2023 August - Pro Football Rumors

Month: August 2023

Latest On Steelers’ RB Situation

August 22nd, 2023 at 8:59am CST by Adam La Rose

Improvement in the passing game is expected for the Steelers in 2023, Kenny Pickett‘s first full season as the team’s starting quarterback. Pittsburgh is nevertheless planning to rely heavily on the ground game, and a tandem or committee in the backfield does not appear likely.

The Steelers have used Najee Harris as one of the league’s workhorse backs since drafting him in the first round in 2021. The Alabama product has received 579 carries in his two years in Pittsburgh, the most in the NFL over that span. The impressive showings this offseason from backup Jaylen Warren have led to calls for the latter to receive more looks, but Harris is still in line to operate as he has during his previous Steelers campaigns.

“Najee is our 1, there’s no doubt about that,” offensive coordinator Matt Canada said, via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor (Twitter link). “We’re protecting him to get him to that point… We’re planning on Najee being Najee when we start the regular season.”

Harris dealt with a Lisfranc injury last offseason, and it comes as no surprise that the Steelers have given him only two carries so far in the preseason. Warren has similarly been used sparingly, but his 62-yard touchdown against the Bills showcased the potential he flashed as a rookie last season. The former UDFA totaled 593 scrimmage yards on 105 touches while taking a clear backseat to Harris.

Pittsburgh has been connected to the idea of only carrying two backs on the active roster to start the season, something which would not be a problem if Harris were able to remain healthy and continue as the undisputed No. 1 in the backfield. Efficiency has been an issue for the 25-year-old (3.9 career yards per carry average), but the Steelers’ efforts to provide him an upgraded O-line should help in that regard.

General manager Omar Khan‘s recent remarks about the financial state of the running back market pointed to a lack of desire to pursue a lucrative extension for Harris starting next offseason, when he will first be eligible for a new deal. A strong showing this season would help his market nonetheless, and he is poised to remain the focal point of Pittsburgh’s ground game in 2023.

Colts Grant Jonathan Taylor Permission To Seek Trade

August 21st, 2023 at 10:57pm CST by Sam Robinson

The latest chapter in the Jonathan Taylor saga has begun. The Colts have granted the All-Pro running back permission to seek a trade, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (Twitter link).

Indianapolis had initially resisted, with Jim Irsay emphatically insisting the team was not dealing the 2021 rushing champion. But those comments came weeks ago. And rumblings of some in the organization being open to such a move have since come out. With no resolution in sight, the Colts are following the Chargers’ lead by letting their standout running back explore the market. This situation is far more contentious than the Austin Ekeler-Bolts backdrop, however, with Taylor leaving Colts camp on multiple occasions amid this standoff.

Taylor’s agent has begun calling teams, per NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter). Interest is believed to exist, but a team that acquires Taylor will both need to part with notable compensation and authorize an upper-crust extension. The latter component has given teams pause, ESPN.com’s Dianna Russini tweets. The Colts are seeking a first-round pick or a package of picks for Taylor, ESPN.com’s Stephen Holder reports (on Twitter).

No running back has been traded for a first-round pick since the Colts surrendered one for Trent Richardson in 2013, though Christian McCaffrey fetched second-, third-, fourth-and fifth-rounders last fall. The Colts are expected to want more than what the Panthers landed for McCaffrey, per Rapoport.

While the Colts made the disastrous Richardson trade, they did not extend him upon doing so. They were unable to, since the ex-Browns draftee was in his second season. McCaffrey also remains on his Panthers-constructed deal. For high-profile trade-and-extend sequences involving a running back, going back to 2015 (LeSean McCoy, Bills), 2004 (Clinton Portis, Washington) or 1999 (Marshall Faulk, Rams) is necessary. This is not widely explored modern terrain.

The Colts have tabled extension talks with Taylor, who has taken a long time to recover from the ankle injury that forced him to miss six games last season. Taylor, 24, underwent surgery in February but remains on the Colts’ active/PUP list. Of course, the fourth-year back has also been connected to using this injury as a way to stage a hold-in. Then again, Taylor still dealing with ankle pain this long after a minor surgery will only hurt his trade market. This trade news also comes after Shane Steichen said (via Holder) Taylor would travel with the team to Philadelphia for joint practices this week.

The Dolphins have emerged as an interested party. They are planning to explore the Taylor market, the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson tweets. This should not be surprising, given Miami’s path at running back this offseason. The Dolphins discussed Dalvin Cook with the Vikings and D’Andre Swift with the Lions. They may or may not have reached out to the Giants about Saquon Barkley. After the Jets landed Cook, the Dolphins will look into Taylor. While the Dolphins did not want to give Cook $7MM ahead of his age-28 season, Taylor — who is heading into his age-24 campaign — is a more valuable asset.

Since Irsay made his comments about the Colts’ lack of interest in trading Taylor, the irked RB left training camp for the purposes of additional injury rehab. At least, that was the reported reason. Shortly after returning to the facility, Taylor left again due to a personal matter. Having hired a new agent this offseason, Taylor has operated differently with the Colts. The contract-year back went from wishing to retire as a Colt to requesting a trade in a matter of months.

The running back market cratering looks to have been the tipping point for Taylor, who is surely seeking to avoid playing out his rookie deal and being hit with a 2024 franchise tag. The Colts’ efforts since this impasse became public have not helped matters.

GM Chris Ballard pointed to the market when addressing Taylor’s future with the team, and Irsay — as he has increasingly done over the past two offseasons — got involved. The outspoken owner took a shot at running backs for holding meetings involving the state of their position. After a one-on-one meeting with Taylor, Irsay made the comment about not trading the former second-round pick. A rumor then emerged about the Colts considering Taylor being shifted from the PUP list to the NFI list, which would put his $4.3MM 2023 base salary at risk. The Colts have not followed through with that move, which would undoubtedly be challenged due to Taylor having denied mentioning any injury beyond the ankle issue.

Despite leading the NFL in touchdowns in each of the past two seasons and bringing elite receiving chops to the table, Ekeler was not believed to have generated much trade interest. This ultimately led to the Bolts reeling Ekeler back in with a low-level incentive package. Taylor is four years younger, but the Ekeler market may be telling here.

The Colts would obviously be a better team with Taylor, as they have Zack Moss rehabbing a broken arm and only have Kenyan Drake, Deon Jackson and fifth-round rookie Evan Hull as notable options. But this relationship has deteriorated rapidly. The Colts would have the option of franchise-tagging Taylor on what will again be a low number in 2024, but given recent events, how eager will the team be to recoup a prime asset and end this drama?

Offseason In Review: Cleveland Browns

August 21st, 2023 at 10:40pm CST by Adam La Rose

After their historic and controversial acquisition of quarterback Deshaun Watson the Browns resided at the center of attention for much of 2022. A lengthy process of investigation by the NFL left Watson sidelined for 11 games, fueling in large part an underwhelming campaign for Cleveland both before and after his return. The Browns finished in the AFC North basement at 7-10, making this offseason a crucial one for the direction of the franchise.

Beginning the process of dealing with Watson’s fully guaranteed deal and its cap implications, general manager Andrew Berry made a number of changes on defense in particular, retooling a unit which will be guided by a new, highly regarded coordinator. The new faces on the field and the sidelines should help Cleveland in Watson’s first full season at the helm, but the largest determining factor in their success (by a wide margin) will nevertheless be his ability to regain his previous form.

Trades:

Acquired WR Elijah Moore and 2023 third-round pick from Jets for 2023 second-rounder
Added DE Za’Darius Smith and 2025 sixth, seventh-round picks from Vikings for 2024, 2025 fifth-rounders

Moore’s time with the Jets seemed to be coming to an end long before their offseason alterations began. The 23-year-old requested a trade ahead of the 2022 deadline, and New York set about reconfiguring its skill-position corps with players familiar to Aaron Rodgers before pulling off the blockbuster trade for the future Hall of Fame quarterback. With the likes of Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb having been signed, there was mutual benefit to Moore being dealt elsewhere for a fresh start.

The Browns enjoyed a highly productive debut season from Amari Cooper (78 catches, 1,160 yards, nine touchdowns), but they entered the offseason in search of further firepower in the passing game. That led to interest in Jerry Jeudy, but Cleveland – like all other suitors – was unwilling to meet Denver’s asking price for the former first-rounder. Moore should represent a strong consolation prize if he is able to reach his potential in his new home.

