Bengals Rumors

Bengals Did Not Approach $20MM AAV During Previous Tee Higgins Talks

April 29th, 2024 at 7:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

No news about Tee Higgins-Bengals extension talks has surfaced this year, leading to a trade request — as seven of the other nine 2024 tag recipients agreed to deals. But the Bengals did discuss terms with Higgins last year; those talks did not go well.

With Ja’Marr Chase on track for an expected record-setting receiver extension, it is not certain if the Bengals have a Higgins extension — at least, not one at the rate the Cincinnati WR2 would seek — in their plans. Just before last season, a report surfaced the Bengals and Higgins were not close on terms. This prompted the two-time 1,000-yard pass catcher to play out his rookie contract without further extension talks transpiring.

No reports of another round of Bengals-Higgins talks have surfaced, and the Cincinnati Enquirer’s Kelsey Conway provides more details on the latest round of discussions. The Bengals did not come close to the $20MM-per-year number for Higgins when the sides last talked, and Conway adds the gap that formed — in terms of AAV — cut off extension talks fairly early. The sides did not discuss guarantees.

Guarantees were rumored to be an issue between the parties last summer, but it is unclear if guaranteed money — beyond the $21.82MM franchise tag the Bengals applied in February — has entered the equation yet. In terms of comps, Conway adds Higgins was seeking a deal in line with the numbers Michael Pittman Jr. agreed to (three years, $70MM). This would have placed Higgins in the range Terry McLaurin, Deebo Samuel and D.K. Metcalf established in 2022.

Higgins’ receiving numbers are comparable to these players, and had he hit the open market like Calvin Ridley did, a deal north of where the Titans went (four years, $96MM) would have been likely. Not counting Higgins’ tag, 17 wideouts are now attached to deals worth $20MM or more per year.

Eyeing another run at a Super Bowl, the Bengals predictably used the tag on Higgins, who joins Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. as the only tag recipients this year unsigned. While Tampa Bay has extension plans for its All-Pro DB, Cincy might be content letting Higgins play a season on the tag. The team has no plans to trade Higgins, who expects to be with the Bengals in 2024.

Keeping Higgins on a rental agreement would stand to align with the Bengals’ Chase and Joe Burrow contracts. Chase remains on his rookie contract, and only one wide receiver — DeVonta Smith — has signed an extension with two years of rookie-deal control remaining in the fifth-year option era. The Bengals waited until Year 5 to extend A.J. Green in 2015, pointing to a 2025 Chase agreement. Burrow’s five-year, $275MM extension also will spike from $29.7MM to $46.3MM from 2024-25. These two situations open a window for the Bengals to retain Higgins on the tag, though the long-term outlooks for Burrow and Chase complicate matters regarding an extension for the 2020 second-round pick.

It will be interesting if the Bengals make another offer. They did make Jessie Bates an offer before the 2022 tag deadline, but the proposal was believed to be low on guarantees, calling into question how interested Cincinnati was in a long-term Bates deal. Unless an extension is reached or Higgins is re-tagged in 2025, will be in position, the 6-foot-4 target will be positioned as one of the top players on next year’s market.

Bengals To Move Dax Hill To CB

April 28th, 2024 at 8:37am CST by Rory Parks

When the Bengals made him a first-round draft choice two years ago, Dax Hill was considered the second-best safety in his class, behind only Kyle Hamilton. While Hamilton became a First-Team All-Pro in his second year in the league for the division-rival Ravens, Hill struggled to make the same leap, and as Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer writes, the Michigan product will be moved to cornerback.

After playing just 131 defensive snaps as a rookie in 2022, Hill became a full-time starter at safety last year followng Jessie Bates‘ free agency defection to the Falcons. Hill’s surface-level statistics were strong enough, as he recorded 110 total tackles, 1.5 sacks, six tackles for loss, and two interceptions among 11 passes defensed. The advanced metrics, however, told a different story, as Pro Football Focus considered Hill the sixth-worst safety out of 95 qualified players.

PFF was especially critical of Hill’s coverage ability and assigned him a poor 43.0 grade for that component of his game. Plus, as Conway observes, Hill also struggled with communication on the back end of Cincinnati’s defense, struggles that are particularly noticeable when they come from a free safety.

Hill did line up as a corner, both in the slot and outside the numbers, at the collegiate level, and he saw some action at both spots last season as well. Per Conway, the Bengals will allow him to compete for snaps at the nickel and on the boundaries in training camp, and the team believes he can still be a key piece of its secondary.

“We’ve seen [cornerback play] from him and we think it’s the best opportunity right now to help our team,” head coach Zac Taylor said. “He’s a superb athlete, he’s got great size, and he did a good amount of coverage at Michigan, playing inside covering slots, played some outside. The versatility is what made him the pick that he was. We’re really excited for his future. He has done a tremendous job embracing this opportunity, and I’m excited to see him go out there and compete.”

Hill will vie for boundary snaps with DJ Turner and for slot time with Mike Hilton (the team also added TCU corner Josh Newton in the fifth round of this weekend’s draft). Hill’s position change is good news for free agent acquisition Geno Stone, who parlayed a seven-interception 2023 season with Baltimore into a two-year, $15MM contract with Cincy. Stone now looks poised to serve as the club’s starting free safety.

