Week In Review News & Rumors

With minicamps having concluded, the NFL calendar is set to slow down before training camps open in July. There are still a number of storylines to keep track of around the league, though. In case you missed anything from the past week, here’s a quick recap:

• Jets Fear ACL Tear For Clark: The Jets’ secondary took a blow when safety Chuck Clark suffered a knee injury which is feared to be an ACL tear. New York paid a modest price to trade for the 28-year-old this offseason since his starting days with the Ravens appeared to be numbered. A first-team spot awaited him with the Jets, however, and Clark was thus expected to be a key figure on the team’s defense, a unit facing signficant expectations this season. Given what should be a lengthy absence, the Jets reacted by signing Adrian Amos, another veteran who will provide them with an experienced contributor on the backend. For Clark, attention will turn to his return timeline and the beginning of the rehab process from the first major injury of his career.
• Supplemental Draft To Return: For the first time since 2019, the NFL will conduct a supplemental draft. The event will take place July 11, and provide players deemed ineligible for the regular entry draft with an avenue to joining the league. In recent years in particular, few notable names have been selected in the summer draft, but several high-end players have taken this route over the course of its history. Only one player has been deemed eligible for the 2023 supplemental draft so far, but it will be interesting to watch how many others become available and how much interest they generate amongst NFL teams still eyeing additions to their rosters.
• Chiefs, Jones In Extension Talks: One of the most signficant developments of the 2023 offseason has been the eruption in value for high-end defensive tackles. Several big-ticket extensions have been signed already, and another could be coming soon for Chris Jones. The four-time Pro Bowler is aiming for a new deal which will move him into second in the pecking order at the position (behind only Aaron Donald), something he can make a legitimate claim for given his continued production. The 28-year-old earned an All-Pro nod in 2022 and was a central part in Kansas City’s latest Super Bowl win. General manager Brett Veach indicated no timeline is in place for an extension, but he expressed optimism that a deal will get done allowing Jones to remain in Kansas City as one of the league’s highest-paid defenders.
• Mutual Interest Between Hopkins, Patriots? DeAndre Hopkins concluded his two-day visit with the Patriots without signing a contract, but one appears to remain very much in play. New England hosted the 31-year-old wideout not long after Tennessee did the same, and mutual interest reportedly exists between player and team in the Patriots’ case. Hopkins would reunite with offensive coordinator Bill O’Brien in the event he inked a deal with the AFC East outfit, something which would lead to questions about their relationship after the latter dealt him away from the Texans in 2020. Doubts have been quelled on that front, though, and Hopkins would represent a signficant addition to New England’s WR room. He is in no hurry to sign, so it may take several days or weeks to learn if the recruiting pitch on the part of current Patriots pays off.
• Texans Extend Collins: Houston has once again made a multi-year commitment to Maliek Collins, having inked the veteran defensive tackle to another two-year extension. This latest pact contains an impressive $20MM in guranteed money, along with a notable raise in terms of annual compensation compared to his previous pact. The 28-year-old has been a full-time starter during his two seasons in Houston, racking up six sacks and 18 tackles for loss during that span. He will once again be depended upon as a central figure in a Texans defensive front which is expected to take a step forward in 2023 under new head coach DeMeco Ryans. Continued strong play against the pass in particular could also put Collins in line for another sizeable contract down the road.

With June practices nearing an end, a few signficant developments have taken place around the league recently. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here’s a quick recap:

• Vikings Release Cook: After plenty of speculation about his future, the Vikings have officially parted ways with running back Dalvin Cook. The move came after no trade partner could be found, and resulted in $9MM in cap savings. Minnesota has moved on from a number of high-priced veterans this offseason, and the team previously hinted at their intensions of turning to Alexander Mattison as their new starter moving forward. Cook earned a fourth straight Pro Bowl nod in 2022, demonstrating his continued ability to serve as a productive lead back. He is now free to sign with a new team, and the Dolphins have frequently been named as a potential suitor. The free agent market at the RB spot has been modest, and a number of experienced options are still available, but the 27-year-old should be the subject of signficant interest in the coming days and weeks.
• Broncos Sign Clark: Frank Clark’s tenure with the Chiefs came to an end as he took a one-year deal with the Broncos worth up to $7.5MM. The decorated edge rusher failed to earn a Pro Bowl nod in 2022, but he once again produced in the playoffs en route to winning another Super Bowl in Kansas City. He was a cap casualty at the start of the offseason, and Clark, 29, acknowledged that no new Chiefs offer representing a pay cut was made during his lengthy free agent period (one which included the team adding a first-round pass rusher for the second straight year). Now, he will turn his attention to a new AFC West team, one which has plenty of question marks along the edge entering the 2023 season. A strong showing in Denver could boost Clark’s value significantly ahead of another year on the open market.
• Bills Add Floyd: Clark’s Broncos deal came not long after the Bills made their own notable addition on the edge. Leonard Floyd inked a one-year contract with a maximum value of $9MM. That will give Buffalo another veteran presence in the pass rush department alongside Von Miller, whose ACL recovery is in a good place at the moment. Floyd was a lone bright spot in the Rams’ edge contingent last season, but he was one of many expensive veterans the team moved on from this offseason. The 30-year-old has experience logging a heavy workload, but more of a rotational role may await him in Buffalo. A follow-up to his productive stint in Los Angeles would yield considerable benefits for the Bills, and likely boost Floyd’s market value ahead of next March.
• Titans, Patriots To Host Hopkins: The first two teams prepared to host DeAndre Hopkins on a free agent visit have been revealed. The All-Pro wideout will meet with the Titans and Patriots in the coming days, as he searches for a new home. New England has been mentioned as a team to watch on the Hopkins front, but the same has not been the case to date for Tennessee. Either squad would be well-suited to add the 31-year-old given their struggles in the passing game last season, and they are each in better shape than the Chiefs and Bills with respect to cap space. The latter two teams would need Hopkins’ price to come down significantly to make a serious push to sign him, but the five-time Pro Bowler already has multiple suitors lined up. More could soon follow.
• Harris Continues Making Progress On Commanders Purchase: The sales process of the Commanders has a number of hurdles left to clear, but positive steps have been taken in recent days. Josh Harris had a succesful meeting with the NFL’s finance committee, during which the outstanding issues related to the structure of his purchase agreement were discussed. The 76ers and Devils owner, who is slated to take over from Dan Snyder after the pair agreed to a $6.05 billion purchase price, pledged to make the requisite adjustments to satisfy the league. Once that has taken place, a special owners’ meeting aimed at ratifying the deal should be expected. With a deadline on the exclusivity of the Harris deal approaching, though, all parties have incentive to continue moving with urgency.

As the calendar flips to June, a number of notable storylines remain around the NFL. In case you missed anything from the past week, here’s a quick recap:

• Bills Extend Oliver: The latest major extension at the defensive tackle position has been agreed to, with Ed Oliver set to ink a four-year, $68MM deal. The former top-10 pick was already on the books for 2023 via the fifth-year option, but his long-term future is now secure. The pact includes $45MM in guarantees, a surprising figure given how Oliver’s career to date has been less impactful on the statsheet than the other young DTs who have inked big-money deals this offseason. The Bills are banking on Oliver continuing his career progression at the heart of what should be a strong defensive front while also hoping to enjoy relatively cost-effective play at the position given the changes in the market. Expectations will become even higher for the Houston product in the years to come now that his financial future is no longer in doubt.
• Vikings Likely To Move On From Cook: The Vikings have parted ways with a number of high-profile veterans already this offseason, but they may not be done yet in that regard. Running back Dalvin Cook is expected to play elsewhere in 2023, even though he is still under contract in Minnesota at this point. A trade or release would yield cap savings for the Vikings, while also allowing them to hand the RB1 reigns over to Alexander Mattison, who inked a new deal in March. Cook, 27, had another productive campaign in 2022 by topping 1,100 rushing yards for the fourth straight season. The Dolphins are still a team to watch in terms of landing spots for the four-time Pro Bowler, but other suitors could emerge especially if he finds himself a free agent in the near future.
• Hopkins Sweepstakes Continue: The most high-profile free agent at the moment is DeAndre Hopkins, making him the center of plenty of attention and speculation. The All-Pro wideout is, to no surprise, thought to be seeking a contract similar to the one-year deal Odell Beckham Jr. signed with the Ravens (worth a base value of $15MM guranteed). Such a pact would cost less than what Hopkins was owed before his Cardinals release, but it would be a challenge for any contending team to afford it. Despite that, the Bills and Chiefs continue to be named as frontrunners for the 30-year-old, who would represent a signficant boost to either team’s passing attacks in the talent-rich AFC. On the other hand, the Giants and Cowboys can likely be crossed off the list of expected destinations for Hopkins, who has also been linked to the Browns and Texans during his ongoing free agent process.
• Giants, Barkley No Closer To Deal: The deadline for franchise-tagged players to sign multi-year deals is getting closer, but the Giants and Saquon Barkley are not on the cusp of getting an extension worked out. The Pro Bowl running back is set to earn $10.1MM on the tag this year, but he has turned down offers with significantly higher AAVs during extension talks. Now that quarterback Daniel Jones is under contract, the Giants have leverage in negotiating with Barkley, who had a career-year in 2022 as the team’s offensive focal point. No standing offer is on the table, and guarantees are likely the primary obstacle to both parties reaching agreement on a long-term deal. The sides have until mid-July to avoid Barkley playing on the tag in 2023.
• Purdy Remains On Track To Retain Starting Role: One of the top storylines for the 49ers has been the recovery process for quarterback Brock Purdy. His progress on that front has reached the point where he has resumed throwing, putting him slightly ahead of schedule compared to post-surgery estimations. The 2022 ‘Mr. Irrelevant’ underwent UCL surgery in March, putting his Week 1 availability in serious doubt – something of particular concern considering the job he did after taking over QB1 duties midway through his rookie season last year. General manager John Lynch confirmed that, if healthy, Purdy will retain his spot atop the depth chart, despite the presence of former No. 3 picks Trey Lance and Sam Darnold on the roster. For now, things are lining up for Purdy to attempt a follow-up to his impressive debut campaign.

Some notable developments concerning both on- and off-the-field matters took place over the past week. In case you missed anything, here’s a quick breakdown of the top headlines:

• Cardinals Release Hopkins: DeAndre Hopkins was the subject of plenty of speculation this offseason, with many expecting a trade sending him out of Arizona. Instead, the Cardinals have cut the All-Pro wideout, leaving him free to join a new team on the open market. No trade could be worked out for the 30-year-old, whose contract was a sticking point in negotiations. By deciding not to designate Hopkins a post-June 1 release, the Cardinals will absorb just over $21MM in dead money next season, one in which the rebuilding team’s expectations will be very low. By doing so, however, Hopkins’ contract will come off the books entirely in 2024. The five-time Pro Bowler has been open about disclosing which teams he would prefer to join, but a number of suitors should be involved in his pursuit as contenders look to boost their passing attack late in free agency.
• Chargers, Ekeler Agree To Reworked Deal: For much of the offseason, the future of Chargers running back Austin Ekeler in 2023 and beyond was in doubt. He will remain in Los Angeles for at least one more year, though, after adjusting his contract to include new performance incentives. The 28-year-old has been seeking a new deal placing him higher in the league’s RB pecking order; the inability of he and the Chargers to agree to an extension resulted in a trade request at the start of free agency. No market emerged, though, making it little surprise that he will play out the final year of his pact with the Chargers. Another highly productive two-way campaign could earn Ekeler over $1MM in new money, and help boost his stock ahead of free agency.
• Goodell Nearing Another Extension: Much of the attention with respect to contracts is paid to players, coaches and front office personnel during this time of year, of course, but the NFL itself will have stability at the top for years to come. Commissioner Roger Goodell is in line to sign another extension, which will continue his tenure at the helm of the league through 2027. Goodell will have been in his position for more than 20 years by the end of that deal, making him the league’s second-longest tenured commissioner. Controversies of many kinds have littered his time in charge, but the league’s financial growth on his watch has been substantial and appears poised to continue during the current CBA. The extension will likely not be officially approved until later this offseason, but it considered a done deal at this point by the owners, who are content to maintain the status quo once again.
• Brady To Become Minority Raiders Owner: The post-playing future for Tom Brady is set to begin in the broadcast booth in 2024, but he could have a new title by that point. The now twice-retired quarterback has an agreement in place buy a stake in the Raiders. The 45-year-old has been linked to joining Vegas as a player at various times, but now he is set to occupy a front office role alongside owner Mark Davis. The pair already have a working relationship given their shared ownership of the WNBA’s Las Vegas Aces, and now Brady will join an organization filled with connections to his Patriots past. Questions will be raised about a return to the playing field, along with concerns over a potential conflict of interest once his FOX broadcasting endeavor begins, but league approval of Brady’s latest move appears set to take place in the near future.
• Steelers Begin Highsmith Extension Talks: The Steelers already have one star pass rusher in T.J. Watt, but his running mate, Alex Highsmith, is due for a lucrative deal of his own. The latter is now in talks for a Pittsburgh extension ahead of the final year of his rookie contract, one which has provided the team with tremendous value given his production. The 25-year-old has set a new personal mark in sacks with each passing season, recording 14.5 last season (many of which came with Watt sidelined). Highsmith should be in line for a considerable raise, though it could become challenging for the Steelers to afford him given the league-leading $28MM AAV of Watt’s contract. Pittsburgh has remained adamant that Highsmith is part of their long-term plans, and the team has a history of working out big-money deals with impact players ahead of their walk years. A continuation of that trend would give them one of the league’s top edge rushing duos for years to come.