The Ole Miss product flashed as a rookie, posting 538 yards and five touchdowns. He took a step backwards last season, though, so a fresh start should be beneficial beyond the promise of continued usage as a starter. Moore has the ability to play on the outside, but he will likely be most effective in the slot while Cooper and the emerging Donovan Peoples-Jones operate on the outside.

Smith’s path to the Vikings last offseason included an apparent deal being struck which would have returned him to Baltimore. The former Ravens fifth-rounder instead signed with Minnesota after three years as a Packer, the last of which saw him miss all but one game. A return to health helped bring about a return to his productive form in 2022; Smith posted 10 sacks while eclipsing the double-digit mark in that regard for the third time. Due to the language in his contract, Smith remained on the field despite being less than 100% late in the year in particular, however, something he elaborated on following the trade.

The three-time Pro Bowler was part of a veteran exodus in Minnesota this offseason, and questions will be raised about the Vikings’ ability to replace Smith’s production. Cleveland should provide plenty of opportunities for the 30-year-old to boost his market ahead of free agency, using him opposite Myles Garrett but also on the inside at times. Smith’s return to the AFC North could prove to be a key stepping stone in a succesful Browns season, particularly if he can avoid the drop-off in production which occurred toward the end of 2022. Cleveland’s pursuit of Melvin Ingram prior to the Smith trade illustrates the team’s emphasis placed on improvements on the edge, something the latter should provide compared to last season.

Free agency additions:

Dalvin Tomlinson, DT: Four years, $57MM ($27.5MM guaranteed)
Juan Thornhill, S: Three years, $21MM ($14MM guaranteed)
Ogbonnia Okoronkwo, DE: Three years, $19MM ($12.29MM guaranteed)
Shelby Harris, DT: One year, $3.5MM ($2MM guaranteed)
Josh Dobbs, QB: One year, $2MM ($2MM guaranteed)
Jordan Akins, TE: Two years, $2.9MM ($1.73MM guaranteed)
Mike Ford, CB: One year, $1.5MM ($975K guaranteed)
Rodney McLeod, S: One year, $1.31MM ($853K guaranteed)
Marquise Goodwin, WR: One year, $1.7MM ($400K guaranteed)
Matthew Adams, LB: One year, $1.32MM ($300K guaranteed)
Trysten Hill, DT: One year, $1.32MM ($300K guaranteed)
Maurice Hurst, DL: One year, $1.32MM
Colby Gossett, G: One year, $1.08MM
Wes Martin, G: One year, $1.08MM
Jordan Wilkins, RB: One year, $1.08MM
Michael Dunn, OL: One year, $1.01MM
Joseph Charlton, P: One year, $940K
Nate Meadors, S: One year, $870K
Chris Westry, CB: One year. $870K

Upgrading the defensive front stood as a clear priority entering the offseason for Cleveland, and the Tomlinson acquisition will go a long way in determining if that goal is achieved. Another of the Vikings’ regulars who departed Minnesota in 2023, Tomlinson established himself as one of the best available options at the DT spot in this year’s free agent class. Tomlinson, 29, will join the Browns with plenty of pedigree as a run-stopper, but also as a player capable of making an impact in the passing game. His 81 stops and five sacks as a Viking led to a desire on his former team’s part to work out a new deal, but instead he will start anew for the second time in his career.

The former second-rounder was not the only Browns target at the position, though. A deal with Dre’Mont Jones (which would have represented a homecoming) was on the radar before the Tomlinson agreement was worked out. Jones, better known for his pass-rushing skillset, took a more lucrative Seahawks contract – in terms of AAV – compared to the one Tomlinson landed. The latter will nevertheless be counted on to anchor a new-look D-line as the Browns aim to improve a unit which ranked 25th against the run last season.

2023 saw plenty of movement at the safety spot, and it came as no surprise that Thornhill made his way out of Kansas City. The Chiefs signed Justin Reid to help replace Tyrann Mathieu last offseason, and the selection of Bryan Cook in the 2022 second round gave the defending champions an in-house Thornhill replacement. The 27-year-old received more value in terms of annual compensation on his Cleveland pact than all but Vonn Bell and Jessie Bates amongst free agent safeties; only the latter earned more guaranteed money.

That fact lends credence to the belief some held before the onset of free agency that Thornhill was the second-best safety available. The Virginia product posted career-high marks in tackles (71) and pass deflections (nine) last season while winning a second title. That will raise expectations for him in Cleveland, but Thornhill should help form an effective tandem alongside Grant Delpit. Given the addition of another veteran in McLeod, though, a healthy usage of three-safety alignments would not come as a surprise.

Well before the Smith acquisition, Okoronkwo was in place. In an offseason in which several decorated (but aging) edge rushers were available, the latter represented one of the more high-upside options on the market. A one-year stint in Houston saw him receive a major boost in playing time compared to his Rams seasons. Okoronkwo, 28, took advantage with a career-best five sacks and 17 pressures. Plenty of snaps – and, with Garrett on the opposite edge, desirable one-on-one matchups – will await him in Cleveland. If he lives up to his deal, the former fifth-rounder should help reverse the drop in sack totals (from 49 to 34) the Browns experienced last season compared to 2021, even if Smith ultimately proves to be a one-year rental.

Despite the commitment made to Tomlinson, the Browns remained active in seeking D-line help with the Harris deal. The fact it is worth up to $5.25MM shows the team’s awareness of how effective the former Broncos and Seahawks starter can be. While the Seahawks opted to retool and jettison Harris’ Broncos-constructed contract, Pro Football Focus did grade him as a top-20 interior D-lineman last season. But the veteran lingered on the market for five months, not indicating too much interest in the defender included in the Russell Wilson trade.

Dobbs spent much of 2022 in Cleveland, despite not seeing any game action. He served as Jacoby Brissett’s backup during Watson’s suspension, and the former’s departure leaves the QB2 spot open. For now, Dobbs – who started twice at the end of the season for the Titans – is in line to serve in that role. Cleveland is expected carry rookie Dorian Thompson-Robinson on the 53-man roster, however, so a return to third-string duties may be on the horizon.

Re-signings:

Ethan Pocic, C: Three years, $18MM ($10MM guaranteed)
Sione Takitaki, LB: One year, $2.58MM ($1.23MM guaranteed)
Anthony Walker, LB: One year, $1.23MM ($653K guaranteed)
Jordan Kunaszyk, LB: One year, $1.23MM ($500K guaranteed)

The center spot became the source of plenty of questions heading into 2022. The release (and eventual retirement) of J.C. Tretter opened the door to Nick Harris assuming the starting role. A season-ending knee injury sustained during the preseason instead thrust Pocic into first-team duties, and he thrived under those conditions. The former Seahawk was meant to be a high-end backup despite having logged 40 starts in Seattle, but he delivered a career-best performance in his debut Browns season. After the 28-year-old expressed a desire to remain in Cleveland, his multi-year agreement came as no surprise.

Strength along the interior offensive line has been a constant in recent years for the Browns, owing in large part to the guard tandem of Wyatt Teller and Joel Bitonio. Pocic earned the third-highest PFF grades amongst centers in 2022 when playing between them, and Cleveland is banking on a repeat of that success moving forward. If their investment proves worthwhile, the Browns will have a strong Tretter successor in the fold. If needed, though, Harris will still be available in 2023, the final year of his rookie contract.

Injuries decimated the Browns at the inside linebacker spot last year, but the second level of their defense will have plenty of familiar faces complementing Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah in 2023. Takitaki, 28, seemed to be on his way to a more lucrative deal (in Cleveland or elsewhere) before an ACL tear ended his campaign and cratered his value. As he hoped, however, Takitaki will remain with the team that drafted him and hope to build off his encouraging performance from before the injury last season. That would be especially beneficial for Takitaki and the Browns, since Jacob Phillips has already been sidelined for the year with a pectoral tear.

