Browns RT Jack Conklin Set To Participate In Training Camp
The Browns were decimated by injuries at multiple spots last year, offensive tackle among them. Jedrick Wills, Jack Conklin and Dawand Jones each suffered season-ending injuries at various points in 2023, making their collective rehab progress a storyline worth monitoring. 
Conklin went down in Week 1 with what turned out to be ACL and MCL tears. The 29-year-old underwent surgery and missed the remainder of the campaign, making 2023 his second Cleveland season during which he spent considerable time sidelined through injury. The two-time All-Pro missed OTAs and minicamp while rehabbing, but he recently revealed on Instagram that he has now recovered.
As a result, Conklin is on track to suit up for training camp this summer as he looks to re-claim his starting right tackle role. The former first-rounder should be considered the favorite in that regard, Chris Easterling of the Akron Beacon Journal confirms. Jones – who performed admirably filling in for Conklin during his rookie campaign and was healthy for spring practices – would return to backup status in the event Conklin were able to practice at full strength in advance of the 2024 season.
The Michigan State alum inked a four-year, $60MM extension in 2022 tying him to the Browns for the foreseeable future. Much of Conklin’s compensation in 2025 and ’26 consists of non-guaranteed base salaries, however, putting his post-2024 Cleveland future in doubt. His health and performance this fall will go a long way in determining how the Browns proceed at right tackle.
Jones is attached to his rookie contract for the next three years. The Ohio State alum made 11 appearances and nine starts before suffering his own injury, and he could represent a successor to Conklin depending on how the coming season plays out. In any event, better health up front would be a welcomed development for Cleveland compared to how last season ended.
NFLPA Director Lloyd Howell Addresses Potential Expansion To 18-Game Schedule
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell has publicly spoken on the subject of expanding the NFL’s regular season in recent months, bringing discussion of an 18-game schedule to the forefront. NFLPA director Lloyd Howell has been on the job for one year now, and he is open to discussing the matter well before the current CBA expires. 
As things stand, an 18-game schedule could be implemented no earlier than the 2031 season. Significant support exists amongst the league’s owners to arrange for one preseason contest to be replaced by a regular season one well before that point, however. Knowing concessions will need to be made to the player’s union for such a move to be possible, Howell is open to negotiations taking place now to avoid any work stoppages.
“I’m glad Roger said 18. I’m glad that he’s leaning into international [games],” Howell said, via The Athletic’s Mike Jones (subscription required). “I think it gives our guys the opportunity to kind of get their thoughts together, get our position together, to say, ‘This is what and how we’re thinking about it.’
“It makes no economic sense for anyone to have a strike or a lockout. The world’s most popular sports league is going well. How do we keep that going? A lockout is an irrational thing. What’s more rational is, ‘Hey, if I could grow this two times, if I could grow this three times, then we should figure out what the agreements would need to be.’”
A number of issues will need to be addressed for traction to be gained on negotiations between owners and the NFLPA regarding an 18-game arrangement. Howell noted the handling of bye weeks – to little surprise, given the widespread expectation expansion could be accompanied by a second bye week – is one element where concessions could be required. Others include playing surfaces, travel related to international games and general player compensation.
In 2021, the NFL’s preseason schedule was reduced from four games to three in exchange for the regular season adding a 17th contest. That setup will remain in place for at least a fourth year, but if Howell and the player’s union are open to discussing further changes well in advance of the CBA’s expiration, an 18-game arrangement could be hammered out before the end of the decade.
Latest On Falcons QB Kirk Cousins
Much of the Falcons’ offseason quarterback approach has been dominated by the team’s decision to use a first-round pick on Michael Penix Jr. despite signing Kirk Cousins in free agency. The latter’s rehab from a torn Achilles remains a key storyline for the team, however. 
[RELATED: Justin Jefferson Extension Affected Cousins’ Vikings Departure]
Cousins has provided encouraging updates throughout the offseason, and he remains on track to be at 100% with plenty of time to spare before Week 1. The 35-year-old took part in OTAs and minicamp, although in the absence of padded practices those events offer a limited opportunity to evaluate players’ true recovery progress. A target in advance of the preseason has emerged regarding when Cousins aims to be back to full strength.
