have resulted in comparable dead money in 2025 had he remained on Denver’s roster on Day 5 of the 2024 league year and then been released next year.

The Broncos will receive a small cap credit — due to Wilson’s veteran minimum Steelers deal — in 2025, but the team will take on more than $83MM in total dead money from the release. This shatters the NFL record for dead money, which the Falcons previously held by trading Matt Ryan ($40.5MM), and the contract will remain on Denver’s books through the 2025 season. The Broncos opted to take on more dead money this year than next, separating this post-June 1 cut from most teams’ strategies.

The Bills’ decision to trade Diggs less than two years after giving him a four-year extension broke the non-QB dead money record. Unlike the Wilson matter, Buffalo will take on the Pro Bowl wide receiver’s full dead cap hit this year. Ditto Green Bay, which passed on a Bakhtiari post-June 1 designation. The Chargers will also be rid of the Allen and Williams responsibilities after 2024. The Seahawks also passed on post-June 1 designations with Adams and Diggs.

New Orleans has Thomas set to count more than $9MM in dead money in 2025 as well due to using the June 1 strategy. The Dolphins are still paying out the Jones contract from a 2023 post-June 1 designation, while Howard’s post-June 1 status will create a $15.7MM dead money penalty in 2025.

Void years created the Vikings’ Cousins cap hit. After attempting to negotiate a fourth contract with the veteran quarterback last year, the parties failing to come to terms resulted in void years being added in a restructure. The Falcons came in much higher than the Vikings were willing to go, guarantee-wise, leading Minnesota to a new QB path and significant Cousins dead money.

The Eagles also included three void years on Reddick’s contract, and the Buccaneers will eat some Evans dead money — despite re-signing the 11th-year wide receiver just before free agency — due to a void year-driven trigger before the latest contract was signed.

Offseason In Review: Indianapolis Colts

July 17th, 2024 at 9:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Colts nearly turned a seemingly lost season into a playoff berth, falling just short of an AFC South title despite Gardner Minshew needing to replace Anthony Richardson early. Indianapolis responded to its 9-8 showing by displaying tremendous confidence in Chris Ballard‘s homegrown core, one that has largely been around as the team has cycled through post-Andrew Luck quarterback options. A spree of extensions and re-signings defined Indy’s offseason; well, that and Richardson’s rehab effort.

While last season marked a surprise surge, it also still brought few answers on the gamble the team took at No. 4 overall. Richardson entered the NFL as a raw prospect with tantalizing tools; his run of injuries last year brought obvious concerns. More importantly, the Florida product threw 84 passes after a 393-pass Gators career. The Colts need the dual-threat QB to show signs he will be the long-awaited post-Luck long-term QB. Some of Luck’s teammates are still in the picture in Indy, illustrating how far back Ballard’s core goes. The team continued its build-from-within strategy this offseason.

Extensions and restructures:

As injuries caught up with T.Y. Hilton, Pittman quickly became the Colts’ lead wideout. The 2020 second-rounder had operated as such for most of his career, and while the Colts resolved the Jonathan Taylor matter before taking care of Pittman, the franchise tag made a rare appearance in Indianapolis to ensure the two-time 1,000-yard receiver could not test the market. Using the tag for the first time since cuffing Pat McAfee in 2013, the Colts slapped a $21.8MM tender on Pittman. Unlike the Bengals, who are renting Tee Higgins for at least one more season, Pittman — chosen one spot after Higgins in the 2020 second round — signed an extension just before the legal tampering period opened.

Pittman’s extension moved the $21.8MM number off the Colts’ books, freeing them up to execute a retention-heavy free agency strategy. The Colts also did well, as it turned out, by not letting negotiations drag near the July 15 deadline.

Indy extending Pittman on March 11 came just before Calvin Ridley scored a four-year, $92MM deal ($46.98MM fully guaranteed) and weeks before Amon-Ra St. Brown‘s extension confirmed another market boom was coming. Pittman, 26, was not a candidate to rival A.J. Brown and Justin Jefferson‘s $32MM- and $35MM-per-year extensions, but the fifth-year Colt would have benefited by the WR ceiling rising had those transactions occurred before his.

