Jayden Daniels Named Commanders’ Starting QB
To little surprise, Jayden Daniels will begin his career atop the quarterback depth chart. Commanders head coach Dan Quinn confirmed on Monday the second overall pick will serve as the team’s starter for Week 1. 
Washington added veteran Marcus Mariota in free agency as an experienced option capable of serving as a bridge starter if needed. Once Daniels’ name was called on Day 1 of the draft, though, it was clear he would take on first-team duties sooner rather than later. A June report noted Daniels was the favorite to get the nod ahead of training camp and the preseason.
This summer, the Arizona State and LSU product has impressed Quinn and the coaching staff (while splitting starting practice reps with Mariota). After a strong outing against the Dolphins this weekend, a commitment has been made with plenty of time remaining before Daniels’ rookie season kicks off. His ability to translate last season’s success to the NFL level will be a central storyline for the Commanders in 2024 and beyond as they aim to rebuild around his dual-threat skillset.
Daniels transferred to the Tigers ahead of the 2022 campaign, one in which he saw notable development in his completion percentage while adding a strong touchdown-to-interception ratio. He took another step forward this past season, posting 3,812 yards at a 72.2% accuracy rate, 40 touchdowns and four interceptions. He added 1,134 yards and 10 scores on the ground.
Those figures won him the Heisman Trophy and confirmed his status as one of the top signal-callers in the 2024 class. Caleb Williams only took one visit – with the Bears – during the pre-draft process, confirming well in advance he would be headed to Chicago. That left the Commanders with a decision to make between Daniels and Drake Maye as a quarterback of the future. Their decision to select the 23-year-old will be tested right away in 2024.
With Quinn and a new staff (including offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury) in place, along with Adam Peters now serving as general manager to lead a revamped front office, improvement in Year 2 of Josh Harris‘ ownership tenure will be expected for Washington. A bevy of free agent signings will play roles in determining the team’s success on that front, but so too will many members of the 2024 draft class. Daniels heads that group, and he will be entrusted with handling first-team responsibilities right away.
Matt Judon Not Seeking Falcons Extension
As a pending free agent attached to a below-market contract, Matt Judon‘s financial situation was a point of contention this offseason. His trade from the Patriots to the Falcons paved the way for a change of scenery, but it does not appear it will be accompanied by a new deal. 
Judon is due $7.5MM in 2024, including a $6.5MM base salary which will lock in just before Week 1. He publicly stated he sees his value on a multi-year deal as being much closer to the top of the edge rush market, although his 2023 biceps injury limits his leverage in seeking a raise. Falcons head coach Raheem Morris said in the wake of the trade the team was comfortable in not pursing an extension agreement, and the four-time Pro Bowler is on board with that approach.
“The Falcons know nothing about me as a football player or as a man,” Judon said when speaking to the media on Monday (via ESPN’s Marc Raimondi). “They know my previous resume. I can’t really demand or ask for anything I haven’t worked for. I’m gonna work for it.”
The 32-year-old did not receive a new financial commitment from the Patriots – something which was the case for a slew of other New England players this offseason. That resulted in brief missed time at training camp before a return to practice and an increase in trade interest from outside teams. The Bears joined the Falcons in offering a third-round pick, and a Sunday report indicated Judon was given the choice between the two teams.
The former fifth-rounder declined to offer a firm comment on that subject during his media availability, but in any event he will be counted on to provide high-end production with the Falcons. Judon racked up 32 sacks in 33 Patriots games, and a strong (not to mention healthy) campaign in Atlanta will help his market value. It seems his next contract will have to wait until after his debut Falcons season, though.
Cardinals Release OL Dennis Daley
The Cardinals added Dennis Daley on a two-year deal last offseason, but after an injury-shortened campaign he will be on the move. Arizona is expected to release the veteran offensive lineman, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports. Head coach Jonathan Gannon has since confirmed the move. 
