Week In Review News & Rumors

With the calendar having flipped to September, the regular season has nearly arrived. The past seven days saw plenty of roster movement with roster cutdowns taking place, along with a number of developments with respect to contract situations being resolved before Week 1. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:

• Lamb Signs Cowboys Extension: CeeDee Lamb held out of Cowboys training camp while negotiations on an extension took place. Dallas’ offers increased incrementally over time, and the sides ultimately reached agreement on a four-year deal. Lamb is now on the books through 2028 and he is attached to an AAV of $34MM, the second-highest mark for receivers. The All-Pro had a career year in 2023, delivering the most productive season from a Cowboys wideout in franchise history. That (coupled with the surging WR market) helped his bargaining power and produced a deal meeting his targeted terms. Dallas typically prefers longer extensions with in-house stars, but Lamb’s camp managed to secure favorable conditions regarding length and annual compensation (along with $100MM guaranteed), not moving off the $34MM mark during talks. Work still needs to be done on the Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons fronts, but the Cowboys have one major extension taken care of.
• Aiyuk Saga Ends With 49ers Extension: Not long after the Lamb deal was signed, Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers worked out the league’s next big-ticket receiver deal. The long-running saga concerning Aiyuk’s future ended with an extension averaging $30MM per season and including $76MM in total guarantees being worked out. A trade with the Steelers never came to pass, although recent signs pointed to that outcome being less likely than a San Francisco resolution. The Broncos’ denial of an offer which would have seen Courtland Sutton head to the Bay Area after an Aiyuk-to-Pittsburgh trade offers another layer of intrigue to a scenario which nevertheless produced the expected outcome. While Aiyuk is in place long term, the 49ers’ receiving corps received a considerable scare when first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall suffered a gunshot wound to the chest as the victim of an attempted robbery on Saturday. Pearsall, fortunately, has since been discharged from hospital.
• Dolphins Extend McDaniel: After two seasons at the helm of the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel landed an extension which will keep him in his head coaching post through 2028. The 41-year-old took over Miami’s staff in 2022 amidst high expectations based on his reputation as one of the league’s top up-and-coming offensive minds. He has helped quarterback Tua Tagovailoa develop, and the former first-rounder’s performance when heathy helped him earn the NFL’s fourth-most lucrative extension in terms of AAV this offseason. McDaniel’s Dolphins reached the playoffs in each of his two seasons on the sideline, bowing out in the wild-card round both times. Improvement in that regard will be targeted moving forward, but the team has made an early long-term investment banking on the chances of that taking place.
• Rams Deal Jones To Titans: Linebacker Ernest Jones served as a key contributor on the Rams’ defense over the past two years in particular. His production made him a logical extension candidate, but it became increasingly clear during a matter of days that no long-term deal would come from Los Angeles and that, as such, a trade could be worked out. The team spoke with interested suitors not long before a deal was worked out sending the 24-year-old to the Titans. The Rams attached a sixth-round pick to the trade, one which will see them receive a fifth-round selection in return. Jones – whose trade value was compromised by the fact he is a pending free agent – will step into a first-team role in Tennessee as he looks to duplicate his 2023 production. The South Carolina alum racked up 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year, both career highs. Another strong campaign could set him up for a lucrative deal next spring unless a Titans extension is worked out before that point.
• Wilson Tapped As Steelers’ Starter: Once Russell Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh, he was the favorite for the QB1 gig. Trade acquisition Justin Fields worked with the first-team offense for much of training camp while Wilson was injured, though, and the former Bears first-rounder had support in the building to earn the starter’s role. Instead, it will be Wilson, 35, atop the depth chart to begin the campaign. The former Seahawks Super Bowl winner’s time in Denver did not go according to plan, and as a pending free agent he has plenty to prove on his third career team. Fields is also on track to hit the open market next spring, so his performance (if he sees any game action) will be worth watching closely as well. Pittsburgh’s QB situation is unsettled beyond 2024, but for the time being the team will lean on its most experienced option under center.

