Week In Review News & Rumors

The period between offseason programs ending and training camps beginning is in full swing. A number of notable developments and updates to ongoing contract situations have taken place around the NFL in recent days, though. In case you missed any of the top headlines from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Patriots Extend Stevenson: Signs pointed to an agreement being close between the Patriots and running back Rhamondre Stevenson shortly before an extension was indeed finalized. The 26-year-old is now attached to a four-year deal which will keep him in place through 2028. The pact has a base value of $36MM ($17MM of which is guaranteed), but incentives could push Stevenson’s earnings to $48MM. New England does not have a track record of making lucrative backfield commitments, but the new regime led by Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo authorized a deal carrying a $9MM annual average, the seventh-highest figure for running backs. Stevenson – who has amassed 3,047 scrimmage yards in his three-year career – will be counted on as a focal point of the Patriots’ offense for years to come.
• 49ers, Aiyuk Not Close To Deal: Progress remains elusive with respect to efforts between the 49ers and wideout Brandon Aiyuk on extension talks. Team and player are at an impasse as things currently stand, with San Francisco not prepared to meet Aiyuk’s asking price. This offseason has seen the receiver market reach new heights, and to little surprise the 26-year-old has adjusted his financial target based on the new going rate for top pass-catchers. San Francisco has both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel under contract for one more year, but keeping both in the fold in 2025 will be challenging. The team also has a Brock Purdy extension to budget for, leading to continued speculation about a receiver being dealt. Aiyuk skipped OTAs and minicamp, and his training camp participation will no doubt depend on his contract status.
• Jets, Reddick Unlikely To Work Out Extension? Running counter to what the Jets expected, Haason Reddick was absent from the team’s mandatory minicamp earlier this month. The offseason trade acquisition is angling for a new contract putting him closer to the top of the edge rush pecking order, but New York is not interested in making such a commitment. Approaching his age-30 season, Reddick wanted to remain in Philadelphia but an inability to work out an extension led to him being dealt to New York. He could elect to incur fines by avoiding training camp in July, or he could stage a ‘hold in’ and avoid participating. Optimism does exist, however, that an arrangement can be agreed upon by Reddick and his new employer before camp opens. Whether that consists of a new deal or incentives being added to his existing one will be interesting to see.
• Broncos Hire David Shaw: After a successful run at Stanford, David Shaw was frequently connected to an opportunity to return to the sidelines in the NFL. He will indeed be back in the pro game in 2024, but his role with the Broncos will be in the front office. Shaw will handle player evaluation at both the NFL and college levels in Denver, a team which interviewed him for their head coaching position in 2022. That gig went to Sean Payton, but he and Shaw have remained close since their shared time as assistants on the 1997 Eagles. The latter neither confirmed nor denied having future NFL coaching aspirations, and he will focus his attention on his transition to new responsibilities with the Broncos.
• Browns Aiming For Cooper Resolution: Another of the league’s ongoing receiver situations is that between the Browns and Amari Cooper. The five-time Pro Bowler is eyeing a new deal, and Cleveland hopes to work out an agreement ahead of training camp. Cooper has proven to be an integral member of the team’s passing attack, although the trade acquisition of Jerry Jeudy could cut into his target share moving forward. One year remains on the $20MM-per-year contract Cooper signed during his time with the Cowboys, a figure which now falls well short of the receiver market’s ceiling. At age 30, the former top-five pick will not reach the top of the pecking order on an extension but he could land a raise if the Browns agree to either a new deal or an incentive package covering 2024.

