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Offseason In Review: Pittsburgh Steelers

August 2nd, 2022 at 8:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

As the Steelers transition from their 18-year Ben Roethlisberger partnership, they have his heir apparent — at long last — in place. Until Kenny Pickett takes the reins, this has the look of a transition season. The AFC has seen several fringe contenders make what appear to be significant improvements, and depending on the final number of Deshaun Watson games missed, the Steelers may have considerable ground to make up at quarterback in the AFC North.

But this team, as you may have heard, does not finish under .500. This quarterback change will test Mike Tomlin‘s 16-year streak, but the Steelers made several upgrades to their starting lineup. Will the host of midlevel additions, and a perennially fearsome pass rush, be enough to prop up a Mitchell Trubisky-quarterbacked team in this season’s early going?

Notable signings:

After the pandemic-induced cap reduction led to the restructure-happy Steelers losing key players last year, the 2022 cap spike helped them devote greater resources to bolstering their offensive line and other spots. On the whole, the team stayed in the free agency pool a bit longer than even its pre-pandemic normal. After spending $24.5MM on free agents in 2020 and $46.5MM in 2019, Pittsburgh surpassed $80MM in the market’s first week. The UFAs, SFAs and Ogunjobi, who lingered somewhere in between, should improve the team’s starting lineup. But how much will the needle move?

As apparent as Roethlisberger’s decline became, the Steelers likely will open the season with one of the NFL’s worst starting quarterbacks. QBR did slot Trubisky’s 2020 season ahead of even Roethlisberger’s — which featured 33 touchdown passes for a team with a last-ranked rushing attack — but the former one-year North Carolina starter has submitted an extensive run of mediocre NFL play. The Steelers do have a more well-rounded receiver stable compared to Trubisky’s Chicago troops, a largely Allen Robinson-dependent operation, and, likely, a superior running back. Perhaps with better tools, the 2017 No. 2 overall pick can make stabs at further rebuilding his stock.

But the Bears benched Trubisky for a healthy portion of the 2020 season and made the playoffs thanks largely to a soft late-season schedule. The subsequent NVP award became emblematic of one of this era’s defining draft missteps. Trubisky, 27, managed just 6.1 yards per attempt in 2019, and while he did leave Chicago with a 64-37 TD-INT ratio, he was given a long runway to start. That substantial sample size, ahead of the midcareer Brian Daboll internship, led evaluators in The Athletic’s latest quarterback tiers project to slot Trubisky 33rd overall (subscription required).

Alhough Trubisky has seven-figure playing-time incentives that start at the 60% snap threshold, Pickett almost certainly will see time in 2022. Trubisky’s 2017 usurping of Mike Glennon (after four games) is more norm than exception for first-round rookies. Jordan Love and even Patrick Mahomes are the outliers in the modern NFL. Until the Steelers make the switch, Trubisky’s early-career sample size — and the AFC’s overall strength — point to the team’s ceiling remaining fairly low.

Trubisky invites obvious questions about Pittsburgh’s viability, but he should be protected better than Roethlisberger was in his finale. The team’s top O-line addition, Daniels will not turn 25 until mid-September. Pro Football Focus graded the former Bears second-round pick as a top-25 guard in each of his three full seasons as a starter. This type of player is not usually available for less than $9MM guaranteed, which points to front offices being less sold on the Iowa alum’s skills compared to PFF. But Daniels is the kind of player to bet on — one just coming into his prime — and the Steelers have him on barely a top-15 guard contract through 2024.

Pittsburgh continued its extended foray into free agency’s middle sector with Cole, who will come over after yo-yoing between first- and second-string roles throughout his rookie contract. Cole, 26, is hardly a solidified center. But the former Cardinals third-round pick has 39 career starts. He will likely be an upgrade on Kendrick Green, a 2021 third-rounder PFF placed near the bottom of its 2021 center hierarchy. Cole’s arrival will also allow Green to play his natural position, guard, depending on how his battle with Kevin Dotson goes. The loser represents decent interior depth.

After not devoting much to their right tackle spot since Marcus Gilbert‘s injuries sidetracked his career, the Steelers handed out another midlevel deal to the player who has been Gilbert’s primary successor. Okorafor is not to be confused with one of the league’s best right-edge protectors, hence the $9.25MM guaranteed, but he has been available (31 starts since 2020). That is an admittedly low bar, making the extension somewhat surprising. Okorafor will only be 25 this season, giving the Steelers more time to mold the former third-round pick, but PFF has slotted him outside its top 60 at the tackle spot during his two starter years.

As could be expected, based on how the Steelers built their 2021 O-line, PFF graded the quintet 26th last season. Big Ben took 38 sacks — his most since 2013 — and Najee Harris managed only 3.9 yards per carry. It would be nice if the Steelers had elite O-line coach Mike Munchak back to help make these mid-tier contracts sparkle, but the team made some cost-efficient enhancements up front. It remains to be seen if they will be drastic improvements or patch jobs.

The last remaining “Sacksonville”-era defender to leave the Jaguars, Jack has a clear chance to restore his relevance in Pittsburgh. The six-year Jags starter will be poised to anchor the team’s linebacking corps, being provided a chance to resurface after a down season during Jacksonville’s dreadful Urban Meyer experiment. This will only be Jack’s age-27 season. The 82-game starter will provide a solid speed presence for the team’s second level, giving the Steelers the kind of stability they have largely lacked since Ryan Shazier‘s tragic injury. A Jack bounce back could lead to the kind of long-term partnership the Steelers forged with Joe Haden, who was coming off a down year with the Browns when he caught on in Pittsburgh five years ago.

Landing in the same tax bracket as other key players the Steelers added, Ogunjobi should help the Steelers improve on their No. 32 run-defense ranking. The sixth-year veteran will attempt to replace Stephon Tuitt, who was sorely missed in 2021. The former Browns draftee is coming off a better season than Jack, leading the Bears to offer a three-year contract worth $40.5MM. Ogunjobi’s seven sacks and 16 tackles for loss (both career-high marks) rewarded the Bengals, but the foot injury sustained in the team’s wild-card game changed his trajectory. The Steelers will have a motivated inside defender — he of two 5.5-sack seasons in Cleveland — who saw a chunk of guaranteed money ($26.35MM) denied after his failed Bears physical.

