2024 April - Pro Football Rumors

Browns Expected To Exercise CB Greg Newsome’s Fifth-Year Option

April 8th, 2024 at 10:41pm CST by Adam La Rose

Shortly after the upcoming draft, teams will have key decisions to make by exercising or declining the fifth-year options on 2021 first-round picks. The Browns will need to wait quite some time before finding themselves in the same situation given their lack of Day 1 selections over the past three years, but the team appears to have chosen a direction in the case of Greg Newsome.

Cleveland is expected to pick up the 23-year-old cornerback’s option, Mary Kay Cabot of cleveland.com notes. Newsome does not have a Pro Bowl invitation on his resume, but he has been a mainstay in the Browns’ backfield in each of his three seasons (logging a snap share of at least 86% every year). As a result, his 2025 option will cost $13.38MM.

Newsome played primarily on the outside as a rookie, but in 2022 he split his time relatively evenly between the slot and the perimeter. The arrival of defensive coordinator Jim Schwartz led to the expectation fellow starters Denzel Ward and Martin Emerson would see notable time on the inside this past season. In spite of that, Newsome did wind up logging more time in the slot than on the outside.

The Northwestern product recorded his first career interception in 2023; his ball production also included a personal best 14 pass deflections. In coverage, Newsome allowed a completion percentage of 56.7% and a passer rating of 74.8 as the nearest defender. Those marks were also the best in his Cleveland tenure to date, and they produced a PFF grade of 69.6 (in line with those of his previous campaigns). Given his age and statistical output, keeping Newsome in the fold for at least the next two years would be a reasonable decision.

However, the Browns already have Ward attached to a $20.1MM-per-year deal, and Emerson (who notched four interceptions last season) will be eligible for an extension as early as next year. Especially given the cap constraints brought about by quarterback Deshaun Watson‘s fully guaranteed contract, keeping all three CB starters on the books over the long term would be challenging.

Acquiring Watson cost Cleveland its first-round pick in 2022, ’23 and ’24. As such, the team will need to wait several years before making a fifth-year option decision again. In Newsome’s case, though, signs are pointing to at least a short-term move keeping him in the fold. A final decision will need to be made no later than the May 2 deadline.

Seahawks Host OL Lucas Patrick

April 8th, 2024 at 9:05pm CST by Ben Levine

The Seahawks continue to monitor the free agent OL market. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, the team worked out Lucas Patrick today.

The veteran lineman is coming off a 2023 campaign where he started 15 games at center for the Bears. Pro Football Focus only graded him 30th among 36 qualifying centers. The former UDFA out of Duke spent the first five seasons of his career in Green Bay, alternating between key backup and starter. He started 28 of his 33 appearances during his final two years in Green Bay, spending time at both center and guard.

It’s that versatility that’s probably more attractive to the Seahawks. The team has been hunting around for some reinforcement at guard after losing Damien Lewis to the Panthers and letting Phil Haynes sit unsigned in free agency. The organization recently hosted Greg Van Roten on a visit, and they were previously connected to potential interest in Laken Tomlinson and Cody Whitehair.

The team did bring in Tremayne Anchrum for some guard depth, pairing him with 2023 fourth-round pick Anthony Bradford. The Seahawks will surely look to further address the position at some point, with the draft remaining an option.

49ers Sign TE Eric Saubert

April 8th, 2024 at 8:19pm CST by Ben Levine

The 49ers made it clear they were looking for tight end depth during their failed pursuit of Brock Wright. The team has found at least a partial answer in Eric Saubert. The 49ers announced today that they’ve signed the veteran tight end to a one-year deal.

Saubert has bounced around the NFL since being selected by the Falcons in the fifth-round of the 2017 draft, spending time with nine different organizations through his seven professional seasons. The six-foot-five, 253-pound TE has mostly served as a blocker in the NFL, although he did haul in 15 catches for the Broncos in 2022.

Saubert had stints with the Dolphins, Cowboys, and Texans in 2023. He got into nine games last season with Houston, hauling in three catches while splitting snaps between offense and special teams.