The conclusion of each team’s offseason program around the NFL brought about several key developments. In case you missed any of the top headlines from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Lawrence Inks Jaguars Extension: A mutual interest existed between Trevor Lawrence and the Jaguars with respect to working out a monster deal, and that goal has been reached. The former No. 1 pick is now attached to a five-year, $275MM extension including $200MM in guarantees. The $55MM annual average value of the pact matches that of Joe Burrow’s market-topping deal from last offseason, a sign of Jacksonville’s investment in future development from Lawrence. The latter has had an up-and-down tenure to begin his career, and 2023 marked a regression compared to the previous campaign. Still, Lawrence will be expected to lead a return to the postseason moving forward, and he is on the books through 2030. Meanwhile, the QB market now has six players attached to an AAV above $50MM.
• Steelers Extend Tomlin Through 2027: Earlier in the campaign, Mike Tomlin’s Steelers future was a talking point; that is no longer the case, though. The NFL’s longest-tenured head coach signed a three-year extension, meaning he is now under contract through 2027. Tomlin, 52, has been in Pittsburgh since 2007, a tenure which has seen a pair of Super Bowl appearances and one title. The Steelers are in the midst of a playoff drought, however, and the post-Ben Roethlisberger era has not gone as planned under center to date. Tomlin will be counted on to oversee an attempted rebound on offense moving forward with a continued endorsement from owner Art Rooney II.
• Higgins Signs Bengals Franchise Tag: The last of the NFL’s 2024 franchise tag recipients is on the books, but not via a long-term extension. Tee Higgins has signed his Bengals franchise tag, putting him on track to earn $21.8MM this season. A multi-year agreement could still be worked out until mid-July, but that would come as a surprise at this point. The 25-year-old is joined by teammate and fellow wideout Ja’Marr Chase in needing a new contract, and investing in the latter would make a Higgins pact challenging. The top of the receiver market has surged this offseason, and another productive campaign from the Clemson product (who has twice topped 1,000 yards) will help his value for a likely free agent departure.
• Giants’ Waller Retires: Throughout much of the offseason, it remained unclear whether or not Darren Waller would hang up his clears or play a second year with the Giants. The veteran tight end took the former route, ending his career after eight seasons and nine years in the NFL. Hamstring injuries were a common issue in recent campaigns, but the former Pro Bowler faced high expectations upon arrival in New York last offseason. Waller was a key member of the team’s low-output passing attack, but he was limited to 12 games before contemplating his future in the spring. Now, the Giants will rely on other in-house options at the TE spot as Waller transitions to his post-playing days.
• Falcons Issued Tampering Penalties; Eagles Cleared: The NFL’s investigation into tampering violations by the Falcons and Eagles concluded with varied results. Atlanta was found to have breached the policy with respect to the Kirk Cousins, Darnell Mooney and Charlie Woerner. The Falcons were docked a 2025 fifth-round pick as a result, and the team will pay out a $250K fine. General manager Terry Fontenot has also been issued a $50K fine as part of the latest league discipline on the subject of tampering. The Eagles, meanwhile, were under scrutiny for their Saquon Barkley addition. Philadelphia was found not to have committed a violation, however, and the team will not face any punishment.

Many NFL teams conducted their minicamps this week, marking the end of their offseason programs. A relatively lengthy wait until training camp awaits them, but a number of important developments have taken place on the contract front in recent days. In case you missed anything from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Vikings, Jefferson Agree To Historic Extension: The most impactful domino at the receiver position fell when Justin Jefferson and the Vikings agreed to a four-year, $140MM extension. The $35MM annual average value of the pact is the highest in league history for a non-quarterback and it moves the top of the WR market even higher. Both the total ($110MM) and full (roughly $89MM) guarantees put Jefferson in a tier of his own regarding up front compensation. The 24-year-old is now under contract through 2028 as a continued foundational piece of Minnesota’s offense. The pace of Jefferson negotiations was a talking point this offseason, and the lack of a deal enticed teams to make sizable trade offers. The Vikings turned down outside interest, though, and a record-breaking deal is now officially in place.
• 49ers Extend McCaffrey: No guaranteed money remained on Christian McCaffrey’s 49ers pact, which prompted an OTA absence and the request for a new deal. An agreement has now been reached, with the reigning Offensive Player of the Year securing a two-year, $38MM extension. McCaffrey is on the books through 2027 as a result of the pact, one which includes $24MM guaranteed and represents an $8MM raise across the next two years compared to what he was originally owed. Since arriving via trade in 2022, the former Panther has thrived in San Francisco. He will now continue to operate as the team’s top rushing threat as well as a key component of their passing game. As his Carolina extension did, meanwhile, McCaffrey’s new pact has moved the financial bar higher at the running back position.
• Browns Confirm Stefanski, Berry Extensions: Earlier this offseason, signs pointed to the Browns extending both head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. The team has now officially inked the pair to new deals, paving the way for consistency on the sidelines and in the front office unlike that which has been seen for much of the time under the ownership of Jimmy and Dee Haslam. Cleveland has gone to the postseason twice in Stefanski’s four-year HC tenure, and he has earned Coach of the Year honors both times. Berry has been in place for the same duration, and his record of player acquisition (with the rather notable exception of Deshaun Watson) has generally been well-regarded. Expectations will be high for the pair for the foreseeable future.
• Steelers Reunite With Sutton: Following his release from the Lions related to a domestic violence arrest, cornerback Cameron Sutton drew interest from the Steelers. The feeling has proven to be mutual with the sides reuniting via a one-year contract. Like many deals signed at this time of year, the pact is worth the veteran’s minimum and does not include any guaranteed money. Sutton, 29, spent his first six years with the Steelers before playing in Detroit in 2023. He will provide at least experienced depth or a starting-caliber option for Pittsburgh’s CB room, one led by Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Sutton faces the possibility of a suspension regardless of how his legal case plays out, but when on the field in 2024 he will be in a familiar territory.
• Commanders Cut McManus: Not long after it was learned Brandon McManus is the subject of a sexual assault lawsuit, the veteran kicker was let go by the Commanders. McManus faces allegations related to an incident on a team flight when he was a member of the Jaguars, and Jacksonville has also been named in the suit. Both Jags coach Doug Pederson and Commanders coach Dan Quinn have denied knowledge of the allegations prior to when they became public. McManus signed a one-year deal with Washington in March, and half of his $1.5MM signing bonus has already been paid out. His release came just before the second half was due, which could lead to a dispute with the Commanders. In any case, McManus’ NFL future will no doubt be tied to the outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigation related to it.

