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2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team

October 27th, 2024 at 7:11pm CST by Adam La Rose

With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.

Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:

  1. San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
  2. Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
  3. New England Patriots: $36.61MM
  4. Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
  5. Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
  6. Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
  7. Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
  8. Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
  9. Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
  10. Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
  11. Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
  12. Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
  13. Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
  14. Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
  15. Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
  16. Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
  17. Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
  18. Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
  19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
  20. Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
  21. Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
  22. Houston Texans: $6.01MM
  23. New York Jets: $5.1MM
  24. Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
  25. Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
  26. Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
  27. Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
  28. New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
  29. Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
  30. Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
  31. New York Giants: $1.51MM
  32. Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM

Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise.

San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.

Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.

That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.

While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.

The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.

Trade Candidate: Brandon Scherff

October 27th, 2024 at 3:04pm CST by Ely Allen

Since leaving his long-time Washington home, career right guard Brandon Scherff has not been the perennial Pro Bowl player he once was. Still, Scherff is a reliable veteran starter that would improve many teams’ offensive lines. That’s perhaps why many organizations are now reaching out about trading for the 33-year-old, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero.

Scherff was a dominant guard during his time in Washington. After an impressive rookie season, there was a stretch during which Scherff made five Pro Bowls in six seasons, only missing out during a season that saw him miss half the season on injured reserve. Two years after his only first-team All-Pro season, Scherff signed as a free agent in Jacksonville. While his three years with the Jaguars certainly haven’t seen him excel in a new city, his availability and experience are well worth taking a flyer on for teams making a push late this season.

Notably, the Jaguars have already shown a willingness to sell off contributing pieces, shipping out defensive lineman Roy Robertson-Harris two weeks ago to Seattle. This willingness to participate in trades has multiple teams working on other veterans like Scherff and left tackle Cam Robinson.

Coming into today, the Jaguars were third in the AFC South with a 2-5 record, with only the lowly Titans (1-5) behind them. If Jacksonville is unable to start turning things around, it’s going to be difficult to turn down decent offers for some veteran players. With Scherff on the final year of his three-year contract, it makes sense to take what they can get before losing him for nothing in free agency.

Poll: Who Will Win NFC North?

October 25th, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The NFC North has been the best division in football this season. All four teams reside above .500 and carry a combined 19-7 record (.733 winning percentage) that far outpaces the other seven divisions’ marks.

If the season ended today, all four NFC North teams would make the playoffs, which would be the first time an entire division qualified for the postseason since the NFL added a third wildcard in 2020 (it was impossible for this to occur from 2002-19). But each team will be aiming to win the division, which would guarantee home-field advantage in the wild-card round and potentially beyond.

The Lions finished Week 7 atop the division at 5-1 with a plus-62 point differential that leads the NFC. Jared Goff is playing at an MVP level after signing a massive extension in May, leading an offense that ranks second in the league with 6.4 yards per play. Detroit has largely carried over its success under offensive coordinator Ben Johnson from last season after spending most of their money this offseason on internal extensions for Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Taylor Decker. A two-game suspension for Jameson Williams will force other playmakers to step up in the coming weeks, but the backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery has churned out almost 200 yards from scrimmage per game this season.

The Lions focused on defense for their external additions in the offseason, trading for Carlton Davis and signing D.J. Reader and Marcus Davenport in free agency. After giving up 24.3 points per game in 2023, the seventh-most in the league, Detroit has surrendered just 20 points per game this year, the ninth-fewest. Injuries have plagued the unit, however, with Davenport and Derrick Barnes suffering season-ending injuries and Aidan Hutchinson‘s Defensive Player of the Year campaign coming to a screeching halt with a broken tibia and fibula in Week 7.

Hutchinson does have an outside shot to return if the Lions make the Super Bowl, but he won’t play again in the regular season, depriving the defense of its most impactful pass rusher and run defender. Detroit has the third-hardest strength of schedule remaining; its remaining opponents have a combined .581 winning percentage. The Lions may need to look for edge-rushing help at the trade deadline to withstand the losses of Hutchinson and Davenport. They checked in with Haason Reddick‘s camp, before he ended his Jets holdout, and are believed to be interested in Za’Darius Smith.

The Vikings started the season as the NFL’s hottest team, stringing together five straight wins before back-to-back losses to the Lions and the Rams dropped them to 5-2 and second place in the NFC North. Minnesota underwent a minor roster overhaul this offseason, letting Kirk Cousins and Danielle Hunter walk in free agency and replacing them with less expensive options in Sam Darnold and Jonathan Greenard. The surplus money went toward Justin Jefferson‘s record-setting contract as well as veteran free agents like Aaron Jones, Andrew Van Ginkel, Blake Cashman, and Shaquill Griffin. The Vikings also traded up twice in the draft to select Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy with the 10th overall pick, though a preseason meniscus tear prematurely ended his rookie year.

