Broncos Received Renewed Trade Interest For WR Courtland Sutton
If the 49ers had dealt Brandon Aiyuk to the Steelers, San Francisco would have attempted to compensate for his departure by acquiring veteran wideout Courtland Sutton. The Broncos rebuked that trade interest, but they received other calls on the Sutton front. 
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Head coach Sean Payton said on Monday that “many teams” made inquiries into Sutton over the past several months (h/t Mike Klis of 9News). The 28-year-old has frequently found himself a trade candidate, with a Ravens swap nearly taking place in March 2023. That did not end up materializing, although Sutton and Jerry Jeudy remained on the trade block through last year’s deadline.
Denver put a second-round price tag on Sutton, who remained in place and scored a career-high 10 touchdowns in 2023. The Broncos ended up adhering to Jeudy’s renewed trade request by dealing him to the Browns, leaving Sutton in place as a key holdover for a passing attack which will be led by first-round rookie Bo Nix. One of several receivers to express displeasure with their contract situations, Sutton skipped OTAs but took part in mandatory minicamp and training camp while seeking an adjustment to his deal.
That effort ultimately landed him $1.7MM in incentives being added to his 2024 compensation. Sutton is under contract for the next two years, and another impressive season from the former Pro Bowler this season would help his case to land an extension next spring. Sutton has topped 1,000 yards only once in his career, but the Broncos’ decision to keep him in place is a sign of the team’s willingness to rely on him as a No. 1 wideout.
Payton termed the 49ers’ reported offer (a third-round pick) “a stretch,” adding that negotiations did not go far. Aiyuk wound up agreeing to a 49ers extension, taking San Francisco out of the market for any further Sutton pursuit. No reports over the summer pointed to any serious talks with other suitors taking place regarding the SMU product, although he is obviously still a target for interested parties. A strong first half of the season could leave Denver out of seller status ahead of the 2024 trade deadline, but otherwise it would not come as a surprise if Sutton’s name were to emerge on the trade block once again.
RB Leonard Fournette To Visit Colts
On the lookout for a new opportunity before the regular season starts, Leonard Fournette has a visit lined up. The veteran running back will meet with the Colts today, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Fournette spent time with the Bills last season, making a pair of appearances. The 29-year-old received only 12 carries, and after being inactive during the wild-card round of the playoffs he was released from Buffalo’s practice squad in advance of the divisional round. That move set up a lengthy free agent spell which is ongoing.
The LSU product changed agents this summer as part of his bid to find a new opportunity. Training camps have come and gone without interest developing, however, so Fournette faces a challenge to sign with a team ahead of Week 1. If today’s visit were to produce a deal, he would provide experienced depth in Indianapolis’ backfield. The former Jaguar and Buccaneer has two 1,000-yard rushing seasons on his resume, and his time as a starter in Tampa Bay yielded productive campaigns in 2021 and ’22. His value has certainly taken a major hit recently, though.
The Colts have Jonathan Taylor in place atop the depth chart, but the team’s options behind him face questions. Zack Moss departed in free agency, meaning Taylor will need to remain healthy upon handling workhorse duties in 2024, the final year of his $42MM extension which includes guaranteed salary. Indianapolis also has Trey Sermon (who has dealt with a hamstring injury this summer) and Tyler Goodson (who was on the field for 50 snaps as a rookie in 2023) in place as things stand. Evan Hull was cut last week but brought back on a practice squad deal.
As Mike Chappell of Fox59 reports, Fournette is one of several players the Colts are auditioning on Monday. It will be interesting to see if any of those workouts result in a deal in advance of Week 1. Indianapolis currently has just over $15MM in cap space, so a low-cost move for Fournette or players at other positions would be feasible.
Chiefs Place RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire On NFI List
Kansas City will be shorthanded in the backfield to begin the season. The Chiefs placed Clyde Edwards-Helaire on the reserve/NFI list on Monday, as detailed by ESPN’s Field Yates. 
As a result, Edwards-Helaire will be sidelined for at least the first four games of the season. Isiah Pacheco remains in place to handle lead back duties, while undrafted rookie Carson Steele made the roster after impressing during training camp and the preseason. Edwards-Helaire missed considerable time during training camp as well as Sunday’s practice, though, Yates’ colleague Adam Teicher notes. Today’s move thus comes as little surprise.
