Eagles’ Vic Fangio Planning To Coach At Least Two More Seasons

Vic Fangio‘s coaching career spans nearly five decades. He began coaching at the pro level in the USFL and started his NFL tenure with the 1986 Saints, overseeing New Orleans’ famous Dome Patrol linebacking corps as a position coach. He has since been a defensive coordinator with seven teams.

A head coaching stint in Denver transpired during a three-year stretch between Fangio’s long-running DC career, and he did not hold an official position in 2022 after being fired by the Broncos. But Fangio resurfacing with the Eagles in a consulting role brought a resurgence. After the Dolphins gave him more than $4.5MM to be their DC in 2023, the sides separated to lead Fangio back to his native Pennsylvania. Philadelphia then stormed to a Super Bowl LIX rout before returning to the playoffs in Fangio’s second season as Eagles DC.

[RELATED: Eagles Shift Cooper DeJean’s Role In Base Defense]

Fangio, 67, was linked to a potential retirement this offseason. He agreed to return for a third season as Philly’s DC, and a fourth should be considered likely. Fangio said (via The Athletic’s Zach Berman) he intends to coach “at least” two more years. The seasoned coordinator said he was not close to retiring this offseason.

Having 22 seasons in a DC role and three as a head coach, Fangio is one of the most experienced defensive leaders in NFL history. Winning a Super Bowl with the Eagles and helping the 2012 49ers to Super Bowl XLVII has Fangio among the greatest defensive coordinators in NFL annals. He oversaw Hall of Famers Rickey Jackson and Sam Mills during his lengthy Saints stay and elevated the Bears’ defense into a top-ranked unit by 2018, providing a springboard for the Denver hire. Due largely to the Broncos’ issues finding a quarterback, Fangio did not experience much success as a head coach and has conducted one interview (with the Jaguars in 2022) for a head coaching role since.

Fangio’s Eagles consulting season made him a coveted DC candidate, however, and his first year back in Philly keyed an Eagles smothering of the Chiefs’ threepeat bid in Super Bowl LIX. Nick Sirianni does not call plays, highlighting his coordinators’ importance. Even as the Eagles struggled on Sirianni’s side of the ball last year, as OC Kevin Patullo appeared overmatched, Fangio’s defense ranked fifth in points allowed. That marked an eighth season in which a Fangio-led defense produced a top-five finish.

The Eagles’ effort to re-sign Jaelan Phillips failed, but the team traded two third-round picks for Jonathan Greenard during the draft. The team extended Jordan Davis and has Jalen Carter signed through 2027 via the fifth-year option. Fangio will have two All-Pro cornerbacks — DeJean, Quinyon Mitchell — to go with Seahawks import Riq Woolen at his disposal in coverage. It would be surprising if the veteran staffer did not have the Eagles near the top of the rankings in defense this season, and an Eagles team that has been unable to find OC continuity does not need to worry about losing its defensive boss in the near future.

Chiefs Did Not Show Interest In A.J. Brown Earlier This Offseason

The Chiefs‘ issues at wide receiver have impacted their offensive production during the mid-2020s. After Patrick Mahomes‘ 2022 MVP season, Kansas City’s offense has ranked 15th, 15th and 21st in scoring over the past three campaigns. An upper-crust defense helped cover for the team’s offensive issues en route to Super Bowls LVIII and LIX, but Kansas City’s recent attacks have not approached the stratospheric heights of the early Mahomes period.

Since the Tyreek Hill trade, the Chiefs have missed in the draft (Skyy Moore), in free agency (Marquise Brown) and via trade (Kadarius Toney) at wide receiver. The team’s DeAndre Hopkins trade brought regular-season success but next to nothing in the 2024 playoffs. Xavier Worthy has also been more of an auxiliary weapon than a higher-end option. The Chiefs will be counting on Worthy this year, as they have been unable to depend on their top post-Hill receiver — Rashee Rice — since a productive rookie season.

Rice has missed extensive time due to injuries and a suspension. His most recent stumble involved trouble on both fronts, with a recent probation violation leading to the strange situation where the fourth-year wide receiver is now recovering from knee surgery in a Dallas prison. The latest Rice issue has moved an extension off the radar for the time being, and given the oddity this surgery rehab now brings, the Chiefs’ top wideout may need more recovery time. After the team did not draft a receiver until Round 5 (Cyrus Allen), rumblings about pursuing veteran help have emerged.