Notable losses:

Jacoby Brissett, QB
Pharaoh Brown, TE
Taven Bryan, DT
Jadeveon Clowney, DE (released)
Tae Davis, LB
Hjalte Froholdt, OL
Joe Haeg, OL (released)
Ronnie Harrison, S
Chris Hubbard, T
Jesse James, TE
D’Ernest Johnson, RB
John Johnson, S (released)
Deion Jones, LB
Ben Stille, DL
Greedy Williams, CB
Perrion Winfrey, DT (waived)
Chase Winovich, DE

Clowney highlights the veterans who were let go in cost-shedding moves. The former No. 1 pick equaled his personal best with nine sacks in his first Cleveland season in 2021. That appeared to suggest he may have finally found a long-term NFL home, but last season was a significantly different story. The 30-year-old was limited to just a pair of sacks as his frustration over playing time and usage became increasingly public. He was sent home for the season finale, and while an apology was later issued, it was clear both parties would be moving on in 2023.

With Okoronkwo and Smith in place, the Browns should be able to replace Clowney’s 44 QB pressures in his 24 Cleveland games. The three-time Pro Bowler will spend the coming season with the division rival Ravens, after he signed yet another one-year deal. Unlike his previous accords, this Baltimore one has a low base value and includes incentives needed for him to rebuild his value ahead of free agency in 2024.

Brissett was brought in just days after the Watson trade took place. The latter’s suspension loomed, though it took until deep into the summer for the Browns to learn how long he would be unavailable. Brissett performed as well as could be expected during his interim period as Cleveland’s starter, posting better passing yards per game, a higher yards per attempt average and an increased passer rating than his career average in those respects. It nevertheless came as no surprise that he went to Washington in the hopes of seeing a better path to playing time, although he will also begin the year as a backup with the Commanders.

Much like Clowney, John Johnson was not able to replicate the success of 2021. Heavier usage in the box – as opposed to as a free safety – helped contribute to his interception and pass breakup totals dropping, and his PFF evaluation suffered as well. A return to the Rams (with whom he spent the first four years of his career) will see him earn far less than what he was originally due from the Browns in 2023, but it could lead to a rebound in performance and set him up well for his next appearance on the open market.

Nick Chubb is still in place as the undisputed lead back for the Browns, but their other backfield options will be different. Kareem Hunt remains unsigned, and D’Ernest Johnson headed for Jacksonville in search of backup opportunities. The former AAF player was frustrated by his lack of playing time as a third-stringer in Cleveland despite showing considerable potential when Chubb and/or Hunt were unavailable. Johnson will likely be used sparingly behind Travis Etienne, but his loss is notable for his former team, as it leaves plenty of responsibility for 2022 fifth-rounder Jerome Ford. The latter saw eight carries as a rookie, a total which is set to increase substantially this year.

Williams came up in trade talks midseason, and the depth of Cleveland’s cornerbacks corps should soften the blow of his departure. The former second-rounder was unable to avoid the injuries which hurt his draft stock coming out of college, and he was relegated to backup duties during his final Cleveland campaign. Winfrey’s time with the team was cut short after only one season, following a continuation of his legal troubles. The 23-year-old is facing allegations of violence against a woman for the second time since he was drafted, and he was scratched multiple times for maturity-related reasons. Rather than seeing Winfrey grow into a rotational D-line role, Cleveland has elected to cut bait.

Extensions and restructures:

Restructured QB Deshaun Watson’s contract, creating $35.8MM in cap space
Adjusted DE Za’Darius Smith’s pact following trade acquisition
Restructured WR/KR Jakeem Grant’s deal, creating $1.77MM in cap space

Plenty of controversy from the Watson acquisition stemmed not only from the Browns’ willingness to trade for him in the wake of widespread sexual misconduct allegations and the full guarantees in his deal, but also the structure of the pact. Watson’s 2022 salary was lowered to minimize the money forfeited through his suspension, something which drew the ire of many around the league. By pushing cap charges into the future, however, the team set itself up for untenable positions and created the need for restructures on a regular basis.

Watson was due to count for a record-breaking $54.9MM on the cap in 2023, but the Browns did not need his permission to rework the pact. The restructure thus came as no surprise with Cleveland needing to free up space in advance of the new league year. Temporary relief helped make moves like the Tomlinson signing and the Smith trade possible, but further headaches await down the road even with healthy rises in the salary cap ceiling expected for many years to come.

Watson’s financial situation could increasingly become a central element in Cleveland’s offseasons, growing into a more acute issue, of course, if he is unable to replicate his Pro Bowl form from his Houston days.

Smith has already seen $10.5MM paid out as a result of his reworked contract, including the $1.77MM owed by the Vikings as part of the trade agreement. That represents considerable compensation on its own, but incentives could bring the total to nearly $13MM. Those figures will add to the expectations Smith faces in his debut Browns campaign, but a cap hit of barely more than $3MM will make him a cost-effective rental from Cleveland’s perspective. With free agency (and thus the potential to earn another lucrative multi-year pact) looming once again, his performance and ability to remain healthy will be worth watching closely.

Draft:

Round 3, No. 74 (from Jets): Cedric Tillman, WR (Tennessee) (signed)
Round 3, No. 98: Siaki Ika, DT (Baylor) (signed)
Round 4, No. 111: Dawand Jones, OT (Ohio State) (signed)
Round 4, No. 126 (from Vikings): Isaiah McGuire, DE (Missouri) (signed)
Round 5, No. 140 (from Rams): Dorian Thompson-Robinson, QB (UCLA) (signed)
Round 5, No. 142: Cameron Mitchell, CB (Northwestern) (signed)
Round 6, No. 190: Luke Wypler, C (Ohio State) (signed)

Owing to the Watson trade, along with the Moore one, the Browns needed to wait until deep into Day 2 of the draft to begin constructing their rookie class. Expectations will be limited for most (if not all) of the 2023 draftees given the established starters in place throughout the roster, but Tillman and Ika in particular should be able to see at least rotational snaps early in their careers.

The former drew less attention than Fred Biletnikoff winner Jalin Hyatt during their shared time at Tennessee. In spite of that, Tillman should still offer a noteworthy skillset. The 6-3, 215-pounder eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark and scored 12 touchdowns in 2021 and was on track to put up another strong season last year. Injuries limited Tillman to six games, but the second-generation NFLer still found himself selected only one spot after Hyatt on draft night. Whereas the Moore trade and the Goodwin signing will add speed to the Browns’ receiver room, Tillman will bring an intriguing blend of size and playmaking.

Especially with Winfrey no longer in the picture, Ika could receive the opportunity to serve as a depth option early and often in his rookie campaign. A transfer from LSU helped lead to an uptick in production for the latter over the past two years. Ika totaled 48 stops (including 8.5 tackles for loss) and 3.5 sacks with the Bears, showing a disruptive presence which could make him an effective contributor in the pro game. Tomlinson, Harris and 2020 third-rounder Jordan Elliott will be leaned on heavily along the defensive interior in 2023, but Ika possess staring potential down the road.

Other:

Replaced Joe Woods with Jim Schwartz as defensive coordinator
QBs coach Drew Petzing joined Cardinals as offensive coordinator
HC Kevin Stefanski not thought to be on hot seat
Picked up T Jedrick Wills’ $14.18MM fifth-year option
Signed nine UDFAs

Stefanski’s tenure began as well as could be hoped with an 11-5 record, an end to the franchise’s playoff drought and a postseason victory. He has helmed the team to a record of 15-19 since then, however, as the Baker Mayfield era came to an unceremonious end and the beginning of the Watson one was delayed last year. In the wake of the Browns’ poor start with Watson sidelined, a report emerged indicating Stefanski’s days in Cleveland could be numbered in absence of a turnaround. The vote of confidence the 2020 Coach of the Year has since received, however, means he enters the coming season with at least a bit of rope left.

Watson has named Stefanski, 41, as a reason he authorized the trade to Cleveland last year, and the pair’s relationship will be a key determinant in the team’s success moving forward. The latter will remain offensive play-caller in 2023, while offensive coordinator Alex Van Pelt adds the duties of quarterbacks coach vacated by Petzing’s departure – something done with Watson’s approval. Success in orchestrating a more productive passing game would do wonders for Stefanski and Van Pelt with respect to their job security, but failure in that regard would no doubt lead to increased calls for a change on the sidelines.

The decision to move on from Woods came as little surprise, though it did not produce a repaired relationship with Clowney as the latter suggested could be possible. The Browns delivered a strong defensive showing in terms of yards allowed in 2021, something which was essentially repeated last year. The team’s high-end CB room also provided effective play in coverage (albeit not with respect to interception production). The glaring weakness was rush defense, which helps explain the retooling of the front seven.