2024 NFL Draft Results: Team By Team

April 27th, 2024 at 10:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here is every team’s haul from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Arizona Cardinals

Round 1, No. 4: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
Round 1, No. 27 (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
Round 2, No. 43 (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
Round 3, No. 66: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
Round 3, No. 71 (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 82 (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
Round 3, No. 90 (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
Round 4, No. 104: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
Round 5, No. 138: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 162 (from Texans): Christian Jones (OT, Texas)
Round 6, No. 191 (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
Round 7, No. 226 (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)

Atlanta Falcons

Round 1, No. 8: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
Round 2, No. 35 (from Cardinals): DT Ruke Orhorhoro
Round 3, No. 74: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
Round 4, No. 109: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 143: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 186 (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
Round 6, No. 187: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
Round 6, 197 (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)

Baltimore Ravens

Round 1, No. 30: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
Round 2, No. 62: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
Round 3, No. 93: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 113 (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
Round 4, No. 130: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
Round 5, No. 165: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
Round 6, No. 218 (from Jets): Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
Round 7, No. 228 (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
Round 7, No. 250: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)

Buffalo Bills

Round 2, No. 33 (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 60: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
Round 3, No. 95 (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter, DT (Duke)
Round 4, No. 128: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
Round 5, No. 141 (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
Round 5, No. 160 (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
Round 5, No. 168 (from Saints): Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
Round 6, No. 204: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 219 (from Packers): Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
Round 7, No. 221 (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)

Carolina Panthers

Round 1, No. 32 (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)
Round 2, No. 46 (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
Round 3, No. 72 (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 101: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
Round 5, No. 157 (from Browns through Vikings): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
Round 6: No. 200 (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 240 (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)

Chicago Bears

Round 1: No. 1 (from Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
Round 1, No. 9: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 75: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
Round 4, No. 122 (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
Round 5: No. 144 (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)

Cincinnati Bengals

Round 1, No. 18: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 49: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 80: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
Round 3, No. 97: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
Round 4, No. 115: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
Round 5, No. 149: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
Round 6, No. 194: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 214: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
Round 7, No. 224 (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 237: Matt Lee (C, Miami)

Cleveland Browns

Round 2, No. 54: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
Round 3, No. 85: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 156 (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 206 (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
Round 7, No. 227 (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
Round 7, No. 243: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)

Dallas Cowboys

Round 1, No. 29 (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
Round 2, No. 56: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
Round 3, No. 73 (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 87: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
Round 5, No. 174: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
Round 6, No. 216: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
Round 7, No. 233 (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
Round 7, No. 244: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)

Denver Broncos

Round 1, No. 12: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 76: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
Round 4, No. 102 (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 145 (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 147: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
Round 7, No. 235 (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
Round 7, No. 256 (from Jets): Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)

Round 1, No. 24 (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 61: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 126 (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
Round 6, No. 189 (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
Round 6, No. 201 (from Buccaneers): Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)

Green Bay Packers

Round 1, No. 25: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
Round 2, No. 45 (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper (LB, Texas A&M)
Round 2, No. 58: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 88: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
Round 3, No. 91 (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 111 (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
Round 5, No. 163 (from Bills): Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
Round 5, No. 169: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
Round 6, No. 202: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
Round 7, No. 245: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 255: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)

Houston Texans

Round 2, No. 42 (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 59: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
Round 3, No. 78 (from Seahawks through Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
Round 4, No. 123 (from Browns through Texans): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 188 (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 205: Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
Round 7, No. 238 (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
Round 7, No. 247: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
Round 7, No. 249: LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)

Indianapolis Colts

Round 1, No. 15: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
Round 2, No. 52 (from Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
Round 3, No. 79 (from Jaguars through Falcons): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
Round 4, No. 117: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 142 (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
Round 5, No. 151: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
Round 5, No. 164 (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 210: Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
Round 7, No. 234: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)

Jacksonville Jaguars

Round 1, No. 23 (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 48: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
Round 3, No. 96: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
Round 4, No. 114: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
Round 4, No. 116 (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
Round 5, No. 153: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
Round 5, No. 167 (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 212: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 236: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)

Kansas City Chiefs

Round 1, No. 28 (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
Round 2, No. 63 (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
Round 4, No. 131: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
Round 4, No. 133 (from Bills): Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
Round 5, No. 159 (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
Round 6, No. 211 (from 49ers): Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 248 (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)

Las Vegas Raiders

Round 1, No. 13: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
Round 2, No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
Round 3, No. 77: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
Round 4, No. 112: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
Round 5, No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
Round 6, No. 208 (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
Round 7, No. 223 (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
Round 7, No. 229 (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)

Los Angeles Chargers

Round 1, No. 5: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
Round 2, No. 34 (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 69: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
Round 4, No. 105: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 137 (from Chargers): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
Round 5, No. 140: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
Round 6, No. 181: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
Round 7, No. 225: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
Round 7, No. 253: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)

Los Angeles Rams

Round 1, No. 19: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
Round 2, No. 39 (from Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 83: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 99: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
Round 5, No. 154: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
Round 6, No. 196: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
Round 6, No. 209: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
Round 6, No. 213: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
Round 6, No. 217: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
Round 7, No. 254: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)

Miami Dolphins

Round 1, No. 21: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
Round 2, No. 55: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
Round 4, No. 120 (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
Round 5, No. 158: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
Round 6, No. 184 (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
Round 6, No. 198: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
Round 7, No. 241: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)

Minnesota Vikings

Round 1, No 10 (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
Round 1, No. 17 (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 4, No. 108: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 177 (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
Round 6: No. 203 (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
Round 7, No. 230 (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
Round 7, No. 232 (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)

New England Patriots

Round 1, No. 3: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
Round 2, No. 37 (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
Round 3, No. 68: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
Round 4, No. 103: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 110 (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
Round 6, No. 180: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
Round 6, No. 193 (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
Round 7, No. 231 (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)

New Orleans Saints

Round 1, No. 14: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State)
Round 2, No. 41 (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
Round 5, No. 150: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
Round 5, No. 170: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
Round 5, No. 175: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
Round 6, No. 199 (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
Round 7, No. 239 (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)

New York Giants

Round 1, No. 6: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
Round 2, No. 47 (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
Round 3, No. 70: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 107: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
Round 6, No. 183: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)

New York Jets

Round 1, No. 11 (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
Round 3, No. 65 (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
Round 4, No. 134 (from Ravens): Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
Round 5, No. 171: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
Round 5, No. 173 (from Chiefs): Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
Round 5, No. 176 (from 49ers): Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)
Round 7, No. 257: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

Philadelphia Eagles

Round 1, No. 22: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
Round 2, No. 40 (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
Round 3, No. 94 (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
Round 4, No. 127 (from Eagles): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 155 (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
Round 5, No. 172: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
Round 6, No. 185: Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
Round 6, No. 190 (from Saints through Packers): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)

Pittsburgh Steelers

Round 1, No. 20: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
Round 2, No. 51: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
Round 3, No. 84: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
Round 3, No. 98 (from Eagles): Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
Round 4, No. 119: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
Round 6, No. 178 (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
Round 6, No. 195: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)