Kevin O’Connell is an early frontrunner for Coach of the Year after resurrecting the career of Darnold, the No. 3 pick in the 2018 draft. The Vikings’ offense ranks sixth with 26.9 points per game on the back of another dominant start from Jefferson, while Brian Flores‘ defense has allowed just 19.6 points per game with one of the league’s best run defenses and relentless blitzing against the pass. Their 0.545 strength of schedule remaining is the seventh-hardest in the league, but the easiest of the NFC North, giving them a solid chance at retaking the division lead by the end of the season.

The third-place Packers are also 5-2, with a loss to the Vikings already on their record. They managed to win two games with Malik Willis, whom they acquired via trade with the Titans in August, at quarterback after Jordan Love‘s Week 1 MCL sprain. Green Bay made Love the highest-paid player in NFL history in July, and he has delivered thus far with an average of 270.2 yards and three touchdowns through the air per game this year.

Love’s quick recovery from injury and return to high-level play bodes well for his long-term future as a franchise quarterback. The Packers also extended Kenny Clark and signed Xavier McKinney and Josh Jacobs to free agency contracts during the offseason as they moved on from veterans David Bakhtiari, De’Vondre Campbell, and Aaron Jones.

The Packers’ 11 turnovers committed this season rank are the fourth-most in the league, but their 6.1 yards per play and 26.6 points per game are both top-seven marks. If they can take care of the football, they should finish as one of the NFL’s best offenses. The defense, meanwhile, ranks in the top 10 of both points per game and yards per play allowed with a league-leading 17 turnovers. Green Bay’s .544 strength of schedule remaining is the fifth-hardest in the NFL, but the team has avoided major injuries to key players.

The 4-2 Bears represent one of the league’s biggest surprises after remaking their franchise overnight with the selection of Caleb Williams with the first overall pick. Williams withstood some early hiccups to rip off three consecutive wins with 71 combined points in the last two weeks. Chicago also invested in its wide receiver room, extending D.J. Moore, trading for Keenan Allen, and drafting Rome Odunze in the first round to give Williams a strong array of weapons to ease his adjustment to the pros. The Bears also signed D’Andre Swift to lead their backfield after rotating between three running backs last season. The offense has been inefficient with just 4.7 yards per play, the fifth-fewest in the league, but they have been clinical in the red zone with a 70.6% touchdown rate.

Chicago also invested in its secondary over the offseason with a major extension for Jaylon Johnson and the addition of Kevin Byard in free agency. The Bears have reaped the rewards with the fourth-fewest points per game (16.8) and the fifth-fewest yards per play (5.0) and per game (292.0) allowed.

The Bears have benefitted from an easy schedule, beating the struggling quarterbacks of the Titans and the Panthers as well as an injured Rams team and a slumping Jaguars squad in London. The rest of the season will be more difficult, with a league-high .613 strength of schedule remaining that will make the playoffs an uphill climb for Chicago. Still, even finishing above .500 would be a resounding success for the long-suffering franchise and a clear sign that this regime is on the right track.

How will this division’s historically successful start turn out over the next two-plus months? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.

Trade Candidate: Miles Sanders

October 24th, 2024 at 9:52pm CST by Adam La Rose

Miles Sanders‘ future in Carolina was a talking point leading up to the campaign, and his situation still makes a departure something to watch closely for. The veteran running back is drawing trade interest as the Panthers contemplate offloading any number of contracts in the near future.

Sanders is among the players who have been mentioned in trade talk, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. Carolina’s backfield already includes Chuba Hubbard, and second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks is close to being activated. The presence of those two threatens to make Sanders expendable. Indeed, Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports as well as ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler note the 27-year-old is believed to be on the trade block.

[RELATED: Panthers Not Planning To Trade Chuba Hubbard]

That comes as no surprise given the extent to which Sanders’ Panthers tenure has been a disappointment. The former Eagle had a career year in 2022, reaching a new personal watermark in yards (1,269) and touchdowns (11) en route to a Pro Bowl nod. Such production made him an attractive option on the open market, and he landed a four-year, $25.4MM pact with Carolina. That marked the largest running back investment of the 2022 offseason and led to high expectations for a strong showing in an undisputed lead back role.

However, Sanders averaged only 3.3 yards per carry in his debut Panthers campaign. He was overtaken by Hubbard on the depth chart, which led to speculation a change of scenery could be in store. It became clear right after the draft, however, that Carolina general manager Dan Morgan and head coach Dave Canales – neither of whom held those titles when Sanders was signed – intended to keep Sanders in place. The former third-rounder briefly faced the prospect of further backfield competition when Rashaad Penny was brought in, but the oft-injured veteran ultimately retired.

In spite of that development, along with Brooks starting the year on the NFI list, Sanders has logged only a 34% snap share in 2024. The Penn State product has turned 33 carries into 132 yards and one touchdown while adding 65 scoreless yards in the passing game. He is therefore on track for the least-productive season of his six-year career, something which will of course hinder his market value in the eyes of prospective suitors. On the other hand, Carolina has boasted one of the league’s worst offensive lines during Sanders’ time with the team, and an upgraded situation up front could spark a late-season rebound.

