WR Christian Kirk Drawing Trade Interest; Jaguars Not Planning To Be Sellers?
A high-profile receiver trade is expected to take place relatively soon with Davante Adams known to be available. He may not be the only veteran pass-catcher who changes teams before the trade deadline, though. 
The Jaguars are receiving interest on Christian Kirk, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post details. That comes as no surprise given the team’s 0-4 record to start the year. Questions loom over the job security of head coach Doug Pederson and general manager Trent Baalke, and more losses over the coming weeks could lead to the team adopting a seller’s standpoint.
For now, however, La Canfora adds Jacksonville has rebuffed trade interest for veteran players. The team is looking to retain a number of core players in the hopes of rebounding during the immediate future. If one or both of Pederson and Baalke were to be let go, though, Kirk could become a more feasible trade target for contending teams. The 27-year-old has already been floated as a candidate to be moved before the November 5 deadline, with the Chiefs and Steelers representing potential destinations.
“They’re going to add a receiver before the deadline, for sure,” one general manager told La Canfora when speaking about the Chiefs. “I think it’s going to be Christian Kirk. He just looks like an Andy Reid receiver. He really fits what they do.”
With Marquise Brown out until at least the playoffs and Rashee Rice dealing with what may be an ACL tear, receiver is an obvious position for Kansas City to target in the event a midseason move is made. Pulling off a deal with the division-rival Raiders for Adams (whose preference is the Jets) would be challenging for the Chiefs. Kirk is among the other options who could make a notable impact down the stretch and through the playoffs if he were to be added to the fold, however.
The former Cardinals second-rounder took a free agent deal with Jacksonville in 2022. The terms of that four-year, $72MM pact came as a surprise to many at the time, but the top of the receiver market has since seen multiple surges in value. Kirk delivered a strong debut Jags campaign, totaling career highs in catches (84), yards (1,108) and touchdowns (eight). He was limited to 12 games last season, but be still remained a high-end option in the passing game by averaging 13.8 yards per catch.
The 2024 campaign saw Kirk record only one reception in each of the first two contests; the Texas A&M product has made 15 catches since then. Unlike a number of other players who could be on the move shortly, Kirk’s deal runs through 2025. None of his base salary ($15.5MM) for next year is guaranteed, however, so a new arrangement could be made shortly after arrival with an acquiring team.
Suitors would take on a prorated portion of Kirk’s $14.5MM salary for this season in a deal. That figure could become manageable closer to the deadline in particular, but it remains to be seen if the Jaguars will authorize deals sending him and other veterans elsewhere over the coming weeks.
Patriots To Place C David Andrews, T Caedan Wallace On IR
The Patriots’ offensive line has dealt with a number of injuries this year, and a pair of expected transactions related to those ailments will take place. Head coach Jerod Mayo said on Friday both center David Andrews and offensive tackle Caedan Wallace are headed to injured reserve. 
The decision comes as no surprise in either case. Andrews is set to undergo shoulder surgery which will shut him down for the remainder of the campaign. That makes an IR designation a formality which will open up a roster spot allowing depth to be added. Missing Andrews will weaken a unit which already faced questions before and during the young season, however.
Wallace is dealing with an ankle injury, and today’s news means he will miss at least four games. Mayo did say (via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald) he could return at some point this season, though. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network notes a recovery timeline of at least six weeks could be in store for Wallace. Regardless of how long the third-round rookie is out, his absence will leave New England short on tackle depth while attempting to find a suitable combination up front.
The Patriots are of course without Chukwuma Okorafor after he departed the team following Week 1. It remains to be seen when (or if) the former Steeler will be available later this season, and his ongoing absence has left the team without its projected left tackle starter. Wallace going down will leave that position particularly thin, especially since Vederian Lowe has missed the past two games.
Mayo said the Patriots do not have a firm plan in place with respect to filling their open roster spots. These moves will create extra openings for at least short-term additions, although Kendrick Bourne, Sione Takitaki and Marte Mapu all returned to practice earlier this week. Activating the members of that trio will use up roster spots, but it would still come as no surprise if New England brought in O-line depth over the coming days.
