2022 March - Pro Football Rumors

Latest On Colts, Commanders’ Carson Wentz Trade

March 9th, 2022 at 6:51pm CST by Sam Robinson

To say the Colts soured on Carson Wentz probably undersells this situation. While Indianapolis landed a reasonable return for its latest one-and-done starter, the team did not play this process coyly.

The Colts’ decision-makers publicly did not commit to Wentz, after Jim Irsay called a meeting in the wake of the team’s end-of-season collapse. The Colts were drifting away from Wentz before those two losses, per The Athletic’s Zak Keefer, who adds in an expansive piece the former No. 2 overall pick’s leadership qualities — or lack thereof — bothered the team to the point it could not count on its recent hired gun.

Well aware of the Colts’ course change, Wentz attempted to meet with Irsay in the past month. Irsay declined that meeting, Keefer reports, effectively ending the Wentz era before the team’s Wednesday trade with Washington. The Wentz deal leaves the Colts as a clear have-not at quarterback, but the team steadfastly abandoned ship after one season. Whomever Indianapolis starts in Week 1 of next season will be the sixth different passer to open a Colts season in the past six years.

The Colts did get the Commanders to pay up, relatively speaking. Washington initially offered fourth- and sixth-round picks for Wentz, Keefer notes. Indianapolis moved the terms to two thirds — the 2023 third can move to a second based on playing time, similar to the first-rounder exchanged in 2021’s Colts-Eagles swap — and a swap of second-round picks. The Colts now hold the No. 42 pick in the 2022 draft, climbing up five spots. Indy does not have a first-rounder in this draft, having traded it to Philly for Wentz.

Washington had offered three first-round picks for Russell Wilson, per Grant Paulsen of 106.7 The Fan (on Twitter). The Commanders offered at least that, per the Washington Post’s Mark Maske and Nicki Jhabvala, but the Seahawks traded Wilson to the Broncos. Washington let it be known it was seeking a veteran quarterback, and while Deshaun Watson was also on the team’s radar, it pulled the trigger on the Wentz trade. Indeed, Wilson refused to waive his no-trade clause for the Commanders, Charles Robinson of Yahoo.com tweets. By all accounts, Wilson had zeroed in on Denver this offseason.

As for Wentz’s Colts fit, Keefer adds the franchise’s issues with the sixth-year veteran began before Week 1 of last year. A lack of leadership and a resistance to hard coaching — a complaint mentioned in the fallout from Wentz’s Eagles run — invited early Colts doubt about Wentz. Irsay had also expressed frustration about Wentz’s refusal to be vaccinated against COVID-19. Wentz landed on the reserve/COVID list before the season and ahead of Week 17. Although Wentz finished the season with a 27-7 touchdown pass-to-interception ratio, he topped 200 passing yards just twice in his final eight games and ended the season with a career-low 4.3 QBR against the Jaguars.

49ers Fielding Calls On QB Jimmy Garoppolo

March 9th, 2022 at 6:33pm CST by Ben Levine

With Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Carson Wentz now off the board, a number of QB-needy teams are switching their focus to Jimmy Garoppolo. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter), the market for Garoppolo has “heated up pretty quickly,” and the 49ers have already fielded several trade calls on the veteran quarterback.

However, trade talks are somewhat complicated by Garoppolo’s recent shoulder surgery. While the quarterback has expressed full confidence in returning to the field in time for training camp, he only went under the knife this week. As a result, teams are seeking full clarity on his current outlook before pulling the trigger on a deal.

When it comes to suitors, Rapoport mentions that the Colts are certainly “in the mix” for Garoppolo. After dealing Wentz to Washington earlier today, the Colts are believed to have “significant interest” in the 49ers signal caller.

The writing was on the wall for Garoppolo in San Francisco when the organization gave up a haul to draft Trey Lance with the third-overall pick. Despite an uncertain future, the veteran still went 9-6 in his 15 starts this past season (plus a pair of postseason victories). We heard recently that the 49ers were seeking a Day 2 choice for the 30-year-old. Garoppolo’s contract includes a $24.2MM salary in 2022.

