2022 March - Pro Football Rumors

Packers WR Randall Cobb Takes Pay Cut

March 16th, 2022 at 7:52pm CST by Ben Levine

While it remains to be seen whether Davante Adams will be back in Green Bay, at least one of Aaron Rodgers‘ favorite targets will be sticking around. Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports (via Twitter) that wideout Randall Cobb took a sizable salary cut to stay with the Packers.

Specifically, Cobb sacrificed $5.5MM to stay in Green Bay. The veteran wideout was set to earn $8.5MM in total salary in 2022, and that number will now drop to $3MM.

Cobb returned to the Packers in 2021 and settled into a secondary role on offense. He ended up finishing the campaign with a career-low 376 yards from scrimmage, but his five touchdowns were the most he’s had since 2015.

Besides one-year stints with the Cowboys and Texans, Cobb had otherwise spent his entire career in Green Bay. He earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2014, and he’s sixth on the team’s all-time list in receptions (498).

Dolphins To Sign RB Raheem Mostert

March 16th, 2022 at 7:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

Raheem Mostert made numerous city changes early in his career but found stability in San Francisco. With former 49ers OC Mike McDaniel now in Miami, Mostert will make another move.

The Dolphins plan to sign the speedy running back, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. After already adding Chase Edmonds, the Dolphins are set to deploy a new-look backfield with an NFC West feel. Mostert agreed to a one-year, $3.125MM deal, per ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Though the 49ers discussed a deal to keep Mostert, he will head back to Miami.

This marks a reunion of sorts for Mostert, who was with the Dolphins briefly (three weeks) in 2015. Mostert’s Dolphins stint came during a season in which the team had both Joe Philbin and Dan Campbell as head coaches; some staff turnover has occurred since.

McDaniel was with Mostert for almost the entirety of the running back’s Bay Area stay. Mostert caught on with the 49ers during Chip Kelly‘s season in San Francisco, and Kyle Shanahan kept him around for the next five seasons. While that tenure included extensive special teams work near the beginning, Mostert carved out a backfield role beginning the 49ers’ Super Bowl LIV-qualifying season.

Mostert, 30 in April, led the 2019 49ers with 772 rushing yards but did his most memorable damage in the playoffs, gouging the Packers for 220 rushing yards and four touchdowns in the NFC championship game. That total ranks second in NFL postseason history, behind only an Eric Dickerson 1986 performance. The 49ers agreed to a new deal with Mostert in 2020, after a trade request ensued, but the former journeyman could not recapture his postseason magic. Injuries intervened in both 2020 and ’21, with ankle and knee trouble sidelining him for much of the past two years. Mostert went down in Week 1 of last season with a knee ailment.

The Dolphins were both light in the backfield and understaffed up front last season. Miami ranked 30th in rushing in 2021, limiting an offense already restricted by wide receiver unavailability. The team is working to improve here, and these additions appear set to cut into Myles Gaskin and Duke Johnson‘s opportunities under McDaniel.

Latest On Deshaun Watson

March 16th, 2022 at 7:31pm CST by Ben Levine

The Falcons’ meeting with quarterback Deshaun Watson has come to an end, and the team has reportedly submitted a trade offer to the Texans, reports Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com.

While Watson’s previous meetings with the Browns, Saints, and Panthers all took place in Houston, the QB’s meeting with the Falcons was in Atlanta. As Wilson notes, the Falcons were a late addition to the Watson sweepstakes, but there are reasons to be optimistic about their pursuit. Watson grew up in Georgia, and he has a relationship with assistant coach T.J. Yates, who played and coached for the Texans.

While the Falcons’ meeting may have featured a different location, the personnel was generally the same. All four teams had their owners, general managers, and coaches present for their respective meetings, per Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk (on Twitter).

Watson is finished speaking with potential suitors, but he’s still making a decision on his preferred path. Per Florio (on Twitter), the quarterback is “incredibly torn” about his decision and was impressed by all four presentations. This has made it “very difficult” to choose a destination, and there is no specific timetable for his decision.

The 26-year-old passer choosing Atlanta would mean the end of Matt Ryan‘s 14-year run leading the team. With the Falcons getting into the Watson mix late, they informed Ryan last weekend of their plans at quarterback, Chris Mortensen of ESPN.com reports (Twitter link). The Browns did not brief Baker Mayfield on their Watson intentions.

Raiders To Sign CB Anthony Averett

March 16th, 2022 at 7:25pm CST by Sam Robinson

Not long after trading for Rock Ya-Sin, the Raiders have another new cornerback en route. They reached an agreement to add ex-Raven Anthony Averett, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com tweets.