Panthers Bring Back Marquis Haynes
Marquis Haynes is set to return to Carolina. The seventh-year edge rusher has a deal in place with the Panthers, as first reported by Mike Kaye of the Charlotte Observer. The move is now official, per a team announcement.
Kaye notes this will be a practice squad agreement. Haynes could soon see time on the active roster, though, as he looks to reclaim the depth role he has held throughout his career. The 30-year-old has logged 71 appearances to date, all with the Panthers. He had a lengthy stay on the free agent market, a period which included a Panthers workout.
Carolina hosted a number of other veteran edge options, however, and the team did not reunite with Haynes at that point. The former fourth-rounder wound up landing a Cardinals deal in August shortly after BJ Ojulari suffered a season-ending ACL tear. In very short order, though, Haynes was let go after his Arizona pact included an injury waiver (stemming from the time he spent on injured reserve last season). Now, he will circle back to his former team in a bid to put together a healthy campaign.
Haynes played sparingly during his rookie year, but since then his snap shares have ranged from 27-41%. His most productive campaign came in 2022, when he racked up five sacks and 16 pressures. After being limited to only seven games last year, the Ole Miss product could serve as a notable depth contributor along the edge upon being promoted to the active roster. Carolina ranks 30th in the NFL with only five sacks, so production from anywhere in the organization would be welcomed.
Neither D.J. Wonnum nor Amare Barno have played this season with both spending the first four weeks of the year on the reserve/PUP list. Both players will add much-needed depth along the edge once they are activated, but in the meantime Haynes could fill in as a rotational option. Succeeding in that capacity could help his market value ahead of the 2025 offseason.
Titans QB Will Levis Dealing With AC Joint Sprain
Will Levis has the backing of Titans head coach Brian Callahan as the team’s starter. The second-year quarterback could be dealing with the effects of his shoulder injury when Tennessee next takes the field, though. 
Levis – who injured himself midway through the Titans’ Week 4 win over the Dolphins – is dealing with an AC joint sprain in his throwing shoulder, veteran reporter Paul Kuharsky details. He adds Levis would likely be unable to play in Week 5 if the Titans were not on their bye. The 25-year-old should be able to suit up by Week 6, although he could still be in pain by that point.
The 2024 campaign has primarily been centered on Levis’ development during his first full season as a starter. The former second-rounder’s performances have left plenty to be desired, though, as he has committed nine turnovers to date. In spite of his struggles, Callahan confirmed after Week 4 Levis will remain atop the depth chart following the bye. If he does wind up missing a start, it will be Mason Rudolph leading the way on offense.
The veteran took over from Levis on Monday night and oversaw a run-heavy approach on offense. Rudolph completed only nine of 17 attempts for 85 scoreless yards, but his showing during training camp and the preseason earned him the backup gig over Malik Willis. Rudolph, 29, took over as the Steelers’ starter down the stretch last year and he has limited experience in a first-team capacity from some of his other Pittsburgh campaigns. A decision on a Week 6 starter will be only dictated by Levis’ health based on the support he has received, though.
Depth in the organization under center also be added relatively soon. Callahan said earlier this week (via team reporter Jim Wyatt) Tennessee is considering a practice squad addition at the quarterback spot. Bringing in an additional passer would provide insurance in the event Levis does not fully recover in time for Week 6. As things currently stand, however, the Kentucky product should be available by that point.
Davante Adams Aiming For Jets Trade; Raiders To Accept Highest Offer
Davante Adams is unlikely to play in Week 5, but the matter of his hamstring injury is a minor element to his ongoing storyline. The Raiders continue to have discussions tied to dealing the All-Pro wideout to a new team, although an expected suitor is in place as his target. 
Adams wants to play with the Jets, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. That update comes as no surprise considering the mutual interest showed by both Adams and Aaron Rodgers to reunite in New York. The Jets are among the numerous teams which have inquired about a deal, and reporting from yesterday tapped them as the favorites to pull off a trade. Other suitors remain in the running, though.
Rapoport notes Adams has not insisted to the Raiders he will only go to New York, adding other teams appeal to him as well. The Saints, Steelers, Bills and Cowboys are teams which have had conversations about a deal, although Dallas is no longer believed to be interested in adding the 31-year-old. Rapoport lists the Ravens and 49ers as destinations Adams could be amenable to. San Francisco currently leads the league in cap space ($56.74MM), while Baltimore has just $4.31MM and would need to execute a number of maneuvers to made an Adams deal feasible.