With OTAs continuing around the NFL, teams and players have plenty of opportunities to discuss contract maters. In a number of cases, that has seen agreements on new deals reached. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Dolphins Extend Waddle: With his fifth-year option having been picked up, Jaylen Waddle was already tied to the Dolphins through 2025. As the team hoped, though, an agreement was reached on a long-term pact. Miami’s young 1,000-yard wideout secured a four-year, $87.5MM deal. The extension includes $76MM guaranteed, with plenty of base compensation locked in at signing and shortly thereafter. The 25-year-old has proven to work well in tandem with Tyreek Hill, and he now sits fourth in the NFL in terms of receiver AAV. Waddle profiles as a focal point on offense for years to come despite Hill’s presence. In the wake of further upward movement at the top of the position’s market, meanwhile, the latter is angling for a new Dolphins deal of his own.
• Collins Lands Texans Extension: Shortly before the Waddle deal, Nico Collins inked a Texans extension also making him one of the league’s top earners amongst receivers. Following a breakout season in 2023, he signed a three-year accord with a base value of $72.5MM. The former third-rounder is part of an offense which features Tank Dell and offseason trade acquisition Stefon Diggs, meaning there will considerable competition for targets in 2024. Still, Collins, 25, will be expected to produce after he posted 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns during C.J. Stroud’s debut season. With the latter on his rookie deal for the coming years, the Texans have acted aggressively with respect to investments at the offensive skill positions, and Collins represents a key figure in that effort.
• Love Set To Approach Top Of Market With Packers Deal? The Packers entered 2023 with Jordan Love at the helm despite his inexperience. The former first-rounder put forth a strong showing in the latter half of the campaign, though, helping his market value on a long-term deal. Love is reportedly expected to land a Packers extension near the top of the quarterback market, which would entail an annual average value of more than $50MM. The 25-year-old is under contract for 2024 as a result of the bridge deal which replaced his fifth-year option, but the $11MM it calls for falls well short of what he will be earning on his next pact. Green Bay’s offense (filled with a young skill position corps) will hinge on Love’s development for years to come if the team can reach its stated goal of working out a lucrative agreement.
• 49ers Extend Jennings: The 49ers’ receiver room received some short-term clarity with Jauan Jennings signing a two-year deal worth up to $15.4MM. The pact – which includes $10.5MM guaranteed – takes the place of his 2024 RFA tender and ensures he will remain in San Francisco to continue his role as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have frequently been mentioned in trade speculation this offseason, although the team appears content to retain both wideouts for at least one more year. Jennings, 26, has proven to be a consistent complementary option in the passing game while serving as a strong run blocker during his time in the Bay Area. That will continue on a cost-effective basis compared to what Aiyuk and Samuel will require if they are to be retained beyond 2024.
• Watt Also Considering Steelers For Comeback: After spending the past season as a broadcaster, J.J Watt led it be known he would be willing to play for the Texans in 2024. Such a development would see the future Hall of Fame defensive end reunite with former teammate DeMeco Ryans, Houston’s head coach. Watt is also open to returning to the field with the Steelers, though. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year did not play in Pittsburgh before his retirement, but a deal sending him there would allow him to play with his brother T.J. Watt. The latter has a DPOY award of his own and he is under contract as the focal point of the Steelers’ edge rush for two more seasons. The elder Watt, 35, has made it clear a return is possible just for the coming season and only if injuries force Houston or Pittsburgh into an unwanted roster position. Still, the potential for a comeback makes for an interesting storyline.