As the offseason roles along, teams continue to make important decisions shaping their rosters, while other storylines take shape as well. Here’s a quick recap of the top headlines from the past week:

• Brown Dies At 87: The NFL said goodbye to one of its greatest players when it was learned that Jim Brown passed away peacefully at the age of 87. The former Browns running back was one of the league’s first superstars, and his immense success remains well-known to this day. A three-time MVP, Brown led the league in rushing yards during eight of his nine seasons, and is still the only back to average over 100 rushing yards per game over the course of his career. Aside from his on-field brilliance at both the pro and college levels, his legacy includes acting and social activism during his post-playing days. It also, on the other hand, involves multiple arrests for violence against women. Overall, Brown will be remembered as an iconic figure regarding his impact on the NFL as it moved toward the Super Bowl era, along with a number of other positive and negative developments following his sudden retirement at the age of 30.
• Ryan To Step Into Broadcast Booth: While he is leaving the door open to a new deal as a player, quarterback Matt Ryan appears set to begin the next phase of his football career. The 37-year-old will work as an analyst for CBS in 2023, absent an offer from a team to suit up for one more campaign. Ryan’s 14-year tenure with the Falcons ended last offseason, and expectations were relatively high for him upon his arrival in Indianapolis. His time with the Colts was forgettable to say the least, however, and his new team made the expected decision to release him in March. Ryan, the NFL’s MVP in 2016, will earn $12MM from the Colts this season while transitioning to the broadcast booth.
• Saints Negotiating Final Jordan Deal? Cam Jordan has one year remaining on his current contract, but another extension keeping him in New Orleans could be hammered out in the near future. The 33-year-old has established himself as one of the top players in franchise history, but he indicated his next contract will likely be his last with the team. Jordan is the all-time Saints sack leader, and remains in line for a pivotal role on their defense for at least the short-term future. The eight-time Pro Bowler’s ability to add further to his individual accolades will be dictated by the outcome of contract talks, and attention could increasingly turn to his pursuit of a Super Bowl ring if his upcoming extension does indeed mark the beginning of the end of his career.
• Steelers Maintain QB Depth Chart: Kenny Pickett is in place as the Steelers’ starting quarterback for the foreseeable future, but many expected at least one change to be made to the team’s depth chart at the position this offseason. Instead, Pittsburgh will once again have Mitch Trubisky as its backup, after agreeing to a new extension which will keep him under contract through 2025. Trubisky will earn $8MM in guranteed money this season, but incentives could push the contract’s total value to $33MM. Meanwhile, third-stringer Mason Rudolph declined the opportunity to seek out a new environment (and with it, a better chance at playing time) by inking to a new deal of his own. For at least one more season, the Steelers’ QBs room will look identical to its 2022 iteration.
• Harris Continues To Wait For Ratification Of Commanders Bid: Given the timing of Josh Harris‘ signed deal with Dan Snyder to purchase the Commanders, few expected the agreement to be formally ratified during the upcoming league meetings. Indeed, no timeline currently exists for a vote to take place regarding the sale, which carries a record-shattering price of $6.05 billion. Issues have arisen regarding the structure of Harris’ proposed agreement, but the widespread belief remains that it will be approved by the summer largely due to the desire on the part of other owners to put an end to Snyder’s tenure at the helm of the franchise. The vetting process of investors supporting Harris will go a long way in bringing the sale across the finish line.