San Francisco 49ers

Round 1, No. 31: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
Round 2, No. 64 (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)
Round 3, No. 86 (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
Round 4, No. 124 (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
Round 4, No. 129 (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
Round 4, No. 135: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)
Round 6, No. 215: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
Round 7, No. 251: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)

Seattle Seahawks

Round 1, No. 16: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
Round 3, No. 81 (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
Round 4, No. 118: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
Round 4, No. 121 (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
Round 5, No. 136 (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 179 (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
Round 6, No. 192: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
Round 6, No. 207 (from 49ers through Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Round 1, No. 26: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
Round 2, No. 57: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
Round 3, No. 89: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
Round 3, No. 92 (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
Round 4, No. 125: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
Round 6, No. 220: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)
Round 7, No. 246: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)

Tennessee Titans

Round 1, No. 7: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
Round 2, No. 38: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
Round 4, No. 106: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
Round 5, No. 146 (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
Round 6, No. 182 (reacquired through Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
Round 7, No. 242 (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
Round 7, No. 252 (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)

Washington Commanders

Round 1, No. 2: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
Round 2, No. 36: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
Round 2, No. 50 (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
Round 2, No. 53 (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE, Kansas State)
Round 3, No. 67: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
Round 3, No. 100 (from 49ers): Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)
Round 5, No. 139: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
Round 5, No. 152 (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
Round 5, No. 161 (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
Round 7, No. 222: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)

2024 NFL Draft Results: Round By Round

April 27th, 2024 at 10:42pm CST by Sam Robinson

From the No. 1 overall pick to Mr. Irrelevant (No. 257), here are the results from the 2024 NFL Draft:

Round 1

1. Chicago Bears (via Panthers): Caleb Williams (QB, USC)
2. Washington Commanders: Jayden Daniels (QB, LSU)
3. New England Patriots: Drake Maye (QB, UNC)
4. Arizona Cardinals: Marvin Harrison Jr. (WR, Ohio State)
5. Los Angeles Chargers: Joe Alt (T, Notre Dame)
6. New York Giants: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU)
7. Tennessee Titans: JC Latham (T, Alabama)
8. Atlanta Falcons: Michael Penix Jr (QB, Washington)
9. Chicago Bears: Rome Odunze (WR, Washington)
10. Minnesota Vikings (via Jets): J.J. McCarthy (QB, Michigan)
11. New York Jets (via Vikings): Olu Fashanu (T, Penn State)
12. Denver Broncos: Bo Nix (QB, Oregon)
13. Las Vegas Raiders: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia)
14. New Orleans Saints: Taliese Fuaga (T, Oregon State)
15. Indianapolis Colts: Laiatu Latu (EDGE, UCLA)
16. Seattle Seahawks: Byron Murphy (DT, Texas)
17. Minnesota Vikings (via Jaguars): Dallas Turner (EDGE, Alabama)
18. Cincinnati Bengals: Amarius Mims (T, Georgia)
19. Los Angeles Rams: Jared Verse (EDGE, Florida State)
20. Pittsburgh Steelers: Troy Fautanu (OL, Washington)
21. Miami Dolphins: Chop Robinson (EDGE, Penn State)
22. Philadelphia Eagles: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo)
23 Jacksonville Jaguars (from Browns through Texans and Vikings): Brian Thomas Jr. (WR, LSU)
24. Detroit Lions (from Cowboys): Terrion Arnold (CB, Alabama)
25. Green Bay Packers: Jordan Morgan (T, Arizona)
26. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Graham Barton (OL, Duke)
27. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Darius Robinson (DL, Missouri)
28. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): Xavier Worthy (WR, Texas)
29. Dallas Cowboys (from Lions): Tyler Guyton (T, Oklahoma)
30. Baltimore Ravens: Nate Wiggins (CB, Clemson)
31. San Francisco 49ers: Ricky Pearsall (WR, Florida)
32. Carolina Panthers (from Chiefs through Bills): Xavier Legette (WR, South Carolina)

Round 2

33. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers): Keon Coleman (WR, Florida State)
34. Los Angeles Chargers (via Patriots): Ladd McConkey (WR, Georgia)
35. Atlanta Falcons (from Cardinals): Ruke Orhorhoro (DT, Clemson)
36. Washington Commanders: Jer’Zhan Newton (DT, Illinois)
37. New England Patriots (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington)
38. Tennessee Titans: T’Vondre Sweat (DT, Texas)
39. Los Angeles Rams (from Giants through Panthers): Braden Fiske (DT, Florida State)
40. Philadelphia Eagles (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa)
41. New Orleans Saints (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama)
42. Houston Texans (from Vikings): Kamari Lassiter (CB, Georgia)
43. Arizona Cardinals (from Falcons): Max Melton (CB, Rutgers)
44. Las Vegas Raiders: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon)
45. Green Bay Packers (from Broncos through Saints): Edgerrin Cooper, LB (Texas A&M)
46. Carolina Panthers (from Colts): Jonathon Brooks (RB, Texas)
47. New York Giants (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota)
48. Jacksonville Jaguars: Maason Smith (DT, LSU)
49. Cincinnati Bengals: Kris Jenkins Jr. (DT, Michigan)
50. Washington Commanders (from Saints through Eagles): Mike Sainristil (CB, Michigan)
51. Pittsburgh Steelers: Zach Frazier (C, West Virginia)
52. Indianapolis Colts (from Rams through Panthers): Adonai Mitchell (WR, Texas)
53. Washington Commanders (from Eagles): Ben Sinnott (TE
54. Cleveland Browns: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State)
55. Miami Dolphins: Patrick Paul (T, Houston)
56. Dallas Cowboys: Marshawn Kneeland (EDGE, Western Michigan)
57. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Chris Braswell (EDGE, Alabama)
58. Green Bay Packers: Javon Bullard (S, Georgia)
59. Houston Texans: Blake Fisher (T, Notre Dame)
60. Buffalo Bills: Cole Bishop (S, Utah)
61. Detroit Lions: Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB, Missouri)
62. Baltimore Ravens: Roger Rosengarten (T, Washington)
63. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers): Kingsley Suamataia (T, BYU)
64. San Francisco 49ers (from Chiefs): Renardo Green (CB, Florida State)