An acquiring team would be responsible for the remainder of Sanders’ $4.02MM base salary for this year, something which should be manageable for at least most teams eyeing backfield depth. He is due a $1MM roster bonus on the third day of the 2025 and ’26 league years, but none of his scheduled base salaries for those campaigns are guaranteed. As such, Sanders can be considered a rental or a player whose long-term outlook will depend on a restructure being worked out with his next team aimed at lowering his future cap hits ($8.18MM, then $6.98MM).

The running back position has stagnated in value compared to a number of other positions in recent years, although several veterans changed teams this spring on the open market. Sanders could soon be on the move via trade, and in that event he would have the opportunity to start over with a new team (although he would likely be intended as simply a rotational contributor, rather than a starter, on a contender). If not, the 1-6 Panthers will have a surplus at the running back spot once Brooks is activated.

Community Tailgate: WR Trade Market

October 13th, 2024 at 10:20pm CST by Adam La Rose

With less than one month remaining until the trade deadline, a number of players could soon be on the move. The receiver position in particular is set to see notable deals over the coming weeks.

Davante Adams’ name was mentioned in trade talk before the 2023 deadline with an Aaron Rodgers reunion being a possibility. Once again, the Jets are in the running and they represent the former Packers All-Pro’s preferred destination. The Saints also loom as a serious contender, though, and playing once again with Derek Carr would be a situation Adams is amenable to. New Orleans has aggressively pursued a trade agreement with the Raiders over the past several days.

The Raiders have remained consistent in their asking price of a second-round pick plus other compensation, however, and no suitor has come close to meeting it at this point. Vegas also prefers not to retain salary on the 31-year-old’s deal, one which runs through 2026. Without any guarantees remaining after the current campaign, Adams will either be a rental or a player who works out a restructure upon arrival with a new team.

Rehabbing a hamstring injury, he could of course remain with the Raiders if no trade agreement is worked out. The team sits at 2-3 on the year, and struggles on offense have resulted in Aidan O’Connell taking over at quarterback. Selling Adams or other veterans over the coming weeks would aid Vegas’ long-term goals while allowing him to aid a potential Super Bowl run elsewhere. The Fresno State product has five 1,100-yard seasons on his resume.

Aside from Adams, several wideouts could offer a considerable boost to a contending team down the stretch. Pending free agents are often the names to watch ahead of the deadline, but some receivers with term remaining on their deals may also get dealt soon.

One of those is Christian Kirk, whose availability will be tied to the Jaguars’ record over the coming weeks. At 1-5, Jacksonville does not have a clear path to the postseason and questions have been raised over the job security of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke. Owner Shad Khan, for his part, remains confident in the team’s decision-makers.

The Jags are not currently interested in adopting a sellers’ standpoint, but Kirk has drawn interest from potential suitors. The 27-year-old is under contract through 2025, although he is not due any guarantees that season. Near the front of one of the receiver position’s recent financial waves, Kirk inked a four-year deal averaging $18MM per year; that figure has since been surpassed many times over, and his production to date in Jacksonville (which includes a career-year in 2021 and a 13.2 yards per catch average) has been notable. The former Cardinal could provide relatively cost-effective play at or near the top of a new WR depth chart.

DeAndre Hopkins represents a pure rental, as his contract will expire after the 2024 campaign. The three-time All-Pro had a strong debut Tennessee season (75-1,075-7 statline), but with the team facing a steep path to postseason contention he could be offloaded. The Titans made a big-money investment in Calvin Ridley this offseason, also adding Tyler Boyd on a one-year deal. If Hopkins is not in the organization’s long-term plans, adding draft capital could pave the way to a younger receiving option being added.

To little surprise, Tennessee has received calls about the 32-year-old’s availability. Any number of teams could stand to add him to their receiving corps, and the Chiefs could be a team to watch on this front. Kansas City – or any other contender – would need to take on a prorated portion of Hopkins’ $8.27MM salary, a figure which could fit into the cap structure of at least some playoff-bound teams.

Likewise, Diontae Johnson is attached to an expiring contract; his base salary sits at $7MM and the Panthers have paid a notable portion of that out through the first six weeks of the campaign. Acquired via trade from the Steelers (after he requested to be moved), the Pro Bowler did not immediately find himself on the extension radar for Carolina. Given the team’s struggles, moving on before a potential free agent departure would allow the Panthers to recoup draft capital.

At the age of 28, Johnson represents one of the younger wideouts who figures to be available at the deadline. Bills head coach Sean McDermott recently spoke about the inexperienced nature of their post-Stefon Diggs WR setup, with Johnson being named as a potential target. Buffalo ranks near the bottom of the league in cap space, though, which could complicate a deal for any pass-catching help.

Trade speculation is not new to the likes of Amari Cooper (Browns) or Darius Slayton (Giants). Neither veteran expects to be dealt in the near future, but both are on expiring deals. Cleveland and New York entered Sunday’s action with three combined wins, so either or both teams considering a sale of experienced players would not come as a surprise. If the top receivers on the market move soon, interest could pick up for at least one member of the Cooper-Slayton pair. Given their 1-4 record, meanwhile, the Bengals could (at a minimum) give thought to a Tee Higgins trade since the franchise-tagged wideout is widely expected to depart during the spring.