This week marked the beginning of organized team activities in many cases around the NFL. The spring event represents an early marker with respect to contract talks for a number of players, which includes deliberate absences from the voluntary practices in several instances; a few notable developments on that front have been seen recently. In case you missed the past week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:

• Tagovailoa Participating In Dolphins’ OTAs: Unlike past years, Tua Tagovailoa was absent for much of the Dolphins’ early offseason program in 2024. To no surprise, that move was reportedly driven by the fact he does not have an extension in place. As talks continue, the team’s franchise quarterback is however taking part in OTAs. Tagovailoa is also believed to have turned down at least one extension offer to date, and developments in that respect will of course be more significant than his spring attendance and performances. The former No. 5 pick is set to play on his fifth-year option ($23.17MM) this season, but he will be aiming to join the quintet of passers currently attached to a deal averaging more than $50MM per season.
• Jefferson Aiming For Market-Resetting Vikings Deal? Among the many receivers eligible for an extension this offseason who are skipping OTAs is Justin Jefferson, whose Vikings career has seen him enjoy an historic start in terms of production. He is looking to parlay that into the league’s most lucrative deal for non-quarterbacks. Reaching that goal would require an extension worth more than Nick Bosa’s $34MM-per-year pact, a record-breaking one for defenders signed last year. Jefferson, 24, did not follow up his Offensive Player of the Year campaign as planned in 2023, with a hamstring injury sidelining him for seven games. Still, he is on track to earn much more than the $19.74MM he is due for 2024 on a multi-year agreement. The top of the receiver market reached $32MM in AAV earlier this offseason, and Jefferson has a strong case to surpass that mark.
• Wirfs Not Close To Buccaneers Extension: The Buccaneers have been busy this offseason with respect to retaining members of their core. The last major piece of business remaining is a monster extension for left tackle Tristan Wirfs. The three-time Pro Bowler excelled on the right side to start his career before shifting to the blindside in 2023. Wirfs, 25, has upped his market value well beyond the $18.24MM he is due this season, and a new deal will no doubt be much more valuable. Team and player are not close on contract terms at the moment, however, and the Iowa product has elected to skip OTAs. Tampa Bay’s offense will depend on Baker Mayfield and Mike Evans (both of whom received extensions this offseason) moving forward, and that will also be true of Wirfs. The latter’s contract status will be a key topic in the summer if no agreement is reached.
• 49ers’ Aiyuk Eyeing Top Of WR Market On New Deal? Another receiver attempting to use his leverage to secure a new deal is Brandon Aiyuk. Often connected to 49ers trade talk this offseason, he is reportedly aiming for a deal at or near the top of the receiver market. That would essentially peg his asking price at $30MM per season on a multi-year deal, one San Francisco will be hard-pressed to authorize given the team’s other contracts at the skill positions. Quarterback Brock Purdy will be eligible for an extension next offseason, and the team must budget for that during Aiyuk negotiations. The latter (coming off a career year) is not close to working out a deal at this point, so his status will remain worth watching closely. That could especially be true given the 49ers’ decision to use a first-round pick on a receiver this year (Ricky Pearsall).
• Goodell, Many Owners Support 18-Game Schedule: One of the topics discussed at the May owners meetings was an expansion of the regular season to 18 games. Commissioner Roger Goodell voiced support for the move, and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones is among those who are in agreement. Giants owner John Mara cited health and safety concerns as a reason for opposing an 18th regular season game, but many of the league’s decision-makers were already known to be on board with replacing a preseason contest with an additional one during the season. The league did so as part of the current CBA to create the 17-game schedule, and further movement could be pursued before the through-2030 deal expires. Concessions such as a second bye week would be required for the NFLPA to get on board, but more would no doubt be necessary for such a change to be finalized.    

Teams around the NFL are turning their attention to organized team activities and the mandatory minicamps which will soon follow them. Developments related to potential holdouts once attendance becomes mandatory have been seen in recent days, while a pair of blockbuster extensions were also worked out. Here is a recap of the past week’s top stories:

