HEADLINES

Month: April 2023

Falcons To Acquire CB Jeff Okudah From Lions

April 11th, 2023 at 11:11am CST by Adam La Rose

The Falcons have been busy on the defensive side of the ball so far this offseason, and Tuesday has seen another significant move made in that regard. Atlanta is acquiring cornerback Jeff Okudah from the Lions, per ESPN’s Field Yates (Twitter link). Tom Pelissero of NFL Network tweets that Detroit will receive a fifth-round pick in return.

Okudah entered the league in 2020 with sky-high expectations as the third overall pick following a standpoint career at Ohio State. Things haven’t gone according to plan for him, however, with injuries becoming a mainstay of his pro tenure. Pelissero notes that the Lions will clear all of the $5.1MM remaining in guaranteed money on Okudah’s deal in 2023, the final season of his rookie contract (Twitter link).

While that financial benefit is tangible, this deal still represents a hugely underwhelming return on investment for the Lions considering Okudah’s draft stock. The 24-year-old has been limited to just 22 games in his first three seasons due to multiple ailments – including an Achilles tear – earlier in his career. He did, however, manage to suit up for 15 contests in 2022, a season in which he recorded 73 tackles, one interception and seven pass deflections.

In coverage, Okudah flashed some of the potential he showed in college. He allowed a completion percentage of 59.7% and a passer rating of 87.6, figures which comfortably outpace those which he had produced in limited action during his first two seasons. He will now look to build off that success in Atlanta in advance of reaching free agency for the first time.

The Falcons have made a number of big splashes on defense in 2023, including a four-year, $64MM deal with safety Jessie Bates. Okudah will join a new-look secondary which has also seen the arrival of fellow former Lion Mike Hughes at the cornerback spot. They will join former first-rounder A.J. Terrell at the position, as the Falcons look to take a significant step forward at all three levels of their defense this year.

For Detroit meanwhile, this move creates a vacancy on a unit which struggled mightily in 2022. The Lions ranked 30th in the league against the pass last year, and a number of changes have been made to their cornerbacks room as a result. That includes the signing of Cameron Sutton as well as Emmanuel Moseley. Okudah joins Hughes and Amani Oruwariye as incumbents who will be playing elsewhere in 2023. Speculation could also pick up that a rookie could be in play for Detroit at the position.

The Lions own the No. 6 and No. 18 picks, which could put them in range for a few different cornerback options. The former selection would likely allow them to add the top prospect available at the position, presumably either Devon Witherspoon or Christian Gonzalez. With Okudah no longer in the picture, another long-term, starting-caliber investment on the perimeter would come as little surprise. Such a move carries risk, though, as evidenced by the way in which his time in the Motor City has played out and now come to an end.

Seahawks DT Dre’Mont Jones Addresses End Of Broncos Tenure

April 11th, 2023 at 10:44am CST by Adam La Rose

Seattle made one of the most impactful additions of the offseason along the defensive line when they signed Dre’Mont Jones in free agency. That pact marked the end of his time with the Broncos, the only team he had previously played for in the NFL.

During his four-year tenure in the Mile High City, Jones established himself as a valued member of the team’s strong defensive units. From 2020 on, he was a highly consistent factor in their interior pass-rush, notching 6.5, 5.5 and 6.5 sacks over that span. That, coupled with his age (26), made a new contract for him a priority on Denver’s part heading into the offseason.

However, the former third-rounder ended up signing a three-year, $51MM deal with Seattle after it became clear Denver was headed in a different direction. The Broncos saw Jones’ asking price as being too high, which led to the end of extension talks and his change of scenery. He spoke on the matter recently, indicating Seattle was more willing than Denver to make a sizeable financial commitment.

“I mean, they should have just traded me from the jump,” Jones said in reference to the Broncos. “I was included in the [Russell Wilson] trade. Denver said no. And then, Denver kind of… I don’t want to say that word – but Denver didn’t pay me my proper respects” (h/t NFL.com’s Kevin Patra).

The Broncos did indeed prefer to keep Jones out of the package they sent to Seattle for Wilson, instead including veteran Shelby Harris as part of their compensation. Since they weren’t able to agree on a new deal with Jones, however, Denver pivoted to former Cardinal Zach Allen on a three-year pact worth $47.5MM. That figure not only comes marginally short of what Jones signed for, but it has also raised eyebrows around the league.