The four-time Pro Bowler hopes to be recovered by August 1, as detailed by D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. Cousins and the Falcons will no doubt proceed with caution once training camp opens later this month, and team and player have plenty of time to establish a training camp regimen. With Penix destined to begin his career as Cousins’ understudy, the latter should have first-team reps to himself when he is on the field during camp. Cousins is also interested in seeing preseason action, however.
“It feels like a long ways away,” the Michigan State product said. “But I think it’s always a great test to evaluate where we are as an offense, as a system. I would love to get in and play [in the preseason] if we can. We’ll have to see as we get there where we are. But, you know, it would be great to get out there and kind of have that full dress rehearsal.”
Pending how head coach Raheem Morris and the Falcons’ staff view Cousins’ progress, the team’s other signal-callers remain likely to see most (if not all) of the work during the preseason. Starters at many positions – including quarterback, especially in the case of veterans – rarely see playing time during exhibition games these days given the risk of injury. Cousins could use limited preseason action as a means of confirming his return to full health once he reaches that point during the summer, however.
Atlanta made a four-year investment in Cousins which includes $100MM in guarantees. The team’s financial commitment – not to mention the violation of the league’s tampering policies which took place after an agreement had been reached – demonstrates their willingness to improve from the Desmond Ridder–Taylor Heinicke setup under center. The latter member of that tandem is still in the fold, and he is likely to see preseason action this summer. It will be interesting to see if Cousins joins him in that respect.
WR Josh Reynolds On Lions Departure, Broncos Deal
Josh Reynolds enjoyed a strong campaign in 2023 with the Lions, but he found himself on the move in free agency this offseason. The veteran receiver joined the Broncos on a two-year deal, something he recently addressed. 
Reynolds posted 4o catches and 608 yards with Detroit last season; both of those figures represented the second-highest totals of his career. He also matched a personal best with five touchdowns. That production kept him on the Lions’ radar, but the team did not submit a market-level contract offer. As a result, Reynolds ultimately signed in Denver on a pact with a base value of $9MM.
“[It’s] business,” the 29-year-old said of the Lions not making a stronger push to re-sign him this offseason (via Jon Heath of Broncos Wire). “It’s a business, but you know, I think I’m at where I’m supposed to be at, and I’m excited.”
The Broncos traded away Jerry Jeudy as part of their re-tooling at the receiver spot. Tim Patrick remains in the fold, as does Courtland Sutton (although in the latter case a contract standoff is currently taking place). Denver also has 2023 second-rounder Marin Mims along with fourth-round rookie Troy Franklin in place as targets for the team’s revamped QB room. Reynolds will aim to carve out a role as part of that group, and he noted the appeal of playing under head coach Sean Payton as a key factor in signing with Denver.
“It was kind of a lot,” the Texas A&M product added when speaking about the reasons why he joined the Broncos. “I think the main decision was that I’ve always admired Sean Payton from afar. I was excited to see what that offense looked like.”
Denver struggled under Nathaniel Hackett for less than a full season in 2022, and Payton’s arrival brought about a slight improvement. The team finished 19th in scoring last year, but a step forward in passing efficiency in particular will be needed in Payton’s second year at the helm. With Russell Wilson no longer in the fold, all eyes will be on which signal-caller earns the Week 1 nod once training camp and the preseason commences. For Reynolds, though, 2024 will mark the opportunity to establish himself as a key receiving option and a strong fit in Payton’s scheme.
Lions S Kerby Joseph Addresses Hip Rehab
Kerby Joseph suffered a hip injury in Week 2 of the 2023 campaign. The ailment led to a pair of missed games before the third-year Lions safety returned to action for the remainder of the regular season and playoffs. 
Joseph underwent offseason surgery, and he expressed an expectation of being healthy in time for training camp. The 23-year-old missed spring practices while rehabbing, but his latest comments on the matter confirm he has returned to full health. He should be able on the field once camp opens later this month as a result.
