HEADLINES

Year: 2023

Minor NFL Transactions: 10/23/23

October 23rd, 2023 at 7:08pm CST by Sam Robinson

Here are Monday’s minor moves:

Cleveland Browns

Houston Texans

Jacksonville Jaguars

Minnesota Vikings

New York Giants

  • Signed off Panthers’ practice squad: RB Jashaun Corbin

San Francisco 49ers

This marks a New York return for Corbin, who went to training camp with the Giants. A UDFA out of Florida State, Corbin signed a reserve/futures contract with the Giants in January but did not make their 53-man roster. The Panthers had kept Corbin on their practice squad since early September. Rather than promote Corbin to their 53-man roster to block this New York return, Carolina will let him join the Giants’ 53. Corbin joins Saquon Barkley, Gary Brightwell and fifth-round rookie Eric Gray as running backs on Big Blue’s 53-man roster. Both Brightwell (hamstring) and Gray (calf) suffered injuries in Week 7, creating a need at the position.

Seahawks’ Uchenna Nwosu Out For Season

October 23rd, 2023 at 5:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Seahawks will be without one of their top pass rushers for the rest of the season. While Pete Carroll said earlier today (via the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta) that Uchenna Nwosu suffered a pectoral strain and would miss time, a later update confirmed a long recovery timetable.

Nwosu will need season-ending surgery to repair the issue, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. This news comes nearly three months after Nwosu signed a three-year, $45MM extension to stay in Seattle through 2026.

Last season rewarded the Seahawks for a midlevel investment on the edge; Nwsou posted 9.5 sacks and notched 26 quarterback hits. The Seahawks had given the ex-Joey Bosa Chargers sidekick a two-year, $19.1MM deal in free agency. Despite never finishing a season with more than five sacks in Los Angeles, Nwosu hit the ground running in Seattle, making a big difference in the team securing a wild-card berth despite the Russell Wilson and Bobby Wagner departures.

Nwosu ended up passing on the chance to use this season as a platform for a 2024 free agency audition, opting to sign an early extension that locks him down throughout the mid-2020s. That now looks like a smart move. The Seahawks guaranteed Nwosu, 26, $16.6MM at signing, according to OverTheCap. Nwosu will see an additional $6MM guaranteed, with money moving from an injury guarantee to a full guarantee, in February 2024. That represents part of his 2025 salary ($14.48MM).

Although the Bolts chose Nwosu in the 2018 second round, they kept their Bosa-Melvin Ingram pair in place for much of the USC alum’s rookie contract. Ingram did not move on until 2021, and the Chargers bumped Nwosu into their starting lineup. Nwosu notched 17 QB hits that season, displaying some upside during the five-sack contract year. That was enough for the Seahawks, who were in the process of remodeling their defense to a 3-4 look under then-new DC Clint Hurtt.

Hurtt’s unit struggled in his first season, ranking 25th in points allowed. The Seahawks operated more aggressively this offseason, adding Dre’Mont Jones and bringing back Wagner to replace the departed Cody Barton. The team has also used second-round picks on edge players in each of the past two years, drafting Boye Mafe in 2022 and Derick Hall this year. This gave Seattle a rare four-second-rounder OLB corps. Both Mafe and Hall arrived via picks obtained in the Wilson trade, and each will become a more prominent figure in the wake of Nwosu’s injury.

This year, Hurtt’s defense ranks 12th in scoring and yards allowed; Mafe has taken a step forward, with his four sacks tied for the team lead. The team also rosters Darrell Taylor, a 2020 second-round pick who fared well last season (9.5 sacks). Taylor has only started one game this year, working in a rotational role behind Nwosu and Mafe, but should now have a chance to log more playing time in a pivotal stretch for his earning potential.

Broncos S Kareem Jackson Issued Four-Game Suspension

October 23rd, 2023 at 3:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

Kareem Jackson has had disciplinary issues for unnecessary roughness throughout the season, and his latest infraction will result in a lengthy ban. The veteran Broncos safety was handed a four-game suspension on Monday, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Jackson was ejected after delivering a hit on Packers tight end Luke Musgrave (video link). That marked the second time this year he was removed from a game, and added further to his issues with respect to discipline in 2023. He had accumulated four unnecessary roughness fines prior to Week 7 totaling nearly $90K.

