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Cowboys To Release WR Martavis Bryant

May 8th, 2024 at 1:07pm CST by Sam Robinson

Bringing in Martavis Bryant as a flier who could potentially help as a supporting-caster late last season, the Cowboys never ended up activating the ex-Steelers starter.

Despite signing the formerly suspended wideout in early November, the Cowboys ultimately did not view Bryant as ready to contribute. The team gave Bryant a reserve/futures contract in January, but NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes the team is releasing him Wednesday.

[RELATED: Cowboys To Meet With WR Zay Jones]

Bryant’s stock has not approached the level that once featured him being traded for a third-round pick, as the 6-foot-4 weapon has not played in a regular-season game since 2018. But Pelissero adds other teams have shown interest. While it would not necessarily surprise to see Bryant given another opportunity, he is running out of time to reignite his NFL career at age 32.

The NFL reinstated Bryant from a yearslong suspension on November 4, 2023. This came years after the NFL loosened its drug policy — which led Bryant out of the league in the late 2010s — to cut down on suspensions for non-PED offenses. The 2010s featured harsher punishments for substance abuse, and Bryant ran afoul of these standards at multiple points during his initial NFL run. He missed four games in 2015 due to substance-abuse ban and was sidelined throughout the 2016 season. Bryant’s subsequent penalty — levied in December 2018 — ended up lasting for nearly five years. The ex-Ben Roethlisberger target scored 17 touchdowns from 2014-17 as a Steeler, adding a spectacular TD grab in the 2015 wild-card round.

Bryant remained in redevelopment mode as of late November of last year, and the Cowboys went with other options as CeeDee Lamb wingmen. The team released Bryant from its practice squad in early January but circled back via the futures deal. The Titans also had Bryant on their radar last year. It will be interesting to see if the Clemson alum — who also stopped through the CFL, XFL and Fan Controlled Football League — receives another NFL opportunity.

This move clears a spot for Jones, who is visiting the Cowboys today. The son of Robert Jones — a former Super Bowl starter for the Cowboys in the 1990s — Zay is a Dallas native who has seen one of his free agency doors (the Titans) seemingly close due to the Brian Callahan–Tyler Boyd reunion. The Cowboys still have Brandin Cooks in place as their top Lamb complement, but they remain on the hunt for more help.

Cowboys To Meet With WR Zay Jones

May 8th, 2024 at 8:49am CST by Sam Robinson

The Jaguars’ Zay Jones release moved an experienced wide receiver to the market post-draft, and teams have taken notice. Jones is set to log a third free agency visit this week.

Already meeting with the Titans and Cardinals, Jones is now heading to Dallas. The Cowboys are bringing in the veteran pass catcher for a Wednesday meeting, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz tweets. The Titans have since signed Tyler Boyd, seemingly removing them from this mid-offseason derby.

Jones, 29, would stand to provide Dallas some insurance against 2022 third-round pick Jalen Tolbert not being ready to become a regular. The Cowboys cut Michael Gallup just before part of his 2024 salary was to become guaranteed, and the NFC East team did not address the receiver position early in the draft. The Cowboys waited until Round 6 to add a wideout, selecting Ryan Flournoy out of Division I-FCS Southeast Missouri State.

[RELATED: Raiders Sign WR Michael Gallup]

This fit certainly seems like it would appeal to Jones, who is a Dallas native. The son of former Cowboys linebacker Robert Jones — a starter on each of Dallas’ three 1990s Super Bowl-winning teams — Zay played at Stephen F. Austin High and trekked to East Carolina for college before becoming a Bills second-round pick in 2017. Zay Jones played a regular role for the Jaguars over the past two seasons, but after the team added Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round, it moved on from the two-year starter’s $8MM-per-year contract.

