Tom Gores To Purchase Minority Share Of Chargers
Dean Spanos is set to remain the Chargers’ controlling owner, but his siblings will soon have their respective shares in the team bought out. A deal is in place for Detroit Pistons owner Tom Gores to buy a 27% stake in the franchise, as detailed by ESPN’s Kris Rhim and Michael Rothenstein. 
That share encompasses the 24% stake owned by Dea Spanos Berberian as well as the 1% shares which cover part of Dean’s share as well as the other Spanos siblings, Michael and Alexis Spanos Ruhl. The transaction – which is expected to be on the agenda during the October league meeting – still needs to be approved by the league’s owners. Provided it does, it will bring to an end legal issues which have taken place over the past several years related to the Bolts’ ownership situation.
Spanos Berberian filed multiple lawsuits dating back to 2021 in an attempt to force Dean to sell the franchise. Those suits (which cited increasing family debt as a reason to sell) drew angst among the rest of the family, although Dean had pledged in a letter two years earlier to retain an investment bank which would assist in a sale following the 2024 campaign. That will not be taking place, but a notable cash infusion is set to be received. Spanos Berberian’s suits, per the report, will be dropped as a condition of this agreement.
No details on the valuation of the Chargers is known at this point as it pertains to this agreement, but even a non-controlling share figures to check in at a massive figure given how NFL franchises have exploded in value recently. The most recent example of that trend is the sale of the Commanders, which led to Josh Harris spending $6.05 billion to purchase the team last summer.
Notably, the deal is set to be finalized not long after the NFL’s recent decision to allow private equity firms to buy minority stakes in franchises. That move brought the league in line with other North American pro sports operations, and Gores bought out Platinum Equity’s share in the Pistons in 2015 when he took over full control of that organization. Platinum Equity will not be involved in this transaction, however, per the ESPN report; Gores will individually become a minority owner.
Alex Spanos bought the then-San Diego Chargers in in 1984, and Dean took over one decade later. The latter’s tenure has, of course, primarily been defined by the franchise’s move to Los Angeles in addition to the legal battle involving his siblings. Those will be put to rest once the sale is ratified, though, and Spanos will be positioned to remain the controlling owner for the foreseeable future.
Odell Beckham Jr. Addresses Knee Surgery, Dolphins Deal
Odell Beckham Jr. was activated from the PUP list in time to make his Dolphins debut in Week 5. A knee injury prevented him from being healthy at the start of the campaign, something the veteran wideout recently expounded on. 
“[After last] season, there was a lot going on in my life, personal life, businesses, all of that, that just kind of had me in a place where football wasn’t exactly a priority,” Beckham said (via Adam Beasley of Pro Football Network). “So football wasn’t exactly the first and foremost thing on my mind.
“Then I had to have a small clean up of the knee and just kind of going through that free agency process. You know, my agent and I went back and forth, whether we do it right after the season or we wait until free agency happens and I just feel like I waited too late.”
Indeed, it took until May for a deal between Beckham and the Dolphins to be worked out. That one-year pact has a value of $3MM, a reflection of what he is expected to produce with his latest team. The 31-year-old posted a 35-565-3 touchdown statline during his single campaign with the Ravens last year, and he is slated to handle WR3 duties in Miami behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. As Beasley notes, the Dolphins were on board with the timing of Beckham’s procedure knowing he would likely miss time at the start of the season. That allowed the former Rams Super Bowl winner to proceed with his Miami pact rather than continuing to wait out free agency.
Of course, the team’s offense is dealing with the absence of quarterback Tua Tagovailoa for the time being, and efficient passing attacks have not been present since his latest concussion. Beckham could help in that department once he returns to game shape after an offseason spent rehabbing from the surgery. Details on his recovery were scarce through the summer, with Miami electing to take a cautious approach which makes sense given the three-time Pro Bowler’s history of knee injuries.
A healthy slate the rest of the way on Beckham’s part would be welcomed for Miami’s offense as the team looks to build off Sunday’s win over the Patriots. That game brought the Dolphins’ record to 2-3, but improvement on offense will be needed moving forward. If Beckham can provide it, he could have a more traditional free agent process during the spring.
