Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa On Contract Situation
Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is extension-eligible, but he is also under club control through 2024 since Miami exercised the fifth-year option of his rookie deal. Although GM Chris Grier suggested earlier this offseason — and before he picked up his QB’s fifth-year option — that an extension was on the table, Tagovailoa himself told reporters on Wednesday that there have been no long-term contract talks, at least not recently.
“I haven’t talked about any contract since what I’ve understood with my fifth-year [option],” Tagovailoa said (via Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk).
Fellow 2020 draftee Justin Herbert recently landed a massive new deal from the Chargers, and Joe Burrow, the No. 1 overall pick of that class, will likely score an even more lucrative pact in short order. Players like Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson have also put pen to paper on eye-popping extensions this offseason.
Tagoailoa, though, is content with his current status. “I don’t think that’s a worry of mine,” he said. “When things come, they’ll come because you either deserved it or it’s supposed to happen that way.”
The Fins’ apparent desire to let the 2023 season play out before committing to Tagovailoa on a long-term basis is certainly understandable. The Alabama product made great strides under rookie head coach Mike McDaniel in 2022, but his season was also marked by serious concussion issues. He displayed concussion-like symptoms in Week 3 against the Bills, and while he returned to action shortly after that sequence, an NFLPA investigation into the Dolphins’ handling of the situation led to an overhaul of the NFL’s concussion protocol. Tagovailoa entered the protocol four days later, after being stretchered off the field in Cincinnati, and he was placed in the revised protocol a day after sustaining an unspotted concussion against Green Bay on Christmas Day. He missed four full games last year, and the head injuries — to say nothing of the time he missed due to other maladies over the 2020-21 campaigns — have obviously created cause for concern. He even admitted earlier this year that he considered retirement.
Fortunately, doctors have told Tagovailoa that CTE is not a concern for him, and that no medical evidence proves that concussions are more likely eight to 12 months after suffering one (or two, or three). As such, he is back on the field and looking to build upon an otherwise promising campaign in which he led the league in quarterback rating (105.5), TD% (6.3%), and yards per attempt (8.9). If he can do that while remaining healthy, he will be a legitimate extension candidate next offseason.
“I think regardless of what it is, if [the Dolphins] wanted to do it now, if they wanted to wait, whatever,” Tagovailoa said. “I think for myself, I’m always a person that wants to prove to myself that I deserve whatever I get. So for me, I feel like this is something that I need to work for. It’s as plain and simple as that.”
In related news, two contract-year members of Miami’s roster — center Connor Williams and DT Zach Sieler — timely reported to training camp. As Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald tweets, both players are nonetheless continuing their push for new deals. Williams skipped mandatory mincamp and OTAs, and Sieler attended minicamp after missing at least some OTAs.
Jonathan Taylor Requests Trade From Colts
9:47pm: A text from Irsay to SI’s Albert Breer reads, “We’re not trading Jonathan… end of discussion. Not now and not in October!” That comes as little surprise given the lack of value the Colts would be able to find on a deal which would see the acquiring team only have one year of play from Taylor. On that point, ESPN’s Jeff Darlington describes the potential trade market as being “minimal,” with free agency looming for Taylor and a number of other big-name backs (Twitter link). With the value of the position being what it is, it is difficult to envision the 24-year-old finding a new team willing to make a long-term financial commitment.
7:24pm: Saturday has produced the latest development in the ongoing saga between the Colts and Jonathan Taylor. The All-Pro running back has formally requested a trade, as noted (on Twitter) by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Taylor met face-to-face earlier today with owner Jim Irsay to discuss his situation. The former is entering the final year of his rookie contract, which has opened the door to the tension which has increased recently. Irsay made it clear earlier this week that no extension offer has been made yet, and that none will be made until after the 2023 season. 
Providing further clarity on the matter, ESPN’s Stephen Holder tweets that Taylor (who recently changed agents) actually asked to be moved “several days ago.” The team’s response, he adds, was not definitive in the affirmative or negative. That could add further to the drama which has been escalating, amidst a lack of interest on the team’s part to commit long-term to its most high-profile offensive player and the wider financial realities which explain why that is the case.
Taylor had expressed a desire to remain in Indianapolis before contract talks hit a wall, and Irsay fanned the flames with public remarks about the nature of the running back market. They were not aimed specifically at Taylor, but they underscore the reality that running backs have not generated financial interest from teams in the way most other positions have. That fact has been a topic of conversation amongst key active players at the position.
