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Poll: Who Will Lead Steelers In QB Starts?

May 15th, 2024 at 10:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

Bailing on their handpicked Ben Roethlisberger successor two years in, the Steelers put together one of the more interesting quarterback offseasons in recent NFL history. Two starters on other teams last season are now in the mix, with neither tied to a pricey deal nor a commitment beyond 2024.

The dominoes that led Kenny Pickett out of Pittsburgh began to fall before the team’s Russell Wilson signing, but that contract — a veteran-minimum deal agreed to before the Broncos officially designated Wilson a post-June 1 cut — led the way in driving Pickett to Philadelphia. After it looked like Wilson had a firm grip on the Steelers’ starting job, the team reached an agreement on a low-cost trade for Justin Fields. The final year of the ex-Bears first-rounder’s rookie contract is on the Steelers’ payroll — at the cost of merely a conditional sixth-round pick.

Mike Tomlin has said plenty to suggest Wilson will be his starter in 2024, but given the age gap between the two high-profile acquisitions and how the potential Hall of Famer’s Denver chapter unfolded, it would be a bit unusual if Fields was not mentioned as a candidate to step in at some point. The team has already been linked to pursuing potential deals with both QBs beyond 2024, though the club’s longstanding policy not to negotiate contracts in-season will put these efforts on hold. That seems unrealistic, given each’s starter background. For this year, however, the Steelers have assembled a unique depth chart — one that also includes UFA addition Kyle Allen.

An eight-asset package — headlined by two first-round picks — brought Wilson to Denver. The Broncos cut the cord on the Wilson contract before the extension years (on a five-year, $245MM deal) began. This will bring record-smashing dead money to Denver’s payroll, as the Steelers’ Wilson contract (one year, $1.2MM) barely ate into the $85MM dead cap coming the Broncos’ way through 2025. Wilson bounced back in 2023, but Sean Payton deeming him a bad fit represented another setback in a career that has veered off course.

After a shockingly poor 2022 season when paired with overmatched HC Nathaniel Hackett, Wilson rebounded — to a degree — under Payton by throwing 26 touchdown passes compared to eight interceptions. Slotting him 12 points higher than 2022, QBR ranked Wilson 21st last season. That settled in six spots behind Fields. It is arguable Wilson (six original-ballot Pro Bowl nods) disrupted his Hall of Fame path with the Broncos stay and needs a strong Steelers season to firmly reestablish himself as a Canton-bound player. Fields stands in the way of this reality, and Tomlin kept the door open — while still affirming Wilson will go into training camp as the starter — for the younger player to challenge for the job at some point.

While Wilson trails only Michael Vick and Cam Newton in career QB rushing yards and is the league’s only 40,000-5,000 player, Fields is certainly a better runner from the position. Joining Wilson with a propensity to take sacks, Fields both led the NFL in sacks taken and QB rushing yards in 2022. The Bears saw some improvement through the air last season, and QBR interestingly viewed the Ohio State product’s 2022 showing as superior to his 2023 slate. Fields also posted a worse yards-per-attempt number (6.9) compared to 2022 (7.1) and upped his passer rating by barely a point from the ’22 campaign.

Mentioned as a player expected to command at least a Day 2 pick in a trade, Fields bringing the trade value he did reflects a dim outlook around the league regarding his potential to improve significantly as a passer. The Steelers quickly declined Fields’ fifth-year option, joining the Broncos (Zach Wilson), Cowboys (Trey Lance) and Jaguars (Mac Jones) in passing on an extra year for a recently acquired QB. Pittsburgh will still attempt to finetune the former No. 11 overall pick, and it will be interesting to see how long they do so while keeping him in a backup role. If Fields plays at least 51% of Pittsburgh’s offensive snaps this season, the 2025 pick owed to the Bears vaults to a fourth-rounder.

The post-Killer B’s Steelers have been among the NFL’s most dependable teams, but the ceiling from the Roethlisberger-Antonio Brown–Le’Veon Bell period dropped as Big Ben aged and then Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph stepped in. Improved Pittsburgh defenses have been unable to make the past three Steelers squads, even as two of them advanced to the postseason, Super Bowl-caliber operations. This season will be key to isolate some variables within the organization, as Pickett and since-booted OC Matt Canada are gone. After seeing QB play sink his Falcons tenure, OC Arthur Smith will be tasked with coaching two middling — at this point, at least — signal-callers.

