HEADLINES

Month: June 2022

Patriots Sign Round 2 WR Tyquan Thornton, Round 4 QB Bailey Zappe To Wrap Class

June 23rd, 2022 at 3:47pm CST by Sam Robinson

Second- and third-day draftees came to terms with the Patriots on their rookie contracts Thursday. After signing Tyquan Thornton and Bailey Zappe to their four-year pacts, the team has completed its draft deals for 2022.

A Baylor-produced wide receiver with a 4.28-second 40-yard dash time on his pre-draft resume, Thornton enticed the Patriots to trade up four spots — from No. 54 to No. 50 — to acquire him. The Bill Belichick-era Pats have notoriously struggled to identify college receiver talent, at least with high picks, and recent Baylor wideouts to come through the league have delivered inconsistent pro careers. The Pats will aim to buck both trends here.

Baylor has sent the likes of Denzel Mims, Corey Coleman, Josh Gordon and Kendall Wright into the league as first- or second-round picks (Gordon was a Round 2 supplemental choice). Some of those players have enjoyed moments or short stretches of production, but the Big 12 program has not seen its top pass-catching cogs enjoy extended runs as starters. New England has swung and missed on highly drafted wideouts N’Keal Harry, Aaron Dobson and Chad Jackson over the past 16 years — the only first- or second-round wideouts the team has chosen — but obviously did quite well with late-rounders Julian Edelman and Matthew Slater. UDFA Jakobi Meyers has played well through three seasons, too, earning a second-round RFA tender from the team this offseason.

Although Thornton broke through as a senior by catching 62 passes for 948 yards and 10 touchdowns, he surpassed 17 yards per reception during both his freshman and sophomore years. In addition to Thornton, the Pats added DeVante Parker via trade and Lil’Jordan Humphrey late in the offseason. That duo joins the Meyers-Kendrick Bourne–Nelson Agholor trio. Harry remains on the roster but has been in trade rumors for multiple years now.

Zappe is coming off a historically productive season in his lone fall at a Division I-FBS program. The transfer passer broke Joe Burrow‘s recent FBS record by throwing 62 touchdown passes (compared to 11 interceptions). Zappe, a Houston Baptist import, also tallied 5,967 passing yards. Zappe played in a pass-crazed system and will attempt to transition to the pros, attempting to develop behind Mac Jones and Brian Hoyer.

Here is New England’s 2022 draft class:

Round 1: No. 29 (from 49ers through Dolphins and Chiefs) Cole Strange, G (UT-Chattanooga) (signed)
Round 2: No. 50 (from Dolphins through Chiefs) Tyquan Thornton, WR (Baylor) (signed)
Round 3: No. 85 Marcus Jones, CB (Houston) (signed)
Round 4: No. 121 (from Dolphins through Chiefs) Jackie Jones, CB (Arizona State) (signed)
Round 4: No. 127 Pierre Strong, RB (South Dakota State) (signed)
Round 4: No. 137 (from Rams through Texans and Panthers) Bailey Zappe, QB (Western Kentucky) (signed)
Round 6: No. 183 (from Texans) Kevin Harris, RB (South Carolina) (signed)
Round 6: No. 200 Sam Roberts, DT (Northwest Missouri State) (signed)
Round 6: No. 210:  Chasen Hines, C (LSU) (signed)
Round 7: No. 245 (from Cowboys through Texans) Andrew Stueber, OG (Michigan) (signed)

Poll: How Should Panthers Proceed At QB?

June 23rd, 2022 at 1:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

Without a long-term quarterback plan since injuries began to keep Cam Newton off the field, the Panthers have attempted to land big fish at the position for a bit. But they have been unable to do so, leaving the team with a major question at the game’s premier position in a rather important year for Matt Rhule.

Carolina made serious efforts to trade for Matthew Stafford, offering a first-round pick and change, and Deshaun Watson, whom the team was linked to for over a year. Neither panned out, with the Rams swooping in late for a player who has since become a Super Bowl-winning QB. Although the Falcons were believed to be the second-place finishers for Watson, the Panthers also balked at the $230MM guarantee the Browns authorized. An inquiry into Russell Wilson‘s status went nowhere, with the longtime Seahawks QB prioritizing a Denver move.