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Offseason In Review: Baltimore Ravens

July 31st, 2022 at 11:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Lamar Jackson era has reignited optimism around the Ravens regarding their ability to contend for a third Super Bowl title. Coming off of their third straight postseason appearance — and first playoff victory — during Jackson’s tenure as the starting quarterback, expectations were high for the 2021 season in Baltimore. A myriad of injuries (including to the 25-year-old himself) sparked a six-game losing streak to end the campaign, knocking the team out of the postseason.

This coming season is therefore seen as something of a mulligan in Charm City. A return to health for a number of key players, along with a retooled defense, could once again land the team among the AFC’s elite. The conference has added a number of stars on both sides of the ball, though, including moves which figure to see both Ohio teams remain divisional contenders for the foreseeable future. With Jackson’s Baltimore tenure remaining a point of contention, have the Ravens done enough this spring to make a championship run?

Trades:

General manager Eric DeCosta has shown a propensity to pull off significant trades during his relatively brief time at the helm of the Ravens. Moving Brown represents another sizable deal he executed, a process which involved keeping the likelihood of a swap under wraps for months. Only after the Day 1 draft deal was it revealed that Brown had requested to be traded at the end of the regular season. By honoring that wish, the team ended the up-and-down tenure of only its second-ever homegrown 1,000-yard receiver.

Putting aside the close personal relationship between Brown and Jackson, the deal leaves the team with a significant void in the passing game. Brown eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in 2021 and ranked 10th in the NFL in targets. While 2021 first-rounder Rashod Bateman is poised to take over as the Ravens’ top wideout, the depth chart seriously lacks experience and pedigree. With neither the extra first-rounder they acquired via the pair of swaps made during that night, nor any other selection, did the team add to its WR corps. Baltimore has been labeled a candidate to bring in a veteran, though a move of anywhere near as much significance as the Brown deal is highly unlikely.

Notable signings:

The Ravens haven’t been afraid to spend significant free agency dollars on the safety position in recent years, handing out deals to the likes of Eric Weddle and Earl Thomas. Williams is the latest in that line of acquisitions, though his age (25) should allow for a longer tenure with the team compared to the team’s previous big-ticket safety signings. The former second-rounder established his playmaking ability in New Orleans, where he racked up 15 interceptions across five seasons. The 2021 campaign, in which he played on the franchise tag, also saw him make strides in pass coverage.

Williams will provide the Ravens with a ball-hawking ability which has been lacking recently. The team ranked 26th in the league with just nine interceptions last year, a statistic which was exacerbated by the defense’s overall struggles against the pass (surrendering a league-worst 279 yards per game through the air). At an annual average of $14MM per season, Williams’ contract ranks eighth among safeties, as the position continues to enjoy an upward trend. The degree to which he lives up to the lucrative pact will go a long way in determining the defense’s success for the short- and long-term future.  

The defensive line was identified as an area in need of a youth movement at the end of the 2021 season. While the starting unit will look different this fall, Campbell and Pierce will be familiar faces. The former had contemplated retirement before ultimately committing to play at least one more season, making a reunion with Baltimore a logical choice. The 2010s All-Decade Team member will be 36 this campaign, but he also represents the lone returnee from the 2021 starters along the D-line. Campbell’s level of play against the run in particular has shown little sign of decline in recent years, and his leadership within a relatively young front seven will carry value.

In the middle of the line, Pierce will step back into the starting role he held at the end of his first Ravens tenure in 2019. The deal he signed to return is significantly smaller in value than the one he inked with the Vikings that offseason, but it gives him notable security considering the limited time he has spent on the field in the last two years. A 2020 opt-out, the 29-year-old was limited to eight contests last season, ultimately leading to his Vikings release. Rediscovering the form which earned him that Minnesota deal would add a boost to the defensive front. Urban represents another reunion; the veteran Canadian has started for the Ravens in the past but figures to play a rotational role in 2022.

On the opposite side of the ball, fortifying the offensive line became plainly necessary as the 2021 campaign progressed. While a return to health from left tackle Ronnie Stanley would solve much of the issue in pass protection in particular, finding a veteran bookend was among the team’s top priorities, and something made more financially viable by a reunion with Za’Darius Smith falling through. Moses, 31, figures to provide a steady presence at that spot, having posted a PFF grade of 71 with the Jets last year, a figure roughly in line with his career average.

A recipient of the rarely used UFA tender, Houston remaining in Baltimore was always the likeliest outcome, despite the delay in his decision to re-sign. The Ravens had been connected to a number of veteran pass rushers, and the former NFL sack leader will again be leaned on in at least a rotational capacity within an otherwise young position group facing a number of health questions. Likewise, the one-year investment in Fuller could prove worthwhile. The Baltimore native is coming off of a disappointing season with the Broncos, but he could see significant playing time as part of the Ravens’ retooled CB room.

Notable losses:

Williams and Wolfe headline the front-seven departures. The former had spent his entire nine-year career in Baltimore, while the latter was in line to start alongside him this season before being sidelined with hip issues. Their departures will leave the team short two starting-caliber leaders, and place even higher expectations upon 2019 third-rounder Justin Madubuike to not only take on a permanent first-team role, but develop into an impact player.

Given the struggles on the offensive line, changes were inevitable. Villanueva’s retirement came after an underwhelming final chapter of his Pro Bowl career, but it was expected considering his inconsistent play. Bozeman departing was likewise unsurprising, though the fact that he was only able to land a one-year deal in Carolina was noteworthy. The Alabama product established himself as a dependable starter in the middle of the line, albeit at a position the team had options for regarding a replacement both before and after the draft.

The area of the roster which has seen the most changeover is the secondary. Elliott handled full-time starting duties for the second straight season, proving his worth when able to remain on the field (the infrequency of which throughout his career no doubt hurt his free agent value). Averett shouldered by far the largest workload of his career (with a snap share of 90%) stepping in for a CB room which lost Marcus Peters and, later, Marlon Humphrey as well. The production he managed in 2021 made the position’s remaining depth the source of many questions leading up to the draft.

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Offseason In Review: New England Patriots

July 27th, 2022 at 9:56pm CST by Ben Levine

Following a busy offseason in 2021, the Patriots stayed relatively quiet in 2022. In the long run, it probably doesn’t matter much. No matter what moves the team could have possibly made this spring, the success of the 2022 Patriots was always going to be dependent on the progression of Mac Jones.

The 15th overall pick in last year’s draft may have been the fifth QB off the board, but he was the only rookie quarterback to make the playoffs and earn a Pro Bowl nod during the 2021 campaign. Still, there’s plenty of room for improvement, and the Patriots’ best chances at another Super Bowl will depend on Jones’ ability to break into at least the top 10 at his position.