• Lions Extend Goff: For the second time in his career, Jared Goff has secured a massive new deal. The former No. 1 pick agreed to a four-year, $212MM extension with the Lions which will keep him in place through at least 2027. This pact (which includes an option for 2028) carries a $53MM AAV, the second-highest figure in the NFL. It also features a practical guarantee of $148MM and a no-trade clause, making this a favorable deal for Goff. The 29-year-old has revived his career in Detroit, helping lead the team to the NFC title game in 2023. Expectations will be high for a repeat over the coming years on a Lions offense which also has Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell attached to mega-deals of their own. Detroit drafted a potential Goff replacement (Hendon Hooker) last year, but he no longer has a path to playing time in the foreseeable future.
• Buccaneers Hand Winfield Jr. Record-Breaking Deal: When the Buccaneers used the franchise tag on safety Antoine Winfield Jr., it was clear that move served as a means of buying time for extension talks. A long-term deal arrived when the sides agreed to a four-year, $84.1MM contract which takes the place of the tag. The All-Pro now holds the title of not only the league’s highest-paid safety, but the top earner amongst all defensive backs. Winfield, 25, enjoyed a career year in 2023 and he will remain a foundational member of Tampa Bay’s defense moving forward (especially over the next two years, where he will see $45MM fully guaranteed). With new deals for Baker Mayfield, Mike Evans, Lavonte David and now Winfield done this offseason, the Bucs’ attention will turn to a monster Tristan Wirfs accord.
• Tagovailoa’s Contract Status Driving Dolphins Absence: With offseason workouts in their voluntary phase, absences amongst high-profile players are generally not viewed as being as impactful as training camp holdouts. Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa has been away from the team for most of their offseason program to date, however, which marks a departure from his past participation habits. The 2020 first-rounder saw classmates Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert sign monster extensions last offseason, and talks on his own deal are ongoing. Tagovailoa’s decision to skip most Miami activities so far is believed to be related to his lack of a new deal. The 26-year-old had a fully healthy (and productive) season in 2023, helping his market value. He is set to earn $23.17MM on his fifth-year option this campaign, but a multi-year accord will be much pricier.
• Hendrickson Practicing With Bengals: Before the draft, it was learned Trey Hendrickson requested a trade from the Bengals. The Pro Bowl edge rusher attempted to negotiate a new deal coming off a career year in March, but a lack of success on that front drove the request to be moved. Nothing has taken place since, though Hendrickson has resumed working out with the Bengals. Cincinnati has no desire to move on from the 29-year-old, who has amassed 39.5 sacks in three seasons with the team. Two years remain on Hendrickson’s deal, but his scheduled salaries ($14.8MM, $15.8MM) are not guaranteed. It will be interesting to see if he plays in 2024 on his existing pact or if further efforts to secure more up-front compensation are made this summer.
• Jets Eyed De Facto Hackett Replacement? Nathaniel Hackett is in place as the Jets’ offensive coordinator, but the team struggled on that side of the ball last season. In the wake of his less-than-stellar New York debut, the team reportedly sought out a staffer who would have outranked Hackett this offseason. The 44-year-old had a disastrous tenure as head coach of the Broncos which lasted less than one season, but his ties to Aaron Rodgers has allowed the pair to resume their relationship with the Jets. Head coach Robert Saleh was previously linked to searching out a hire tasked with limiting Hackett’s influence, but no move has taken place. The latter will thus remain a key figure for the Jets this year, as the team aims to rebound on offense with a healthy Rodgers.