The Chiefs are being connected to the Stefon Diggs market, and Hill — presuming he recovers from a severe knee injury sustained last September — would represent a logical fit. Each would require only money to land, whereas A.J. Brown would involve trade compensation.

Prying Brown from the Eagles is likely to require a first-round pick, perhaps in 2028, and the Patriots — perhaps with some outside threats — are viewed as the favorites to land the former Titans draftee. Brown, however, put the Chiefs on his destination list earlier this offseason. As it stands, the Chiefs may not have similar interest.

Kansas City rejected a Philadelphia overture on Brown earlier this year, according to Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer, who notes the Chiefs “said no” to the Eagles on a potential trade opportunity. Brown included the Chiefs, Patriots, Bills and Chargers as desirable destinations. The lead Philly pass catcher does not have a no-trade clause, giving the team full control over his next destination (assuming the Eagles follow through with the long-rumored trade).

Brown is tied to a $32MM-per-year contract that features a full 2026 compensation guarantee and a $4MM guarantee in 2027. Brown being a six-time 1,000-yard receiver makes those figures reasonable (even considering his spree of role-related gripes), as the receiver market is now past $42MM AAV via Jaxon Smith-Njigba‘s March extension. It is possible the Chiefs reconsider on Brown due to the latest Rice setback, but Breer doubts that will happen. The team has not been big spenders at receiver since trading Hill.

The Chiefs have never authorized a receiver contract north of $18MM per year (Hill’s 2019 contract). Though Kansas City was negotiating an extension with Hill in 2022, the Raiders’ Davante Adams extension (five years, $140MM) changed the equation. The Chiefs opted to cash out on Hill rather than authorize a near-top-market re-up. The team has kept costs low at receiver since, with Hollywood Brown’s two $7MM deals the top contractual commitment for the team post-Hill.

Diggs joined the Patriots on a three-year, $63.5MM accord last March, but only $16.6MM of that pact came guaranteed at signing. That proved notable, as the Pats cut Diggs before a 2027 guarantee was set to vest. Diggs will turn 33 later this year, which will limit his earning power. The Chiefs also have other FA options in the event they add a player here, which was a rumored possibility before news of Rice’s probation violation surfaced. Hopkins, Deebo Samuel and Keenan Allen are also unattached.

With Rice on shaky ground regarding a long-term investment — as a franchise tag would be more logical even if he rebounds in 2026 — the Chiefs have Worthy, Tyquan Thornton, Allen and 2025 fourth-rounder Jalen Royals signed beyond this season (Royals, however, barely played as a rookie).

The team pursuing Brown ahead of his age-29 season would bring in a multiyear option, while one of the 30-somethings in free agency may well only cover a 2026 rental. But it would also be costly. The Chiefs have traded two first-rounders for veterans under GM Brett Veach — for Frank Clark (2019) and in the Orlando Brown Jr. package (2021) — but more recently have been on the receiving end of such trades (Hill, Trent McDuffie). Kansas City, which has Travis Kelce on a year-to-year arrangement at this point, will certainly need more help at the position through a longer-term lens soon.

Eagles To Shift Cooper DeJean To Safety; Latest On Marcus Epps’ Role

Cooper DeJean soared to first-team All-Pro acclaim last season, earning that honor for his standout work as a slot cornerback. That will still be DeJean’s primary position, but the Eagles are introducing a wrinkle for the third-year standout.

Philadelphia intends to play DeJean at safety in base sets, Vic Fangio said Thursday (via The Athletic’s Zach Berman). This will mark a change for the Iowa product, who primarily served as an outside cornerback in the Eagles’ base defense last season.

The Eagles navigated issues at the corner position alongside DeJean and Quinyon Mitchell last season, but they made a move to address that spot in free agency. Riq Woolen joined the team on a one-year, $12MM deal. Woolen is now in line to play opposite Mitchell as a boundary corner in base sets, with the Eagles prepared to roll out a Mitchell-Woolen-DeJean trio in nickel packages.

While DeJean and Andrew Mukuba will start at safety when Fangio’s group plays in base — which assuredly will be less than the Eagles use sub-packages — the veteran DC said a competition will commence to determine who will play alongside Mukuba at safety in nickel looks. Marcus Epps, whose second Eagles stint will continue thanks to a one-year contract signed in March, may be the favorite for that role. Fangio said Epps will receive a strong look for the role.