Daley spent his first three seasons with the Panthers, logging 21 starts across 34 appearances. The 28-year-old saw time at left tackle in addition to both guard spots during that span before being traded to the Titans in 2022. That move was seen as a depth acquisition on Tennessee’s part, but Daley wound up logging a notable workload.
While filling in for the injured Taylor Lewan, the former sixth-rounder made 15 starts on the blindside. That season did not result in a strong PFF evaluation, but Daley still managed to land a two-year contract in free agency from former Titans exec Monti Ossenfort in his first offseason as GM of the Cardinals. He survived roster cuts upon arrival in Arizona, but he was placed on IR to begin the campaign. Once healthy, the South Carolina product made three appearances and one start for the Cardinals.
Arizona moved on from D.J. Humphries this offseason, one in which Jonah Williams was added on the open market. The latter will man the right tackle spot, allowing 2023 sixth overall pick Paris Johnson Jr. to move to the blindside. Daley could have served as a backup option at both spots, and his guard experience could have helped him land a roster spot with a depth role in mind.
Instead, he will hit free agency deep into the summer. Daley may manage to catch on with a new team relatively quickly given his experience, but he will likely need to wait until roster cutdowns at the end of the month to draw interest as teams sort out their offensive line depth. This release will create $1.6MM in cap space while incurring a dead cap charge of $175K.
Texans, S Jimmie Ward Agree To Extension
Jimmie Ward is set to remain in Houston beyond the coming campaign. The veteran safety has a one-year extension in place, as first reported by ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime. 
Ward will now be under contract through the 2025 season. The 33-year-old made his Texans debut last season, the first of DeMeco Ryans’ tenure as head coach. Now, the pair will continue their relationship in Houston after several years together in San Francisco.
Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 details this agreement will include up to $5.25MM in new money. Ward’s guaranteed compensation across the 2024 and ’25 seasons now sits at $8.75MM.
Since entering the league in 2014, Ward has been a mainstay on defense. His nine-year 49ers tenure included 79 starts in 116 appearances. The former first-rounder struggled with injuries in 2022, a year which he figured would be his final one in the Bay Area. Ryans invited him to sign with whichever team hired him as head coach, though, and that came to fruition in Houston. Team and player agreed to a two-year, $13MM pact and – after seeing some time in the slot – Ward returned to safety upon arrival with the Texans.
The Northern Illinois product was limited to 10 games last season, but when on the field he served as a starter. Ward logged a 73% defensive snap share, a figure short of his usage during many of his 49er years but a step up from the 2022 campaign. He recorded one interception and three pass deflections while not allowing a touchdown as the nearest defender in coverage. That level of play has earned him another short-term commitment.
Ward will continue handling a starter’s workload in a safety room which also includes fellow veteran Eric Murray in addition to third-round rookie Calen Bullock. 2022 second-rounder Jalen Pitre has previously played at safety, but Houston is using him at slot corner this offseason. Regardless of how that move works out, Ward will continue to be counted on for at least the next two years.
Cowboys Sign DE Carl Lawson
AUGUST 19: Lawson’s pact has a base value of $1.13MM, but incentives can increase that total, as detailed by ESPN’s Todd Archer. Reaching each of the five- or seven-sack thresholds would yield $125K in additional compensation; the same amount is available for logging a 55% or 65% defensive snap share. Hitting all of those marks in addition to the Cowboys reaching the playoffs would result in another $500K for Lawson.
AUGUST 15: Carl Lawson has been busy recently with respect to free agent visits, and one of his workouts has led to a deal. The veteran edge rusher is signing with the Cowboys, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
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Lawson has long remained one of the top edge rush options on the market following the end of his Jets tenure. The 29-year-old was one of four pass rushers the Cowboys hosted earlier this month, although no deal was immediately worked out. Both Al-Quadin Muhammad and Shaka Toney landed Dallas deals in the aftermath of their visits, but the latter was waived/injured yesterday.