As is his right, Jackson is appealing the ban, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. That process will give him the opportunity to have the suspension reduced, but it is likely he will nevertheless have to miss some time given the accumulation of league discipline already handed down by the league in Jackson’s case. The 35-year-old’s recent history was taken into account, NFL VP of Football Operations Jon Runyan noted in a letter to Jackson.

The former first-rounder re-signed with the Broncos on a one-year deal this offseason, continuing his stay in the Mile High City. Jackson played his 200th regular season game on Sunday, 68 of which have come in Denver. Like fellow veteran safety Justin Simmons, Jackson has been floated as a potential trade chip ahead of the October 31 deadline.

Of course, his value will be hindered considerably if his suspension is upheld. Jackson has racked up 42 tackles and a pair of interceptions despite being forced out of two of his appearances early this season, though, so if his appeal is successful he could still garner interest from a contending team. For the time being, attention will turn to his appeal process, which will be heard by either Derrick Brooks or James Thrash, the league’s appeals officers.

Fourth-year Bronco P.J. Locke filled in for Jackson after he was ejected, and he recorded his first career interception in Denver’s win over Green Bay. Locke, 26, will likely handle a starter’s workload for however long Jackson is sidelined.

Giants, WR Gunner Olszewski Agree To Deal

October 23rd, 2023 at 1:26pm CST by Adam La Rose

Not long after Gunner Olszewski was released, he has found a new opportunity. The veteran receiver and returner has agreed to a deal with the Giants, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Olszewski joined Pittsburgh last March in a move which marked an end to his highly-acclaimed time in New England. The 26-year-old didn’t receive as many looks in the return game with the Steelers as he did with the Patriots, and his pair of fumbles in limited action helped lead to his release last week. Now, he will look to regain his previous form in New York.

This is a practice squad agreement, Pelissero adds, but teams have routinely taken the gameday elevation path with notable players in situations such as this one. Olszewski should have an immediate path to playing time with the Giants, given the team’s struggles in the return game this season. Rookie Eric Gray‘s issues with respect to ball security continued on Sunday, as he muffed a punt for the third time this year.

That caused the Giants to turn to fellow wideout Sterling Shepard, then Darius Slayton, in the punt return role. The former fumbled a punt during the Week 7 win, illustrating the need for further moves to be made. As a vested veteran, Olszewski did not pass through waivers and was free to immediately sign with any interested team. He will provide New York with a more experienced third phase contributor as he looks to provide them with a repeat of his 2020 performance.

That year, the former UDFA led the NFL in punt return average (17.3 yards), and ran one punt back for a touchdown. He also averaged 23.2 yards per return on kickoffs, which helped earn him first-team All-Pro honors. If he can return to that form, the Giants (who entered the day with just $2.3MM in cap space) will have alleviated their issues in the return game and Olszewski could play his way into an extended look in the Big Apple.

Chiefs LB Nick Bolton To Undergo Surgery

October 23rd, 2023 at 12:48pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Chiefs extended their winning streak to six games on Sunday, but they lost a key defender for a stretch in the process. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed after the contest that linebacker Nick Bolton suffered a dislocated wrist, and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports it will require surgery.

As a result of the procedure, which ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler notes will take place Tuesday, Bolton will miss roughly two months. The news marks a significant blow to the 23-year-old individually and the Chiefs generally, given his importance to their defense. Surgery was not immediately known to be required, but confirmation on that front will leave Kansas City without a significant member of their core through much of the remaining portion of their schedule.

The 2021 second-rounder made an immediate impact in his rookie season, logging a 69% snap share and racking up 112 tackles. He was a full-time starter last year, and found himself on the field for more than 1,100 snaps. That uptick in playing time produced 180 tackles, a pair of interceptions and two sacks. Bolton followed that up with 23 stops and a pair of fumble recoveries (one for a touchdown) during the Chiefs’ run to a Super Bowl title.

