Latest On Titans S Jamal Adams
Jamal Adams was one of many veteran safeties who was released this offseason, with his Seahawks tenure ending amidst injury issues. The former All-Pro had a lengthy stay on the free agent market before signing a one-year Titans deal. 
That pact is worth the veteran minimum, a stark contrast to Adams’ Seattle contract. It comes as little surprise, however, considering the LSU alum was limited to a single contest in 2022 and then nine games last year. Adams will aim to put together a healthy campaign this season, something which will be required for him to generate a notable market in free agency next spring.
During an appearance on The Official Titans Podcast, the 28-year-old noted that he had not healed in full by the start of the 2023 campaign as he continued rehabbing his torn quad (video link). Last season saw Adams suffer a knee injury and spend considerable time on the sidelines, but it also hindered his effectiveness when on the field. Struggles in coverage in particular were present during the closing stages of his Seahawks tenure. Questions have been raised about Adams’ NFL future, but he remains confident regarding his ability to rebound – in part due to the fact his health is now in a better place.
“I’ve always had a chip on my shoulder for a long, long time,” Adams said. “For me, it’s more so I’m not trying to prove anyone wrong, I’m more so trying to prove myself right. I’m trying to get back out there to prove myself, that I’m still that guy and I still can play. Whether anyone believes in me or not, as long as I believe in myself that’s what matters.”
By joining the Titans, Adams reunited with Dennard Wilson. Tennessee’s new defensive coordinator served as the Jets’ defensive backs coach when Adams was in New York, and that familiarity could lead to a notable role in Nashville. Needless to say, plenty will be riding on Adams’ ability to remain healthy in 2024, and his performance with his new team will be interesting to monitor.
Aaron Rodgers On Davante Adams: ‘I Can’t Wait To Play With Him Again’
Davante Adams has been with the Raiders for two seasons, but since the departure of Derek Carr his short- and long-term future has been the subject of considerable speculation. Adams has been floated as a candidate to find his way to the Jets in a reunion with Aaron Rodgers, something the latter recently alluded to. 
When asked by Vegas Sports Today about new Raiders offensive coordinator (and former Packers quarterbacks coach) Luke Getsy, Rodgers offered praise for the staffer. He followed that up, however, by saying of Adams that he “can’t wait to play with him again” (video link). That comment comes shortly after the All-Pro wideout confirmed Rodgers has frequently been in contact on the subject of joining forces in New York.
Adams, 31, attempted to shoot down further speculation on that front by reiterating his commitment to the Raiders. He was one of several core players who advocated for Vegas to retain head coach Antonio Pierce on a full-time basis, and doing so has sat well with Adams and Co. The Raiders went 5-4 under Pierce to close out 2023, and repeating that (relative) success this season would bode well for his job security as well as Adams’ desire to remain in place for years to come.
The six-time Pro Bowler is under contract through 2026, but the final two years of his contract call for sizable jumps in annual compensation ($36.25MM) and cap hits ($44.1MM). None of Adams’ base salaries for the 2025 or ’26 seasons are guaranteed, something which could fuel new questions about his Raiders tenure particularly if the team were to struggle early this fall. Both general manager Tom Telesco and owner Mark Davis have made assurances Adams remains in the team’s plans, but renewed trade interest from the Jets could be seen down the road.
New York pursued Adams (among other wideouts) leading up to the 2023 trade deadline, and further interest would come as no surprise. The Jets are believed to have had Adams on their radar since acquiring Rodgers, a logical development given their success in Green Bay. The pair spent eight seasons together with the Packers, and expectations would be high for them if a reunion ever were to take place.
A blockbuster trade sending Adams to New York does not appear to be on tap from his perspective or that of the Raiders. Considering Rodgers’ sway in the Jets’ decision-making, though, his input on the matter could keep this story alive for at least the time being.
Largest 2024 Cap Hits: Offense
The NFL’s salary cap ceiling was expected to see a large increase this offseason, but estimates proved to be on the low side. A record-setting jump resulted in a cap of $255.4MM for teams to work with.