The Steelers are banking that Smith and the Wilson-Fields duo will provide sufficient upgrades from their previous play-calling setup and what the QB group of the past two seasons offered. Who will be the quarterback that ends up as the team’s preferred option by the season’s stretch run? Who gives the Steelers the best chance to succeed? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts on this revamped setup in the comments section.

5 Key Stories: 5/5/24 – 5/12/24

May 12th, 2024 at 4:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the deadline having passed for signings to count against the compensatory pick formula, free agent movement has picked up around the league. Developments on those and other fronts have taken place recently; in case you missed any of the NFL’s top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:

  • Patriots Retain Wolf To Lead Front Office: As expected, the Patriots began the post-draft portion of the offseason by searching out external candidates for their de facto general manager position. Several potential hires turned down the opportunity to interview for the gig, however, amidst the widespread expectation Eliot Wolf would remain in place as New England’s lead executive. Indeed, the team gave Wolf the title of EVP of player personnel, putting an end to the search. In his first offseason at the helm, the 42-year-old has overseen a number of critical decisions – including, most notably, the selection of Drake Maye at No. 3 in the draft. Wolf will lead the front office as the Patriots begin to transition to Maye as their starting quarterback (in the near future) and move forward from the Bill Belichick era.
  • Raiders To Hold QB Competition: In the build-up to the draft, the Raiders were named as a candidate to move up the board to add a quarterback (in particular, Jayden Daniels). The team did not do so, leaving Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in place under center. New GM Tom Telesco confirmed Vegas will hold a training camp competition between the two. O’Connell has drawn praise from head coach Antonio Pierce, and he finished his rookie season by throwing nine touchdowns and one interception over his final six games. Minshew, meanwhile, inked a two-year, $25MM deal in free agency. The 27-year-old has much more NFL action under his belt, and Vegas’ new offensive scheme could counterbalance O’Connell’s potential advantage from spending time in the previous system to a degree. As the Raiders aim to take a step forward in 2024, the battle for the QB1 spot will be a key story to follow.
  • Chargers Add Dupree: The Chargers kept both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in place this offseason via restructured contracts. That pair will have Bud Dupree as a notable third edge rushing option, with the latter having inked a two-year contract. Dupree will earn at least $6MM with the potential for $10MM during his Bolts pact. The 31-year-old had a disappointing run with the Titans, leading to his release last year. Serving as a starter with the Falcons, though, he regained his Steelers form to an extent and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks in 2023. Instead of returning to Pittsburgh or Atlanta (teams which had interest in a reunion), Dupree has elected to join a Chargers outfit which was among the league leaders in sacks last season. With Bosa struggling on the injury front recently, he could see notable playing time in Los Angeles.
  • Boyd Joins Titans: Tyler Boyd courted a number of teams prior to arriving at a decision on the open market. The longtime Bengals wideout elected to sign with the Titans on a one-year deal. This agreement (worth up to $4.5MM) will allow Boyd to continue working with ex-Cincinnati OC Brian Callahan, Tennessee’s new head coach. The 29-year-old was linked to a deal with his hometown Steelers, but the sides could not agree to terms. Instead, he will depart a receiving corps headlined by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to join one including DeAndre Hopkins and free agent addition Calvin Ridley. Boyd has twice topped 1,000 yards in his career, but he will look to rebound from declining production in recent seasons. Doing so would help a Titans’ offense led by Will Levis and help his 2025 free agent stock.
  • Hill Aiming For New Dolphins Deal? The $30MM-per-year deal the Dolphins gave Tyreek Hill in 2022 stood as the benchmark amongst receivers until recently. That pact is artificially inflated with non-guaranteed money after 2024, however, and Hill’s comments on his future indicate he is seeking a Miami extension. The five-time All-Pro stated his desire to finish his career as a Dolphin, although last year he said he planned to retire following the conclusion of his Miami pact. With Hill’s contract set to carry massive cap hits in 2025 ($34.24MM) and ’26 ($56.31MM) the Dolphins would be well-served to work out an extension lowering those figures while providing him with new guarantees if a mutual desire exists on the team’s part

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

5 Key Stories: 4/28/24 – 5/5/24

May 5th, 2024 at 4:49pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the draft now in the rearview, most major roster-building moves around the league have taken place. A new wave of free agent signings is underway, though, and other key decisions were made in recent days. In case you missed any of the top developments from around the NFL over the past week, here is a quick recap:

  • Chiefs Agree To Kelce Raise: Not long after lining up new deals for head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and president Mark Donovan, the Chiefs hammered out a new agreement with tight end Travis Kelce. Originally reported as an extension, the deal is actually a raise which keeps the future Hall of Famer on the books for two more years. Kelce will receive $34.25MM across 2024 and 2025, with his compensation for the coming season ($17MM) guaranteed at signing. The revised pact moves the 34-year-old to the top of the pecking order in terms of annual earnings at the tight end position and ensures he will remain the focal point of Kansas City’s passing game for at least the near future. As the Chiefs pursue a third straight Super Bowl, Kelce will join defensive tackle Chris Jones in playing on a lucrative new pact.
  • Patriots Extend Barmore: Over the past two years in particular, a number of ascending defensive tackles have landed sizable second contracts. Christian Barmore became the latest name on that list when he inked a four-year Patriots extension with a base value of $84MM. New England has been busy with respect to retaining players this offseason, and the team prevented a 2025 Barmore free agent departure by working out this deal. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign last season (8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss) while logging a career-high defensive workload. The Patriots are banking on a continuation of that career development, although the structure of the contract’s guarantees (which includes $31.8MM locked in at signing) could allow them to cut bait in 2026. Still, this Barmore pact is the largest New England deal given to a player other than Tom Brady, so the team’s financial commitment is certainly a notable one.
  • Cowboys, Elliott Reunite: In a move foreshadowed throughout the offseason, Ezekiel Elliott returned to the Cowboys on a one-year deal. The two-time rushing champion was released by Dallas last offseason, setting up a single campaign spent with the Patriots. Elliott posted career-worst figures on the ground in 2023, but he and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have both expressed a belief he can still operate as a starter at this point in his career. Elliott, 28, is currently in line to shoulder a notable workload in the backfield as things stand. Dallas saw Tony Pollard depart in free agency, and the team’s only veteran addition prior to Elliott was Royce Freeman. To the surprise of many, the Cowboys did not select a running back during the draft, leaving plenty of carries available for Elliott and the team’s other incumbents. The former No. 4 pick will collect $2MM guaranteed and up to $3MM in 2024.
  • Steelers Decline Harris’ 2025 Option: May 2 marked the deadline for teams to decide on the fifth-year options of 2021 first-rounders. That process brought about few surprises, but the Steelers elected not to exercise running back Najee Harris‘ 2025 option. Picking it up would have locked Harris into a guaranteed salary of $6.79MM next season, but he is now on track for free agency. Pittsburgh is reportedly open to negotiating a deal with the Alabama product, but his value will be greatly influenced by his 2024 performance. Harris has served as a workhorse back to date, topping 1,200 scrimmage yards in each of his three seasons. He has been less efficient in doing so than Jaylen Warren, however, and the latter is positioned to continue splitting carries this season in an offense set to feature the run heavily. It will be interesting to see how Harris’ value is affected as the campaign progresses.
  • Goodell, Owners Open To 18-Game Season: Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear he is open to adding an 18th contest to the NFL’s regular season. In the wake of him publicly backing a setup featuring just two preseason games to make up the difference (along with a Presidents Day weekend Super Bowl), a report indicated owners are in favor of such an adjustment. Expanding the schedule was a key negotiation point ahead of the 2021 CBA being hammered out; even though the agreement runs through 2030, efforts could be made to adopt the 18-game season well before it expires. Doing so would of course require concessions being made to the NFLPA, which has new leadership in place. The NFL has used a 17-game schedule for the past three seasons, but that could change in relatively short order if support increases for further expansion.

PFR Glossary: The Fifth-Year Option

May 1st, 2024 at 10:11pm CST by Sam Robinson

This week brings the annual deadline for teams to exercise or decline fifth-year options, with the 2021 first-round class in the crosshairs this year. That group marks the fourth crop of first-rounders to have their fifth seasons evaluated with fully guaranteed money in play, but the fifth-year option has existed since the 2011 CBA.

With first-round contracts becoming increasingly burdensome as the 2000s progressed, 2011’s lockout-marred offseason produced a rookie pay scale that remains in place today. The slot system also ended teams’ ability to sign first-round picks to six-year contracts, as Sam Bradford, Trent Williams and a few others from the 2010 draft received (while attached to deals that dwarfed some impact veterans’ accords).