With respect to receivers on their rookie deals, Tyquan Thornton is known to be available. The 2022 second-rounder is being shopped by the Patriots, although his value is not particularly high with just 37 receptions to his name. Romeo Doubs is also playing on the third year of his initial pact, and questions about his future arose in the midst of his team-induced, one-game Packers suspension for Week 5. No trade is believed to have been contemplated by Green Bay, though, and Doubs, 24, is back with the team.

With a multitude of receivers to keep an eye on, several options exist for teams looking to make a splash for the second half of the campaign. How do you see things playing out? Which wideouts will ultimately be moved, and which contenders will pay the price to acquire them? Have your say in the comments section below.

Extension Candidate: Trey Smith

October 10th, 2024 at 9:24am CST by Sam Robinson

Bye weeks are known to bring increased attention to extension talks, and the Chiefs enter theirs with multiple candidates on the radar. Weeks after extending Creed Humphrey at a center-record rate, Kansas City remains interested in paying its right guard as well.

Trey Smith is on an expiring contract, and this year’s guard market — along with an NFL resume that includes steady play despite a sixth-round entrance — points to the fourth-year blocker being close to joining an exclusive club. The Chiefs would have loved to pay Smith shortly after they gave Humphrey a four-year, $72MM extension, but ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes the team viewed locking down both as “far too costly.” As it stands, Fowler adds Smith is on track for a deal that will be worth $20MM per year or beyond that point.

A fourth-year starter, Smith emerged as an extension candidate early in training camp. The Chiefs then paid Humphrey at a rate well north of where the center market previously stood. But top guards command more than the best centers. It is safe to say Smith’s second contract, barring a significant injury, will be costlier than Humphrey’s. This introduces a champagne problem of sorts for the two-time reigning champions, who have continued to view Smith as a keeper.

Four guards currently comprise the $20MM-per-year club. Landon Dickerson leads the way at $21MM AAV, while Chris Lindstrom ($20.5MM), Quenton Nelson ($20MM) and Robert Hunt ($20MM) secured these elusive terms as well. As the salary cap continues to rise, it stands to reason this group will expand soon. At 25, Smith is a prime candidate to join the group.

Reaching the market will be his best chance to do so, but the Chiefs’ Humphrey, Joe Thuney and Jawaan Taylor payments illustrate a commitment to paying top-market money for O-line aid. The Chiefs’ 2021 O-line overhaul, after the Buccaneers teed off on Patrick Mahomes in Super Bowl LV, has played a central role in the franchise’s threepeat push.

Commandeering a starting job from the jump despite a blood clot issue dropping him to Round 6 in 2021, Smith has overcome that to start every game he has played with the Chiefs. Having missed only one career game, Smith is building a strong resume toward being a top-flight 2025 free agent. No Pro Bowl invites have come Smith’s way yet; that may well change this season. Pro Football Focus ranks him as the NFL’s fourth-best guard, with he and Thuney each placed in the top five through five games. ESPN’s run block win rate metric places Smith fourth, and the Tennessee alum ranked fourth in pass block win rate among interior O-linemen last season.

Thuney is tied to a five-year, $80MM deal, one that has paid out its guarantees and expires after the 2025 season. With Humphrey paid and Taylor’s 2025 salary guaranteed, the Chiefs may end up with a Thuney-or-Smith decision for next season. Guards are almost never franchise-tagged, due to all O-linemen being grouped together under the tag formula, but Smith stands to be a candidate. Though, the Chiefs, who sit in the bottom 10 in projected 2025 cap space ($27MM-plus), will need to make some adjustments before considering such a move.

Nick Bolton also looms as a Kansas City extension candidate, as the 2021 draft helped form the core of a roster still anchored by John Dorsey-era draftees (Mahomes, Chris Jones, Travis Kelce). Brett Veach‘s top draft to date, however, has seen its lead cogs become quite expensive, as the Humphrey pact showed. Smith will also be more expensive than Bolton to retain, as the ILB market has taken some hits in recent years.

The Chiefs have been able to annually create cap space thanks to Mahomes’ 10-year extension, going to this well three times since the megastar QB signed his deal in 2020. This figures to be an avenue the team explores again, especially as Smith continues to build momentum toward a potential free agency foray.

With Hunt securing $20MM per year on the open market despite zero Pro Bowl nods on his resume, Smith has a path to topping that. The Chiefs hold exclusive negotiating rights with their Day 3 find until March’s legal tampering period. It will be interesting to see what steps they take to make sure he and Humphrey stay together long term.

Free Agent Stock Watch: Sam Darnold

October 5th, 2024 at 8:15pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Vikings are the NFC’s only remaining undefeated team, and their play on offense has been a key factor in that early-season success. Specifically, the performance of quarterback Sam Darnold has raised eyebrows given how he was expected to perform in 2024.