Round 3

65. New York Jets (from Panthers): Malachi Corley (WR, Western Kentucky)
66. Arizona Cardinals: Trey Benson, RB (Florida State)
67. Washington Commanders: Brandon Coleman (OL, TCU)
68. New England Patriots: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State)
69. Los Angeles Chargers: Junior Colson (LB, Michigan)
70. New York Giants: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky)
71. Arizona Cardinals (from Titans): Isaiah Adams (G, Illinois)
72. Carolina Panthers (from Jets): Trevin Wallace (LB, Kentucky)
73. Dallas Cowboys (from Vikings through Lions): Cooper Beebe (G, Kansas State)
74. Atlanta Falcons: Bralen Trice (EDGE, Washington)
75. Chicago Bears: Kiran Amegadjie (T, Yale)
76. Denver Broncos: Jonah Elliss (EDGE, Utah)
77. Las Vegas Raiders: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland)
78. Houston Texans (from Seahawks though Commanders and Eagles): Calen Bullock (S, USC)
79. Indianapolis Colts (from Jaguars through Falcons and Cardinals): Matt Goncalves (T, Pittsburgh)
80. Cincinnati Bengals: Jermaine Burton, WR (Alabama)
81. Seattle Seahawks (from Saints through Broncos): Christian Haynes (G, UConn)
82. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tip Reiman (TE, Illinois)
83. Los Angeles Rams: Blake Corum (RB, Michigan)
84. Pittsburgh Steelers: Roman Wilson (WR, Michigan)
85. Cleveland Browns: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan)
86. San Francisco 49ers (from Eagles through Texans and Eagles): Dominick Puni (OL, Kansas)
87. Dallas Cowboys: Marist Liufau (LB, Notre Dame)
88. Green Bay Packers: MarShawn Lloyd (RB, USC)
89. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Tykee Smith (S, Georgia)
90. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Elijah Jones (CB, Boston College)
91. Green Bay Packers (from Bills): Ty’Ron Hopper (LB, Missouri)
92. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (from Lions): Jalen McMillan (WR, Washington)
93. Baltimore Ravens: Adisa Isaac (EDGE, Penn State)
94. Philadelphia Eagles (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian)
95. Buffalo Bills (from Chiefs): DeWayne Carter (DT, Duke)
96. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Jarrian Jones (CB, Florida State)
97. Cincinnati Bengals*: McKinnley Jackson (DT, Texas A&M)
98. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Eagles)*: Payton Wilson (LB, NC State)
99. Los Angeles Rams*: Kamren Kinchens (S, Miami)
100. Washington Commanders*: Luke McCaffrey (WR, Rice)

Round 4

101. Carolina Panthers: Ja’Tavion Sanders (TE, Texas)
102. Denver Broncos (from Commanders through Seahawks): Troy Franklin (WR, Oregon)
103. New England Patriots: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M)
104. Arizona Cardinals: Dadrion Taylor-Demerson (S, Texas Tech)
105. Los Angeles Chargers: Justin Eboigbe (DL, Alabama)
106. Tennessee Titans: Cedric Gray (LB, North Carolina)
107. New York Giants: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State)
108. Minnesota Vikings: Khyree Jackson (CB, Oregon)
109. Atlanta Falcons: Brandon Dorlus (DT, Oregon)
110. New England Patriots (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, Central Florida)
111. Green Bay Packers (from Jets): Evan Williams (S, Oregon)
112. Las Vegas Raiders: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State)
113. Baltimore Ravens (from Broncos through Jets): Devontez Walker (WR, North Carolina)
114. Jacksonville Jaguars: Javon Foster (T, Missouri)
115. Cincinnati Bengals: Erick All (TE, Iowa)
116. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Saints): Jordan Jefferson (DT, LSU)
117. Indianapolis Colts: Tanor Bortolini (C, Wisconsin)
118. Seattle Seahawks: Tyrice Knight (LB, UTEP)
119. Pittsburgh Steelers: Mason McCormick (G, South Dakota State)
120. Miami Dolphins (from Rams through Steelers and Eagles): Jaylen Wright (RB, Tennessee)
121. Seattle Seahawks (from Dolphins through Broncos): AJ Barner (TE, Michigan)
122. Chicago Bears (from Eagles): Tory Taylor (P, Iowa)
123. Houston Texans (from Browns through Texans and Eagles): Cade Stover (TE, Ohio State)
124. San Francisco 49ers (from Cowboys): Malik Mustapha (S, Wake Forest)
125. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Bucky Irving (RB, Oregon)
126. Detroit Lions (from Packers through Jets): Giovanni Manu (T, British Columbia)
127. Philadelphia Eagles (from Texans): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson)
128. Buffalo Bills: Ray Davis (RB, Kentucky)
129. San Francisco 49ers (from Lions through Vikings and Jets): Isaac Guerendo (RB, Louisville)
130. Baltimore Ravens: T.J. Tampa (CB, Iowa State)
131. Kansas City Chiefs: Jared Wiley (TE, TCU)
132. Detroit Lions (from 49ers through Eagles)*: Sione Vaki RB/S, Utah)
133. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills)*: Jaden Hicks (S, Washington State)
134. New York Jets*: Braelon Allen (RB, Wisconsin)
135. San Francisco 49ers*: Jacob Cowing (WR, Arizona)