The 6-foot-2 target fared much better in 2022 compared to last season. After fetching a somewhat surprising three-year, $24MM deal from a Jags team committed to upgrading its roster talent in free agency that year, Jones tallied 823 receiving yards and five touchdowns to help the team win the AFC South. Jones then became a key part of the Jags’ 27-point wild-card comeback, catching eight passes for 74 yards and a score against the Chargers. The seven-year vet then led the Jags with 83 receiving yards in a narrow divisional-round loss to the Chiefs. Last season, however, Jones produced just 34 catches for 321 yards. He played in only nine games.

Jones did not make any trips to IR last season but missed six games in a seven-week span over the campaign’s first half. These absences came about because of a PCL issue and femur damage, Jones later admitted. This affected Calvin Ridley‘s season as well, as the veteran’s biggest games came when Jones was on the field. All four of Ridley’s 100-plus-yard showings came in games Jones played. Ridley defected to the Titans, leaving Christian Kirk as the only piece of the team’s previous WR trio left.

The Cowboys have CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks in place as their top two wideouts. Lamb’s slot capabilities would stand to pair with Jones’ outside game. Tolbert has not shown too much since becoming a 2022 third-round pick, though he did make progress last season by hauling in 22 passes for 268 yards and two scores. A Jones addition would probably cut into the South Alabama alum’s time.

It can be argued the Cardinals need more help by comparison, despite Marvin Harrison Jr.‘s arrival, but Jones being from Dallas adds some intrigue here. Barring the former Bills and Raiders target setting an unrealistic asking price, it seems he will have a new home soon.

2024 NFL General Manager Search Tracker

May 7th, 2024 at 4:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

With the Patriots hiring Eliot Wolf as their de facto GM after having moved on from Bill Belichick, all five teams in need of a GM have filled their post this offseason. If other teams decide to make GM changes, they’ll be added to this list.

Updated 5-11-24 (4:35pm CT)

Carolina Panthers

Las Vegas Raiders

Los Angeles Chargers

New England Patriots

Washington Commanders

NFC Contract Details: Saints, Sewell, Elliott

May 5th, 2024 at 10:04pm CST by Ely Allen

The Saints made a couple of roster moves in recent weeks that we’re finally getting to some details on. These include the deals to sign guard Shane Lemieux, offensive lineman Justin Herron, and defensive back Will Harris and the retirement of offensive lineman James Hurst.

Lemieux and Herron were both signed shortly after the NFL Draft. According to Katherine Terrell of ESPN, Lemieux signed a one-year deal at the veteran minimum of $1.06MM, all of which will count against the salary cap. Herron’s deal is also for one year at the league minimum of $1.13MM. Due to the veteran salary benefit, his contract will only count $985K against the cap.

Harris signed at the turn of the month earlier this week. After five years with the Lions, Terrell tells us that Harris is joining the Saints on a one-year deal worth $1.29MM with a base salary of $1.13MM and a signing bonus of $167.5K. The guaranteed amount of his deal will include the signing bonus and $324K of his base salary. Harris’ contract will count for $1.15MM against the salary cap.

Lastly, Terrell tells us that Hurst, who announced his retirement back in April, will still count against the salary cap. He will count as $2.28MM in dead money, including a $1.5MM roster bonus.

Here are details on a couple other deals reached around the NFC in recent weeks:

  • We already knew some details on Penei Sewell‘s extension with the Lions, but thanks to Mike Florio of NBC Sports, we now have a bit more detail. The deal includes a fully guaranteed amount of $42.99MM consisting of a $15MM signing bonus, a $25MM option bonus in 2025, full base salaries from 2024 to 2026 of $1.45MM, $1.54MM, and $19.9MM, and $12.11MM of the 2027 base salary (worth $23.9MM total). He’ll receive $100K workout bonuses in each offseason after 2025 and a potential $2.5MM roster bonus in 2029.
  • We had some details on Ezekiel Elliott‘s reunion with the Cowboys, but ESPN’s Todd Archer provided some additional detail. We now know that the deal includes a fully guaranteed base salary of $1.25MM and signing bonus of $375K. Elliott can earn an active roster bonus of $375K and will count for $2MM against the cap. He can earn an additional $1MM in incentives, all of which require a playoff berth ($250K for 1,100 scrimmage yards, $250K for 10 touchdowns, and $500K for over 50 percent of the team’s offensive snaps).