Selected third overall in 2018 – after the Jets traded up from the No. 6 slot – Darnold faced the task of becoming a franchise passer. That has proven to be the case for Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson (selected later in the first round that year), but he was unable to develop into a long-term answer under center in New York. The USC product was immediately used in a first-team role but compiled a 13-25 record while completing less than 60% of his passes in the process.

The Jets elected to reset at quarterback in 2021, the year they selected Zach Wilson to start what turned out to be another unsuccessful run at finding a solution at the QB spot. Darnold was dealt to the Panthers for a package of three draft picks, including a second-rounder the following year. That agreement showed he still had some value, albeit far less than what New York originally invested in him. Darnold’s first Panthers season resulted in another losing record along with a 9:13 touchdown-to-interception ratio, however.

Baker Mayfield was added during the subsequent offseason, and 2018’s top selection handled starting duties to begin the 2022 campaign. One week before Mayfield’s release request was granted, though, Darnold took back over as the Panthers’ starter. Carolina won four of six games down the stretch with the latter posting a triple-digit passer rating four times. The team was committed to a more permanent solution than Darnold, a pending free agent, though. Carolina therefore embarked on the blockbuster deal which yielded the No. 1 pick (Bryce Young), something which – to put it mildly – has not gone according to plan so far.

Darnold took a one-year deal in 2023 to serve as the 49ers’ backup. Brock Purdy remained healthy throughout the season, though, so Darnold’s only start game in a meaningless Week 18 contest. His San Francisco tenure did not include eye-popping statistics, but it was sufficient to draw interest from the Broncos and Commanders before a Vikings pact was worked out. The one-year agreement carried a $10MM value, second only to Gardner Minshew in terms of pacts for signal-callers taking backup/bridge starter pacts.

First-round rookie J.J. McCarthy entered training camp behind Darnold on the depth chart, putting the latter on track to handle first-team duties early in the 2024 season. McCarthy’s meniscus tear shut him down for the campaign, however, leaving Darnold in place to guide an offense no longer led by Kirk Cousins. Through one month, things have gone very well without Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson even being in the picture.

Darnold leads the league in touchdown passes (11), yards per attempt (9.6) and passer rating (118.9) early in the campaign. Those figures – along with a career-high 68.9 completion percentage – helped him earn the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Month award for September. If that run of form can continue, a healthy free agent spell will be in store next offseason.

Multiple front office personnel predicted to Outkick’s Armando Salguero the Vikings will make a push to retain Darnold in 2025 despite McCarthy being attached to his rookie contract for the foreseeable future. Minnesota’s offense continuing to thrive would assist Darnold’s bargaining power considerably (not to mention help head coach Kevin O’Connell’s chances of landing an extension alongside general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah). A strong showing could prove Darnold to be the league’s next Mayfield – that is, a passer turning a one-year gig into a multi-year commitment from his team. Mayfield seemed to be on track for free agency before he agreed to a three-year, $100MM Buccaneers pact (including $40MM guaranteed) this past March.

Given his age, Darnold could command a similar deal provided his encouraging performance holds up over the coming months. McCarthy’s presence would complicate considerations on the Vikings’ part with respect to a deal covering 2025 and (quite possibly) multiple years after that for Darnold, but as always a number of teams will be in the market for a veteran passer in free agency. Any which do not figure to have a high first-round draft pick could make a notable push on a multi-year offer.

The executives Salguero spoke with agreed an asking price from Darnold’s camp breaching the $50MM-per-year mark (as nine recent QB deals have) would be untenable. An AAV closer to the high $30MM- or low $40MM-point may be on the table, though, depending on structure and guarantees of course. Especially if Justin Fields lands a new Steelers agreement – something which certainly seems feasible at this point – Darnold would loom as the clear top free agent option amongst veteran passers for Minnesota or any number of other teams.

A regression over the coming games would not leave Darnold in danger of losing his starting spot but it would obviously hinder his market value. As things currently stand, however, he is on track to benefit greatly from his mid-career turnaround.

Exploring Panthers’ 2025 QB Options

September 22nd, 2024 at 9:03pm CST by Adam La Rose

Cam Newton’s last full campaign as the Panthers’ starting quarterback came in 2017. Since that time, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Will Grier, Teddy Bridgewater and P.J. Walker have seen sparse time at the helm of the team’s offense.

The same is also true of Sam Darnold and Baker Mayfield, both of whom were acquired with the potential to serve as a long-term Newton successor. The latter has since found success in Tampa Bay, while the former could set himself up for a strong free agent market after his Minnesota campaign. Bryce Young was acquired as Carolina aimed to end the QB carousel, paying a massive price in the process. To date, that move has backfired.

The 2023 first overall pick has been benched in favor of veteran Andy Dalton. First-year head coach Dave Canales offered support of Young in the wake of the team’s Week 2 loss, Carolina’s latest underwhelming offensive outing. One day later, though, a review of the game in addition with conversations with other members of the organization resulted in Young’s benching. No timeline for a reversal of the depth chart is in place, but the 23-year-old may see the field again in 2024.