As owners removed lavish rookie contracts from the game, they gave up a year of control. Draft-slot contracts have spanned four years since the July 2011 agreement, but the fifth-year option — available on first-rounders’ rookie deals — became a way for teams to retain their top picks without extension costs entering the picture.

A loophole existed that further benefited teams during the 2011 CBA’s version of the fifth-year option. As second- through seventh-round draftees could hit free agency following their fourth seasons — making teams more likely to negotiate ahead of Year 4 — first-rounders both could be tied to a fifth season and then see their team bail on the option free of charge by March of Year 5.

The 2011 CBA guaranteed the options for injury only, meaning a team could move on from a player with no dead money if the player passed a physical at the start of the league year. This allowed teams to put off negotiations for extension-eligible players into Year 5 and also gave clubs the freedom, provided the player was healthy, to escape a first-rounder’s rookie contract before the money became guaranteed when the league year began.

This happened on a few occasions, with Robert Griffin III being the most memorable example. Washington picked up RG3’s fifth-year option in 2015 but cut him, after bubble-wrapping the former No. 2 overall pick behind Kirk Cousins, in March 2016. The 2020 CBA addressed this issue. When teams exercise a player’s option now, his fifth season is fully guaranteed.

The 2020 CBA also changed the structure of the fifth-year option. Exercising an option from 2014-20 meant players drafted from Nos. 1-10 were tied to the value of their position’s transition tag. For players chosen from Nos. 11-32, the option came out to the average of the third-25th-highest salaries at their position. With the 2020 CBA fully guaranteeing the options, it also introduced a performance- and participation-based system that divided each position’s option prices into four tiers.

Players selected to two or more Pro Bowls (original ballot only) in their first three seasons reside on the top tier, which matches the franchise tag value. Micah Parsons, Patrick Surtain and Ja’Marr Chase checked in on that tier this year. Tier 2 covers first-rounders who earned one original-ballot Pro Bowl invite over their first three seasons; this level matches the transition tag number. Rashawn Slater and Kyle Pitts‘ option prices came in here. Participation covers the final two tiers. Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:

  • Players who averaged at least a 75% snap share through three seasons
  • Those who logged at least a 75% snap share in two of their first three seasons
  • Those who crossed the 50% snap barrier in each of their first three seasons

Tier 4 covers players who did not meet these participation standards; those players’ options come out to the average of the third-25th-highest salaries at the position. Teams have until May 2 to exercise or decline options. With the 2020 CBA not set to expire until March 2031, this option format stands to be in place for a while.

Note: This is a PFR Glossary entry. Our glossary posts explain specific rules relating to free agency, trades, or other aspects of the NFL’s Collective Bargaining Agreement. This post was modified from an earlier entry by Zach Links. 

First-Round QBs Traded Since 2000

April 30th, 2024 at 2:52pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Broncos and Jets’ Zach Wilson trade means four members of the five-QB 2021 first round are now finishing out their rookie contracts elsewhere. This offseason has brought more activity in terms of quarterback trades, with a handful of 2021 and ’22 QB draftees being dealt. The 2020s have presented a hotbed for deals involving former first-round QBs, but a number of trades relocating former top passing prospects have come to pass over the past two decades.

Beginning with a rather eventful sequence during the 2004 draft, here are first-round passers chosen since 2000 who have been traded:

2004

  • Draft-day exchange sent No. 1 overall pick Eli Manning‘s rights to Giants; Chargers received rights to No. 4 choice (Philip Rivers), 2004 third-round pick, 2005 first-, fifth-rounders

2006

2009

  • Bears landed Jay Cutler, 2009 fifth-round pick from Broncos for Kyle Orton, 2009 first-, third-round picks, 2010 first-rounder

2010

2011

  • At trade deadline, Raiders end Carson Palmer‘s retirement stay by sending Bengals 2012 first-round pick, 2013 second-rounder

2012

  • Shortly after Peyton Manning‘s free agency decision, Jets acquired Tim Tebow, 2012 seventh-round pick from Broncos for 2012 fourth-, sixth-rounders

2013

  • Chiefs acquired Alex Smith from 49ers for 2013, 2014 second-round picks
  • Cardinals obtained Carson Palmer, 2013 seventh-round pick from Raiders for 2013 sixth-rounder, 2014 seventh

2014

2015

2016

2018

2019

2021

2022

2023

2024

5 Key Stories: 4/21/24 – 4/28/24

April 28th, 2024 at 5:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

This past weekend saw the 2024 draft come and go, marking a major checkpoint on the offseason calendar. As usual, other key developments took place on the roster-building front leading up to the event, however. In case you missed anything from the past seven days, here is a quick recap:

  • Williams, QBs Headline First Round: As expected, quarterbacks dominated the top of the Day 1 order. Caleb Williams (Bears), Jayden Daniels (Commanders) and Drake Maye (Patriots) were the first three players to hear their names called. Atlanta then provided the night’s largest surprise by selecting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. That was followed by a trade-up (albeit a smaller one than many predicted) by the Vikings, who drafted J.J. McCarthy at No. 10. Rounding out the run on signal-callers, Bo Nix was added by the Broncos. A record-breaking stretch of 137 picks ensued after that selection before the next QB, but those six teams each added an intriguing rookie to their depth charts.
  • Chiefs Extend Reid, Veach, Donovan: Andy Reid has faced questions about retirement in recent years, but he put those to rest by agreeing to a new Chiefs extension. General manager Brett Veach as well as president Mark Donovan are also attached to new contracts, and as such Kansas City’s top decision-makers will be in place for the foreseeable future. Reid has climbed to fourth on the all-time wins list during his decorated time with the Chiefs while Veach has enjoyed considerable success alongside him since they joined the team in 2013. Four Super Bowl appearances in the past five years – including three titles – have helped the Chiefs become the league’s most decorated team in recent seasons, and the continued presence of a strong core headlined by Patrick Mahomes means they will likely remain contenders for years to come.
  • St. Brown, Sewell Land Massive Lions Deals: Prior to the draft kicking off, the Lions hammered out deals with two major contributors of their offense. Both wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell signed lucrative extensions keeping them in place through 2028 and ’29, respectively. The former inked a four-year pact averaging just over $30MM per year; it includes $77MM in guarantees, over $35MM of which is locked in at signing. The latter, meanwhile, is in line to collect $28MM per season on his own four-year accord. Sewell’s deal is the most expensive one ever given to an O-lineman and it shatters the record for value in terms of right tackles. Both All-Pros will be counted on to remain key producers for years to come in Detroit while commanding large financial commitments.
  • Eagles Extend Brown: Not long after St. Brown reached the summit of the receiver market, A.J. Brown moved to the top of the pecking order with an Eagles extension. Two years still remain on the pact he signed upon arrival in Philadelphia, but the 26-year-old landed $96MM on a three-year add-on which will keep him in the fold through 2029. The Eagles recently gave DeVonta Smith a three-year, $75MM extension and that pact moved him into a tie with Brown in terms of annual average value. Coming off a second straight 1,400-yard season, though, the latter is now once again the highest earner in Philadelphia’s skill position group. In all, the Eagles have now made four lucrative investments regarding in-house players on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
  • Jets Deal Wilson To Broncos: Prior to selecting Nix – a decision which many pointed to being on the table – the Broncos acquired Zach Wilson from the Jets. The latter was known to be on the trade block, and New York received offers well before the Denver swap came to pass. Wilson, 24, struggled mightily during his time as a Jets starter and the team signed Tyrod Taylor this offseason to serve as Aaron Rodgers‘ backup. With Wilson’s trade having been worked out, four of the five QBs selected in the opening round of the 2021 draft (all but Trevor Lawrence) have now been dealt to a new team. In Wilson’s case, he will join a depth chart which features Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. Attached to his rookie pact for one more year, it will be interesting to see how Wilson develops under head coach Sean Payton as he aims to rebuild his value.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

  • Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
  • One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
  • Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
    • At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
    • A 75% snap average across all three seasons
    • At least 50% in each of first three seasons
  • Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

  1. QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM): Exercised
  2. QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM): Declined
  3. QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM): Declined
  4. TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM): Exercised
  5. WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
  6. WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): Exercised
  7. T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
  8. CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
  9. CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
  10. WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
  11. QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): Declined
  12. DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
  13. T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM): Exercised
  14. OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM): Exercised
  15. QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM): Declined
  16. LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM): Declined
  17. T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
  18. LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): Exercised
  19. LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
  20. WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM): Declined
  21. DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM): Exercised
  22. CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM): Declined
  23. T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM): Exercised
  24. RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Declined
  25. RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM): Exercised
  26. CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
  27. WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): N/A; extended through 2026
  28. DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM): Declined
  29. CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM): Declined
  30. DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM): Exercised
  31. LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM): Exercised
  32. LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM): Declined