An ankle injury limited Taylor to 11 games in 2022, a season in which the Colts’ offense struggled mightily. He recorded a career-low 861 rushing yards (on an average of 4.5 per carry), a far cry from the previous year. The 24-year-old led the league in production on the ground (1,811 yards, 18 touchdowns) in 2021, which seemed to cement his status as a fixture in Indianapolis for years to come. He is currently on the PUP list — as Mike Chappell of Fox 59 tweets, Taylor failed his physical — and questions will be asked about his ability to return to pre-injury form this season.
Irsay has shown a willingness to invest early in serval key Colts players over the years, but the RB market has understandably influenced his stance with respect to Taylor. With teams around the league showing an aversion to signing backs to lucrative second deals, it will be interesting to see how much of a trade market develops for either a one-year rental or a club willing to part with draft and financial capital to acquire the Wisconsin alum. Irsay’s latest remarks on the matter will no doubt add fuel to the fire in this situation.
“If I die tonight and Jonathan Taylor is out of the league, no one’s gonna miss us,” Irsay said when speaking to the media on Saturday (Twitter link via James Boyd of The Athletic). “The league goes on. We know that. The National Football [League] rolls on. It doesn’t matter who comes and who goes, and it’s a privilege to be a part of it.”
Vikings’ Danielle Hunter On Trade Block?
Danielle Hunter continues to seek a new contract, and the Vikings are now considering “creative solutions” in case they can’t agree to a deal with the pass rusher. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, the Vikings have “evaluated trade options” for Hunter, with sources from multiple teams indicating that the Vikings have made the player available.
[RELATED: Danielle Hunter Reports To Vikings Training Camp]
Potential suitors reportedly reached out to the Vikings about a trade for Hunter earlier this offseason, although there were never any serious talks. While previous reports seemed to hint that rival teams were initiating the trade talks, it now appears to be the other way around.
This news probably doesn’t bode well for Hunter’s chances of getting a new deal in Minnesota. The veteran is set to earn $5.5MM next season thanks to previous contract restructurings, and he’s looking for a raise following a bounce-back 2022 campaign that saw him finish with 10.5 sacks. Per Fowler, the Vikings have made extension offers to Hunter’s camp but “not on a long-term deal the player feels is commensurate with his skill set.”
Hunter skipped OTAs and mandatory minicamp but showed up for the start of training camp. Fowler notes that the edge defender is still not practicing, an indication that Hunter could be engaging in a hold-in. Fowler adds that the general understanding is that Hunter still prefers his release or a trade if he doesn’t get a new contract from the Vikings.
Hunter missed the entire 2020 campaign and was limited to only seven games in 2021 before returning to his All-Pro production in 2022. The 28-year-old finished the season with 65 tackles and 10.5 sacks while finishing as Pro Football Focus’ seventh-best edge defender (among 119 qualifying players). Hunter is still playing out a five-year, $72MM extension he signed with the Vikings back in 2018.
RB Sony Michel Retires
A reunion with the Rams will not lead to games played in Los Angeles or anywhere else for Sony Michel. The veteran running back told head coach Sean McVay earlier today that he is retiring from the NFL (Twitter link via team reporter Stu Jackson). 
Michel entered the league with considerable expectations as a first-round pick of the Patriots in 2018. His three-year stay in New England resulted in notable production at times, including over 1,800 rushing yards and 13 touchdowns between his first two regular seasons. His six rushing touchdowns in the postseason helped win the Patriots a Super Bowl during his rookie year.
The Georgia alum was ultimately traded to the Rams in the summer of 2021, though, after he dealt with injuries in the previous season in particular. Michel only started eight of his 21 appearances in Los Angeles, finding himself behind Darrell Henderson and, later, Cam Akers on the depth chart. He still managed 973 scrimmage yards, however, and played a part in helping the Rams win Super Bowl LVI.
Michel joined the Dolphins last offseason, but he was unable to make their final 53-man roster. He spent the year with back in Los Angeles, but with the Chargers. A backup role behind Austin Ekeler did not produce much in the way of opportunities or production, leaving him on the open market well into the summer. Michel rejoined the Rams, but it was far from a certainty that he would have had earned a place in the team’s RB pecking order.