In the wake of that development, the Cowboys have circled back to Lawson. The former Bengals fourth-rounder racked up 20 sacks in four seasons with Cincinnati, and he joined the Jets in 2021 with major expectations. An Achilles tear kept him sidelined for the entire season, but he returned to action the following year. Lawson recorded seven sacks in his debut Jets campaign. In 2023, however, things took a notably different turn.
The Auburn alum only suited up for six games last season, and he was held without a sack or QB hit. It thus came as little surprise Lawson endured a lengthy spell on the open market after his April visit with the Dolphins. More recently, he worked out with the Panthers and Cardinals in addition to auditioning for the Cowboys. Looking for depth on the edge, Dallas will add Lawson for the rest of training camp on a deal which will be worth far less than the three-year, $15MM one he previously landed with the Jets.
Dallas is set atop the depth chart with Micah Parsons and DeMarcus Lawrence. Muhammad and second-round rookie Marshawn Kneeland are set to handle rotational roles in the wake of Sam Williams‘ ACL tear. Lawson will now spend the coming weeks looking to carve out a role as part of that group ahead of roster cutdowns. A return to regular usage could set up an earlier free agent deal being worked out next offseason.
Latest On Titans’ Backup QB Competition
With two preseason games in the books, the Titans have been able to evaluate players at a number of positions which feature ongoing roster competitions. In the case of the backup quarterback gig, though, more time will be needed before a final call is made. 
Will Levis sits atop the depth chart, and his ability to develop under rookie head coach Brian Callahan will be a key storyline for Tennessee this season. Mason Rudolph and Malik Willis continue to vie for the QB2 role, and through the first preseason contest the former had impressed to the point the latter struggled to get reps with the second-team offense. Even though they both played against the Seahawks, no firm decision will be made over the comings days.
“We’ll let this thing play out another week,” Callahan said (via the team’s website). “This time next week we’ll be able to make a decision and determination on who the 2 will be, and what happens with the third spot, if we keep three or practice squad three, or we just go with two.”
Even if Rudolph cements his status as the preferred option to Willis, a decision will need to be made on keeping the Liberty product on the 53-man roster or exposing him to waivers later this month. Indications in June pointed to Tennessee being willing to carry three signal-callers on the roster, but Callahan and Co. could opt for a different route when a final decision is made.
Rudolph signed a one-year deal in free agency; all but $100K of his $2.8MM in compensation is guaranteed. The former Steeler has 13 regular season starts to his name, along with last year’s wild-card contest. The 29-year-old took over from an injured Kenny Pickett and remained atop the depth chart once he was healthy, but Pittsburgh cleaned house under center this offseason.
Willis, 25, was a member of the underwhelming 2022 QB class, and he has not developed as a passer to date. The former third-rounder made three starts as a rookie but he was limited to just five pass attempts last season while spending time behind both Levis and Ryan Tannehill on the depth chart. Waiving Willis would create $466K in dead money charges, making that move more financially feasible than a Rudolph release.
Callahan added the Titans’ starters will get limited reps during their preseason finale, but both Rudolph and Willis will also see action in that game. Only after that contest will a final call be made regarding which passer earns the backup role and whether or not both will be retained on the 53-man roster.
Cowboys Interested In Further DL Additions?
The Cowboys added to their defensive line last week by pulling off an intra-divisional trade with the Giants for Jordan Phillips. The veteran needs to make at least two regular season appearances with Dallas for Day 3 picks to be exchanged. 
Phillips will spend the coming weeks attempting to make the Cowboys’ 53-man roster. That effort included suiting up for Dallas’ preseason contest against the Raiders, and he will likely see time during the exhibition finale as well. Prior to the Vegas matchup, though, owner Jerry Jones suggested further DL moves could be made in the near future.