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

Top-Five Draft Picks Traded Since 2000

April 24th, 2024 at 9:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Trades that involve top-five picks do not happen annually, though a few drafts over the past two decades have seen multiple top-five choices change hands. The Chargers and Giants technically completed the most memorable exchange, but 2004’s Eli Manning–Philip Rivers swap occurred after both players were picked. Regarding moves completed before teams made their selections, here are the top-five picks traded during the 21st century:

2000

  • As part of 1999’s Ricky Williams trade, Washington acquires Saints‘ No. 2 overall pick (LB LaVar Arrington)
  • Washington trades Nos. 12, 24, 119, 154 to 49ers for No. 3 overall (T Chris Samuels)
  • During 1999 draft, Ravens acquired 2000 first-rounder (No. 5; RB Jamal Lewis) in exchange for Falcons‘ 1999 second (No. 42).

2001

  • Falcons obtain No. 1 overall (QB Michael Vick) from Chargers in exchange for Nos. 5 (RB LaDainian Tomlinson), 67, along with 2002 second-rounder and WR Tim Dwight

2003

  • Jets deal Bears Nos. 13, 22, 116 for No. 4 (DT Dewayne Robertson)

2009

2012

2013

  • Dolphins trade Nos. 12 and 42 to Lions for No. 3 (DE Dion Jordan)

2014

  • RG3 trade gives Rams No. 2 overall (T Greg Robinson) from Washington
  • Bills acquire No. 4 (WR Sammy Watkins) from Browns in exchange for No. 9, along with 2015 first-, fourth-round picks

2016

  • Moving to No. 1 (QB Jared Goff), Rams send Titans Nos. 15, 43, 45, 76, 2017 first-, third-round picks in exchange for 2016 fourth-, sixth-rounders
  • Eagles acquire No. 2 (QB Carson Wentz), 2017 fourth-rounder from Browns for Nos. 8, 77 and 100, along with 2017 first-rounder, 2018 second

2017

2018

2021

  • 49ers obtain No. 3 (QB Trey Lance) from Dolphins for No. 12, along with 2022, 2023 first-rounders, 2022 third

2023

2024

Prospect Profile: Bo Nix

April 22nd, 2024 at 10:55pm CST by Ely Allen

Quarterback has been a position of significant intrigue ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft. The least intriguing piece is USC’s Caleb Williams, who has been slotted into the No. 1 overall pick pretty much since the end of the 2023 NFL Draft. For several weeks now, a prediction that three other quarterbacks (LSU’s Jayden Daniels, North Carolina’s Drake Maye, and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy) are expected to occupy the three picks immediately following the presumed selection of Williams, in some order. After those four, only two other names have been mentioned as potential first round passers: Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. (who received a Prospect Profile a month ago) and Oregon quarterback Bo Nix.

Nix started off his high school career at Scottsboro School (Alabama) before following his father, former Auburn quarterback Patrick Nix, who had just been hired as the head coach at Pinson Valley HS (Alabama) closer to Birmingham. A fractured left ankle kept the younger Nix from thriving in his first year at the new school, but he made a return in time to lead Pinson Valley to a state championship title. He absolutely dominated his senior year, leading his school to their second straight state title and getting ranked by 247Sports as the nation’s 62nd best overall recruit and second-best dual-threat quarterback behind Daniels. Other recruiting services had him as a five-star quarterback and the top dual-threat passer in the nation.

Sitting smack dab between Alabama and Auburn, Nix was recruited heavily by both programs. It did not take much to persuade Nix, though, as he committed to his father’s alma mater before his senior season even began, never wavering from following in his father’s footsteps. Nix enrolled early for the Tigers and quickly beat out Joey Gatewood and Malik Willis for the starting job as a true freshman. Despite early growing pains, namely his 57.6 completion percentage, Nix shined in his first year leading the team, earning SEC Freshman of the Year honors. While Nix displayed some ups and downs over the next two years, his numbers continued to improve despite having three different offensive coordinators. The team success did not improve, though, as the Tigers went 12-9 with Nix starting in those two years.

After a broken ankle ended his 2021 season, Nix let it be known that he was miserable under new head coach Bryan Harsin, who didn’t coach in 2023 after being fired part-way through the 2022 season, and entered the transfer portal. Nix committed to Oregon, reuniting with Kenny Dillingham, who had been his offensive coordinator during his freshman year at Auburn. Thanks to COVID-19, Nix now had six years to play five seasons, meaning he had two years of eligibility remaining with the Ducks.