That has resulted in new waves of spending at a few positions, with quarterbacks and receivers seeing continued growth at the top of the market. Last offseason offered a strong chance of the league seeing at least one $40MM-plus cap charge, but the Browns avoided such a scenario with a Deshaun Watson restructure. Owing to that move – and the lack of further adjustments this spring – however, Watson’s financial impact is set to grow considerably this season.
Here are the league’s top cap charges on offense leading up to training camp:
- Deshaun Watson, QB (Browns): $63.77MM
- Dak Prescott, QB (Cowboys): $55.13MM
- Matthew Stafford, QB (Rams): $49.5MM
- Kyler Murray, QB (Cardinals): $49.12MM
- Daniel Jones, QB (Giants): $47.86MM
- Patrick Mahomes, QB (Chiefs): 37.01MM
- Lamar Jackson, QB (Ravens): $32.4MM
- Trent Williams, LT (49ers): $31.57MM
- Tyreek Hill, WR (Dolphins): $31.32MM
- Josh Allen, QB (Bills): $30.36MM
- Cooper Kupp, WR (Rams): $29.78MM
- Taylor Moton, RT (Panthers): $29.75MM
- Joe Burrow, QB (Bengals): $29.55MM
- Deebo Samuel, WR (49ers): $28.63MM
- Chris Godwin, WR (Buccaneers): $27.53MM
- Jared Goff, QB (Lions): $27.21MM
- Joe Thuney, LG (Chiefs): $26.97MM
- Geno Smith, QB (Seahawks): $26.4MM
- Laremy Tunsil, LT (Texans): $25.86MM
- Davante Adams, WR (Raiders): $25.35MM
- Quenton Nelson, LG (Colts): $25.2MM
- Kirk Cousins, QB (Falcons): $25MM
- Jawaan Taylor, RT (Chiefs): $24.73MM
- D.K. Metcalf, WR (Seahawks): $24.5MM
- Christian Kirk, WR (Jaguars): $24.24MM
Watson’s figure will shatter the NFL record for the largest single-season cap charge if no adjustments are made in the coming weeks. The hits for Prescott, Murray, Stafford and Jones also would have set a new benchmark if not for the Browns passer, a sign of the QB market’s continued upward trajectory. Cleveland is set to remain in a similar situation for the next three years as Watson plays out his fully guaranteed $230MM deal. 
Prescott’s future is one of several important questions the Cowboys need to answer relatively soon. With CeeDee Lamb and Micah Parsons due for second contracts, an extension for the three-time Pro Bowler will need to take into account future commitments. While Prescott has considerable leverage (via no-tag and no-trade clauses), he joins Jones in facing an uncertain post-2024 future in the NFC East.
The latter saw the Giants make an effort to trade up for a quarterback in April and he reacted in an understandable manner. Jones’ $40MM-per-year 2023 extension remains the dominant storyline surrounding the team, and a decision on retaining him or moving on will need to be made prior to a potential out early next offseason. Murray’s performance this fall will likewise be worth watching; he has received consistent praise from head coach Jonathan Gannon, but he will aim to put together a fully healthy season following 2023’s truncated campaign.
Stafford and the Rams have a mutual desire to continue their relationship, but he is seeking guarantees beyond the 2024 campaign. The 36-year-old’s representatives have been in discussion on a resolution during the offseason, although even in the absence of one a training camp holdout is not expected. The likes of Mahomes, Jackson and Allen retain a place in the top 25, and the same will no doubt be true of Burrow for years to come.
Of the receivers listed, only Hill is known to be actively pursuing a new deal. The 30-year-old once led the receiver market with a $30MM AAV, a figure inflated by non-guaranteed money at the end of the pact. With the bar having been raised to new heights this offseason, Hill could join teammate Jaylen Waddle in securing a new payday. Since the team has a Tua Tagovailoa extension on the horizon, however, Miami could hesitate on the Hill front.
It come as little surprise that Williams tops the list for offensive linemen. The 11-time Pro Bowler has been mentioned in retirement rumors before, but playing to age 40 is now a goal. Meeting it could require future contract adjustments. Samuel’s future in the Bay Area was a talking point this offseason as the team attempts to keep Brandon Aiyuk in the fold. One of the high-profile wideouts may be playing for a new team for the first time in their career in 2025.