Still, following a quiet offseason, the major question in New England is if the Patriots have put Jones in the best position to succeed. Sure, the team has invested plenty in receiver and tight end (including the acquisition of DeVante Parker this offseason). However, following an offseason where division rivals surrounded their young QBs with a first-team All-Pro (Tyreek Hill) and a first-round pick (Garrett Wilson), the Patriots receiving corps certainly looks to be underwhelming.

Further, with Josh McDaniels taking the head coaching job with the Raiders, the Patriots are without an offensive coordinator…and they’re relying on a pair of unconventional options to fill the coaching void.

Ultimately, the Patriots are hoping for internal progression from the squad. Bill Belichick always looms as a threat, but thanks to New England’s offseason moves (or lack thereof), that progression might not be seen in the wins column.

Trades:

Despite adding four notable pass catchers during the 2021 offseason (WR Nelson Agholor, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Hunter Henry, TE Jonnu Smith), there was still an expectation that the Patriot would bring in another target for Jones. In typical fashion, the Patriots ended up ignoring the big-name trade options and pivoted to a division rival’s former first-round pick.

Parker didn’t live up to his first-round billing during his time with the Dolphins. His impression 2019 campaign (72 receptions, 1,202 yards, nine touchdowns) proved to be an outlier. Over the past two seasons, Parker had collected a combined 103 receptions for 1,308 yard and six touchdowns in 24 games. The drop in production could be partly attributed to offensive coaching changes, injuries, and a revolving door at starting QB, but there’s also a reason why the Dolphins have invested so much draft capital into the position over the past two offseasons.

Still, there’s some optimism for Parker in New England. Despite an uneven 2021 campaign, he still ranked just outside the top third of receivers on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the position (41/115). Parker also has the ability to play in basically any pass-catching role (as John Laghezza of The Athletic detailed), an attribute that will be valued by a Patriots staff that prioritizes versatility.

Considering New England’s pass-catching depth, Parker is going to have a tough time matching his 2019 numbers in New England. However, he clearly has the most upside of any of the Patriots receivers, and considering what it took the Patriots to get him, this move was a no-brainer from New England’s perspective.

Chase Winovich was productive when he was on the field. Through his first two seasons in the NFL, the Michigan product tallied 11 sacks and 22 QB hits in 32 games. However, the defensive end always seemed to find himself in the dog house. For instance, despite starting nine games for New England in 2020, he had five games where he appeared in fewer than 30 defensive snaps. It’s one thing to be a situational pass rusher, but Winovich found himself completely phased out of the defense in a handful of contests.

This culminated in a 2021 campaign where Winovich notched only 11 tackles in 13 games. The Patriots decided to move on, and they acquired a player who was in a similar situation in Cleveland. Mack Wilson started 14 games as a rookie and collected 82 tackles. He started eight of his 13 games in 2020, and by the time the 2021 campaign came to an end, he basically had an even split on defensive and ST snaps.

For a Patriots team that lacks linebacker depth, Wilson could end up playing a significant role in New England in 2022. The same probably couldn’t have been said about Winovich.

The Patriots did a favor for former quarterback Tom Brady when they shipped one of their most veteran blockers in Shaq Mason to Tampa Bay. It was a bit of a surprising move from New England’s perspective. The guard has been a consistent starter since being selected in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, and he hasn’t show any signs of slowing down despite appearing in 103 regular season games and another 13 postseason contests. In 2021, Pro Football Focus ranked Mason fourth among 82 eligible guards.

The addition of rookie Cole Strange removes some of the sting from Mason’s departure, and the Patriots still have a formidable starting offensive line. It’s the depth behind the five starters that’s questionable, and keeping Mason around certainly would have helped in the regard.

Although you would have had to squint, there was one point of time where you could have envisioned a Patriots offense guided by Jarrett Stidham and N’Keal Harry. Fast forward to this offseason, and the Patriots bailed on both players for a minimal return.

Stidham was selected in the fourth-round of the 2019 draft, and following a rookie season where he sat behind Brady, he would have had a chance to secure the starting gig in 2020. It was clearly troubling for Stidham’s future prospects when the Patriots pivoted to veteran Cam Newton, and it was clear that the young QB had no future in New England when the organization selected Jones in the first round of the 2021 draft. Fortunately for the Patriots, they found a taker in the Raiders and McDaniels.

There were even higher expectations for Harry when the receiver was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft. He was never able to click with Brady, and while he saw an increased role in 2020, he still finished with only 309 receiving yards. Following the Patriots’ spending spree during the 2021 offseason, Harry was buried on the depth chart and asked out of New England. It took a year, but he was granted his wish this offseason when he was traded to Chicago for a seventh-round pick.

Notable signings:

The Patriots broke records in 2021 when they committed $163MM in guaranteed money to free agent acquisitions. The front office had to tighten the belt straps in 2022, leading to a lack of big, multi-year, headline-stealing moves.

To help replace the departed J.C. Jackson, the Patriots brought back former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler to presumably start at cornerback. Butler’s exit from New England (which started with a practical DNP in Super Bowl LII) was a bit messy, but he’ll now be relied on to provide some experience to their cornerbacks corps. The 32-year-old didn’t play at all during the 2021 season, but he collected a career-high 100 tackles in 16 starts with the Titans in 2020.

Mitchell was also added to provide some experienced depth at cornerback. The 30-year-old profiles as more of a rotational piece, but he could even find himself starting depending on the status of rookie Jack Jones and veteran Jalen Mills’ ability to bounce back from a rough season in 2021.

Perhaps the Patriots’ most intriguing addition was Jabrill Peppers. The safety was limited to only six games (five starts) in 2021 thanks to a torn ACL, and he’s never really lived up to his first-round pedigree. The Patriots have some solid depth already at safety in Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, and Adrian Phillips. However, Peppers has proved to be effective in defending the run, and he could find himself playing the pseudo-linebacker role that Patrick Chung used to play.

The Patriots added to their pass-catching corps with the additions of Ty Montgomery and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Neither player moves the needle all that much, but there’s a world where they find themselves with a role in 2022. Montgomery has seen plenty of rushing opportunities since entering the NFL, and we could see the team fully commit to the veteran in the backfield similar to what they did with Cordarrelle Patterson in 2018. At the very least, Montgomery could see some third-down opportunities, especially considering the health of James White.