The Missouri product has never drawn rave reviews from PFF with respect to his pass rush or coverage skills, but his run defense has made him a staple of the defending champions’ strong start to the season. Kansas City has held its opponent to 21 or fewer points in each game this season, and the team ranks eighth in total defense. Bolton represents a large part of that success, so an extended absence for the first time in his career will deal a major blow to the unit.

Willie Gay will remain a starter at the LB spot while Bolton is away, but Drue Tranquill will be in line for an uptick in playing time. The latter stepped in for Bolton earlier this season, and his strong play in Kansas City has drawn compliments and the desire to get both he and Bolton on the field together more often. Tranquill signed a one-year deal this offseason after a four-year run with the Chargers. He has posted 36 tackles and 2.5 sacks so far, and those numbers will be in line for a boost since Bolton is now facing a lengthy recovery period. .

49ers’ Christian McCaffrey To Play In Week 7

October 23rd, 2023 at 12:14pm CST by Adam La Rose

12:14pm: An update from Schefter confirms that McCaffrey will indeed play tonight. He received treatment throughout the week, though Schefter adds he did not partake in any contract drills during his limited practice time. It will thus be interesting to see how he holds up in game action as he tries to extend his touchdown streak while avoiding any missed games since his arrival in San Francisco.

8:56am: The 49ers will be shorthanded on offense when they take the field against the Vikings tonight, but their backfield is set to be intact. Christian McCaffrey is expected to play, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter.

McCaffrey exited San Francisco’s Week 6 loss with an oblique injury after having briefly attempted to re-enter the contest. His absence for part of the game contributed to San Francisco’s season-low scoring output and an underwhelming 108 rushing yards. Especially with wideout Deebo Samuel set to miss at least the next two games, a healthy McCaffrey would be a welcomed development for San Francisco’s offense.

Since being traded away by the Panthers last year, the latter has been as advertised with respect to his impact on the 49ers’ efficiency on the ground and through the air. McCaffrey posted 1,210 scrimmage yards and 10 total touchdowns in just 11 games in the Bay Area after the trade, and that success continued into the start of the 2023 campaign. The 27-year-old leads the league with 553 rushing yards, and even with the injury shortening his Week 6 appearance, he was able to continue his streak of scoring at least one rushing or receiving touchdown in every contest so far.

McCaffrey did not practice on Thursday or Friday, but he logged a limited session on Saturday to clear a path to suiting up for tonight’s primetime matchup. In case he is unable to play, former UDFA Jordan Mason would likely be in line to handle starting duties. The 24-year-old produced 27 yards and one touchdown on his five carries with McCaffrey out of the game, and it would be interesting to see if he could could carry over that efficiency with a full starter’s workload. For now, though, it appears that won’t be necessary.

In other San Francisco injury news, left tackle Trent Williams missed practice all week and is listed as doubtful for Monday’s game. The 10-time Pro Bowler was able to return to last week’s loss to the Browns while battling an ankle injury, but he was in a walking boot after the contest was over. That cast doubt on his ability to play tonight, and it is trending in the direction of a notable absence for the 49ers’ offense as they look to rebound from their only loss of the season so far.

Multiple Teams Eyeing WR Trades?

October 23rd, 2023 at 11:26am CST by Adam La Rose

The countdown to the October 31 trade deadline continues, and further moves beyond the relatively minor ones which have already taken place could be coming soon. One position to watch in that regard could be that of wide receiver.

ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that a number of teams have “monitored” the WR market recently, and he specifically names the Colts, Panthers, Packers and Chiefs as ones to which that applies. The latter squad has, of course, already made a move at the receiver spot by reuniting with Mecole Hardman. The pick-swap with the Jets which made that possible leaves the defending champions with $3.57MM in cap space.

On the other end of the spectrum, the 0-6 Panthers are unlikely to assume a buyer’s stance in a bid to add much before the deadline. However, Carolina has been connected to pursuit of help at the WR spot during the season, so a move in that regard would not come as a complete shock. Perhaps the most likely outcome at the position would involve a deal sending former second-rounder Terrace Marshall out of Charlotte. The latter has been granted permission to seek a trade.