A number of intriguing developments have taken place around the league in recent days. In case you missed any of the top headlines from the past week, here’s a quick recap:

• Snyder, Harris Sign Commanders Sale Agreement: The sale of the Washington Commanders took another step forward with Dan Snyder and incoming owner Josh Harris announcing that they have signed an exclusive sale agreement. Harris has long been expected to take over the embattled franchise this offseason, but this latest development leaves only ratification by the league’s other owners as the final hurdle yet to be cleared. That process may not take place at the next owners’ meetings later this month, but it is nevertheless expected to occur rather smoothly. The $6.05 billion price for the team is another North American sports record, and Harris will join the league after finishing as a runner-up for the Broncos last offseason. Attention will increasingly turn, meanwhile, to the outcome of the latest investigations into Snyder and the Commanders, and the degree to which his alleged misconduct becomes public as he transitions away from his 24-year ownership tenure.
• Vikings Deal Smith To Browns: Cleveland has made it a priority to add to their front seven this offseason, and that endeavor has now resulted in the trade acquisition of veteran edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from the Vikings. A swap of Day 3 picks helped send the three-time Pro Bowler back to the AFC North, after his stint in Minnesota lasted only one season. Smith, 30, requested earlier this year to be released by the Vikings despite the presence of two more years on his contract and having recorded double-digit sacks for the third time in the past four seasons. The former Raven and Packer will give Cleveland a proven pass-rushing presence opposite Myles Garrett, and compliment the free agent signing of Ogbonnia Okoronkwo. Minnesota will now lean increasingly on their own March addition, Marcus Davenport, as both teams look to take a step forward on defense in 2023.
• Texans To Extend Mason: The Texans continue to invest in their offensive line, and their right guard spot will be secure for years to come. Shaq Mason agreed to a three-year, $36MM extension, which will keep him on the books through the 2026 campaign. That accord is another notable one for the longtime Patriot, who had a one-year stint in Tampa Bay last season. One of the few healthy members of the Buccaneers’ offensive front in 2022, the 29-year-old confirmed his status as one of the better guards in the league. He was traded to Houston earlier this offseason in a cost-shedding move, though, allowing him to join a young interior o-line with the Texans. Mason, along with 2022 first-rounder Kenyon Green and second-round rookie Juice Scruggs, figure to be in the team’s plans at guard and center, respectively, for the foreseeable future.
• Saints Sign Moreau: Not long after his decision to step away from football following a cancer diagnosis, tight end Foster Moreau signed with the Saints. The 26-year-old got a three-year, $12MM deal, which demonstrates how confident he and the team are that a full recovery from Hodgkin’s lymphoma will take place. Moreau will be reunited with quarterback Derek Carr after the pair played together with the Raiders, and the former has a path to signficant playing time on his new team. It was during a Saints free agent visit that Moreau was originally diagnosed, but talks between the parties on a potential contract picked up again after New Orleans traded away Adam Trautman. Moreau could be on the field as early as OTAs later this month, but even if not, his presence will be welcomed on a number of fronts.
• Chargers Remain Intent On Retaining Ekeler: One of the ongoing storylines around the league has been the standing trade request from Chargers running back Austin Ekeler. The 27-year-old is seeking a new contract, one which will likely come from another organization on the free agent (rather than trade) market. Ekeler is thus expected to remain in Los Angeles for the 2023 campaign, as confirmed by general manager Tom Telesco. The latter made clear that the team has no intention of seeking out a trade partner, despite having granted the two-time touchdown leader permission to do so. Ekeler – who has amassed over 1,500 scrimmage yards in three of the past four seasons – is due $6.25MM this season, but could play his way into a larger figure (relative to the depressed RB market) with another strong campaign with the Bolts.