Nix exploded in his first season at a new school. For the first time in his collegiate career, Nix eclipsed a 70 completion percentage (71.9), 3,000 passing yards (3,593), 20 passing touchdowns (29), 500 rushing yards (510), and 10 rushing touchdowns (14). He was an honorable mention All-Pac-12 selection as he set the school record for highest completion percentage at a school that produced such quarterbacks as Marcus Mariota and Justin Herbert. His senior year saw him take off even more, beating his prior year passing numbers with a new record-77.4 completion percentage, 4,508 passing yards, and 45 touchdowns to just three interceptions.

If stats were the sole determining factor for who would go No. 1 overall in the NFL draft, Nix would be the unanimous selection. In 2023, Nix’s 77.4 completion percentage led all of college football. It wasn’t just a school record, it broke Mac Jones‘ FBS record for single-season completion percentage. Nix was second in the FBS in passing yards only behind Penix (4,903) last season. He let the nation in passing touchdowns, and while some full-season starters like Florida State’s Jordan Travis and Penn State’s Drew Allar had few interceptions (2), neither were producing near the yardage and touchdowns of Nix. But scouts and coaches focus on much more than numbers when it comes to the draft.

Physically, Nix is not the prototype for a quarterback, but his body type works for the game he plays. While Nix set records with his arm this year, he still projects best as dual-threat passer. Some of his best throws come on the run and without his feet set, and he uses strong footwork to avoid tacklers in a collapsing pocket. He benefited from most of his production coming off quick, one-look passes, but those plays fit his quick release and strong arm.

Nix still showed the ability to throw all over the field and was productive using play fakes to open routes up down the field. He is a strong runner and, though he did sustain a pair of ankle injuries through high school and college, any questions of his toughness were put to rest when he broke Colt McCoy and Kellen Moore‘s NCAA records for most starts in a career for a quarterback with 61.

So, why isn’t Nix going No. 1 overall? Mainly, quarterbacks with Nix’s style of play have not generally fared well in the NFL. They have not fared poorly (see Mariota, Baker Mayfield, Tyrod Taylor), but they never really stick out around the league’s best. Coaches have nitpicked a lack of patience that does not allow routes to develop and open up. Nix also can rely on his great arm strength as a catch-all, affecting his accuracy and forcing his receivers to make some uncomfortable grabs. Teams also will not like that he is 24 years old entering the NFL draft. It’s not quite on the level of Brandon Weeden (the NFL’s oldest-ever first-round pick at 28 years old), but he’s already the same age as Trevor Lawrence.

Nix presents a mixed bag coming into the draft. He provided outstanding production through the air and on the ground at the collegiate level. Though his style of play isn’t tailormade for the NFL, Nix has proven to be very coachable. After three different coordinators in his first three seasons and a change of schools, Nix continued to improve year after year, going from a 57.6 completion percentage as a freshman to the FBS record-holder in the stat. He has been lauded for his academics and leadership with his coaches calling him “another coach” on the field, and he only got better each year.

There is plenty to suggest that Nix could struggle to be elite at the next level, but with his tools and drive, it’s hard to imagine that he won’t get a chance as a starter at some point.

Now, where does a player like that go in the draft? Most see Nix as a likely Day 2 pick, though an early run of quarterbacks could force a team’s hand if they truly want Nix, and there isn’t an absence of teams who do. According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, there is an assumption in league circles that, if Nix goes in the first round, it will be to the Broncos. While some speculate that Denver could trade up to select McCarthy, many like Nix better as a stylistic fit with head coach Sean Payton. The Broncos do not have a second-round pick, so they may opt to trade back from No. 12, collect more draft capital, and draft Nix to compete with the newly acquired Zach Wilson.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter warns not to dismiss the Rams, either. Schefter points to general manager Les Snead, who was a graduate assistant coach at Auburn in 1993, when Nix’s father, Patrick, was the Tigers’ quarterback. With some speculation that Penix could be the fifth passer coming off the board as high as No. 8 overall, do not rule out Los Angeles taking Matthew Stafford‘s heir apparent at No. 19.

The speculation does not stop there. With mere days remaining until the draft begins, there is no shortage of possibilities for how the event may play out. Nix could join the others in the first round, or he could freefall into the middle of the draft. Regardless, some NFL team should be adding a coachable, fast-learning competitor later this week.

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