The Panthers still have Sam Darnold, whom they acquired for three draft choices — including a second-round pick — last year. Darnold, 25, struggled through an injury-interrupted 2021 season, putting his status as Carolina’s 2022 QB in doubt. But the Panthers, upon trading for the former Jets top-three pick, exercised the scuffling passer’s fifth-year option. Darnold is guaranteed $18.9MM this year, and Rhule has praised his work this offseason.

The primary reason for the frequent Carolina-centric headlines this offseason, Baker Mayfield, 27, remains on the team’s radar. An early report this offseason indicated neither the Panthers nor Mayfield were on-board with a trade that moved the former No. 1 overall pick to Charlotte, but the NFC South team has come around. The Panthers have been by far the team most closely connected to Mayfield, having engaged with the Browns in trade talks during the draft and resuming them recently.

How Mayfield’s fully guaranteed $18.9MM salary would be divvied up would seem a somewhat minor hiccup, at least compared to the prospect of making a QB upgrade, but that component has stalled the talks for several weeks. The Browns were believed to offering to pay barely $3MM of Mayfield’s salary during the mid-draft talks, but they have since upped that figure to around $10MM. The Panthers have wanted the Browns to pay nearly $14MM of the figure. Cleveland holds the NFL’s most cap space, with Carolina at No. 2. It would seemingly benefit the Panthers to make this deal soon to give Mayfield as much time as possible to learn Ben McAdoo‘s playbook, and the Seahawks are lurking in the event Mayfield is cut.

Jimmy Garoppolo looms as an option as well, but Carolina is not believed to be interested in trading for him. The four-plus-year 49ers starter is tied to a $26.9MM base salary — one that becomes fully guaranteed in Week 1. The Panthers would be interested if the 49ers cut him, though the 30-year-old passer is coming off a three-injury season — one culminating with a throwing-shoulder surgery that paused his trade market.

Teams can certainly hold out to see if the 49ers — who have Deebo Samuel and Nick Bosa extensions on their docket but hold little in cap space — blink on Garoppolo’s salary ahead of his guarantee vesting. But the Panthers waiting that long runs the risk of Garoppolo not joining the team until just before the regular season. That would not put him in good position to succeed. Although frequently scrutinized, Garoppolo did rank 12th in QBR in 2019. That Super Bowl-qualifying campaign also marked his only healthy season in the past four.

Ranking 29th in 2021 QBR, Darnold trailed a hobbled Mayfield (27th) last season. Mayfield’s best QBR season (2020, when he ranked 10th) outpaces Darnold’s by a notable margin. A 25th-place finish in 2019 is Darnold’s best mark, and although he has not been given a favorable draw in four seasons, the USC product teeters on the bust cliff. That said, Mayfield’s 2020 is the outlier in his past three seasons, a span that included a 2019 regression and the injury-plagued 2021 that is leading him out of Cleveland.

The Panthers have outfitted Darnold with a better offensive line this year, and a healthy Christian McCaffrey would make a difference. But are Darnold (or third-rounder Matt Corral, who profiles as a longer-term project) and healthy versions of Mayfield and Garoppolo close enough in ability to venture into training camp without Carolina making a move? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts on this situation in the comments section.

How should the Panthers proceed at quarterback?
Trade for Baker Mayfield 37.33% (645 votes)
Wait for Jimmy Garoppolo to be cut 25.93% (448 votes)
Stick with Sam Darnold 23.26% (402 votes)
Start Matt Corral 13.48% (233 votes)
Total Votes: 1,728

Broncos Sign Fourth-Rounders Damarri Mathis, Eyioma Uwazurike To Wrap Draft Class

June 23rd, 2022 at 12:48pm CST by Sam Robinson

Each of the Broncos’ 2022 draftees is now signed. Fourth-round picks Damarri Mathis and Eyioma Uwazurike agreed to terms on their four-year rookie contracts Thursday, finalizing the slot-deal negotiation process for the year in Denver.