Bears’ Teven Jenkins Still Aiming For Extension; Nate Davis Likely To Be Cut?
The guard position could see multiple changes for the Bears this offseason. Teven Jenkins is a pending free agent, while Nate Davis‘ pact does not include guaranteed money after the 2024 campaign. 
Jenkins was eligible for an extension this offseason, and he attempted to start negotiations on a second contract. That effort was unsuccessful, though, which left the summer as a period for the 26-year-old to turn his attention on preparing for the 2024 campaign. A new commitment could still be worked out, but that may not be the case until after Chicago’s Week 7 bye.
Attempts on the part of Jenkins and his camp to agree to a new deal date back to the end of the 2023 season, Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune notes. After a poor rookie season spent as a right tackle, the former second-rounder found success by moving inside to guard and in doing so demonstrated his potential as an extension candidate. Jenkins drew favorable PFF evaluations in 2022 and ’23, although his early showings this season have not been graded as well.
The guard market has seen positive movement in recent years, and four players at that spot are now attached to an AAV of $20MM or more. Jenkins will not approach that mark on a new deal, but a raise would be in store if he and the Bears were to engage in serious negotiations for a second contract. Regardless of if that takes place, though, Davis’ future in the Windy City appears to be on shaky ground.
The former Titan inked a three-year, $30MM deal in free agency but did not live up to expectations last season. Davis was limited to 11 games and earned the second-lowest PFF grade of his career. His evaluation through the current season has not been encouraging either, and a release next offseason (before or after June 1) would produce $9.5MM in cap savings while only generating a $2MM dead money charge. As Biggs notes, it would come as no surprise if Davis were to be let go this spring.
That would create one vacancy for a starting guard spot, but of course that number could jump to two if Jenkins were allowed to depart in free agency. Without any contract talks taking place for now, plenty is left to be determined over the coming weeks up front for the Bears. The team’s offensive line – a unit which, Biggs adds, could see Ryan Bates activated from injured reserve after the bye – will certainly be worth watching closely as the campaign continues.
Free Agent Stock Watch: Sam Darnold
The Vikings are the NFC’s only remaining undefeated team, and their play on offense has been a key factor in that early-season success. Specifically, the performance of quarterback Sam Darnold has raised eyebrows given how he was expected to perform in 2024. 
Selected third overall in 2018 – after the Jets traded up from the No. 6 slot – Darnold faced the task of becoming a franchise passer. That has proven to be the case for Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson (selected later in the first round that year), but he was unable to develop into a long-term answer under center in New York. The USC product was immediately used in a first-team role but compiled a 13-25 record while completing less than 60% of his passes in the process.
The Jets elected to reset at quarterback in 2021, the year they selected Zach Wilson to start what turned out to be another unsuccessful run at finding a solution at the QB spot. Darnold was dealt to the Panthers for a package of three draft picks, including a second-rounder the following year. That agreement showed he still had some value, albeit far less than what New York originally invested in him. Darnold’s first Panthers season resulted in another losing record along with a 9:13 touchdown-to-interception ratio, however.
Baker Mayfield was added during the subsequent offseason, and 2018’s top selection handled starting duties to begin the 2022 campaign. One week before Mayfield’s release request was granted, though, Darnold took back over as the Panthers’ starter. Carolina won four of six games down the stretch with the latter posting a triple-digit passer rating four times. The team was committed to a more permanent solution than Darnold, a pending free agent, though. Carolina therefore embarked on the blockbuster deal which yielded the No. 1 pick (Bryce Young), something which – to put it mildly – has not gone according to plan so far.
Darnold took a one-year deal in 2023 to serve as the 49ers’ backup. Brock Purdy remained healthy throughout the season, though, so Darnold’s only start game in a meaningless Week 18 contest. His San Francisco tenure did not include eye-popping statistics, but it was sufficient to draw interest from the Broncos and Commanders before a Vikings pact was worked out. The one-year agreement carried a $10MM value, second only to Gardner Minshew in terms of pacts for signal-callers taking backup/bridge starter pacts.