As the preseason winds down around the NFL, key roster decisions loom. The past seven days have seen several key developments with numerous players landing contracts, extensions or clarity pertaining to where they will start the campaign on their respective teams’ depth chart. In case you missed any of the top stories from this week, here is a quick recap:

• Humphrey Agrees To Historic Chiefs Extension: Kansas City’s efforts to get extensions done with a few members of the team’s young core resulted in Creed Humphrey agreeing to a long-term deal. His four-year, $72MM pact represents by far the most lucrative commitment for a center in league history. The previous benchmark in terms of AAV was $13.5MM, so Humphrey’s $18MM figure will no doubt move the position’s market upward in the future. The 25-year-old will collect $50MM in guarantees on his new contract, which has him tied to the Chiefs through 2028. A Pro Bowler in each of the past two seasons, Humphrey has lived up to expectations so far and cemented himself as one of the top centers in the league; he will remain an anchor of the Chiefs’ offensive line for the foreseeable future.
• Falcons Extend Terrell: After making a pair of notable defensive additions last week, the Falcons checked an in-house piece of business off their to-do list. Atlanta inked cornerback A.J. Terrell to a four-year, $81MM extension which took the place of his fifth-year option. The 2021 second-team All-Pro secured $42.34MM fully guaranteed, and he will remain an staple of Atlanta’s secondary through 2028. Terrell, 25, now sits second in the league in terms of annual average compensation for corners ($20.25MM), and his deal is the largest one worked out this offseason at the position. Questions remain regarding the long-term future of the Falcons’ other CB spots, but the top of the depth chart is secure for years to come.
• Minshew Wins Raiders’ QB Competition: One of 2024’s true quarterback competitions saw Gardner Minshew vying for the Raiders’ starting gig against Aidan O’Connell. After evaluating both in training camp and the preseason, it was the veteran who got the nod for Week 1. Minshew landed $25MM on a two-year deal in free agency, but he had ground to make up on O’Connell upon arrival in Vegas. He has far more experience (37 career starts), though, and superior mobility helped him land atop the depth chart. Minshew mainly handled backup duties following his two seasons with the Jaguars, but in 2023 he took over as the Colts’ starter after Anthony Richardson was injured early in the season. That spell did not include high-end efficiency, but it kept Indianapolis in contention for a playoff spot. A repeat from the 28-year-old could produce similar results for the Raiders.
• Gilmore Joins Vikings: Another of the league’s top free agents came off the market when Stephon Gilmore took a one-year deal with the Vikings. The former Defensive Player of the Year received $7MM guaranteed, and he has the potential to earn $10MM in Minnesota. Gilmore, 33, received an offer from the Panthers but elected to head to the NFC North on his latest deal. Cornerback has been a position marked with questions for the Vikings stemming in large part from Khyree Jackson’s death and Mekhi Blackmon’s ACL tear. Gilmore will offer plenty of experience in the secondary, and his play with the Cowboys last season demonstrated his ability to remain a full-time starter. Minnesota represents his fifth different team in as many seasons, and Gilmore’s market will again be dictated by his play on a short-term accord.
• Broncos’ Nix Becomes Latest Rookie Starter: It came as no surprise when Caleb Williams (Bears) and Jayden Daniels (Commanders) were named as their teams’ Week 1 starters under center. Bo Nix faced a different path to the QB1 spot, but strong showings in training camp and the preseason earned him the gig. A veteran of a record-breaking 61 college starts, the Auburn and Oregon product was seen as being more pro-ready than many (if not all) of his draft classmates. Head coach Sean Payton was high on Nix during the pre-draft process, and Denver’s decision to select him at No. 12 confirmed he would take over as starter at some point relatively soon. Attention will now turn to how the Broncos proceed with returnee Jarrett Stidham and spring trade acquisition Zach Wilson at the other quarterback spots.