The Eagles turned to Epps as a regular in their Super Bowl LVII season but did not re-sign either of their safety starters from that NFC champion squad. Epps and C.J. Gardner-Johnson relocated in 2023, with Epps joining the Raiders on a two-year, $12MM deal. After a season-ending injury in 2024, Epps signed with the Patriots last year. New England released him, upon request from the DB, and he rejoined the Eagles on a practice squad agreement soon after. This came months after Philly ended Gardner-Johnson’s second stint early, trading him to the Texans.

Epps, 30, started four games for the Eagles last season and played 33% of Philly’s defensive snaps. The former Vikings sixth-round pick is tied to only a $1.55MM contract for 2026. A regular role would give him a chance to secure better terms — from either the Eagles or another team — by the start of the 2027 league year. The Eagles lost starter Reed Blankenship to the Texans in free agency and traded Sydney Brown to the Falcons days later. That opens a spot alongside Mukuba, a 2025 second-round pick.

DeJean’s slot skillset will clear a path for Epps, though the Eagles also have Michael Carter II and rookie seventh-rounder Cole Wisniewski rostered. Veteran corner Jonathan Jones resides as insurance at that position, but DeJean will not have a challenger for his slot role thanks to two impact seasons coming out of the 2024 second round. The Eagles experimented with DeJean at safety during the 2025 offseason, but he has only logged two career snaps in a deep safety role.

The Eagles became the first team since the 2016 Broncos (Chris Harris, Aqib Talib) to land two cornerbacks on the All-Pro first team. Pro Football Focus ranked DeJean eighth among corners last season, when he notched his first two regular-season interceptions. DeJean’s Super Bowl LIX pick-six helped turn that game into a rout, and the Eagles will surely have extension plans for both he and Mitchell. For now, DeJean — who saw some safety action with the Hawkeyes — will do some cross-training before assuming an interesting 2026 dual role.

Eagles’ Nolan Smith Arrested For Speeding, Reckless Driving

Eagles outside linebacker Nolan Smith was arrested this past Friday for speeding and reckless driving, as detailed by ESPN’s Tim McManus.

Notes from the Twiggs County Sheriff’s Office indicate Smith was traveling 135mph in a 70mph zone on the interstate prior to being stopped at 10:41pm. Smith posted bond shortly after being booked, per the sheriff’s office. A future court date has been set.

Smith entered the league in 2023 as an Eagles first-rounder. He represents one of several former Georgia defenders selected by Philadelphia in recent years. The Bulldogs have developed a reputation for off-field incidents given the number of driving charges in particular which have emerged over the years, although this is the first arrest in Smith’s case.

After operating as a backup during his rookie season, Smith took on a starting role in 2024. The 25-year-old posted 6.5 sacks in the regular season and added another four during the playoffs. Expectations were high after he played a key role in Philadelphia’s Super Bowl run, but Smith was limited to 12 games in 2025. He totaled three sacks in that span.

Eyeing an upgrade along the edge after Jaelan Phillips‘ free agent departure, the Eagles swung a trade for Jonathan Greenard. The former Vikings Pro Bowler will be counted on to handle starting duties, and at least a two-year run alongside Smith can be expected. Roughly one month ago, the Eagles elected to pick up Smith’s fifth-year option; he is under team control through the 2027 campaign as a result. Smith will collect $13.75MM that season.

The Eagles will begin spring practices on May 21 by starting OTAs. Those will be followed by mandatory minicamp June 9-10. Smith’s availability on that front will be tied to the timing of his upcoming court date.

Eagles’ A.J. Brown Talks With Rams Advanced Further Than Negotiations With Patriots

Less than two weeks remain until the A.J. Brown trade window truly opens, with June 2 looming as the point where the Eagles‘ financial burden would ease and create a manageable dead money blow for 2026. However, Philadelphia may not move on immediately after that pivotal date.

The Eagles could certainly hang onto their top wide receiver for weeks or months beyond June 2 in hopes a bidding war drives up the price. Philly has been insistent on receiving a first-round pick in a Brown swap. The most recent known talks with the Patriots — long viewed as Brown’s most likely destination — had not involved a Round 1 choice being proposed. Without other serious suitors, however, New England could keep its price where it is and wait for Philadelphia to relent.

[RELATED: Stefon Diggs Patriots Return Could Hinge On Brown Path]

If talks with the Pats continue down this path, the Eagles will surely reassess other teams’ interest. Revisiting Rams negotiations may be prudent for the seller here, and NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo notes the Eagles’ talks with the NFC West club advanced further than their Patriots negotiations the first time around.

