2022 April - Pro Football Rumors

Broncos’ Randy Gregory Underwent Shoulder Scope

April 1st, 2022 at 12:01pm CST by Adam La Rose

In the midst of his dramatic change of heart in free agency, defensive end Randy Gregory has also been facing a lingering shoulder issue. He recently took steps to address the matter, reports Mike Klis of 9News.

As Klis details, the 29-year-old “underwent an arthroscopic procedure on his rotator cuff”. Other options were available, but both he and the Broncos agreed upon his signing that the scope would produce the best long-term benefits. He will rehab the shoulder throughout the offseason, but is expected to be recovered in time for the start of the 2022 campaign.

Gregory, a second-round pick of the Cowboys in 2015, played five seasons in Dallas. Dealing with multiple injury and suspension issues, he grew into his role with the team and began living up to his potential. In 2021, he totalled six sacks and three forced fumbles as part of the Cowboys’ vaunted pass rush.

That led to a new deal being agreed upon for him to remain in the Lone Star State. However, he ultimately pivoted to Denver, inking a contract with the same length (five years) and financial terms ($14MM per season, with $28MM in guaranteed money) as the one he was in line to sign in Dallas.

Now officially a Bronco, Gregory is set up to begin his tenure there with the hopes of putting one of his injury problems to rest. Assuming he is healthy by the start of the regular season, he should have a large role to play on Denver’s defense as he tries to live up to the billing of that new contract.

Colts Eyeing Notable Defensive Addition?

April 1st, 2022 at 10:57am CST by Adam La Rose

The Colts have already made a number of significant moves this offseason, including the acquisition of Matt Ryan. While his arrival is expected to help the team’s offense, Indianapolis may not be done adding to their defense.

In an interview with the team’s website, owner Jim Irsay hinted at the possibility of a splashy move on that side of the ball. The Colts already added edge rusher Yannick Ngakoue via a trade with the Raiders earlier this month. They also have, of course, the likes of Darius Leonard and DeForest Buckner as high-profile members of the unit. The Colts ranked ninth in scoring defense in 2021.

“There could be – it would have to be at the right price – an addition that excites some” Irsay said. “But we’ll see. [General manager] Chris Ballard is looking hard at that. It has to be the right guy at the right number. One more veteran to come in and make a big difference.”

After Bobby Wagner signed with the Rams yesterday, the list of established stars who are still available is even shorter. If the team is eyeing an upgrade in the secondary, options could include safety Tyrann Mathieu and cornerback Stephon Gilmore, both of whom should remain productive throughout any short- or medium-term deals that they sign.

The Colts currently have some of the most flexibility in the league from a financial standpoint. With over $20MM to work with in cap space, affordability shouldn’t be an issue in terms of landing a free agent. As they look to rebound from the disappointing end to 2021, then, they could be in store for another significant addition in the near future.

Browns, David Njoku Talking Extension

April 1st, 2022 at 9:57am CST by Zachary Links

The Browns and David Njoku are in active extension talks (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport). The two sides only have until July 15 to get a deal done, but all parties are confident that they’ll come to terms.

The Browns used the franchise tag on Njoku, choosing to cuff him despite also having Austin Hooper at the time. The 25-year-old (26 in July) could now command a deal worth upwards of $10MM — something the Browns are reportedly willing to do.

“I’ve been here (Cleveland) for four years going on five,” Njoku said last summer. “I don’t know anything different. I want to keep being here.”

For now, the Browns have Njoku at a $10.8MM cap figure in 2022, a number they hope to tamp down.

Njoku, a 2017 first-round pick, enjoyed his best year in 2018 when he notched 56 grabs 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 2021, Njoku finished with 36 catches for 475 yards and four touchdowns.

Raiders Sign Nick Mullens

April 1st, 2022 at 9:48am CST by Zachary Links

The Raiders are signing Nick Mullens to a one-year deal (Twitter link via NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo). The quarterback will receive just over $1MM guaranteed with a chance to earn up to $2.5MM via incentives (Twitter link via Field Yates of ESPN.com).

Mullens will support Derek Carr on the Raiders’ depth chart, alongside Garrett Gilbert. It’s not a given that the Raiders will carry three QBs on their final roster, so it may be a one-or-the-other scenario. For what it’s worth, Mullens has $1.5MM guaranteed versus sub-$100K locked in for Gilbert.

Mullens, 27, has appeared in 20 games over the course of his career with 17 starts. The bulk of those starts came with the Niners, where he spent his first three seasons. Last year, he made just one start for the Browns — a December loss to the Raiders.

Meanwhile, the Raiders have kicked off extension talks with Carr. The 31-year-old currently has one year to go on his contract with a cap hit of $19.8MM.