The Colts convincing Pittman, shortly after news of the cap’s $30.6MM spike emerged, to do a deal south of where 2022 extension recipients Deebo Samuel and D.K. Metcalf reside proved a win for the team. Following the St. Brown and Jefferson pacts, along with Nico Collins‘ $24MM-per-year deal, Pittman sits as the NFL’s 14th-highest-paid wideout. CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk figure to affect that placement soon, but via the short-term extension, Pittman should have a chance at another big payday in his late 20s.

Richardson’s injury probably helped Pittman contractually. The raw rookie likely would not have been able to set up Pittman for the season he had — 109 catches, 1,152 yards — but Minshew peppered the 6-foot-4 weapon with targets to help the Colts’ surprising run to the postseason precipice. The Colts strengthened their receiving corps in the draft, but Richardson will be looking Pittman’s way first as the team enters its second season under Shane Steichen.

After Indianapolis’ binge of agreements with homegrown talent, Ballard extended the D-line centerpiece he acquired via trade four years ago. Obtained for a 2020 first-round pick, Buckner has remained one of the NFL’s best defensive tackles. While the 49ers cut Arik Armstead four years after choosing his slightly cheaper extension over a Buckner re-up back in 2020, the latter is still going strong in Indiana.

Buckner, 30, scored a deal that comes nearly fully guaranteed. He moved from $21MM per year to $23MM on average, and while his current AAV sits seventh among DTs, the former top-10 pick traded a push for a top-market salary for security. Buckner’s 2024 and ’25 base salaries are fully guaranteed, and the Colts have the Oregon alum on the books through his age-32 season.

A two-time Pro Bowler as a Colt — in addition to receiving a 2020 first-team All-Pro nod — Buckner has missed one game since being traded. The Colts will hope to continue to rely on a player who has anchored their D-line during a period of edge rusher uncertainty. Buckner’s presence boosted the development of Kwity Paye and Dayo Odeyingbo, both of whom making progress en route to career-high sack totals last season. Buckner’s four-year Colts sack count (32.5) betters his four-season 49ers work (28.5), and his 87 QB hits with the AFC team outflank his San Francisco total as well.

Totaling between seven and 9.5 sacks during his Colts tenure, Buckner gives the team a high floor that will certainly be important as the team attempts to load up around Richardson. Pro Football Focus has slotted Buckner as a top-12 DT in three of his four Indy seasons, and ESPN’s pass rush win rate metric tabbed him fifth among interior D-linemen last season. This near-fully guaranteed contract shows one of the luxuries a rookie-scale QB provides for a franchise.

As Shaquille Leonard‘s injuries mounted to the point the perennial All-Pro became a late-season release last year, the Colts leaned on Franklin. The latter’s latest agreement came two years after the Colts had re-signed the former seventh-rounder to a three-year, $10MM deal. A Syracuse product, Franklin adds to Ballard’s breakthrough 2018 draft haul. The ’18 group played a key role in the Colts reigniting after a miserable Andrew Luck-less 2017, with Leonard, Quenton Nelson, Braden Smith, Nyheim Hines and Tyquan Lewis going off the board before Franklin.

Amid Leonard’s run of 2022 misfortune, Franklin moved into a full-time role and racked up 167 tackles alongside Bobby Okereke. The Colts depended on Franklin more last season, with Okereke defecting to the Giants. Franklin compiled 179 tackles in a three-down role. He has forced four fumbles over the past two seasons. Although PFF slotted Franklin 58th among off-ball LBs in each of those years, the Colts authorized a significant raise to continue as a regular in Gus Bradley‘s defense.

Re-signings:

Of the Colts’ 22 projected offensive and defensive starters, 19 are homegrown. Moore practically pushes that number to 20, having been a Colts waiver claim (from the Patriots) ahead of his 2017 rookie season. That doubled as Ballard’s first offseason. Despite the Colts having one playoff berth since Luck’s surprise 2019 retirement, the Moore and Stewart efforts quickly showed how Ballard planned to supplement Richardson’s contract.