Even with the draft now in the rearview, teams around the NFL continue to make a number of key roster-building decisions. Here is a quick recap of the top headlines from the past week:

• Giants Extend Lawrence: The Giants have already finished negotiations with quarterback Daniel Jones on a big-money deal this offseason, and they have now done the same with standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The 25-year-old parlayed a career-year in 2022 into a four-year, $90MM contract with $60MM guaranteed. That makes his pact the latest lucrative one seen in the DT market this offseason, and its $22.5MM annual average value puts Lawrence in a tie for third at the position for yearly compensation. The Clemson product has cemented himself as one of the pillars of New York’s defense, and he will be on the books through 2027 as he and the team look to replicate their shared success from last season for years to come.  
• Packers, Love Agree To Extension: The Packers faced an interesting decision entering the deadline for fifth-year option decisions, with Jordan Love entering the final year of his rookie contract. In lieu of picking up his option, Green Bay worked out a one-year extension with their new starter with a maximum value ($22.5MM) slightly higher than what the option would have paid out. The 24-year-old has only one regular season start to his name, but he is in place as the undisrupted starter for at least the 2023 campaign, with personal and team achievements available as incentives for his 2024 compensation. Love can approach his all-important fourth season in the league with clarity on his short-term financial future.
• Commanders Sale Nearing? An official end to the Dan Snyder era in Washington could be coming later this month, with the Josh Harris-led bid for the Commanders being reviewed by the NFL ahead of the league’s next owners’ meetings. Talks with Snyder’s legal representatives are ongoing, and the matter of indemnification both for himself and the league’s other owners with respect to the various ongoing probes into the organization will be an important hurdle to clear. At least 24 owners will need to formally ratify the Harris bid when it is put to a general vote, but few obstacles are thought to remain before that takes place. Presuming it does, Harris will be in position to secure an NFL franchise one offseason after he was a runner-up to purchase the Broncos.
• Vikings, Cousins Open To Continuing Relationship: Much was made about the Vikings’ quarterback situation entering the draft, with veteran starter Kirk Cousins set to hit free agency after the 2023 season, during which he will play on a restructured deal. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s public remarks on the matter keep the door open to another Minnesota deal, however, which would likely result in a continuation of his penchant for short-term deals. The 34-year-old has been with the Vikings since 2018 and earned a second straight Pro Bowl nod in 2022 while leading the team to a strong regular season (along with, on the other hand, another first-round exit). Cousins, for his part, has indicated his openness to continue his stay with the Vikings in 2024 and beyond, so his performance this campaign – and how the team responds to it – will be a key storyline to follow.
• Record Low Fifth-Year Options Picked Up: Love’s situation aside, the 2023 offseason turned out to be an interesting one with respect to team’s decisions on 2020 first-round picks. A record low 12 players had their options exercised, which will lead to a number of high-profile free agent situations next offseason. Some of those whose options were declined could still end up re-signing with their current teams, of course, but notable players on both sides of the ball now face uncertain futures. Decisions on short- and long-term deals with the players across the 2020 first round order will no doubt inform teams’ other moves with more recent draftees, but several could be looking for replacements at key positions earlier than they envisioned.

Another draft has come and gone, bringing with it a number of interesting developments. Prior to the latest class of rookies joining the league, though, some long-anticipated quarterback deals were made as well. Here’s a quick recap of the week’s top stories:

• Packers, Jets Finalize Rodgers Trade: More than one month after Aaron Rodgers stated his intention to play for the Jets, the trade sending him to New York came into place. The Jets paid a considerable price (including a conditional 2024 second-round pick, which could become a first-rounder if he plays 65% of the snaps this season), leading many to wonder whether the 39-year-old will play beyond this year. That question remains unanswered, but for at least this season the Jets’ offense will have substantially more upside than it had under Zach Wilson, which could allow them to compete in a stacked AFC. Rodgers, like Brett Favre before him, will look to find success in the Big Apple late in his career following an illustrious Green Bay tenure.
• Ravens Extend Jackson: Lamar Jackson became the latest quarterback to land a monster extension, inking a five-year, $260MM deal with the Ravens. The agreement put an end to a years-long effort on Baltimore’s part to get the 26-year-old on the books for the foreseeable future, one which included several eyebrow-raising developments. The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson last month, but no suitors emerged on the offer sheet or trade fronts, leading to the growing belief he would ultimately stay in Baltimore. Jackson’s pact supersedes that given to the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts by a small margin in both AAV ($52MM) and guarantees ($185MM), and marks further evidence of the upward trend in the position’s market – something which will no doubt influence talks for the likes of Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert down the road.
• Commanders To Decline Young’s Option: Decisions on the fifth-year options for 2020 draftees are coming due, and the Commanders won’t exercise that of defensive end Chase Young. The former No. 2 pick has been dogged by injuries for much of his career, playing just 12 contests since his impressive debut season. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year showed plenty of potential in 2020, but the questions surrounding his health and ability to replicate his production from that year make Washington’s decision to turn down a guarantee of nearly $17.5MM in 2024 an understandable one, especially considering the other investments made in their defensive front. Young’s performance this season could set up a very high-profile free agent situation depending on how the Commanders handle his contract status.
• Titans End Levis’ Draft Slide: As expected, three quarterbacks were selected with the first four picks of the draft, but Will Levis fell out of the opening round. The Titans ended his wait to hear his name called, trading up to pick No. 33 to draft the Kentucky alum. Tennessee has Ryan Tannehill under contract for one more year, but the veteran’s future with the team has been in serious doubt for some time. Levis’ addition also shows the organization’s desire to add another young passer despite the previous front office having drafted Malik Willis last year. Long considered a first-round lock, Levis should soon have the opportunity to take on a starting role in the NFL, which will no doubt lead to continued comparisons between he and the signal-callers drafted much earlier this weekend.
• Lions Deal Swift To Eagles: Speculation ramped up after the first round that Detroit would move on from running back D’Andre Swift, and they did just that by trading him to the Eagles. The Lions swapped seventh-round 2023 picks and added a 2025 fourth-rounder by dealing the 24-year-old, who is a native of Philadelphia. The Lions signed David Montgomery in free agency, and used pick No. 12 on fellow back Jahmyr Gibbs, and this trade now sets up that pair at the top of their depth chart. Swift will look to solidify the starting role in a crowded Eagles backfield which lost Miles Sanders, but added Rashaad Penny. The Georgia alum is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so his production in his new home will go a long way in determining his future in 2024 and beyond.

With the draft just days away, a number of key developments continue to take place around the league. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here’s a quick recap:

• Hurts Signs Record-Setting Eagles Extension: A number of young quarterbacks are up for massive extensions this offseason, and the Eagles became the first team to get their mega-deal done by signing Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255MM contract. The $51MM AAV of the pact, which kicks in next season, is the highest figure in league history, and Hurts will see just over $179MM in guaranteed money. His pact will represent another benchmark in negotiations for the likes of Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. Hurts, 24, confirmed his status as the Eagles’ starter in 2022 and put himself in the MVP conversation while helping guide the team to the Super Bowl. He will remain in place as their franchise centerpiece for the foreseeable future as the QB market continues its upward trajectory.
• Williams, Four Others Suspended For Gambling: The NFL levied suspensions against five players for violations of the league’s gambling policy, a group headlined by Lions receiver Jameson Williams. He, along with teammate Stanley Berryhill, will be sidelined for six games in 2023 for placing bets on non-NFL games at the team’s facility. Receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore (who have been let go by the Lions), along with Commanders pass rusher Shaka Toney, have been banned indefinitely and will miss at least the 2023 season. The latter three bet on NFL games, as the recently reinstated Calvin Ridley did before his year-long suspension in 2022. The Lions also fired a number of team employees for violations of the gambling policy, adding to the growing list of personnel to face discipline recently.
• Hamlin Cleared To Return: Damar Hamlin’s recovery took another step forward as he was given full clearance to resume football activities. The Bills safety’s playing future was in doubt following his cardiac arrest in January, but he made it clear earlier this offseason that he intended to return to the field when given the green light to do so. Doctors are in agreement that he is safe to take part in the team’s offseason program, putting him on track to suit up for the start of the 2023 campaign. A backup role presumably awaits him this season, but the fact that the 25-year-old is likely to be on the field in any capacity is of course a newsworthy and welcomed development.
• Steelers Acquire Robinson: The Rams continued to move on from some of their more expensive veterans, sending wideout Allen Robinson to the Steelers for a swap of seventh-round picks. Los Angeles will retain two-thirds of Robinson’s 2023 compensation, giving Pittsburgh a relatively cost-effective addition to their pass-catching corps. The 29-year-old had an underwhelming tenure with the Rams last season, but his latest change of scenery could give him the opportunity to return to full health and boost his value. Robinson is under contract through 2024, but no guaranteed money remains on his deal at that point. This move thus represents a one-year audition for the former Pro Bowler as part of a talented WR room.
• 49ers Receiving Calls On Lance: San Francisco faces plenty of QB uncertainty heading into 2023, but they have seen interest from a number of teams regarding the availability of Trey Lance. The former third overall pick was set to take over the starting role in 2022, but his season lasted less than two games. Seventh-rounder Brock Purdy eventually took over the No. 1 role, and is the favorite for the top spot when he is healthy (something which very much remains in the air). The Vikings are among the teams who inquired about Lance, 22. San Francisco would be hard-pressed to get anywhere near the value back in a deal that they paid to move up and draft him just two years ago, making it unlikely a move is made at this point. It remains clear, though, that Lance’s start to his NFL career hasn’t gone according to plan.