OL Notes: Guyton, Beebe, Cowboys, Commanders, LT, Raiders, Packers, Patriots

May 3rd, 2024 at 5:02pm CST by Sam Robinson

Tyler Smith delivering strong early returns at two positions — left tackle, left guard — gave the Cowboys options while constructing their draft board, and Oklahoma tackle Tyler Guyton became the team’s pick. The Guyton move points to Smith staying at guard. The Cowboys are set to give the ex-Sooners right tackle every opportunity to win the starting LT job, The Athletic’s Jon Machota notes (subscription required). Teams make the inverse move more often, with the college game’s top O-linemen most frequently coming from the left tackle spot. Guyton views himself as a more natural left tackle, however, and his development there will keep well-paid RT Terence Steele in place.

Trading down from No. 24 to 29, the Cowboys picked up an extra third-rounder (No. 73). Dallas used the latter pick on Kansas State’s Cooper Beebe, and Machota adds he profiles as the team’s Tyler Biadasz center replacement. Linked to Duke center prospect Graham Barton at No. 24, the Cowboys passed with the ex-Blue Devil on the board (Barton went to the Buccaneers at No. 26). Beebe vacillated between left tackle, right tackle and left guard with the Big 12 program. While Machota notes Beebe could be an eventual Zack Martin successor, he is on track to begin his career at center.

Here is the latest from O-lines around the league:

Ezekiel Elliott Addresses Cowboys Reunion

May 2nd, 2024 at 11:48am CST by Adam La Rose

After a single season in New England, Ezekiel Elliott is back where his career began. The longtime Cowboys running back signed a one-year deal worth up to $3MM on Monday, and his comments reflecting on the agreement confirmed his desire to return to Dallas.

“This was my priority. Doing what I could do to get back here,” Elliott said (via Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). “I have a lot left to accomplish here. I’m excited to get back with the fellas and chase that ring.”

Leading up to the draft, Cowboys owner Jerry Jones made it clear Elliott could be brought back regardless of if a rookie was added during the weekend. Especially with Dallas not selecting a running back, it came as no surprise the 28-year-old was brought back into the fold. Elliott played on a one-year deal with the Patriots in 2023, and he produced underwhelming rushing totals (642 yards on a 3.5 yards per carry average).

However, the former rushing champion noted that his knee is in better shape now than it was during his most recent Cowboys campaign. Elliott dealt with a torn PCL in 2022, a year in which he saw 231 carries (his fewest with Dallas) and ceded early-down work to Tony Pollard. The latter served as the Cowboys’ lead back in 2023 while playing on the franchise tag, but his free agent departure has created a vacancy atop the depth chart.

Jones has publicly stated he feels Elliott can still operate as a lead back based on his performance in New England. The Ohio State product took over that role once Rhamondre Stevenson was injured, and his 51 receptions led the Patriots’ low-powered offense. Elliott recorded 313 yards and a pair of touchdowns through the air, and that production could help him earn playing time on third downs in addition to his short-yardage abilities.

“I feel like I’m still a starter,” Elliott added, echoing Jones’ comments. “I got the chance to start down the stretch last year. I felt comfortable in that role. I looking forward to doing what I need to do for this team.”

Dallas also has Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis as other running backs in place for the time being. Elliott provides far more experience than that trio in addition to his familiarity with the organization. The Cowboys have yet to unveil their UDFA class, one which could include one or more backfield options. The team has $5.25MM in cap space (a figure which will drop once its rookie class is signed), meaning another veteran addition could be made. In Elliott’s case, though, both team and player are enthusiastic about the potential brought about by their reunion.