“Sometimes in the interior line, you get a chance to do some things with other clubs right at the end of training camp,” Jones said during an appearance on 105.3 The Fan (h/t Jon Machota of The Athletic). “What you’re seeing right now is important. It’s important to see these guys take reps. But tonight won’t be the final pieces to the puzzle.”
Dallas lost Johnathan Hankins and Neville Gallimore in free agency while adding Albert Huggins to the mix. The latter joins Phillips in attempting to find a regular role on defense alongside the likes of Chauncey Golston, Osa Odighizuwa and Mazi Smith. A 2023 first-rounder, Smith did not have the rookie campaign he or the Cowboys expected. The Michigan alum will look to take a needed step forward in 2024 while potentially logging a larger workload than he did last year (28% defensive snap share).
Roster cutdowns will leave plenty of D-line options available on the waiver wire, and some movement at that position (like all others) will take place shortly. In need of better play in the front seven compared to 2023, the Cowboys will apparently be a team to watch regarding further reinforcements being brought in.
QB Colt McCoy Retires
Colt McCoy is set to transition from playing to broadcasting. The veteran quarterback informed NFL Network’s Peter Schrager on Monday that he is retiring and has since announced the move. McCoy has a “high profile” position in his new line of work lined up, Schrager adds. NBC has since announced the longtime QB2 will be part of their Big Ten coverage in 2024. 
McCoy entered the league as a Browns third-rounder in 2010. He started each of his first 21 games with the team before making three appearances off the bench in 2012. The end of McCoy’s Cleveland tenure was followed by a single season in San Francisco and then a five-year run in the nation’s capital. The latter stretch consisted of seven starts and 12 total appearances.
The Texas alum spent the 2020 campaign with the Giants and made a pair of starts that year. His most recent action came with the Cardinals. Signing in Arizona in 2021, he made three starts and eight appearances. The following year, McCoy made three starts in the wake of Kyler Murray‘s ACL tear; he was positioned to handle starting duties while Murray continued to recover during the summer. Poor showings in training camp led to McCoy’s release, however, and the trade acquisition of Josh Dobbs.
Left on the open market following roster cutdowns last summer, McCoy found himself on the radar of the Patriots as they sorted out their QB depth chart. The Jets also made an inquiry after Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles tear, but no deal came about. Before Kirk Cousins was sidelined by the same ailment, the Vikings hosted McCoy on a workout. He ultimately sat out what would have been a 14th season in the league before officially making the decision to hang up his cleats.
Now 37, McCoy exits the game a veteran of 56 games and 36 starts. Even after seeing many of his multi-year deals be reworked or terminated over the course of his career, he accumulated nearly $28MM in career earnings. McCoy’s attention will now turn to broadcasting as he begins the next phase of his career.
Steelers RB Jaylen Warren Could Miss Regular Season Time
Jaylen Warren faces high expectations entering the 2024 campaign. The third-year Steelers running back may see his season debut delayed, however. 
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Warren exited Pittsburgh’s preseason game against the Bills with a hamstring injury. He faces a multi-week absence as a result, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. The 25-year-old’s availability for Week 1 is therefore in question as the Steelers prepare for the regular season with many new faces on offense.
Pittsburgh brought in Arthur Smith as offensive coordinator this offseason, and that has led to the expectation the team will rely heavily on the run game regardless of if Russell Wilson or Justin Fields is used at quarterback. Najee Harris remains in place for at least one more season, but the Steelers declined his fifth-year option in the spring. That move leaves his future beyond 2024 uncertain, although missed time from Warren could lead to an increased workload in September.
Warren was far more efficient than Harris last season (5.3 yards per carry average vs. 4.1) and he posted 370 receiving yards. The former UDFA could be in line to take on starting duties depending on how Smith divvies up the workload in the backfield, but Harris could very well still find himself in the Steelers’ long-term plans. How the team proceeds with him next offseason will of course depend on his performance this year.