With the deadline having passed for signings to count against the compensatory pick formula, free agent movement has picked up around the league. Developments on those and other fronts have taken place recently; in case you missed any of the NFL’s top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Patriots Retain Wolf To Lead Front Office: As expected, the Patriots began the post-draft portion of the offseason by searching out external candidates for their de facto general manager position. Several potential hires turned down the opportunity to interview for the gig, however, amidst the widespread expectation Eliot Wolf would remain in place as New England’s lead executive. Indeed, the team gave Wolf the title of EVP of player personnel, putting an end to the search. In his first offseason at the helm, the 42-year-old has overseen a number of critical decisions – including, most notably, the selection of Drake Maye at No. 3 in the draft. Wolf will lead the front office as the Patriots begin to transition to Maye as their starting quarterback (in the near future) and move forward from the Bill Belichick era.
• Raiders To Hold QB Competition: In the build-up to the draft, the Raiders were named as a candidate to move up the board to add a quarterback (in particular, Jayden Daniels). The team did not do so, leaving Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in place under center. New GM Tom Telesco confirmed Vegas will hold a training camp competition between the two. O’Connell has drawn praise from head coach Antonio Pierce, and he finished his rookie season by throwing nine touchdowns and one interception over his final six games. Minshew, meanwhile, inked a two-year, $25MM deal in free agency. The 27-year-old has much more NFL action under his belt, and Vegas’ new offensive scheme could counterbalance O’Connell’s potential advantage from spending time in the previous system to a degree. As the Raiders aim to take a step forward in 2024, the battle for the QB1 spot will be a key story to follow.
• Chargers Add Dupree: The Chargers kept both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in place this offseason via restructured contracts. That pair will have Bud Dupree as a notable third edge rushing option, with the latter having inked a two-year contract. Dupree will earn at least $6MM with the potential for $10MM during his Bolts pact. The 31-year-old had a disappointing run with the Titans, leading to his release last year. Serving as a starter with the Falcons, though, he regained his Steelers form to an extent and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks in 2023. Instead of returning to Pittsburgh or Atlanta (teams which had interest in a reunion), Dupree has elected to join a Chargers outfit which was among the league leaders in sacks last season. With Bosa struggling on the injury front recently, he could see notable playing time in Los Angeles.
• Boyd Joins Titans: Tyler Boyd courted a number of teams prior to arriving at a decision on the open market. The longtime Bengals wideout elected to sign with the Titans on a one-year deal. This agreement (worth up to $4.5MM) will allow Boyd to continue working with ex-Cincinnati OC Brian Callahan, Tennessee’s new head coach. The 29-year-old was linked to a deal with his hometown Steelers, but the sides could not agree to terms. Instead, he will depart a receiving corps headlined by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to join one including DeAndre Hopkins and free agent addition Calvin Ridley. Boyd has twice topped 1,000 yards in his career, but he will look to rebound from declining production in recent seasons. Doing so would help a Titans’ offense led by Will Levis and help his 2025 free agent stock.
• Hill Aiming For New Dolphins Deal? The $30MM-per-year deal the Dolphins gave Tyreek Hill in 2022 stood as the benchmark amongst receivers until recently. That pact is artificially inflated with non-guaranteed money after 2024, however, and Hill’s comments on his future indicate he is seeking a Miami extension. The five-time All-Pro stated his desire to finish his career as a Dolphin, although last year he said he planned to retire following the conclusion of his Miami pact. With Hill’s contract set to carry massive cap hits in 2025 ($34.24MM) and ’26 ($56.31MM) the Dolphins would be well-served to work out an extension lowering those figures while providing him with new guarantees if a mutual desire exists on the team’s part

With the draft now in the rearview, most major roster-building moves around the league have taken place. A new wave of free agent signings is underway, though, and other key decisions were made in recent days. In case you missed any of the top developments from around the NFL over the past week, here is a quick recap:

• Chiefs Agree To Kelce Raise: Not long after lining up new deals for head coach Andy Reid, general manager Brett Veach and president Mark Donovan, the Chiefs hammered out a new agreement with tight end Travis Kelce. Originally reported as an extension, the deal is actually a raise which keeps the future Hall of Famer on the books for two more years. Kelce will receive $34.25MM across 2024 and 2025, with his compensation for the coming season ($17MM) guaranteed at signing. The revised pact moves the 34-year-old to the top of the pecking order in terms of annual earnings at the tight end position and ensures he will remain the focal point of Kansas City’s passing game for at least the near future. As the Chiefs pursue a third straight Super Bowl, Kelce will join defensive tackle Chris Jones in playing on a lucrative new pact.
• Patriots Extend Barmore: Over the past two years in particular, a number of ascending defensive tackles have landed sizable second contracts. Christian Barmore became the latest name on that list when he inked a four-year Patriots extension with a base value of $84MM. New England has been busy with respect to retaining players this offseason, and the team prevented a 2025 Barmore free agent departure by working out this deal. The 24-year-old enjoyed a breakout campaign last season (8.5 sacks, 16 tackles for loss) while logging a career-high defensive workload. The Patriots are banking on a continuation of that career development, although the structure of the contract’s guarantees (which includes $31.8MM locked in at signing) could allow them to cut bait in 2026. Still, this Barmore pact is the largest New England deal given to a player other than Tom Brady, so the team’s financial commitment is certainly a notable one.
• Cowboys, Elliott Reunite: In a move foreshadowed throughout the offseason, Ezekiel Elliott returned to the Cowboys on a one-year deal. The two-time rushing champion was released by Dallas last offseason, setting up a single campaign spent with the Patriots. Elliott posted career-worst figures on the ground in 2023, but he and Cowboys owner Jerry Jones have both expressed a belief he can still operate as a starter at this point in his career. Elliott, 28, is currently in line to shoulder a notable workload in the backfield as things stand. Dallas saw Tony Pollard depart in free agency, and the team’s only veteran addition prior to Elliott was Royce Freeman. To the surprise of many, the Cowboys did not select a running back during the draft, leaving plenty of carries available for Elliott and the team’s other incumbents. The former No. 4 pick will collect $2MM guaranteed and up to $3MM in 2024.
• Steelers Decline Harris’ 2025 Option: May 2 marked the deadline for teams to decide on the fifth-year options of 2021 first-rounders. That process brought about few surprises, but the Steelers elected not to exercise running back Najee Harris‘ 2025 option. Picking it up would have locked Harris into a guaranteed salary of $6.79MM next season, but he is now on track for free agency. Pittsburgh is reportedly open to negotiating a deal with the Alabama product, but his value will be greatly influenced by his 2024 performance. Harris has served as a workhorse back to date, topping 1,200 scrimmage yards in each of his three seasons. He has been less efficient in doing so than Jaylen Warren, however, and the latter is positioned to continue splitting carries this season in an offense set to feature the run heavily. It will be interesting to see how Harris’ value is affected as the campaign progresses.
• Goodell, Owners Open To 18-Game Season: Commissioner Roger Goodell has made it clear he is open to adding an 18th contest to the NFL’s regular season. In the wake of him publicly backing a setup featuring just two preseason games to make up the difference (along with a Presidents Day weekend Super Bowl), a report indicated owners are in favor of such an adjustment. Expanding the schedule was a key negotiation point ahead of the 2021 CBA being hammered out; even though the agreement runs through 2030, efforts could be made to adopt the 18-game season well before it expires. Doing so would of course require concessions being made to the NFLPA, which has new leadership in place. The NFL has used a 17-game schedule for the past three seasons, but that could change in relatively short order if support increases for further expansion.