As the preseason rolls on, teams around the league continue to evaluate their rosters as well as their contract situations. A number of finanal decisions were made in recent days, while several other cases are unresolved. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Falcons Trade For Judon, Sign Simmons: The Falcons made a pair of high-profile additions, both of which will help on defense. Atlanta sent a third-round pick to New England for edge rusher Matt Judon. The four-time Pro Bowler expressed frustration with a lack of a Patriots extension, leading to interest on the trade front from outside teams. Notably, though, no multi-year commitment has been made on the Falcons’ part, leaving Judon on track for free agency in March. After hosting Justin Simmons, meanwhile, Atlanta added the Pro Bowl safety on a one-year deal including $7.5MM guaranteed. Simmons, 30, had a lengthy spell in free agency after his Broncos release but still managed to land a lucrative deal. With four second-team All-Pro nods on his resume, he will form an intriguing safety tandem alongside Jessie Bates for the 2024 campaign. Judon and Simmons figure to raise Atlanta’s expectations on defense by a considerable margin as the team eyes a playoff berth.
• Steelers, 49ers Have Aiyuk Trade In Place: No final decision has been made with respect to Brandon Aiyuk, but the Steelers and 49ers now have a trade agreement worked out. Pittsburgh remains a destination the 26-year-old is highly interested in, but San Francisco still has an offer on the table. The latter team may have a small edge in terms of receiving an Aiyuk commitment with the former representing a fallback option. Both the Patriots and Browns had serious trade talks, but the second-team All-Pro did not want to play in New England or Cleveland. His decision rests on remaining in the Bay Area with a team facing serious cap challenges in the near future or joining the Steelers and a new-look offense which features quarterback questions. With the regular season nearing, an end to this saga should be expected in short order.
• Jets’ Reddick Submits Trade Request: The Jets acquired Haason Reddick via trade this offseason, but no extension agreement was in place once the swap was final. The Pro Bowl edge rusher has since skipped minicamp and training camp, and the lack of a deal prompted a trade request. To little surprise, New York general manager Joe Douglas quickly confirmed no consideration will be given to moving on from Reddick, who has one year remaining on his pact. The Jets reportedly made at least one offer around the time of the trade, but the team is not willing to negotiate further until the 29-year-old ends his holdout. That effort has resulted in daily fines being accumulated, and Reddick could lose part of his signing bonus as well. With both sides dug in, it will be interesting to see if a resolution of some kind (most likely incentives being added to the contract) is worked out in time for Week 1.
• McCarthy To Miss Vikings Rookie Season: J.J. McCarthy suffered a meniscus injury which required surgery. It was clear right away an absence of some kind would be in store, but the procedure wound up being a full repair; as such, the first-round rookie will miss the 2024 campaign. McCarthy entered training camp as Minnesota’s backup to Sam Darnold, but he will now not be able to compete for the No. 1 gig or at least continue his development through the fall. The Vikings let Kirk Cousins depart in free agency and signed Darnold to only a one-year deal. McCarthy – one of the 2024 class’ youngest passers and a national champion with Michigan this past season – is firmly in the team’s plans for the long-term future. He will enter 2025 with merely one preseason game of experience, however.
• Owusu-Koramoah Lands Browns Extension: Known to be on the Browns’ radar for a long-term deal, Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah worked out a extension which will keep him in place through 2027. The Pro Bowl linebacker secured $25MM in total guarantees and an AAV of $12.5MM. The latter figure ranks sixth amongst middle linebackers and demonstrates the confidence Cleveland has in his ability to remain a key producer on defense. The 24-year-old totaled 101 tackles, 3.5 sacks and a pair of interceptions last season; replicating that production in the future will prove this investment to be worthwhile. The Browns underwent many changes at the second level this offseason, but Owusu-Koramoah will be a constant for the LB unit now and moving forward.

With exhibition contests underway around the league, the 2024 regular season is nearing. Plenty of key developments continue to take place in the NFL as teams sort out a number of unsettled contract matters. In case you missed any of the past week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:

• 49ers Extension, Steelers Trade Remain Options For Aiyuk: The past few days have produced a new round of updates on Brandon Aiyuk’s future. The second team All-Pro was reported to be the subject of trade agreements with the Browns and Patriots, although New England is now out of the running. Cleveland’s package to San Francisco would have included Amari Cooper and a pair of draft picks, but Aiyuk is not interested in a Browns extension. That is the case for the Steelers, though, and Pittsburgh has re-engaged in talks. To date, no agreement has been reached in terms of a trade with the 49ers or a long-term deal, one which would pay the 26-year-old roughly $30MM per year. As San Francisco continues to entertain offers (and seek a receiver in return from any trade partner), the team is also still attempting to work out an extension which will keep Aiyuk in the Bay Area for the long-term future. A deal on that front, or a trade sending him to Pittsburgh, remain the likeliest outcomes in this fluid situation.
• Werner Lands Saints Extension: A number of veterans are set to again hold key roles on the Saints’ defense in 2024, but linebacker Pete Werner is among the ascending talents also in line for first-team duties. The 25-year-old inked a three-year extension worth a base value of $22.5MM, keeping him in the fold through 2027. Werner saw notable playing time as a rookie and has served as a full-time starter over the past two years. He set a new career high in tackles (90) last season, and expectations will remain high moving forward. The former second-rounder received a practical guarantee of roughly $17.5MM on his new deal, and he will join free agent addition Willie Gay as a central figure on the Saints’ defense this year.
• Patriots Release Smith-Schuster: The Patriots’ 2023 investment in JuJu Smith-Schuster did not pay off, and it resulted in a separation. New England released the veteran wideout, incurring a dead money charge of $7MM in the process. 2023 saw him produce only 260 yards and one touchdown while struggling to remain healthy. Smith-Schuster, 27, is in better shape from a health perspective now but he was already known to be on the roster bubble. The Patriots added at the WR spot via free agency (K.J. Osborn) and the draft (Ja’Lynn Polk, Javon Baker) this offseason, the first of the Eliot Wolf-Jerod Mayo regime. Efforts to land Calvin Ridley and Brandon Aiyuk were unsuccessful, but Smith-Schuster will nevertheless need to find a new team in the coming weeks. The latter’s next contract will no doubt be less valuable than the $25.5MM one he signed last offseason.
• Prescott Seeking Historic AAV; Cowboys Making Progress On Lamb Talks? Speculation continues to swirl regarding how the Cowboys will sort out extension talks with quarterback Dak Prescott and receiver CeeDee Lamb. The former is reportedly attached to an asking price above $55MM per season; that would make his next deal the most lucrative one in league history in terms of AAV. Prescott cannot be franchise tagged next year, holds a no-trade clause and is set to carry major cap hits in 2024 and ’25. While no deal on that front appears imminent, the Cowboys may be closer to inking Lamb. Jerry Jones does not feel a sense of urgency in getting a deal done with the All-Pro, one which will reach or at least approach the top of the receiver market ($35MM per year). A Micah Parsons mega-extension looms next year, but at least one major pact could be on the books by that point.
• Chiefs Extend Butker: A number of extension priorities remain in the waning weeks of the summer for the Chiefs, but one has been taken care of. Kansas City worked out a four-year, $25.6MM deal with kicker Harrison Butker. He is now the league’s highest-paid kicker in terms of annual compensation ($6.4MM) and guarantees ($17.75MM). The 29-year-old has proven to be a highly consistent contributor during his career, one in which he has posted a field goal accuracy rate of at least 88.9% five times in six years. Butker (who was set to enter a walk year) has proven to have one of the strongest legs in the league, and he will be counted on to remain a key contributor for the defending champions for years to come.