The Broncos chose the two defenders back-to-back in Round 4, with Mathis going 115th overall and Uwazurike 116th. The duo can be expected to play depth roles for a Broncos team featuring more experienced players at cornerback and on their defensive line.

A corner out of Pittsburgh, Mathis missed the 2020 season but returned in 2021 to solidify his status as a draftable prospect. He picked up two more interceptions, finishing his career with five, and helped the Panthers to the Peach Bowl. The Broncos return starters Ronald Darby and Patrick Surtain II and signed K’Waun Williams to work in the slot. Mathis figures to join third-year corner Michael Ojemudia as a reserve option.

Uwazurike, who went to Iowa State, enjoyed a breakout 2021 season. Using his extra year allowed by the NCAA following the COVID-19 pandemic, Uwazurike recorded nine sacks and 12 tackles for loss for the Cyclones last season. The interior D-lineman should be expected to work as a rotational presence for a Broncos team that has Dre’Mont Jones and Mike Purcell returning. The team, which included Shelby Harris in the Russell Wilson trade, added another starter in D.J. Jones via free agency soon after.

Here is how the Broncos’ 2022 draft class looks:

Round 2: No. 64 (from Rams) Nik Bonitto, LB (Oklahoma) (signed)
Round 3: No. 80 (from Saints through Texans) Greg Dulcich, TE (UCLA) (signed)
Round 4: No. 115 Damarri Mathis, CB (Pittsburgh) (signed)
Round 4: No. 116 (from Seahawks) Eyioma Uwazurike, DT (Iowa State) (signed)
Round 5: No. 152 Delarrin Turner-Yell, S (Oklahoma) (signed)
Round 5: No. 162 (from Eagles through Texans) Montrell Washington, WR (Samford) (signed)
Round 5: No. 171 (from Packers): Luke Wattenberg, C (Washington) (signed)
Round 6: No. 206 (from Buccaneers through Jets and Eagles) Matt Henningsen, DT (Wisconsin) (signed)
Round 7: No. 232 Faion Hicks, CB (Wisconsin) (signed)

NFL, NFLPA Attempted To Negotiate Deshaun Watson Punishment?

June 23rd, 2022 at 12:34pm CST by Sam Robinson

A lengthy Deshaun Watson suspension is believed to be coming soon, but the Browns continue to wait for that news to emerge. A full-season ban has become a real possibility for the quarterback who was accused by 24 women of sexual misconduct and/or sexual assault.

An independent officer, Sue Robinson, will decide on Watson’s discipline. That ruling is expected to happen before the Browns begin training camp. But Roger Goodell would handle an appeal. However, the NFL, NFLPA and Watson advisors entered talks about a negotiated punishment, Josina Anderson of USA Today tweets.

If a negotiated ban came to pass, Watson would waive his appeal right. These talks, however, broke down because the parties were not on the same page regarding suspension length, Anderson adds. This will keep the process moving toward Robinson’s decision.

If Robinson’s decision does not meet with NFLPA approval, the union plans to use recent punishments for teams and owners (or lack thereof) in its appeal. The NFLPA would cite NFL treatment of Dan Snyder, Robert Kraft and Jerry Jones in its Watson appeal, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk notes.

The NFL is believed to have changed its plans regarding what information was made public in its investigation into Snyder and the Commanders, which wrapped in 2021. That probe did not produce a written report of the league’s findings, leading to Congress becoming involved. The NFL fined the franchise $10MM, and Snyder gave up day-to-day operations. However, his involvement with the team since has been in question. Kraft pleaded not guilty to two misdemeanor counts of soliciting prostitution in connection with a January 2018 incident at a spa. The Patriots owner’s case was later dismissed, and no NFL punishment came down. The Cowboys paid a confidential $2.4MM settlement after four cheerleaders accused the team’s former senior vice president for public relations and communications, Rich Dalrymple, of voyeurism in the team’s locker room during a 2015 event at AT&T Stadium. The NFL did not investigate the Cowboys.