Bills To Release G Jon Feliciano

March 9th, 2022 at 5:54pm CST by Sam Robinson

Jon Feliciano‘s time with the Bills appears to be up. The veteran guard tweeted a goodbye message Wednesday, and Syracuse.com’s Matt Parrino tweets the Bills are releasing him.

Feliciano had battled injuries over the past two seasons in Buffalo but had largely worked as a starter. By the playoffs, however, the seven-year veteran operated as a backup. Feliciano’s release will create just more than $3MM in cap space for the Bills.

The Bills re-signed Feliciano in March of last year, keeping him off the free agent market with a three-year, $14.4MM deal. Feliciano, 30, will now hit the market. As a street free agent, he is now free to sign with any team.

An ex-Raiders fourth-round pick, Feliciano caught on with the Bills in 2019 — via a two-year deal worth $7.25MM — and started 16 games for the playoff-bound squad that season. The Bills re-signed him despite a 2020 season featuring seven missed games due to a torn pectoral muscle. In 2021, Feliciano dealt with a calf injury.

Buffalo used UDFA Ryan Bates ahead of Feliciano in its two postseason games, with rookie Spencer Brown moving into the starting lineup as well this past season. The AFC East champions also have starter Daryl Williams and former second-round tackle/guard Cody Ford under contract for 2022; Bates can be retained through an RFA tender.

Latest On Kyler Murray’s Future With Cardinals

March 9th, 2022 at 5:49pm CST by Ben Levine

The Kyler Murray situation sounds like it’s far from over. According to Albert Breer of TheMMQB, the Murray situation in Arizona has the “potential to get worse before it gets better.”

Specifically, Murray and his camp don’t want to wait until the summer to discuss a potential extension, which is what the QB was told by the organization following the season. Rather, Murray prefers to sign an extension with the Cardinals at some point between now and the draft in late April.

Why the rush? Well, if the wheels fall off and Murray ends up getting shopped, the QB’s camp believes the market will be more robust prior to the draft. The belief is that a trade partner would be willing to pay Murray his desired extension, which is why the player’s camp is so focused on the number of potential suitors…after the draft, a number of potential suitors will be off the board. Further, a summer holdout would be tougher due to “strengthened rules to further punish players who stay away.” Plus, a summer holdout means Murray would be spending crucial time away from his teammates, a factor that could be important if he ends up lining up under center for the Cardinals in 2022.

While Breer cautions that he’s not saying Murray will ultimately demand a trade, he believes that the scenario is on the table.

There is some good news for those rooting for Murray to return to Arizona. Per Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the QB has returned Cardinals images to his social media profiles. According to a source, this is “the latest olive branch that Murray has extended at a time when the relationship is frayed.”

Steelers Not Interested In Deshaun Watson

March 9th, 2022 at 5:05pm CST by Ben Levine

The Steelers are one of the few QB-needy teams remaining, but don’t expect them to pursue the most talented option that’s still on the market. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports (via Twitter) that the Steelers are not interested in acquiring Deshaun Watson.

With Ben Roethlisberger now out of the picture, the Steelers are clearly on the lookout for their next signal-caller (with apologies to Mason Rudolph). There’s a variety of reasons why the organization may be crossing Watson off their list. Of course, there’s the QB’s ongoing legal issues, and while there should be come clarity on his immediate NFL future when he appears before a grand jury Friday, a suspension is likely coming (regardless of an indictment). His uncertain playing status could be important to a Steelers squad that may be looking to return to the postseason. The organization could also be scared off by Houston’s asking price, which continues to be three first-round picks and more assets.

So if not Watson, who could the Steelers pursue? We heard recently the the team was targeting Jameis Winston, Teddy Bridgewater and Mitchell Trubisky, and the organization has also been connected to Liberty QB Malik Willis. The front office could ultimately decide to pair a rookie quarterback with a veteran.

There’s also Rudolph, who the organization has continually praised via the media. The former third-round pick had some success as a starter in 2019, guiding the Steelers to a 5-3 record while tossing 13 touchdowns vs. nine interceptions. The team will also be placing a restricted free agent tag on QB Dwayne Haskins, who could also end up competing for the starting nod.

Texans To Release CB Terrance Mitchell

March 9th, 2022 at 4:44pm CST by Ben Levine

Terrance Mitchell‘s stint with the Texans has already come to an end. The Texans informed the veteran cornerback that he will be released, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).