The money largely went to in-house additions, with Moore being the most significant of the re-signed contingent. For the second time, a Moore agreement raised the ceiling for slot defenders. The Colts took care of Moore when he was first extension-eligible, back in 2019. Although the former UDFA played out the deal, he has remained in form good enough to prompt another investment. Considering the uncertainty surrounding the Colts’ boundary cornerback spots, Moore locking down the slot is paramount to the team’s defensive effectiveness.

Moore, who will turn 29 next month, made an effort to secure a new contract during the 2022 offseason. With two years remaining on the four-year, $33.3MM contract, Ballard and Co. did not hand out a new one following Moore’s 2021 Pro Bowl slate. Like Chris Harris before him, Moore has operated as a high-end slot stopper who wanted to be paid closer to perimeter standouts. After a down 2022, Moore bounced back with a three-INT season that included two pick-sixes. Indianapolis ranked third in defensive DVOA in the slot compared to 25th in outside coverage. Moore’s 13 INTs from the slot position are five more than any other player since 2017; PFF ranked the 5-9 cover man 18th among all corners last season.

Also included in the top 40 on PFR’s free agent list, Stewart joined Moore in securing better terms compared to his second Colts contract. The team gave the 2017 fourth-rounder a notable raise after his 2023 season brought a PED suspension. Stewart’s six-game absence showed against the run. The Colts allowed 107.9 rushing yards per game with Stewart suited up; during his six-game ban, Indianapolis yielded 153 on the ground. Stewart, 30, also registered a career-high four sacks in 2022. Other than the PED penalty, he has not missed a game since 2019.

This offseason brought the first test for Ballard regarding third-contract investments; the Moore and Stewart accords showed no hesitancy existed on this front. Ballard has long prioritized homegrown talent, and these contracts show the longtime GM is willing to reward pillars approaching the end of their primes. The Colts will deploy two 30-year-old DT starters, though their DE core is much younger.

It took some time for Blackmon to come back, and the former second-round pick was not too pleased with his market. The four-year Colts starter visited the Bills and 49ers before agreeing to re-sign — likely to bolster his value for a 2025 free agency redux. Blackmon, 26 in August, was part of a safety market that rewarded high-level young talent (Antoine Winfield Jr., Xavier McKinney, Kyle Dugger) but cast other proven players (Justin Simmons, Quandre Diggs, Eddie Jackson, Jamal Adams, Kevin Byard) aside. Kamren Curl also settled for a low-level Rams deal, and it is far from certain a solid Blackmon season will lead to a value spike as macro safety assessments fluctuate.

A middle tier did form in free agency, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson (three years, $27MM), Brandon Jones (3/20) and Geno Stone (2/12) cashing in this year. Blackmon could aim for this tier in 2025, though he was already coming off a decent contract year. The Utah alum intercepted four passes, deflected eight more and recovered two fumbles in 2023, as Bradley used the versatile safety across the formation. More of the same should be expected, as Blackmon has helped cover for 2022 third-rounder Nick Cross being unable — through two years, at least — to establish himself as a reliable starter.

During Blackmon’s time in free agency, the Colts hosted Kareem Jackson and showed interest in former Buccaneers and Chiefs option Mike Edwards. The duo having not previously played with the Colts clearly hurt his chances during one of the NFL’s most inward-focused offseasons in recent memory. Lewis also benefited from this approach, inking a fourth Indianapolis contract, with Sanchez also now tied to a third Colts accord. Sanchez, 29, recovered from a season-nullifying injury sustained just before the 2022 campaign. After a 17-game 2023, the former UDFA is back for an eighth season in Indianapolis.

Settling in as a rotational backup capable of playing inside and outside, Lewis matched his career-high with four sacks in 2023 and established a new mark for QB hits with 13. The Colts racked up 51 sacks last season, good enough for fifth in the NFL. While Buckner, Paye, Odeyingbo and Samson Ebukam led the effort by each collecting at least seven, Lewis managed to recover from a second patellar tendon tear in two years. The former second-round pick suited up for all 17 games and scored some guaranteed money as a result, keeping Indy’s D-line core together for 2024.

