2022 March - Pro Football Rumors

Packers Offer Aaron Rodgers Record-Setting Extension

March 7th, 2022 at 5:28pm CST by Sam Robinson

Time is running out for the Packers, who have less than 24 hours to use their franchise tag on Davante Adams. It would certainly help the defending NFC North champions if the two-time reigning MVP gave them a definitive answer on his 2022 plans. Aaron Rodgers has said he intends to do so by Tuesday, and the Packers are giving the future Hall of Famer more to consider.

Thought to be torn on a decision to stay in Green Bay, Rodgers has now received an offer Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports would reset the quarterback market. Specifics are light, but the price would come in above Patrick Mahomes‘ $45MM-per-year contract. While Rodgers refuted the report he is seeking a $50MM-AAV deal, Fowler’s report of a market-altering extension would seemingly be in line with that previous situational assessment.

A three- or four-year pact would help the Packers with their cap. They are currently $27MM over; an Adams tag would cost $18.4MM. Although teams have until next week to move under the cap, the Packers are cutting it close with their two best players. Rodgers is tied to a $46.1MM cap number in 2022, which is second only to Matt Ryan‘s NFL-record $48.7MM figure. Rodgers announcing he wants to stay would mean that cap figure would be dramatically reduced. His current $33.5MM-per-year contract expires after the 2022 season.

Green Bay has been rumored to be offering Rodgers a monster extension, and Fowler notes VP of football ops Russ Ball has been in talks with Rodgers’ agent. This comes after an offseason in which Rodgers, amid a feud with GM Brian Gutekunst and team president Mark Murphy, requested a trade. After Rodgers’ fourth MVP season (second-most all time), the Packers would prefer he stay. While they are not planning to take calls on Jordan Love, a Rodgers extension would presumably change that.

It is not a lock Rodgers accepts. Other teams will be willing to pay up as well. One looms in Denver. The Broncos remain in the mix here, with Fowler adding they are prepared to trade necessary draft capital to land Rodgers. The Steelers are believed to have inquired about trading for Rodgers, but Fowler adds the Packers have set such a high price — one that would include key young players as well as draft picks — assembling such a proposal would be difficult for teams to execute.

While the Steelers have an immediate quarterback need, the Broncos have been desperate here since Peyton Manning‘s retirement six years ago. Rodgers joining Denver would, like Manning’s move 10 years ago, vault the team onto the Super Bowl contender tier. The Broncos hold $39.4MM in cap space, and Pro Football Talk reported recently they have a trade package ready. The Broncos have been connected to Rodgers for nearly a year, when they appeared on his initial destination list in April 2021. Although Rodgers does not have a no-trade clause, it is highly unlikely a team would trade for him without knowing if he would sign off on the move.

2022 Franchise, Transition Tag Salaries

March 7th, 2022 at 5:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

With the NFL setting the 2022 salary cap at $208.2MM, teams now know the precise amounts for franchise and transition tags. Some teams have begun doling out tags; the deadline looms at 3pm Tuesday.

Here are the franchise tag figures for each position:

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

These numbers represent increases from 2021, when the salary cap declined for just the second time in history. Quarterbacks, wideouts, tight ends, linebackers and defensive tackles’ numbers increased by at least $3MM this year.

This does not set the franchise tag amounts for every player. If a team tags a player for the second straight year, he is entitled to 120% of last year’s tag figure. Players who have previously signed a veteran contract may also have a different tag price. The amount of the one-year offer can be 120% of the player’s previous salary, if that amount is greater than the league-assigned value. The Cardinals are unlikely to use their tag on outside linebacker Chandler Jones; his $20.2MM 2021 cap number would push that tag price to nearly $25MM.

Teams also have the option of deploying the lesser-used transition tag. Here are where those figures will reside in 2022:

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

NFL Sets Salary Cap At $208.2MM

March 7th, 2022 at 4:33pm CST by Sam Robinson

The long-rumored 2022 salary cap figure emerged Monday. The previously projected figure — $208.2MM — turned out to on-point. This will mark a record one-year jump for the cap, which came in at $182.5MM in 2021.

Last year’s number was a product of the COVID-19 pandemic heavily reducing attendance at some venues or eliminating fans from the equation entirely at others during the 2020 season. Fans returned to stadiums last season, and the league will begin to see the expected growth restored. The type of cap spikes that began kicking in years after the 2011 CBA went into effect figure to return. The impact of the most recent TV deals should be reflected in next year’s cap number, Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets.

This is the first time the cap has come in north of $200MM. It promises to allow for a more normal free agency period compared to last year’s, which saw several higher-end talents accept one-year deals. Previously, the $12MM jump from 2005-06 ($85.5MM-$102MM) stood as the largest in cap history.

With the legal tampering period a week away, here is how the cap has grown (or declined) in recent years:

2015: $143.28MM
2016: $155.27MM
2017: $167MM
2018: $177.2MM
2019: $188.2MM
2020: 1982.2MM
2021: $182.5MM

NFL Suspends Calvin Ridley For Betting On Games

March 7th, 2022 at 3:23pm CST by Adam La Rose

The NFL has suspended Falcons wide receiver Calvin Ridley for at least the 2022 season for betting on NFL games. In a statement, the league indicated that Ridley’s betting took place “during a five-day period in November 2021.”