The Steelers’ receiving corps is led by George Pickens, but questions have been raised about their other options at the position as things stand. The WR outlook would change dramatically if a Brandon Aiyuk trade were to take place, although it appears the likeliest outcome in his situation would be a 49ers extension. If that were to be the conclusion to the Aiyuk saga, a strong running back tandem of Warren and Harris (with kick returner Cordarrelle Patterson in place as a depth backfield option) would be key to Pittsburgh’s success on offense. Warren missing regular season time would hurt the unit, although his absence should not linger too deep into the fall based on initial indications.
Raiders Name Gardner Minshew Starting QB
After two preseason contests, a decision has been made at the quarterback spot for the Raiders. Head coach Antonio Pierce announced on Sunday that Gardner Minshew will get the nod for Week 1. 
Minshew had spent the offseason competing with Aidan O’Connell for the QB1 gig. The latter closed out the 2023 season atop the depth chart, taking over from Jimmy Garoppolo after Josh McDaniels was fired and replaced by Pierce. Raiders owner Mark Davis – who regretted not previously giving the full-time coaching position to Rich Bisaccia – tapped Pierce for the job as one of the key decisions of this offseason.
That move gave O’Connell an ally ahead of the competition which took place over the spring and much of training camp. Pierce praised the 2023 fourth-rounder, who complied a 5-5 record, 12:7 touchdown-to-interception ratio and 83.9 passer rating while at the helm last year. Upon moving on from Garoppolo, though, it was clear at least one other passer capable of competing for the starter’s role would be added. Vegas was frequently tied to moving up for a Day 1 quarterback (particularly Jayden Daniels), with Pierce appearing to be a stronger advocate of doing so than new general manager Tom Telesco.
In the end, the Raiders selected tight end Brock Bowers on the opening night of the draft, paving the way for Minshew to take hold of the top QB spot. The latter inked a two-year, $25MM deal in free agency – terms which suggested he would be counted on as a first-team option especially if no rookie was added. Minshew received $15MM guaranteed, and he has a commitment for 2025 as well with $3.16MM of his base salary for that season already locked in. Indianapolis (the team which the 28-year-old spent last season with) was interested in retaining him, but the Colts were not willing to match the financial investment made by the Raiders.
Vegas moved on from Derek Carr last offseason, paving the way for a new quarterback to handle the starter’s role for the first time since 2014. Garoppolo was unable to remain healthy for long in his debut Raiders campaign, though, and Davante Adams was among the players who was on board with the decision to bench him. As the team looks to take a needed step forward in the passing game, Adams will have another new face under center to begin 2024.
Minshew entered training camp with the competition too close to call, and Pierce made it clear he was willing to remain patient before making a final decision. It was expected that a commitment would be made official after Week 2 of the preseason, however, and that has proven to be the case. Pierce admitted (via ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez) after the team’s loss to the Cowboys that neither quarterback had demonstrably stood out over the other. He consulted with both Telesco and offensive coordinator Luke Getsy before tapping Minshew for the gig (h/t Tashan Reed of The Athletic).
To little surprise, Pierce added that the Raiders will not play their starters in their final preseason contest. Minshew will thus be a spectator for that contest while preparing for QB1 duties with his latest team. The former sixth-rounder saw his Jaguars tenure come to an end after two seasons in Jacksonville. He handled backup duties in Philadelphia during the 2021 and ’22 campaigns, working with Shane Steichen during that time. Minshew elected to join Steichen in Indianapolis last year, and Anthony Richardson‘s season-ending shoulder injury left him in place to handle starting duties for much of the season.
Minshew set a new career high in passing yards (3,305) in 2023, earning a Pro Bowl invite. His touchdown (15) and completion percentage (62.2%) figures left plenty to be desired though, and an improvement would be welcomed by the Raiders this season. With O’Connell still in place as a backup with three years remaining on his rookie contract, it will be Minshew who gets the first opportunity to lead Vegas’ offense during Pierce’s first full season at the helm.