Paulson Adebo

Giants To Sign LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles

March 14th, 2025 at 7:35pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Giants have signed veteran linebacker Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo.

Flannigan-Fowles has spent five years in the NFL, all with the 49ers as a depth linebacker and core special teams contributor. He has appeared in 73 games in his career with seven starts on defense and 1,284 snaps on special teams.

The 28-year-old is the second special teams ace signed by the Giants this offseason. The team also added ex-Raven Chris Board on a two-year, $6MM deal.

Both veterans will likely be competing for rotational snaps behind 2024 starters Bobby Okereke and Micah McFadden. Flannigan-Fowles and Board have played solid defense when called upon in their careers, but neither has ever been able to lock down a starting job. They will certainly see plenty of time on special teams in New York.

The Giants also got some good news from one of their biggest free agent additions.

Paulson Adebo, who signed a three-year, $54MM deal on Monday, said that he hopes to be ready for OTAs after a broken leg ended his 2024 season after just seven games (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post). He was excellent before his injury, recording three interceptions, 10 passes defended, and a 71.9 passer rating allowed when targeted.

Contract Details: Allen, Bills, Bears, Giants, Adebo, Packers, Hobbs, Chiefs, Saints

March 13th, 2025 at 2:27pm CST by Sam Robinson

Starting with one monster Bills extension and another big-ticket deal, here are the latest contract details from around the NFL:

Josh Allen, QB (Bills): Six years, $330MM. Classified as a two-year add-on that provides the reigning MVP with a roughly $90MM raise, the deal includes some key dates. On fully guaranteed salaries in 2025 and ’26, Allen will see all of his 2027 pay become fully guaranteed on Day 5 of the 2026 league year, per OverTheCap. On Day 5 of the 2027 league year, Allen’s 53.5MM salary locks in. $14MM of Allen’s 2029 roster bonus ($22.3MM) becomes guaranteed on Day 5 of the 2028 league year. Allen will be due a $35MM roster bonus on Day 5 of the 2029 league year. He is tied to a $41.3MM cap number in 2025, but restructures are likely coming; his cap hit spikes to $61.4MM in 2026.
Gregory Rousseau, DE (Bills). Four years, $80MM. Rousseau will see $49MM guaranteed at signing, OverTheCap notes, while his 2025 and ’26 base salaries are fully guaranteed. The Bills are providing guarantees into Year 3, as KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes that $5MM of Rousseau’s $16.41MM base is locked in already. The rest will shift from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee on Day 5 of the 2027 league year. A $3MM roster bonus is also in place on Day 5 of the 2029 league year.
Paulson Adebo, CB (Giants). Three years, $54MM. The young cornerback will see $34.75MM guaranteed at signing. Despite Adebo only signing a three-year deal, that full guarantee ranks 10th among corners. The Giants guaranteed $13.5MM of Adebo’s $17.25MM 2026 salary, ESPN.com’s Katherine Terrell tweets. The rest becomes guaranteed on Day 5 of the 2026 league year.
Dayo Odeyingbo, DE (Bears): Three years, $48MM. The ex-Colt will see $29.5MM guaranteed at signing, per OverTheCap. $13MM of Odeyingbo’s $15.5MM 2026 base salary is guaranteed at signing, with Wilson adding the rest locks in on Day 3 of the 2026 league year. A $1MM roster bonus is also due on Day 5 of the 2027 league year; Odeyingbo’s 2027 base is nonguaranteed.
Nate Hobbs, CB (Packers). Four years, $48MM. While Hobbs is guaranteed $16MM at signing, the general Packers contract structure resurfaces here. Reminding of Josh Jacobs‘ 2024 deal (also 4/48), his former Raiders teammate has no guarantees beyond that $16MM signing bonus, Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes. A $6.25MM roster bonus is due on Day 3 of the 2026 league year, Wilson tweets. The Packers typically do not guarantee second-year salaries, but they would be out $12MM in dead money if they move in on 2026 — due to signing bonus prorations.
Darius Slayton, WR (Giants). Three years, $36MM. Now on a third Giants contract, Slayton will receive $22MM at signing, Wilson tweets. That is $10MM more than his second contract was worth in total. Slayton’s 2026 salary is mostly guaranteed, with Wilson adding $9.75MM of that $12.25MM is locked in. A $2.5MM roster bonus in place on Day 5 of the 2027 league year.
Juwan Johnson, TE (Saints). Three years, $30.75MM. Johnson will see $21.25MM at signing, with Wilson adding his 2025 and ’26 base salaries are guaranteed. Johnson’s 2027 paragraph 5 number ($7.5MM) is nonguaranteed, but a $2MM roster bonus is due on Day 5 of the 2027 league year.
Jaylon Moore, T (Chiefs). Two years, $30MM. The Chiefs are guaranteeing their new left tackle hopeful $21.24MM at signing. A career-long 49ers backup, Moore will see $7MM of his $14.24MM 2026 base salary guaranteed at signing, Wilson tweets.