The Rams entered into Davante Adams trade talks, in a scenario in which Brown would effectively replace the 33-year-old standout, but the accomplished pass catcher remains on Los Angeles’ roster. Uncertainty around Puka Nacua has emerged this offseason as well, with a rehab stint — after a woman alleged Nacua bit her twice, made an antisemitic remark and exhibited “rude or vulgar, threatening, violent, and harassing conduct” taking place this year. The first-team All-Pro came up as an extension candidate, as this is his contract year, but that noise has quieted. It is worth wondering if the Rams will table that goal for now.

With Adams set to turn 34 before this season ends and both he and Nacua in contract years, the Rams could reengage on Brown, who is controlled through 2029. It would be interesting if the team showed an openness to acquiring Brown without offloading one of its top two wideouts.

The Rams have more than $20MM in effective cap space, with Ty Simpson‘s rookie deal not yet finalized. Brown is tied to a veteran-minimum salary (for cap purposes) but is due a guaranteed $27.45MM option bonus before the season. Brown, who already has a $4MM guarantee for 2027, is due option bonuses worth $19.41MM, $29.36MM and $28.32MM from 2027-29.

L.A. considered Makai Lemon and Kenyon Sadiq at No. 13 before deciding to draft Simpson, who had not been expected to go off the board that early. It would be interesting to see if Brown could represent a method of Matthew Stafford appeasement, as a Nacua-Adams-Brown trio would be on the short list for best in NFL history. Brown would also give the Rams, in theory, a pass catcher to build around beyond this season. It would be interesting to see if the Rams would swing the door open for a Nacua tag-and-trade move in 2027 if they pulled off a Brown acquisition, but some moving parts would come with such a transaction.

The Rams are certainly not shy about trading first-round picks. Les Snead has traded future firsts on five separate occasions over the past decade — with the Jared Goff trade-up preceding the Stafford, Brandin Cooks, Jalen Ramsey and Trent McDuffie swaps — and the team no longer needs to hold its 2027 or ’28 firsts for a quarterback move.

With Stafford going into an age-38 season, it would stand to reason the Rams are open for business with regards to moving a future first to strengthen their 2026 roster. A Stafford extension — which is widely expected — would also reduce the reigning MVP’s cap number ($48.27MM) and increase 2026 flexibility.

Roseman has set a firm asking price of a first-rounder, Garafolo adds. Even though the Eagles’ acquisitions of Lemon, Marquise Brown, Dontayvion Wicks make it quite likely Brown will be moved, the team could hold out in hopes better value arrives in a deal later in the summer. Trade parameters, though, could already be in place with the Patriots. A first-rounder — perhaps in 2028 — should be expected in a deal, ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler said during a 97.5 The Fan interview (h/t Yardbarker), but it is unlikely the Eagles land more than that here. The Eagles had previously hoped for first- and second-round picks for Brown, but Fowler does not expect such a haul to materialize.

Offers have come in for Brown, Bleacher Report’s James Palmer said during an Up & Adams appearance (h/t PhillyVoice.com), but no trade negotiations have taken place recently. That could set up a long ending to this saga, as the Eagles certainly do not have to move Brown in early June.

The Bills also inquired on Brown before acquiring D.J. Moore, while the Ravens — linked to Brown earlier this year — loom as a possible suitor as well. The Chiefs just saw more hurdles emerge for Rashee Rice, leaving Xavier Worthy as the team’s only safe bet to be a notable receiver on their 2027 roster.

Jaylen Waddle fetched first- and third-round picks from the Broncos, and the Eagles assuredly took notice regarding their effort to move Brown. Waddle did not post Brown-like numbers in Miami but was also not seen as a distraction, which Brown certainly has been in Philly.

New England should probably still be considered the favorite here. But the Eagles failing to see a first-rounder put on the table would create an interesting decision for Roseman, given his offseason investments at the position. This saga stretching past early June will be squarely in play in the event unsatisfactory offers continue to emerge.

Eagles Sign Round 2 TE Eli Stowers

The second tight end to come off the board in this year’s class, Eli Stowers joined an Eagles team that has used similar developmental strategies at the position

Philadelphia re-signed Dallas Goedert in March but looks to have an heir apparent in place. That prospect is now tied to a four-year contract, with the Eagles announcing Monday that Stowers put pen to paper. The No. 54 overall pick will be tied to an $8.89MM deal. Based on agreements for players selected around Stowers, most of this contract will be guaranteed.