“Oh, for sure. That hip ain’t nothing,” Joseph said during an appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “Last year, I played through the injury. It was there, but I feel 10 times better now, so I just can’t wait to get out there with the guys.”
The former third-rounder has established himself as a key member of Detroit’s secondary, starting 32 of 35 combined regular and postseason games. Joseph totaled 82 tackles and four interceptions during his rookie campaign and matched those numbers exactly last season. He has added 19 pass breakups during that span, and his coverage statistics improved considerably from 2022 to ’23.
The Lions will welcome Joseph back into the fold as the team looks to integrate a number of new faces in the secondary. Additions at the cornerback spot were made via trade, free agency and the draft in an attempt to take needed steps forward against the pass in 2024. Brian Branch – who has spent plenty of time at slot corner early in his career – is expected to receive extended looks at safety this summer. Joseph may have a new running mate on the backend in 2024 as a result, but in any event he will be at full strength by the start of the campaign.
Patriots, Matt Judon Not Close To Extension Agreement
Uncertainty remains with respect to Matt Judon‘s financial future. The Patriots edge rusher has been floated as one of the next players around the league to receive a lucrative new deal, but plenty of progress between team and player may need to be made for that to be possible. 
Judon himself recently hinted on social media that he does not expect to land an extension from New England. The team has prioritized retaining a number of other in-house players this offseason, and keeping the 31-year-old in the fold on a multi-year agreement could create cap issues down the road. The Patriots have nevertheless submitted an offer, Henry McKenna of Fox Sports reports.
That move came amidst a request on Judon’s part for a new deal, McKenna adds. The four-time Pro Bowler missed time during training camp last summer while angling for a raise, but he stated earlier this offseason that a repeat of that approach would not be taking place. The sides discussed a contract during the spring, though Judon’s value is not as high now as it previously was.
The former fifth-rounder racked up 28 sacks across his first two New England campaigns, establishing himself as one of the team’s most important players. Judon was limited to four contests in 2023, however, and his missed time through injury has no doubt hurt his bargaining power. One year remains on his current contract, and he is due a non-guaranteed base salary of $6.5MM in 2024. Judon’s cap hit is $14.68MM, and working out an extension could lower that figure while adding to his up front earnings.
As McKenna notes, however, the sides are not close to an agreement at this time. The Patriots currently have a league-leading $44MM in cap space along with considerable flexibility for next year. A second Judon investment could be feasible as a result, but it will be interesting to see if Eliot Wolf and Co. wait until the start of the campaign to consider meeting his asking price. A healthy and productive start to the season could shift leverage back in favor of the Grand Valley State alum.
In terms of annual average value, Judon’s current contract ranks 27th in the league amongst edge rushers. An extension taking him near the top of the market should not be expected, but a short-term accord in particular could pave the way for a raise and an agreement keeping him in New England beyond 2024. With training camp not far away, this situation will be worth watching closely.
Texans Re-Sign DE Jerry Hughes
JULY 11: Hughes’ new Texans deal has a maximum value of $2.6MM, per Wilson. Half of that figure is guaranteed, including a $650K signing bonus. Hughes can also receive up to $350K via per game roster bonuses; considering his durability, he should have a strong chance of collecting all of that total.
JULY 8: Jerry Hughes spent the past two seasons with the Texans, and his tenure with the team will continue into 2024. The veteran defensive end re-signed on Monday, as first detailed by Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. 
Hughes began his career with the Colts for two seasons before enjoying a nine-year stay as a Bills regular. The 35-year-old logged 127 starts across his 144 appearances in Buffalo, reaching double-digit sacks twice in that span and remaining a consistent and durable producer afterwards. He joined the Texans in 2022 on a two-year, $10MM deal.
The former first-rounder enjoyed a highly successful debut campaign in Houston, recording nine sacks. That was his highest figure since the 2014 season, pointing to his potential to remain a starting-caliber option in the waning stages of his career. The Texans selected Will Anderson with the No. 3 pick in the 2023 draft, however, pairing him with Jonathan Greenard in the starting lineup.