The Colts have made notable investments at the WR spot via the draft in recent years, using a second-round pick on Alec Pierce in 2022 and a third-round selection on Josh Downs this past April. That pair has given the team depth and complimentary options behind leading receiver Michael Pittman Jr., who is in a contract year. Pittman is willing to wait on extension talks until after the season, but he is well aware of the market he could command if he delivers another strong season in his walk year. Sitting at 3-4 and knowing starting quarterback Anthony Richardson will miss the remainder of the season, Indianapolis is in an interesting position with respect to how they approach the rest of the season from a roster-building standpoint.

Embracing a youth movement on offense with Jordan Love under center, the Packers have a highly inexperienced pass-catching corps. Green Bay was initially connected to a desire to add a veteran presence at the WR spot, but later in the offseason head coach Matt Lafleur expressed confidence in his youthful receiving group. That has resulted in plenty of playing time for the likes of Christian Watson, Romeo Doubs and Jayden Reed, though the Packers have struggled on offense over the past several weeks. The 2-4 outfit has just over $8.6MM in cap space to use on a potential addition.

With respect to potential targets (beyond those already frequently mentioned as trade chips), Fowler names Kendrick Bourne (Patriots) and Parris Campbell (Giants) as veterans who could be on the move. The former fell out of favor with the coaching staff last season, but he has seen a spike in playing time and production so far this year. The latter battled injuries in Indianapolis but flashed potential ahead of his move to New York, which has not yet worked out as planned. Both players are set to hit free agency in March.

Other teams – like the Dolphins with their recent Chase Claypool addition – have already been involved in the receiver market, and clubs/players not named above will no doubt be worth watching as well. For the time being, though, notable specifics have emerged at the position as the deadline draws nearer.

Ndamukong Suh Eyeing Midseason Deal; Ravens Have Spoken To DT

October 23rd, 2023 at 9:50am CST by Adam La Rose

Ndamukong Suh remains unsigned well into the 2023 season, something which held true at this point last year. Another midseason agreement is on the veteran defensive tackle’s radar, though, and at least one team has discussed a deal.

During part of his early-season contributions on Sky Sports‘ NFL coverage, Suh revealed the Ravens have spoken with him about a potential contract (video link). Baltimore played in London during Week 6, which provided the parties the opportunity to meet in person over the matter of a potential arrangement which would see him make another midseason return to the NFL.

Suh joined the Eagles in Week 11 last year, paving the way for him to play in a rotational capacity while helping the team reach the Super Bowl. The 36-year-old is in a similar situation now, after he made it clear in the offseason that he was not eyeing a contract before training camp. With the summer (and more than one quarter of the campaign) having come and gone, it will be interesting to see how much of a market he generates as he readies for a return to game action.

The 2010s All-Decade member recorded 10 tackles and one sack while logging a 35% snap share during his time with the Eagles in the regular season. He added three QB hits in the playoffs, and similar usage and production would likely await him in Baltimore if he were to sign there. The Ravens have had a number of contributors along their defensive front this year, despite the offseason departures of defensive end Calais Campbell and 2022 sack leader Justin Houston.

Even without those veterans (along with edge rushers Tyus Bowser and David Ojabo) for all or most of the year, the Ravens have posted a league-leading 29 sacks through seven contests. Along the interior, former third-rounder Justin Madubuike has had a strong start with 5.5 sacks. That matches his career-best total from last season, and has him on track to cash in during free agency with a deal from the Ravens or another team.

Suh would have a part-time role playing behind Madubuike and Co. at the DT spot if he were to sign with the Ravens. As the three-time All-Pro mentioned, however, plenty is yet to be determined with respect to his future as he prepares for a 14th NFL season.

Patriots Signed Bill Belichick To Offseason Extension

October 22nd, 2023 at 10:00pm CST by Adam La Rose

2023 has seen the Patriots struggle across the board, leading to questions about Bill Belichick‘s future in the organization. The 71-year-old appears to be safe for the remainder of this season, though, in part due to a renewed commitment the team made in him recently.