As training camps continue around the league, a number of big-ticket contracts have been worked out recently. More are likely on tap, but several notable pacts have ended speculation about players’ short- and long-term futures with their respective teams. In case you missed any of the top developments from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Buccaneers Extend Wirfs: The Buccaneers’ final major piece of financial business was taken care of with left tackle Tristan Wirfs agreeing to an extension. The All-Pro worked out a five-year, $140.6MM deal, making him the league’s top earner at both tackle positions. Wirfs has exceled on the right and left in his brief but decorated career, leading many to expect he would move to the top of the pecking order. The 25-year-old secured just over $88MM in guarantees, and he is positioned to remain Tampa Bay’s anchor up front for the foreseeable future. Wirfs attended training camp but did not participate in padded practices until the deal was in place, something he and the team expressed confidence in working out. Now that the contract has been finalized, the Bucs can turn their attention to other matters. Thanks to the fifth-year option, Wirfs is on the books through 2029.
• Dolphins, Hill Agree To Restructure: Tyreek Hill’s desire for a new Dolphins pact resulted in a restructure agreement. The 2023 receiving leader landed $90MM over the next three years, including $65MM in guarantees. No new years were added to the pact, making this deal a unique resolution to Hill’s situation. No guaranteed salary previously existed after the 2024 campaign, leading to the five-time All-Pro’s attempts at securing a raise. His $30MM-per-year pact has been surpassed as the receiver benchmark this offseason, but the restructure ensures he will remain amongst the league’s highest-paid wideouts. Hill’s prior goal of topping the market was a factor in his trade out of Kansas City, but he made it clear he wanted to remain in Miami while adding financial security for the coming seasons. That goal has been met, and the Dolphins now have Hill, fellow receiver Jaylen Waddle and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa attached to big-money deals.  
• Moore Signs Bears Extension: Keeping in line with a number of other receivers, D.J. Moore inked a long-term deal representing a raise. The Bears signed him to a four-year, $110MM extension which will keep him on the books through 2029. The 27-year-old enjoyed a career year during his debut Chicago campaign, and instead of playing out the last two seasons of his previous pact (which did not include guaranteed salaries) he secured over $82MM in locked in compensation. Moore will be joined at the WR spot by trade acquisition Keenan Allen and first-round rookie Rome Odunze, so his role in the passing game with quarterback Caleb Williams will be worth watching. Still, the ex-Panther should remain a focal point on offense after Chicago allowed him to jump the line in terms of other in-house extension priorities.
• Decker Becomes Latest Lions Extension Recipient: The Lions have been busy working out monster extensions on the offensive side of the ball this offseason, and that effort continued with Taylor Decker. Detroit’s longtime left tackle signed a three-year, $60MM extension which will keep him in place through 2027 and includes just under $32MM guaranteed. The 29-year-old has spent his entire career in the Motor City, and he will join right tackle Penei Sewell in retaining his position for the foreseeable future. The latter is the league’s highest-paid right tackle, whereas Decker’s new deal moves him into seventh in AAV for blindside blockers. The Lions’ offensive line will once again face high expectations in 2024 as the team looks to build off the success of last season.
• Godchaux Land Patriots Extension; Judon Resolution Nearing? Questions were raised at the start of training camp with respect to how the Patriots would proceed with defensive tackle Davon Godchaux and edge rusher Matt Judon. The former has joined the long list of in-house players who signed new deals this offseason, inking a two-year extension worth up to $21MM. Godchaux, 29, has been with New England for the past three years and has served as a full-time starter. His pass rush production has remained minimal, but his play against the run earned him a new deal two years after his previous extension. Judon, meanwhile, has returned to practice after a brief absence related to his lack of an extension. The situation between the four-time Pro Bowler and the Patriots appears to have improved, although Judon remains tied to $7.5MM in compensation for 2024, the final year of his pact. Whether or not the latest turn of events is quickly followed by an agreement will be worth watching closely.