The 29-year-old joined the Texans last offseason, inking a two-year, $7.5MM deal. He started 13 of his 14 games during his lone season in Houston, collecting 60 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one interception. He ended up seeing time in 69 percent of his team’s defensive snaps, and he garnered the second-most defensive snaps (796) on the squad.

Mitchell previously spent three seasons in Cleveland, starting 27 of his 39 games. He’s also had stints with the Bears, Cowboys, and Chiefs. The Oregon product was a seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in 2014.

The defensive back was set to have a $3.4MM cap hit in 2022. Thanks to an out in his contract, the Texans will only be left with $250K in dead cap following today’s move.

Giants Favorite For QB Mitchell Trubisky?

March 9th, 2022 at 4:22pm CST by Ben Levine

Mitchell Trubisky could be heading to New York. A team source who is “in the thick of it for a competitive backup QB in free agency” believes that Trubisky will ultimately sign with the Giants and compete with Daniel Jones for the starting gig, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo (via Twitter).

During a recent appearance on the Adam Schefter podcast, Trubisky spoke highly of the Giants and new head coach Brian Daboll, who the veteran QB worked under in Buffalo.

“I think of Coach Daboll right away because of my connection with him in Buffalo. I’m excited to see what he does in New York, really,” Trubisky said (via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). “I don’t know where I’m going to go, but I know whatever he does there, he’s going to do a great job with that offense. He’s a great leader of men. He’s just real and authentic with all the guys, and I think that is why so many people respected him in our building. So I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.

“And then, of course, New York, you think of the city. I haven’t been to New York that many times, but you think of big New York City and the Giants. So I know Coach Daboll will do a great job, and I’m excited to see that offense.”

We heard last week that Trubisky was on the Giants radar, but they weren’t necessarily considered the favorite at that time. We also recently heard that the former second-overall pick was “creating a lot of buzz” and would likely have a number of suitors pursuing him. After spending the 2021 season as Josh Allen‘s backup in Buffalo, Trubisky will likely have opportunities to compete for a starting gig elsewhere.

According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Trubisky’s market could get so hot that the QB could end up earning more than $10MM annually. The ESPN duo also mention the Panthers and Steelers as potential landing spots, and they note that an organization deciding to pair Trubisky “with a first-round quarterback such as Malik Willis wouldn’t shock a few teams.”

While Trubisky isn’t a sexy name, you can still see the semblance of a capable quarterback when you squint. He had a 29-21 record as a starter, and he tossed 64 touchdowns vs 37 interceptions during his four years in Chicago. Any suitors surely wouldn’t guarantee Trubisky a starting gig, but he would make sense to pair with a rookie or unproven young player.

Seahawks Interested In Deshaun Watson

March 9th, 2022 at 4:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Although Deshaun Watson‘s 2022 availability is very much in doubt, another team is set to enter the mix for the embattled Texans quarterback. A day after trading Russell Wilson, the Seahawks are interested in acquiring Watson, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports.

The Seahawks obtained two first-round picks, two seconds and a fifth for Wilson, whom the Broncos landed to finally fill their quarterback void. The Broncos were not believed to be interested in Watson after his sexual assault and sexual misconduct allegations surfaced last year, but other teams remain in the mix. After the Dolphins bowed out, the Panthers and Eagles have been connected to the Pro Bowl talent. And the Seahawks now have some additional resources to pursue a new starter. The Texans have not reduced their asking price, eyeing three first-round picks and more assets.

Watson, 26, is set to appear before a grand jury Friday, which will also feature developments in the quarterback’s civil cases. An indictment would mean Watson’s football career will again slide to the back burner. A stay on the commissioner’s exempt list would likely follow, opening the door to the prospect of multiple lost seasons for the one-time Houston centerpiece player. Even without an indictment, it is hard to imagine the passer avoiding a lengthy suspension in 2022.

Watson’s off-field issues have not stopped teams from entering the fray. With Wilson and Aaron Rodgers off the trade market, he is by far the biggest name available. The Panthers have been connected to Watson for over a year, and the quarterback-needy team discussed a deal with the Texans before the 2021 trade deadline. The Eagles also looked into Watson extensively last year. Watson did not waive his no-trade clause for anyone but the Dolphins, however. Now that they are out of the picture, he will need to reconsider other options. The Seahawks being a new suitor adds intrigue to this complex situation. The Commanders were also interested in Watson, per Wilson, but they have since traded for Carson Wentz.