The 49ers have been hunting for tight end depth after they lost backup Charlie Woerner to the Falcons. The team tried to steal Wright away from the Lions, but Detroit ended up matching the three-year RFA offer. Saubert has similar size to Woerner and should be a fine replacement in the blocking role alongside TE1 George Kittle. However, if Kittle goes down with an injury, the 49ers will be eyeing a TE corps that also includes the likes of Brayden Willis, Cameron Latu, and Jake Tonges…a grouping that’s combined for zero NFL receptions.

Minor NFL Transactions: 4/8/24

April 8th, 2024 at 7:41pm CST by Ben Levine

Today’s minor moves:

Seattle Seahawks

Signed: DE Myles Adams, G McClendon Curtis, CB Mike Jackson, OT Raiqwon O’Neal, LB Joshua Onujiogu, LB Jon Rhattigan, TE Brady Russell
Released: DL LaTrell Bumphus

The long list of Seahawks signings are mostly formalities. Each of the players were previously tied to the organization either via restricted free agency or exclusive right free agency.

Among the players who officially re-signed, Jackson had the most significant role in 2023, starting four of his 17 appearances. The former fifth-round pick started all 17 games for the Seahawks in 2022, finishing with 75 tackles and one interception.

Falcons Sign DE James Smith-Williams

April 8th, 2024 at 7:07pm CST by Ben Levine

The Falcons have added their second defender of the day. Atlanta has signed defensive end James Smith-Williams to a one-year deal, according to Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post.

Smith-Williams was a seventh-round pick by the Commanders back in 2020. He ended up playing out his rookie contract in Washington, appearing in 55 total games. After playing mostly on special teams as a rookie, Smith-Williams saw a more significant role on defense over the past three years, appearing in at least 40 percent of his team’s defensive snaps while serving as Chase Young and Montez Sweat‘s primary backup.

Following a 2022 campaign where the defensive end started all 14 of his appearances while filling in for an injured Young, the 26-year-old started seven of his 13 appearances in 2023, with his playing time seeing an uptick following the Commanders’ DL trades. Smith-Williams finished this past season with 22 tackles, one sack, and eight QB hits. Pro Football Focus only graded him 87th among 112 qualifying edge defenders, although the site did give him solid grades for his coverage ability.

Smith-Williams has some connections to Atlanta’s regime, as the defensive lineman was drafted when former Commanders vice president of player personnel (and current Falcons assistant GM) Kyle Smith was at the helm. The edge rusher will likely see a similar role in Atlanta as he did in Washington, serving as a rotational pass rusher alongside Arnold Ebiketie, DeAngelo Malone, and Lorenzo Carter.

Earlier today, the Falcons provided some depth to the secondary by adding former Packers cornerback Kevin King to the mix.

Washington OT Troy Fautanu Generating Interest

April 8th, 2024 at 5:49pm CST by Ben Levine

Troy Fautanu is turning into a popular name on the workout circuit. The Washington offensive tackle will travel to Jacksonville tomorrow to take a top-30 visit with the Jaguars, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.

In addition to his previously reported visit with the Bengals, the projected first-round pick has also met with the Ravens. Fautanu is expected to take future top-30 visits with the Steelers and Eagles.

Fautanu spent the past two seasons as a full-time starter at Washington, including a 2023 campaign where he earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors while blocking for Michael Penix Jr.. That performance helped put the lineman in the first-round conversation for the 2024 draft. Fautanu has generally been lauded for his speed and athleticism, and the six-foot-four, 317-pound lineman certainly has the physical attributes to compete as an NFL offensive tackle.

Notre Dame’s Joe Alt is still expected to be the first lineman off the board. Fautanu will likely be competing with the likes of Oregon State’s Taliese Fuaga, Penn State’s Olumuyiwa Fashanu, and Alabama’s JC Latham to be the second OT selected.

Considering the league-wide need for offensive tackle depth, it’s not a surprise that the Washington product is generating plenty of interest from NFL teams. Besides the Ravens, all of the teams connected to Fautanu are currently picking in the teens or earlier 20s. While the prospect may be hard pressed to crack the top-10, he’ll likely hear his name called during the first night of the draft.