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Nine Second-Round Picks Remain Unsigned

July 19th, 2022 at 12:40pm CST by Sam Robinson

All 32 first-round picks have signed their rookie deals, and only a few players drafted from Rounds 3-7 — most notably quarterbacks Malik Willis and Matt Corral — have not signed their four-year contracts. But nearly a third of the second-round draftees remain unsigned as rookie camps open.

The Falcons, Ravens, Chargers, Dolphins, Patriots, Saints, Giants and Jets begin their rookie camps Tuesday. That will soon classify Ravens outside linebacker David Ojabo as a holdout. In addition to Baltimore, six other teams — the Buccaneers, Packers, Titans, Seahawks, Vikings and Bears — have unsigned Round 2 picks.

While the Jets and Saints have avoided holdout situations with their respective second-rounders — Breece Hall (No. 36 overall) and Alontae Taylor (No. 49) — already on Tuesday, here is the remaining unsigned contingent:

Baltimore Ravens

Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers

  • No. 34: Christian Watson, WR (North Dakota State)

Minnesota Vikings

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Desmond Ridder also came to terms on his rookie deal Tuesday, avoiding a Falcons holdout situation. But, whereas third-rounders have less bargaining power due to only their signing bonuses being guaranteed, second-round picks have made inroads with guarantees. Second-rounders have made gains since the 2011 CBA changed the rookie salary model. The player to start off the 2011 second round (Patriots wideout Ras-I Dowling) did not receive any fully guaranteed money beyond Year 2. Although previous years have seen incremental guarantee progress, the 2022 offseason has brought substantial developments on this front.

Certain Round 2 picks’ guarantee structures have caused this year’s signing gridlock. The Texans’ decisions to guarantee three full years of No. 37 overall pick Jalen Pitre‘s rookie deal and give No. 44 choice John Metchie 56% of his third year guaranteed have understandably led to players drafted in these neighborhoods to clamor for the same structure, causing a slowdown in signings compared to where Round 2 picks normally are at this point on the calendar.

With Pitre being drafted after Logan Hall, Watson and McCreary, the agents for the Houston, North Dakota State and Auburn talents are undoubtedly calling for their clients to see three years fully guaranteed. To end their long negotiation with Breece Hall, the Jets fully guaranteed the running back’s third year, Rich Cimini of ESPN.com tweets. Last year, that draft slot received just 58% of Year 3 salary guaranteed, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com notes (on Twitter). Only seven 2021 second-rounders received even a partial Year 3 guarantee, illustrating the gains being made this offseason. The Hall, Watson and McCreary deals will likely reflect this soon.

The Falcons and Giants recently signed draftees chosen in this now-murky draft sector, and Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes both Arnold Ebiketie and Wan’Dale Robinson received major guarantee bumps compared to the previous players chosen at these respective draft slots (Nos. 38 and 43). Just more than 90% of Ebiketie’s third season is fully guaranteed, per Wilson, who adds just more than 60% of Robinson’s 2024 salary is guaranteed (Twitter links).

The jump from 2021’s No. 43 pick (Trevon Moehrig, Raiders) to Robinson perhaps best shows the contractual strides second-round picks have made this year. Moehrig’s rookie deal does not include any fully guaranteed money in Year 3. Ebiketie’s third-year guarantee is up 20% from last year’s No. 38 slot (Christian Barmore, Patriots), per Wilson. These deals should provide road maps for the other second-round deals yet to be inked while giving future second-round picks more security.

Offseason In Review: Kansas City Chiefs

July 18th, 2022 at 11:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Chiefs’ Super Bowl IV team and multiple other squads from that period housed a whopping six Hall of Fame defenders, it is safe to say the Andy Reid–Patrick Mahomes stretch represents the franchise’s peak. The Chiefs, who entered the 2017 season having never won back-to-back AFC West titles, enter 2022 with six straight division crowns. During the Mahomes leg of this reign, the Chiefs have not encountered much divisional resistance. They have become the only team to host four consecutive conference championship games.

But the rest of the division spent the offseason loading up to challenge the Chiefs, whose 2022 edition will look a bit different. Reid and GM Brett Veach moved two cornerstone players — Tyreek Hill and Tyrann Mathieu — off the roster, trading Hill and letting Mathieu walk in free agency. Kansas City was busy at both positions this offseason. How much will these retooling efforts and rivals’ big-ticket moves — one of which having a direct impact on the Chiefs’ plans — impact the perennial Super Bowl contenders’ 2022 season?

Trades:

The Chiefs had begun Hill extension talks in the weeks leading up to free agency. One year remained on the field-tilting speedster’s contract. But the Raiders soon acquired Davante Adams from the Packers, changing the equation not just for Hill but for the entire wide receiver market. The Chiefs balked at Hill’s new demands, which increased after Adams agreed to a then-receiver-record $28MM-per-year deal. Kansas City quickly pivoted to the trade market, leading to Jets and Dolphins offers. After a Jets proposal — one that did not feature any first-round picks but included two second-rounders — nearly sent Hill to New York, the Dolphins came in with a trade including the No. 29 overall pick and an extension (four years, $120MM) that topped Adams’ accord.

Of the offseason’s marquee wideout trades, Hill fetched his former team the most in terms of compensation. At 28, Hill is more than a year younger than Adams and possesses a skillset pairing historically elite speed with legit receiving chops — something most players in Hill’s speed realm have lacked throughout NFL annals. Hill will now entrust his Hall of Fame push to Tua Tagovailoa, while the Chiefs will be tasked with an interesting restart at the position.

It remains fascinating a Chiefs rival changed the AFC West kingpins’ path with one of their best players. Hill said he did not ask the Chiefs for an extension that topped Adams’ AAV but did ask the team for a deal in the $25-$26MM-AAV range. A vital piece during Alex Smith‘s final Chiefs season and to start Mahomes’ rapid ascent, Hill became an All-Pro on a Day 3 contract. The 2019 child-abuse scandal, which came years after a domestic violence arrest eventually dropped Hill to the 2016 fifth round, nearly led to a Chiefs divorce. But after no NFL suspension emerged, the team welcomed its deep threat back and gave him an $18MM-per-year deal — on a team-friendly structure as a result of his second off-field controversy. Hill outplayed that deal, stringing together three more Pro Bowl seasons. But the Chiefs joined the Packers and Titans in letting another team pay their top wide receiver at the new WR1 going rate.