These arguments would bring other teams into the Browns’ controversy. The union believes its strategy would be more effective since the 2020 CBA moved Goodell further away from disciplinary matters, Florio adds. But with the NFL overseeing an appeal, it is unclear how much traction they will have considering both the volume of accusations levied against Watson and the league’s apparent hope for a year-long suspension.

Watson, who was not charged in connection with these accusations and has denied all wrongdoing, settled 20 of the 24 civil lawsuits against him this week. The NFL said that will not impact his potential punishment. The settlements will prevent Watson from going through most of his suits next year, which would take the prospect of the commissioner’s exempt list — something Goodell has already said would not apply here — completely off the table. If Watson were to miss 2022 games, it would only happen because of a suspension.

Check Out Hoops Rumors For NBA Draft Coverage

June 23rd, 2022 at 12:00pm CST by Rory Maher

Draft day is here for the NBA, and Hoops Rumors has all the latest news and rumors! Last season saw several teams jockeying for position to land coveted draft picks, and the expectation is that there will be plenty of trades tonight. We’ve already seen three significant deals leading up to the draft, but that was just the tip of the iceberg, because the rumor mill is buzzing about several other possibilities.

The top of the draft looks pretty set, as ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported this morning that a projected top three of Jabari Smith to the Magic at No. 1, Chet Holmgren to the Thunder at No. 2, and Paolo Banchero to the Rockets at No. 3 looks “increasingly firm.” The three big men are widely considered the top prospects in the draft.

If Wojnarowski is right and there are no major surprises in the top three, tonight’s fun could begin at No. 4, where the Kings have been linked to both Jaden Ivey and Keegan Murray and are reportedly considering trading the pick. The Trail Blazers are also trying to improve their squad after a disappointing season, so a win-now move for a veteran in exchange for their No. 7 pick is reportedly being considered as well.

Over at Hoops Rumors, we’ll be keeping tabs on all the latest NBA news and rumors tonight, in addition to tracking each of this year’s 58 draft picks. With the draft upon us and free agency only one week away, this is the most eventful time of year for the NBA rumor mill, so be sure to visit Hoops Rumors and follow @HoopsRumors on Twitter for all the latest updates!

NFC East Notes: Giants, Eagles, Clark

June 23rd, 2022 at 10:21am CST by Sam Robinson

Participation among key Giants receivers was light during this year’s offseason. Sterling Shepard continues to close out his Achilles rehab, while Kadarius Toney missed time because of a new injury. Kenny Golladay was also limited during the team’s spring workouts. This could point to Darius Slayton being retained as an insurance policy of sorts, but the fourth-year wideout does not seem to be a favorite of the new regime, Jordan Raanan of ESPN.com offers. Slayton buzz this offseason continues to point to a departure, and Raanan does not have the former fifth-rounder making the team. The Giants shopped the two-time 700-yard receiver ahead of the draft and took Kentucky’s Wan’Dale Robinson in Round 2, further crowding their receiving corps. Due to a proven performance escalator, Slayton’s rookie contract finishes up with a $2.5MM 2022 salary.

Here is the NFC East’s latest:

  • Haason Reddick‘s potential role as an outside linebacker who moves to defensive end on passing downs in a 4-3 scheme reminded of Von Miller‘s in his initial Broncos seasons. But the Eagles may no longer be keen on keeping their highly paid edge rusher in the garage. They are leaning toward more 3-4 sets this season, Tim McManus of ESPN.com notes. This would allow Reddick, who turned his career around after the Cardinals gave him a chance as a pure edge player in 2020, the opportunity to rush on most plays. The former first-round pick has accumulated 23.5 sacks over the past two seasons.
  • The Eagles have a formidable-looking defensive tackle crew, having drafted Jordan Davis to pair with Fletcher Cox and Javon Hargrave. Despite Davis’ massive frame, McManus adds the Eagles believe he can be a three-down player. Nose tackles often come off the field on passing downs, making the use of a top-15 pick on one questionable. While Davis might not be ticketed for an immediate three-down role, given the veterans that headline his Philly position group, the Georgia-developed size-speed freak will have that chance as a pro.
  • Cowboys rookie linebacker Damone Clark is not expected to suit up anytime soon. The fifth-round pick underwent spinal fusion surgery in March, per The Athletic’s Jon Machota, and may miss the season. Even if Clarke suits up, Machota adds the Cowboys are not expecting that to happen until late in the season (subscription required). Clark recorded 135 tackles and 5.5 sacks during his final LSU season and will rejoin ex-Tigers teammate Jabril Cox as part of Dallas’ linebacking corps.
  • Although Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson went first and second overall, Giants DC Don Martindale and outside linebackers coach Drew Wilkins viewed Kayvon Thibodeaux as this draft’s best edge prospect, Raanan notes. Lofty draft-board proclamations often emerge after teams make their picks, but the Giants did select a player who exited 2021 atop many mock drafts. The team plans on using Thibodeaux as an inside pass rusher as well, Raanan adds. Big Blue has enjoyed success with edge rushers moving inside, but it has been a while since Justin Tuck and Co. thrived in the Big Apple.

Steelers Sign First-Round QB Kenny Pickett

June 23rd, 2022 at 8:24am CST by Sam Robinson

Weeks away from training camps opening, all 2022 first-round picks are now under contract. Kenny Pickett concluded this signing period by agreeing to terms on his rookie deal Thursday morning, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.

Pickett’s Pittsburgh contract runs through 2025, with the Steelers having a fifth-year option to exercise by May of that year. Pickett’s slot deal is expected to pay him approximately $14MM. That is down from the contract Ben Roethlisberger signed in August 2004 (six years, $22.26MM), when first-rounders received far more money, but the franchise’s heir apparent will still collect a nice chunk of change to start his career.

The structure of this deal is believed to have held up the signing. But there will be no holdout drama with this year’s first-round class. While the slot system introduced in 2011 streamlined rookie signings, select first-rounders have gone into training camp without deals in the years since. Pickett can now focus solely on attempting to win the Steelers’ starting job.

Like Roethlisberger 18 years ago, Pickett may enter the season as a backup. Free agency addition Mitchell Trubisky worked ahead of the Pitt-produced QB throughout minicamp. Although things can certainly change once more relevant practices and then preseason games commence, the Steelers may be content letting Pickett begin his development on the sideline.

Pickett, 24, started four seasons with the ACC program and played in five, taking advantage of the additional eligibility year the NCAA allowed following the pandemic-altered 2020 slate. Pickett capitalized on the extra year, breaking through with 42 touchdown passes (with just seven interceptions) and 4,319 yards in 2021. This also came with significant bumps in completion percentage (67%) and yards per attempt (8.7).

The production enticed the Steelers to draft the QB that played in their home stadium 20th overall — two rounds before any other passer was chosen this year. That draft slot positions Pickett to begin his QB1 run before the passers who went off the board a day later. When the Steelers make the transition will be one of the top storylines associated with the AFC North team this season.

This signing also finishes up the Steelers’ draft-choice agreements for 2022. Here is Pittsburgh’s class:

Round 1: No. 20 Kenny Pickett, QB (Pittsburgh) (signed)
Round 2: No. 52 George Pickens, WR (Georgia) (signed)
Round 3: No. 84 DeMarvin Leal, DE (Texas A&M) (signed)
Round 4: No. 138 Calvin Austin III, WR (Memphis) (signed)
Round 6: No. 208 (from Chiefs) Connor Heyward, TE (Michigan State) (signed)
Round 7: No. 225 (from Jets) Mark Robinson, LB (Ole Miss) (signed)
Round 7: No. 241 Chris Oladokun, QB (South Dakota State) (signed)

Chiefs WR Josh Gordon On Roster Bubble?

June 22nd, 2022 at 10:23pm CST by Ben Levine

Josh Gordon is on the roster bubble in Kansas City. ESPN’s Adam Teicher writes that “it’s difficult to see a place” for Gordon on the Chiefs roster.