By that point of the campaign, Ridley was away from the team, having been placed on the Non-Football Injury List. Personal matters and mental health were cited as the reasons for his absence. By January, it had been reported that a trade of the team’s top wideout was a distinct possibility, though the team publicly declared its intentions of keeping the former first rounder. Knowledge of this issue appears to have played a role in the fact that serious trade talks didn’t take place.

The statement noted that the league’s investigation into the matter “uncovered no evidence indicating any inside information was used or that any game was compromised in any way” nor that there was “any awareness by coaches, staff, teammates, or other players of Ridley’s betting activity”. A tweet from Ridley himself indicates that he wagered $1,500 total.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that Ridley’s wagers consisted of parlay bets, and that some of those “included the Falcons to win” (Twitter link). Mike Garafolo of NFL Network adds that the league has the ability to “work with their gambling partners to gather information on potential violations”, and that it was through such communication that Ridley was caught (video link).

In response, the Falcons released a statement which says in part: “We were first made aware of the league’s investigation on Feb. 9. We have cooperated fully with the investigation since receiving notice and support the league’s findings and actions. We are moving forward in the 2022 season with the decision that was made.”

Ridley, 27, can appeal the suspension within the next three days, though he tweeted “I learn from my Ls” in response to the news. Assuming the ban is upheld, the earliest he can apply for reinstatement is February 15, 2023. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero adds that his contract — the fifth-year option worth $11.1MM — will now toll to the 2023 season, meaning the Falcons will gain that much in cap space for 2022.

A member of what was viewed as an underwhelming draft class, Ridley quickly established himself as a highly-productive receiver. His best year came in 2020 (90 catches, 1,374 yards, nine touchdowns), leading to plenty of optimism for himself and the Falcons’ offense. After everything that has happened since, however, the situation has been completely reversed.

Colts’ Jack Doyle Retires

March 7th, 2022 at 2:46pm CST by Adam La Rose

After it came out that he was contemplating retirement, Colts tight end Jack Doyle has indeed decided to call it a career. In a statement, he explained the decision and expressed gratitude for the organization and its fans (Twitter link).

“Getting the chance to play nine seasons for the team I have always and will always cheer for has been a dream come true” he wrote. “I now go back to being the fan I have always been and retiring from the great game of football… I have a deep respect for the dedication and commitment it takes to be out there for your teammates. At this time, my body is telling me that is a sacrifice I can no longer make”.

After going undrafted out of Western Kentucky in 2013, the 31-year-old played 131 games for the Colts. His most productive campaign came in 2017, where he made 80 catches for 690 yards and four touchdowns. That earned him the first of two trips to the Pro Bowl. Over his career, though, he became most well-known for his ability as a blocker.

This past season, Doyle played a key role in the Colts’ dominant rushing attack. PFF ranked him amongst the best tight ends at run-blocking, proving he was still a valuable member of the offense. On a team that was already in need of more pass-catchers, his absence will be felt.

This news could lead to T.Y. Hilton following Doyle into retirement. The franchise icon indicated he was contemplating ending his career in conjunction with Doyle, which would leave another hole in the team’s offense. From a financial perspective, Doyle coming off the books will save Indy just under $5.5MM, leaving them with a comfortable $42MM in cap room for the upcoming free agent market.

Patriots Release Kyle Van Noy

March 7th, 2022 at 1:55pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Patriots have made a notable cost-cutting move. Per ESPN’s Field Yates, the team is releasing veteran linebacker Kyle Van Noy (Twitter link).

Van Noy, who will be 31 by the start of the 2022 season, signed in New England last year following a single campaign in Miami. As a result of the way the deal was structured, he accounted for a reasonable $4.37MM against the cap in 2021. However, that figure was set to jump to $7.4MM for next year. New England will save nearly $5MM by letting him go.

Originally a draft pick of the Lions, Van Noy is most well-known for his solid play with the Patriots. 2021 was no exception, as he posted 66 tackles, five sacks and a pick-six. In coverage, he earned a PFF grade of 84.3, proving his value in all aspects of the game. Like in every full season in New England, he played over 80% of the team’s defensive snaps.

On the other hand, Van Noy was a member of the linebacking corps which struggled to handle faster offensive opponents. With Jamie Collins, Dont’a Hightower and Ja’Whaun Bentley all pending free agents, this move creates the possibility that nearly the entire position group could be different come next season. Outside of Matt Judon, the team has little in the way of known commodities at the second level of their defense.

The release means Van Noy is free to sign at any time, rather than having to wait until the official beginning of free agency. For the second straight year, he finds himself in the position of needing to find a new home after a productive season; the Patriots, meanwhile, now have just under $13.5MM in cap space to work with.

Panthers Restructure Shaq Thompson’s Contract

March 7th, 2022 at 12:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Panthers are continuing to manufacture 2022 cap space. The team announced today that they have restructured the contract of linebacker Shaq Thompson.