This separation could be a seminal moment on the Chiefs’ timeline, considering the attention defenses paid to Hill. Teams increasingly moved to prevent Mahomes-to-Hill deep strikes last season, something that the receiver later confirmed caused internal frustration. This trade represents the biggest offensive change of the Mahomes era and presents some risk, given the Chiefs’ momentum and non-Hill issues at the position since Reid arrived.

Reid’s other receiver investments in Kansas City have largely not worked out. The 2013 Dwayne Bowe extension backfired, as the previous Chiefs WR1’s skills deteriorated quickly, and the Chiefs cut bait on Jeremy Maclin after two seasons. Sammy Watkins came up big in spots, but frequent injuries suffered in Kansas City have led to the former top-five pick’s value freefall. Drafted in the second round while Hill was barred from the team’s facility, Mecole Hardman has not panned out. Though, the fourth-year wideout may have a more prominent role as the team attempts an interesting post-Hill wideout configuration.

The Johnson flier resembles those the Chiefs took on former first-round cornerbacks Mike Hughes and Deandre Baker. A 2019 second-rounder, Johnson has one year remaining on his rookie contract. He is coming off a career-best three interceptions in 2021, but the young DB — whom the Texans used at corner and safety — fell out of favor in Houston. Pro Football Focus viewed Johnson as one of the NFL’s worst defensive backs during his Texans tenure. The advanced metrics website graded Johnson as the league’s worst primary cornerback in 2019 and slotted him as (by far) the league’s worst safety contributor last season, helping explain the 2024 seventh-round return.

Notable signings:

As Tyrann Mathieu lingered in free agency, the Chiefs quickly signaled they were not bringing him back for a fourth season by committing to Reid during the legal tampering period. Mathieu had also made a Houston-to-Kansas City trek, though Reid played his entire rookie contract with the Texans. Pro Football Focus barely rated Reid above Johnson last year, grading the former as the sixth-worst full-time safety. PFF offered much better assessments for the former third-round pick during his first two seasons, when the Texans booked playoff spots.

While the Chiefs are saving money here compared to Mathieu’s $14MM-per-year deal, the proven veteran is only tied to a $9MM-AAV contract with the Saints. Reid, however, is five years younger, at 25. DC Steve Spagnuolo will bet on the player with more prime years remaining.

Following the Reid accord, the Chiefs began work on their receiving corps. For a short stretch, it looked like Smith-Schuster would complement Hill. The wideouts overlapped as Chiefs teammates for over a week, and considering the Raiders extension’s effect on the AFC West champs, it can be assumed Kansas City at least envisioned a reality in which ex-Pittsburgh slot talent played alongside Hill and Travis Kelce. Smith-Schuster now stands to play a more important role for the Chiefs, but they have eyed the former Pro Bowler for a bit now.

The Chiefs finished second in the Smith-Schuster sweepstakes last year; the USC product prioritized familiarity with the Steelers to better position him for the 2022 market. That decision backfired. Ben Roethlisberger continued to decline, but Smith-Schuster was not there to see much of that deterioration manifest due to the Week 5 shoulder injury he suffered. Still, Andy Reid attempting to lure him last year and coming back to the table in 2022 — despite JuJu’s five-game season — is notable. The Chiefs have not had a consistent slot weapon during Mahomes’ time, though Hill would align there at points. Still just 25, Smith-Schuster has not been able to replicate the 2018 dominance he displayed alongside Antonio Brown, failing to come within 500 yards of that 1,431-yard year. But being paired with one of the game’s best quarterbacks and arguably its premier play-caller could reignite him.

Shortly after the Hill trade, the Chiefs poached the Packers’ top vertical threat. Valdes-Scantling has not caught more than 38 passes in a season, but the 2018 fifth-round pick’s deep capabilities produced a market. The Packers bowed out but were interested in keeping him. MVS led the NFL with a 20.9 yards-per-catch number in 2020, when he caught six touchdown passes. Like Hill, Valdes-Scantling has dealt with drop issues. He finished sixth in drop rate in 2020 but largely curbed that problem last season. Despite coming into the league three years after Hill, MVS, 28, is only a few months younger.

This contract doubles as a prove-it deal, with the Chiefs not guaranteeing anything into Year 2. Only Valdes-Scantling’s prorated signing bonus would count as dead money if the Chiefs moved on in 2023; they would be tagged with $4MM if they did so. For 2022, however, Valdes-Scantling will be a discounted deep target — albeit one with a larger catch radius than Hill, due to a 6-foot-4 frame. MVS joins Hardman and Skyy Moore as field-stretchers for the Chiefs, who will trot out a near-fully reshuffled receiving corps.

Wylie and Christian may be battling for the team’s right tackle gig, a position that has seen inconsistency since Mitchell Schwartz‘s ironman streak ended during the 2020 campaign. The Chiefs have locked-in starters at each of the other four O-line spots. PFF rated each of the Chiefs’ three right-edge options, a list that also includes 2020 third-rounder Lucas Niang, between 60th and 70th at tackle last season. Christian started eight games for the Texans in 2021. Niang might not factor prominently in the upcoming training camp competition. The 2020 COVID-19 opt-out suffered a torn patellar tendon in Week 17 of last season. Its right tackle situation is far from ideal, but Kansas City does have one of the league’s most enviable O-line situations on the whole.

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Latest On Tampa Bay’s Cornerbacks Room

July 17th, 2022 at 9:55pm CST by Ely Allen

The Buccaneers allowed depth players Richard Sherman and Pierre Desir to walk in free agency this offseason, but held onto their most important free agent cornerback when they re-signed Carlton Davis to a three-year, $45MM contract. Besides the departures of Sherman and Desir, and the rookie depth additions that counteract them, the room looks quite the same as it did last season. If the position group can stay healthy, how does the depth chart play out with most of last year’s contributors returning? Let’s take a look. 

Davis is the only for sure starter at cornerback for Tampa Bay. He’s been a consistent starter since getting drafted in the second round in 2018, but really broke out in his second year of NFL football. After a rookie season that saw him break up only 4 passes, Davis exploded in coverage recording 19, 18, and 11 passes defensed in each year after. Davis has six interceptions in his first four seasons (four in 2020, alone), but his 52 total passes defensed says plenty about his ability to make plays on the ball. He’ll enter the season as the team’s No. 1 cornerback, with questions surrounding who will be No. 2.