Averett started a career-high 14 games for the Ravens last season, doing so in a year in which the team lost starters Marcus Peters and Marlon Humphrey. A former fourth-round pick, Averett boosted his value despite the Ravens’ collective step back.

The Alabama alum played 90% of Baltimore’s defensive snaps, allowing a 55% completion rate and 77.5 passer rating when targeted. Averett notched three interceptions and 11 passes defensed. Prior to 2021, Averett had started seven career games. The 6-foot cover man’s usage rate has steadily increased in each season, and he will have a chance to compete for regular work in Las Vegas.

Ya-Sin and Averett join a Vegas secondary in transition on the outside at corner. The team cut bait on 2020 first-rounder Damon Arnette and has standout Casey Hayward unsigned. Trayvon Mullen is going into a contract year. With new decision-makers taking over, the Raiders may not be done making changes at this spot.

Chiefs To Re-Sign OL Andrew Wylie

March 16th, 2022 at 7:15pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although the Chiefs reconfigured their offensive line after Super Bowl LV, they still depended on Andrew Wylie frequently as a substitute last season. They will bring back the veteran for 2022.

The Chiefs reached a one-year, $2.5MM agreement to re-sign Wylie, Ari Meirov of Pro Football Focus tweets. Wylie sought a Kansas City return, per the KC Star’s Herbie Teope (on Twitter), and this will be the versatile blocker’s fifth season with the team.

A UDFA addition in 2018, Wylie worked as a near-full-time starter at guard from 2018-20. The Chiefs used Wylie at guard in Super Bowl LIV but needed him to play right tackle in Super Bowl LV. The Buccaneers’ pass rush made most Chiefs O-linemen’s nights miserable in that game, but the Chiefs kept Wylie on a one-year, $920K deal in 2021. Wylie, 27, started games at both guard spots and right tackle last season.

While Wylie has been unable to turn his extensive first-string work into a lucrative contract, he has been a regular despite coming into the league undrafted out of a mid-major program (Eastern Michigan). The Chiefs have locked-in starters at four of their five spots (Orlando Brown, Joe Thuney, Creed Humphrey and Trey Smith) but still have questions at right tackle. Wylie’s experience here figures to make him a swing option, at worst, for 2022.

Jets Sign TE Tyler Conklin

March 16th, 2022 at 6:58pm CST by Ben Levine

The Jets have added another tight end. The team is signing Tyler Conklin, reports NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo and Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). It’s a three-year deal worth $21MM, according to Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com (on Twitter).

The former fifth-round pick had spent his entire career with the Vikings, missing only a single regular season game in his four years with the team. Conklin mostly served as a blocker and special team specialist, but he had a breakout offensive season in 2021. The 26-year-old finished the campaign with 61 catches for 593 yards and three touchdowns.

In New York, he’ll be joining a revamepd depth chart that’s led by free agent signing C.J. Uzomah. The Jets are also rostering Ryan Griffin, Trevon Wesco, Kenny Yeboah, and Brandon Dillon, while Tyler Kroft is currently a free agent. Conklin will likely slide in behind Uzomah.

Uzomah’s former team, the Bengals, were among the organizations pursuing Conklin before he landed in New York (per Garafolo on Twitter).

Seahawks Release DE Benson Mayowa

March 16th, 2022 at 6:46pm CST by Ben Levine

The Seahawks’ roster makeover continues. Seattle is releasing defensive end Benson Mayowa, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).

After originally joining the Seahawks on a one-year deal in 2020, Mayowa inked a two-year, $7.6MM pact with the team last March. He was set to count $3.7MM against the cap in 2022, and he’ll leave behind $2.25MM in dead cap. The move will save the team $1.45MM and follows the Seahawks’ signing of Uchenna Nwosu earlier today.

Mayowa ended up seeing time in 28 games during his second stint in Seattle (the former undrafted free agent got his first NFL gig from the Seahawks). Over the past two years, the linebacker has collected 54 tackles, seven sacks, and 11 QB hits, although the majority of those numbers came in 2020.

Mayowa previously had stints with the Raiders (two stints), Cowboys, and Cardinals. He’s seen time in 115 career games, compiling 27 sacks.

S Michael Thomas Re-Signing With Bengals

March 16th, 2022 at 6:19pm CST by Ben Levine

Michael Thomas (the defensive back) will be sticking with the AFC champs. Thomas is re-signing with the Bengals, reports NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).

Despite going undrafted out of Stanford in 2012, Thomas has managed to put together a 10-year career. He spent the 2021 campaign with the Bengals after catching on with their practice squad. The veteran ended up seeing time in eight games (one starts) for Cincy, collecting 18 tackles while appearing primarily on special teams. Thomas also saw time in each of the Bengals’ four playoff games.

