Transactions - Pro Football Rumors

49ers Sign Jauan Jennings

June 24th, 2020 at 11:45am CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers have inked seventh-round pick Jauan Jennings, per a club announcement. Per the terms of his slot, the wide receiver is set to earn ~$3.4MM on his four-year deal. Of course, as the No. 217 overall pick, it’s not a certainty that he’ll make the roster.

Jennings was the second wide receiver selected in April, long after first-round pick Brandon Aiyuk. Jennings didn’t come into the draft with the same sort of fanfare, but he was an accomplished player in his own right. In his final year at Tennessee, the 6’3″ receiver finished out with 59 receptions for 969 yards and eight touchdowns.

Jennings has shown that he can break tackles with his big frame, but his lack of speed impacted his stock somewhat. Still, you don’t need to beat every defender if you’re able to plow through some of them. Jennings will look to impress coaches with his power as he pushes to make a group that could be without Deebo Samuel for a little while.

Here’s the full rundown of the Niners’ class, via PFR’s tracker:

1-14: Javon Kinlaw, DT (South Carolina)
1-25: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (Arizona State)
5-153: Colton McKivitz, T (West Virginia): Signed
6-190: Charlie Woerner, TE (Georgia)
7-217: Jauan Jennings, WR (Tennessee): Signed

Lions Sign Jonah Jackson

June 24th, 2020 at 10:40am CST by Zachary Links

It’s a done deal. On Wednesday, the Lions announced the signing of third-round guard Jonah Jackson.

Jackson began his college career at Rutgers before transferring to Ohio State. As a Buckeye, he put himself on the NFL radar and was named first-team All-Big Ten. Jackson’s work on the interior helped Justin Fields and J.K. Dobbins put up insane numbers in 2019.

That caught the attention of the Lions, who moved up ten spots in the third round to nab Jackson at No. 75 overall. In exchange, the Lions gave fifth- and sixth-round picks (Nos. 148 and 182) while also receiving a lesser a sixth-round choice (No. 197). Per the terms of his slot, Jackson will earn roughly $4.7MM over the course of his four-year deal. The pact includes a $1MM signing bonus.

With Jackson in the fold, the Lions now have four of their 2020 rooks signed. Here’s the full rundown of their class, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft Tracker:

1-3: Jeffrey Okudah, CB (Ohio State)
2-35: D’Andre Swift, RB (Georgia)
3-67: Julian Okwara, OLB (Notre Dame): Signed
3-75: Jonah Jackson, G (Ohio State): Signed
4-121: Logan Stenberg, OL (Kentucky): Signed
5-166: Quintez Cephus, WR (Wisconsin)
5-172: Jason Huntley, RB (New Mexico State)
6-197: John Penisini, DT (Utah): Signed
7-235: Jason Cornell, DE (Ohio State)

Titans Sign Rookie QB Cole McDonald

June 22nd, 2020 at 3:23pm CST by Zachary Links

The Titans have inked seventh-round quarterback Cole McDonald, according to Jim Wyatt of the team website (Twitter link). Per the terms of his slot, the University of Hawaii product will receive a four-year, $3.4MM deal with a ~$101K signing bonus.

Last year, McDonald finished third in the nation in passing yards. Hawaii’s aggressive offensive scheme had a lot to do with that, but the Titans also saw some pro potential in the youngster. Now, he’ll try to make the cut behind Ryan Tannehill and try to push Logan Woodside for the QB2 role.

With McDonald in the fold, it’s three down and three to go for the Titans. Here’s the full rundown of their draft class, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft Tracker:

Tennessee Titans

1-29: Isaiah Wilson, T (Georgia)
2-61: Kristian Fulton, CB (LSU)
3-93: Darrynton Evans, RB (Appalachian State)
5-174: Larrell Murchison, DT (N.C. State): Signed
7-224: Cole McDonald, QB (Hawaii): Signed
7-243: Chris Jackson, S (Marshall): Signed

Cowboys’ Dak Prescott To Sign $31.4MM Franchise Tender

June 21st, 2020 at 1:44pm CST by Zachary Links

Dak Prescott will sign his exclusive franchise tender by Monday, according to a source who spoke with ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). With that, the Cowboys quarterback will be slated to play out 2020 on a one-year, $31.4MM deal. After that, the two sides will have just a few weeks to hammer out a multi-year deal.