Despite Akers being named in trade rumors in 2022, he remains in place as the Rams’ top rushing option. Los Angeles added Zach Evans in the sixth round of this year’s draft, but a veteran replacement for Michel can be expected. A number of options are on the market at the moment, as 2023 has seen several accomplished backs fail to draw much interest deep into the summer.
Michel will choose to hang up his cleats at the age of 28 after just five seasons in the NFL. His career earnings sit at $11.5MM, almost all of which came from his rookie contract – a figure helped greatly by his status as a Day 1 selection. Rather than continue what likely would have been a series of backup roles into his 30s, he will elect to close the book on the playing chapter of his football career.
Steelers To Sign LB Kwon Alexander
2023 has already seen a number of changes made at the linebacker position for the Steelers, but the team is still making moves. A deal is in place with Kwon Alexander pending a physical, reports ESPN’s Brooke Pryor (Twitter link). 
The veteran visited Pittsburgh in May, signaling that a deal could be close. It took well into July for one to materialize, but it will give the Steelers added depth and experience at a spot which has been heavily renovated in recent months. Alexander spent his first season in the AFC last year by playing with the Jets, and he will likely have a similar role in Pittsburgh to his most recent one..
The soon-to-be 29-year-old logged a snap share of 49% in New York, by far the lowest of his career. Alexander had steadily seen his playing time decrease in recent years, though, so it came as little surprise that he was relegated to rotational duty. He made 69 stops last season, adding six tackles for loss and one forced fumble.
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson tweets that no guarantees have been made with respect to Alexander’s playing time upon arrival. A strong showing in training camp could earn him a first-team spot, though, something which is in flux given all the additions made at the second level this offseason. Cole Holcomb received the largest investment amongst Pittsburgh’s new linebackers (three years, $18MM), a group which also includes fellow free agent signings Elandon Roberts and Nick Kwiatkoski.
Questions remain regarding how the Steelers’ new-look LB unit will fare, but it appeared to have a sufficient number of new faces heading into camp that further moves may not have been needed. Alexander should nevertheless provide consistent play in at least a rotational capacity as Pittsburgh looks to bolster its front seven as part of the wider effort to return to the postseason.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/29/23
Saturday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB David Anenih
- Released: CB Dylan Mabin
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Kemoko Turay
- Released: LB Dorian Etheridge
- Placed on exempt/left squad list: DT Eddie Goldman (story)
Baltimore Ravens
- Re-assigned to NFI list: CB Trayvon Mullen
Buffalo Bills
- Placed on IR: CB Cameron Dantzler
Cleveland Browns
- Activated from NFI: G Colby Gossett
- Waived (injury designation): CB BoPete Keyes
Detroit Lions
- Placed on IR: WR Tom Kennedy
Green Bay Packers
- Claimed off waivers (from Titans): OL James Empey
Houston Texans
- Placed on IR: OL Dylan Deatherage
Indianapolis Colts
- Waived: CB Cole Coleman
New York Giants
- Placed on IR: DT Vernon Butler
With Butler being moved from the NFI list to injured reserve, he is out for the season. The former first-rounder signed a futures deal with New York in January, after spending the past campaign on and off the team’s practice squad. He made just one appearance for the Giants in 2022, and will be four years removed from his career-best six-sack season with the Panthers in 2019. Butler, 29, has started 19 of his 77 career regular season games.
Patriots Host RB Ezekiel Elliott
6:25: Elliott departed the Patriots’ facility without a deal in place, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). He adds that interest exists on both sides, however, which is corroborated by The Athletic’s Jeff Howe. The latter tweets that Elliott discussed contract terms with New England today, adding that the two-time rushing champion is likely close to deciding on his next destination. Since they also have interest in Elliott, the Jets could be a player in this situation, Howe notes, depending on how they fare in the Cook sweepstakes. Both veteran backs could find new homes in the very near future.
9:22am: The Patriots have been connected to a number of free agent running backs, and now the team is set to host one of the biggest remaining names on the market. According to ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter), Ezekiel Elliott will visit New England today. Jordan Schultz was first with the news (via Twitter).
Elliott hasn’t generated a whole lot of reported interest since getting cut by the Cowboys earlier this offseason. He was briefly connected to the Eagles, Bengals, and Jets, but obviously no deal materialized. There were also rumors that he could simply land back in Dallas, but it sounds like the Cowboys want to evaluate their in-house options before making any additional moves at the position.
