Jags’ Christian Kirk Suffers Broken Collarbone
The Jaguars’ receiving corps will be shorthanded moving forward. Christian Kirk suffered a broken collarbone on Sunday, as first reported by Fox Sports’ Jordan Schultz. 
As a result of the injury, Kirk will miss the remainder of the season. His absence will hinder Jacksonville’s passing attack as the 2-6 team looks to rebound during the second half of the campaign. Of course, this news also means one of the top receivers still on the trade block will not be on the move.
Kirk was unable to eclipse 1,000 yards in any of his four Cardinals seasons while he played out his rookie contract. As a result, it came as a surprise when he inked a four-year, $72MM in free agency to join the Jaguars. Over time, that pact has aged well given the financial waves seen elsewhere at the receiver position. The size of the investment made in Kirk on the Jags’ part does, obviously, underscore the impact his absence will have.
The 27-year-old posted strong production during his debut Jacksonville campaign, setting new career highs in catches (84), yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight). Kirk was limited to 12 games last year, but he remained an efficient contributor with a 13.8 yards per reception average. The receiver position saw a number of changes this offseason, but he was expected to remain a focal point on offense.
Kirk had a number of quiet games in 2024, although he also enjoyed a three-week stretch with 79, 61 and 88 yards as the Jaguars struggled to find a rhythm on offense. The team overcame multiple deficits in Sunday’s loss to the Packers and managed 27 points (without Kirk having a highly productive outing), but a postseason berth remains unlikely at this point. While that will continue the speculation surrounding head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, Kirk’s attention will turn to recovery.
The Texas A&M product drew interest on the trade front, although Jacksonville has not aimed to sell off veteran players ahead of the deadline. Nonetheless, a report from this weekend named Kirk as one of the wideouts who could still be expected to be on the move provided the right offer was made. The WR market has thinned out with Davante Adams, Amari Cooper and DeAndre Hopkins being dealt. Now that Kirk will be unavailable, other receivers like Diontae Johnson will receive increased attention on the trade front.
Kirk is due $16.5MM next season, but none of his base salary for the year is guaranteed and he is set to carry a cap hit of over $24MM. An adjustment or extension of some kind could be in order during the offseason as a result. In the meantime, Jacksonville will rely heavily on first-round rookie Brian Thomas Jr. and free agent addition Gabe Davis at the receiver spot. Returner Devin Duvernay is currently on IR, but once healthy he could handle a rotational role on offense.
Patriots DT Davon Godchaux Addresses Trade Speculation
Davon Godchaux‘s name emerged in trade talk this weekend, even though he is under contract through 2026. The eighth-year defensive tackle spoke about the matter after the Patriots’ Week 8 win. 
“Yeah, I was shocked, but at the end of the day, this is a business,” Godchaux told Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald when asked about his status as a potential 49ers target. “I’m sure some guys think they could be on the team for a long time, and something happens. This is the business of the NFL. This is what we signed up for.”
The 2024 offseason saw New England’s new organizational leaders (de facto general manager Eliot Wolf and head coach Jerod Mayo) commit to retaining several Bill Belichick-era players. That was particularly true on defense, although in Godchaux’s case he did not see his desire for a new deal met quickly. In the wake of Christian Barmore landing a big-ticket extension, the former Dolphin changed his outlook regarding his approach to negotiations. Godchaux participated to an extent during training camp after making his desire for a new deal public.
In the end, team and player reached agreement on a two-year, $18MM deal. Godchaux did not have any guaranteed money remaining on his previous contract, but his new one included a $10MM signing bonus and locked in his salaries for 2024 ($1.65MM) and 2025 ($4MM). As a result, the 29-year-old is not a rental, something which of course is the case for many players who are dealt midseason.
“I’m happy to be here,” Godchaux added. “I’m here. Right now, I’m here where my feet are, and I’m here with New England Patriots. I’m happy to be here.”
New England’s come-from-behind win on Sunday only improved the team to 2-6, so it would come as no surprise if a seller’s stance were to be adopted ahead of the November 5 deadline. Contending teams looking to shore up their run defense could show interest in Godchaux, but his remarks make it clear he does not expect to be moved.
2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team
With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.
Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:
- San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
- Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
- New England Patriots: $36.61MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
- Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
- Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
- Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
- Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
- Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
- Houston Texans: $6.01MM
- New York Jets: $5.1MM
- Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
- Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
- New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
- Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
- New York Giants: $1.51MM
- Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM
Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise. 