It also illustrates the appeal of Schwartz, whose work with the Eagles helped rebuild his stock as a highly regarded coordinator. The ex-Lions head coach has a reputation for overseeing productive defensive fronts, something which will need to continue if Cleveland is to improve not only on the ground but in the sack department. Given the win-now situation the Browns are in, the added experience of Schwartz over Woods (who was able to land the Saints’ DC gig after his Browns departure) should be beneficial. While many eyes will be on Watson and the offense, Schwartz’s ability to maximize the potential of a unit which has a number of intriguing contributors on paper will be a central 2023 storyline as well.

Wills was one of three tackles from the 2020 class to have his option picked up. That puts him on firmer ground in Cleveland than Mekhi Becton with the Jets, but a monster deal like the one given to Andrew Thomas by the Giants should not be expected at this point. Without a Pro Bowl to his name, Wills will earn $14.18MM in 2024, a reasonable figure for a starting blindside protector. Earning that amount (or more) on a multiyear commitment would require further development from the 24-year-old, but Stefanski has expressed confidence that will take place. In the immediate future, incremental growth from a player PFF has yet to rate as a top-50 tackle would be welcomed on a strong Browns offensive front.

Top 10 cap charges for 2023:

Myles Garrett, DE: $29.18MM
Amari Cooper, WR: $23.78MM
Deshaun Watson, QB: $19.06MM
Wyatt Teller, G: $15.43MM
Nick Chubb, RB: $14.85MM
Joel Bitonio, G: $14.6MM
Denzel Ward, CB: $12.22MM
David Njoku, TE: $8.93MM
Jack Conklin, T: $7.79MM
Jedrick Wills, T: $6.27MM

Even with the expectations for a step forward in passing production with Watson and an improved array of pass catchers (including Cooper, whose cap hit is the highest amongst NFL wideouts), it is telling that five of the names listed are Chubb and O-line starters. The ground game will still be essential to the team’s success this season, though all 10 players are on the books for 2024 as well. Watson’s cap hit is set to explode to $64MM absent another restructure, while Ward and Njoku will see theirs jump by $9MM and $10MM, respectively.

Wills’ future can be ensured with an extension, and doing so would likely lower his 2024 cap charge; aside from that, though, the easiest way to free up money amongst the highest earners would be moving on from one of the guard mainstays of Teller and Bitonio or agreeing to a reworked deal with either of them.

Much of the Browns’ core remains in place, but there are sufficient new faces to give the team a wide range of outcomes in 2023. Watson’s last full season saw him lead the league in passing yards, but that showing came back in 2020. If he can come close to the level of his Texans performances, Cleveland could mount a strong challenge for at least a wild-card berth in a stacked AFC. Failure to shake off the rust which was understandably present last year, however, could leave the team in a highly unenviable position given the financial implications of his contract. High-end play from Watson’s new supporting cast and what should be an improved defense would insulate against mediocre performances under center, but it does not feel like a stretch to expect the Browns to go as far as Watson will take them.

Offseason In Review: Detroit Lions

August 21st, 2023 at 10:39pm CST by Sam Robinson

Finishing last season with rare momentum, the Lions are in a stranger position coming into Dan Campbell‘s third year. The Campbell-Brad Holmes rebuild has progressed to the point Detroit comes into a season as the favorite to win the NFC North. Since the NFL redid its divisions after the Texans entered the league in 2002, the Lions have never won this division. Although they made the playoffs three times during the 2010s, their last divisional conquest came in 1993 as part of the NFC Central — in Barry Sanders‘ fifth season.

Making the second first-round pick brought from the Matthew Stafford trade and making a number of moves to improve a porous defense, the Lions operated intently this offseason. The rebuild that covered the past two seasons is over. It will now be deemed a failed season if the Lions do not qualify for the playoffs.

Free agency additions:

Cameron Sutton, CB: Three years, $33MM ($21MM guaranteed)
David Montgomery, RB: Three years, $18MM ($8.75MM guaranteed)
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, DB: One year, $6.5MM ($6.5MM guaranteed)
Marvin Jones, WR: One year, $3MM ($3MM guaranteed)
Teddy Bridgewater, QB: One year, $3MM ($2.55MM guaranteed)
Graham Glasgow, OL: One year, $2.75MM ($2.5MM guaranteed)
Emmanuel Moseley, CB: One year, $6MM ($2MM guaranteed)
Jalen Reeves-Maybin, LB: One year, $1.75MM ($500K guaranteed)
Christian Covington, DL: One year, $1.17MM
Bobby Hart, T: One year, $1.17MM
Germain Ifedi, T: One year, $1.17MM
Benny Snell, RB: One year, $1.1MM
Saivion Smith, CB: One year, $940K

The Lions went 8-3 in their final 11 games and made defensive strides; Aaron Glenn‘s unit still finished last in yards allowed, 28th in DVOA and 30th against the pass. Holmes and Co. aggressively targeted the secondary in free agency and the draft. The aftermath brought considerable depth, giving Glenn options in his third season as Detroit’s DC.

This effort started with Sutton, who had been on the Steelers’ radar to retain. Sutton, 28, had already signed two Pittsburgh contracts; his performance over the past two years turned the two-year, $9MM pact from 2021 into a team-friendly deal. The Steelers were not prepared to go where the Lions did for the former third-round pick, and a contract agreement emerged within hours of the legal tampering period’s opening. Sutton’s arrival illustrated a Lions versatility lean this offseason.

Each of their top three acquisitions in the secondary supplies experience in multiple roles, with Sutton joining Gardner-Johnson and second-rounder Brian Branch as having extensive slot seasoning. But the Steelers had shifted Sutton, an early-career slot corner, to the outside. That is where the Lions are expected to use the seventh-year vet, but Sutton’s history as an inside defender will help his new team. The 5-foot-11 cover man finished in the top five in passer rating allowed as the closest defender last season (among corners), per Next Gen Stats, and ended the year with a career-high 15 passes defensed. He will take over for Jeff Okudah as the Lions’ top corner investment, though Sutton has proven far more than the recently jettisoned top-five pick.

Ideally, Sutton would join Moseley as the Lions’ outside corners. But the ex-49er remains on the Lions’ active/PUP list due to a late-summer knee surgery. A stay on the reserve/PUP list — a designation mandating a four-game absence — is firmly in play. Moseley, 27, suffered an ACL tear midway through last season. That brought the sixth-year corner’s price down to a level that proved palatable for the Lions, per Holmes. Moseley made his way into a regular 49ers role in 2019, replacing Ahkello Witherspoon opposite Richard Sherman on the outside for the Super Bowl LIV-bound team. Pro Football Focus has graded Moseley as a top-35 corner in three of the past four seasons. His last full season (2021) featured substantial improvements in passer rating against (65.6) and yards per target (5.8) compared to his prior work.

Moseley recapturing that form for the Lions would set him up for a big free agency payday in 2024 or a nice Lions extension. But his extended layoff will be something to keep monitoring as the season nears.

Gardner-Johnson, who has enjoyed quality seasons at safety and as a slot corner, may have misread the market en route to Detroit. The Eagles offered their 2022 trade acquisition a multiyear deal early in free agency. Seeking a higher payout, Gardner-Johnson turned it down. This led to the Eagles pivoting and re-signing James Bradberry to and giving ex-Lion Darius Slay another extension. Rather than extend CJGJ — a pre-free agency goal — Philly reinvested at corner and went with low-cost safeties. Beyond Jessie Bates, none of this year’s free agent safeties secured more than $7.5MM per year. Gardner-Johnson, 25, will attempt to use this season to solidify his value.

Known as much for his trash talking as his coverage acumen, Gardner-Johnson has both served as a full-time slot corner — with the Saints during Sean Payton‘s final seasons — and a regular safety. As a safety last year, Gardner-Johnson tied for the INT lead (six) despite missing five games with a lacerated kidney. Rumors about Glenn, who coached New Orleans’ DBs during CJGJ’s first two seasons, returning the brash defender to a slot role emerged. But the Lions have been trotting him out at safety alongside 2022 third-rounder Kerby Joseph during camp.