The Chiefs have seen plenty of turnover at wide receiver this offseason, with Tyreek Hill, Byron Pringle, Demarcus Robinson, and Marcus Kemp all out of the picture. The team reworked their depth chart via free agency (JuJu Smith-Schuster, Marquez Valdes-Scantling) and via the draft (second-round pick Skyy Moore), and that trio of wideouts will make up most of the Chiefs’ WR depth. The Chiefs are also still rostering Mecole Hardman, who is another presumable lock to make the roster.

While the Chiefs will obviously roster more than four receivers, Teicher opines that Gordon’s lack of special teams production makes him a long shot to make the squad. Instead, the Chiefs could pivot to a WR with more versatility. Teicher points to Daurice Fountain as a candidate for that fifth receiver spot, but the Chiefs are also rostering the likes of Corey Coleman, Justin Watson, and Gary Jennings (among others).

“They all bring something different to the table and that’s the unique part about it,” offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy told reporters (via Herbie Teope of The Kansas City Star). “I think there’s going to be a lot of diversity because everybody presents something different, so it’s going to be new. It’s going to be exciting.”

Gordon restarted another NFL comeback when he joined the Chiefs last September. He eventually made his way on to the active roster and ended up starting seven of his 12 games with Kansas City, hauling in five receptions for 32 yards and one touchdown. Gordon hasn’t seen time in 16+ games since his rookie year in 2012, and considering his continued suspensions, Gordon seemed like he’d be hard pressed to make Kansas City’s roster in 2022. Of course, many of us thought the same in 2021, and he ended up getting into a dozen games for the Chiefs.

Commanders TE Logan Thomas To Start Season On IR?

June 22nd, 2022 at 9:33pm CST by Ben Levine

Commanders tight end Logan Thomas continues to work hard to return from a torn ACL/MCL, but the injury still might force him to miss the start of the 2022 campaign. ESPN.com’s John Keim writes that Thomas could open the season on injured reserve.

This isn’t a huge surprise considering Thomas only suffered the injury in December. As Bijon Todd of NBC Sports Washington writes, Thomas previously suggested he’d need 10 months to recover from the injury, and that timeline would have him missing around the first month of the season. While speaking to reporters the other day, Thomas clarified that his goal is to be on the field for Week 1, but he’s prioritizing his health over all else.

“I know the next question is probably timeline. Timeline for me: would love to be back for Week 1, that’s my goal,” Thomas said (via Todd). “If it doesn’t happen, I don’t feel right, feel like I got limitations, then I’ll come back when I’m ready…Week 1 would be great, if not, so be it.”

Following a career year in 2020 that saw Thomas haul in 72 receptions for 670 yards, and six touchdowns, the tight end inked a three-year $24MM extension with Washington last offseason. Thomas had a rough campaign in 2021; beyond his season-ending knee injury, Thomas also had an early-season IR stint while recovering from a hamstring injury. He ultimately finished the season with 18 catches for 196 yards and three scores.

Fortunately for the Commanders, they have plenty of depth at the tight end position. Keim opines that John Bates and Cole Turner will be two of Washington’s three tight ends (along with Thomas), but the organization is also rostering intriguing options like former receiver Antonio Gandy-Golden, undrafted rookie Curtis Hodges, second-year prospect Sammis Reyes, and fullback Alex Armah.

NFL Draft Pick Signings: 6/22/22

June 22nd, 2022 at 8:06pm CST by Ben Levine

Here are the latest mid- and late-round picks to sign their four-year rookie contracts:

Minnesota Vikings

Evans transferred to Missouri from Tulsa for the 2021 campaign and put himself on the NFL map after compiling 29 tackles, a pair of forced fumbles, and one interception. Thanks to his performance, the Vikings used pick No. 118 to select him during the draft. The rookie will likely compete with the likes of Harrison Hand, Andrew Booth, and Kris Boyd for backup reps.

With the signing, the Vikings now have two unsigned rookies: second-round cornerback Andrew Booth Jr. and second-round offensive guard Ed Ingram.

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