First-round rookie J.J. McCarthy entered training camp behind Darnold on the depth chart, putting the latter on track to handle first-team duties early in the 2024 season. McCarthy’s meniscus tear shut him down for the campaign, however, leaving Darnold in place to guide an offense no longer led by Kirk Cousins. Through one month, things have gone very well without Pro Bowl tight end T.J. Hockenson even being in the picture.
Darnold leads the league in touchdown passes (11), yards per attempt (9.6) and passer rating (118.9) early in the campaign. Those figures – along with a career-high 68.9 completion percentage – helped him earn the NFC’s Offensive Player of the Month award for September. If that run of form can continue, a healthy free agent spell will be in store next offseason.
Multiple front office personnel predicted to Outkick’s Armando Salguero the Vikings will make a push to retain Darnold in 2025 despite McCarthy being attached to his rookie contract for the foreseeable future. Minnesota’s offense continuing to thrive would assist Darnold’s bargaining power considerably (not to mention help head coach Kevin O’Connell’s chances of landing an extension alongside general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah). A strong showing could prove Darnold to be the league’s next Mayfield – that is, a passer turning a one-year gig into a multi-year commitment from his team. Mayfield seemed to be on track for free agency before he agreed to a three-year, $100MM Buccaneers pact (including $40MM guaranteed) this past March.
Given his age, Darnold could command a similar deal provided his encouraging performance holds up over the coming months. McCarthy’s presence would complicate considerations on the Vikings’ part with respect to a deal covering 2025 and (quite possibly) multiple years after that for Darnold, but as always a number of teams will be in the market for a veteran passer in free agency. Any which do not figure to have a high first-round draft pick could make a notable push on a multi-year offer.
The executives Salguero spoke with agreed an asking price from Darnold’s camp breaching the $50MM-per-year mark (as nine recent QB deals have) would be untenable. An AAV closer to the high $30MM- or low $40MM-point may be on the table, though, depending on structure and guarantees of course. Especially if Justin Fields lands a new Steelers agreement – something which certainly seems feasible at this point – Darnold would loom as the clear top free agent option amongst veteran passers for Minnesota or any number of other teams.
A regression over the coming games would not leave Darnold in danger of losing his starting spot but it would obviously hinder his market value. As things currently stand, however, he is on track to benefit greatly from his mid-career turnaround.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/5/24
Saturday’s gameday elevations and other minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: OL Charlie Heck, K Chad Ryland
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: RB Chris Collier, OLB Yannick Ngakoue
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: WR Tyrell Shavers, DT Branson Deen
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: LB Thomas Incoom, DT T.J. Smith
- Placed on IR: LB Shaq Thompson (story)
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: CB Jalen Davis
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: LB Nick Vigil
- Elevated: DE Carl Lawson, CB Amani Oruwariye
Denver Broncos
Green Bay Packers
- Signed to active roster: CB Robert Rochell
- Elevated: FB Andrew Beck
Houston Texans
- Elevated: RB J.J. Taylor
Indianapolis Colts
- Elevated: RB Evan Hull, CB David Long
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Elevated: LB Tanner Muse, S Matthew Jackson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed to active roster: DE K’Lavon Chaisson
- Placed on IR: LB Luke Masterson
- Elevated: RB Sincere McCormick, WR Alex Bachman
Los Angeles Rams
- Elevated: WR Xavier Smith, CB Ahkello Witherspoon
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: CB Nik Needham
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: RB Myles Gaskin, S Bobby McCain
New England Patriots
- Signed to active roster: DT Jaquelin Roy
- Elevated: OL Bryan Hudson, LB Ochaun Mathis
New York Giants
- Activated from IR: LB Matt Adams
- Waived: LB Benton Whitley
- Elevated: WR Isaiah Hodgins, RB Dante Miller
New York Jets
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Activated from IR: OLB Jeremiah Moon
- Elevated: WR Brandon Johnson, RB Jonathan Ward
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from IR: DT Kalia Davis
- Elevated: DL T.Y. McGill, WR Trent Taylor
Washington Commanders
- Activated from IR: QB Marcus Mariota
- Elevated: CB Kevon Seymour, WR Brycen Tremayne
Mariota returned to practice on Wednesday, which was the earliest point at which he could be designated for return. As a result, it comes as little surprise he has been brought back onto Washington’s active roster. The 30-year-old is in his first season with the Commanders, and today’s move paves the way for him to handle backup duties moving forward.
