2022 March - Pro Football Rumors

Month: March 2022

Dolphins Use Franchise Tag On Mike Gesicki

March 8th, 2022 at 9:07am CST by Adam La Rose

Another tight end has been named his team’s franchise player. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Dolphins are tagging Mike Gesicki.

The 26-year-old was considered one of this year’s top candidates for the tag, given the increasing role he has taken on within the Dolphins’ offense over his career. In the past three seasons, he has totalled 177 catches, 2,053 yards and 13 touchdowns. He would have been one of the most sought-after TEs on the open market.

The tag value for tight ends is set at $10.93MM, though that positional label could be problematic in Gesicki’s case. Rarely used as an in-line blocker, the former second rounder primarily lines up in the slot to maximize his skillset. As a result, the possibility exists for him to file a grievance to be listed as a receiver, an issue some had thought to be likely in the weeks leading up to today’s tag deadline. A compromise paying Gesicki somewhere in between the TE and WR values (the latter being $18.42MM) is also an option.

With that said, the tag is widely seen as a placeholder for a long-term extension. If the two sides can agree on a new pact, the issue of tag value would become moot. Meanwhile, this news points further to the Dolphins’ other big-name free agent, defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah, hitting the open market. His agent, Drew Rosenhaus, recently indicated he is preparing for free agency, though remaining in Miami is on the table (video link). The 28-year-old had 41 tackles and nine sacks in 2021. At a minimum, though, the Dolphins have secured one of their key offensive players for the immediate future.

Buccaneers, Chris Godwin Still In Talks

March 8th, 2022 at 9:04am CST by Zachary Links

The Buccaneers and Chris Godwin are still working on a long-term deal, according to a source who spoke with Tyler Dragon of USA Today (Twitter link). If no deal is reached, however, the Bucs are prepared to franchise tag the star wide receiver before today’s 4pm ET/3pm CT deadline.

That would mark a second consecutive tag for Godwin, so he would be in line for a 20% bump over last year’s rate. For most of the year, Godwin was trending towards a top-of-the-market multi-year deal, but that all changed when he suffered a torn ACL. Instead of a long commitment, the Bucs may prefer to see how Godwin bounces back in 2022, at a rate of $19MM+. On the plus side for Godwin, the tag would be fully guaranteed.

Godwin, 26, saw his season end in Week 15. Still, he turned in yet another 1,000-yard season — 98 catches for 1,103 yards and five touchdowns. Despite the setback, his camp is (understandably) making the case for long-term security. The Bucs may be flexible on that front, too, especially with an additional $26MM added to the NFL’s cap max.

Meanwhile, the Bucs are also hoping to keep offensive line starters Ryan Jensen and Alex Cappa. Both players are extra crucial for Tampa Bay following Ali Marpet‘s retirement — Jensen profiles as the best center in this year’s free agency class while Cappa is among the very best available guards.

Bills To Pick Up Ed Oliver’s Fifth-Year Option

March 8th, 2022 at 8:44am CST by Zachary Links

Another key defensive linemen will be staying put on his team in the AFC East. Bills general manager Brandon Beane confirmed that the team will pick up Ed Oliver‘s fifth-year option (Twitter link via ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg).

Slotting in at the third of four tiers with respect to value, Oliver’s option will come with a value of $10.753MM. The Bills had until May 2 to make the call, but they didn’t need the extra time to deliberate. Oliver is coming off of a strong year with perfect attendance, 41 tackles, 14 quarterback hits, ten tackles for loss, and four sacks. That brings his Buffalo career totals to 12 sacks, 21 tackles for loss, and 28 QB hits.

Now, it’s just a matter of bringing Oliver and his reps to the table for a long-term extension. He remains under contract for 2022 per his original rookie deal while this fifth-year option locks him in through 2023. Thanks to performance incentives, that ’23 season will pay him the average of the No. 3 — No. 20 highest paid DTs in the league today.

For 2024 and beyond, Oliver will likely be looking at a $10MM+ annual salary. That’s a good chunk of change for a not-quite-elite player, but there’s always a premium on young, disruptive defensive linemen.