RB Gus Edwards Addresses Chargers Deal

April 8th, 2024 at 4:09pm CST by Adam La Rose

Gus Edwards was one of several running backs who found a new home early in free agency. The former Ravens producer inked a two-year, $6.5MM deal with the Chargers, giving him the chance to operate as his new team’s lead back.

That agreement also gave the former UDFA the opportunity to reunite with Greg Roman, who is in place as offensive coordinator on Jim Harbaugh‘s staff. Roman was the Ravens’ OC for much of Edwards’ career, during which time he played under Jim’s brother, John. That familiarity, to little surprise, played a role in his free agent decision.

“I just thought it was a great opportunity,” Edwards said during his introductory press conference (video link). “The coaching staff they’ve been putting together is incredible. [I’m] real familiar with coach Roman and his game. And I just wanted to be part of it because I already know what his mindset is. And same with coach Harbaugh, I already know what his mindset is: being a physical team. And I just want to be a part of that.”

Edwards, 28, proved to be extremely consistent during his first four seasons on the field (from 2018-20, along with 2022, having missed the campaign in between due to a torn ACL). The Rutgers product averaged between 5.0 and 5.3 yards per carry in that span, but his efficiency dropped to 4.1 in 2023. In spite of that, Edwards totaled career highs in yards (810) and touchdowns (13) last season.

Coming off that production, he is now positioned to take over from the departed Austin Ekeler atop the Chargers’ RB depth chart. While additions in the backfield could still be made – the Bolts recently hosted J.K. Dobbins and the team will have the opportunity to select a rookie in the upcoming draft – Edwards will face notable expectations with his new team. Having a familiar face on the sideline will help his transition to Los Angeles as the Chargers aim to install a productive run game under Harbaugh.

Falcons Sign CB Kevin King

April 8th, 2024 at 3:35pm CST by Adam La Rose

Sidelined for the past two seasons, Kevin King is set to make an NFL return in 2024. The veteran cornerback signed with the Falcons on Monday, per a team announcement.

King had a five-year run with the Packers upon being drafted in 2017. He made a total of 51 appearances during that span, including 42 starts. The former second-rounder racked up seven interceptions with Green Bay, along with 30 pass breakups. Five of his picks and 15 of his PBUs came during the 2019 campaign.

After he was limited to 11 games in 2020 and 10 contests the following year, however, King elected to sit out the 2022 campaign while healing various nagging injuries. That decision appeared to set him up for a return to action last offseason, but an Achilles tear suffered in the spring left him out of action once again. Now, he will look to earn a roster spot in Atlanta this summer.

Atlanta has added veterans Antonio Hamilton and Tre Flowers on one-year deals this offseason. Those pacts are both low-cost investments, however, and fellow corner Mike Hughes is only on the books for one more season with just $750K of his scheduled $3.17MM in compensation guaranteed. As a result, the Falcons are in the market for an addition capable of starting opposite A.J. Terrell.

The latter is set to play on his $12.34MM fifth-year option in 2024. Terrell has been a full-time starter throughout his Falcons tenure, and he will be in line for a notable raise on his next contract. While he seeks to continue upping his value, Atlanta will evaluate King’s health on what will no doubt be a short-term flier. If he can remain on the field this season, though, King could prove to be a starting-caliber addition to the Falcons’ secondary.

Latest On Patriots’ Plans At No. 3

April 8th, 2024 at 3:00pm CST by Ben Levine

APRIL 8: Especially with New England having lined up ‘top 30’ visits with both Daniels and McCarthy, it would still come as little surprise to see the team remain at No. 3 and add the highest-ranked passer still on the board. However, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer notes the Patriots have only committed three such visits to quarterbacks (Daniels, McCarthy and Maye), adding his sense is the team has not yet fully committed to one draft strategy over another.

Plenty of time remains for the Patriots to finalize their draft board, of course, and much of their decision when on the clock will depend on the Commanders’ actions at No. 2. As things stand, now, though, uncertainty surrounds New England’s preferred direction.

APRIL 2: The Patriots’ plans with the third-overall pick are partly dependent on how the top-two selections unfold. However, it’s seeming increasingly likely that the organization will opt for a quarterback with their first-round pick.