Cowboys To Decline Trey Lance’s Fifth-Year Option

May 1st, 2024 at 10:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Cowboys sent the 49ers a fourth-round pick for Trey Lance in August; the parties are going into their second season together. No immediate plans for a third will be in place.

Even with Lance’s participation rate qualifying him for the bottom tier of the fifth-year option structure, exercising it would cost the Cowboys $22.41MM. The former No. 3 overall pick will instead, as expected, move into a contract year. The Cowboys are declining Lance’s 2025 option, ESPN.com’s Todd Archer reports.

[RELATED: 2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker]

Plans for Lance remain unclear for the Cowboys, who are effectively renting the one-year North Dakota State standout as a project on a depth chart headlined by Dak Prescott but still including Cooper Rush. The latter’s contract calls for a $2.25MM base salary. Lance is due a $1.1MM base salary, but the Cowboys picked up a guaranteed roster bonus worth $4.25MM in March.

As it stands, Lance is on track to become one of the biggest draft busts in NFL history. After turning to Lance as their Week 1 starter in 2022, the 49ers reversed course following an ankle injury that required two surgeries. Lance could not beat out Sam Darnold for San Francisco’s backup job last year, and the team kept Brandon Allen as its third-stringer. While Brock Purdy has bailed out the 49ers, they sacrificed two future first-round picks and a third to move up — from No. 12 to No. 3 — for Lance three years ago. Purdy has allowed San Francisco to move on rather cleanly, but Lance’s future is cloudy.

This year will be a bit different for Lance, as he will go into the preseason with the Cowboys. He arrived in Dallas after the 2023 preseason slate wrapped, but he and Rush stand to see extensive time during the Cowboys’ August tilts this preseason. The Cowboys have liked what they’ve seen from Lance in practice, per Archer, and will be ready to give him plenty of run in the preseason. That said, Lance was inactive for every Cowboys game last season.

Next year’s free agency may well feature four of the five first-round QBs from the 2021 draft. The COVID-19-marred period undoubtedly affected teams’ evaluations, but that first round included three passers that have not worked out (Lance, Zach Wilson, Mac Jones) and another inconsistent option (Justin Fields) that was traded due to the Bears having access to a better option in this year’s draft (Caleb Williams). Lance’s marks the last of this batch of declined options, with the Broncos, Jaguars, and Steelers each declining the option to greenlight guaranteed money for their low-cost reclamation projects. Only one of the five 2021 first-round QBs — Trevor Lawrence — saw his option exercised.

A dual-threat sensation for North Dakota State in 2019, Lance was denied a chance to build on that success due to the pandemic prompting Division I-FCS to nix its fall seasons. Lance declared for the 2021 draft and did well to score a $34MM guarantee from the 49ers. Unable to threaten Jimmy Garoppolo‘s job security as a rookie, Lance completed 15 of 31 passes in 2022. He has thrown just 102 NFL passes and still has fewer than 500 attempts since high school. This preseason will at least provide Lance the chance to display progress.

While Prescott’s contract-year status could conceivably impact Lance, the latter has not shown much to indicate he will be worthy of longer-term consideration. It will be interesting to see if that changes in the coming months.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/30/24

April 30th, 2024 at 8:17pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Arizona Cardinals

  • Waived: WR Kaden Davis, CB Quavian White

Dallas Cowboys

Minnesota Vikings

  • Signed: P Seth Vernon

New England Patriots

The Patriots have added some linebacker depth in Oshane Ximines, who spent the first five seasons of his career with the Giants. A third-round pick in 2019, Ximines ended up getting into 48 games during his time in New York, compiling 71 tackles and 6.5 sacks. He was limited to only three games this past season while alternating between the Giants practice squad and active roster.

In New England, he’ll be reunited with outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins, who previously served in the same role with the Giants. The Patriots will be hoping the new addition can provide some depth at strongside linebacker behind the likes of Matt Judon and Josh Uche.