With training camps opening around the league, a number of big-ticket extensions were finalized in recent days. Not every player eligible for a new deal has one in hand at this point, though, leading to a few high-profile holdouts. In case you missed any of the top developments from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Packers Extend Love, Clark: Green Bay’s first few training camp practices did not involve quarterback Jordan Love taking part as he and the team continued to negotiate an extension. Shortly after reports indicated progress was being made, the parties agreed to a four-year, $220MM deal. Love, 25, parlayed his strong second half showing from last year into an accord including a practical guarantee of just over $140MM which will keep him in place through 2028. The 2020 first-rounder now sits in a tie for the lead in terms of annual average compensation ($55MM). Prior the Love deal, the Packers finalized a three-year, $64MM extension with Kenny Clark. The latter is positioned to remain the focal point of Green Bay’s defensive interior, as he has been for much of his eight-year career. Clark earned his third Pro Bowl nod in 2023 after recording a personal best seven sacks, and continued production will be expected of him for years to come.
• Dolphins Finalize Tagovailoa Extension: Hours before the Love deal was in place, Tua Tagovailoa and the Dolphins reached agreement on another QB mega-deal. Miami’s starter is set to collect just over $212MM in new money on his extension, one which is believed to consist of a three-year commitment in terms of guaranteed compensation. Tagovailoa is therefore set to remain in place through 2027 at a minimum as he aims to duplicate his 2023 success. While staying healthy for a full campaign, the 26-year-old led the league in passing and received his first Pro Bowl invitation last season. Miami will be counting on continued health and production under center while attempting to achieve more consistency on offense and take a step forward from last year’s wild-card exit. Tagovailoa will be a central aspect of those efforts for the foreseeable future.
• Darrisaw Agrees To Market-Topping Vikings Deal: Two years remain on Christian Darrisaw’s rookie contract with the Vikings opting to pick up his fifth-year option this spring. Team and player worked out a long-term arrangement well before free agency, though, agreeing to a four-year extension worth $104MM. The $26MM AAV of the pact moves Darrisaw (who will collect at least $43.73MM in guarantees) to the top of the pecking order amongst blindside protectors. Penei Sewell’s Lions deal is the most lucrative tackle contract in the league, but Darrisaw will be counted on to remain a foundational member of Minnesota’s offensive core for the long-term future. The 25-year-old is on the books through 2029.
• Jaguars Extend Campbell: Jacksonville worked out extensions for quarterback Trevor Lawrence and edge rusher Josh Hines-Allen earlier this offseason, and cornerback Tyson Campbell became the latest to secure a long-term investment. The latter signed a four-year, $76.5MM extension, making him the highest-paid corner amongst those without a Pro Bowl appearance. Campbell has been a full-time starter during his three years as a Jaguar, and his ball production from 2021-22 helped his value considerably. The 24-year-old struggled in coverage last year in particular, but the team has nevertheless ensured he will remain a key member of the secondary for the long-term future. The Jags are aiming to bounce back from last season’s second half collapse, and Campbell’s performance in 2024 will go a long way in determining their success in that regard.
• 49ers’ Williams, Cowboys’ Lamb Staging Training Camp Holdouts: A few veterans have elected to skip the beginning of their respective teams’ training camps and incur daily fines along the way. Haason Reddick (Jets) is one of them, as is 49ers left tackle Trent Williams. Three years remain on the latter’s contract, but he is now seeking a raise. Williams, 36, has performed as expected during his four San Francisco campaigns, earning first-team All-Pro honors each of the past three years. The future Hall of Famer is due over $77MM over the next three years, but none of his remaining salaries are guaranteed. CeeDee Lamb, meanwhile, has followed through on his expected approach of skipping camp until he secures a monster extension. Dallas has other financial priories, but getting Lamb on the books at or near the top of the WR market is a key one. The Cowboys have a new offer in place, so a resolution could be reached soon.