Edwards-Helaire, 25, entered the league with high expectations as the top running back in his class. The No. 32 pick in the 2020 draft racked up 1,100 scrimmage yards in his rookie season, but since then he has seen his usage rate and production drop with each passing season. A free agent departure during the spring would have been sensible since it would have provided him a fresh start. Instead, Edwards-Helaire remained in Kansas City on a one-year deal. The pact includes $1.33MM guaranteed and can reach a maximum value of $1.7MM.
The LSU alum logged a snap share of only 22% last season, but the Chiefs’ decision not to re-sign Jerick McKinnon left open the possibility for an increased pass-catching role in 2024. Kansas City recently added Samaje Perine, however, and the veteran is in place to handle third-down duties. Perine made 50 receptions last year with the Broncos, but he was let go with other options in place in the Denver backfield.
Pacheco received a career-high 205 carries in 2023, and he should again log a heavy workload on early downs in particular this season. Perine and Steele will offer complementary options in the backfield while Edwards-Helaire recovers. The latter will need a strong showing in 2024 to land another deal with the Chiefs (or to boost his 2025 free agent prospects). Today’s news is obviously not an encouraging start to the campaign in Edwards-Helaire’s case.
Commanders Sign LB Nick Bellore
Nick Bellore saw his Seahawks tenure come to an end earlier this offseason, but he will have a new opportunity in time for Week 1. The veteran linebacker and special teamer joined the Commanders via a practice squad deal, per a team announcement. The Pedestrian Podcast first reported that a contract was imminent. 
Bellore made 10 defensive starts in 2016, his second and final season with the 49ers. During his time with the Jets before that – along with the Lions and Seahawks afterwards – however, his main contributions came on special teams. The 35-year-old has also seen time as a fullback, although he was used very sparingly in that capacity during his Seattle tenure.
One year remained on Bellore’s contract entering free agency, but the Seahawks released him in a cost-cutting move. That decision began a lengthy free agent stay, but by signing ahead of the regular season the former UDFA will be available for the Commanders as a potential gameday elevation from the practice squad. Bellore earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2020 and ’23 for his special teams play, and he has collected double-digit tackles in his third phase work in each of the past four years.
The Commanders ranked 26th in special teams DVOA last season, leaving plenty of room for improvement in 2024. New head coach Dan Quinn will oversee Washington’s rebuilding efforts in a number of capacities, and expectations for a defensive turnaround in particular are in place given the nature of the team’s offseason. Bellore could be a depth option in the linebacking corps (especially if he were to land on the active roster), but primarily he will be in place for his special teams contributions. A veteran of 204 combined regular and postseason games, Bellore intended to continue his career once his Seahawks release went through.
This Commanders accord will allow him to meet that goal while not significantly affecting Washington’s cap outlook. The team entered Monday with roughly $27MM in cap space, and adding Bellore will not take away flexibility for other moves leading up to Week 1.
Steelers Discussing Extensions With DT Cameron Heyward, TE Pat Freiermuth
The Steelers have a strict policy against in-season contract negotiations. No exceptions will be made in 2024 with respect to new arrivals like quarterbacks Russell Wilson or Justin Fields, and the same applies for in-house players aiming for a new deal. 
With that team-imposed deadline approaching, Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette notes talks are ongoing between the Steelers and the camps of defensive tackle Cameron Heyward and tight end Pat Freiermuth. Both players are pending free agents whose financial futures have drawn attention earlier this offseason. It will be interesting to see if a deal can be struck with at least one before the regular season kicks off.
Heyward threatened to skip OTAs in the spring when he made his desire for a new deal known, although he wound up participating in the voluntary workouts along with minicamp and training camp. The three-time All-Pro is angling for a two-year extension, and his preference would be to remain in Pittsburgh to close out his career. Heyward has spent his entire 13-year tenure with the Steelers, serving as the anchor of the team’s defensive front for much of that time.
The 35-year-old earned a Pro Bowl nod every year from 2017-22, reaching double-digits sacks three times in that span. This past season was marred by a groin injury, though, and Heyward was limited to just two sacks, his lowest total since 2012. He will be healthy for the start of the coming campaign, and in the absence of a deal being worked out, the extent to which he regains his previous form will determine how willing the Steelers are to make another financial commitment. An update from July indicated team and player were not making progress toward an agreement, but Steelers GM Omar Khan more recently confirmed his expectation Heyward will be in the fold beyond 2024.
Heyward is due $16MM this season, but his cap hit sits at $22.41MM. The latter figure ranks second in 2024 cap charges for defensive linemen and 11th overall for defensive players. An extension would lessen Heyward’s cap hit in the immediate future, but with recent draft investments like Keeanu Benton, DeMarvin Leal and Logan Lee in place alongside veterans Larry Ogunjobi and Dean Lowry, Pittsburgh could be hesitant to make another multi-year commitment. Heyward ruled out the Browns as a potential 2025 free agent destination, but he is open to playing elsewhere if no new agreement is reached.