This past weekend saw the 2024 draft come and go, marking a major checkpoint on the offseason calendar. As usual, other key developments took place on the roster-building front leading up to the event, however. In case you missed anything from the past seven days, here is a quick recap:

• Williams, QBs Headline First Round: As expected, quarterbacks dominated the top of the Day 1 order. Caleb Williams (Bears), Jayden Daniels (Commanders) and Drake Maye (Patriots) were the first three players to hear their names called. Atlanta then provided the night’s largest surprise by selecting Michael Penix Jr. eighth overall. That was followed by a trade-up (albeit a smaller one than many predicted) by the Vikings, who drafted J.J. McCarthy at No. 10. Rounding out the run on signal-callers, Bo Nix was added by the Broncos. A record-breaking stretch of 137 picks ensued after that selection before the next QB, but those six teams each added an intriguing rookie to their depth charts.
• Chiefs Extend Reid, Veach, Donovan: Andy Reid has faced questions about retirement in recent years, but he put those to rest by agreeing to a new Chiefs extension. General manager Brett Veach as well as president Mark Donovan are also attached to new contracts, and as such Kansas City’s top decision-makers will be in place for the foreseeable future. Reid has climbed to fourth on the all-time wins list during his decorated time with the Chiefs while Veach has enjoyed considerable success alongside him since they joined the team in 2013. Four Super Bowl appearances in the past five years – including three titles – have helped the Chiefs become the league’s most decorated team in recent seasons, and the continued presence of a strong core headlined by Patrick Mahomes means they will likely remain contenders for years to come.
• St. Brown, Sewell Land Massive Lions Deals: Prior to the draft kicking off, the Lions hammered out deals with two major contributors of their offense. Both wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell signed lucrative extensions keeping them in place through 2028 and ’29, respectively. The former inked a four-year pact averaging just over $30MM per year; it includes $77MM in guarantees, over $35MM of which is locked in at signing. The latter, meanwhile, is in line to collect $28MM per season on his own four-year accord. Sewell’s deal is the most expensive one ever given to an O-lineman and it shatters the record for value in terms of right tackles. Both All-Pros will be counted on to remain key producers for years to come in Detroit while commanding large financial commitments.
• Eagles Extend Brown: Not long after St. Brown reached the summit of the receiver market, A.J. Brown moved to the top of the pecking order with an Eagles extension. Two years still remain on the pact he signed upon arrival in Philadelphia, but the 26-year-old landed $96MM on a three-year add-on which will keep him in the fold through 2029. The Eagles recently gave DeVonta Smith a three-year, $75MM extension and that pact moved him into a tie with Brown in terms of annual average value. Coming off a second straight 1,400-yard season, though, the latter is now once again the highest earner in Philadelphia’s skill position group. In all, the Eagles have now made four lucrative investments regarding in-house players on the offensive side of the ball this offseason.
• Jets Deal Wilson To Broncos: Prior to selecting Nix – a decision which many pointed to being on the table – the Broncos acquired Zach Wilson from the Jets. The latter was known to be on the trade block, and New York received offers well before the Denver swap came to pass. Wilson, 24, struggled mightily during his time as a Jets starter and the team signed Tyrod Taylor this offseason to serve as Aaron Rodgers‘ backup. With Wilson’s trade having been worked out, four of the five QBs selected in the opening round of the 2021 draft (all but Trevor Lawrence) have now been dealt to a new team. In Wilson’s case, he will join a depth chart which features Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Ben DiNucci. Attached to his rookie pact for one more year, it will be interesting to see how Wilson develops under head coach Sean Payton as he aims to rebuild his value.