Ngakoue remained on the free agent market into the start of the regular season. He was not connected to a Ravens reunion, but one took place last week. The journeyman sack artist had a brief spell with Baltimore in 2020, and he posted three sacks in 11 games. Ngakoue, 29, had one-and done campaigns in Vegas, Indianapolis and Chicago before taking a Ravens practice squad deal. He will make his debut tomorrow and aim to provide depth along the edge.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/5/24
Saturday’s taxi squad moves:
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: CB Alex Johnson
- Released: RB Trent Pennix
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: QB Tim Boyle
Boyle was released on Friday, but the team announced today he has been re-signed. In addition, Boyle has been elevated for tomorrow’s contest, meaning he will dress as one of the Dolphins’ quarterback options behind Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson. The return of Tua Tagovailoa will push Boyle, 30, further down the depth chart.
Texans Activate DE Dylan Horton, Place DE Jerry Hughes On IR
Dylan Horton‘s road to recovery is officially complete. The second-year defensive end was activated from the reserve/NFI list on Saturday, the Texans announced. 
Horton’s rookie campaign was ended by a Stage 4 Hodgkin’s lymphoma diagnosis last December. He spent the spring undergoing treatment as a result, a process which was completed in May. Horton was moved to the NFI list while the Texans set their final roster, guaranteeing at least a four-game absence to begin the season. In time for Week 5, though, he has returned to the active roster.
The 24-year-old made 10 appearances last season, logging a rotational workload on defense while also chipping in on special teams. A major step forward in playing time should not be expected for Horton (especially early on during the season), but he could carve out a notable role while making his first appearances in nearly one year. Despite his return, Houston will be shorthanded along the defensive line for the time being.
Jerry Hughes was placed on injured reserve in a corresponding move to Horton’s activation. The veteran will miss at least four games as a result, ending his run of durability with Houston. Hughes played all 17 games during both of his first two Texans campaigns, collecting 12 sacks over that span. It thus came as little surprise when he re-signed in July on a deal positioning him to remain a depth contributor up front.
Hughes, 36, played in each of the Texans’ first four games this year but he was held without a sack. His attention will now turn to recovery while Horton takes over a rotational role on a defense which has posted strong numbers in a number of categories in 2024.
Rams Activate CB Darious Williams
Darious Williams is positioned to make his season debut in Week 5. The veteran corner was activated from injured reserve on Saturday, per a team announcement. 
Williams was placed on injured reserve after roster cuts but before Week 1. That move ensured at least four-game absence but did not immediately use up one of the team’s eight activations. That is now the case, however, and the Rams have already used three activations relatively early in the campaign (the others being used on offensive lineman K.T. Leveston in August and defensive tackle Larrell Murchison yesterday).
The hamstring injury which left Williams sidelined during part of the offseason and the first four weeks of the campaign has healed in full, given the fact he returned to practice when first eligible. The 31-year-old is expected to handle a starter’s workload in his return, something he had during the end of his first Rams stint as well as his Jaguars tenure spanning 2022 and ’23. Jacksonville released Williams with one year left on his deal this offseason, opening the door to a Los Angeles return.
Williams inked a three-year, $22.5MM deal to rejoin the Rams, a team which has been hit hard by injuries and struggled on defense. Los Angeles ranks 31st in the league in both scoring and total defense, and John Johnson has the team’s only interception to date. Williams will look to help in that regard and in turn provide a boost to L.A’s efforts at rebounding from a 1-3 start to the season.
Tre’Davious White and Cobie Durant have handled notable defensive workloads so far at the cornerback spot. Williams should factor into the team’s plans right away now that he is officially back in the fold, and his presence could lead to improvement for the Rams’ 20th-ranked pass defense.