The Athletic’s Mike Sando notes that many team executives were caught off guard by the AAV of $15.8MM Allen was able to secure on his Broncos pact (subscription required). The 25-year-old posted notable sack totals in only the past two seasons, but is regarded as being strong against the run as well. Still, Denver’s investment in him carries some risk, and will no doubt be compared to the success (or lack thereof) Seattle is able to achieve with Jones now in the middle of their defensive front.

Bills Meet With WR Jalin Hyatt, To Host Jordan Addison; Trade-Up In Play?

April 11th, 2023 at 9:45am CST by Adam La Rose

Much of the intrigue surrounding this month’s draft has been focused on teams near the top of the board, but the Bills could be a team to watch amongst those currently scheduled to select later on Day 1. They will continue doing homework on a number of receiver options who could be available, and a move up the board may not be out of the question.

Buffalo met with Tennessee alum Jalin Hyatt yesterday, per Jordan Schultz of The Score (Twitter link). That adds to the growing list of teams who have looked into this year’s Biletnikoff award winner as the country’s top receiver, and could point him towards a first-round selection. Hyatt had two modest seasons to begin his career with the Volunteers, but took a massive step forward in 2022 with a 67/1,267/15 statline.

His 18.9 yards per catch average in 2022 makes Hyatt one of the best vertical threats in the 2023 receiver class, one which has led teams around the league in several different directions with respect to evaluations. The All-American is one of several wideouts with first-round potential who is on the slender side (6-0, 175), but he should still be able to carve out a sizeable role early in his NFL career.

The same is true of Jordan Addison, who will visit the Bills this week, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). The Pitt transfer had a down year compared to 2021 in his lone season at USC, but still finds himself in contention to be the top receiver taken and is seen as one of the safest prospects at the position. Addison, like many other wideouts headlining the 2023 class, is likely to see considerable time in the slot at the NFL level, which could make Buffalo an interesting destination.

The Bills are in search of a consistent No. 2 option in the passing game behind Stefon Diggs, and both Hyatt and Addison could provide the skillset needed to find a long-term answer in that regard. Buffalo will also meet with Ohio State’s Jaxon Smith-Njigba, as they cast a wide net in their pre-draft evaluations. Given how high at least some of the top receivers will hear their names called, though, the Bills may need to get aggressive to land their preferred option.

ESPN’s Matt Miller notes that a trade-up could be in play for Buffalo, who currently holds pick No. 27. Moving towards the middle of the first round may be necessary to beat out other WR-needy teams for the first or second option, though plenty of uncertainty remains regarding how many pass-catchers will go on Day 1 given the relative lack of star power in this class. The Bills also have just six picks in total this year, so a sizeable move in the first round may not be feasible.

Buffalo ranked seventh in passing offense last season, and the team has made only relatively minor moves at the receiver position so far in free agency. An impact rookie could help give them a potential successor to Gabe Davis in the No. 2 receiver role, since the former fourth-rounder is entering the final year of his rookie contract. How interested the Bills are in one or more of the prospects who could be in their range will be a storyline to watch.

Steelers To Sign DL Armon Watts

April 10th, 2023 at 9:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

For a second straight year, Armon Watts will be heading east. The former Vikings and Bears starter agreed to terms with the Steelers on Monday night, according to his agent (on Twitter). It is a one-year deal, the Steelers announced.

A fifth-year defensive tackle, Watts spent the past two seasons as a primary starter in the NFC North. The Vikings made the surprising decision to waive him on roster-cutdown day last summer, doing so after acquiring Ross Blacklock from the Texans via trade. Watts played out his contract year in Chicago, starting 12 games for the rebuilding Bears.

The former Vikings sixth-round pick profiles as a depth addition for the Steelers, who have added both Watts and D-lineman Breiden Fehoko recently. Fehoko spent the past three seasons as a Chargers rotational cog; Watts received a bit more playing time, having started 21 games between the 2021 and ’22 seasons.