Jamel Dean is likely the top prospect to start opposite Davis in base formations. He or his competition for that second spot, Sean Murphy-Bunting, would still see plenty of the field as the third cornerback, as the Buccaneers primarily utilize a nickel defense, but, when utilizing only four defensive backs, Dean is currently the favorite to be on the field. Not only are they competing for a spot atop the depth chart, but, considering both were members of Tampa Bay’s 2019 draft class, they will also be striving to earn a new payday like Davis’ in their contract years.

Dean didn’t enter the 2021 NFL season as a starter, but, after an elbow injury sent Murphy-Bunting to injured reserve, Dean took over and made the most of his opportunity. Dean has consistently missed at least two games every season with injury, but, considering the extended time Davis and Murphy-Bunting missed last season, two games doesn’t seem so bad. With 33 passes defensed, Dean has shown the ability in coverage to stay close and make plays on the ball. The biggest downside to his game is that Dean hasn’t quite been able to convert those plays into turnovers, only totaling five interceptions over three seasons. Dean possesses ideal size and speed for the position and was even graded one slot above Davis last season according to Pro Football Focus’ position rankings (subscription required).

Murphy-Bunting was drafted one round earlier than Dean and, so far, his opportunities have reflected that. Last year was the first that saw Murphy-Bunting miss time due to injury, but that doesn’t make Dean’s impressive showing in his absence any less inimical to Murphy-Bunting’s starting role. The injury last season really limited Murphy-Bunting, as PFF graded him out as the 90th cornerback in the NFL, compared to Dean and Davis’s 20th and 21st, respectively. Murphy-Bunting has shown the player he can be when healthy, though, and if that version of him shows up for competition, he may find his way back into a solidified starting role. As a rookie, Murphy-Bunting showed off his ball skills with three interceptions. While he only has one pick in the next two regular seasons, he was able to reel in an interception in three-straight playoff games in 2020. Which version of Murphy-Bunting the Buccaneers get this season will largely affect the starting roles, but, as mentioned above, Tampa Bay’s nickel defense should allow plenty of snaps for both Dean and Murphy-Bunting.

Now Tampa Bay does have another option. If either Dean or Murphy-Bunting struggle coming into the season, the Buccaneers could move Logan Ryan, whom they signed in the offseason to fill in the free safety role left vacant by Jordan Whitehead‘s departure, back to his natural position of cornerback. Ryan hasn’t played cornerback since 2019, but he serves as a more-than-qualified “break glass in case of emergency” option.

Behind the top three corners, Tampa Bay returns Ross Cockrell, Dee Delaney, and Rashard Robinson. Cockrell is a journeyman cornerback with plenty of starting experience with his past teams. He and Delaney filled in a bit as starters when Davis and Murphy-Bunting were out last year, but, over the course of the season, Cockrell proved the most effective backup cornerback. Delaney made the most of his defensive opportunities getting an interception and two passes defensed in five games of extended action on defense. Delaney is a core special teamer, though, and really only serves as a depth piece on defense. Similarly, though Robinson has starting experience from his time in San Francisco, he mainly served as a reserve cornerback last year in Tampa Bay.

Rookie fifth-round pick Zyon McCollum and undrafted rookies Kyler McMichael and Don Gardner round out the roster for Tampa Bay at cornerback. They may be able to fight their way onto the 53-man roster by proving their worth on special teams, but McCollum is probably the only rookie here who may find his way into the cornerback rotation as a depth piece.

Tampa Bay’s nickel look should field, essentially, four cornerbacks, with Davis, Dean, Murphy-Bunting, and Ryan all surrounding starting strong safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Dean and Murphy-Bunting will compete throughout the preseason to determine who stays on the field in base formations. Cockrell and Delaney will likely continue their role as key backups. Robinson may find himself competing with McCollum for a roster spot, with McMichael and Gardner attempting to beat the odds. The Buccaneers know they can achieve success with this roster of cornerbacks, based on its similarities to last season, but just how they choose to employ their corners will determine how much success they can achieve.

What Lions’ RB Depth Means For Roster Spots

July 17th, 2022 at 6:38pm CST by Ely Allen

The 2021 Lions saw injuries nag at their running backs room throughout the season last year and were forced to rely on the backs they had stashed further down on the roster. Coming into the 2022 NFL season, Detroit’s running backs room looks mostly the same, but improving health could leave some contributors from last year as the odd man (or men) out. 

There’s obviously no question atop the Lions’ depth chart at running back. Despite his lack of starts last season, D’Andre Swift dominated the position’s snap count totals. He was nearly matched in rushing statistics by the team’s No. 2 back, but Swift played a much more impactful role in the passing game, catching 62 passes for 452 yards and two touchdowns. That No. 2 back was Jamaal Williams, picking up a role he held for four years across the division in Green Bay. Williams rushed for 601 yards, to Swift’s 617, on 153 carries, an amount almost identical to Swift’s 151. While not quite as impactful, Williams was still effective receiving out of the backfield, adding 26 catches for 157 yards.

Swift and Williams are set to return to their roles at the top of the depth chart and, perhaps, improve on them. Swift’s health is paramount to his potential impact. If he can stay on the field, many in Detroit’s camp believe he could be a Pro Bowler after his third year in the league. He’s spent a lot of time with running backs coach Duce Staley analyzing where he can improve, and his first two seasons have proven he is a much more dangerous weapon receiving the ball than anyone saw during his college years. Williams is a great complement to Swift. He’s a tough back with experience to help lead the youthful position group.

Now behind those two, four running backs are left to compete for one or two roster spots. Godwin Igwebuike may have the clearest line to a roster spot. Despite entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent four seasons ago, Igwebuike made his first rush attempt last season. He ended the year with only 18 total carries (though one of those carries was a 42-yard touchdown), but he really made his impact as the Lions’ primary kick returner. His special teams experience gives Igwebuike a bit of an edge over the other three fighting to make the 53-man roster.

Even if Igwebuike’s role as a return man solidifies his job, the Lions entered the 2021 season with four running backs on the roster. If they were to do the same in 2022, Craig Reynolds, Jermar Jefferson, and undrafted rookie Greg Bell would be the ones competing this summer for that final spot.

Reynolds appeared in games with Washington and Jacksonville after going undrafted in 2019, but finally got a chance to show his stuff last season in Detroit. When Swift and Williams were both ruled out for the team’s Week 14 matchup against the Broncos, Reynolds was elevated from the practice squad. After amassing 83 yards on 11 carries, Reynolds was given the opportunity to start the following week versus the Cardinals. Reynolds answered the call with a 112-yard game on 26 carries, helping the Lions beat Arizona as massive underdogs. Reynolds’ role was relegated a bit after the return of Williams, but Detroit still seems to like what he can offer as they gave Reynolds some run with the first-team offense in OTAs this spring.