With Browns safety Emmanuel McNeil-Warren receiving three fully guaranteed years as the No. 58 overall pick — to go with a partial Year 4 guarantee, per OverTheCap — Stowers will see three fully guaranteed years and a chunk of his 2029 salary locked in at signing. This year’s Nos. 55, 56 and 57 overall draftees have not been signed, but the Colts’ deal for No. 53 overall pick C.J. Allen includes a $639K guarantee on a $2.13MM 2029 base salary. Stowers assuredly secured a comparable guarantee in 2029. For now, he will get to work in a position group fronted by a long-running incumbent.

Under Howie Roseman, the Eagles identified Goedert in Round 2 (2018) while Zach Ertz was still rostered. Ertz and Goedert played together for three-plus seasons, before Ertz extension talks did not yield an agreement; Ertz was then traded to the Cardinals during the 2021 season. The Eagles extended Goedert soon after. The team drafted Ertz in the 2013 second round. Brent Celek remained on Philly’s roster until 2017, but Ertz usurped him as the team’s top tight end by 2014. With Goedert on a one-year deal and entering an age-31 season, it will be interesting to see how long Stowers’ developmental period lasts.

Viewed as a player who drew some first-round buzz, Stowers went through the draft with a knee concern that impacted some teams’ interest. As our Connor Byrne noted, Stowers tore his left PCL and meniscus in 2019 while working as a high school quarterback. The Vanderbilt product bounced back nicely from that injury, but it is interesting some teams still viewed it as an issue.

Stowers was a unanimous All-American and the John Mackey Award winner (given to the best college tight end) in 2025. Stowers weighed 239 pounds and clocked a 4.51-second 40-yard dash at the Combine. He profiles as a receiving tight end, whereas Goedert has been one of the league’s best all-around TEs for much of his career, and finished his final Commodores season with 62 catches for 769 yards. That came after a 49/638/5 line in 2024.

The Eagles will now begin their latest TE developmental program, after spending years without a Goedert successor option. Goedert is tied to a one-year, $7MM contract; that checks in lower than the pay-cut agreement the eight-year veteran signed in 2025 (one year, $10MM). Only one Eagles draftee — third-round tackle Markel Bellremains unsigned.

Multiple Teams Had Concerns Over Eagles 2nd-Rounder Eli Stowers’ Knee

The Eagles have counted on tight end Dallas Goedert as one of their top pass-catching options throughout his eight-year career. Goedert is sticking around Philadelphia for a ninth season in 2026, but the team may have drafted his successor in second-rounder Eli Stowers.

The Eagles liked Stowers enough to select him 54th overall, though there were a “few” clubs that had concerns over what is believed to be a “minor” knee issue, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN reports. The Panthers, who passed on Stowers at pick 49 despite an obvious need at tight end, may have been among those teams. They “weren’t totally comfortable” with taking Stowers, per Fowler, though he does not specify the reason.

As a star high school quarterback, Stowers tore his left PCL and meniscus in 2019. The injury required surgery. Stowers has bounced back nicely from it, but there is nonetheless some leeriness regarding how the 6-foot-4, 239-pounder will hold up in the NFL.

After spending his first two college seasons as a backup QB at Texas A&M, Stowers transferred to New Mexico State in 2023. In the wake of multiple shoulder injuries, he transitioned to tight end. Stowers caught 35 passes for 366 yards and a pair of touchdowns in what proved to be his only season at New Mexico State. He moved to Vanderbilt in 2024 and became one of the most prolific tight ends in the nation. Stowers followed up a 49-catch, 638-yard, five-touchdown 2024 with 62 receptions, 769 yards and four TDs last year. He earned first-team All-SEC honors in both of his seasons with the Commodores. More impressively, Stowers was a unanimous All-American and the John Mackey Award winner (given to the best college tight end) in 2025.

A couple of months after wrapping up his superb Vanderbilt tenure, Stowers continued boosting his stock at the Combine in February. If his knee is a problem, he did a good job hiding it. Stowers’ 45.5-inch vertical leap set a record for his position, and he topped tight ends in the broad jump. He also finished tied for second among TEs in the 40-yard dash (4.51 seconds) and the 10-yard split, trailing only Jets first-rounder Kenyon Sadiq in those events.