Round 5

136. Seattle Seahawks (from Panthers through Browns and Broncos): Nehemiah Pritchett (CB, Auburn)
137. Los Angeles Chargers (through Patriots): Tarheeb Still (CB, Maryland)
138. Arizona Cardinals: Xavier Thomas (EDGE, Clemson)
139. Washington Commanders: Jordan Magee (LB, Temple)
140. Los Angeles Chargers: Cam Hart (CB, Notre Dame)
141. Buffalo Bills (from Giants through Panthers): Sedrick Van Pran-Granger (C, Georgia)
142. Indianapolis Colts (from Titans through Panthers): Anthony Gould (WR, Oregon State)
143. Atlanta Falcons: JD Bertrand (LB, Notre Dame)
144. Chicago Bears (reacquired from Bills): Austin Booker (EDGE, Kansas State)
145. Denver Broncos (from Jets): Kris Abrams-Draine (CB, Missouri)
146. Tennessee Titans (from Vikings through Eagles): Jarvis Brownlee Jr. (CB, Louisville)
147. Denver Broncos: Audric Estime (RB, Notre Dame)
148. Las Vegas Raiders: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State)
149. Cincinnati Bengals: Josh Newton (CB, TCU)
150. New Orleans Saints: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina)
151. Indianapolis Colts: Jaylon Carlies (S, Missouri)
152. Washington Commanders (from Seahawks): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M)
153. Jacksonville Jaguars: Deantre Prince (CB, Ole Miss)
154. Los Angeles Rams: Brennan Jackson (WR, Washington State)
155. Philadelphia Eagles (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson)
156. Cleveland Browns (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville)
157. Carolina Panthers (from Browns through Vikings and Jets): Chau Smith-Wade (CB, Washington State)
158. Miami Dolphins: Mohamed Kamara (EDGE, Colorado State)
159. Kansas City Chiefs (from Cowboys): Hunter Nourzad (C, Penn State)
160. Buffalo Bills (from Packers): Edefuan Ulofoshio (LB, Washington)
161. Washington Commanders (from Buccaneers through Eagles): Dominique Hampton (S, Washington)
162. Arizona Cardinals (from Texans): Christian Jones (T, Texas)
163. Green Bay Packers (from Bills) Jacob Monk (C, Duke)
164. Indianapolis Colts (from Lions through Eagles): Jaylin Simpson (S, Auburn)
165. Baltimore Ravens: Rasheen Ali (RB, Marshall)
166. New York Giants (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue)
167. Jacksonville Jaguars (from Chiefs through Vikings): Keilan Robinson (RB, Texas)
168. Buffalo Bills (from Saints through Packers)*: Javon Solomon (EDGE, Troy)
169. Green Bay Packers*: Kitan Oladapo (S, Oregon State)
170. New Orleans Saints*: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh)
171. New York Jets (from Eagles)*: Jordan Travis (QB, Florida State)
172. Philadelphia Eagles*: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan)
173. New York Jets (from Chiefs through 49ers)*: Isaiah Davis (RB, South Dakota State)
174. Dallas Cowboys*: Caelen Carson (CB, Wake Forest)
175. New Orleans Saints*: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas)
176. New York Jets (from 49ers)*: Qwan’Tez Stiggers (CB, Toronto Argonauts)

Round 6

177. Minnesota Vikings (from Panthers through Jaguars): Walter Rouse (T, Oklahoma)
178. Pittsburgh Steelers (from Cardinals through Panthers): Logan Lee (DT, Iowa)
179. Seattle Seahawks (from Commanders): Sataoa Laumea (G, Utah)
180. New England Patriots: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina)
181. Los Angeles Chargers: Kimani Vidal (RB, Troy)
182. Tennessee Titans (reacquired from Eagles): Jha’Quan Jackson (WR, Tulane)
183. New York Giants: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA)
184. Miami Dolphins (from Bears): Malik Washington (WR, Virginia)
185. Philadelphia Eagles (from Jets): Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State)
186. Atlanta Falcons (from Vikings through Cardinals): Jase McClellan (RB, Alabama)
187. Atlanta Falcons: Casey Washington (WR, Illinois)
188. Houston Texans (from Raiders through Patriots and Vikings): Jamal Hill (LB, Oregon)
189. Detroit Lions (from Broncos through Rams, Bills and Texans): Mekhi Wingo (DT, LSU)
190. Philadelphia Eagles (from Saints through Packers and Jets): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State)
191. Arizona Cardinals (from Colts): Tejhaun Palmer (WR, UAB)
192. Seattle Seahawks: DJ James (CB, Auburn)
193. New England Patriots (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee)
194. Cincinnati Bengals: Tanner McLachlan (TE, Arizona)
195. Pittsburgh Steelers: Ryan Watts (CB, Texas)
196. Los Angeles Rams: Tyler Davis (DT, Clemson)
197. Atlanta Falcons (from Browns): Zion Logue (DT, Georgia)
198. Miami Dolphins: Patrick McMorris (S, Cal)
199. New Orleans Saints (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa)
200. Carolina Panthers (from Cowboys through Texans and Bills): Jaden Crumedy (DT, Mississippi State)
201. Indianapolis Colts (from Buccaneers through Lions and Eagles): Micah Abraham (CB, Marshall)
202. Green Bay Packers: Travis Glover (T, Georgia State)
203. Minnesota Vikings (from Texans through Browns, Broncos and Jets): Will Reichard (K, Alabama)
204. Buffalo Bills: Tylan Grable (T, Central Florida)
205. Houston Texans (from Lions): Jawhar Jordan (RB, Louisville)
206. Cleveland Browns (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State)
207. Seattle Seahawks (from 49ers and Broncos): Michael Jerrell (T, Findlay)
208. Las Vegas Raiders (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire)
209. Los Angeles Rams*: Joshua Karty (K, Stanford)
210. Detroit Lions (from Eagles)*: Christian Mahogany (G, Boston College)
211. Kansas City Chiefs (from 49ers)*: Kamal Hadden (CB, Tennessee)
212. Jacksonville Jaguars*: Cam Little (K, Arkansas)
213. Los Angeles Rams*: Jordan Whittington (WR, Texas)
214. Cincinnati Bengals*: Cedric Johnson (DE, Ole Miss)
215. San Francisco 49ers*: Jarrett Kingston (G, USC)
216. Dallas Cowboys*: Ryan Flournoy (WR, Southeast Missouri State)
217. Los Angeles Rams*: Beaux Limmer (C, Arkansas)
218. Baltimore Ravens* Devin Leary (QB, Kentucky)
219. Buffalo Bills (from Packers)*: Daequan Hardy (CB, Penn State)
220. Tampa Bay Buccaneers*: Elijah Klein (G, UTEP)