A Joseph-CJGJ safety pairing has led to Tracy Walker, who re-signed on a three-year deal worth $25MM in 2022, dropping to a backup role. Branch played a hybrid role at Alabama, and he has been given steady time in the slot during camp. This has led to converted safety Will Harris (again, the Lions ooze DB versatility) working as a second-string corner behind Sutton and third-year UDFA Jerry Jacobs. PFF rated Harris much higher than Jacobs last season, so it would be interesting to see the sixth-year veteran demoted. But Moseley’s re-emergence would stand to lead to Jacobs losing his starting gig, too. On the verge of including four new starters, the Lions’ secondary is poised to present a much higher ceiling.

On offense, the Lions pried the Bears’ four-year starting running back to replace last season’s rushing touchdowns leader. After Jamaal Williams turned down a similar offer, Montgomery swooped in and will step in as Detroit’s between-the-tackles runner. It is worth wondering if the Lions overpaid here, given what happened to the running back market this offseason.

Montgomery finished with the NFL’s sixth-worst rushing yards over expected figure (minus-53), per Next Gen Stats, though Williams was not too much better (minus-11). Montgomery, however, finished with the eighth-worst RYOE mark in 2021 (minus-80). That said, Montgomery is two years younger, at 26, and has been better in the passing game (617 yards from 2020-21) than Williams (230 in that span). Still, Williams, who regrouped and signed a $4MM-AAV deal with the the Saints, led the NFL in rushing touchdowns (17) and totaled his first 1,000-yard season.

Offseason developments involving Amon-Ra St. Brown‘s top sidekicks moved the Lions to bring back Jones, who played out a five-year contract with the team in 2020. Working alongside Golden Tate to help the Lions pick up the pieces after Calvin Johnson‘s earlier-than-expected retirement, Jones offered high-end WR2 work during most of his first stint (three 900-plus-yard seasons). The ex-Bengals deep threat led the NFL with 18.0 yards per reception in 2017. Jones, 33, is far removed from that point and now profiles as a possession receiver. With DJ Chark departing and Jameson Williams continuing to encounter obstacles, Jones — whose second Jaguars year ended with his worst full-season yardage total (529) — will likely be needed for regular work.

It did not seem realistic the Lions would trudge into a second season with Nate Sudfeld as their backup quarterback. Even after Campbell expressed satisfaction with his QB room during the Lions’ offseason program, the team kept tabs on Bridgewater. Detroit had made the ex-Minnesota first-rounder an offer in April. After it cost the Dolphins $6.5MM to sign Bridgewater last year, the Lions landed him for less than half that.

Bridgewater left multiple 2022 games due to injuries, causing major issues for a Dolphins team that hit a crisis point with starter Tua Tagovailoa‘s availability. This tanked Bridgewater’s market. But the journeyman will reunite with Campbell, who was in New Orleans during both the QB’s years there, and provide Jared Goff with a much more accomplished backup.

Goff did not miss any time due to injury last season, but the Lions went 0-3 without their starter in 2021. Bridgewater, 30, had the Broncos at 7-7 before a second concussion ended his 2021 season. This looks like a clear stopgap situation, with Hendon Hooker positioned as the likely Lions backup in 2024. With the Tennessee product on the NFI list as he winds down ACL rehab, the Lions needed a better option than Sudfeld — he of 37 passes in seven seasons.

Re-signings:

Alex Anzalone, LB: Three years, $18.75MM ($9MM guaranteed)
John Cominsky, DL: Two years, $8.5MM ($4MM guaranteed)
Will Harris, DB: One year, $2.52MM ($2.52MM guaranteed)
Isaiah Buggs, DL: Two years, $4.5MM ($2.1MM guaranteed)
Nate Sudfeld, QB: One year, $1.6MM ($1MM guaranteed)
Craig Reynolds, RB: One year, $1.1MM

As the third tier of the 2023 inside linebacker market formed, the Lions found common ground with Anzalone, who will continue his career under Glenn. Anzalone’s four New Orleans seasons featured Glennon staff as well, though the veteran linebacker found more playing time in Detroit. After never clearing a 50% defensive snap barrier during a full season as a Saint, Anzalone has been a three-down presence with the Lions. The former third-round pick played a career-high 1,080 defensive snaps last season, totaling 125 tackles — far and away a career high — and notching seven stops behind the line.

One of 11 linebackers to score a deal with an AAV between $5MM and $7.25MM this offseason, Anzalone — after two low-cost, one-year deals — did well to secure a midlevel Lions pact. Although first-rounder Jack Campbell should vie for this status soon, Anzalone remains entrenched as Detroit’s lead linebacker going into his third season with the team.

The Lions’ waiver priority became valuable re: Cominsky, who saw a staggering eight teams attempt to claim him when the Falcons cut bait in May 2022. Following the Lions’ flier, Cominsky put together his best season. The Lions turned to the D-lineman as a regular, giving him eight starts and using him on a career-high 556 defensive snaps. That came after the Falcons made Cominsky a healthy scratch often in 2021. The Division II alum totaled four sacks, 12 QB hits and three pass deflections. Throwing most of their defensive investments at its secondary this offseason, the Lions look set to once again turn to Cominsky often.

Michael Badgley, K (released)
Stanley Berryhill, WR (waived)
Chris Board, LB
Michael Brockers, DT (released)
Evan Brown, OL
Quintez Cephus, WR (waived)
DJ Chark, WR
DeShon Elliott, S
Mike Hughes, CB
Justin Jackson, RB (retired)
Tommy Kraemer, OL
C.J. Moore, DB (released)
Amani Oruwariye, CB
Dan Skipper, OL
Logan Stenberg, OL
Demetrius Taylor, DL (waived)
Jamaal Williams, RB
Josh Woods, LB

Although the highest-profile Lion to receive a gambling suspension (Jameson Williams) remains on the roster, the team’s most notable departures stemmed from that round of penalties. The Lions axed Berryhill, Cephus, Moore and Taylor due to each running afoul of the gambling policy — during an offseason in which this reached a crisis point across the NFL.

The team cut Moore, a veteran special-teamer, despite re-signing him to a two-year, $4.5MM deal in March. Before running into injury trouble last season, Cephus had served as a backup receiver during most of his first two NFL campaigns. One year remained on Cephus’ rookie contract, but both he and Moore were found to have made bets on NFL games, leading to indefinite suspensions. The Lions could have retained both players, as the Cephus and Moore contracts were set to toll to 2024. But they opted to cut bait amid a troublesome offseason on this front.

Widespread gambling trouble had not impacted the NFL in decades, but a 2018 Supreme Court ruling led to 33 states and Washington D.C. opening legal betting markets. NFL sponsorships with sportsbooks have followed, and messaging from teams to players about the league’s gambling policy seemed to — for some franchises, at least — lack clarity. The Lions were ground zero here. The NFL did not suspend Taylor until he was a free agent, but the Lions cut him on the same day they axed Berryhill. Taylor played in one game for the team last season. As the count of Lions popped for gambling bans reached five, the team also fired a few staffers — a strength and conditioning coach and two equipment managers — who had violated the NFL’s policy.

After giving Chark a one-year, $10MM deal in 2022, the Lions saw him run into more injury trouble. The former Jaguars second-rounder had suffered a fractured ankle early in the 2021 season, and he missed six games during his Lions slate. Chark, 26, did negotiate with the Lions this offseason, and while the team expressed interest in bringing back the field-stretching wideout, it stood down and let the Panthers make Chark’s next payment (one year, $5MM).

Chark’s exit and Williams’ six-game suspension will leave Detroit more questions at its non-St. Brown receiver spots. In addition to Jones, the team still rosters Josh Reynolds, an ex-Goff Rams target. Working as a starter while Williams rehabbed his college ACL tear, Reynolds caught 38 passes for 479 yards and three touchdowns last season. The Lions did not draft a receiver until Round 7, leaving Reynolds in place to reprise his 2022 role. Returner Kalif Raymond (616 receiving yards in 2022) has provided key contributions during this stretch as well. Raymond should also remain relevant in Detroit’s passing attack, which will not be at full strength until at least Week 7.