Aside from Stowers’ knee, there are legitimate questions about his blocking skills (or lack thereof). But if Stowers’ past knee injury does not affect him going forward, his high upside as a receiving tight end suggests he could turn into a weapon for Philadelphia. With A.J. Brown likely on his way out via trade before next season, the Eagles restocked the cupboard in the draft in adding Stowers and first-round receiver Makai Lemon.

Stefon Diggs Interested In Rejoining Pats; Reunion Could Hinge On A.J. Brown Trade

The Patriots released wide receiver Stefon Diggs in early March, but he may not have played his last down in their uniform. Still a free agent two months later, Diggs “would love” to re-sign with the Patriots, per Albert Breer of SI.com

While Breer is also of the belief the Patriots “love” Diggs, he notes a reunion could depend on whether they acquire wideout A.J. Brown from the Eagles. It is widely expected the two teams will swing a trade centering on Brown sometime after June 1, though they have not yet seen eye to eye on compensation.

The Eagles would spread $43.51MM in dead money over two years by moving Brown next month or later, whereas a pre-June 1 trade would force them to eat the entire amount this season. They would also lose over $20MM in cap space for 2026. That explains the delay in this months-long saga.

Brown is one of the greatest receivers in Eagles history, but their offseason moves have seemingly prepared them for life without the three-time Pro Bowler. General manager Howie Roseman moved up three spots in the first round of the draft to select former USC star receiver Makai Lemon 20th overall. Roseman also acquired Dontayvion Wicks from the Packers for two late-round picks and then immediately gave him a one-year, $12.5MM extension. The Lemon and Wicks pickups came after the Eagles signed Marquise Brown and Elijah Moore in free agency. Moore is not a lock to make the roster, but Lemon, Wicks, Brown and standout DeVonta Smith are in line for notable roles. The Eagles also have a strong pair of pass-catching tight ends in Dallas Goedert and second-round rookie Eli Stowers.

Smith would take over as the Eagles’ clear-cut No. 1 receiver in the event of a Brown trade. Meanwhile, unless they reel in Brown, the Patriots may go into the season without a bona fide top dog at the position. They brought in one of Wicks’ former teammates, Romeo Doubs, on a four-year, $68MM pact in free agency, though he was more of a No. 2/3 receiver in Green Bay than a primary target. The Patriots also have Kayshon Boutte, Mack Hollins, DeMario Douglas and Kyle Williams under contract at the position.

The Pats’ current group of receivers looks adequate, but Diggs handily outproduced all of them last season. Returning from the torn ACL he suffered while with the Texans in October 2024, the four-time Pro Bowler played a 17-game season and was far and away the team leader in catches (85), targets (102) and yards (1,013). He also hauled in four touchdowns from MVP-contending quarterback Drake Maye. Diggs’ post-injury resurgence was key for a club that stunningly jumped from 4-13 to 14-3 in a one-year span. The Patriots won the AFC East, ending the Bills’ five-year run atop the division, and wound up falling to the Seahawks in Super Bowl LX.

A month after their season ended, the Patriots parted with Diggs to save $18.5MM in spending room, though he still counts $9.7MM against their cap. Thanks in part to off-field legal troubles, there has been little to no reported interest in the 32-year-old since he became available.

Diggs entered free agency facing strangulation and assault charges stemming from an alleged incident with his former personal chef. Although a Boston jury acquitted Diggs on May 5, the NFL is continuing to review the matter. Diggs is arguably the best remaining receiver in a class that also includes the likes of Tyreek Hill, Deebo Samuel and Keenan Allen, but his market may not pick up until teams have an answer on whether the league will discipline him. It would also help Diggs’ cause to have clarity on Brown’s future.

Each NFL Franchise’s Richest RB Contract

Running back value has become a divisive topic in the modern NFL, and teams’ histories with these investments reveal a large gap in their respective approaches to RB contracts. Following our installments covering the highest-paid quarterback, wide receiver and off-ball linebacker in each team’s history, here are the most lucrative deals — ranked by guaranteed money — for running backs in each franchise’s history (the list excludes rookie contracts).

Unlike the QB and WR markets, some teams’ top RB deals occurred decades ago. This list covers contracts agreed to across four different decades.