CB Paulson Adebo To Join Giants

March 10th, 2025 at 12:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

This year’s free agency market features a host of cornerbacks seeking a second free agency payday, but the Giants are adding a first-time UFA. Paulson Adebo is joining the Giants, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo reported during a TV appearance. It is a three-year deal. Adebo will collect $18MM per year with $36MM guaranteed, per a Garafolo update.

Joining Asante Samuel Jr. as a CB regular taking his first shot at free agency, Adebo also joins the four-year Charger in coming off an injury-marred season. Adebo sustained a broken femur last October, halting a strong run for a player who had seen extensive time as New Orleans’ No. 1 corner due to Marshon Lattimore‘s injury trouble.

Adebo’s last healthy season (2023) produced notable improvements in coverage. While we still do not have tremendously reliable metrics to measure coverage, Adebo was charged with yielding only 6.7 yards per target and allowing a 55% completion rate as the closest defender in 2023. He allowed one touchdown pass that year and yielded merely a 62.7 passer rating. In 2024, Adebo allowed a 60% completion rate and only a 71.9 passer rating as the closest defender.

Traditional metrics back Adebo’s case more, as he has been a consistent turnover-forcing presence. Adebo combined for seven interceptions over the past two seasons, breaking up 28 passes in that span. The Saints relied on the 6-foot-1 defender for extended stretches in that span, as the organization grew frustrated with Lattimore’s injury recovery paces. After trading Lattimore, the Saints had shown interest in retaining Adebo. But New Orleans’ annual cap issues may have impacted that effort.

The Giants have not seen their recent first-round pick, Deonte Banks, grow into a consistent option. They have questioned Banks’ work ethic, going so far as to bench him briefly last season. As Banks has struggled, the Giants now have a better option in Adebo to play alongside the 2023 draftee and slot Dru Phillips. With the team still housing a formidable pass-rushing trio in Dexter Lawrence, Brian Burns and Kayvon Thibodeaux, it will hope a better cover man can round out a pass defense that ranked 24th last season.

That said, the Giants were eighth in passing yards allowed. While teams did not run into many shootouts in Giants matchups during a dreadful Big Blue season, Shane Bowen’s defense was not the lead area to fix. That domino will fall later for the Giants, whose current regime’s futures likely depend on how the quarterback situation is addressed. For now, though, an early defensive addition could move the needle, as Adebo is not expected to be a candidate to end up on the reserve/PUP list following his broken leg.

Saints Interested In Re-Signing Chase Young, Paulson Adebo

March 2nd, 2025 at 8:50pm CST by Sam Robinson

As usual, the Saints exited a Combine with plenty of work to do in order to reach cap compliance. Mickey Loomis‘ latest round of moves will also need to give his team — one armed with a new coaching staff — some spending room, which will take considerable maneuvering.

The Saints are more than $47MM over the cap. This is the same franchise that once hovered more than $75MM over and carved out enough room to franchise tag Marcus Williams in 2021, so Loomis’ talents here should not be underestimated. As the Saints are planning to keep Derek Carr (and thus delay a rebuild further), they also have some defensive players in mind they would like to retain.

Both Paulson Adebo and Chase Young are set to hit free agency March 10. Both players (spoilers) will be included on PFR’s Top 50 Free Agents list following Tuesday’s franchise tag deadline, as each carries interesting appeal. Young stayed healthy after neck surgery. Adebo did not, but his age (26 in July) makes him an interesting free agent, as the market will include a host of older corners aiming to cash in on a third contract.

The Saints are believed to be interested in re-signing both players, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler. This will take some doing on Loomis’ part, as he begins his 24th offseason as Saints GM, as both starters will draw extensive interest.

This market is light on proven edge rusher types, as could be expected due to the position’s place in the NFL hierarchy, but Young has an interesting case to make. The severe knee injury (ACL tear, patellar tendon rupture) sustained in November 2021 threw Young’s Washington path off track, and a neck injury both impacted his value at the 2023 trade deadline and again in free agency. After signing a contract containing much of its value in per-game roster bonuses, Young was rewarded upon playing all 17 Saints games.

The former Defensive Rookie of the Year (quietly) put together a decent season. While only registering 5.5 sacks, Young topped his career high with 21 QB hits. Young’s 34 pressures were tied for 13th. The Saints have Cameron Jordan going into an age-36 season, as the popular New Orleans staple is nearing the end of the line. They also missed on their 2021 Payton Turner first-round pick. This opens a door for Young to stay, but as he searches for a bigger-money deal than he landed in 2024, it will not be easy to keep the former Heisman finalist off the market.