Free agency additions:

This is quite the run for Flacco, who has gone from receiving next to no interest as a 2023 free agent to the NFL’s Comeback Player of the Year to securing the most guaranteed money he has received since his final Ravens deal ended with a Broncos release. Flacco, who has banked $177MM over his career to make him a top-10 earner in NFL history, has not signed for more than $3.5MM since inking his second and final Ravens extension in 2016. Five regular-season Browns starts and a forgettable playoff outing generated interest, as the Colts needed a new backup after Minshew joined Flacco in boosting his market last season.

Joining the Browns after Deshaun Watson needed season-ending surgery, Flacco fared far better than he had as a Jet. The former Super Bowl MVP, who initially caught on with Cleveland via a practice squad deal, averaged 7.9 yards per attempt and threw 13 TD passes (and eight INTs) in five games — a stretch that included wins over the Texans, Jaguars and Jets. This came despite the Browns missing their starting tackles and Nick Chubb. Flacco posted four straight 300-yard showings in the Cleveland wins, driving the team to an 11-6 record and a postseason berth. Although Flacco topped 300 yards again in the wild-card round, his two pick-sixes ended the unexpected surge.

At 39, Flacco is the NFL’s second-oldest quarterback (behind Aaron Rodgers). He also expected the Browns to show interest, but Cleveland — as it shifts to a more Watson-friendly offense — preferred ex-Indianapolis FA target Jameis Winston. The Eagles also made Flacco an offer for what would have been a Philly return trip. This Colts move comes with clear risk, given Flacco’s struggles in the four seasons between his Baltimore stay and the Cleveland rebound, as Richardson came out of multiple games due to injury last season.

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Largest 2024 Cap Hits: Defense

July 17th, 2024 at 2:37pm CST by Sam Robinson

As veteran report dates for training camps near, NFL payrolls are largely set. Extension- and trade-related matters remain, but as far as high cap numbers go, the list will not change much between now and Week 1. After we ran down the top cap charges on the offensive side of the ball last week, here are the highest 2024 figures tied to defenders:

  1. Maxx Crosby, EDGE (Raiders): $30.48MM
  2. T.J. Watt, EDGE (Steelers): $30.42MM
  3. Kenny Clark, DL (Packers): $27.49MM
  4. Joey Bosa, EDGE (Chargers): $26.11MM
  5. Khalil Mack, EDGE (Chargers): $25.39MM
  6. Montez Sweat, EDGE (Bears): $25.09MM
  7. Harold Landry, EDGE (Titans): $23.8MM
  8. Jaire Alexander, CB (Packers): $23.49MM
  9. Marlon Humphrey, CB (Ravens): $22.88MM
  10. Tremaine Edmunds, LB (Bears): $22.44MM
  11. Cameron Heyward, DL (Steelers): $22.41MM
  12. Jeffery Simmons, DL (Titans): $21.65MM
  13. Daron Payne, DL (Commanders): $21.61MM
  14. Jonathan Allen, DL (Commanders): $21.44MM
  15. Minkah Fitzpatrick, S (Steelers): $21.36MM
  16. Vita Vea, DL (Buccaneers): $20.97MM
  17. DeMarcus Lawrence, EDGE (Cowboys): $20.46MM
  18. Quinnen Williams, DL (Jets): $20.4MM
  19. Grady Jarrett, DL (Falcons): $20.38MM
  20. Myles Garrett, EDGE (Browns): $20.17MM
  21. Trey Hendrickson, EDGE (Bengals): $20.17MM
  22. Derwin James, S (Chargers): $19.86MM
  23. Budda Baker, S (Cardinals): $19.03MM
  24. Charvarius Ward, CB (49ers): $18.4MM
  25. Marcus Williams, S (Ravens): $18.03MM

While a handful of quarterbacks are set to break the single-player record for cap hit — after this offseason’s $30.6MM cap spike — this year’s defensive hits do not check in on that level. Crosby and Watt are at $30MM, but those numbers do not match last year’s top defender cap hit — attached to then-Giants D-lineman Leonard Williams ($32.26MM). With Aaron Donald now in the dead money category following his retirement and Chris Jones extended, some new faces have climbed toward the top of this list.