A Michael Pierce injury prompted the Vikings to use Watts as a starter two years ago, and he contributed five sacks to Minnesota’s cause that year. As the Vikings shifted to a primary 3-4 alignment for the first time in decades, they cut Watts, who did not make it too far down the waiver priority list last August. The Bears, who pivoted to a 4-3 scheme under Matt Eberflus, used the 307-pound defender on 532 defensive snaps last season. Watts finished with just one sack but added four tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus graded the 6-foot-5 defender as a top-50 interior D-lineman in 2021 but slotted him outside the top 100 players at the position — just behind Fehoko — last season.

The Steelers have used a 3-4 scheme for many years; they obviously feel comfortable enough with Watts here to take a flier weeks into free agency. Watts and Fehoko join a Steelers team that has not brought back veteran Tyson Alualu or Chris Wormley. The latter suffered a torn ACL in December. Alongside Cameron Heyward and the recently re-signed Larry Ogunjobi, the Steelers have 2022 third-round pick DeMarvin Leal, Isaiahh Loudermilk and Montravius Adams on their defensive line. Loudermilk and Adams combined for 12 starts last season.

Draft Rumors: Young, Panthers, Stroud, Texans, Colts, Smith, Lions, WRs, Cardinals, Titans, Falcons, Johnston, Jaguars, Vikings

April 10th, 2023 at 8:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Panthers have not locked onto Bryce Young just yet, but the pendulum continues to swing toward the Alabama prospect over C.J. Stroud. David and Nicole Tepper spent extensive time with Young’s parents at Alabama’s pro day last month, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, and Michael Lombardi said during his GM Shuffle podcast the Carolina owner met with Nick Saban in the Crimson Tide HC’s office during the pro day. This comes after reports last week began to stray from the Stroud-to-Charlotte narrative, one that formed largely because Young stands 5-foot-10 and plays under 200 pounds (despite his 204-pound Combine weight).

Carolina will meet with Young on Tuesday, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets, with Breer adding Young has already impressed Frank Reich in previous settings. It will be interesting to see if more smoke emerges here, as the Panthers do not exactly have to keep this a secret given their updated draft position, or if Stroud remains in the mix. Many scouts and execs polled by ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Stroud’s 6-3, 214-pound frame make him safer and will help him become Carolina’s choice, though that poll still produced a slim advantage for Young to go No. 1 overall. Despite the Panthers meeting with Anthony Richardson and Will Levis, it certainly looks like Young or Stroud will be the pick.

Here is the latest from the draft scene:

  • The Colts discussed the No. 1 pick with the Bears before the Panthers won out, but Breer adds Indianapolis was not ready to do a deal before free agency. The team was still in the process of evaluating the QB prospects and was not prepared to part with significant capital to move up from No. 4 to No. 1. Houston also backed out, having been farther down the road in trade talks with Chicago. Bears GM Ryan Poles spoke of his team trading down twice — moving from 1 to 2 to 9, allowing the Texans and Panthers to climb up for QBs — but Breer notes Nick Caserio‘s team became uncomfortable with the deal later in the process.
  • Texans ownership is more involved in this year’s draft process, per Breer, who is less bullish on Houston selecting a quarterback compared to how this situation looked ahead of the Combine. The Texans’ negotiations with the Bears unmasked them as being willing to trade up for one particular quarterback, potentially pointing to the team being high on either Stroud or Young but not as sold on the other. Since the Panthers obtained the pick, the Texans have been connected to possibly punting on their QB need and taking Will Anderson Jr.. A trade-down scenario, per Breer, should also not be discounted.
  • Nolan Smith is gaining steam during the pre-draft process, with Fowler noting some scouts are pegging the edge rusher as a top-10 pick. The Lions (Nos. 6, 18) have done homework on the Georgia outside linebacker, per Fowler, and the Patriots (No. 14), Buccaneers (No. 19), Ravens (No. 22) and Jaguars (No. 24) have met with Smith. Scouts view the 238-pound defender as a better fit for a team in a 3-4 scheme, and the Steelers (No. 17) — long users of that base alignment — have emerged as a potential Smith floor.
  • More teams are bringing in TCU wide receiver Quentin Johnston. Following a report that indicated the Ravens, Cowboys and Chiefs were hosting Johnston, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson notes the 6-foot-3 pass catcher will meet with the Cardinals, Falcons (No. 8), Vikings (No. 23) and Jaguars. Most of these visits will occur this week, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport, who adds the Titans (No. 11) huddled up with the ex-Horned Frog on Monday (Twitter link). Barring a fall into Round 2 or the Cards moving down considerably from No. 3 overall, Johnston would not seem in their range. ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. has the Vikings selecting Johnston. This receiver class has generated mixed reviews, with NBC Sports’ Peter King adding teams have the higher-end wideouts in varying orders on their respective boards, but Johnston has consistently been mocked as a first-rounder.