Marshon Lattimore‘s injury struggles both rankled some in the Saints’ building and gave Adebo an extended run as the team’s No. 1 corner. The 2021 third-round pick held his own, yielding just one touchdown pass (as the closest defender) and holding QBs to a collective 62.7 passer rating. Adebo intercepted four passes and notched 18 breakups that season.

He had started off well in 2024, picking off three passes and defending 10 more in seven games. But a broken femur sustained in a Week 7 loss to the Broncos complicates Adebo’s free agency, though Fowler adds the four-year veteran’s height (6-foot-1) has helped provide intrigue as free agency nears. Broken femurs are not nearly as common in the NFL as ACL and Achilles tears, adding a high hurdle for Adebo to clear before the 2025 season.

As the Stanford alum determines his future, Fowler adds he is believed to be recovering well from the significant injury. While Adebo indicated an interest in staying, he stopped short of saying he would not thoroughly explore the market.

Saints’ Paulson Adebo Expecting Training Camp Return; CB Addresses Free Agency

January 19th, 2025 at 1:42pm CST by Adam La Rose

One of several key contributors who missed considerable time in 2024 for the Saints was Paulson Adebo. The fourth-year corner continues to recover from a broken femur as he approaches his first trip to free agency.

Adebo suffered his injury in mid-October and immediately underwent surgery. His absence was strongly felt given his status as a full-time starter, something which became especially true once the Saints traded away Marshon Lattimore. Replacing the latter’s production will be a key offseason priority, and another CB move will be needed if Adebo leaves on the open market.

While his future is uncertain at the moment, Adebo recently noted (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell) he is progressing well in his recovery and expects to be healthy by training camp. The 25-year-old’s return to full health would of course be welcomed by the Saints if he is still a member of the team by the summer. Adebo hopes to remain in New Orleans on his next contract, but he admitted a departure is a possibility.

“At the end of the day, it’s a business. I love New Orleans, I love the opportunity they gave me,” the former third-rounder said. “So there’s no ill intent or animosity. It’s really just about finding the best fit. If it’s the best fit here, then boom. It’s a two-way street, it’s not completely up to me. It has to work both ways.”

Adebo handled a notable 76% defensive snap share as a rookie and he has hardly left the field when healthy in the three years since. The Stanford product amassed four interceptions and 18 pass deflections in 2023, and he was on his way to matching that ball production this year prior to his injury. After being charged with 11 touchdowns allowed in coverage across his first two campaigns, Adebo has given up only two as the nearest defender since the start of last season.

As a result, he could have a healthy market in free agency should he have the opportunity to speak with other teams. New Orleans does not have a long list of key pending free agents compared to other teams this spring. As always, though, major financial maneuvering will be needed over the coming weeks on the part of general manager Mickey Loomis (the Saints are currently projected to be more than $50MM over the cap for next year). It will be interesting to see if talks take place shortly on a new Adebo pact or if he will ultimately find a new home in time for the 2025 season.

Saints Place CB Paulson Adebo On IR

October 22nd, 2024 at 9:03pm CST by Nikhil Mehta

The Saints officially placed cornerback Paulson Adebo on injured reserve, ending his 2024 season after breaking his femur last week, per New Orleans.Football’s Nick Underhill.

Adebo was carted off early in the second quarter of New Orleans’ Week 7 loss to the Broncos on Thursday night, requiring season-ending surgery. The former second-round pick is expected to recover in time for training camp in 2025, though his status in a contract year means a potential free agency navigation while rehabbing from his injury.

Adebo’s injury is yet another setback for a Saints team that has dropped their last five games after starting the year 2-0. Leading receiver Rashid Shaheed is out for the season after meniscus surgery, and Pro Bowl center Erik McCoy has yet to return from injured reserve after hurting his groin in September.

Adebo was on pace for career-highs in tackles, interceptions, and passes defended before his injury. That will assist his case in free agency as he attempts to capitalize on a significant jump in the cornerback market this offseason. This is also the first major injury of his career, as Adebo played in 52 of the Saints’ 58 games since he was drafted, with 51 starts.

Second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry took over for Adebo against the Broncos and is expected to replace him in the starting lineup opposite Marshon Lattimore moving forward. With Alontae Taylor starting in the slot, the Saints only have one more cornerback on their active roster: undrafted rookie Rico Payton. In the short-term, Shemar Jean-Charles will likely be in line for elevations from the practice squad, and potentially a promotion to the active roster. New Orleans will need to find more cornerback depth for the rest of the year, especially if they move Lattimore, a potential trade target, at the deadline.