Patriots Activate WR Kendrick Bourne, S Marte Mapu
The Patriots will be dealing with a number of injuries along the offensive line moving forward, but the team’s receiving corps is set to receive a boost. Kendrick Bourne is set to be activated from the PUP list, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
The move will allow Bourne to make his season debut during tomorrow’s game against the Dolphins. The 29-year-old returned to practice earlier this week (when first eligible), so it comes as no surprise he will be back in the fold tomorrow. Expectations will be in place for him to handle a notable workload early and often once on the field.
Bourne’s 73% snap share from last season was not only the highest of his Patriots tenure but also his career. He was limited to only eight games due to an ACL tear, an injury which halted an encouraging campaign. The ailment was not serious enough to dissuade New England from committing to a new three-year, $19.5MM contract, however. Bourne’s return will provide the Patriots with another pass-catching option, something which will be welcomed given their struggles on offense.
New England ranks 31st in the NFL in scoring and last in passing yardage. The timing of when rookie Drake Maye will take over at quarterback remains a key storyline surrounding the team, but for now Jacoby Brissett is atop the depth chart. Adding Bourne (who averaged a personal best 50.8 yards per game and scored four touchdowns last year) to the mix will provide a starting-caliber option alongside Demario Douglas, K.J. Osborn and Ja’Lynn Polk in a receiver room which may not include Tyquan Thornton for much longer.
The Patriots are also expected to activate safety Marte Mapu from injured reserve, as first reported by KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. That move is now official, along with Bourne’s activation. Mapu entered the league with the versatility to play at middle linebacker, but the 2023 third-rounder saw time in the secondary during his rookie campaign in addition to a special teams workload. Designated for return from IR before roster cutdowns, the 24-year-old returned to practice on Wednesday, signaling his pending activation.
Packers Suspend Romeo Doubs For Week 5
Romeo Doubs will not be in the Packers’ lineup for Week 5, but not due to injury. The third-year receiver was placed on the reserve/suspended list for one game on Saturday, per a team announcement. 
As first reported by Sports Illustrated’s Bill Huber, Doubs did not practice on Thursday or Friday in the build-up to Green Bay’s game against the Rams tomorrow. He did not travel with the team today, pointing to an absence which has now been confirmed. At issue is Doubs’ role in the Packers’ passing attack this season.
The 24-year-old has, as expected, been a fixture on offense to date with a snap share of 81%. Doubs received a combined total of only five targets between Weeks 2 and 3, but in the season opener he saw seven. That figure checked in at eight during the Packers’ Week 4 loss, a contest in which Christian Watson departed due to an ankle sprain. In his absence, Dontayvion Wicks took on an elevated role and saw 13 targets; Wicks made only five catches, though, and he was charged with three drops.
Overall, Doubs ranks a close third on the Packers with 20 targets. Wicks and Jayden Reed sit tied for the lead in that department with 22, and the latter’s 336 receiving yards lead the team. Doubs is second in yardage, but his share of the offense has taken a step back compared to 2023, when he led the team in targets (96). The Nevada product was also a key contributor during his rookie year, leading to expectations he would remain a highly productive member of the Packers’ young pass-catching corps in 2024. Doubs has certainly not been an afterthought, but his reaction to his workload has resulted in team discipline.
“Unfortunately, we had to make the difficult decision to suspend Romeo for this week’s game,” a statement from Packers GM Brian Gutekunst reads. “His decisions and actions during the week negatively impacted the team and required us to take this action. While we are certainly disappointed, we are confident that we will be able to move forward in a positive manner. Romeo is a valuable member of our team and we look forward to welcoming him back next week.”
Tom Silverstein of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reports the matter is expected to be resolved, adding Doubs’ long-term future in Green Bay does not seem to be in doubt. Indeed, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones confirms teams calling about his availability were told a trade is not under consideration. It will nevertheless be interesting to see how team and player proceed in the wake of today’s move. Doubs remains attached to his rookie contract through 2025, making him an important figure on offense now and moving forward.
Without him in the lineup – and with Watson listed as doubtful after he did not practice at all during the week – Reed and Wicks will figure to handle a sizable workload in the passing game. Despite Jordan Love‘s missed time earlier in the year, the Packers sit at 2-2 on the season and have posted strong numbers in several offensive categories. Continuing to do so will be key against the Rams, but that will be challenging given the shorthanded nature of the receiving corps.