Young did not expect to be benched, and the former Heisman winner is reportedly open to anything with respect to his future. That could include a trade sending him to a new team. The Panthers are not currently willing to take that route, although to little surprise teams have begun to show interest. Any swap would yield a return nowhere near the price paid to acquire Young (two first-round picks, two second-rounders and receiver D.J. Moore).

While the Alabama product will likely remain in place through the remainder of the season (and quite possibly beyond that point), the Panthers will no doubt bring in competition for the starter’s role this spring. A number of veterans are projected to be available, and a high draft pick for April’s draft is a distinct possibility as things stand. The team should therefore have a number of options to choose from.

Free agents:

Dalton joined the Panthers on a two-year deal last offseason, and he now has the opportunity to boost his value with an extended look atop the depth chart. The 36-year-old’s tenure as the Bengals’ starter ended in 2019, and he followed that up with single campaigns in Dallas, Chicago and New Orleans. He made nine starts in place of an injured Dak Prescott in 2020, and similarly filled in for Jameis Winston midway through the 2022 campaign. Even when Winston was healthy, though, the Saints stuck with Dalton to close out the season.

After only making one start in 2023, Dalton now finds himself in position to stabilize Carolina’s offense as he did with New Orleans two years ago. Succeeding in that respect could result in a new Panthers accord or increased interest on the open market in March. Canales’ head coaching stock was built on his work with other veteran passers, and it will be interesting to see how he fares with Dalton over the coming weeks after he was primarily brought in to develop Young.

Darnold was acquired via trade in 2021 after he failed to establish himself as a long-term answer under center with the Jets. The former No. 3 pick started all but one of his 18 Panthers games, taking over from Mayfield to finish the 2022 slate after he was granted his request to be released. Darnold, 27, spent last season in a developmental capacity with the 49ers and took a one-year Vikings contract to operate as a bridge starter.

First-round rookie J.J. McCarthy’s season-ending knee injury has left Darnold without competition for 2024, though. An impressive season in Minnesota would make the USC product one of the top signal-callers available in March and give the Panthers a number of other suitors to bid against if a reunion were to be considered. A different regime is in place compared to the one which originally brought him to Charlotte, and a repeat of that endeavor from Canales and new GM Dan Morgan in 2025 would make for an intriguing storyline.

The underwhelming 2021 QB class figures to offer a number of buy-low options. Top pick Trevor Lawrence is attached to a long-term Jags extension, but the passers selected second (Zach Wilson), third (Trey Lance) and 15th (Mac Jones) that year are all on their second NFL teams. No member of that trio is in a starting position at the moment, and a path to signficant playing time down the road does not exist. A prove-it contract with the Panthers could offer another change of scenery and the chance to at least compete for the QB1 gig with Young, provided he does remain in the team’s plans.

Justin Fields is another 2021 draftee whose career has not gone as planned. He has started three straight games with the Steelers to begin the campaign, though, and he could play his way into a Pittsburgh contract keeping him in place for years to come. The same could be true for veteran Russell Wilson, signed shortly after his Broncos release to operate as the Steelers’ starter. Plenty is yet to be determined regarding Pittsburgh’s quarterback outlook, but it would come as a surprise if both Wilson and Fields were to be retained. At least one could therefore be available for Carolina in the spring.

Drew Lock took a one-year deal to serve as the Giants’ backup, although struggles on the part of Daniel Jones could allow him to see the field in 2024. Lock underwhelmed during his time in Denver, and Geno Smith’s recent Seattle success prevented him from seeing a run of first-team action. Carolina could offer him a new chance for a QB1 gig; at a minimum, a Panthers deal would mark a reunion between Lock and Canales after their single season together with the Seahawks.

Like every year, 2025 is projected to have a number of veteran journeymen on the market. The likes of Jimmy Garoppolo and Jacoby Brissett will be an option if the Panthers elect to add a stopgap under center. Such a move would no doubt be accompanied by once again adding a rookie viewed as having the upside to serve as a franchise signal-caller.

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Poll: Which 0-2 Team Has Best Chance To Make Playoffs?

September 18th, 2024 at 10:10pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

Nine NFL teams have started the regular season with an 0-2 record. Some teams (Panthers, Broncos) are experiencing expected struggles, with others (Ravens, Rams) disappointing fans hoping for a playoff run.

Since 2015, 74 teams have opened the year with back-to-back losses, (h/t James Boyd of The Athletic). Just eight qualified for the postseason, a 10.8% rate that suggests only one of this season’s 0-2 starters will make the playoffs.

The Ravens were a toe away from taking the Chiefs into overtime (or attempting a do-or-die two-point try) in Week 1 before blowing yet another double-digit fourth-quarter lead to the Raiders in Week 2. Baltimore gambled on a new-look offensive line after jettisoning three veteran starters during the offseason, and the results thus far have not been encouraging. Lamar Jackson faced heavy pressure at crucial moments across his first two games, with right guard Daniel Faalele struggling in his conversion from tackle. First-year defensive coordinator Zach Orr is dealing with the same early hiccups that his predecessor Mike Macdonald did back in 2022, surrendering a league-high 257 passing yards per game.