For months, we heard that Prescott was pushing for a two or three-year deal while the Cowboys were looking for a five or six-year add-on. Now, it seems like the two sides are closer than previously believed – at least, in terms of contract length. Prescott reportedly wants a four-year deal and the Cowboys would prefer a five-year arrangement.

Prescott is aiming for a deal that would pay him more than $35MM/year, enough to top Russell Wilson. That’s not exactly chump change for the Cowboys, but they’d rather lock up the QB than risk his asking price skyrocketing next year. If Prescott’s full 2020 played out like his 2019 first half, he’d be in line for untold riches next year. At that point, the Cowboys would have to give him an absolute fortune or tag him with a 20% raise over this year’s tag, for ~$37.7MM. Even in the tag scenario, it’s unlikely that Prescott would cooperate.

Under the more commonly used non-exclusive tag, other teams would have had a shot to sign Prescott to an offer sheet. Instead, the Cowboys opted for the slightly more expensive exclusive tag. Ultimately, it was a ~$5MM difference between the two.

Last year, Prescott threw for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the two-time Pro Bowler won’t turn 27 until the end of July.

49ers Sign Colton McKivitz

June 20th, 2020 at 12:53pm CST by Zachary Links

The 49ers have signed fifth-round rookie Colton McKivitz, per a club announcement. In accordance with his slot, the offensive lineman will earn about $3.6MM over the course of his four-year deal.

On draft weekend, the 49ers shipped running back Matt Breida to the Dolphins for the No. 153 overall pick, which they used to select McKivitz. At West Virginia, McKivitz suited up for 50 games (47 starts) over the course of five years on campus. Last year, he earned first-team all-conference honors for his work at left tackle.

The West Virginia product may vie for time as a supporting guard, Somewhere behind projected starters Laken Tomlinson and Tom Compton. He could also push for snaps on the outside, where he’d back Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey.

Here’s the full rundown of SF’s class, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft Pick Signing Tracker:

1-14: Javon Kinlaw, DT (South Carolina)
1-25: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (Arizona State)
5-153: Colton McKivitz, T (West Virginia): Signed
6-190: Charlie Woerner, TE (Georgia)
7-217: Jauan Jennings, WR (Tennessee)

Jets Sign Denzel Mims

June 19th, 2020 at 1:52pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jets have formally signed second-round pick Denzel Mims, according to Manish Mehta of the Daily News (on Twitter). In accordance with his slot, the Baylor product will receive a four-year, $5.4MM deal with $3MM guaranteed.

Mims was widely considered to be a first-round talent, but this year’s talent-rich WR crop pushed him down the board. The Jets were delighted to stop his mini-slide near the back of the second round, at No. 59 overall.

You won’t find many receivers at 6’3″ that move like Mims. Drops have been an issue for him in the past, but his fluidity, speed, and blocking skills made evaluators drool throughout draft season.

Last year, Mims cracked 1,000 yards receiving for the second time in his career, even though he was playing with a broken hand. The Jets had first crack at every receiver with the No. 11 overall pick, but they opted for tackle Mekhi Becton instead. At that moment, taking Becton over the likes of CeeDee Lamb and Henry Ruggs III was a head-scratcher to some. But, ultimately, their patience paid off – they got Mims and extra capital by trading down.

Now, Mims will look to make his mark alongside fellow newcomer Breshad Perriman and the returning Jamison Crowder.

NFL Suspends DB Marqui Christian

June 18th, 2020 at 5:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Marqui Christian agreed to terms with the Jets in March, only for that deal to fall through a week later. The now-free agent defensive back encountered another setback Thursday.

The NFL handed Christian a two-game suspension, according to ESPN.com’s Field Yates (on Twitter). Under the new CBA, players will rarely face suspensions for substance abuse. That would point to this ban falling outside that arena.

Christian has thus far beaten the odds, emerging as a contributor from the Division II level. The 2016 fifth-round pick out of Midwestern State (Texas) spent the past four years with the Rams, playing in all 19 games for Los Angeles’ Super Bowl-qualifying team in 2018. He made 36 tackles in each of the past two seasons, serving as a backup.