Elsewhere along the O-line, Moton and Taylor demonstrate the value seen at the right tackle spot in recent years. Given the developments of the guard market this offseason, though, the likes of Thuney and Nelson will have competition for spots on the list in future years. Similarly, the non-Hill wideouts could easily be surpassed in the future with a further additions set to be made (particularly by Lamb, Aiyuk and Ja’Marr Chase) at the top of the ever-increasing market.
Goff joined the $50MM-per-year club on his third NFL deal, whereas Cousins continued to add to his impressive NFL earnings by joining the Falcons. If healthy, the latter could prove to be an effective pickup for a team aiming to return to the postseason (while quieting questions about a transition to Michael Penix Jr. under center). Smith also has plenty riding on this season with a new Seahawks coaching staff in place which incrementally arrived at the decision he will serve as the starter in 2024.
Lions LB Jack Campbell Expected To See Increased Workload; Team Eyeing Hybrid Role For Derrick Barnes
The Lions made Jack Campbell the first inside linebacker to come off the board in last year’s draft. The No. 18 pick did not, however, enter his rookie season with a starting defensive role in hand. 
Veteran Alex Anzalone enjoyed a career year in 2023, racking up 129 tackles and three sacks. Derrick Barnes, meanwhile, saw time at inside linebacker but also on the outside. Campbell had a notable role in the group with a 59% defensive snap share, but a larger workload should be coming his way in 2024.
The 23-year-old is expected to take on a Day 1 starting spot this season, as noted by team reporter Tim Twentyman. Campbell wound up making 12 starts in the regular season (along with two more during the Lions’ run to the NFC title game), but a full-time spot alongside Anzalone would represent an uptick in usage. He amassed 95 tackles and a pair of sacks as a rookie, although his play in pass coverage leaves plenty of room for improvement.
Campbell allowed a completion on 25 of 31 targets last season, surrendering a passer rating of 128.2 and a pair of touchdowns as the nearest defender. Developing in that regard would allow the Iowa product to earn further trust from Detroit’s coaching staff. The likes of Jalen Reeves-Maybin and Malcolm Rodriguez are also still in the fold for Detroit, though, and they could take on third-down responsibilities in Campbell’s place if need be.
Twentyman also notes Barnes saw reps at both inside and outside linebacker this spring, meaning he could continue to be used in a variety of ways moving forward. The 2021 fourth-rounder saw time in a rotational capacity during his first two seasons, but in 2023 he logged a 68% snap share. Barnes translated that into 81 tackles and eight pressures, and Campbell settling into an every-down role on the inside could allow him to further expand his versatility.
The Lions ranked second against the run last season, and with considerable continuity in the linebacking core a repeat of that showing should be expected in 2024. Campbell and Barnes are each positioned to play a notable role in that effort, and their showings during training camp will be worth watching closely.
Patriots, LB Jahlani Tavai Agree To Extension
JULY 12: Further details on the Tavai deal are in, courtesy of KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson. The extension carries a base value of $17.88MM (a slightly higher figure than first reported) and includes $9MM guaranteed. The latter figure results from a $5.78MM signing bonus and fully guaranteed salaries for the 2024 and ’25 seasons.
Tavai’s cap figures range between $3.45MM and $5.44MM over the course of the deal, so keeping him in the fold for the foreseeable future should be feasible from the team’s perspective. He can earn per game roster bonuses topping out at $500K this season and $750K annually from 2025-27 to help reach the maximum value of $21MM.
JULY 2: Continuing an offseason trend of keeping in-house players on the books for years to come, the Patriots are set to retain Jahlani Tavai for the foreseeable future. The veteran linebacker has reached agreement on a three-year extension, ESPN’s Mike Reiss and Adam Schefter report. 
This agreement contains a base value of $15MM, but the pair add it can reach a maximum of $21MM. Tavai was set to enter a walk year following the conclusion of his most recent Pats extension, but now he will be on the books through 2027. The 27-year-old has been in New England for the past three seasons, and he has emerged as a key figure on the team’s defense.