Round 7

221. Buffalo Bills (from Panthers through Titans and Chiefs): Travis Clayton (T, England)
222. Washington Commanders: Javontae Jean-Baptiste (EDGE, Notre Dame)
223. Las Vegas Raiders (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force)
224. Cincinnati Bengals (from Cardinals through Texans): Daijahn Anthony (DB, Mississippi State)
225. Los Angeles Chargers: Brenden Rice (WR, USC)
226. Arizona Cardinals (from Giants): Jaden Davis (CB, Miami)
227. Cleveland Browns (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota)
228. Baltimore Ravens (from Jets): Nick Samac (C, Michigan State)
229. Las Vegas Raiders (from Vikings): MJ Devonshire (CB, Pitt)
230. Minnesota Vikings (from Falcons through Browns and Cardinals): Michael Jurgens (C, Wake Forest)
231. New England Patriots (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State)
232. Minnesota Vikings (from Broncos through 49ers and Texans): Levi Drake Rodriguez (DT, Texas A&M Commerce)
233. Dallas Cowboys (from Raiders): Nathan Thomas (T, Louisiana-Lafayette)
234. Indianapolis Colts: Jonah Laulu (DT, Oklahoma)
235. Denver Broncos (from Seahawks): Devaughn Vele (WR, Utah)
236. Jacksonville Jaguars: Myles Cole (DE, Texas Tech)
237. Cincinnati Bengals: Matt Lee (C, Miami)
238. Houston Texans (from Saints): Solomon Byrd (EDGE, USC)
239. New Orleans Saints (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky)
240. Carolina Panthers (from Steelers): Michael Barrett (LB, Michigan)
241. Miami Dolphins: Tahj Washington (WR, USC)
242. Tennessee Titans (from Eagles): James Williams (S, Miami)
243. Cleveland Browns: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati)
244. Dallas Cowboys: Justin Rogers (DT, Auburn)
245. Green Bay Packers: Michael Pratt (QB, Tulane)
246. Tampa Bay Buccaneers: Devin Culp (TE, Washington)
247. Houston Texans: Marcus Harris (DT, Auburn)
248. Kansas City Chiefs (from Bills): C.J. Hanson (G, Holy Cross)
249. Houston Texans (from Lions): LaDarius Henderson (G, Michigan)
250. Baltimore Ravens: Sanoussi Kane (S, Purdue)
251. San Francisco 49ers: Tatum Bethune (LB, Florida State)
252. Tennessee Titans (from Chiefs): Jaylen Harrell (EDGE, Michigan)
253. Los Angeles Chargers*: Cornelius Johnson (WR, Michigan)
254. Los Angeles Rams*: KT Leveston (G, Kansas State)
255. Green Bay Packers*: Kalen King (CB, Penn State)
256. Denver Broncos (from New York Jets*: Nick Gargiulo (C, South Carolina)
257. New York Jets*: Jaylen Key (DB, Alabama)

* = compensatory selection

Bengals HC Zac Taylor Addresses Trey Hendrickson’s Trade Request

April 27th, 2024 at 10:26pm CST by Adam La Rose

On the eve of the draft, it was learned Bengals edge rusher Trey Hendrickson has requested a trade. At the heart of the issue is not a desire to find a new team but rather one for an adjustment to his contract, a pact which has two years years remaining.

Neither of Hendrickson’s bases salaries in 2024 and ’25 are guaranteed, and the three-time Pro Bowler is seeking a firm up front commitment from Cincinnati. Recent contract talks did not produce a new agreement (unlike last offseason), however, and team and player know where each other stand in this case. Following the draft, head coach Zac Taylor spoke about the matter.

“You let Trey voice his concerns. I’m listening. I’ve got an open ear to him,” Taylor said (via Paul Dehner Jr. of The Athletic). “I love Trey. I’ve told Trey that. We want Trey to play here next year for us. He’s gonna play here next year for us. He’s gonna have success, and we’re gonna have success and I’m excited for that.”

Indeed, Cincinnati has made it clear to Hendrickson the team will not seek out a trade partner. The 29-year-old thus faces the possibility of a training camp holdout or playing out the 2024 season as his contract is currently constructed. A short-term solution came about with a $5MM raise in 2023, and it will be interesting to see if a similar approach is used depending on how this situation develops over the coming weeks.

Regardless of Hendrickson’s stance, the Bengals’ lack of sack production led many to name edge rush as a position of need during the draft. Cincinnati filled a number of holes – including at right tackle and defensive line – but the team’s only investment at the defensive end spot was sixth-rounder Cedric Johnson. He will be counted on as a rotational option during his rookie year with Sam Hubbard and Hendrickson in place as starters. Based on Taylor’s stance, the latter can still be expected to be in the 2024 lineup.

Bengals Draft T Amarius Mims At No. 18

April 25th, 2024 at 9:16pm CST by Ben Levine

A run on defensive players has come to an end. The Bengals have become the latest team to select an offensive lineman, drafting Georgia tackle Amarius Mims.

The Bengals bid farewell to four-year starter (and 2023 right tackle) Jonah Williams this offseason, and while they used free agency to bring in a stopgap, Mims profiles as a long-term solution opposite left tackle Orlando Brown Jr. Mims’ frame only adds to the Bengals’ historic dimensions at this position. While Orlando Brown goes 6-foot-8, 345 pounds, presumptive bridge RT option Trent Brown is listed at 6-8, 370. Mims checks in at 6-7, 340.

Mims served as a backup to begin his collegiate career, but he was inserted into the lineup late in the 2022 campaign, starting in a College Football Playoff game and the team’s second straight national championship game victory. He finally had a chance to start full time in 2023, but after three starts, Mims suffered a high ankle sprain and was forced to undergo tightrope surgery. It would take nine weeks for Mims to finally get back on the field. Following his return, Mims end up exiting his team’s loss in the SEC championship game.

Considering Mims’ lack of starting experience and eventual injury concerns, he profiled as one of the bigger question marks heading into tonight’s draft. There aren’t many examples of offensive tackles with so little starting experience being drafted so highly, but that obviously wasn’t enough to stop a team like the Bengals from gambling on his upside.