To little surprise, given the age difference between the players, Dulac adds that Freiermuth is likelier than Heyward to work out a deal in the coming days. The 25-year-old had an impressive start to his career, recording back-to-back 60-catch seasons. Freiermuth scored nine touchdowns during that time, leading to high expectations for the 2023 campaign. He was limited to 12 games last year, though, and only managed a 32-308-2 statline.
Nevertheless, Freiermuth is known to be on Pittsburgh’s extension radar. The Penn State alum is entering the final year of his rookie contract as things stand, putting him in line to collect $1.48MM. A long-term deal will of course check in at a much higher price, especially if the Steelers remain confident Freiermuth can perform at the level he did in 2021 and ’22. 11 tight ends are currently attached to an AAV of $10MM or more, and Freiermuth could join that group or at least take a step toward it on a second Pittsburgh contract.
The Steelers have George Pickens in place as their top receiver, but in the wake of not landing Brandon Aiyuk via trade questions have been raised about their depth at the position. Regardless of how Pittsburgh’s other wideouts perform, Freiermuth could handle a large offensive role while working under offensive coordinator Arthur Smith – someone whose scheme is known to be tight end-friendly. As the countdown to Week 1 continues, the status of both Heyward and Freiermuth will be worth monitoring.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/1/24
Sunday saw only one team make any practice squad moves:
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: WR Griffin Hebert, TE Kevin Foelsch
Hebert, 25, first joined the Eagles’ taxi squad last December. He did not see any game time but remained with the organization on a futures contract. Philadelphia waived him in April before bringing him back into the fold in time for training camp. Hebert was among the team’s final roster cuts, but he will stay in place by once again taking a practice squad deal.
5 Key Stories: 8/25/24 – 9/1/24
With the calendar having flipped to September, the regular season has nearly arrived. The past seven days saw plenty of roster movement with roster cutdowns taking place, along with a number of developments with respect to contract situations being resolved before Week 1. In case you missed any of this week’s top stories, here is a quick recap:
- Lamb Signs Cowboys Extension: CeeDee Lamb held out of Cowboys training camp while negotiations on an extension took place. Dallas’ offers increased incrementally over time, and the sides ultimately reached agreement on a four-year deal. Lamb is now on the books through 2028 and he is attached to an AAV of $34MM, the second-highest mark for receivers. The All-Pro had a career year in 2023, delivering the most productive season from a Cowboys wideout in franchise history. That (coupled with the surging WR market) helped his bargaining power and produced a deal meeting his targeted terms. Dallas typically prefers longer extensions with in-house stars, but Lamb’s camp managed to secure favorable conditions regarding length and annual compensation (along with $100MM guaranteed), not moving off the $34MM mark during talks. Work still needs to be done on the Dak Prescott and Micah Parsons fronts, but the Cowboys have one major extension taken care of.
- Aiyuk Saga Ends With 49ers Extension: Not long after the Lamb deal was signed, Brandon Aiyuk and the 49ers worked out the league’s next big-ticket receiver deal. The long-running saga concerning Aiyuk’s future ended with an extension averaging $30MM per season and including $76MM in total guarantees being worked out. A trade with the Steelers never came to pass, although recent signs pointed to that outcome being less likely than a San Francisco resolution. The Broncos’ denial of an offer which would have seen Courtland Sutton head to the Bay Area after an Aiyuk-to-Pittsburgh trade offers another layer of intrigue to a scenario which nevertheless produced the expected outcome. While Aiyuk is in place long term, the 49ers’ receiving corps received a considerable scare when first-round rookie Ricky Pearsall suffered a gunshot wound to the chest as the victim of an attempted robbery on Saturday. Pearsall, fortunately, has since been discharged from hospital.
- Dolphins Extend McDaniel: After two seasons at the helm of the Dolphins, Mike McDaniel landed an extension which will keep him in his head coaching post through 2028. The 41-year-old took over Miami’s staff in 2022 amidst high expectations based on his reputation as one of the league’s top up-and-coming offensive minds. He has helped quarterback Tua Tagovailoa develop, and the former first-rounder’s performance when heathy helped him earn the NFL’s fourth-most lucrative extension in terms of AAV this offseason. McDaniel’s Dolphins reached the playoffs in each of his two seasons on the sideline, bowing out in the wild-card round both times. Improvement in that regard will be targeted moving forward, but the team has made an early long-term investment banking on the chances of that taking place.