Lamar Jackson Helped Recruit Odell Beckham Jr. To Ravens

April 10th, 2023 at 7:12pm CST by Sam Robinson

While no official word has come out regarding Lamar Jackson withdrawing his trade request, Sunday night provided an interesting indication regarding the former MVP’s expectations on this front. Odell Beckham Jr. passed on a potential partnership with Aaron Rodgers — after doing so in 2021 as well — to play for a Ravens team not on great terms with its quarterback.

Beckham probably has a good idea who Baltimore’s 2023 starter will be. Jackson actively recruited the eight-year veteran wideout to Maryland, according to NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (video link). An understanding exists, upon Beckham signing, it will likely be Jackson targeting him next season.

Although an offer sheet — potentially one after the draft — could shake up this situation, no team has made any indications it will consider that expensive path. Jackson continues to seek Deshaun Watson-level guarantees, which has thus far been a non-starter. As it stands now, Jackson should be expected to remain with the Ravens in 2023. How this OBJ addition came together — just before the longstanding free agent was to visit the Jets — lends more weight to Jackson realizing he is unlikely to change teams this year.

Only three players (Le’Veon Bell, Dan Williams, Sean Gilbert) have ever skipped a season while on a franchise tag. Jackson’s tag price ($32.4MM) is in another financial stratosphere compared to those players’ compensation. His unpredictable odyssey since becoming extension-eligible in January 2021 aside, the sixth-year passer should never have been viewed as a legitimate candidate to sit out a season. The Ravens have now given Jackson his highest-profile wideout.

Baltimore pursued DeAndre Hopkins and Courtland Sutton in trades, and the team should not be considered out of the mix to further add to its receiver mix early in the draft. Baltimore, which also signed Nelson Agholor to a lower-cost deal, has done extensive homework on this year’s top-graded wide receivers. Jordan Addison and Quentin Johnston have visited the team, and Jaxon Smith-Njigba will do so. The Ravens have used first-round picks on receivers in 2019 (Marquise Brown) and 2021 (Rashod Bateman). The draft has been the primary avenue for this run-heavy team to bolster its receiving corps, but the $15MM guarantee given to Beckham — one that appears much higher than the Giants or Jets were proposing — finally lured a marquee free agent.

Beckham, Bateman, Agholor and Devin Duvernay represent the top Ravens receivers. Three of these players missed all or part of last season due to major injuries. Beckham, of course, sat out the 2022 season due to his Super Bowl LVI ACL tear. Bateman missed much of the campaign due to a broken foot; a Duvernay foot injury ended his season in Week 15.

The Ravens have until July 17 to extend Jackson, who will otherwise be attached to the tag salary. Baltimore could trade Jackson after that date, leading to the three-time Pro Bowler playing for another team on the tag. But scant indications have come out the Ravens are planning to go elsewhere. The Ravens are hosting Anthony Richardson next week, Cameron Wolfe of NFL.com tweets, and may be looking into other quarterbacks in the draft, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes. GM Eric DeCosta left the door open to a first-round passer being in play, but the Beckham addition makes that already-unlikely scenario less realistic.

Cardinals Sign CB Kris Boyd

April 10th, 2023 at 6:01pm CST by Sam Robinson

While the Cardinals look to still need help at the cornerback position, they picked up some depth and a proven special teams contributor Monday. Ex-Viking Kris Boyd signed with the team.

Boyd played out his four-year rookie contract with the Vikings last season, finishing his walk year as one of the league’s most frequently deployed players on special teams. Boyd logged 403 special teams snaps for the Vikes in 2022, playing on 82% of Minnesota’s third-phase sequences.