AFC West Notes: Mathieu, Broncos, Raiders

March 7th, 2022 at 9:59pm CST by Sam Robinson

As expected, the Chiefs prioritized Orlando Brown Jr. as their top free agent. Kansas City tagged its left tackle, which will likely lead Tyrann Mathieu to free agency. It is not a lock Mathieu departs Missouri; the Chiefs met with his camp at the Combine. But the All-Pro safety is expected to test the market, Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. Mathieu will turn 30 this offseason, but he had a transformative effect on a Chiefs defense that was one of the NFL’s worst before his 2019 signing. The nine-year veteran should do very well for himself on the market. Mathieu’s Chiefs tenure re-established his value, with it coming after the Cardinals cut bait on his extension in 2018. The Honey Badger, who came to Kansas City after playing on a one-year deal in Houston in 2018, made two All-Pro teams on his three-year, $42MM Chiefs contract. Mathieu joins Marcus Williams and Quandre Diggs as the top safeties available. The Bengals tagged Jessie Bates on Monday, keeping him off the market.

Here is the latest from the AFC West:

Brown will not sign his franchise tender until he decides on representation, and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets the four-year veteran is considering acting as his own agent. This should not be too surprising, given Brown’s quest to move away from right tackle and establish himself as a high-end left tackle. Brown will earn $16.662MM on the tag this season, unless he and the Chiefs agree to an extension by July 15. A Brown re-up would help the Chiefs on the cap front. While moves can be made, including another adjustment to Patrick Mahomes‘ team-friendly contract, the Chiefs are $5MM over the cap after Brown’s tag.
A Broncos–Aaron Rodgers trade would be quite costly, though Denver’s high volume of post-Peyton Manning quarterbacks does well to convey the team’s desperation here. A Denver deal for Rodgers would cost the team at least two first-round picks and a Pro Bowl-caliber player on a manageable contract, Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes, adding that the Broncos should be prepared to give Rodgers a record-breaking extension like the Packers are. The Broncos should also be expected to include a second-round pick, Mike Klis of 9News writes. The Broncos have Jerry Jeudy and Bradley Chubb as potential trade chips in this scenario, while productive wideout Tim Patrick is tethered to a $10MM-per-year extension. Denver holds four Day 2 picks this year (two seconds, two thirds), the extra two coming by way of its Von Miller trade. Miller is on the radar to rejoin the team as a free agent.
With Justin Herbert tied to his rookie deal through at least 2022, the Chargers have an opportunity this offseason. They are a team to watch for a splashy cornerback addition, with Garafolo tweeting they could be in the mix for J.C. Jackson or Stephon Gilmore. The Patriots may actually be ready to let Jackson hit the market, and Rapoport notes (video link) Gilmore should be expected to test free agency after playing out his Patriots-constructed contract. The Panthers would still like to retain Gilmore, but it will be costly. Gilmore will turn 32 in September.
Ex-Josh McDaniels Patriots coworker Jerry Schuplinski is now on the Raiders‘ staff as a senior offensive assistant. A Pats staffer from 2013-18, Schuplinski was the Giants’ QBs coach the past two seasons. The Raiders have also hired ex-Jaguars DBs coach Chris Ash to the same position, added ex-Packers special teams coordinator Maurice Drayton as their assistant ST coach and hired Cameron Clemmons as their assistant O-line coach. Additionally, Las Vegas is keeping Jon Gruden‘s son, Deuce, on staff as a strength and conditioning assistant.

NFL Announces 2019 Draftees’ Fifth-Year Option Values

March 7th, 2022 at 9:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

The NFL’s second offseason under its new fifth-year option format now includes dollar figures. Here is how the 2019 first-round picks’ 2023 base salaries on the fifth-year option look, should teams decide to exercise those respective options by May 2.

After first-rounders’ options were guaranteed for injury only from 2011-20, the 2020 CBA protected future draft classes by fully guaranteeing the options. It implemented a tiered system based on Pro Bowl invites and participation level. Players chosen in the 2019 first round who have been to two Pro Bowls will see their options come in at this year’s respective franchise tag prices.

Quarterback: $29.703MM
Running back: $9.57MM
Wide receiver: $18.419MM
Tight end: $10.931MM
Offensive linemen: $16.662MM
Defensive end: $17.859MM
Defensive tackle: $17.396MM
Linebacker: $18.702MM
Cornerback: $17.287MM
Safety: $12.911MM
Kicker/punter: $5.229MM

Players chosen in the 2019 first round who have been to one Pro Bowl will see their options come in at this year’s respective transition tag prices.