- Rams Deal Jones To Titans: Linebacker Ernest Jones served as a key contributor on the Rams’ defense over the past two years in particular. His production made him a logical extension candidate, but it became increasingly clear during a matter of days that no long-term deal would come from Los Angeles and that, as such, a trade could be worked out. The team spoke with interested suitors not long before a deal was worked out sending the 24-year-old to the Titans. The Rams attached a sixth-round pick to the trade, one which will see them receive a fifth-round selection in return. Jones – whose trade value was compromised by the fact he is a pending free agent – will step into a first-team role in Tennessee as he looks to duplicate his 2023 production. The South Carolina alum racked up 145 tackles and 4.5 sacks last year, both career highs. Another strong campaign could set him up for a lucrative deal next spring unless a Titans extension is worked out before that point.
- Wilson Tapped As Steelers’ Starter: Once Russell Wilson arrived in Pittsburgh, he was the favorite for the QB1 gig. Trade acquisition Justin Fields worked with the first-team offense for much of training camp while Wilson was injured, though, and the former Bears first-rounder had support in the building to earn the starter’s role. Instead, it will be Wilson, 35, atop the depth chart to begin the campaign. The former Seahawks Super Bowl winner’s time in Denver did not go according to plan, and as a pending free agent he has plenty to prove on his third career team. Fields is also on track to hit the open market next spring, so his performance (if he sees any game action) will be worth watching closely as well. Pittsburgh’s QB situation is unsettled beyond 2024, but for the time being the team will lean on its most experienced option under center.
Packers QB Malik Willis Did Not Anticipate Titans Trade
The Packers and Titans both exited the preseason with questions about their quarterback depth charts. Green Bay ended up cutting both Sean Clifford and Michael Pratt ahead of Tuesday’s deadline, creating the need for a new Jordan Love backup.
The team had previously filled that vacancy by trading for Malik Willis. The 2022 third-rounder was sent to the Packers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round selection. After the Titans kept free agent pickup Mason Rudolph in the backup role throughout training camp, signs pointed to the veteran earning the QB2 gig. The Willis trade confirmed as much, although he was caught off guard by the deal. 
“I didn’t wake up thinking I was going to be traded,” Willis said (via ESPN’s Rob Demovsky). “So it definitely caught me by surprise. More than anything, you just take it [for] what it is. Quick turnaround, and the season’s starting. There’s no more lounging around and kinda getting ready for the season. This is what it is.”
Indeed, the 25-year-old now faces the challenge of learning Matt LaFleur‘s offense after spending the spring and summer acclimating to new Titans head coach Brian Callahan‘s scheme. If Willis is used in the backup role, he will be counted on to step in for Love if/when needed despite having recently arrived with the team. Green Bay did bring Clifford back on practice squad deal, though, meaning the Penn State product will be an option early in the season in particular over Willis.
Neither Clifford (selected in the fifth round of last year’s draft) nor Pratt (a seventh-round rookie) had a strong showing during training camp and the preseason. The latter passed through waivers without being claimed, meaning he is now a free agent. It will be interesting to see if Pratt finds an opportunity relatively soon, but in any case, the Packers are set to move forward with Willis in a notable role. The Liberty alum made only 11 appearances and three starts during his Tennessee tenure, scoring one (rushing) touchdown while throwing three interceptions. Green Bay will represent a fresh start, however.
“I think certainly there were some underwhelming performances at times,” GM Brian Gutekunst confirmed of Clifford and Pratt. “But at the same time, Malik is a guy that certainly, he’s in his third year and he really has shown a lot of progression, particularly this preseason… I’m excited to get him, get him in the building and see where that goes.”
Two years remain on Willis’ rookie contract, giving him time to cement himself as a part of Green Bay’s long-term planning at the QB spot. Cost-effective backups will be important considering Love’s $55MM-per-season extension signed this offseason. Love will be expected to deliver as a franchise passer, but Willis is now positioned to improve on his Tennessee stint in a new environment he did not see himself entering.
Panthers Seeking Edge Rush Addition
The Panthers’ initial roster is essentially set in advance of Week 1, but depth moves could still be forthcoming. An addition along the edge in particular would not come as a surprise. 
[RELATED: Panthers Add Lonnie Johnson, Claim Three CBs]
In advance of the roster cutdown deadline, Carolina placed D.J. Wonnum and Amare Barno on the reserve/PUP list. That move guaranteed both pass rushers will miss at least the first four weeks of the season, leaving the team thin on the edge. Wonnum was added in free agency and is a veteran of 31 starts dating back to his Vikings tenure. Barno has logged signficant special teams snaps during his two years in the league, but he handled a rotational defensive role last season.