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Patriots and Belichick agreed to a “lucrative, multiyear” extension this past offseason. While the terms of the pact remain unknown at this point, Rapoport noted on NFL GameDay Morning that it is in line to keep Belichick in place “long-term.” The six-time Super Bowl winner has been in New England since 2000, but the team’s 1-5 start has exposed shortcomings which have been increasingly criticized since Tom Brady‘s departure.

Belichick was thought by many to be facing a make-or-break season in 2023 with owner Robert Kraft delivering what amounted to a playoffs-or-bust ultimatum. While that was later walked back, expectations have nevertheless grown that 2023 could be Belichick’s final year before retiring or being replaced in his coaching and managing capacity. Even after today’s update, it very much remains to be seen if a changing of the guard will be delayed come the offseason.

As NBC Sports’ Tom E. Curran notes, the deal is unlikely to preclude a change being made following the 2023 campaign if one is deemed necessary by Kraft. Plenty of time remains in the season, but the Patriots are on track to miss the playoffs for the third time in the four years since Brady departed in free agency. His presumed long-term successor (Mac Jones) has not fared as well as expected under new OC Bill O’Brien, leading to speculation he could lose his starting role and highlighting the lack of organizational agreement on drafting him in the first place. Continued struggles from Jones and the offense will no doubt lead to increased calls for changes on the sidelines.

Indeed, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated corroborates Curran’s note that 2024 could very well be a contract year for Belichick in the wake of his offseason deal. Details are unlikely to emerge on that front, given the Patriots’ secretive nature on such matters. Still, it is far from uncommon for NFL coaches to be let go with term remaining on their deals, so Belichick’s tenure should not be considered secure beyond the conclusion of the 2023 season.

Cowboys Eyeing Offseason Dak Prescott Extension

October 22nd, 2023 at 9:58pm CST by Adam La Rose

The Cowboys are currently on their bye week, and their attention understandably remains on the immediate future (something which may or may not include moves in advance of the trade deadline). After the year, though, all eyes will be on the team’s handling of quarterback Dak Prescott‘s contract.

The two-time Pro Bowler is on the books for one more season and is due $34MM next yea. As a result of a restructure, however, his 2024 cap hit is currently scheduled to reach $59.5MM – which would comfortably set a new record for the largest cap burden a player has carried in NFL history. To no surprise, Dallas will look to get another extension worked out around the new league year.

“He’s under contract now, but we’d like to do this after the season,” Cowboys EVP Stephen Jones told Dianna Russini of The Athletic during last week’s league meetings (subscription required). “Once the season is over, we will focus on that. Dak will be our quarterback.”

Dallas has remained firm in the team’s commitment to Prescott on a number of occasions, but not much in the way of negotiations on a long-term pact took place this past offseason. The former fourth-rounder is currently playing on his four-year, $160MM deal, one which places him in a tie for 10th in terms of AAV at the quarterback position. The market on that front saw four passers (Jalen Hurts, Lamar Jackson, Justin Herbert and Joe Burrow) eclipse the $50MM-per-year mark in recent months, and a number of other signal-callers will be in line to benefit as a result down the road.

Another Prescott extension has long been on the Cowboys’ radar, but a number of other candidates for new pacts are in place as well. The team was busy in that regard this offseason, but wideout CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons headline the list of players who already are eligible for a re-up or will be after the season. The latter in particular figures to command a massive investment from Dallas, and the team’s cap situation for future years could see plenty of changes depending on how their next round of extensions shakes out.

In the meantime, Prescott will as always face considerable scrutiny through the rest of the season. The 4-2 Cowboys currently rank sixth in the league in scoring at 25.7 points per game , but they sit only 18th in terms of passing yards per game. Prescott’s performance in 2023 has been in line with his career averages in many respects, but Dallas’ red zone woes have contributed to him throwing only six touchdowns and posting yards per attempt (7.0) and passer rating (91) figures slightly short of his usual numbers. By season’s end, however, his focus and that of the Cowboys will turn to the negotiating table.

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