Unlike past years, though, Baltimore has started the season healthy, and it is capable of winning almost any game with Jackson under center. Several young Ravens like Odafe Oweh, Travis Jones, Zay Flowers, and Isaiah Likely have begun the year with promising starts, too, so the team has plenty of reason to remain optimistic about its long-term playoff chances. The Ravens will need to win at least two of their next three against the Cowboys, Bills, and Bengals to avoid a near-insurmountable 1-4 hole.

The division-rival Bengals are also 0-2, scoring just 10 points in Week 1 against the Patriots and losing to the Chiefs on a field goal as time expired. Ja’Marr Chase‘s hold-in did not extend into the regular season, but his lack of practice time and Tee Higgins‘ hamstring injury has hindered Cincinnati’s downfield passing game. The running back committee of Zack Moss and Chase Brown is a clear downgrade from Joe Mixon, and Cincinnati’s defense has struggled to apply pressure outside of Trey Hendrickson.

Cincinnati’s minus-7 point differential is the best of any 0-2 team, and the offense will likely improve as Chase gets more reps and Higgins recovers. The Bengals’ secondary has allowed the second-fewest pass yards through two weeks, and that includes a matchup with Patrick Mahomes. Cincinnati’s season will rely on keeping its three offensive stars healthy. A search for a pass rusher at the trade deadline to pair with Hendrickson may also be avenue the team explores.

The Rams hoped Matthew Stafford and Cooper Kupp returning to full health would pair with last year’s breakthroughs from Puka Nacua and Kyren Williams to create one of the league’s most explosive offenses. Injuries to Kupp and Nacua, plus starting offensive linemen Joe Noteboom, Steve Avila and Jonah Jackson, have decimated the Los Angeles offense — a clear factor in their Week 2 41-10 blowout loss to the Cardinals. The Rams also have three defensive backs on injured reserve, leaving their secondary shorthanded and placing a burden on a young front seven that lost Aaron Donald to retirement in the offseason.

That young defensive front has plenty of talent in second-year players Kobie Turner and Byron Young and rookies Jared Verse and Braden Fiske. They will need to step up their play over the next several weeks to keep the Rams afloat as the offense desperately tries to get healthy in time for a late-season playoff push.

The Jaguars‘ anemic offense has emerged as the team’s biggest issue to start the season, as Trevor Lawrence‘s 51.0% completion rate is the second-lowest in the league. The fourth-year QB needs more consistency from his pass-catching group, with none of Lawrence’s targets having more than six receptions yet. The defense has allowed just 38 points, a top-10 mark, but has not forced any turnovers that could have impacted in the team’s one-score losses.

The Colts are dealing with the highs and lows of quarterback Anthony Richardson, as the second-year QB has produced some of the best throws of the young season while also owning the league’s lowest completion percentage (49.1%) and most interceptions (four). Veteran Michael Pittman Jr. and rookie Adonai Mitchell have both struggled to find a rhythm on offense, and the defense has been gashed on the ground in both games.

Richardson’s continued development will advance the offense, which has plenty of potential with a strong offensive line and a fully healthy Jonathan Taylor. Indianapolis’ defense remains its biggest impediment to the postseason. Outside of the interior defensive duo of DeForest Buckner and Grover Stewart, the Colts lack both consistent contributors and impact playmakers on the defensive side of the ball. And Buckner is now on IR.

The Titans have lost each of their first two games by a touchdown and have yet to score a point in the fourth quarter. Two of Will Levis‘ three primary receivers are new additions, as is running back Tony Pollard. As a result, Tennessee’s offense is a work in progress as the franchise’s decision-makers evaluate if Levis is the QB of the future. Defensively, the Titans have stars at all three levels: defensive tackle Jeffrey Simmons, linebacker Harold Landry and cornerback L’Jarius Sneed. The addition of Ernest Jones via preseason trade with the Rams may well be a shrewd move to shore up the middle, giving Tennessee the framework of a high-upside defense.

First-round pick Malik Nabers has been among the few bright spots during the Giants‘ 0-2 start, recording 15 catches for 193 yards to open the year. Daniel Jones has largely struggled when not targeting Nabers behind an offensive line with multiple new pieces. New York’s defense allowed efficient passing performances from Sam Darnold and Jayden Daniels while surrendering 5.3 yards per rushing attempt in Weeks 1 and 2. Offseason addition Brian Burns and 2022 first-rounder Kayvon Thibodeaux have yet to record sacks this season, making life harder for a young Giants secondary.

The Giants considered trading up for a rookie QB during this past draft, indicating that Jones’ future in New York depends on his performance this season. Either he succeeds, and the Giants stick with him and his contract, or he struggles and is replaced before next season, giving general manager Joe Schoen and head coach Brian Daboll the chance to save their tenure. This duo may not be on the hot seat presently, but this trajectory would point to temperatures rising before season’s end.