San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.
Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.
That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.
While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.
The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.
Ravens Bench S Marcus Williams
Not for the first time this season, the Ravens’ secondary struggled during Sunday’s loss to the Browns. The unit was without corners Marlon Humphrey and Nate Wiggins due to injury, but another starter was out of the lineup as the result of a coach’s decision. 
Safety Marcus Williams was a healthy scratch in Week 8. The 28-year-old has been in Baltimore since 2022, serving as a starter every game until today. Williams posted consistent PFF grades over his first two Ravens campaigns, but this year that figure sits at 48.9, by far the lowest of his career. Like a number of other Baltimore defensive backs, the early portion of 2024 has not gone according to plan.
When speaking after the game, Eddie Jackson – who took over Williams’ first-team role – told Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic he was informed midweek of the decision to sit Williams. The former Saint signed a five-year, $70MM pact in free agency as Baltimore’s latest big-money safety investment. Expectations were high given the size of that deal, and early on Williams delivered with four interceptions during his debut season. That year was cut short by a dislocated wrist, however.
Last year, the former second-rounder missed time due to a pectoral injury. Surgery was not needed, but Williams was limited to 11 games and he played much of the year well under full strength. Injuries have not been an issue in 2024, but rather underwhelming performances. A return to action could be in store relatively soon, though.
“It was a personnel decision,” head coach John Harbaugh confirmed (via Zrebiec). “We’re kind of working through some things there. I feel very confident Marcus is going to be out there playing great football for the rest of the season.”
Jackson was among the Ravens who dropped potential interceptions on Sunday, and he was involved in the breakdowns which played a key role in Cleveland’s second-half success on offense. Former UDFA Ar’Darius Washington also saw time at safety, and Baltimore has All-Pro Kyle Hamilton in place as a versatile defender whose responsibilities include playing at safety. If an outside addition is sought out via trade, Baltimore could afford a modest move since the team has $4.36MM in cap space.
The Ravens have been connected to a trade for additional pass rush help, and improving in that department could of course assist the secondary. Regardless of how the team proceeds before the November 5 deadline, the Williams situation will be a storyline worth following.
Jets’ Brandin Echols Drawing Trade Interest
Cornerback has not been a position commonly mentioned in terms of trade candidates, but Brandin Echols appears to be on the radar of potential buyers. The fourth-year defender has drawn interest in the build-up to the deadline, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report. 
Echols entered the league in 2021, and he served as a starter during his rookie season. The former sixth-rounder managed a pair of interceptions, nine pass deflections and 63 tackles during that campaign, but he has found himself lower on the CB depth chart since then. Echols is a pending free agent as he plays out the remainder of his rookie contract, and joining a new team could allow him to see a larger defensive role before hitting the market.
Realistically, though, buyers would see the 27-year-old as a depth defender with the potential to serve as a key contributor on special teams. Echols’ defensive snap shares have ranged from 8-39% over the past three years; throughout that time he has remained a regular member of New York’s third phase units. Overall, he has five interceptions and 15 pass breakups on his resume, along with a consistent showing in terms of coverage during his limited action in that regard.
Echols’ 2024 base salary is just $1.01MM, and an acquiring team would only be responsible for a prorated portion of that figure. That could boost his market as the November 5 trade deadline approaches, although it would be a surprise if substantial trade compensation was offered. Still, the Jets’ loss on Sunday has worsened their chances of a postseason berth even further.
New York now sits at 2-6, and the team is on a five-game losing streak (including each of the three contests since head coach Robert Saleh was fired). A seller’s stance would nevertheless come as a surprise given the Davante Adams acquisition and the resolution reached with Haason Reddick. The Jets have Sauce Gardner (eligible for an extension this offseason) and D.J. Reed (a pending free agent who will test the market) atop the cornerback depth chart, along with the recently-extended Michael Carter II. It will be interesting to see if Echols remains a member of that group beyond the deadline.
Jets Activate Haason Reddick; Latest On DE’s 2024 Earning Potential
Haason Reddick remained on the Jets’ reserve/did not report list until his contract holdout came to an end. Now that he is officially back in the fold, he has been brought onto the active roster in time for Week 8.
In a corresponding move, fellow edge rusher Takk McKinley was released. McKinley appeared in all seven games for the Jets this season, handling a 28% snap share. Reddick will be counted on to be on the field much more than that, just as he will be expected to outproduce McKinley’s 0.5 sacks for the year. Reddick’s playing time and production will be key in determining his overall 2024 earnings. 