Arizona Cardinals

Jeremiyah Love‘s rookie contract brings the highest guarantee ($53MM) in RB history, but for veteran accords, Conner’s second Arizona pact is the organizational standard

Atlanta Falcons

Baltimore Ravens

Buffalo Bills

LeSean McCoy‘s March 2015 extension included more guaranteed at signing ($18.25MM), but Cook’s brought a rolling guarantee structure that eclipsed that package in total

Carolina Panthers

Chicago Bears

  • Matt Forte; July 16, 2012: Four years, $30.4MM ($17.1MM guaranteed)

D’Andre Swift‘s 2024 agreement included more guaranteed at signing ($14MM), but Forte’s guarantee package remains the Chicago standard

Cincinnati Bengals

  • Corey Dillon; May 11, 2001: Five years, $26MM ($10.5MM guaranteed)

The Bengals more than doubled Dillon’s AAV number in 2020 for Joe Mixon (four years, $48MM) but only guaranteed $10MM of that pact

Cleveland Browns

Dallas Cowboys

Denver Broncos

Detroit Lions

  • Barry Sanders; July 21, 1997: Six years, $33.5MM ($11.5MM guaranteed)

David Montgomery‘s two Lions deals topped the Hall of Famer in AAV, but neither surpassed $11MM guaranteed; Jahmyr Gibbs is tied to the highest RB guarantee in franchise history ($17.85MM) but got there via a rookie deal 

Green Bay Packers

Josh Jacobs‘ 2024 pact edges Jones in AAV but fell short of his predecessor’s deal in guarantees

Houston Texans

  • Arian Foster; March 5, 2012: Five years, $43.5MM ($20.75MM guaranteed)

Indianapolis Colts

Jacksonville Jaguars

Leonard Fournette received a $27.15MM guarantee — still in the top 10 in RB history — but it came on a rookie contract

Kansas City Chiefs

Las Vegas Raiders

Raiders sweetened Jacobs’ franchise tag agreement; Ashton Jeanty‘s 2025 rookie slot deal included $35.9MM guaranteed

Los Angeles Chargers

Los Angeles Rams

Miami Dolphins

Minnesota Vikings

  • Adrian Peterson; September 10, 2011: Six years, $86.28MM ($36MM guaranteed)

New England Patriots

New Orleans Saints

New York Giants

Barkley’s rookie slot deal included $31.19MM guaranteed — fourth all time among all RB contracts — while Devin Singletary‘s $9.5MM represents the franchise’s high-water mark on a multiyear deal

New York Jets

Philadelphia Eagles

Pittsburgh Steelers

Bell’s second franchise tag (2018) covered $14.54MM, but the RB became the first tagged player this century to skip a season; Jaylen Warren‘s 2025 extension brought the highest Steelers RB guarantee ($7.1MM) on a multiyear deal

San Francisco 49ers

Seattle Seahawks

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Tennessee Titans

Washington Commanders

  • Clinton Portis; March 1, 2004: Eight years, $50.52MM ($13MM guaranteed)

Information from OverTheCap and Spotrac was used in the creation of this post

CB Nazeeh Johnson Met With Eagles, Arranges Giants Visit

Nazeeh Johnson remains unsigned deep into free agency. The veteran cornerback may have a new deal lined up relatively soon, though.

Johnson met with the Eagles earlier this month, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. He addsGiants visit has been scheduled. Johnson will meet with New York today. This interest from multiple NFC East teams comes after a Chiefs tenure which spanned 2022-25.

While playing out his rookie contract in Kansas City, Johnson totaled 35 regular and postseason appearances. He took on a notable defensive role in 2024, handling a 48% snap share that season. Otherwise, however, the former seventh-rounder has been used exclusively on special teams. A third phase workload will be expected in Johnson’s case regardless of where he winds up.

The Eagles will have a number of returnees at the cornerback spot in 2026. The likes of Quinyon Mitchell, Cooper DeJean, Michael Carter II and Kelee Ringo are set to continue their respective Philadelphia tenures next season. Free agent addition Riq Woolen is also in the fold. The Eagles have over $25MM in cap space, so a low-cost Johnson signing would be feasible.

The cornerback spot has seen plenty of change this offseason in the case of the Giants. New York signed Paulson Adebo and Greg Newsome on the open market before selecting Colton Hood in the second round of the draft. Those new arrivals will be joined by Andru Phillips and Deonte Banks in training camp this summer. Bringing in Johnson, 27, would add further depth in the secondary at a low cost. The Giants currently have roughly $11MM in cap space.

Johnson missed the entire 2023 season, and he was limited to just two games last year. That factor has kept the Marshall product available deep into free agency, but recent interest could yield an offer in the near future.

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