Seattle used the same starting quarterback for all but three games over the past 10 years. Wilson made nine Pro Bowls and took the team to two Super Bowls and eight playoff brackets. Only one season elapsed between the Matt Hasselbeck and Wilson eras, making the current circumstances rather unusual for one of the 21st century’s most successful franchises. From this angle, it makes sense the Seahawks would pursue Watson. The Broncos included Drew Lock in the Wilson trade, but the Seahawks will surely aim higher. It appears they are willing to gauge Watson’s interest.

Watson was connected to Minnesota and Tampa Bay as destinations, though not much has emerged on those fronts in recent weeks. Seattle joins those teams in having impact wide receivers and having made recent postseason appearances, and the team plays in a division that houses Matthew Stafford, Kyler Murray and a 49ers team that just ventured to the NFC title game. With just Lock in the picture for now, the Seahawks are well off the pace.

Cardinals Restructure LB Devon Kennard’s Contract

March 9th, 2022 at 3:59pm CST by Adam La Rose

For the second time in five months, the Cardinals are re-working the contract of edge rusher Devon Kennard. The team and player have agreed to a reconfigured deal, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (Twitter link).

Kennard signed a three-year, $20MM deal with his hometown Cardinals in 2020, after he had spent four years with the Giants and two with the Lions. He’s been a rotational rusher in Arizona, playing 40% of defensive snaps in 2020, then 28% last season. The former fifth round pick has registered 43 tackles and three sacks over that span.

Kennard re-worked his deal this past November to create some breathing room for the Cardinals down the stretch. Now he has done so once more as a way of ensuring he stays in the desert, and to lower his scheduled cap hit of just over $9MM. The Cards are currently set to be essentially right at the cap ceiling.

The team’s top priority in the pass-rush department, of course, is retaining Chandler Jones. Owner Michael Bidwill has made it clear he wants the four-time Pro Bowler to sign a new deal instead of hitting free agency next week, where he would have a very lucrative market. With Kennard in place, though, an important member of the position group will be remaining for at least the short term, regardless of what else the team is able to do this offseason.

Commanders Seeking Landon Collins Pay Cut

March 9th, 2022 at 3:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

Landon Collins was the first safety to secure a contract worth at least $14MM per year. Three years after authorizing that deal, Washington plans to give the hybrid defender an ultimatum.

The Commanders are asking Collins to take a pay cut, John Keim of ESPN.com tweets. If the veteran refuses, the team will cut him. A Collins release would save the Commanders $6.6MM while saddling the team with nearly $10MM in dead money.

This is not the same front office that gave Collins a six-year, $84MM deal in 2019, and although Keim adds the Ron Rivera regime would like Collins to stay, they do not plan to retain him on a team-high $16.1MM cap number (Twitter link). Collins, 28, bounced back from an October 2020 injury to play in 13 games last season. Washington deployed the former second-round pick as a linebacker-safety hybrid, and the team would use him in that capacity again in 2022 — if he agrees to the pay reduction.

“Yeah, for what he does and playing that position, he can be a dynamic guy for us,” Rivera said of Collins’ hybrid role, via the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala. “He’s a guy that made an impact when he played that position.”

Known more for his box work than coverage skills, Collins would not come especially close to matching his current average salary on the market. The ex-Giants Pro Bowler would certainly draw interest and would help the Commanders this season if retained. Although he did not factor in prominently to Washington’s top-five defense in 2020, Collins finished with 81 tackles, two interceptions, two fumble recoveries and three sacks last season.

Washington has Kamren Curl tethered to his rookie deal, but 2021 pickup Bobby McCain is a free agent and Deshazor Everett is embroiled in serious legal trouble. The team wants to retain McCain, Jhabvala adds. McCain, 28, has also played multiple positions as a pro, moving between safety and cornerback. He started 16 games last season. Washington signed McCain, whom the Dolphins cut, to a one-year accord worth close to the league minimum last year.