In a detailed breakdown of Reddick’s revised Jets accord, CBS Sports’ Joel Corry notes the two-time Pro Bowler now has $5.34MM available in incentives in the form of an option bonus escalator. Void years remain on the pact (now running from 2025-28), and they will spread out the cap hits generated by the bonus. If Reddick remains healthy and productive for the remainder of the season, he will begin earning back a portion of the money he lost through fines and forfeited salary.
The 29-year-old will see just over $791K if he reaches the 40% snap threshold for the campaign, something which will be much more plausible than the 67.5% mark which would be needed for the conditional third-round pick the Jets sent the Eagles to become a second-round selection. In terms of pass-rush production, Reddick will collect $500K for eight sacks along with another $500K for a ninth and 10th in that department. As well, $500K is available for a Pro Bowl nod, something which should also not be expected given the fact he was absent for the first seven weeks of the campaign.
Should the Jets reach the Super Bowl, Reddick will earn an additional $2MM (provided he plays in the game). New York currently sits at 2-5 on the year, so a postseason berth – let along a deep playoff run – is far from a certainty. In all, as Corry notes, an earnings total of just over $14MM is possible – a figure not much lower than than $14.5MM Reddick was originally due in base salary. However, he adds that a realistic scenario (given the unlikely nature of several of his incentive thresholds) is only $9.99MM in compensation, an illustration of how costly this holdout saga could prove to be.
Reddick’s total financial penalties have yet to be fully determined due an NFLPA grievance filed over the preseason fines he accumulated this summer. Remaining away from the Jets resulted in $2.38MM in fines; the team may be willing to waive those, but it remains to be seen if that will be possible as the league and union discuss the matter. Reddick accrued $2.05MM in training camp fines (which, since he is not on a rookie pact, cannot be rescinded) in addition to, most notably, $5.54MM in lost game checks during the regular season.
Reddick remains on course for free agency, although a strong showing over the coming weeks could open the door to new agent Drew Rosenhaus and the Jets agreeing to a deal which would keep him in place for 2025. In any event, his value (along with overall earning potential) will be dictated by his playing time and production during the rest of the season.
Patriots’ Josh Uche Drawing Trade Interest; K.J. Osborn Could Be Available?
One year ago, Josh Uche was the subject of considerable trade interest. With the Patriots set up to operate as sellers in 2024, the fifth-year edge rusher is again a candidate to be dealt. 
New England reportedly came very close to working out a trade agreement in Uche’s case last October. He wound up remaining with the team, though, playing out the rest of his rookie contract. The 26-year-old (like many other Patriots, especially on defense) would up staying in place this offseason by signing a one-year deal. As a pending free agent for the second straight year, he would again represent a low-cost pickup for a contending team.
To little surprise, then, Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL Network report Uche’s name is “floating around the trade market.” The former second-rounder is attached to a base salary of only $1.3MM, and any acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of that figure. Especially as a rental at that financial cost, Uche could be an attractive target to any number of suitors. Expectations would likely be tempered in terms of role and production in the event of a deal, though.
Uche’s snap shares have ranged between 30-38% during his career. Never known for his run defense, the Michigan product flashed potential as sack artist in 2022 with a career-high 11.5 in that department. The following season resulted in only three sacks, however, and Uche has managed a pair so far this year. With the Patriots sitting at 1-6, they could be inclined to take a late-round pick as a means of giving him a fresh start on a team willing to add him as a rotational depth piece. Interestingly, Uche changed agents this summer, so being dealt to a new team could alter the nature of talks on a contract keeping him in place beyond 2024.
The receiver position has become a talking point recently in New England, and veteran Kendrick Bourne has been added to the list of potential trade candidates. A move returning him to San Francisco in particular would be sensible, but the 29-year-old said earlier this week he prefers to remain with the Patriots. Younger members of the WR room have expressed frustration with their situations, though, and that includes K.J. Osborn. The free agent addition has seen his playing time drop since the start of the season, something which is no doubt not sitting well.
Osborn, 27, posted consistent secondary production from 2021-23 with the Vikings. He only managed a one-year deal worth $4MM on the open market, and that pact includes a base salary of just $1.18MM. The NFL Network piece notes Osborn is thus a likelier trade candidate than Bourne as teams continue to sort out a wideout market no longer featuring Davante Adams, Amari Cooper or DeAndre Hopkins. It will be interesting to see how first-year general manager Eliot Wolf and rookie head coach Jerod Mayo handle the Patriots’ trade chips in advance of the November 5 deadline.