Trades:

Traded RB D’Andre Swift and No. 249 to Eagles for No. 219, 2025 fourth-round pick
Dealt CB Jeff Okudah to Falcons for 2023 fifth-round pick
Acquired WR Denzel Mims and 2025 seventh-round pick from Jets for 2025 conditional sixth-round pick
Sent Jaguars 2026 seventh-round pick for K Riley Patterson

The Gibbs pick left Swift without a role, despite the former second-round pick excelling at points in Detroit. While somewhat injury-prone, Swift has 25 career touchdowns. He posted 1,069 scrimmage yards in 14 games in 2021 and averaged 5.5 yards per carry last season. The Bob Quinn regime, however, added Swift, who lost playing time to Jamaal Williams last year. Smith played in 14 games last year — up from 13 in 2021 — but saw his carry total plummet from 151 to 99. As Williams zoomed to a career year behind an upper-crust O-line, Swift displayed frustration about his usage. Ahead of his contract year, the Lions bailed, restarting the process with Jahmyr Gibbs.

After the Gibbs pick opened the trade floodgates on the Georgia alum, the Dolphins inquired about a deal. As Miami monitored a Dalvin Cook trade as well, Philadelphia swooped in and has big plans for the dual-threat back, whose Motor City exit signals a full-fledged backfield makeover for a team that finished 11th in rushing last season.

Dealing Swift meant the Lions cut the cord on their first- and second-round picks from 2020. Quinn made a historic investment in Okudah, who was the first cornerback chosen in the top three since the Seahawks drafted Shawn Springs in 1997. Okudah could not live up to the draft slot, struggling to stay on the field and offering inconsistent play when available. PFF viewed Okudah as a marginal-at-best corner during his Detroit stay, and Atlanta declined the Ohio State alum’s fifth-year option. Okudah, who missed 23 games over his first two seasons, may already be on track to begin his Falcons tenure sidelined. Should Okudah fail to turn his career around soon, he will go down as one of the bigger busts in recent draft history.

Patterson could turn into a worthwhile addition. The Lions already cut Badgley, their primary 2022 kicker, before training camp. Patterson spent last season with the Jaguars but was with the Lions in training camp last year. Boasting a career 87.8% field goal make rate, Patterson connected on 30 of 35 tries last season. The Cowboys also discussed Patterson with the Jags after the latter’s Brandon McManus signing.

Extensions and restructures:

G Halapoulivaati Vaitai agreed to pay cut, removing 2024 season from contract
Gave WR Kalif Raymond two-year, $10.5MM extension ($8.15MM guaranteed)
DE Romeo Okwara accepted pay cut, creating $9MM in cap space
DE Charles Harris took $3MM pay reduction

The Lions not retaining Evan Brown, who served as a regular fill-in over the past two years, cut into their O-line depth. Filling in for Ragnow and Vaitai over the past two seasons, Brown made 24 starts for Detroit in that span. But Glasgow is back, after three years in Denver, and pushing Vaitai for the right guard job. Glasgow is slotted as the backup center as well.

Vaitai missed all of last season with a back injury, a setback that led to the ex-Eagle contemplating retirement. Instead, he joined Okwara and Harris in accepting a post-injury pay cut. Vaitai, 30, had been tied to a five-year, $45MM deal agreed to in 2020, but this reworking moves him into a contract year. PFF already rated the Lions as the No. 8 offensive line last season. Vaitai bouncing back — and joining four returning starters — could unlock another level for this well-built Lions front.

Rather than explore the edge rusher market, the Lions kept two veteran defensive ends at reduced rates. After seeing an Achilles tear (and a botched surgery) effectively ruin two seasons, Okwara agreed to trim his three-year, $37MM deal. The elder of the Lions’ two pass-rushing Okwaras, Romeo led the team in sacks in two seasons prior to his 2021 contract. Only going into his age-28 season, the eighth-year veteran represents a wild card alongside Aidan Hutchinson. Will Romeo Okwara’s return to full strength bump younger brother Julian Okwara, a Quinn-era third-round pick who finished with two sacks last year, off the roster?

Also 28, Harris missed 11 games due to injury last year. As a result, the Lions took some money back on the two-year, $14MM contract the former first-rounder signed in 2022. But Harris, who registered 7.5 sacks in 2021, remains in place as a potential starter — after a 14-start 2021 — and surefire rotational option. The Lions are largely running it back at the pass rusher spots, with surprising sixth-round producer James Houston (eight sacks from Thanksgiving to season’s end) joining Hutchinson, Harris, Cominsky and Okwara.

Draft:

Round 1, No. 12 (from Browns through Texans and Cardinals): Jahmyr Gibbs, RB (Alabama) (signed)
Round 1, No. 18: Jack Campbell, LB (Iowa) (signed)
Round 2, No. 34 (from Cardinals): Sam LaPorta, TE (Iowa) (signed)
Round 2, No. 45 (from Packers): Brian Branch, DB (Alabama) (signed)
Round 3, No. 68 (from Broncos): Hendon Hooker, QB (Tennessee) (signed)
Round 3, No. 96 (from Cardinals): Brodric Martin, DT (Western Kentucky) (signed)
Round 5, No. 152: Colby Sorsdal, OT (William & Mary) (signed)
Round 7, No. 219 (from Texans through Vikings and Eagles): Antoine Green, WR (North Carolina) (signed)

Collecting some capital from the Cardinals for moving down six spots, the Lions went through with a surprising first round. Arizona’s offer prevented Detroit from making a stunning move: taking Gibbs sixth overall. A multipurpose Alabama back, Gibbs’ first-round status was a well-kept secret until draft week. But the Lions were set to select him ahead of Bijan Robinson, the consensus top back in the draft. Gibbs at 12 still turned heads, but with Swift gone, this Lions regime will make its own bet on a dual-threat back. Detroit showed interest in Devon Witherspoon (and not Jalen Carter), but after Seattle chose the cornerback at 5, Holmes went with an unorthodox choice.

The Robinson and Gibbs top-12 picks came as running back value tanked, but teams remain interested in rookie-contract RBs. The Lions have Gibbs under contract through 2026, and what could certainly be a cheap fifth-year option exists in this contract. Boding well for Gibbs’ mileage: he never topped 151 carries in a season at Alabama. He averaged north of 10 yards per catch in each of his three Tuscaloosa seasons and profiles as an intriguing weapon, one the Lions believe has a higher ceiling than Swift.

Taking two Iowa standouts in between the two Alabama alums, the Lions made perhaps a more surprising pick with their second first-round choice. NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah ranked Campbell 49th on his pre-draft big board; ESPN’s Scouts Inc. slotted him 57th. Not exactly pleasing the analytics community for positional value with his second two-first-rounder draft, Holmes indeed said he probably could have traded down and landed Campbell. Taking him at 18 effectively reveals Detroit’s against-the-grain confidence.

Although Campbell won the Butkus award and totaled a whopping 265 tackles from 2021-22, this RB-LB first round represents a significant risk for the Lions, who are done with their two-first-rounder drafts brought on by the Stafford swap.

More conventional picks came in Round 2. The Lions have made early tight end investments part of their M.O., having chosen four in the top 34 picks (Brandon Pettigrew, Eric Ebron, T.J. Hockenson, LaPorta) since 2009. Coming from one of the NCAA’s tight end factories, LaPorta earned first-team All-Big Ten acclaim last season and topped 650 yards as both a junior and senior. After trading Hockenson to the Vikings, the Lions entered the draft with a clear need. Tight ends typically take longer to acclimate compared to running backs and receivers; only three (Kyle Pitts, Evan Engram, John Carlson) have eclipsed 600 receiving yards as rookies since 2008. But LaPorta has an early path to a regular role in Detroit.

The top safety chosen this year, Branch was the only Division I-FBS player to amass at least 90 tackles, 14 TFLs and two INTs last season. With Gardner-Johnson only signed for one year, Branch is more likely to become the versatile DB on which the Lions lean in the long term. An effective blitzer from the slot, Branch also registered three sacks last season. How the Lions use their batch of DB acquisitions will be an important NFC North subplot.

Hooker did not find himself with as many first-round ties as Malik Willis did last year, but buzz built. Instead, Hooker fell to the top of Round 3. The Lions made Hooker their first QB selected in the top three rounds since Stafford 14 years ago. Hooker redshirting his rookie season, as of now, appears the Lions’ plan. The team has Goff under contract for two more seasons, and Hooker did not craft his rising prospect profile in a particularly pro-friendly offense.