Any acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of the Fresno State product’s $16.89MM base salary (along with $30K in weekly roster bonuses) to fit him into their 2024 cap structure. Two more years remain on Adams’ deal, but a restructure resulting in guaranteed money for 2025 and beyond along with a drop in cap hits is expected regardless of where he winds up. The Raiders could increase the value of draft pick compensation coming back in a trade by retaining some salary. The Athletic’s Dianna Russini names the Bills and Chiefs as suitors monitoring the market which could make a more notable push in the event Vegas were to absorb some of the outstanding compensation.
While it would certainly be notable if Kansas City – a team which could use an addition at the receiver spot – were to emerge as a legitimate contender for an intra-divisional deal, Rapoport reports the Raiders are prepared to take the highest offer they receive. That may still come from the Jets (who currently have $16.81MM in cap space), but stronger bids from Derek Carr‘s Saints or another team would complicate efforts on New York’s part to work out an agreement. The Raiders’ asking price reportedly starts with a second-round pick, but that would change if salary retention were to be brought into the equation.
Adams was sidelined for Week 4, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports he is not expected to play this week against the Broncos. Russini adds Adams could be back to full health in time for Week 6 if he does not encounter any setbacks. If the former second-rounder is at full strength before a trade is worked out, Rapoport notes Adams could continue playing for Vegas, something which appeared to be in store for the rest of the campaign until earlier this week.
Rapoport adds nothing is imminent on the trade front at this time. Given Adams’ openness to moving on and the Raiders’ willingness to seek out his market amongst interested parties, though, the possibility remains this situation will see a resolution before the November 5 trade deadline which results in a change of scenery. If the Raiders remain committed to taking the best offer on the table, it will be interesting to see how urgently the Jets pursue a deal.
Steelers To Be Active In Non-Davante Adams WR Market?
The Steelers are one of several teams which has been connected to a Davante Adams acquisition. The Raiders All-Pro wants to be dealt to the Jets, however, and other suitors such as the Saints (with quarterback Derek Carr and receivers coach Keith Williams) represent other attractive destinations. 
Even if Pittsburgh does not wind up adding Adams over the coming weeks, though, the team could still be in the market for a wideout. ESPN’s Dan Graziano expects the Steelers to be a contender (albeit likely an outside one as things stand) for the six-time Pro Bowler in terms of pursuing a trade agreement. Other veterans could be on the team’s radar as the trade deadline approaches, though.
Graziano names DeAndre Hopkins and Christian Kirk as wideouts who could be on the move over the coming weeks. The Titans and Jaguars have combined to win only one game in 2024, and both teams could be sellers in the build-up to the November 5 deadline. Sitting at 3-1 on the year, by contrast, the Steelers could be in the market for a veteran pass-catching addition if they can continue their strong start. Bringing in an accomplished receiver would also fit given how Pittsburgh’s offseason played out.
While replacing the entire quarterbacks room was the central element of how the spring played out for the Steelers, the team traded away Diontae Johnson and released Allen Robinson. That left a vacancy for a starting spot opposite George Pickens, and the team made a sustained push to acquire Brandon Aiyuk. The 49ers standout vetoed the agreement Pittsburgh and San Francisco made to finalize a trade, ultimately remaining in the Bay Area. Since then, questions have loomed about the Steelers’ secondary WR options.
The likes of Van Jefferson, Calvin Austin, Scotty Miller and third-round rookie Roman Wilson have handled depth WR roles so far. With Justin Fields leading the way, Pittsburgh has mainly relied on the ground game while ranking just 20th in passing yardage. Adding an accomplished receiver could add to the team’s offense, although finances would of course need to be taken into consideration.
Hopkins is a pending free agent as his current pact includes three void years. The 32-year-old is attached to a salary of $8.27MM, so an acquiring team would take on a prorated portion of that figure. Hopkins had a strong debut campaign in Tennessee (1,057 yards, seven touchdowns), although his usage has taken a downturn early in 2024. The former Texan and Cardinal could be moved if he were to remain healthy, especially given Tennessee’s long-term investment in Calvin Ridley this past offseason.