Sean Payton landed on first-rounder Bo Nix as his starting quarterback in Denver, and the rookie’s early struggles have only amplified the overall talent deficiency on the roster. Nix’s four interceptions and a virtually nonexistent running game have hindered the offense thus far, putting the defense in disadvantageous positions in both games. The Broncos’ underrated defensive line has gotten pressure on opposing QBs, but the team will need more than just Patrick Surtain in the secondary to stay in games with such a limited offense.

The Panthers benched Bryce Young after their 0-2 start, which included three interceptions and league-lows in points (13) and passing yards (245). A season-ending meniscus tear for Derrick Brown has added injury to insult to a Carolina franchise with little talent or direction at the moment. Switching to Andy Dalton at quarterback may stabilize the offense and aid the development of its young playmakers, but that still provides no long-term solution under center.

Which of these teams has the best chance to beat the above-referenced odds and rebound en route to the playoffs? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts in the comments section.

The QB Market’s Substantial Growth

September 18th, 2024 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

A year after a host of young quarterbacks jockeyed for position to form the $50MM-per-year club, the Cowboys made Dak Prescott the first 30-something member of this contingent. Facing historic player leverage, Dallas greenlit a deal that separated Prescott from the pack.

The NFL has managed to climb from $30MM being its highwater salary point to Prescott’s $60MM-AAV place in barely six years. It took more than 30 years for the league to climb from its first $1MM quarterback to Matt Ryan‘s $30MM-per-year deal from 2018, illustrating the booming market — as the salary cap continues to spike — the current crop enjoys.

Since the 1993 offseason brought the league’s first $5MM-per-year player, here are steps taken to move the market to where it currently stands:

July 15, 1993

  • Steve Young signs five-year, $25.25MM 49ers extension

As the free agency era began, the franchise tag also made its debut. Young was in the first class of tagged players, and the 49ers rewarded the reigning MVP by making him the NFL’s first $5MM-per-year player. Young’s agreement, which narrowly surpassed fellow future Hall of Famer John Elway‘s 1993 extension, covered four seasons before the southpaw passer landed another 49ers re-up in 1997.

March 2, 2001

  • Packers give Brett Favre 10-year, $101.5MM deal

Dubbed as a “lifetime contract,” Favre’s deal made him the league’s first eight-figure-per-year player. This contract ended up being acquired by the Jets in 2008.

December 29, 2005

Acting early, the Bengals re-upped Palmer late in his second season as their starter. Three years remained on Palmer’s rookie deal at the time. The former No. 1 overall pick did not receive a new one until after his 2011 trade to the Raiders.

July 13, 2012

  • Drew Brees ends franchise tag period with five-year, $100MM Saints accord

It took a bit longer for the NFL to get from $15MM per year to $20MM on average, as the 2011 CBA did not bring cap growth until the mid-2010s. Brees agreed to terms shortly before the July tag deadline, with this deal coming with a grievance that ruled the Saints QB’s tag counted as his second even though his first tag (2005) came from the Chargers. Brees winning the grievance worked as precedent in cases like Kirk Cousins‘ down the road.

June 23, 2017

Admitting he left some money on the table, Carr still became the NFL’s first $25MM-per-year man. He played on that contract through the 2021 season, before agreeing to terms on a third Raiders pact — one that came with a notable escape hatch — in 2022.

May 3, 2018

The floodgates began to open following Carr’s accord and Cousins’ fully guaranteed Vikings pact. Ryan did not land a deal after his 2016 MVP season, but following another Falcons playoff berth in 2017, their longtime starter reaped rewards. Ryan remained attached to this deal following a 2022 trade to the Colts.

April 16, 2019

Meeting their starter’s deadline, the Seahawks hit $35MM per year on the dual-threat standout’s third contract. Wilson played three seasons on this deal. Leery of another negotiation, Seattle bailed in 2022 via a blockbuster trade. Denver then authorized an extension — one it shed to set a dead money record — days before Wilson’s debut with the team.

July 6, 2020

Mahomes became the first NFLer to hit both the $40MM- and $45MM-per-year benchmarks, signing a deal that upped the market but gave the team tremendous flexibility. The Chiefs reworked Mahomes’ contract in 2023 but have gone to the restructure well three times, including this offseason. No one else has signed a contract spanning more than six years since, and Mahomes is the only NFLer tied to a team through 2031.

March 8, 2022

As trade rumors (most notably involving the Broncos) followed Rodgers since his feud with Packers management became known on draft weekend 2021, the four-time MVP agreed to stay for what turned out to be one more season in Green Bay. The Packers constructed the contract to include a bonus structure that allowed for an easier trade. Both the Packers and Jets restructured Rodgers’ deal, which did still tag Green Bay with more than $40MM in dead money, in 2023.

September 7, 2023

An offseason of one-upping that involved Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson and Justin Herbert ended with Burrow setting the market at $55MM per year. Trevor Lawrence and Jordan Love hit this AAV in 2024.

September 8, 2024

Armed with unique leverage and wielding it during his latest round of extension talks, Prescott upped the market by $5MM per annum in becoming the NFL’s first $60MM-per-year performer. As they did during seminal 2021 negotiations, the Cowboys included no-tag and no-trade clauses in their starter’s accord.

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