Mims certainly has the physical attributes to succeed in the NFL. The Bengals did bring in Trent Brown this offseason to line up on the opposite side of the line from 2023 LT signee Orlando Brown, so the Bengals may not need to lean on their first-round rookie right away. However, considering the frequency of NFL injuries, it shouldn’t be long before Mims gets his number called.

2025 NFL Fifth-Year Option Tracker

April 24th, 2024 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

NFL teams have until May 2 to officially pick up fifth-year options on 2021 first-rounders. The 2020 CBA revamped the option structure and made them fully guaranteed, rather than guaranteed for injury only. Meanwhile, fifth-year option salaries are now determined by a blend of the player’s position, initial draft placement and performance- and usage-based benchmarks:

Two-time Pro Bowlers (excluding alternates) will earn the same as their position’s franchise tag
One-time Pro Bowlers will earn the equivalent of the transition tag
Players who achieve any of the following will receive the average of the third-20th-highest salaries at their position:
- At least a 75% snap rate in two of their first three seasons
- A 75% snap average across all three seasons
- At least 50% in each of first three seasons
Players who do not hit any of those benchmarks will receive the average of the third-25th top salaries at their position

With the deadline looming, we will use the space below to track all the option decisions from around the league:

QB Trevor Lawrence, Jaguars ($25.66MM): Exercised
QB Zach Wilson, Broncos* ($22.41MM): To be declined
QB Trey Lance, Cowboys** ($22.41MM)
TE Kyle Pitts, Falcons ($10.88MM): Exercised
WR Ja’Marr Chase, Bengals ($21.82MM): Exercised
WR Jaylen Waddle, Dolphins ($15.59MM): Exercised
T Penei Sewell, Lions ($19MM): Extended through 2029
CB Jaycee Horn, Panthers ($12.47MM): Exercised
CB Patrick Surtain, Broncos ($19.82MM): Exercised
WR DeVonta Smith, Eagles ($15.59MM): Extended through 2028
QB Justin Fields, Steelers*** ($25.66MM): To be declined
DE Micah Parsons, Cowboys ($21.32MM): Exercised
T Rashawn Slater, Chargers ($19MM): Exercised
OL Alijah Vera-Tucker, Jets ($13.31MM): Exercised
QB Mac Jones, Jaguars**** ($25.66MM): Declined
LB Zaven Collins, Cardinals ($13.25MM): To be declined
T Alex Leatherwood, Raiders: N/A
LB Jaelan Phillips, Dolphins ($13.3MM): Exercised
LB Jamin Davis, Commanders ($14.48MM): Declined
WR Kadarius Toney, Chiefs***** ($14.35MM)
DE Kwity Paye, Colts ($13.4MM)
CB Caleb Farley, Titans ($12.47MM)
T Christian Darrisaw, Vikings ($16MM): Exercised
RB Najee Harris, Steelers ($6.79MM): Expected to be exercised
RB Travis Etienne, Jaguars ($6.14MM): Exercised
CB Greg Newsome, Browns ($13.38MM): To be exercised
WR Rashod Bateman, Ravens ($14.35MM): N/A; extended through 2026
DE Payton Turner, Saints ($13.39MM)
CB Eric Stokes, Packers ($12.47MM)
DE Greg Rousseau, Bills ($13.39MM): Exercised
LB Odafe Oweh, Ravens ($13.25MM): Exercised
LB Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, Buccaneers ($13.25MM): To be declined

* = Jets traded Wilson on April 22, 2024
** = 49ers traded Lance on August 25, 2023
*** = Bears traded Fields on March 16, 2024
**** = Patriots traded Jones on March 10, 2024
***** = Giants traded Toney on October 27, 2022

Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Requests Trade

April 24th, 2024 at 8:19pm CST by Adam La Rose

8:19pm: Hendrickson and the Bengals discussed a new extension in March, but those talks resulted in the team deciding against any adjustments, Dehner and Jeff Howe report (subscription required). Cincinnati has also conveyed to Hendrickson that no trade considerations will be made at this time.

Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer adds the former Saint still desires to continue his Bengals career on a deal providing him more security. Notably, however, she also reports Hendrickson is “not ruling out retirement” in the event no agreement can be worked out. Further developments on either front in this situation will be worth watching closely.

4:39pm: In the absence of a new deal, Bengals wideout Tee Higgins is known to be seeking a trade sending him elsewhere. The same is now true of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson.

The latter is aiming to be dealt, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Hendrickson has two years remaining on his contract, but Schefter notes the Bengals have not been willing to meet his asking price on a new deal. Cincinnati will now have an interesting decision to make in this case on the eve of the draft. To no surprise, though, Paul Dehner of The Athletic adds the team has no intention of working out a trade.

Hendrickson joined the Bengals on a four-year, $60MM deal in 2021. He has proven to be a highly impactful member of the team’s front seven since then, earning a Pro Bowl nod in each of the past three years. Despite this past season not representing a walk year, team and player agreed to a one-year extension in July. That pact set Hendrickson up with a $5MM raise for the 2023 campaign and base salaries of $14.8MM and $15.8MM over the next two years.

Neither of those figures are guaranteed, though, and this news come as Hendrickson eyes another round of adjustments to his deal regarding up-front compensation. As Schefter’s colleague Jeremy Fowler notes, the 29-year-old has missed Bengals offseason workouts in each of the past two seasons amidst unrest regarding his deal. Hendrickson has posted 39.5 sacks in his tenure with Cincinnati, including a career-high 17.5 last season. The latter figure placed him a tie for second in the league.

In spite of Hendrickson’s success, the Bengals ranked just 17th in the league in sack production (the team’s second-leading rusher, Sam Hubbard, totaled six sacks). While that showcases the former third-rounder’s importance to Cincinnati, it could explain the team’s hesitancy in making a second long-term investment in him. In any case, the Bengals will be a team to watch closely as the rest of the offseason unfolds.

Despite the trade request, Higgins expects to play out the 2024 season in Cincinnati on the franchise tag. Provided the Bengals follow through on retaining Hendrickson, he too will be a key figure in the team’s efforts to return to the postseason this campaign. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if a notable draft addition is made along the edge this weekend with Hendrickson’s financial status still representing a potential issue.