Quarterback: $27.186MM
Running back: $8.034MM
Wide receiver: $16.782MM
Tight end: $9.392MM
Offensive linemen: $15.348MM
Defensive end: $16.012MM
Defensive tackle: $14.716MM
Linebacker: $15.783MM
Cornerback: $15.167MM
Safety: $10.817MM
Kicker/punter: $4.701MM

Players who have participated on 50% of their team’s offensive or defensive plays over the course of their first three seasons represent Tier 3 of this new-age setup. Here are those prices:

Quarterback: $22.384MM
Running back: $5.73MM
Wide receiver: $13.413MM
Tight end: $6.85MM
Offensive linemen: $13.202MM
Defensive end: $12.407MM
Defensive tackle: $10.753MM
Linebacker: $11.706MM
Cornerback: $11.983MM
Safety: $7.901MM
Kicker/punter: $3.856MM

Lastly, the players to have not met that participation rate reside on the lowest rung of this option hierarchy.

Quarterback: $19.646MM
Running back: $5.196MM
Wide receiver: $12.425MM
Tight end: $6.191MM
Offensive linemen: $12.604MM
Defensive end: $11.5MM
Defensive tackle: $9.594MM
Linebacker: $10.892MM
Cornerback: $11.215MM
Safety: $7.268MM
Kicker/punter: $3.607MM

Cowboys, Michael Gallup Nearing Deal?

March 7th, 2022 at 8:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

MONDAY, 8:23pm: The Cowboys are still confident they will retain Gallup on a pre-free agency extension, and Mike Garafolo of NFL.com notes the deal is expected to come in north of $10MM per year (video link). Dallas is aiming to complete a five-year deal with Gallup. Given where the receiver market has gone in recent years, the particulars will be interesting here.

FRIDAY, 4:58pm: This process might not be as close as initially indicated. Gallup and the Cowboys are in talks, but the Dallas Morning News’ Michael Gehlken tweets no deal is imminent. The parties are still working through “moving pieces” as they attempt to agree on a second contract, Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweets.

FRIDAY, 3:39pm: The Cowboys’ wide receiver plan continues to unfold. Following reports of the team’s intentions to move on from Amari Cooper — via trade or release — the NFC East champions are hoping to retain Michael Gallup.

Gallup and the Cowboys are in talks on a deal that would keep him off the market. The sides are close to finalizing this extension, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets. The Cowboys have exclusive negotiating rights with Gallup until March 14, when the legal tampering period begins. Absent a deal, the free agent-to-be would hit the open market March 16. A contract being finalized Friday would be fitting, as it is Gallup’s 26th birthday.

Moving Cooper’s $22MM cap number off the payroll will be important here, with the Cowboys long having needed to make a Cooper-or-Gallup choice to go along with CeeDee Lamb‘s rookie contract. Gallup did not have a productive contract year, missing several games because of his Week 1 calf injury and ending the season early due to an ACL tear. That stands to impact Gallup’s value, but the Cowboys are clearly confident he can regain his previous form and work alongside Lamb going forward. Gallup underwent surgery in February.

A third-round pick out of Colorado State, Gallup broke out for 1,107 yards in 2019 alongside Cooper. That is Gallup’s only 1,000-yard campaign, with Lamb having entered the picture a year later. But he still topped 800 in 2020 and enjoyed moments during an injury-plagued 2021 slate. Gallup will not command the price tag Cooper did when he signed a five-year, $100MM deal in 2020.

Reaching a lower-cost accord with Gallup would keep the Cowboys’ hopes of keeping Randy Gregory and Dalton Schultz as well. One of the duo can be retained via the franchise tag, which would make more sense for Schultz due to the tight end tag being much cheaper than the defensive line figure.

Bengals Use Franchise Tag On Jessie Bates

March 7th, 2022 at 8:11pm CST by Ely Allen

MONDAY: The team made it official, announcing a tag for Bates. The fifth-year safety will be tied to a $12.911MM salary if he plays the season on the tag. Bates said last month he would be disappointed if tagged, but he and the Bengals now have four-plus months to negotiate an extension.