The Raiders gave Crosby a $6MM 2024 pay bump to reward a former Day 3 pick who has unlocked another level while attached to an extension signed in 2022. Rather than greenlight a new deal for their top defender, the Raiders moved money around on his through-2026 extension to accommodate a rising market. This season now marks the highest cap hit on this Crosby contract.

Although the Chargers worked out pay-cut agreements with Bosa and Mack, both edge rushers are still among the most expensive — cap-wise — players in the league. The March reductions, however, moved Bosa’s cap number down from $36.6MM and lowered Mack’s from $38.5MM. With James tied to the second-highest 2024 safety figure, Jim Harbaugh‘s team — while clearing out costs on offense — remains among the top defensive spenders.

Two years remain on Watt’s deal, which has paid out its guaranteed money. With Nick Bosa having secured a defender-record extension and lower-production players — compared to Watt, at least — Brian Burns and Josh Allen surpassing the future Hall of Famer’s 2021 extension, a third Steelers-Watt agreement will likely be rumored soon. Heyward has expressed interest in a fourth Steelers contract, which would reduce his lofty cap figure, but the accomplished veteran has not heard much from the team’s side on this matter.

The Packers have begun talks with Clark on what would be a third extension. His current $17.5MM-per-year contract has fallen to 15th among active D-linemen. A new deal would update that figure for a reliable starter while reducing his 2024 cap hit. Despite rumors about the Pack separating from Alexander coming out in December, GM Brian Gutekunst shot down any such move associated with the league’s highest-paid corner.

Baker requested a trade last year, eyeing a deal closer to the James-Fitzpatrick level. The longtime Cardinal DB is in the final year of an extension agreed to back in 2020. Although the Cardinals are rebuilding, Baker has remained part of Jonathan Gannon‘s team. He expressed hope to stay in Arizona beyond 2024, and the Cardinals have the contract-year safety — the team’s longest-tenured starter, now that D.J. Humphries is off the roster — on the team going into his age-28 season.

PFR Originals: Raiders, Chiefs, Judon, GMs

July 16th, 2024 at 5:31pm CST by Adam La Rose

Here is a rundown of PFR’s latest original content:

  • Sam Robinson continued our Offseason in Review Series with a recap of the Raiders’ moves this spring. Las Vegas owner Mark Davis followed the recommendations of his top players by removing the interim title for head coach Antonio Pierce in addition to hiring Tom Telesco as general manager. That pair will oversee the team’s efforts to return to the postseason on the backs of an improved defense (which includes free agent signing Christian Wilkins) and a different QB under center than the start of the 2023 campaign when Jimmy Garoppolo operated as the starter.
  • Sam’s latest Offseason in Review installment looked into the Chiefs. Kansas City won a second straight Super Bowl in 2023, but a number of moves at the receiver position were deemed necessary. The team’s defense managed to retain Chris Jones on a big-money deal, though in light of that commitment L’Jarius Sneed was tagged-and-traded to the Titans. Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce each saw adjustments made to their contracts as they prepare for another year as the team’s offensive pillars.
  • Regarding the Raiders’ QB situation, I polled readers about the competition for the QB1 gig which is set to take place between Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew. O’Connell was installed as starter once Pierce took over from Josh McDaniels last season, and he delivered strong (if unspectacular) results down the stretch during his rookie campaign. Vegas showed considerable interest in drafting a Day 1 signal-caller this spring, but with that not coming to fruition Minshew has a chance to win the top spot. The veteran (attached to a $25MM deal) received a clear majority of votes over O’Connell ahead of training camp.
  • The Cowboys have a number of important financial decisions to make in the near future on the contract front. In the latest Community Tailgate, Sam explored the status of Dak Prescott, CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons. The former two are pending free agents while the latter is under contract through 2025. All three will need deals at or near the top of their respective markets, something which would considerably complicate Dallas’ cap outlook. Replacing one or more, meanwhile, could prove to be challenging.
  • Plenty of uncertainty surrounds Matt Judon‘s future with the Patriots. The four-time Pro Bowler has one year remaining on his deal, and mixed signals have emerged with respect to whether or not a new agreement will be reached. Ben Levine broke down Judon’s situation in our latest Extension Candidate effort; the Patriots have handed out numerous new deals to in-house players this offseason, but it remains to be seen if they will do so with Judon.
  • With the salary cap experiencing an historic one-year jump, individual cap charges continue to reach unprecedented heights. I looked at the top charges on the offensive side of the ball, a group which is of course dominated by quarterbacks. Seven receivers and six offensive linemen are also at the top of the pecking order, though, an illustration of how those positions have been valued in recent years.
  • The 2024 offseason saw a number of changes in the front office. Five teams have a new general manager (in title and/or in practice), the Patriots being among them. With Bill Belichick no longer in place as New England’s top decision-maker, Mickey Loomis (Saints) now resides as the league’s longest-tenured pure GM. Sam charted where each team stands in that respect after the moves made over the past few months.
  • Rises in the salary cap ceiling have of course aided the career earnings of modern NFL players. Ben listed the 25 highest-paid players in league history in terms of on-field compensation. Save for Aaron Donald (who retired this offseason), each member of the group is still active, and as such they will add further to their earnings for at least one more campaign.