Tavai began his career with the Lions, spending a pair of seasons in the Motor City. The former second-rounder’s debut Patriots campaign saw him make 13 appearances without any starts following his Detroit release. In the two years since then, however, he has seen defensive snap shares of 50% and 76%. Tavai is set to continue as a first-team contributor for years to come at the second level of the team’s defense.
The Hawaii alum was due $1.88MM in 2024, but none of his base salary was guaranteed. This new deal represents a notable raise and a sign of confidence from Eliot Wolf and Co. that Tavai will continue to produce. He posted a career-high 69 tackles in 2022 before upping that figure to 110 last season. Over the past two years, Tavai has added a pair of interceptions, 2.5 sacks and two forced fumbles. Remaining a consistent performer over the life of this pact could prove to make this a solid investment from the team’s perspective.
New England has been busy in 2024 with respect to retaining and extending returning players, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. The likes of defensive tackle Christian Barmore and safety Kyle Dugger agreed to big-ticket pacts during the spring. In the linebacking core, Josh Uche and Anfernee Jennings both worked out deals of their own. The Patriots – a team which ranked seventh in total defense last season – will thus have plenty of familiar faces in place for 2024.
Armed with over $44MM in cap space entering Tuesday, absorbing a deal such as this will not be a problem for New England from a financial standpoint. Tavai was due to count $3.16MM against the cap in 2024, and that figure could change once this pact is official. Regardless of if that is the case, though, he will be a central member of the Patriots’ defensive plan for several more years.
Eagles CB Darius Slay Addresses Playing Future
The Eagles made a number of cornerback additions this offseason, highlighted by the selections of Quinyon Mitchell and Cooper DeJean in the first two rounds of the draft. The team still has James Bradberry and Darius Slay in the mix, although those veterans are no doubt closer to the end of their careers than the beginning. 
In the latter’s case, two years remain on his deal. Slay’s Philadelphia future came into question last offseason when the team appeared to be prepared to release him. An extension was worked out, though, and the 33-year-old is now set to continue as a starting perimeter corner on an Eagles defense which struggled down the stretch in 2023. Slay is aware, however, that his time in the NFL is nearing an end.
“Ahh s—. Not too many,” he said when asked about about more years he intends to play (via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia). “I’m not going to just keep playing. I’m going to let these young guys eat. That’s what I’m here for, to make sure these guys get there. And when my time is up, It’s up. I’m ready to be a full-time daddy and stuff.”
Slay has been a full-time starter throughout his four-year Eagles tenure. That could remain the case in 2024 with Bradberry facing the possibility of transitioning to safety in the waning stages of his career. Mitchell, DeJean and free agent addition Isaiah Rodgers are among the contenders for notable defensive playing time this season. Given their collective lack of experience at the pro level, Slay is a natural fit in a mentorship role.
The former Lion has earned a Pro Bowl nod in each of the past three seasons, collecting eight interceptions during that span. Slay will be counted on to remain a productive member of the Eagles’ defense – a unit now led by Vic Fangio – for at least the coming campaign. He could stay in the fold for 2025 (a year in which he is scheduled to receive $16MM) but beyond that questions will linger about his playing future. Considering his remarks, Slay should not be expected to target a deal allowing his NFL tenure to continue deep into the 2020s.
49ers FB Kyle Juszczyk Did Not Anticipate Pay Cut
Part of the 49ers’ offseason cap management included pay cut requests with players such as defensive tackle Arik Armstead and fullback Kyle Juszczyk. The former ended up declining and signing with the Jaguars in free agency, while the latter agreed to a restructured deal. 
When addressing this spring’s developments, Juszczyk made it clear he did not foresee the team asking him to reduce his 2024 pay. San Francisco has, of course, had a number of contract matters to deal with during the offseason, chief among them an extension agreement with wideout Brandon Aiyuk. Plenty of progress needs to be made on that front as the team aims to also keep fellow receiver Deebo Samuel, tight end George Kittle (who also reworked his pact), recently-extended running back Christian McCaffrey and quarterback Brock Purdy in the fold for as long as possible.