A teammate of Ridley’s in Jacksonville, Kirk delivered on his eyebrow-raising contract in 2022. The former second-rounder saw his production take a step back last season, though, one in which he was limited to 12 contests. Kirk, 27, had a slow start to the current campaign but has totaled 15 receptions over the past two games. He is owed the remainder of his $14.5MM salary in 2024; one year remains on his pact beyond that, but it does not include guarantees and carries a cap hit of over $24MM. An adjustment upon arrival or in the spring would thus be required for an acquiring team to commit to a Kirk trade.
With roughly $10.5MM in cap space, the Steelers sit mid-pack in terms of financial flexibility at the moment. A move aimed at adding a veteran receiver could be feasible (especially later in the year, as the remaining salary on players’ deals decrease), but it will be interesting to see if general manager Omar Khan significantly changes the team’s roster if Pittsburgh continues to find success with the current offensive setup.
Tyreek Hill Not Expecting Dolphins Trade
Expectations were high for a third straight postseason appearance in the case of the 2024 Dolphins. The playoffs are certainly not out of reach at this point, but the team faces an uphill battle with a 1-3 record and several injuries to overcome. 
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Quarterback Tua Tagovalioa is making progress in his recovery from a concussion, but it remains to be seen when he will be back in the lineup. At a minimum, a few more games with backup options Tyler Huntley and Skylar Thompson will be in store. Miami’s defense has been dealt a blow with edge rusher Jaelan Phillips set to undergo season-ending knee surgery. The Dolphins managed to make the postseason last year in spite of Phillips’ Achilles tear, but duplicating that feat in 2024 will be a tall order.
For that reason, speculation has increased about the possibility the team could adopt a seller’s standpoint ahead of the trade deadline. Failing to bounce back from September’s poor showing could leave Miami further adrift of a playoff berth closer to the November 5 deadline, and in that event certain veteran players could become available. Tyreek Hill, unsurprisingly, does not expect to be one of them.
“We’ve got a great situation here, my family loves it, I enjoy it, the weather’s great, the fans are great,” the 30-year-old said (via NFL.com). “So, we’ve got a beautiful situation here, man. Obviously, my parents always taught me control the controllables. I only can control so much. That being said, we all know the NFL is a business. Whatever happens, happens. Moving forward, I would love to be here — I love being here. I love the guys.”
Hill, like fellow wideout Jaylen Waddle, landed a new Dolphins contract this offseason. The five-time All-Pro worked out a three-year, $90MM restructure which took the place of his previous pact. The new agreement contains $65MM in total guarantees, and a trade in 2024 would result in a dead money charge of just over $41MM. No such move is feasible from the Dolphins’ perspective as a result.
Hill made it clear during the offseason that he wanted to avoid his contract talks leading to a trade, which of course was the case in 2022 with the Chiefs dealing him to the Dolphins. It would come as a major surprise if any consideration were given on Miami’s part to a trade at this point, and Hill himself clearly shares that sentiment.
Chiefs Place WR Rashee Rice On IR
It is not yet known if Rashee Rice will miss the remainder of the season, but he is in line for at least a short-term absence. The second-year wideout was placed on injured reserve Thursday, per a team announcement. 
That move comes as no surprise, and it guarantees at least a four-game spell on the sidelines. A torn ACL may have occurred in Week 4, something which would of course sideline Rice for the rest of the season. Head coach Andy Reid confirmed when speaking to the media today, however, that the team will wait for the swelling to subside before further testing takes place.
If those evaluations confirm a torn ACL, moving Rice to IR will prove to have been a simple formality. If a less serious injury is revealed, though, a return at some point during the campaign would be possible. At a minimum, today’s news ensures the 24-year-old will not be eligible to play until Week 9 at the earliest.
Rice’s injury came after the Chiefs had already lost Marquise Brown until no earlier than the postseason. As a result, Kansas City’s receiving corps is thin at the moment, leading many to label the team as a potential buyer ahead of the trade deadline. Good news on the Rice injury front could change any plans Kansas City has to make a midseason receiver addition, but it will still be interesting to see if one is pursued with at least a short-term absence in store.