Jaguars Sign Collin Johnson

June 18th, 2020 at 12:49pm CST by Zachary Links

The Jaguars have officially signed fifth-round wide receiver Collin Johnson, per a club announcement. With Johnson under contract, they now have three of their 2020 draft picks in the fold.

Football is in Johnson’s blood – the University of Texas product is the son of former NFL defensive back Johnnie Johnson, who was enshrined in the College Football Hall of Fame for own stellar career at UT.

Johnson (the younger Johnson) amassed 2,624 receiving yards across four years with the Longhorns, good for the fifth-highest total in program history. If not for a hamstring injury that cost him time last year, he might have been in consideration for teams a couple rounds earlier. Instead, the Jaguars snagged him at No. 206 overall. Per the terms of his slot, Johnson will earn $3.45MM over the course of his four-year deal.

The Jaguars have one of the largest incoming classes in the league, so they still have lots to go. Here’s the full rundown of the Jaguars’ drafted frosh, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft Tracker:

1-9: C.J. Henderson, CB (Florida)
1-20: K’Lavon Chaisson, DE (LSU)
2-42: Laviska Shenault, WR (Colorado)
3-73: Davon Hamilton, DT (Ohio State)
4-116: Ben Bartch, OT (St. John’s (MN))
4-137: Josiah Scott, CB (Michigan State)
4-140: Shaquille Quarterman, ILB (Miami): Signed
5-157: Daniel Thomas, S (Auburn)
5-165: Collin Johnson, WR (Texas): Signed
6-189: Jake Luton, QB (Oregon State)
6-206: Tyler Davis, TE (Georgia Tech): Signed
7-223: Chris Claybrooks, CB (Memphis)

Eagles’ Brandon Brooks Done For Year

June 15th, 2020 at 7:55pm CST by Zachary Links

Guard Brandon Brooks suffered a torn Achilles tendon while working out at the Eagles’ facility. Brooks personally confirmed the news in a tweet on Monday night, vowing to come back “and better than ever.”

Unfortunately, Brooks has been here before. In January of last year, Brooks tore his right Achilles. This time, it’s the left one. His previous tear came in the 2018 playoffs, giving him enough time to recover before the start of the season. He managed to play in all 16 games for the Eagles in 2019, providing much-needed consistency for an offense that desperately needed it. Then, right when the Eagles clinched the NFC East title, they lost Brooks all over again, thanks to a shoulder injury.

Brooks joined the Eagles in 2016 as a free agent, following his time with the Texans. Since then, he’s performed as one of the best interior linemen in the league. With the Birds, Brooks has started in 62 games, plus five postseason contests.

The 30-year-old (31 in August) will be under contract with the team for years to come, thanks to his recent four-year, $54MM+ extension. The Eagles can expect more good work between 2021 and 2024, but they’ve got a major hole to fill this year.

Bills Sign RB Zack Moss

June 15th, 2020 at 2:21pm CST by Zachary Links

The Bills have officially signed third-round running back Zack Moss, according to Field Yates of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Per the terms of his slot, Moss will earn $4.6MM over the course of his four-year deal.

Moss could have gone much higher 2019 draft, if not for season-ending knee surgery. Before he went under the knife, he racked up 1,096 rushing yards off of 179 carries, good for an average of 6.1 yards per attempt. When he came back last year, he went off for 1,400 yards with a 6.0 ypc average.

Moss’ knee checked out well in a pre-draft exam and the Bills believe that Moss is ready to be a difference-maker at the pro level. In Buffalo, Moss will team with Devin Singletary to form a 1-2 backfield combo.

With Moss officially in the fold, the Bills have now wrapped their entire 2020 draft class. Here’s the full rundown, via PFR’s tracker:

2-54: AJ Epenesa, DE (Iowa): Signed
3-86: Zack Moss, RB (Utah): Signed
4-128: Gabriel Davis, WR (UCF): Signed
5-167: Jake Fromm, QB (Georgia): Signed
6-188: Tyler Bass, K (Georgia Southern): Signed
6-207: Isaiah Hodgins, WR (Oregon State): Signed
7-239: Dane Jackson, CB (Pittsburgh): Signed

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