With both Wonnum and Barno on the mend, the Panthers’ depth chart currently consists of Jadeveon Clowney, DJ Johnson, Eku Leota and K’Lavon Chaisson at the outside linebacker spot. Head coach Dave Canales said, via Joe Person of The Athletic, that Barno will likely be sidelined longer than the one-month minimum (subscription required). As a result, Carolina – a team which also has Tarron Jackson on the practice squad – is a prime candidate to make at least a depth addition capable of chipping in at the start of the season.
Indeed, general manager Dan Morgan confirmed (via Person) a move at the outside linebacker position is being looked into. Clowney joined the team on a two-year free agent deal, one which could provide him with a degree of stability in his career. The former No. 1 pick had a strong one-and-done campaign with the Ravens last season, matching his career best with 9.5 sacks. Since Brian Burns is no longer in the fold, production off the edge will be a key storyline for Carolina in 2024 with Clowney leading the way.
The Panthers (who, Morgan noted, do not have a firm timeline in place on Wonnum’s recovery timeline) currently sit at the bottom of the league in terms of cap space. Moves aimed at adding flexibility will be needed in the coming days to achieve cap compliance. A restructure or two should therefore be expected, but acquisition of an edge rusher should be as well. The likes of Yannick Ngakoue, Romeo Okwara and Shaq Lawson are on the open market.
49ers WR Ricky Pearsall Suffers Gunshot Wound
SEPTEMBER 1, 1:34pm: More good news is coming from the Pearsall situation. Staff at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital have upgraded rookie wide receiver to fair condition, NBC Sports Bay Area’s Matt Maiocco reports.
12:28pm: Pearsall’s mother, Erin Pearsall, provided an encouraging update on Facebook this morning (via Eric Branch of the San Francisco Chronicle). Per Erin Pearsall, the bullet entered Ricky’s chest and exited through his back without hitting any vital organs. She added that her son is in good spirits.
Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area noted that the team had its traditional party to celebrate the 53-man roster at head coach Kyle Shanahan‘s house last night, which obviously suggests the club is optimistic about a full recovery for the first-round wideout.
AUGUST 31, 10:00pm: A statement from the 49ers confirms Pearsall’s injury was indeed to the chest. He remains in serious but stable condition.
8:30pm: Pearsall suffered a through and through injury to his arm, Cunningham’s colleague Kirsten Moran-Kellar clarifies in an update. It was the suspect who appears to have been shot in the chest. Pearsall has already spoken with police about the incident, and further developments on his condition will be provided as they become available.
7:02pm: Rookie 49ers receiver Ricky Pearsall was shot during an attempted robbery on Saturday. The incident took place in San Francisco’s Union Square, as first reported by Dion Lim of KGO-TV. 
Providing further details on the matter, NBC Bay Area’s Gia Vang adds that Pearsall is in stable condition. Local law enforcement has stated the suspect, a 17-year-old male, is in custody. As further information on the incident emerges, the fact Pearsall is stable and receiving treatment is of course an encouraging sign.
A statement from the San Francisco Police Department notes that Pearsall, 23, was shot in the chest while on his way to a signing event. A struggle for the gun took place, and both he and the suspect were shot (h/t Sean Cunningham of Fox40). In addition to Pearsall, the suspect is in the hospital in stable condition.
Pearsall began his college career at Arizona State, spending three years there and showing promise during the 2021 campaign in particular. He transferred to Florida and played two seasons with the Gators, taking a step forward in terms of production both years. After averaging 20 yards per reception in 2022, Pearsall posted career highs in catches (65) and yards (965) last year.
That helped him confirm his status as one of the top receivers in a deep 2024 draft class. Pearsall was selected with the No. 31 pick, adding him to a 49ers receiver room which has been at the heart of considerable speculation during the offseason. San Francisco entertained trade offers for both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel, but neither were dealt. Aiyuk’s drawn-out efforts to land an extension came to a conclusion earlier this week, while Samuel is under contract for two more years.
Samuel has added another positive update on Pearsall’s condition. The latter dealt with hamstring and shoulder injuries during his first NFL offseason, and he was limited in training camp. Pearsall was also sidelined for the entire preseason after dealing with multiple shoulder subluxations during the summer. That same ailment occurred during his college career, but it did not result in missed time. Needless to say, this injury will have Pearsall sidelined for a stretch.