The Vikings drafted Boyd, 26, in the 2019 seventh round out of Texas and primarily used him as a backup. Minnesota did turn to the former Longhorns defender as a starter in five games during the 2020 season, when he saw action on 343 defensive plays. Boyd allowed a 71.4% completion rate and a 121.4 rating while in coverage that year. The Vikings used him as a starter just once over the past two seasons but kept him a fixture on special teams. Boyd made 13 tackles last season and recovered a fumble, giving him four during his career.

Arizona did not retain Byron Murphy, who is now in Minnesota, and will enter the draft with a need at the position once again. The team has re-signed Antonio Hamilton and added ex-Chiefs cog Rashad Fenton, who finished his rookie deal with the Falcons. Two-year starter Marco Wilson remains on his rookie contract.

Buccaneers, Falcons To Host QB Will Levis

April 10th, 2023 at 5:10pm CST by Sam Robinson

The division that housed Drew Brees, Tom Brady and Matt Ryan not long ago is going through more changes at the game’s marquee position. Four new starting quarterbacks will take snaps for the four NFC South teams in Week 1, and only the Saints — via the Derek Carr signing — appear to have an unquestioned starter.

The Falcons may come closest here, with both Arthur Smith and Arthur Blank pledging support for 2022 third-round pick Desmond Ridder to remain at the helm. But the team will still do some pre-draft homework. Will Levis is heading to Atlanta this week for a visit, Albert Breer of SI.com tweets. The Kentucky-developed QB will also make a trip to Tampa to meet with the Buccaneers. These visits will occur Wednesday (Bucs) and Thursday (Falcons), NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets.

[RELATED: Seahawks In Play For Levis?]

Todd McShay’s most recent mock draft sends Levis to Tampa, via a trade-up to No. 14. The Bucs hold the No. 19 overall choice, putting them on the fringe of the QB range — for one of the top four arms available, at least — and are planning a Baker Mayfield–Kyle Trask position battle. A position-player pick would also stand to help Todd Bowles’ roster in 2023, given the uncertainty surrounding Levis. But the team, which is also hosting Hendon Hooker this week, will continue to do its homework.

Smith and Blank have offered considerable support for Ridder opening the season as Atlanta’s starter, despite the team giving Taylor Heinicke a two-year deal worth $14MM. Blank also voiced interest in his team — one that gave Ryan two extensions and Michael Vick one during Blank’s ownership tenure — building around a rookie contract. Ridder would seemingly be that piece, but last year’s 74th overall pick has much to prove.

The Falcons are in better position to make a QB move compared to the Bucs, holding the No. 8 overall pick. Atlanta loomed as one of the top potential Lamar Jackson situations, but the team — like everyone else — has not moved in that direction. Blank detailed his staff’s examination of Jackson, providing a bit more insight compared to most teams’ efforts regarding the franchise-tagged passer. As the Falcons now look to the draft, Levis joins Anthony Richardson as QBs on the team’s pre-draft itinerary.

While Richardson started just one season at Florida, Levis — a Penn State transfer — was Kentucky’s starter for two. Both NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah and ESPN’s Scouts Inc. grade Richardson as this year’s 10th-best prospect; Levis appears 12th and 16th on those respective big boards. Not viewed as having a ceiling level with Richardson, Levis would seemingly be positioned to start for a team quicker. But the 6-foot-4 QB fared better as a junior compared to his senior year, when he threw five fewer TD passes — following Wan’Dale Robinson‘s NFL exit — and did not factor into the run game like he did in 2021.

Foot, shoulder and finger injuries did limit Levis in 2022, adding to the uncertainty surrounding him. But the Connecticut native should still be expected to be a first-round pick. QB-needy teams are doing due diligence. Levis has met with the Texans, Colts and Raiders and will meet with the Panthers and Titans soon. His previously reported Titans meeting is set for Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets.

Jaxon Smith-Njigba Visits Falcons; WR To Meet With Ravens, Texans, Bills, Cowboys

April 10th, 2023 at 3:39pm CST by Adam La Rose

The 2023 draft class isn’t seen to have the star power at the top of the board that previous ones did when it comes to the receiver position. Jaxon Smith-Njigba is seen by many as the headliner in this year’s class, though, something which is reflected by his travel schedule this month.