Faced with a number of off-the-field issues this offseason, the SMU product is not expected to be suspended this season in connection with the hit-and-run incident he was involved in. Regardless of how his legal situation plays out, missed time on the field will be acutely felt. Rice had a strong rookie campaign and posted a 24-288-2 statline across his first three games in 2024. He will be expected to remain a key pass-catching option if he manages to return later this season.
If not, the Chiefs will rely on first-round rookie Xavier Worthy along with the likes of JuJu Smith-Schuster, Skyy Moore, Justin Watson and Mecole Hardman at the receiver spot. That group could be joined by Rice down the road, but it remains to be seen if that will be the case.
Dolphins To Sign OLB Tyus Bowser Off Seahawks’ Practice Squad
In need of healthy depth along the edge, the Dolphins are set to make an addition. Tyus Bowser is being signed off the Seahawks’ practice squad, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Jaelan Phillips is out for the season due to a knee injury. Especially since Bradley Chubb has yet to return to the lineup, Miami is particularly thin along the edge as things stand. Bowser could provide at least a rotational presence as he aims to carve out a full-time role in 2024. The 29-year-old missed all of last season, but he managed a pair of appearances with Seattle this year.
Bowser took a Seahawks taxi squad deal to reunite with head coach Mike Macdonald after the two worked together in Baltimore. That move came about just after roster cutdowns and allowed him to try and rebuild his value while handling a rotational role. Used as a gameday elevation in Weeks 3 and 4, the former second-rounder logged 38 defensive snaps with Seattle. As Schefter’s colleague Brady Henderson noted earlier today, Bowser had his practice squad deal terminated to allow him to land with a new team.
By taking a contract with Miami, Bowser will join defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. The latter served as a key member of the Ravens’ defensive staff from 2021-23, providing some overlap with the former’s playing time in Baltimore. Weaver took the Dolphins’ DC gig this offseason, and Bowser – who recorded 19.5 sacks in 89 Ravens games – will give him a familiar face to work with as the team tries to fill the vacancy created by Phillips’ injury. Bowser has considerable experience not only defending the run but also dropping into coverage, especially compared to the skillsets of rookies Chop Robinson and Mohamed Kamara.
That versatility could help the Houston product earn a notable workload over the coming weeks. Robinson and Emmanuel Ogbah are positioned to handle first-team reps along the edge, and Chubb will factor heavily into the team’s rotation once he is healthy. A veteran of 24 starts (one of which came with the Seahawks as they dealt with their own pass-rushing injury troubles), Bowser could nevertheless see meaningful playing time through the remainder of the season. Doing so would help Miami’s defense and boost his market value in the process.
Browns DE Alex Wright Out For Season
The Browns’ pass rush group will be shorthanded for the rest of the year. Alex Wright announced on Thursday he is dealing with a triceps injury which will require season-ending surgery. 
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The third-year defensive end first encountered the issue during joint practices in the summer. He felt pain in Week 2 and underwent an MRI to determine the severity of the injury. After playing through the issue for two more contests, Wright went through a second MRI, this time learning he suffered a partial tear. The required procedure will shut him down for the remainder of the campaign.
A third-round pick in 2022, Wright handled a notable 50% defensive snap share during his rookie season. Ogbonnia Okoronkwo‘s free agent arrival in 2023 gave Cleveland another option along the edge, however, and the same was true of Za’Darius Smith. With those two taking on considerable workloads, Wright saw a drop in playing time.
In spite of that, the UAB product racked up five sacks and eight pressures. That led to high expectations for a strong season in 2024 with Okoronkwo and Smith remaining in place as complements to Myles Garrett. Wright recorded eight tackles and one sack this year while playing at less than 100%. He will aim to return to full health in time for the 2025 campaign, the final year of his rookie deal.
In the interim, Garrett, Okoronkwo and Smith and will be counted on to carry the load in the pass-rushing department. The likes of Isaiah McGuire and Sam Kamara represent options to take on a larger defensive role in Wright’s absence. Cleveland currently has 11 sacks on the year, but the team’s depth with respect to increasing that figure moving forward has taken a hit.