Attention continues to shift to the draft, but teams are still making moves on the free agent and trade fronts in advance of adding rookies to their rosters; one major off-the-field development took place recently, as well. Here is a quick recap of the past week’s top headlines:

• Harris Reaches Agreement To Purchase Commanders: The Dan Snyder era in Washington appears to be on the verge of coming to an end, with the Commanders owner reaching agreement on a sale which would see the group led by Josh Harris take over the Commanders. The $6.05 billion price would make this the second straight year in which the North American sports record was shattered in terms of sale price (with the Broncos going for $4.65 billion last summer). Harris is already a majority owner in the NBA, NHL and English Premier League. Now, he is poised to inherit a franchise which has been marred by poor play, numerous scandals and the need for a new stadium (unless today’s news regarding new bidder Brian Davis changes the situation). Investigations into workplace culture and financial impropriety centered on Snyder’s tenure at the helm, meanwhile, remain ongoing.
• Lions Deal Okudah To Falcons: The Lions moved on from the third overall pick in 2020, cornerback Jeff Okudah, in a trade with the Falcons. By receiving a fifth-round pick in return, the move marks a highly underwhelming end to Okudah’s tenure in Detroit, which included multiple injury problems. The 24-year-old showed some of the substantial potential he had coming out of college during the 2022 campaign, and should have a significant role in the Falcons’ new-look secondary. A strong season in 2023 could bode well for both team and player, though, with Okudah looking to play his way into a second contract in Atlanta or elsewhere.
• Ravens, Beckham Agree To Deal: All signs seemed to be pointing to Odell Beckham Jr. signing with the Jets, but the veteran wideout instead agreed to a one-year deal with the Ravens. Baltimore guaranteed $15MM for the three-time Pro Bowler, while incentives could push the maximum value of the pact to $18MM. That far outpaces what many believed Beckham, 30, would be able to sign for considering his missed time (including the entire 2022 season) due to multiple ACL injuries. The Ravens’ gamble comes as part of their retooling effort in the passing game, and it has led to the further expectation that quarterback Lamar Jackson (who helped recruit Beckham) will remain with the team in one form or another in 2023.
• White, Baker Request Trades: Two high-profile defenders – Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Cardinals safety Budda Baker – have each asked to be traded amidst unproductive contract talks. White is under contract for one more season on the fifth-year option, but he is reportedly seeking one of the most lucrative deals at the position from Tampa or an acquiring team. Baker, meanwhile, let the Cardinals know in February that he was eyeing a new deal to make him the league’s highest-paid safety; two years remain on his 2020 extension, which doesn’t include any guaranteed money in 2023 or ’24. Both teams will look to navigate these developments as they continue contract talks in an attempt to avoid needing to part ways with either player.
• Carter Still Likely Top 10 Pick? Plenty of speculation has surrounded Jalen Carter in the build-up to the draft, considering his legal situation and underwhelming showing at Georgia’s pro day. Despite those factors, the defensive tackle is still expected to be a top 10 pick. The Bears and Eagles – who hold picks No. 9 and 10, respectively – have both shown interest in Carter and would be well-suited to add him to their defensive fronts. Other teams like Seattle, Detroit and Las Vegas have done their homework on him, which could create a competition to secure him early on Day 1. Despite a number of teams reportedly taking Carter off their draft boards altogether, he shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called next week.