Saints CB Paulson Adebo Undergoes Season-Ending Surgery

October 18th, 2024 at 9:45am CST by Adam La Rose

In addition to a lopsided loss, the Saints were dealt with a major blow on the injury front last night. Cornerback Paulson Adebo suffered a broken femur on Thursday, head coach Dennis Allen said.

Adebo had an air cast placed on his right leg before being carted off the field. Not long after, the 25-year-old was taken to a nearby hospital. Adebo has since undergone surgery which will end his season, something which is particularly notable given his status as a pending free agent.

A recovery timeline of four to five months should be expected in this case, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. That means Adebo should be fully recovered well in time for the 2025 campaign, by which point he will have a new deal in place. It will be interesting to see how his injury affects his market value on a second New Orleans pact or one sending him to another team. In any event, the Saints’ secondary will be notably shorthanded for the remainder of the campaign.

A former third-round pick, Adebo has started each of his 51 games and (until now) he had avoided lengthy absences due to injury. He was held without an interception in 2022 after recording three as a rookie and before rebounding with four last year; in less than seven full contests in 2024, he managed to post another three picks. Those totals have been accompanied by 43 pass deflections (including 28 since the start of last season), a sign of Adebo’s ball skills.

After surrendering 11 touchdowns as the nearest defender during his first two seasons, the Stanford product improved considerably in coverage. While penalties were an issue this season, Adebo should figure to have a number of suitors if he reaches the open market this spring. While his attention turns to recover, New Orleans will move forward without a key starter on defense. Fellow first-team corner Marshon Latitmore exited the contest with a hamstring injury, and it remains to be seen how much further time (if any) he will miss. The former first-rounder has been the subject of trade speculation, but Allen confirmed Lattimore will remain in place for at least 2024.

With the Saints now sitting at 2-5 after winning their first two games, interest could of course pick up again with respect to veterans like Lattimore being available. In any case, a team already hit hard by injuries will need to contend with another season-long absence while attempting to end an ongoing losing streak.

Saints CBs Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo Competing For Starting Role

June 26th, 2023 at 11:30am CST by Adam La Rose

The Saints already have one starting cornerback spot spoken for with four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore. The competition to determine who will line up opposite him will take place during training camp.

Alontae Taylor and Paulson Adebo are vying for a first-team role, as detailed by ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. The pair split reps with the starting defense during OTAs, allowing each to state their case as a full-time outside corner (although the former has also spent time practicing in the slot). Their performances in the summer will determine the pecking order behind Lattimore for New Orleans.

When addressing the situation, head coach Dennis Allen said, “the great thing about it, those two particular players… both of them are fully capable of being starters and playing at a high level for us, but we’re going to let that competition play out.”

Both Adebo and Taylor have already seen signficant playing time early in their respective careers. Adebo, a 2021 third-rounder, has started all but one of his 30 career appearances and logged a snap share of 94% last season, one in which Lattimore was limited to just seven contests. The latter’s injury allowed Taylor, a second-round pick, to start nine games in his rookie season.

Taylor registered 11 pass breakups and posted much better coverage statistics than Adebo during his first-team audition in 2022. Given the potential for growth both players have (each will be 24 at the start of the regular season), though, plenty remains to be determined heading into the 2023 campaign. Regardless of how the competition for the outside corner spot shakes out, each could see a notable workload since the Saints’ lone free agent CB addition was Lonnie Johnson and the team elected not to add further to the position during the draft.

Saints Sign Entire Draft Class, Restructure Marshon Lattimore

June 8th, 2021 at 3:53pm CST by Andrew Ortenberg

The Saints just knocked out a big order of business. New Orleans has signed their entire draft class to their rookie deals, as Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football tweeted.

To create the cap space necessary for these deals, the team restructured cornerback Marshon Lattimore‘s contract, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network tweets. They converted his “$10.2M fifth year option to a $990K base salary and the rest in a roster bonus with voidable years,” he reports. Rapsheet adds that the team will “keep working on an extension” with Lattimore.

The six-man draft class includes defensive end Payton Turner (first-round; Houston), linebacker Pete Werner (second-round; Ohio State), cornerback Paulson Adebo (third-round; Stanford), quarterback Ian Book (fourth-round; Notre Dame), offensive tackle Landon Young (sixth-round; Kentucky), and wide receiver Kawaan Baker (seventh-round; South Alabama).

It’s great they got this out of the way as the offseason starts to heat up with mandatory minicamps. The Saints had been in a terrible cap situation at the end of 2020, but GM Mickey Loomis has always been able to work some magic.