With the draft just days away, a number of key developments continue to take place around the league. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here’s a quick recap:
- Hurts Signs Record-Setting Eagles Extension: A number of young quarterbacks are up for massive extensions this offseason, and the Eagles became the first team to get their mega-deal done by signing Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255MM contract. The $51MM AAV of the pact, which kicks in next season, is the highest figure in league history, and Hurts will see just over $179MM in guaranteed money. His pact will represent another benchmark in negotiations for the likes of Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. Hurts, 24, confirmed his status as the Eagles’ starter in 2022 and put himself in the MVP conversation while helping guide the team to the Super Bowl. He will remain in place as their franchise centerpiece for the foreseeable future as the QB market continues its upward trajectory.
- Williams, Four Others Suspended For Gambling: The NFL levied suspensions against five players for violations of the league’s gambling policy, a group headlined by Lions receiver Jameson Williams. He, along with teammate Stanley Berryhill, will be sidelined for six games in 2023 for placing bets on non-NFL games at the team’s facility. Receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore (who have been let go by the Lions), along with Commanders pass rusher Shaka Toney, have been banned indefinitely and will miss at least the 2023 season. The latter three bet on NFL games, as the recently reinstated Calvin Ridley did before his year-long suspension in 2022. The Lions also fired a number of team employees for violations of the gambling policy, adding to the growing list of personnel to face discipline recently.
- Hamlin Cleared To Return: Damar Hamlin’s recovery took another step forward as he was given full clearance to resume football activities. The Bills safety’s playing future was in doubt following his cardiac arrest in January, but he made it clear earlier this offseason that he intended to return to the field when given the green light to do so. Doctors are in agreement that he is safe to take part in the team’s offseason program, putting him on track to suit up for the start of the 2023 campaign. A backup role presumably awaits him this season, but the fact that the 25-year-old is likely to be on the field in any capacity is of course a newsworthy and welcomed development.
- Steelers Acquire Robinson: The Rams continued to move on from some of their more expensive veterans, sending wideout Allen Robinson to the Steelers for a swap of seventh-round picks. Los Angeles will retain two-thirds of Robinson’s 2023 compensation, giving Pittsburgh a relatively cost-effective addition to their pass-catching corps. The 29-year-old had an underwhelming tenure with the Rams last season, but his latest change of scenery could give him the opportunity to return to full health and boost his value. Robinson is under contract through 2024, but no guaranteed money remains on his deal at that point. This move thus represents a one-year audition for the former Pro Bowler as part of a talented WR room.
- 49ers Receiving Calls On Lance: San Francisco faces plenty of QB uncertainty heading into 2023, but they have seen interest from a number of teams regarding the availability of Trey Lance. The former third overall pick was set to take over the starting role in 2022, but his season lasted less than two games. Seventh-rounder Brock Purdy eventually took over the No. 1 role, and is the favorite for the top spot when he is healthy (something which very much remains in the air). The Vikings are among the teams who inquired about Lance, 22. San Francisco would be hard-pressed to get anywhere near the value back in a deal that they paid to move up and draft him just two years ago, making it unlikely a move is made at this point. It remains clear, though, that Lance’s start to his NFL career hasn’t gone according to plan.