SATURDAY: Despite working over the past two years towards a contract extension, it appears Bengals’ safety Jessie Bates is destined to play out the 2022 NFL season under the franchise tag. Bates and the Bengals won’t give up on attempts to reach a long-term deal, but they will do so with the tag acting as a failsafe, according to Tyler Dragon of USA Today.

As a second-round pick out of Wake Forest in the 2018 NFL Draft, Bates has been everything the Bengals have asked for and more. He quickly earned a starting role as a rookie and recorded three interceptions in each of his first three NFL seasons, ending the 2020 season as Pro Football Focus’ top ranked safety. His play dipped a bit this past year, but, when his team needed him in the playoffs, Bates stepped up recording two interceptions, one in Super Bowl LVI.

Now Bates is set to extend his current contract, play the 2022 season under the franchise tag, or hit the open market. Franchises patiently waiting for him to become a free agent will likely be disappointed. Bates and Cincinnati both intend for the safety to stay long-term.

Bates has shown much frustration over the past two years, fearing the unpredictability that comes with a franchise tag. “Hopefully, I’m not under a franchise tag,” Bates said in an appearance on NFL Network. “That’s something that needs to be discussed as NFLPA a little bit. Some of the top guys got hurt under a franchise tag. It’s tough; you only get one shot at this.”

With three days until the franchise tag deadline, the Bengals are playing it safe and making sure that they have a bit of extra time. After the franchise tag window closes, the team will have nearly five more months to finalize a deal with Bates. The tag is expected to pay around $13.54MM for the 2022 season.

Bates has long said that he is not overly concerned with “the ego part of being the highest-paid safety.” The highest-paid safeties currently are Jamal Adams, Harrison Smith, and Justin Simmons. Adams is a strong safety that plays all over the field and gets compensated more in the realm of a well-paid linebacker, making him the top-earning safety in the league at an average of $17.5MM per year. Smith is a strong safety that plays a more traditional safety position than Adams. He signed an impressive four-year, $64MM deal averaging $16MM per year at the ripe old age of 31 years old. Simmons is the league’s top-earning free safety. After playing out two consecutive seasons under the franchise tag, Simmons signed a four-year, $61MM deal averaging $15.25MM per year at 27 years of age. Bates is likely aiming for the $15-16MM per year range or is maybe willing to take $14-15MM per year for an extra year or two under contract.

At 25, Bates is in a similar position as Simmons was when he received his first franchise tag. There’s no doubt that Bates could absolutely increase the value of his deal after playing under the franchise tag like Simmons did, but Bates’ concerns over the lack of security provided by the tag aren’t unfounded. Both sides will continue working towards an agreement that keeps the safety in Cincinnati long-term with the compensation and security he desires. Until that time, though, Bates will have the franchise tag hanging over his 2022 season.

Christian McCaffrey Drawing Trade Interest

March 7th, 2022 at 8:04pm CST by Sam Robinson

Injuries have largely kept Christian McCaffrey off the field over the past two seasons, significantly limiting his production since the Panthers gave him a record-setting running back extension. Carolina was not believed to be interested in trading its starting back, but that has not stopped other teams from calling.

McCaffrey inquiries have come the Panthers’ way, but Jason La Canfora of CBS Sports notes the team would want a monster return for the talented dual-threat back. The Panthers would seek a first-round pick and another asset for McCaffrey, who four seasons remaining on his deal. CMC is attached to an $8.4MM base salary in 2022; his salaries jump past $11MM beginning in 2023.

While unrealistic, the Panthers’ ask makes sense due to how disadvantageous a trade would be for them financially. Unloading McCaffrey’s contract before June 1 would tag the Panthers with $18MM in dead money. A post-June 1 trade would at least save Carolina more than $8MM, but the Panthers would obviously be selling low given their star back’s past two seasons. Last year, the Panthers were not believed to have included McCaffrey in their Deshaun Watson talks.

McCaffrey, 26, has played just 10 games over the past two seasons. Ankle and hamstring injuries have disrupted the second-generation NFLer’s prime. An All-Pro season in which McCaffrey finished with an NFL-leading 2,392 scrimmage yards prompted Matt Rhule to greenlight that four-year, $64MM extension in 2020. That set the running back market. None of McCaffrey’s 2017 classmates or subsequent running back extension recipients have passed the $15MM-per-year threshold.