According to Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald, league executives believe the Patriots will take a quarterback at No. 3. While Kyed says the team won’t force the selection, it sounds like the organization’s top decision makers are in favor of drafting a QB.

The question is: which quarterback will the Patriots select? Since the Patriots won’t have their choice of QBs, we probably won’t hear anything definitive out of New England. Caleb Williams is the assumed first-overall pick, and Kyed believes the Patriots would love the opportunity to choose between LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye (in the scenario where the Commanders opt for Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy or another position).

If the Patriots do somehow have the opportunity to choose between Daniels and Maye, Kyed knows there are some members of the Patriots who are “fans” of the LSU product. This isn’t a complete surprise; Williams has never been a realistic option at No. 3, and there were rumblings that the Patriots weren’t particularly enamored with Maye. For what it’s worth, ESPN’s Jordan Reid writes that the Patriots and Commanders were among the teams with the most representation at both Daniels’ and Maye’s pro days.

Many pundits have suggested the Patriots could look to move back in the draft. Ben Volin of The Boston Globe previously opined that the organization would still leave the draft with an early-round QB, even if they do make a trade. Kyed writes that the Patriots don’t believe there are five or six franchise quarterbacks in the draft, so if the team is serious about adding a future starter at the position, they can’t stray too far from the top of the board.

The Patriots have already moved on from Mac Jones this offseason, putting them in prime position to select a quarterback with the third-overall pick. The team brought in old friend Jacoby Brissett to keep the seat warm, and they’re still rostering Bailey Zappe in case they want to redshirt a rookie.

Vikings, Chargers, Cardinals To Host Dallas Turner

April 8th, 2024 at 2:12pm CST by Adam La Rose

As one of the top defensive prospects in the 2024 class, edge rusher Dallas Turner unsurprisingly has a busy schedule in the build-up to the draft. Having already lined up visits with the Falcons and Bears, he is also on the radar of three other interested teams.

Turner is visiting the Vikings today, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. He adds Turner also has ‘top 30’ trips set up with the Chargers and Cardinals. Those teams own a total of four first-round picks, including three of the first 11 selections.

The Alabama product is widely regarded as the top edge rushing prospect available, something which has frequently led to top-10 connections. The Falcons in particular have become a frequent landing spot in many mock drafts, in large part because of Atlanta’s need to make additions along the edge. That scenario would lead to Turner hearing his name called eighth overall, after the Cardinals and Chargers’ selections but before the Vikings’.

Minnesota – a team which is also hosting DT Byron Murphy today – saw both Danielle Hunter and D.J. Wonnum depart in free agency. While Jonathan Greenard (who signed a four-year, $76MM deal) will fill one starting spot along the edge, the Vikings could use another notable addition during the draft. Of course, the team has instead been most closely connected to a QB selection, something which would likely entail moving up the draft order. If Turner were to make it out of the top 10, though, he could be in the Vikings’ plans.

Arizona and Los Angeles own picks No. 4 and 5, although both are known to be available in a trade for the right price Each team is in the market for a receiver, and the top prospects at that position will be on the board if the first three selections go as expected with quarterbacks hearing their names called. The Cardinals (who have been busy on the ’30 visit’ front recently) have made a number of moves on the defensive line this offseason, but after finishing 30th in sacks last year the team will likely make edge additions a draft priority.

Faced with a significant cap crunch in his first offseason at the helm, Chargers general manager Joe Hortiz elected to keep both Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa in the fold on restructured contracts. That will give the team a pair of established starters on the edge, a contrast to the receiver position as things currently stand. Especially if Los Angeles elects to move down the board slightly, though, Turner could be in consideration for Hortiz and Co.

The 2023 SEC Defensive Player of the Year, Turner posted a career-high 10 sacks and 14.5 tackles for loss last season. Those figures helped earn him All-American acclaim as he took over from Will Anderson as the Crimson Tide’s lead edge rusher. He will face high expectations right away during his rookie season in the NFL, and his first pro team will no doubt be among those spending considerable time evaluating him as part of their draft preparation.