The two-year Volunteers starter (58 TD passes, five INTs from 2021-22) landed on the Heisman radar before his ACL tear, but his career track now points to a full season off at 25. Hooker could be in his late 20s before the notion of him starting becomes realistic, though the Lions are not expected to let the rookie spent the full season on the NFI list and see his rookie deal toll.

Other:

WR Jameson Williams received six-game gambling suspension
OC Ben Johnson withdraws from HC searches, agrees to Lions extension
DC Aaron Glenn interviewed for Cardinals, Colts’ HC positions; Lions extended Glenn
Hired John Fox as senior defensive assistant, Jim Hostler as senior offensive assistant
Director of college scouting Dave Sears becomes Cardinals’ assistant GM
RBs coach Duce Staley accepts same position with Panthers; Scottie Montgomery added as replacement
Dre’ Bly, Steve Heiden join staff as cornerbacks, tight ends coach

Thanks to Johnson bowing out of HC searches early and the Cardinals passing on Glenn, the Lions return both their coordinators. Johnson managed to go from a rookie play-caller to a hot HC candidate, who appeared in the early lead for the Carolina job. Johnson orchestrated the Goff’s best season since the Rams’ Super Bowl LIII-qualifying campaign, and should Williams negotiate a concerning number of early-career hurdles, the second-year OC should have a better offensive nucleus by midseason. A Lions step back could obviously lead to diminished interest, and the team did finish with just four turnovers over its final 11 games. Will that unsustainable rate and Goff’s inconsistent history lead to Johnson regretting an early leap off the 2023 coaching carousel?

Goff, who threw no interceptions after Week 7, giving defenses few short fields and the Lions still finishing last in total defense created an odd launching pad for Glenn. But he nevertheless interviewed twice for the Cardinals and Colts’ HC jobs. Glenn is also believed to be signed beyond 2023, but he fended off in-season firing rumors last year. Campbell and Glenn have worked together for eight years now, and the Lions have equipped their 51-year-old defensive play-caller with an overhauled secondary and a first-round linebacker.

Top 10 cap charges for 2023:

Jared Goff, QB: $30.96MM
Taylor Decker, T: $19.35MM
Frank Ragnow, C: $16.45MM
Aidan Hutchinson, DE: $8.12MM
Penei Sewell, T: $6.57MM
Tracy Walker, S: $6.32MM
Romeo Okwara, DE: $5.68MM
Charles Harris, DE: $5.16MM
Halapoulivaati Vaitai, G: $5.1MM
C.J. Gardner-Johnson, S: $4.5MM

Should Williams return from his gambling ban healthy and Gibbs proves a Swift upgrade, Goff (fifth in 2022 QBR) will have the best offensive nuclei at his disposal since before Todd Gurley‘s knee troubles intensified. The team still will likely want to see its third-year starter deliver another strong season before considering an extension. Goff ranked 22nd, 23rd and 24th in QBR, respectively, from 2019-21 and is two years removed from the Rams sending the Lions an extra first-rounder in exchange for taking on his $33.5MM-per-year contract. But Goff has effectively dispelled the notion he was a bridge quarterback for Detroit. In addition to Holmes and Campbell praising Goff at every turn, they showed that faith by passing on QBs with four first-round picks over the past two years. A new deal is on Detroit’s radar.

Ahead of his age-29 season, Goff looms as one of the NFC’s central figures. The former No. 1 overall pick showing his 2022 re-emergence was no fluke stamps the Lions as NFC North favorites. With Aaron Rodgers gone, the Vikings attempting to clean up a defensive mess and the Bears coming off a 3-14 season, the Lions have their rare turn in the frontrunner chair. Making good on these prognostications would place this as one of the better rebuilding efforts in recent NFL history.

Bengals Could Target QB Addition

August 21st, 2023 at 10:32pm CST by Ben Levine

Neither Jake Browning nor Trevor Siemian have run away with the Bengals QB2 gig, a job that’s becoming increasingly important considering Joe Burrow‘s questionable status to start the regular season. Head coach Zac Taylor admitted that the organization could add another quarterback to the mix, but he also cautioned that introducing an outside QB to Cincy’s system could be difficult with only weeks remaining until the regular season.

“I think anything’s feasible,” Taylor said (via The Athletic’s Paul Dehner Jr.). “But at the same time, there are a lot of nuances to our offense when you’re asking that guy to learn that quickly and be able to operate it in a game, it’s a challenge. It’s a challenge in any system. I think it’s a challenge in our system. These guys, I like where they’re headed mentally with our system. I like where they’re headed physically in terms of operating with the urgency and the communication that we want, and the accuracy.”

As Dehner Jr. writes, the Bengals may need an outside QB to “win games the first month of the season,” and that free agent acquisition might not have enough time to pick up the offense. Further, the front office isn’t in a position to spend big on a backup quarterback, which probably eliminates some of the big names remaining in free agency.

One of the most realistic targets for the Bengals could be Brandon Allen, who spent the past three years as Burrow’s backup. The quarterback signed with the 49ers earlier this offseason, but he’s the clear QB4 on a depth chart that also includes Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, and Sam Darnold. Assuming Allen is cut loose, he’d fit the low-cost, system-familiar option that the Bengals could be seeking.

Of course, the easiest route is for one of the Bengals’ in-house options to turn into a definitive backup to Burrow. As Dehner Jr. notes, Browning has had his ups and downs during the preseason, but he’s still had a better showing than his veteran teammate. The former Vikings UDFA has spent almost two years in the Bengals organization, and Taylor said that the experience gives Browning an upper hand.

“Jake has now been here for several years,” Taylor said. “He understands the system and how you want to operate it. That’s an advantage he’s had from the jump. I think his urgency has continued to increase lately. I really like that. He does a great job just as a leader. Guys believe in him and as he moves around and operates there is a confidence there that guys have. You see that from Trevor as well. Jake, you can see why he’s had a really successful high school career, a really successful college career and he’s getting these opportunities in the league to fight his way up a depth chart really has been the story of his career.”

We heard earlier this month that Burrow is “progressing as he should” in his return from a calf sprain. Recent reports indicated that the Pro Bowler should be good to go for Week 1, but the Bengals will proceed with the utmost caution as they pursue another AFC crown.

Minor NFL Transactions: 8/21/23

August 21st, 2023 at 8:43pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor transactions:

Arizona Cardinals

Signed: RB Stevie Scott
Released: P Matt Haack
Waived/injured: OL Lachavious Simmons

Atlanta Falcons

Waived/injured: WR Frank Darby

Buffalo Bills

Signed: G Garrett McGhin
Placed on IR: OT Tommy Doyle (story), DE Shane Ray

Carolina Panthers

Waived: DT Marquan McCall

Chicago Bears

Placed on IR: S Adrian Colbert
Waived/injured: TE Jared Pinkney

Cincinnati Bengals

Activated from PUP: TE Mitchell Wilcox

Denver Broncos

Signed: WR Josh Hammond

Detroit Lions

Reverted to IR: RB Mohamed Ibrahim

Green Bay Packers

Signed: LB Marvin Pierre
Placed on IR: TE Tyler Davis

Kansas City Chiefs

Signed: WR Juwan Green
Waived/injured: WR Kekoa Crawford
Released from IR: DB Anthony Witherstone

Miami Dolphins

Signed: QB James Blackman
Waived/injured: CB Tino Ellis

Minnesota Vikings

Waived: LB Curtis Weaver

New Orleans Saints

Released from IR: OL Scott Lashley

Pittsburgh Steelers

Signed: WR Aron Cruickshank, LB Kuony Deng
Waived/injured: WR Hakeem Butler, WR Cody White

San Francisco 49ers

Signed: RB Brian Hill
Waived: DL Tomasi Laulile

Seattle Seahawks

Signed: TE Sal Cannella

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Signed: S Richard LeCounte

Tennessee Titans

Signed: DL Trevon Coley

Brian Hill comes to San Francisco with 48 career games under his belt. He had a career year for the Falcons back in 2020, compiling 664 yards from scrimmage in 16 games. The RB has bounced around the NFL a bit since, spending time with the Titans, Browns, and 49ers (two stints). Following stints in the CFL and XFL, the 27-year-old will now add some depth to a San Francisco running backs room that already includes Christian McCaffrey, Elijah Mitchell, Jordan Mason, Tyrion Davis-Price, and Jeremy McNichols.