The NFL’s brief downtime is set to come to an end with training camps about to open around the league. The past few days have already seen a number of key developments take place, however. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past seven days, here is a quick recap:

• Aiyuk Requests Trade Amidst Stalled 49ers Talks: Throughout the offseason, Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers have been unable to gain traction on extension talks. The pending free agent receiver has now submitted a trade request, although to no surprise San Francisco does not intend to deal him. Speculation has swirled during recent months regarding the 26-year-old’s future given the gap between his asking price and the team’s valuation of him. At least five teams were prepared to pay Aiyuk roughly $28MM per season upon trading for him at the draft, and the Patriots have remained interested since the window for a swap appeared to close. The start of training camp is a soft deadline for the 49ers to hammer out a contract, but they have experience with lengthy summer holdouts in recent history; team and player will hope this latest episode also results in a deal.
• Broncos, Meinerz Agree To Extension: Three years into an unexpectedly successful NFL career, Quinn Meinerz has landed a sizable second contract. The 25-year-old guard agreed to a four-year, $80MM extension with the Broncos featuring $45MM guaranteed. A Division III product, Meinerz became a starter midway through his rookie campaign and has established himself as one of the league’s top guards since then. Denver has responded with the most lucrative O-line investment in team history, one made more notable by the expensive pacts already on the books up front. Mike McGlinchey and Ben Powers each signed big-ticket deals in free agency last offseason, and Garett Bolles is attached to a $17MM-per-year deal. The latter is a pending free agent, though, and the Meinerz commitment will add to further doubts about his future in the Mile High City beyond 2024.
• Barrett Retires Prior To Dolphins Debut: The Dolphins appeared to have a high-end insurance option along the edge in the form of Shaquil Barrett, but he will not play in Miami in 2024. The two-time Super Bowl winner announced his retirement from the NFL after nine seasons in the league. Barrett, 31, served as a complementary player with the Broncos before seeing his production take off in Tampa Bay. Across five Buccaneers campaigns, he racked up 45 sacks and a pair of Pro Bowl nods. Barrett inked a one-year Dolphins deal with Miami seeking edge depth behind the rehabbing Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips. Given his retirement decision, the team will lean more on veteran Calais Campbell and first-round rookie Chop Robinson this year. Barrett departs the NFL with over $83MM in career earnings.
• Fitterer Joins Commanders; Wright To Depart: A pair of notable changes are set to take place in the Commanders’ front office in 2024. Scott Fitterer – who spent the past three seasons as general manager of the Panthers – will join Washington’s staff as a personnel executive. His tenure in Carolina did not go as planned, and the blockbuster trade for the 2023 No. 1 pick and the handling of the Brian Burns situation will hurt his chances of landing a future GM gig. He will nevertheless be an experienced voice this year, one which will be Jason Wright’s last in the nation’s capital. The latter has resigned as president (the title he held since 2020) and he will depart the team no later than the end of this season. Wright’s absence after guiding a transition away from the Dan Snyder era will be felt as new owner Josh Harris moves forward.
• Cowboys Prioritizing Lamb Over Prescott? The Cowboys have several big-money decisions to make in the near future. Dak Prescott and CeeDee Lamb are both set to enter the final year of their respective deals, and the former had been thought to be the higher priority ahead of training camp. The most recent report on the matter points to a Lamb extension actually being the top item on the to-do list, however. The receiver market has surged past $30MM per season this year, with Justin Jefferson’s $35MM AAV leading the way. Coming off a franchise record-setting campaign, Lamb could look to match that deal or at least come close to its value and guaranteed money. The 25-year-old skipped all spring workouts, and staying away from training camp is a distinct possibility. The progress of extension talks will thus be worth watching closely over the coming days.