Buccaneers Expected To Tag Chris Godwin

March 7th, 2022 at 7:20pm CST by Sam Robinson

Chris Godwin is expected to soon join the fairly exclusive club of players to have been franchise-tagged twice. Barring a long-term deal coming together over the next several hours, the Bucs plan to tag the free agent-to-be, USA Today’s Tyler Dragon tweets.

Teams have until 3pm CT Tuesday to use their tags. This has been the Bucs’ Godwin path for a bit, with both Bruce Arians and Jason Licht indicating Godwin’s importance to their offense. Because he was tagged in 2021, the five-year veteran wideout would earn just more than $19MM once he is re-tagged. Once Godwin signs the tender, that amount is fully guaranteed.

This would be a decent consolation for Godwin, who is rehabbing a torn ACL. That said, the tag system interfered with the former third-round pick signing a big-ticket free agency accord before that tear occurred. The Bucs and Godwin were unable to reach an extension agreement by last July’s deadline. They would have until July 15 of this year to finalize another deal. The stakes this year rise, as third franchise tags are not practical under the current system. Absent an extension before that date, the Bucs will risk losing Godwin in 2023.

Godwin, 26, surpassed 1,100 yards despite going down in Week 15. Tampa Bay certainly felt the loss of the impact receiver, after the latest Antonio Brown debacle deprived Tom Brady of two of his top three receivers in the playoffs. Godwin also has a 1,333-yard Pro Bowl season (2019) on his resume, strengthening his negotiating position. The salary cap’s $26MM spike — to $208.2MM — will embolden tagged players as well. The Bucs’ quarterback plan adds intrigue to this situation, with Godwin running the risk of his numbers plummeting if the team cannot acquire a quality passer this offseason.

A Godwin tag will mean Carlton Davis remaining on track for free agency. The Bucs are hoping to re-sign Ryan Jensen and Alex Cappa, but those two are also a week from being able to speak with other teams. Tampa Bay managed a historic feat last year by bringing back its entire Super Bowl LV core, but the team runs the risk of that group splintering soon.

Broncos, Chargers, Packers Among Von Miller Suitors

March 7th, 2022 at 6:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Rams remain interested in re-signing Von Miller, but after the future Hall of Famer delivered another dominant postseason, he is interested in testing the market as a first-time free agent. A Miller market is starting to form, with a familiar suitor re-emerging.

After trading Miller at last year’s deadline, the Broncos are interested in a reunion, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com notes. Despite not being in Denver when the team acquired Miller and pulling the trigger on a trade last October, GM George Paton holds the 11-year veteran in high regard, Troy Renck of Denver7 notes. Miller has teased on social media he is interested in coming back to Denver, mentioning his former jersey number and Broncos locker Monday (via 9News) while tweeting, “I kinda want that old thing back.. 5280,” referencing his old stomping grounds.

Although Miller has praised the Broncos consistently since being traded, a return may be contingent on the team upgrading at quarterback. The Broncos missing on Aaron Rodgers or not making a significant improvement at the position does not install confidence they will be a Super Bowl-contending team. Miller, 33 this month, will command a lucrative deal. The Broncos also have ex-Miller edge-rushing mate Bradley Chubb due for a fifth-year option salary of $13.9MM. While the Miller trade (for 2022 second- and third-round picks) made edge rusher a key need in Denver for the first time in several years, Wilson adds this might not be the star outside linebacker’s first choice.

Miller has indicated he wants to stay with the Rams, but both Wilson and USA Today’s Josina Anderson mention the Packers as a team expected to show interest (Twitter link). Around a half-dozen teams have surfaced as Miller suitors, per Anderson. The Packers may be moving on from Za’Darius Smith soon, though they are interested in extending Preston Smith. The team also has Rashan Gary on a rookie contract. A Miller addition would give Green Bay a top-tier pass rush, though the decorated sack artist likely would be uninterested in trekking to Wisconsin if Rodgers is elsewhere. The Packers are also nearly $30MM over the cap without Davante Adams on their payroll.

The Chargers also loom as an interested party, per Wilson. Staying in Los Angeles would make matters simpler for Miller, who would team with Joey Bosa with the AFC’s L.A. team. Uchenna Nwosu is a free agent and would not cost as much as Miller. The Bolts are interested in re-upping Nwosu, with Miller a moving part in this process.

Load More Posts