Despite the opportunities provided by the injuries to Swift and Williams, Jefferson failed to find his way to the field much as a rookie last season. As a freshman in college, Jefferson excelled with 1,380 rushing yards and 12 rushing touchdowns. Injuries and COVID-19 limited his production over the next two years, but he still found himself on the Lions’ draft board on May 1st of last year. In order to secure a roster spot, Jefferson is going to have to find a way to contribute as a pass catcher or a pass blocker, roles he didn’t perform much in college. Otherwise, Jefferson may find himself on the outside looking in come September.

Bell took advantage of the extra year of eligibility afforded to college players due to COVID-19 last year and earned himself an opportunity as an undrafted free agent in Detroit. In his final college season, Bell rushed for 1,091 yards and 9 touchdowns on 245 carries. He was virtually non-existent in the passing game for San Diego State, though. He has some impressive rushing tools that force the Lions to keep him in the conversation, but he has a lot of work to do to ensure a spot on the final 53-man roster.

Swift and Williams are cemented in their roles. Igwebuike and Reynolds have shown how they can contribute. Jefferson and Bell are young, promising backs that will attempt to wreak a little havoc in the personnel decisions that face Detroit. They’ll all have lots to prove this summer leading into the regular season.

5 Key Stories: 7/10/22 – 7/17/22

July 17th, 2022 at 4:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the deadline for franchise-tagged players passing on Friday, it was an important week on the NFL’s offseason calendar. Here’s a quick recap of the top headlines from the past seven days:

  • No Progress Made Between Bengals, Bates: The most contentious situation of the four which were in the spotlight leading up to the deadline was that between the Bengals and safety Jessie Bates. It came out on Friday that no inroads had been made regarding a long-term contract, something made more significant by the fact that Bates hasn’t signed his $12.9MM tender. He has also been public about not playing on the tag in 2022, so the threat of a training camp holdout looms large.
  • Late Brown Extension Push Falls Short: Circumstances were rather similar between the Chiefs and left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Kansas City did, however, make a late run at finalizing a long-term deal with the three-time Pro Bowler, offering a pact which would have vaulted him to the top of the o-line market in terms of annual average compensation. A lack of guaranteed money later on in the proposed contract led to talks breaking off, though, meaning that Brown will be tied to a 2022 salary of $16.7MM if/when he signs the tag. Just like Bates, Brown could hold out from training camp without financial penalty.
  • TEs Schultz, Gesicki Set To Play On Tags: Unlike Bates and Brown, tight ends Dalton Schultz and Mike Gesicki had already signed their one-year tenders, valued at $10.93MM, by the time the deadline passed without either landing a long-term contract. No substantive talks had taken place between the Cowboys and Schultz in weeks, so this was the expected outcome in his case. For Gesicki, he will enter the season after little negotiation took place regarding a new deal, facing competition from Tyreek Hill for targets in the Dolphins’ new-look offense.
  • Texans Settle 30 Watson-Related Suits: While the decision on Deshaun Watson’s league discipline continues to be contemplated, the Texans reached settlement agreements with 30 women who either had made, or were planning to make, claims against the team for its role in their former QB’s alleged sexual misconduct. The team made it clear that doing so does not constitute an admission of guilt, and that it feels no further investigation into their actions will be necessary. The news has no bearing on Watson’s (presumed) impending punishment, or the four remaining civil suits he faces.
  • Incognito Headlines Retirees: Three veterans ended their careers within a short span, including All-Pro tackle Mitchell Schwartz and Super Bowl-winning corner Jason McCourty. Another player who hung up his cleats was Richie Incognito, who chose to end his career as a member of the Raiders. The 39-year-old missed all of last season due to health issues, putting an end to his up-and-down, controversial NFL tenure. A four-time Pro Bowler (including three straight all-star seasons in Buffalo), Incognito missed multiple other campaigns for various reasons, making him one of the league’s most polarizing figures. He’ll finish with more than $32MM in career earnings.

Trade Candidate: Falcons LB Deion Jones

July 16th, 2022 at 10:04pm CST by Ely Allen

Since being drafted in the second-round by the Falcons back in 2016, linebacker Deion Jones has become a defensive mainstay in Atlanta. Despite the job security he’s enjoyed for the past six seasons, Jones may find himself on the move as teams narrow their rosters down to 53 players this August. 

Jones was an immediate impact player as a rookie out of LSU, starting all but three games in his first season of NFL play, finishing third in Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Joey Bosa and Jalen Ramsey, and forcing a fumble in the Falcons’ Super Bowl LI overtime loss. Jones’ sophomore season didn’t show any drop off as he took over the full-time starting role in the middle and made his first (and only) Pro Bowl.

A foot injury would cause Jones to miss 10 games in 2018, but he showed enough in the six games he did play to warrant a four-year, $57MM extension just before the 2019 NFL season. After returning from injury, Jones showed virtually no drop off. He continued his normal production as if he had only taken a vacation. He’s started all but one game since his return from injury, as well, showing his dependency and resiliency.

Jones is best known for his pass defense abilities. While he still has the tackling ability of a linebacker, totaling over 100 tackles in every season of his career (except the injury-shortened 2018 season), Jones’ prowess has been on display in coverage. During his six seasons in the league, Jones has an impressive 11 interceptions and 44 passes defensed. He’s also displayed an ability with the ball in his hands returning five of those interceptions for touchdowns over the years. He hasn’t had a tremendous ability forcing other kinds of turnovers through fumbles or sacks, though he has improved recently in those two fields with two forced fumbles and 6.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

Unfortunately for Jones, though, his history on the field and coming back from injuries are not the only factors determining his roster status. If they were, he would be a sure bet to lead the Falcons’ defense once again in 2022. But the combination of his salary cap hit and the influx of linebacker talent in Atlanta this offseason may be pointing to an uneasy situation for Jones and the Falcons. Also not helping his job security is head coach Arthur Smith‘s insistence that “everybody is going to have to earn a spot” this year, according to D. Orlando Ledbetter of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Falcons return Mykal Walker in his third season with the team. The former fourth-round pick hasn’t quite had a breakout season in his two years of play, but Smith has touted Walker’s development this offseason and expects him to be a strong competitor in the position battles to come in camp.