With training camps just around the corner, the NFL’s offseason period has nearly come to an end. Recent days have already seen a few notable developments, however. In case you missed anything from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Steelers’ Sutton Receives Eight-Game Suspension: Cameron Sutton was released by the Lions after it was learned an arrest warrant had been issued for domestic battery. The veteran corner later reunited with the Steelers after he entered into a pretrial diversion program while an NFL investigation took place. That process has yielded an eight-game suspension for a violation of the league’s personal conduct policy. The 29-year-old served as a starter at the end of his first Steelers stint and handled first-team duties in Detroit last season, but his role once available will be interesting to monitor. Sutton – who signed for the league minimum upon returning to Pittsburgh – will not appeal the ban, confirming he will not be able to make his season debut until Week 10.
• Higgins To Play On Bengals Tag In 2024: Tee Higgins resided as the only player who received a franchise or transition tag this offseason who had yet to sign a long-term deal. The deadline for he and the Bengals to work out such an agreement is Monday, but it is set to pass without an extension in place. As a result, Higgins will (as expected) enter the 2024 campaign as a pending free agent. The former second-rounder will collect $21.82MM this season before receiving a second tag or testing the market. Higgins, 25, submitted a trade request this offseason before publicly admitting he expected to remain in Cincinnati for one more year. The Bengals (a team with a monster Ja’Marr Chase extension still to navigate) are not believed to have engaged in Higgins negotiations for more than one year, with a market-level offer yet to emerge. A 2025 departure remains a distinct possibility in this case.
• Adams Lands Titans Deal: A number of veteran safeties are still on the market, but Jamal Adams is not one of them. The former All-Pro (who was released this spring by the Seahawks) signed a one-year Titans deal. That pact carries a value of $1.13MM, a stark contrast to the $17.5MM annual value of his Seattle contract. Adams has been limited to 10 games over the past two seasons due to injuries, and his value moving forward will be determined in large part by his ability to remain healthy in 2024. He is confident that will be possible, and by signing with the Titans the three-time Pro Bowler will reunite with defensive coordinator Dennard Wilson after the pair worked together with the Jets. That familiarity could produce a bounce-back campaign.
• No Extension Imminent For Patriots, Judon: The Patriots have continued negotiating an extension with edge rusher Matt Judon, and an offer was recently submitted. No agreement is considered imminent, however, with the four-time Pro Bowler indicating he does not expect a deal to be worked out in the near future. One year remains on Judon’s contract, one which falls well short of the top of the edge market. He has proven to be a highly impactful player when healthy in New England, but in 2023 he was limited to four contests. The Patriots have retained a number of in-house players this offseason, but approaching his age-32 season Judon represents an interesting case study in that regard. Regardless of how extension talks go in the near future. Judon is not expected to hold out during training camp.
• Texans Re-Sign Hughes: The Texans added Jerry Hughes in 2022, and he has logged 18 starts since then. The 35-year-old saw a dip in playing time last season, but he nevertheless elected to sign a new Houston deal. Hughes is likely to shoulder a rotational workload along the edge in 2024 as the Texans signed Danielle Hunter in free agency to replace Jonathan Greenard. Hunter and Will Anderson should take on starter’s roles, but Hughes could chip in on a rotational basis. The latter had the second most productive season of his career in 2022 with nine sacks, and he has remained durable deep into his NFL tenure. As the Texans approach 2024 with high expectations, Hughes will collect as much as $2.6MM on his latest deal.

The past few days have seen several key developments take place around the NFL. In case you missed any of the top stories from this week, here is a quick recap:

• Vikings’ Jackson Dies At 24: Vikings rookie cornerback Khyree Jackson was involved in a car accident which resulted in his death as well as that of two of his former high school teammates. Jackson was 24. The car he was a passenger in collided with another during an incident early Saturday morning, and investigators believe alcohol was a “contributing circumstance” in the accident. A third vehicle was also involved, but no other injuries were suffered. Jackson spent time at community college before playing at Alabama and ultimately transferring to Oregon. He earned first-team All-Pac 12 honors in 2023 and was selected by Minnesota in the fourth round of April’s draft.
• Jaguars Finalize 30-Year Jacksonville Lease: The future of the Jaguars has been a talking point in the past, but the team’s long-term outlook will keep it in Duval County. Jacksonville City Council approved a 30-year lease with the Jags, something which will put to rest questions about potential relocation. The team’s EverBank Stadium will be renovated as part of the long-term project which will ensure stability from an organizational standpoint. The Jaguars have played regular season games in London dating back to 2013, and their formal international arrangement is set to continue for years to come. With nothing imminent regarding European expansion, though, midseason games at Wembley Stadium are set to remain the only instances of Jacksonville playing overseas.
• Patriots, Tavai Reach Extension Agreement: After three seasons in New England (including two as a starter), linebacker Jahlani Tavai agreed to a deal constituting a notable raise. The pending free agent worked out a three-year Patriots extension with a base value of $15MM. The pact can max out at $21MM, but in any event this deal is worth far more per season than the $1.88MM Tavai was due to earn in 2024. The 27-year-old made a career-high 110 tackles last season while remaining a core special teams contributor. Tavai is one of many in-house players Eliot Wolf and the Patriots have kept in the fold via new deals or extensions this offseason, and he figures to remain a key role player for years to come.
• Hill Seeking Dolphins Extension: Confirming previous reports on the matter, Tyreek Hill publicly confirmed he is aiming for a Dolphins extension. The five-time All-Pro once led the way in terms of AAV amongst receivers at $30MM. That figure (which is artificially inflated by the non-guaranteed $43.9MM base salary due in the final year of the pact) has since been surpassed during the most recent wave of monster extensions at the position. Miami has taken part in that process, retaining Jaylen Waddle on a $28.25MM-per-year pact which will keep him in place for years to come. Hill, 30, is under contract for three more years, including two with guaranteed compensation. How the team proceeds knowing that term remains will be interesting to monitor.
• Gipson Issued Six-Game Suspension: Tashaun Gipson is one of many veteran defensive backs who is still unsigned, but his free agent status is different than that of his peers. The 33-year-old was issued a six-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy. Gipson’s playing future was already in doubt this offseason, with the 49ers remaining patient and allowing him to determine if he wished to continue his 12-year career. San Francisco used Gipson as a full-time starter over each of the past two years, but if anything the team will no doubt be less likely to entertain a new deal knowing he will miss the opening of the 2024 campaign. Opportunities from other suitors could likewise be few and far between until the fall.