The 2024 NFL draft has nearly arrived, and rumors continue to swirl regarding teams’ intentions near the top of the board. Plenty of updates on that front continue to emerge, although a pair of major extensions were also worked out in recent days. In case you missed any of the top developments from around the league this past week, here is a quick recap:

• Eagles Retain Smith Through 2028: In the era of fifth-year options for first-round picks, no receiver had received an extension after three seasons in the league. The Eagles made an exception to that rule by handing DeVonta Smith a three-year, $75MM deal which will kick in following his rookie contract. To no surprise, Philadelphia also picked up Smith’s fifth-year option (valued at $15.59MM) and as a result the former Heisman winner will be on the books through 2028. Smith, 25, will collect $51MM guaranteed and the average annual value of his extension puts him in a tie (with teammate A.J. Brown) for fourth at the WR position. That marks a lucrative long-term commitment on the Eagles’ part, one which will no doubt continue to push the top of the receiver market forward when other ascending producers negotiate their own extensions.
• Colts Extend Buckner: Indianapolis became the latest team to hand a sizable new contract to a defensive tackle by inking DeForest Buckner to a two-year, $46MM pact. The 30-year-old was set to enter 2024 as a contract year, but he has secured $43.55MM guaranteed at signing, a sign that he will remain in place for at least three more years. Buckner has received two of his three Pro Bowl invitations along with his lone first-team All-Pro nod during his four-year tenure with the Colts, and he will be counted on to remain a foundational figure on the team’s defense for years to come. Having kept a number of key players in the fold this offseason, Indianapolis will have Buckner at a reduced cap charge ($8.35MM) in 2024 before seeing that figure spike in later years.
• Commanders Still Positioned To Select Daniels? Caleb Williams is universally seen as the Bears’ selection with the first overall pick in the upcoming draft. The Commanders’ choice at No. 2 is murkier, but indications continue to suggest Jayden Daniels will be headed to the nation’s capital. The 2023 Heisman winner was the subject of a recent report stating Washington is expected to draft him, but links to Antonio Pierce and the Raiders persist. Daniels’ preference is believed to be Las Vegas, an arrangement which would reunite him with Pierce. The Commanders are much better positioned to draft one of the class’ top quarterbacks (unlike the Raiders) as things stand, though, and Daniels is considered a fit within OC Kliff Kingsbury’s scheme. With Washington’s unorthodox QB visit process in the books, all eyes will remain on the team’s draft plans.
• Top-Six Teams Discussing Pick Trades: Teams in need of a quarterback outnumber the selections available near the top of the order, which could lead to trade-up maneuvers on Day 1. While the Bears, Commanders and Patriots are in position to retain the first three selections, the next three picks could be in flux. The Cardinals are known to be open to moving on from No. 4, although their conditions for trading down may not be met in the coming days. Meanwhile, the Chargers (set to select fifth) and Giants (sixth) have each received calls from teams looking to move up. New York’s extensive homework on QB prospects could lead to a small trade-up, but the team remains a wild card with a move down the board believed to be in play. Overall, the potential exists for a substantial shake-up of the top-six order once the first round begins.
• Prescott Open To 2025 Free Agency? No agreement is expected between the Cowboys and quarterback Dak Prescott this offseason. As a result, the three-time Pro Bowler is on track for free agency in 2025, something his comments on the matter suggest he is open to exploring. Prescott has no-trade and no-tag clauses in his current deal, a $40MM-per-year accord which will be dwarfed in value by his next one. Coming off a season in which he finished second in MVP voting, Prescott holds considerable leverage in talks with the Cowboys (although his and the team’s latest underwhelming postseason exit could lead to trepidation in pursuing a second multi-year commitment). Still, Dallas has another deal for the 30-year-old – as well as CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons – on the radar, something which could lead to a complicated financial outlook.