Thomas spent the first five seasons of his career with the Dolphins before moving on to the Giants, where he earned his lone Pro Bowl appearance. Following two seasons in New York, Thomas spent the 2020 season with the Texans.

During the early parts of free agency, the Bengals have been focused on retaining their own guys. They franchise safety Jessie Bates, and they re-signed defensive tackle B.J. Hill and linebacker Joe Bachie.

Bills To Sign TE O.J. Howard

March 16th, 2022 at 5:52pm CST by Ben Levine

The Bills are making headlines. Moments have news broke that Buffalo is signing Von Miller, we’re learning that they’ve also added a notable name on the offensive side of the ball. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), the Bills are signing tight end O.J. Howard.

[RELATED: Bills To Sign Von Miller]

Howard will get a one-year, $3.5MM deal from Buffalo, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). The deal could be worth up to $5MM.

The Alabama product was a first-round pick by the Buccaneers in 2017, but injuries and an uncertain depth chart kept him from reaching his full potential. Howard has had three stints to the IR during his five-year career, limiting him to only 59 career games.

2021 was one of the lone seasons when Howard was fully healthy, but despite getting an entire season with Tom Brady, he struggled to put up numbers. Howard ultimately finished the season having hauled in only 14 receptions for 135 yards and one touchdown. This was a far cry from his first three seasons in the NFL when he averaged 31 receptions and close to 500 yards per year despite averaging only 12 games.

Howard will be joining a Bills depth chart that’s led by Dawson Knox, who had a career year in 2021 (587 receiving yards, nine touchdowns). Howard will likely slide in ahead of Tommy Sweeney and Quintin Morris on the depth chart.

Bills, Von Miller Agree To Deal

March 16th, 2022 at 5:44pm CST by Sam Robinson

A surprise team emerged victorious in the Von Miller sweepstakes. The decorated edge rusher is set to sign with the Bills, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The Bills have announced the signing.

Linked to the Cowboys, Rams and Browns as the legal tampering period wound down, Miller is set to provide a big boost to the Bills’ edge-rushing corps next season. The Bills convinced the future Hall of Famer with a monster offer. Miller is heading to Buffalo on a six-year deal worth $120MM, Rapoport adds (on Twitter).

This contract is not a true $20MM-per-year accord, with Rapoport noting the deal averages $17.5MM across its first four seasons (Twitter link). That said, Buffalo will still pay up to land one of the top pass rushers in NFL history. It includes $51.5MM fully guaranteed (including $45MM at signing), Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets, and Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes (on Twitter) it will pay $53MM by 2023.

The edge rusher market began to move Tuesday, when the Broncos poached Randy Gregory from the Cowboys. Gregory’s last-minute switch took away one of Miller’s options, after the 11-year Bronco teased a reunion. The Rams and Cowboys continued to pursue Miller, with Rapoport adding Sean McVay spent Wednesday attempting to convince him to stay in L.A. (Twitter link). But the Bills spent Wednesday wooing Miller as well. As a result, the Bills secured one of the biggest free agency victories in franchise history.

Miller, 33 next week, missed the entire 2020 season and suffered a midseason injury to close out his Broncos tenure last year. But he bolstered his value considerably with the Rams, recording nine sacks across the team’s final eight games — including two in Super Bowl LVI — alongside Aaron Donald and Leonard Floyd. The Rams were viewed as the favorites earlier Wednesday, and it will be interesting to learn how far they were willing to go to keep Miller.

Los Angeles will likely pick up a 2023 compensatory pick for losing Miller, for whom they sent second- and third-rounders ahead of last year’s trade deadline. The rental worked out, but the Bills giving Miller his second $100MM-plus contract weakens Los Angeles’ pass rush. Miller is the first defensive player in NFL history to sign two $100MM pacts, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets, with this following up the six-year, $114.1MM Broncos extension he inked months after winning Super Bowl 50 MVP honors in 2016.

Although Miller is going into his 12th season, he has said he wants to play several more years. He has mentioned Bruce Smith‘s sack record as a goal. While that figure (200) will be difficult for the former No. 2 overall pick to reach, Miller (115.5) will chase it in the same city Smith played. He stands to help a Bills team that has struggled to assemble a consistent edge rush in recent years. The Bills will pair Miller with recent high draft choices Gregory Rousseau, Boogie Basham and A.J. Epenesa. Veterans Jerry Hughes and Mario Addison hit free agency today.

This also marks yet another NFC-to-AFC transaction on the edge rusher circuit. Gregory, Miller, Chandler Jones, Za’Darius Smith and Khalil Mack are now in the AFC, which features some oft-discussed quarterbacks as well. The Bills will fit Miller’s contract onto a payroll that includes Josh Allen‘s $43MM-per-year pact. A Stefon Diggs extension figures to be on the radar in 2022 as well.