With the NFL’s offseason in full swing, contract matters in a number of cases are front and center for the time being. Teams and players have plenty of time to work out extensions, but attention will remain aimed on situations where uncertainty exists. In case you missed any of this week’s top developments, here is a quick recap:

• Negotiations Ongoing Between Aiyuk, 49ers: The future of Brandon Aiyuk has been a central storyline throughout the offseason. Per his request, the pending free agent wideout met with the team to further discuss an extension; reports pointed to a positive outcome with a mutual desire to avoid a trade existing. Nevertheless, the 26-year-old later acknowledged the sides have been far apart on contract terms at times during negotiations. San Francisco was in a similar situation with Deebo Samuel before a trade request was ultimately rescinded and a multi-year deal was worked out. A similar resolution in the case of Aiyuk – who floated the Steelers and Commanders as alternative destinations – would allow the team to keep a critical member of its offensive core in place beyond 2024.
• Dolphins Yet To Submit Market-Value Tagovailoa Offer: Two quarterbacks (Trevor Lawrence, Jared Goff) have joined the NFL’s $50MM-per-year club this offseason, and Tua Tagovailoa is among the passers who could land a similar deal in the near future. To date, the Dolphins have not been willing to make an offer in that neighborhood, however. The Pro Bowler has turned down at least one Miami contract so far, and his remarks on his situation have suggested a hometown discount will not be forthcoming. Tagovailoa, 26, has faced questions related to his health and upside, although a full campaign in 2023 and notable statistical output when on the field will increase his leverage. Extension talks continue, but for now he is on track to play out his fifth-year option ($23.17MM) this season.
• Lamb On Track For Cowboys Holdout? One of the other receivers angling for a lucrative second contract is CeeDee Lamb, who has missed spring workouts with the Cowboys this offseason. Now that Justin Jefferson has reset the receiver market – signing a $35MM-per-season Vikings accord, the largest for a non-QB – traction could be gained between Lamb’s representatives and Dallas’ front office. With nothing imminent, however, a training camp holdout could be coming this summer. The All-Pro delivered the most productive season in franchise history last season, giving him plenty of leverage in contract talks. Known to be waiting for the top of the WR pecking order to be established, the Cowboys are not looking to move the bar to new heights on a monster Lamb accord. The 25-year-old would incur fines with a training camp absence, but the team could elect to waive them in his case.
• Policy Named Packers’ Next President: Mark Murphy will reach mandatory retirement age next summer, but his successor is now officially in place. The team’s board of directors unanimously tapped Ed Policy for the role of president and CEO starting next year. The 53-year-old has been with Green Bay since 2012, serving as the team’s COO for the past six years. He will continue in that regard until taking over as de facto owner after Murphy steps aside. Policy represented an expected choice for the role, but the Packers vetted 90 candidates (and 10 finalists) before choosing him to lead the team’s front office.
• Daboll To Take Over As Giants’ Play-Caller: Brian Daboll had a successful run as a play-calling offensive coordinator with the Bills before landing the Giants’ head coaching gig. To the surprise of many, his choice for OC (Mike Kafka) called plays for most of the past two seasons. Kafka survived the staff turnover seen this offseason, but Daboll is on track to take over play-calling responsibilities in 2024. The latter guided the offense this spring, and carrying on through training camp and into the regular season will create a notable storyline tied to his future. Tension in 2023 between Daboll and his assistant has been well documented, and his job security will be a talking point if the coming season does not go according to plan. A strong start to the year on offense, by contrast, could quell concerns about his Giants tenure.