Thompson, 27, was set to count for $18.26MM against the cap for next season before the move. Instead, as ESPN’s David Newton notes, the team has created $5M in space (Twitter link). With even more financial flexibility, Carolina now has plenty of room to be aggressive in free agency.

A 2015 first round pick, Thompson has spent his entire seven-year career with the Panthers. He ranked second on the team in tackles last year with 104, adding two sacks and five pass deflections. In total, he has racked up 574 stops, 11.5 sacks and four forced fumbles.

Thompson is under contract for another two seasons, where he will no doubt continue to be an anchor on the team’s defense. Many of the offseason questions for the team revolve around the secondary, where corners Donte Jackson and Stephon Gilmore are both pending unrestricted free agents. Moves such as this one – along with the re-working of Moton’s deal – give the team more of a chance to keep both. Alternatively, it could mean room for one, along with a significant addition at another position.

Browns Place Franchise Tag On David Njoku

March 7th, 2022 at 11:57am CST by Adam La Rose

The Browns are staying true to their stated goal of keeping David Njoku in the fold. Per a team announcement, they have placed the franchise tag on the tight end.

One week ago, it was reported that Cleveland was intent on making a sizeable commitment to the 25-year-old. Specifically, a deal paying him eight figures per season on average was said to be what the team is willing to offer. That came as a surprise to many, mainly because of the presence of Austin Hooper and his contract. The former Falcon signed a then record-breaking deal for tight ends, which keeps him on the books in Cleveland until 2024.

For each of the next two seasons, Hooper will carry a cap hit of $13.25MM. If he plays on the tag, Njoku will make $10.8MM, giving the Browns an expensive tandem at the position, especially considering their combined production. In 2021, the pair totalled 820 receiving yards and seven touchdowns. Nevertheless, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport confirms that the team is treating the tag as simply a means of buying time for a long-term extension (Twitter link).

A first round pick in 2017, Njoku’s best season came one year later, when he posted 56 catches for 639 yards and four majors. Despite not putting up eye-popping numbers during his five seasons with the team, he has ultimately shown a willingness to stick around, in spite of the investment made in Hooper. For at least one more campaign, he will be able to do just that.

The team also announced they have tendered three exclusive rights free agents: wide receiver Ja’Marcus Bradley, as well as offensive linemen Michael Dunn and Blake Hance.

Packers Negotiating Extension With Jaire Alexander

March 7th, 2022 at 10:58am CST by Adam La Rose

The Packers have a number of decisions to make to get under the salary cap in time for the start of free agency. One way they could create some room for the 2022 season – and make a long-term commitment to a major piece of their defense in the process – is signing cornerback Jaire Alexander to an extension.

As Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith writes, that could take place soon. The Packers are engaged in talks for a “long-term” deal, something that wouldn’t come as a surprise given the 25-year-old’s level of play in his career. He entered the 2021 campaign with Pro Bowl and Second Team All-Pro honors already to his name, although the 2022 season didn’t go as planned.

Due to a shoulder injury suffered in October, Alexander was limited to four games played. He registered 13 tackles, one interception and three pass breakups, while maintaining his high-end coverage performance. For his career, he has 188 total tackles, five picks and 44 pass breakups.

A first rounder in 2018, Alexander is currently slated to play the 2022 season on his fifth year option. Without a new deal, he will earn a guaranteed $13.3MM – a figure which would represent a comparative bargain given where he ranks amongst the league’s top corners, but that the Packers could try to lower for short-term breathing room. For that reason, Smith notes, any new pact would likely involve more money paid as a signing bonus spread over the length of the contract.

A new deal doesn’t have to get done for Alexander to play in 2022, but doing so sooner rather than later would have benefits for both team and player in this case. In any event, the Packers still have a long way to go to reach cap compliance, so more moves of some kind will be forthcoming.

Odell Beckham Jr. Expected To Re-Sign With Rams

March 7th, 2022 at 9:58am CST by Adam La Rose

Odell Beckham Jr. played a major role in the Rams’ Super Bowl run, leading to a mutual interest between himself and the team for a return to L.A. According to Aaron Wilson of Pro Football Network, a new contract is “expected to happen”.

The news comes after the wideout expressed a desire to remain with the Rams, where he quickly found his form after a messy split with the Browns. He said Los Angeles “feels like home” in large part, no doubt, to his production filling in for the injured Robert Woods. Between the regular season and playoffs, Beckham posted 48 catches for 593 yards and seven touchdowns.

That level of play – cut short by a torn ACL suffered in the Super Bowl – has led to interest from the team’s perspective in a reunion. General manager Les Snead recently stated he would “definitely like” to keep the 29-year-old. Doing so would be tricky from a financial perspective, given the team was slated to be over the cap before the offseason began. An extension for quarterback Matthew Stafford would help open the door to keeping Beckham, though other changes are expected for the defending champions.

If he were to stay, Beckham would join Woods and Cooper Kupp to give L.A. arguably the most talented receiving trio in the league. While questions would linger about Woods and Beckham regarding their recoveries from major injuries, a healthy pass-catching corps of that caliber would give the team a chance to replicate at least the offensive output that helped earn them a title.