Bengals Exercise Ja’Marr Chase’s Fifth-Year Option

April 24th, 2024 at 11:35am CST by Sam Robinson

A day after the Broncos officially extended Patrick Surtain‘s contract through 2025, the Bengals are making a similarly easy decision. They picked up Ja’Marr Chase‘s fifth-year option.

Chase became an instant-impact player for the Bengals, representing a central piece in the team’s rise during Joe Burrow‘s early years. This transaction gives the Bengals two more years of control with Chase, who will be tied to a $21.82MM guarantee in 2025.

The former No. 5 overall pick’s 2025 guarantee checks in on the top option tier, joining Surtain and Micah Parsons (whenever the Cowboys officially exercise his option) as 2021 draftees eligible for the highest option price at their respective positions. Chase being a three-time Pro Bowler made him eligible for that WR option number, which matches Tee Higgins‘ current franchise tag price.

Chase, 24, is 3-for-3 in 1,000-yard seasons, getting there in 2022 despite missing five games. Burrow lobbied for his former LSU teammate ahead of the 2021 draft, when a Chase-or-Penei Sewell debate played out. The latter has become a standout for the Lions, even beating Chase to first-team All-Pro acclaim. But Chase follows a long line of standout Bengals wideouts, potentially presenting a higher ceiling than all of them. This option decision will almost definitely precede an eventual extension — likely a record-setting agreement.

The Bengals tagged Higgins in March, but as seven of the nine teams to roll out tags have already agreed to extensions, Cincy has not. No rumors of a Higgins extension have emerged. That is likely because the Bengals have a Chase deal budgeted. In the fifth-year option era, teams have traditionally made first-round wide receivers wait until Year 5 before extensions surface. The Eagles did break that trend for DeVonta Smith, becoming the first team in the option era (2014-present) to extend a first-round WR with two years of rookie-contract control remaining. It would be interesting to see the Bengals go here for Chase, but Higgins’ situation may interfere with that concept.

Picking up Chase’s option would allow the Bengals to squeeze in one more year of he and Higgins. Chase is tied to only a $1.1MM base salary ($9.8MM cap number) in 2024. The fourth-year WR’s cap hit matches up well with Higgins’ $21.82MM tag tender, and Burrow’s cap numbers do not skyrocket until 2025. The Pro Bowl quarterback is tied to a $29.7MM cap hit in 2024; that spikes beyond $46MM next year.

After Burrow’s season-ending injury eventually sank the Bengals last year, this profiles as a pivotal campaign for a team that strung together AFC championship game appearances (and a Super Bowl LVI berth) in the QB’s previous two healthy seasons. Chase played a vital part in that success, and the Bengals are preparing to see if perhaps the final Chase-Higgins season will lead to an elusive championship.

Broncos, Raiders, Vikings Contact Chargers About No. 5; Bolts Eager To Move Down?

April 24th, 2024 at 10:35am CST by Sam Robinson

The Chargers have engaged in discussions about trading down from No. 5 overall, and that may well be the new Bolts regime’s goal. Other teams believe the Chargers are eager to move down in Round 1, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes.

As far as who would trade up, two AFC West clubs are checking in on what would be a high-profile intra-division transaction. The Broncos and Raiders have called to see about moving up to 5, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini, who adds the Vikings have also discussed trade terms with the Bolts (subscription required). Both Fowler and Russini point to the Chargers’ O-line interest in this draft, adding to an offseason full of buzz about this direction for Jim Harbaugh‘s team.

While the Bolts are clearly open for business at 5, Russini adds the team is setting a high price. The Vikings, Broncos and Raiders sit at Nos. 11-13; each team could need to part with a future first-rounder to make the climb up (presumably for a quarterback). Minnesota acquired a second first-round pick (No. 23) last month, but some around the league believe the NFC North team is trying to avoid parting with both selections to move up, Fowler adds. It would be rather surprising to see the Vikings secure a trade into the top five without needing to include No. 23, especially with that Texans trade costing the Vikes their 2024 second-rounder.

It would be interesting if the Chargers would be willing to deal with the Broncos or Raiders, given the divisional ties, but a weekend report indicated Harbaugh and GM Joe Hortiz would be open to doing so. Recent draft moves in the NFC North have revealed more flexibility regarding intra-division deals in the early rounds, but the Bolts handing the Broncos or Raiders a potential long-term quarterback solution would mark interesting territory in draft annals. With two of the QB-needy teams in this draft residing in the AFC West, however, the Chargers may not have a choice.

Of course, the Cardinals figure to determine how popular the Bolts’ No. 5 pick will be. Arizona has engaged in trade discussions as well, hearing from four teams (it does not seem to difficult to guess that quartet, with the Giants also exploring a move up the board for a QB) and receiving at least two offers thus far. The Cards trading out of No. 4 and giving a team QB access would stand to give the Bolts their pick of the best non-passers in this draft.

Despite having moved on from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams, the Chargers have been connected to Notre Dame tackle Joe Alt. But they also are being tied to Alabama tackle JC Latham. Bolts-Latham connections, per SI.com’s Albert Breer, would seemingly come into play if the team traded down. Latham operated as the Crimson Tide’s starting right tackle for the past two seasons, and the accomplished blocker could fill that post for the Bolts, who do not need a left tackle due to Rashawn Slater‘s presence.

Both the Titans (No. 7) and Bengals (No. 18) have shown interest in Latham as well, according to Breer and ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano, who indicates teams view the prospect as a player who could play multiple positions along the O-line. Latham sits 18th on Daniel Jeremiah’s NFL.com big board.

Cincinnati likes Latham “a lot” and needs a right tackle, with Trent Brown in place as a potential one-year stopgap. The Titans have a bigger need on the left side, having moved on from Andre Dillard after one season. If Alt is there for Tennessee at 7, however, enough connections to this point suggest that is the All-American LT’s floor. If Alt is gone by 7, the Titans may well consider trading down, per CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones. Latham (or one of this class’ many other quality tackle prospects) would come into play for the LT-needy club in that scenario.

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