The former Ohio State receiver has already visited the Falcons, and will also do so with the Ravens, Texans, Bills and Cowboys (Twitter link via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). That list is sure to grow given his status as one of the most highly-touted players at the position, but it already covers a large stretch of the first round in terms of draft positioning.

The Falcons are set to pick eighth overall, and most analysts have tapped them for a defensive addition. The team is also looking into its options along the offensive line, however. Atlanta has used its top choice on a pass-catcher in each of the past two years, taking tight end Kyle Pitts at No. 4 in 2021 and wideout Drake London with the No. 8 selection last year. Using a premium pick for that purpose once again in 2023 would come as a surprise, though the Falcons ranked second-last in passing yards last season, and have yet to make a major addition to their WR room in free agency.

Houston owns the second overall pick, which is expected to be used on a quarterback (though the door remains open a different course of action). The Texans also have the 12th selection as a result of the Deshaun Watson trade, and that spot could be used on Smith-Njigba to boost their passing game. With the trade of Brandin Cooks, Houston is lacking in established receivers outside of Robert Woods. The arrival of Cooks in Dallas, on the other hand, has eased the pressure the Cowboys face to use their top selection (No. 26) on a wideout.

Both the Bills and Ravens have been linked to splashy additions to their pass-catching corps this offseason. The latter made one yesterday with the signing of Odell Beckham Jr., something which could free them up to look elsewhere with the 22nd pick. The Bills, scheduled to select 27th, continue to search for a consistent secondary option to effectively compliment Stefon Diggs. It appears unlikely Smith-Njigba will be in range of teams at the back half of the opening round, in any case.

The Buckeyes alum had a massive campaign in 2021, but was limited to just three games this past season due to a hamstring injury. A strong showing at the Combine, however, helped garner interest from the Giants along with today’s list of potential suitors. The strength of his sophomore performance has many teams assigning Smith-Njigba the only first-round grade amongst this year’s receivers, as noted by Senior Bowl director Jim Nagy (Twitter link).

While that could have a notable effect on other top prospects at the position later this month, Smith-Njigba can comfortably be considered a lock to hear his name called on Day 1. Teams could find themselves jockeying for position to acquire him if their interest in him on draft night is matched by the breadth of meetings he has and will continue to take part in.

Cardinals Have Received Multiple Inquiries For No. 3 Pick

April 10th, 2023 at 1:56pm CST by Adam La Rose

The top two selections in the 2023 draft – owned by the Panthers and Texans – are widely expected to be used on quarterbacks. The same is true of the Colts at No. 4, which has fueled plenty of speculation regarding what the Cardinals will do with the third overall pick. They will likely have a number of suitors if they choose to move down the board.

Arizona has received inquiries from “at least six teams” on the subject of the availability of the No. 3 pick, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link). That comes as little surprise, considering the standalone value of that slot and what it represents in this year’s pecking order for teams eyeing a rookie signal-caller. Any team looking to jump ahead of Indianapolis to secure the third-best QB in the class (likely either Florida’s Anthony Richardson or Kentucky’s Will Levis) would need to send a sizeable package to Arizona.

The Colts themselves could guard against that possibility by moving up one spot, something which would guarantee the Cardinals having a free choice of the best defensive players available. Other teams – including the Raiders (scheduled to pick seventh) and Titans (11th) have been linked to a jump up the board, likely the third spot. That could result in a bidding war, something which would of course greatly benefit Arizona.

The Cardinals had a highly disappointing campaign in 2022, and have undergone a house cleaning in the front office and on the sidelines. Without many young, foundational pieces in place, anything which would allow Arizona to add draft capital in 2023 and/or future years would likely outweigh the immediate benefits of staying put. The Cardinals currently have four of the draft’s first 96 picks.

Schefter notes that the team remains undecided with respect to keeping or trading the pick. A decision will likely not be made until draft night itself, as teams have yet to complete their QB evaluations and those of other top prospects. Waiting to see how the first two selections shake out could allow new Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort to maximize his leverage against teams looking to move up. In either case, Arizona figure to be a team to watch as the draft draws nearer.

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