“Honestly, it hurt when [general manager] John [Lynch] came to me and asked,” Juszczyk said about the pay cut request (via Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area). “I wasn’t necessarily expecting it. It kind of hurts your ego and hurts your heart a little bit. I understand that it’s a business, but I do feel like I’m as valuable as what I was expected to get paid.”
Juszczyk, 33, received $4MM in new guarantees as a result of the arrangement worked out with the 49ers. He is on the books for two more years, and his overall AAV sits at $4.55MM. That figure is the highest in the NFL amongst fullbacks, something which Juszczyk insisted remained the case during contract talks.
“Quite honestly, that was important to me,” the Harvard alum added. “That was something that went into negotiations: ‘All right, we can figure this out and take a cut, but I still need to be the highest paid.’ No knocks on other fullbacks in the league, but I’m the best fullback in the league.”
Juszczyk spent his first four seasons with the Ravens, and he earned a Pro Bowl nod in his final Baltimore campaign. That 2016 honor has been repeated for each of his seven San Francisco years, and in 2023 he added first-team All-Pro acclaim to his resume. The former fourth-rounder has not surpassed 354 scrimmage yards in a season, but his success as a blocker has helped lead to sustained recognition as the standard at his position around the NFL. That will be accompanied by a positive outlook heading into 2024
“I still love John and [head coach] Kyle [Shanahan] – still have great relationships with them,” Juszczyk said. “I think this is the best team in the league, and I think we have the best chance to win a Super Bowl. So this is where I wanted to be… So we got it done, and I’m back with the Niners, and so I am happy.”
Dave Canales Confirms Panthers Prioritized Run Game Improvements In 2024
Bryce Young‘s rookie season did not go as planned, and the Panthers’ offense struggled mightily in 2023. Dave Canales was brought in as head coach this offseason, and his track record with respect to developing quarterbacks will lead to optimism Young can improve moving forward. 
While Carolina has made a number of moves at the receiver position this offseason, plenty of emphasis was also placed on upgrading the ground game. The Panthers made a pair of lucrative offensive line additions, adding guards Robert Hunt (five years, $100MM) and Damien Lewis (four years, $53MM) in free agency. Despite still having Miles Sanders and Chuba Hubbard in the backfield, a number of other options are now in the fold as well.
The Panthers signed Rashaad Penny not long after the draft, during which they made Jonathon Brooks the first running back to hear his name called. The latter was acquired via a trade up the board aimed at preventing the Giants from landing him, a testament to how highly he was valued by Carolina. Brooks could take on a large role during his rookie year, one in which the run game will be a central element of the Panthers’ overall offense.
“That’s what this draft and this offseason was all about,” Canales confirmed during an appearance on The Season with Peter Schrager (video link). “I feel confident that we’ll be able to have a successful run game, which, for me, opens everything else up. It helps third down, it helps move the ball and give you more opportunities.”
The Panthers ranked 20th in rushing last season, one in which Sanders fell well short of expectations after signing a four-year, $25.4MM pact on the open market. Carolina finished dead last in passing and total offense, though, so a step forward from Young and the team’s revamped skill position group will be needed as Canales takes the reins. The rookie head coach oversaw Tampa Bay’s offense last season, a unit which outperformed expectations through the air but finished last in rushing production.
A strong ground game would help ease the burden on Young as he enters an important Year 2 in the NFL. It would also provide Canales an offensive element he did not have with the Buccaneers in 2023 and as such a means of delivering much-needed improvements on that side of the ball with Carolina. The degree to which this spring’s efforts translate to success in 2024 will go a long way in determining the Panthers’ offensive progress.
Titans, S Jamal Adams Agree To Deal
JULY 12: Per Ari Meirov of the 33rd Team, Adams’ deal is one year in length and it qualifies for the veteran salary benefit. After being attached to a Seahawks deal worth $17.5MM per year prior to his release, Adams will therefore earn $1.13MM in 2024.
JULY 11: One of the many veteran safeties still on the market has found a new home. Jamal Adams has an agreement in place with the Titans, ESPN’s Turron Davenport notes. The move is now official, per a team announcement. Adams’ agent confirmed (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter) that this is a one-year accord. 