Chargers’ Joey Bosa Expects To Return In Week 8
The 2024 campaign has included another hurdle for Joey Bosa to clear on the injury front. The longtime Chargers edge rusher is set to return to action this week, though. 
Bosa said on Friday (via The Athletic’s Daniel Popper) he is set to play in Week 8 against the Saints. The four-time Pro Bowler has been out of the fold since Week 3 while dealing with an injury affecting his sciatic nerve. As he prepares for a return to action, Bosa added he expects to be on a snap count during Sunday’s game. Still, having him available once more will be a welcomed sight for the Chargers.
The 29-year-old has struggled with injuries over the past three years, having made only 17 appearances since the start of the 2022 campaign. Bosa’s future was in question this past offseason based on the nature of his contract in addition to his missed time. Just like fellow starter Khalil Mack, however, he agreed to a pay cut and thus set himself up for another round of adjustments next year.
Bosa is under contract through 2025, but none of his $13MM salary for the year is guaranteed and his scheduled cap hit is more than $36MM. An extension lowering that figure could come into play if new general manager Joe Hortiz makes a renewed commitment to retaining him for 2025. Considering Bosa already has another list of missed games on his resume this season, though, he will likely need a productive and healthy showing the rest of the way for that to be the case. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year is aware of the impact of his continued injuries, something he also reflected on.
“The main thing is I feel like I’ve been letting my team down missing these games,” Bosa said (via Popper). “Letting everybody down. Letting the coaches down. Letting the organization down. Letting myself down. It just sucks how these years have (gone) the last few years.”
Bosa posted 10.5 sacks during his last full campaign, but he was limited to nine between the 2022 and ’23 seasons. So far this year, he has posted two sacks and four pressures, an indication he can still be impactful when on the field. The Bolts lead the league in scoring defense, but they have managed only 12 sacks on the year; Bosa will look to assist in that department beginning on Sunday.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/25/24
Friday’s taxi squad moves:
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: DL Jonathan Ford
Los Angeles Rams
- Released (via injury settlement): LB Zach VanValkenburg
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: DT Matt Dickerson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: WR Andy Isabella
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: S Ty Okada
- Released: LB Zeke Turner
Cowboys’ Dalvin Cook Could Play In Week 8
As the Cowboys search for a spark in the running game coming off their bye, a new backfield option could be introduced. Head coach Mike McCarthy suggested Dalvin Cook could make his season debut in Week 8. 
“Dalvin is ready,” McCarthy said on Friday (via Nick Harris of the Forth Worth Star-Telegram). “I really like the work that he’s putting in. I think he’s clearly crossed over the threshold of the communication and the understanding [of the offense].”
Cook had a forgettable 2023 campaign split between the Jets and Ravens, logging only 75 combined carries between the two teams. During the offseason, he (along with Ezekiel Elliott) was linked to a Cowboys deal. One day after the roster cutdown deadline, Dallas did indeed parlay Cook’s workout into a practice squad agreement. The four-time Pro Bowler has yet to be elevated to the active roster since, but that could change this week.
McCarthy’s comments suggest Cook will be one of the Cowboys’ two gameday elevations for Week 8; a final call on that front will be made tomorrow. Provided the former Viking is indeed added to the gameday roster, he will have the opportunity to contribute to a rushing attack which has not fared well in the absence of Tony Pollard. Pollard expectedly departed on the open market after playing out the 2023 season on the franchise tag.
To replace his production, the Cowboys have relied on a reunion with Elliott along with an increased workload for Rico Dowdle. Overall, the team sits last in the NFL with an average of 77 yards per game on the ground, and Elliott recently spoke with the team about his lack of usage during short-yardage situations in particular. He, along with Dowdle and Hunter Luepke, will aim to deliver higher production in the running game as Dallas attempts to improve on a 3-3 start.
Cook rushed for at least 1,135 yards every year from 2019-22, but he was let go by Minnesota last offseason in a cost-shedding move. A strong showing in whatever capacity he finds himself in with Dallas would help his free agent stock this spring, but at the age of 29 his prospects in that regard could be limited. In any case, it will be interesting to see how much Cook is used when he makes regular season debut.