Despite starting 14 of his 15 games in 2022, Elliott struggled running the ball. His 3.8 yards-per-rushing-attempt marked a career-low, and despite generating 231 carries, he also finished with a career-low 876 rushing yards. On the flip side, the veteran RB proved that he’s still got a nose for the end zone, scoring 12 touchdowns.
The 28-year-old is only a year removed from his last 1,000-yard rushing season, and while he’ll probably never come close to replicating his 77-catch season in 2018, he still averaged 51 catches per season between 2019 and 2021. Plus, Elliott proved that he can still be effective in other parts of the game, with the running back earning the second-best positional grade for run blocking, per Pro Football Focus. In other words, while Elliott certainly started to show signs of decline last season, it might be a bit too early to write him off entirely.
Rhamondre Stevenson topped 1,400 yards from scrimmage for the Patriots in 2022, and with Damien Harris having left for Buffalo, the third-year back should see an even bigger role in 2023. However, behind Stevenson, the Patriots lack experienced depth. The team does have pass-catching veteran Ty Montgomery (who suffered an injury during practice this week, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss on Twitter), but the team is otherwise eyeing backup options like 2022 fourth-round pick Pierre Strong, 2022 sixth-round pick Kevin Harris, and former UDFA J.J. Taylor.
That lack of depth could explain why the organization has been connected to a number of free agent running backs. Most notably, the Patriots have been mentioned as a potential suitor for Dalvin Cook, although it remains to be seen if they’d pay the Pro Bowler his desired salary. The Patriots also recently hosted veteran free agents Leonard Fournette and Darrell Henderson.
Latest On Cowboys G Zack Martin’s Holdout
Year in, year out Cowboys guard Zack Martin is a top-ten offensive guard in the league. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), up until last year, Martin was a perennial top-five guard in the NFL, more often than not ending up in the top two. Years ago, when he signed an extension with the team, he got paid like the top guard he was. But years later, after multiple reworked deals and the rising contracts of younger guards, Martin has been unhappy with his compensation, leading to the holdout he is currently staging. 
Despite Martin’s persistence in holding out, Cowboys owner/president/general manager Jerry Jones doesn’t seem interested at all in adjusting Martin’s deal in a way that rewards him for performing at the top of his position. He dropped two sounds bites today, according to Jon Machota of The Athletic, explaining why he doesn’t plan on taking any action. The first put the blame on star defender Micah Parsons. Jones claimed that the team will “need the money to pay” other players like Parsons in the future. The second sound bite claimed he already got his reward five years ago.
“Nothing,” Jones said in response to what needed to happen in order to resolve the situation. “He’ll come to camp when he comes to camp. There’s no resolution. There are a lot of consequences if he doesn’t.” The consequences that Jones is referring to are the daily $50K fines that Martin incurs with each missed day at training camp. So far, Martin has racked up $250K of fines.
“He’s been at the top of the money all the way through,” Jones claimed, “drafted high and got a lot of money, got a lot of money over the years. It’s just hard to get it all. The bottom line is: nothing needs to happen.”
Currently, Martin’s contract gives him the eighth-highest annual average value (AAV) at his position. Yes, he makes a lot of money as the eight-highest paid offensive guard in the NFL, but after delivering as a top player at the position for so long, one could argue he’s severely underpaid. Martin is only set to make $13.5MM this year as two other guards in the league have contracts with AAVs of over $20MM.
Jones claims he’s worried that caving in to Martin’s demands will put him in a situation in which he can’t pay anyone else, according to Michael Gehlken of The Dallas Morning News. “You make an adjustment like that, all of the sudden, you don’t have the money to go pay the guys that are in their first contract that you need to pay.” It’s unclear whether Jones has learned from the mistakes made in the Ezekiel Elliott contract, or if he has just ironically forgotten his own past actions, but these comments are antithetical to his own previous transactions.
This is one of two recent outbursts we’ve seen from team owners of players who are upset with their contract situations. In both instances, the owners seem to think they’re in the right, falling back on bargaining agreements and “how things are done.” In the process, they seem to be alienating the best players on their rosters. Jones very well may end up saving money by not adjusting Martin’s deal, but he may end up losing one of the best guards in the NFL in the process.