Cowboys, Ezekiel Elliott Agree To Deal

April 29th, 2024 at 9:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

In a move which comes as no surprise at this point, Ezekiel Elliott is set to return to the Cowboys. The former rushing champion has a deal in place with Dallas pending a physical, Tom Pelissero and Ian Rapoport of NFL Network report.

This is a one-year agreement worth $3MM, per Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Elliott will collect $2MM guaranteed, he adds. The 28-year-old is therefore in line to once again take on a notable role in the Cowboys’ backfield.

One month ago, Elliott was named (alongside Dalvin Cook) as a veteran back interested in a Cowboys contract. Signs pointed to the team matching that desire in Elliott’s case shortly thereafter, and while Cook is still unsigned the former No. 4 pick is back where his career began. Elliott spent seven years in Dallas, earning three Pro Bowl invitations and one first-team All-Pro nod in his opening four campaigns.

The Ohio State product’s efficiency began to wane afterwards, however, and in 2022 he ceded some of his workload to Tony Pollard. During the subsequent offseason, Dallas retained Pollard via the franchise tag and released Elliott. That move led to a $6MM dead cap charge for 2024, but Cowboys owner Jerry Jones publicly indicated that figure would not dissuade him from pursuing a reunion. Taking the dead money charge into account, Elliott will represent a rather lucrative commitment on offense for the Cowboys this year.

Pollard was not retained this offseason, and he became one of several veteran running backs who quickly found a new home in free agency. That created a vacancy atop Dallas’ backfield depth chart and led many to expect a notable investment in the position. After Royce Freeman was added on a low-cost deal, the team appeared to be set up for a rookie addition during last weekend’s draft. The Cowboys did not add at the position, however, having spoken with Elliott on the eve of the opening round.

With a deal now in place, Elliott will re-join a Cowboys team which also includes the likes of Rico Dowdle, Deuce Vaughn and Malik Davis in the backfield. Following his Dallas release, Elliott joined the Patriots on a one-year deal similar to this one. The 2023 campaign produced career-lows in carries (184), yards (642) and efficiency (3.5 yards per attempt), but Jones still views him as being capable of handling a starter’s workload. It will be interesting to see how Elliott’s role shakes out in 2024 upon return to a familiar team.

Cowboys To Sign LB Damien Wilson

April 29th, 2024 at 3:49pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cowboys have already put together one reunion today, but the team is not done on that front. Linebacker Damien Wilson is set to head back to Dallas, the starting point of his NFL career.

[RELATED: Cowboys Moving Markquese Bell Back To Safety]

Wilson has agreed to terms with the Cowboys, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports. He will be in place on a one-year pact qualifying for the veteran salary benefit ($168K), Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News adds. The former Dallas fourth-rounder joined the team late in the regular season last year, though he did not see any game action. With the 2024 draft having come and gone, he will now try and carve out a roster spot on a Cowboys team which has made a few moves at the linebacker spot so far.

Dallas has drawn considerable criticism with respect to free agent additions this offseason, but one of the team’s few transactions has been a one-year deal with Eric Kendricks. The former Vikings and Chargers starter will be able to provide first-team snaps for the Cowboys and in doing so help offset the loss of Leighton Vander Esch. The latter was forced to retire this offseason as a result of his neck surgery.

The Cowboys have Damone Clark and Buddy Johnson in place as returnees at the linebacker spot. 2023 third-rounder DeMarvion Overshown missed his entire rookie campaign, but he faces high expectations entering the coming season. Dallas added further depth by selecting Notre Dame product Marist Liufau in the third round of this year’s draft.

Wilson, 30, began the 2023 season by serving a four-game suspension stemming from a personal conduct violation. He last played in 2022 with the Panthers, but his most productive campaign came one year earlier with the Jaguars. The Minnesota product racked up 106 tackles in 2021 while serving as a full-time starter (something which was also generally the case during his time with Chiefs). Wilson was a rotational defender in Dallas while playing out his rookie contract, and that will likely be the case again in 2024 if he makes the team’s opening roster.

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