Tennessee was known to be interested in making an addition at the safety spot earlier this offseason. The team had not been publicly connected to any of the available options at the position recently, however. Nevertheless, Adams will provide the Titans with an experienced secondary option as he aims to deliver a healthy campaign and restore his free agent value in the process.
Adams recently visited the Titans, the team announced Thursday. That summit quickly produced this agreement, one which will thin the safety market to a degree once training camps open around the league later this month. The 28-year-old was (alongside Quandre Diggs) let go by the Seahawks in a cost-shedding move earlier this offseason. Adams remained in contact with Seattle after the draft, but instead of re-joining the team on a less expensive pact he will return to the AFC in 2024.
Interestingly, a potential Seattle reunion was contemplated (on the team’s side) with the understanding Adams would play at linebacker rather than safety. The former Jets first-rounder has played exclusively on the backend during his career, one which has been marred by injuries during recent times in particular. Adams’ mobility will be a question mark in Tennessee entering 2024 after he was limited to just 10 games over the past two seasons.
The Ravens hosted Adams on a free agent visit in May, but no updates on his market had emerged since then. The 2024 offseason saw a number of accomplished safeties let go in cost-shedding moves this spring, and the depth of available contributors has hindered the position’s overall market. It will be interesting to see if Adams’ signing will spur further action amidst the veterans looking to land with a new team ahead of training camp or at least the beginning of the season.
The three-time Pro Bowler has started all 80 games in his career, but he has failed to replicate his pass-rushing success (9.5 sacks) demonstrated in his debut Seahawks campaign of 2020. Tennessee – a team which traded away mainstay Kevin Byard midway through the 2023 season – had yet to make a free agent signing prior to today’s Adams agreement. With seventh-rounder James Williams being the Titans’ only safety draft addition, Adams could carve out a notable role in Nashville.
As Davenport notes, this agreement will allow Adams to reunite with Dennard Wilson. The latter served as New York’s defensive backs coach in 2018 and ’19, two of Adams’ best seasons. Wilson spent last season working with the Ravens, but he took Tennessee’s defensive coordinator gig in the winter. As he embarks on a new point in his career, Wilson will have a familiar face to work with in the secondary.
S Justin Simmons Addresses Free Agency
The Jamal Adams deal may start a domino effect regarding contracts for veteran safeties who still find themselves on the market. In that event, Justin Simmons will be worth watching closely; the former Broncos Pro Bowler is the most decorated safety available, and he could generate a market amongst contending teams. 
To little surprise, a report from Thursday night indicated many teams around the league consider Simmons to be the top free agent with training camps not far away. A number of suitors could put in competitive offers as a result, and the 30-year-old can afford to hold out for a relatively lucrative offer. As could be expected, though, Simmons also has his eyes on a 2024 Super Bowl run as he considers his options.
“We’re just playing the long game here. I think ultimately we’re going to end up where we’re wanted and where we’re valued,” he said, via Bradey King of Denver7. “I’ve always said from the jump that I want to play for a contender, and I feel like I can be the missing piece for a lot of teams to get them over the hump.”
Simmons has racked up 30 interceptions since entering the league in 2016, the most in the NFL during that span. He has earned second-team All-Pro acclaim in four of the past five seasons, but he was one of many aging safeties who were let go this spring in cost-cutting moves. A reunion with the Broncos should not be expected, though a number of other teams could show interest in the coming days and weeks.
The Boston College alum indicated that nothing is considered imminent regarding an agreement, but it would come as no surprise if he had a deal in place before training camp. 24 NFL teams currently have over $10MM in cap space, meaning they could feasibly absorb a deal for Simmons while maintaining needed flexibility ahead of the fall. Of those teams, however, many are already at the offseason roster limit, meaning they would need to cut a player to make room for him.
Simmons has amassed over $62MM in career earnings, most of which stems from the $15.25MM-per-year Broncos extension he inked in 2021. A deal of smaller value will no doubt await him when he joins a new team, but his free agency will remain one to monitor in the immediate future.