Bengals To Sign Former XFL QB Reid Sinnett
Following the calf injury that will keep star quarterback Joe Burrow out for most, if not all, of the preseason, the Bengals have decided to add another camp body to their quarterbacks room. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, Cincinnati plans to sign former XFL quarterback Reid Sinnett in order to help manage through the preseason. 
This is not Sinnett’s first stint on an NFL squad. He originally signed as an undrafted free agent with the Buccaneers in 2020 out of San Diego. He also previously spent time with the Dolphins (twice) and Eagles before finding his way to the XFL. He never made any NFL appearances, but he did spend time on the active rosters in both Miami and Philadelphia.
In the XFL, Sinnett got his first professional playing time with the San Antonio Brahmas. Unfortunately, his time on the field was cut short. After only starting one game as a pro, Sinnett was placed on injured reserve after suffering a broken foot.
Sinnett is likely not a threat to push Bengals backup quarterbacks Trevor Siemian or Jake Browning for playing time, and he’s obviously not going to challenge Burrow upon his return, but Burrow went down early into training camp, and the Bengals have a long way to go before they start playing football that matters. Going through the preseason with only two active quarterbacks is just not a viable option, so Sinnett gets more NFL experience under his belt to help Cincinnati get through camp without putting too much on Siemian and Browning.
Dolphins To Sign CB Eli Apple
Former Bengals cornerback Eli Apple‘s long wait on the free agent market has come to an end. Days after star cornerback acquisition Jalen Ramsey underwent surgery for a knee injury, the Dolphins have reached out for veteran starting experience, signing Apple to a one-year deal, according to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. 
Miami lost Ramsey this week to a knee injury that required a full meniscus repair. It was originally reported that Ramsey may just miss the start of the season, but more recent reports have delineated a timeline that doesn’t see Ramsey return until December. Ramsey was obviously a big part of the team’s plan in the secondary moving forward. The Dolphins immediately started looking for options to attempt to negate his absence, also working out veteran cornerback Fabian Moreau and Anthony Averett before ultimately signing Apple.
It looked like a starting duo of Ramsey and Xavien Howard would shape up to be one of the league’s best, with strong young talent like Kader Kohou, Keion Crossen, and rookie second-round pick Cam Smith rotating in. New defensive coordinator Vic Fangio also had plans of working Ramsey at nickel more often, based on his recent success in that role with the Rams. In this situation, Kohou, Crossen, Smith, or Nik Needham would come on when the team needed extra defensive backs on the field and play on the outside while Ramsey shifted in. Apple’s consistent presence on the outside changes that plan.
First, let’s start with what Apple does bring to the table. A former first-round selection taken five picks after Ramsey in 2016, Apple has been a consistent starter over his career, starting 78 of the 88 games he’s appeared in. He’s struggled with injuries in the past, having never played every game of a given season, but in every season but two, he’s been available for at least 14 games. Not only does he have starting experience, but he’s got playoff experience, as well.
With that being said, Apple has never been considered a top player at the position. According to Pro Football Focus (subscription required), Apple has never ranked higher than 61st in the league. Last year, the site credited Apple with allowing a 99.8 passer rating in his coverage area. So, while Apple provides them with the starting experience, Miami may be hoping that they will still get some of their best play out of their incumbent corners.
Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald suggests that Apple’s experience will make him a top candidate to start outside opposite Howard. Apple’s main competition should be Kohou, who started 13 games as an undrafted rookie last year out of Texas A&M-Commerce. Jackson foresees a situation in which Kohou could take the role that Fangio envisioned for Ramsey, starting on the outside then shifting in to the slot when the team needs three cornerbacks on the field. If Apple can earn the starting spot on the outside, though, Kohou would become the immediate primary nickel cornerback.
Past that, much of the plan remains the same. A healthy Needham becomes a strong rotational piece as Crossen and Smith continue to develop in the early years of their careers. Thanks to the injuries that forced Kohou and Crossen into starting time last year, the Dolphins have a relatively deep group at cornerback that should absorb the temporary loss of Ramsey well. That’s not to say that this group won’t be significantly better once Ramsey returns, but while he’s gone, the addition of Apple combined with the capabilities of Miami’s younger defensive backs should hold the team over until Ramsey’s back.