Trevon Coley started 29 games for the Browns through his first two seasons in the NFL, but he’s struggled to stay on the field since. The defensive lineman got into seven games for the Colts in 2019 and (most recently) six games for the Cardinals in 2020. In total, the 29-year-old has 100 career tackles and 3.5 sacks on his resume.

Adrian Colbert won’t play for the Bears in 2023 after being placed on IR, although there’s a chance he’s cut loose and allowed to play for another squad. The veteran safety has played in 41 career games, starting 22. He’s been limited to only 14 games since the 2020 campaign, including a two-game stint with the Bears in 2022.

Buccaneers Waive K Rodrigo Blankenship

August 21st, 2023 at 7:18pm CST by Sam Robinson

Rodrigo Blankenship partook in a training camp rematch of sorts, being part of a kicking battle against Chase McLaughlin. That series is now tied at one apiece.

Three years after Blankenship unseated McLaughlin as the Colts’ kicker, the Buccaneers are going the other way. Tampa Bay waived Blankenship on Monday, leaving McLaughlin as the only kicker on the roster.

Blankenship went 1-for-3 on field goal tries against the Jets on Saturday; McLaughlin made his only attempt. Although Blankenship was 1-for-1 in Tampa Bay’s first preseason game, McLaughlin is the team’s kicker pick.

The Bucs added Blankenship after minicamp, bringing him in nearly three months after signing McLaughlin on a one-year deal with $100K guaranteed. The Bucs did not guarantee Blankenship anything. While this competition was not to succeed a Hall of Famer, as the 2020 Colts duel was after Adam Vinatieri‘s exit, McLaughlin now looks like he will go into the season as Ryan Succop‘s successor. Succop, who remains unsigned, spent the past three seasons in that role. Succop provided some continuity for a Bucs team that spent most of the 2010s changing kickers annually, but a cap-strapped Tampa Bay operation made the veteran a cap casualty this year.

Monday’s development continues the intertwined careers of McLaughlin and Blankenship. The latter, a former Groza award winner while at Georgia, kicked in all 16 Colts games in 2020. But he suffered an injury five games into the 2021 season. Blankenship struggled in Week 1 of last season, missing a 42-yard field goal in overtime and sending two kickoffs out of bounds. Indianapolis’ usual kickoff man, Rigoberto Sanchez, was out due to a season-ending injury sustained in training camp. The team then signed McLaughlin to replace Blankenship.

McLaughlin kicked in 16 Browns games in 2021 and 16 Colts contests last year. The Bucs added him, in part, because of long-range success. McLaughlin made 9 of 12 50-plus-yard tries in 2022 and was 4-for-4 in 2021. Succop went just 2-for-7 last season. Blankenship, who finished last season with the Cardinals, is not a vested veteran and will head to the waiver wire.

Kickers frequently change cities around this point, with teams monitoring other rosters to fill this oft-unstable position. Blankenship could soon land another opportunity, though he has now been cut twice in 11 months.

Broncos Eyeing K Wil Lutz?

August 21st, 2023 at 2:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

Having moved on from Brandon McManus earlier this offseason, the Broncos will have a new kicker this season for the first time since 2014. The team’s search for his replacement is ongoing, but it could lead them to another familiar face for head coach Sean Payton.

The Saints are currently in the midst of a kicking competition between veteran Wil Lutz and undrafted rookie Blake Grupe. Presuming New Orleans follows standard practice and only keeps one kicker on the team’s final 53-man roster, the loser of that battle could become a trade chip for teams eyeing an upgrade in the kicking game. In the event Grupe wins out and Lutz finds himself on the trade market, the Broncos could be a team to watch, writes NBC Sports’ Peter King.

After waiving Elliott Fry, Denver currently has only one healthy kicker at the moment: Brett Maher. The 33-year-old enjoyed a successful regular season with the Cowboys last year, missing only three field goal attempts and as many extra points. Mahers’ disastrous playoff outings led to Dallas’ decision to move on, however, and leaves him far from assured of a roster spot in the Mile High City.

Lutz, 29, joined the Ravens as a UDFA in 2016, and his performance that summer led to his deal with the Saints. The Georgia State product has held down the team’s kicking duties since then, with the exception of 2021. A groin injury left him sidelined for the entire campaign that year, but he returned last season and played all 17 games. Lutz made all 33 of his extra point attempts, but his 74.2% success rate on field goals was by far the worst of his career. That has left him in a battle for his position deep into August against Grupe, who spent one season at Notre Dame after four at Arkansas State.

NOLA.com’s Jeff Duncan and Troy Renck of Denver7 each confirm that the Broncos are watching the K market as roster cuts approach (Twitter links). Acquiring Lutz in particular would add another former Payton contributor from his lengthy stint as the Saints’ head coach, something Denver has done plenty of already this offseason. A number of veteran free agents are available as well, including Robbie Gould, Mason Crosby and Ryan Succop. For now, the Broncos’ decisions at the position could depend in large part on how the Saints handle the Lutz-Grupe competition.

Bills To Sign RB Ty Johnson

August 21st, 2023 at 1:30pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Bills are thin at offensive tackle at the moment, but they are still tinkering with other areas of their roster. That will include a depth addition to their backfield.

Buffalo is set to sign running back Ty Johnson, reports ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (Twitter link). The deal will allow Johnson to remain in the AFC East after his tenure with the Jets came to an unexpected end. The 25-year-old initially re-signed with New York on a one-year deal this offseason, but he was later released due to a torn pectoral muscle. The subsequent addition of Dalvin Cook took away the chance of any potential reunion with the Jets for Johnson.

Fowler notes that the latter has healed in full, setting the stage for a workout earlier today which yielded an agreement. Johnson will now have the chance to carve out a role as a third down specialist given his pass-catching skills. The former sixth-rounder totaled 559 yards and three touchdowns on 62 receptions during his time in the Big Apple, contributing on special teams as well.

Johnson should be able to step into the role Nyheim Hines was set to occupy before his ACL tear. That injury appeared to leave 2022 second-rounder James Cook, free agent signing Damien Harris and post-draft addition Latavius Murray comfortably positioned to make Buffalo’s 53-man roster. The latter may now once again find himself on the bubble with Johnson in the fold.

Much of Buffalo’s success in the ground game will come from Cook’s ability to handle a much heavier workload than the one he received as a rookie. Depth contributions will be welcomed on a Bills team looking to find better offensive balance and limit the hits quarterback Josh Allen takes as well, though, and Johnson should prove to be a useful addition in that regard if he can duplicate his Jets form.

49ers, WR Anthony Miller Agree To Deal

August 21st, 2023 at 11:54am CST by Adam La Rose

The 49ers are shorthanded at the moment with respect to their depth receivers, and an addition is being made as a result. Anthony Miller has agreed to a deal in San Francisco, reports Jordan Schultz of the Score (Twitter link).

Miller flashed potential during his three seasons with the Bears, particularly in 2019. That year, he posted 52 catches for 656 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he found himself being dealt to Houston ahead of the 2021 campaign. The former second-rounder soon found himself in Pittsburgh, where he made a single appearance.

A shoulder injury left Miller sidelined for the entire 2022 season, and the Steelers released him this past June. To no surprise, the former second-rounder has found himself on the open market since then as teams have looked elsewhere for complimentary pass-catching options. San Francisco’s WR depth chart is headlined by Deebo Samuel and Brandon Aiyuk, but a depth spot could be available for Miller at least to start the regular season.

2022 third-rounder Danny Gray is dealing with a right SC joint sprain in his shoulder, head coach Kyle Shanahan said on the weekend (Twitter link via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). A firm timetable for Gray’s return is not in place, but he is likely to miss time at the start of the year. He made only a single catch as a rookie despite playing 10 games, and the presence of Samuel, Ayiuk, Jauan Jennings, Ray-Ray McCloud and Ronnie Bell could leave Gray with a difficult path to signficant playing time upon his return.

It could also make it difficult for Miller, 28, to carve out a role presuming he survives final roster cuts next week. This deal will nevertheless allow him another chance to find a permanent home in the NFL, and prove that he has recovered in full from last year’s injury.

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