5 Key Stories: 7/7/24 – 7/14/24

July 14th, 2024 at 4:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

With training camps just around the corner, the NFL’s offseason period has nearly come to an end. Recent days have already seen a few notable developments, however. In case you missed anything from the past week, here is a quick recap:

  • Steelers’ Sutton Receives Eight-Game Suspension: Cameron Sutton was released by the Lions after it was learned an arrest warrant had been issued for domestic battery. The veteran corner later reunited with the Steelers after he entered into a pretrial diversion program while an NFL investigation took place. That process has yielded an eight-game suspension for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. The 29-year-old served as a starter at the end of his first Steelers stint and handled first-team duties in Detroit last season, but his role once available will be interesting to monitor. Sutton – who signed for the league minimum upon returning to Pittsburgh – will not appeal the ban, confirming he will not be able to make his season debut until Week 10.
  • Higgins To Play On Bengals Tag In 2024: Tee Higgins resided as the only player who received a franchise or transition tag this offseason who had yet to sign a long-term deal. The deadline for he and the Bengals to work out such an agreement is Monday, but it is set to pass without an extension in place. As a result, Higgins will (as expected) enter the 2024 campaign as a pending free agent. The former second-rounder will collect $21.82MM this season before receiving a second tag or testing the market. Higgins, 25, submitted a trade request this offseason before publicly admitting he expected to remain in Cincinnati for one more year. The Bengals (a team with a monster Ja’Marr Chase extension still to navigate) are not believed to have engaged in Higgins negotiations for more than one year, with a market-level offer yet to emerge. A 2025 departure remains a distinct possibility in this case.
  • Adams Lands Titans Deal: A number of veteran safeties are still on the market, but Jamal Adams is not one of them. The former All-Pro (who was released this spring by the Seahawks) signed a one-year Titans deal. That pact carries a value of $1.13MM, a stark contrast to the $17.5MM annual value of his Seattle contract. Adams has been limited to 10 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, and his value moving forward will be determined in large part by his ability to remain healthy in 2024. He is confident that will be possible, and by signing with the Titans the three-time Pro Bowler will reunite with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson after the pair worked together with the Jets. That familiarity could produce a bounce-back campaign.
  • No Extension Imminent For Patriots, Judon: The Patriots have continued negotiating an extension with edge rusher Matt Judon, and an offer was recently submitted. No agreement is considered imminent, however, with the four-time Pro Bowler indicating he does not expect a deal to be worked out in the near future. One year remains on Judon’s contract, one which falls well short of the top of the edge market. He has proven to be a highly impactful player when healthy in New England, but in 2023 he was limited to four contests. The Patriots have retained a number of in-house players this offseason, but approaching his age-32 season Judon represents an interesting case study in that regard. Regardless of how extension talks go in the near future. Judon is not expected to hold out during training camp.
  • Texans Re-Sign Hughes: The Texans added Jerry Hughes in 2022, and he has logged 18 starts since then. The 35-year-old saw a dip in playing time last season, but he nevertheless elected to sign a new Houston deal. Hughes is likely to shoulder a rotational workload along the edge in 2024 as the Texans signed Danielle Hunter in free agency to replace Jonathan Greenard. Hunter and Will Anderson should take on starter’s roles, but Hughes could chip in on a rotational basis. The latter had the second most productive season of his career in 2022 with nine sacks, and he has remained durable deep into his NFL tenure. As the Texans approach 2024 with high expectations, Hughes will collect as much as $2.6MM on his latest deal.