Rashaan Evans joined the Falcons this offseason as a free agent after four years in Tennessee. Already a talented linebacker expected to start, the former first-round pick will be even more comfortable as he reunites with defensive coordinator Dean Pees. Evans’ best season came when Pees was the coordinator of the Titans’ defense back in 2019.

Atlanta also signed linebacker Nick Kwiatkoski in free agency this offseason. Kwiatkoski has plenty of starting experience over his years with the Bears and Raiders. After spending much of the 2021 season injured and watching the emergence of Denzel Perryman in Las Vegas, Kwiatkoski was released by the Raiders. In the two seasons before that, though, Kwiatkoski showed what he can do as a starter, totaling 157 tackles, 4.0 sacks, 11.0 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hits, 2 interceptions, and 2 forced fumbles in 2019 & 2020.

Lastly, the least experienced of the position group, Troy Andersen was drafted by the Falcons in the second round this April. Andersen entered college at Montana State as a quarterback and running back. As a true freshman, Andersen started games at running back and linebacker for the Bobcats and earned the Big Sky Conference’s Freshman of the Year honor, mainly for his impact on offense. As a sophomore, Andersen was asked to start at quarterback and set a school record with 21 rushing touchdowns. His focus was moved to defense in his junior year as he racked up 11.5 tackles for loss and 6.5 sacks. After his team didn’t play any games in 2020 due to COVID-19, he returned to his linebacker position with a vengeance, totaling 147 tackles, 14.0 tackles for loss, and 2.0 sacks. As a rookie, Smith believes Andersen has the physical tools to compete at the NFL-level but claims his time on the field will reflect how quickly he can learn. Considering Andersen played at least three different positions over the years at Montana State, he is clearly a cerebral player who can learn on the fly with relative ease.

Normally, the presence of Walker, Kwiatkoski, and Andersen on the roster wouldn’t influence Jones’ roster spot much, if at all. But Jones’ contract currently has him accounting for 9.62% of the team’s cap space, the biggest cap hit on the team. I almost considered Jones to be a release candidate until looking at his contract details. Releasing Jones as a post-June 1st cut would leave the Falcons with $18.98MM of dead money this year, saving a mere $1.07MM in cap space in 2022. It reflects a lot better in 2023, where the Falcons would be left with only $5.34MM of dead money, saving $13.14MM in cap space for that season.

Jones’ cap hit, combined with the fact that he is recovering currently from offseason shoulder surgery, puts him at an inherent disadvantage going into the camp position battle at inside linebacker. Evans and Walker ran with the first team during OTAs and minicamp. Kwiatkoski and Andersen lurk ready and waiting in the wings.

If Jones can’t survive the position battles and the Falcons decide they need some cap relief, the two parties may work towards moving Jones in a trade. There are a couple of teams who could use a strong inside linebacker. Linebacker is maybe the weakest position on Baltimore’s roster. Denver would love a wily veteran to pair with Josey Jewell. Similarly, the Rams could create a deadly combination with newly signed Bobby Wagner. There are plenty of contenders who could utilize Jones and absorb his cap space (or at least part of it). Time will tell how the Falcons choose to deal with the benefit of playing Jones versus the hindrance of his contract.

PFR Originals: 7/4/22 – 7/16/22

July 16th, 2022 at 5:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

Here’s a quick look back at our most recent original pieces:

  • Another three additions were made to PFR’s Offseason In Review series, all covering AFC squads.
    • Breaking down a busy Chargers spring, Sam Robinson looked at the major moves Los Angeles has made to bolster its defense in particular, as the team looks to take its place among the AFC’s elite.
    • Their divisional rival Raiders have, of course, made splashes on both sides of the ball this offseason as well. A new regime on the sidelines and in the front office will look to keep the team in the postseason.
    • Finally, the Colts have brought in yet another new starting QB, hoping that Matt Ryan can help the offense enough to put an otherwise talented, deep roster into postseason contention.
  • In the wake of the Baker Mayfield trade, Ben Levine recounted the many moves the Panthers have made in recent years to address the QB position. Suffice it to say, Mayfield is the latest in a long line of signal-callers the team has brought in to try and find long-term stability.
  • As training camp draws nearer, players on all teams can be identified as potentially being on the roster bubble, something which can leave their respective clubs with a few options.
    • One is to look to trade them, something the Ravens could consider with safety Chuck Clark. I dove into Baltimore’s new-look backend, and where the veteran might (or might not) fit into it.
    • Likewise, Cowboys defensive tackle Trysten Hill could be on the move soon. Ely Allen examined Dallas’ depth at the position, and the subsequent fact that a change of scenery would serve the former second-rounder well.
  • In the absence of trade partners, though, teams may be left with the decision to simply cut ties with certain players.
    • In the case of the Colts, that could spell the end of Ben Banogu‘s tenure in Indy. Ely traced his path from a successful college career to a limited role in the NFL so far.
    • Amongst the many changes the Dolphins have made this offseason is the addition of multiple RBs. As a result, a logjam could force Salvon Ahmed to find a new home soon. Ely elaborated on the many competitors the former UDFA faces to land on the 53-man roster.
  • A number of veteran wideouts remain on the market, including Will Fuller. I broke down his history of production coupled with injury trouble, and tried to pinpoint a few teams who could be well-suited to take a flyer on him.
  • With most of the summer’s roster building phases done with, Sam examined the wide range of financial situations NFL teams currently find themselves in. From the Browns at the top, to the Patriots at the bottom, squads enter the 2022 campaign with vastly different levels of salary cap flexibility.
  • Continuing his look at the top earners on both sides of the ball, Sam also looked at the top 2022 cap hits amongst defenders. The explosion in non-QB positional markets has allowed the league’s stars across a number of teams to land historic contracts.
  • The Texans don’t have the highest of expectations on offense this season, but they could have some notable upside at the WR position. Ely detailed the 2022 depth chart spot-by-spot, revealing the players second-year QB Davis Mills will have at his disposal.
  • In general, Bill Belichick has not fared particularly well in developing homegrown talents at wideout. Ben examined the hits and misses the team has had during his tenure, something made even more poignant by the underwhelming end of N’Keal Harry‘s time in New England.
  • With the deadline for franchise tag recipients to sign long-term deals passing on Friday (and no such contracts materializing), Sam broke down the situations now facing the Cowboys and Dolphins, and, more importantly, the Chiefs and Bengals with respect to the players set to play on the tag in 2022.
  • Earlier today, Ben offered an interesting glimpse into the lucrative careers any NFLer can put together, with a listing of the top-earning current players who joined the league as UDFAs.
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