NFL Active Leaders In Career Earnings

July 13th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Ben Levine

Kirk Cousins‘ four-year, $180MM deal with the Falcons this season vaulted him up the list of active career earners. This was by virtue of his $50MM signing bonus, adding to the more than $231MM he earned from the Commanders and (mostly) the Vikings throughout his career. Even under the worst-case scenario, Cousins will still see at least another $50MM come his way via his contract with Atlanta, which would push his career earnings north of $331MM.

While the soon-to-be 36-year-old Cousins will surely see a significant portion of the $80MM worth of unguaranteed money on his contract, he’ll still be hard pressed to catch Aaron Rodgers on the career-earnings list. Rodgers earned more than $306MM during his long tenure in Green Bay, and he’s already made close to $37MM during his one season in New York (mostly via the $35MM signing bonus on his reworked pact).

With at least $40MM of additional guarantees coming his way from the Jets, Rodgers will continue to grow his lead as the highest-earning NFL player of all time. Both Rodgers and Matthew Stafford were able to leap Tom Brady among the NFL’s highest all-time earners over the past year.

With all that said, we’ve listed the 25 active players who have earned the most money in their NFL careers (h/t to OverTheCap.com). While this list is up to date, it doesn’t account for soon-to-realized salaries for the 2024 campaign. This list is also solely focused on NFL cash and does not include off-the-field earnings:

  1. QB Aaron Rodgers: $343MM
  2. QB Matthew Stafford: $328MM
  3. QB Russell Wilson: $305MM
  4. QB Kirk Cousins: $281MM
  5. QB Jared Goff: $234MM
  6. LB Von Miller: $179MM
  7. QB Joe Flacco: $177MM
  8. OT Trent Williams: $171MM
  9. QB Derek Carr: $165MM
  10. LB Khalil Mack: $162MM
  11. QB Dak Prescott: $161MM
  12. DL Aaron Donald: $157MM
  13. QB Jimmy Garoppolo: $150MM
  14. DE Calais Campbell: $143MM
  15. QB Deshaun Watson: $142MM
  16. QB Patrick Mahomes: $136MM
  17. DE Joey Bosa: $134MM
  18. DL Leonard Williams: $134MM
  19. WR Mike Evans: $132MM
  20. QB Carson Wentz: $130MM
  21. WR DeAndre Hopkins: $128MM
  22. WR Stefon Diggs: $126MM
  23. DE Cameron Jordan: $126MM
  24. OT Lane Johnson: $121MM
  25. DT Chris Jones: $120MM

Largest 2024 Cap Hits: Offense

July 12th, 2024 at 10:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

The NFL’s salary cap ceiling was expected to see a large increase this offseason, but estimates proved to be on the low side. A record-setting jump resulted in a cap of $255.4MM for teams to work with.

That has resulted in new waves of spending at a few positions, with quarterbacks and receivers seeing continued growth at the top of the market. Last offseason offered a strong chance of the league seeing at least one $40MM-plus cap charge, but the Browns avoided such a scenario with a Deshaun Watson restructure. Owing to that move – and the lack of further adjustments this spring – however, Watson’s financial impact is set to grow considerably this season.

Here are the league’s top cap charges on offense leading up to training camp:

  1. Deshaun Watson, QB (Browns): $63.77MM
  2. Dak Prescott, QB (Cowboys): $55.13MM
  3. Matthew Stafford, QB (Rams): $49.5MM
  4. Kyler Murray, QB (Cardinals): $49.12MM
  5. Daniel Jones, QB (Giants): $47.86MM
  6. Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs): 37.01MM
  7. Lamar Jackson, QB (Ravens): $32.4MM
  8. Trent Williams, LT (49ers): $31.57MM
  9. Tyreek Hill, WR (Dolphins): $31.32MM
  10. Josh Allen, QB (Bills): $30.36MM
  11. Cooper Kupp, WR (Rams): $29.78MM
  12. Taylor Moton, RT (Panthers): $29.75MM
  13. Joe Burrow, QB (Bengals): $29.55MM
  14. Deebo Samuel, WR (49ers): $28.63MM
  15. Chris Godwin, WR (Buccaneers): $27.53MM
  16. Jared Goff, QB (Lions): $27.21MM
  17. Joe Thuney, LG (Chiefs): $26.97MM
  18. Geno Smith, QB (Seahawks): $26.4MM
  19. Laremy Tunsil, LT (Texans): $25.86MM
  20. Davante Adams, WR (Raiders): $25.35MM
  21. Quenton Nelson, LG (Colts): $25.2MM
  22. Kirk Cousins, QB (Falcons): $25MM
  23. Jawaan Taylor, RT (Chiefs): $24.73MM
  24. D.K. Metcalf, WR (Seahawks): $24.5MM
  25. Christian Kirk, WR (Jaguars): $24.24MM

Watson’s figure will shatter the NFL record for the largest single-season cap charge if no adjustments are made in the coming weeks. The hits for Prescott, Murray, Stafford and Jones also would have set a new benchmark if not for the Browns passer, a sign of the QB market’s continued upward trajectory. Cleveland is set to remain in a similar situation for the next three years as Watson plays out his fully guaranteed $230MM deal.

Prescott’s future is one of several important questions the Cowboys need to answer relatively soon. With CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons due for second contracts, an extension for the three-time Pro Bowler will need to take into account future commitments. While Prescott has considerable leverage (via no-tag and no-trade clauses), he joins Jones in facing an uncertain post-2024 future in the NFC East.

The latter saw the Giants make an effort to trade up for a quarterback in April and he reacted in an understandable manner. Jones’ $40MM-per-year 2023 extension remains the dominant storyline surrounding the team, and a decision on retaining him or moving on will need to be made prior to a potential out early next offseason. Murray’s performance this fall will likewise be worth watching; he has received consistent praise from head coach Jonathan Gannon, but he will aim to put together a fully healthy season following 2023’s truncated campaign.

Stafford and the Rams have a mutual desire to continue their relationship, but he is seeking guarantees beyond the 2024 campaign. The 36-year-old’s representatives have been in discussion on a resolution during the offseason, although even in the absence of one a training camp holdout is not expected. The likes of Mahomes, Jackson and Allen retain a place in the top 25, and the same will no doubt be true of Burrow for years to come.

Of the receivers listed, only Hill is known to be actively pursuing a new deal. The 30-year-old once led the receiver market with a $30MM AAV, a figure inflated by non-guaranteed money at the end of the pact. With the bar having been raised to new heights this offseason, Hill could join teammate Jaylen Waddle in securing a new payday. Since the team has a Tua Tagovailoa extension on the horizon, however, Miami could hesitate on the Hill front.

It come as little surprise that Williams tops the list for offensive linemen. The 11-time Pro Bowler has been mentioned in retirement rumors before, but playing to age 40 is now a goal. Meeting it could require future contract adjustments. Samuel’s future in the Bay Area was a talking point this offseason as the team attempts to keep Brandon Aiyuk in the fold. One of the high-profile wideouts may be playing for a new team for the first time in their career in 2025.

Elsewhere along the O-line, Moton and Taylor demonstrate the value seen at the right tackle spot in recent years. Given the developments of the guard market this offseason, though, the likes of Thuney and Nelson will have competition for spots on the list in future years. Similarly, the non-Hill wideouts could easily be surpassed in the future with a further additions set to be made (particularly by Lamb, Aiyuk and Ja’Marr Chase) at the top of the ever-increasing market.

Goff joined the $50MM-per-year club on his third NFL deal, whereas Cousins continued to add to his impressive NFL earnings by joining the Falcons. If healthy, the latter could prove to be an effective pickup for a team aiming to return to the postseason (while quieting questions about a transition to Michael Penix Jr. under center). Smith also has plenty riding on this season with a new Seahawks coaching staff in place which incrementally arrived at the decision he will serve as the starter in 2024.

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