That resulted in a sharp decline in playing time for Hughes. The TCU alum logged a 42% defensive snap share last season, the lowest total of his career. He posted 32 tackles, three sacks and one forced fumble while playing all 19 of the team’s regular and postseason games. A similar workload should await Hughes – who has missed multiple games in a season just twice – in 2024.
Greenard departed in free agency, but Houston added former Vikings Pro Bowler Danielle Hunter on a big-money deal. The latter will thus step into a first-team role opposite Anderson as the Texans look to improve on last year’s overall output in the sack department (44, 17th in the league). Hughes will once again play a complementary role in that effort as he embarks on a 15th NFL campaign.
Poll: Who Will Win Raiders’ QB Competition?
Training camp and the preseason in 2024 will decide plenty of position battles around the NFL. With respect to quarterbacks, though, few starting gigs are truly unaccounted for this offseason. The Raiders represent an exception. 
Vegas’ 2023 Jimmy Garoppolo investment did not pay off as hoped, and he was released after one injury-shortened campaign with the team. Garoppolo’s injury opened the door for Aidan O’Connell to see game action over the second half of the campaign, one in which Josh McDaniels was replaced by Antonio Pierce. The latter was given the full-time gig this spring, and that decision left a fan of O’Connell’s in the building.
Pierce said in March the 2023 fourth-rounder would open any QB competition in pole position. The Raiders were subsequently linked to adding a passer in the first round of the draft, with Pierce appearing to be more on board with a move up the order than new general manager Tom Telesco. In the end, Vegas remained in place on Day 1 and as a result did not add further competition to O’Connell and free agent signing Gardner Minshew.
The latter inked a two-year, $25MM deal in March to join the Raiders. That agreement – a rather lucrative one for a backup – put to rest consideration of a potential Justin Fields acquisition but did not ensure Minshew a first-team role. The 28-year-old was instead viewed as an insurance policy for any rookie the team added as an eventual starter. With such a move not coming to fruition, O’Connell and Minshew will compete for the Week 1 nod this summer.
O’Connell, 25, struggled with turnovers early in his time at the helm before settling down in that regard. Over the course of his final six games, he posted a 9:1 touchdown-to-interception ratio. Vegas relied on a ground-heavy attack during that time, but the Purdue alum offered enough to suggest he could develop into a starting-caliber option. Increasing his 202 passing yards per game average to an extent would be necessary to achieve that, of course.
Minshew, by contrast, is much more of a known commodity. The former Jaguar and Eagle joined the Colts last offseason to reunite with Shane Steichen. That move proved to be an important one for team and player with much of Anthony Richardson‘s rookie campaign spent on the sidelines due to injury. Minshew logged 13 starts and threw for a career-high 3,305 yards last season, nearly leading Indianapolis to a postseason berth and earning a Pro Bowl invite.
The most recent update on the competition noted that O’Connell may have a slight edge on Minshew entering training camp as the team’s familiar QB option. The Raiders have a different offensive coordinator (Luke Getsy) in place for 2024, though, something which should level the playing field in that respect from Minshew’s perspective. The depth chart will be finalized based on each passer’s performances in the summer, which will consist of split training camp reps and could involve both getting significant preseason playing time.
In the end, who do you feel will win out and earn the starting gig? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and give your thoughts in the comments section below:
Van Jefferson Leading Steelers’ WR2 Competition?
Much has been made this offseason about the Steelers’ receiving corps. Few (if any) known commodities are in place behind George Pickens on the depth chart, leading to the expectation Pittsburgh would pursue a high-profile trade. 
Such a move has not yet taken place, though, and as a result the team’s internal options are on track to compete for playing time during training camp and the preseason. Pickens will handle the No. 1 role in 2024, his first season without Diontae Johnson in the fold. The latter was traded to the Panthers, creating a vacancy on the perimeter. Likewise, Allen Robinson‘s release opened up a starting spot in the slot.
Quez Watkins joined the Steelers this offseason in part due to the opportunity he would have to earn a first-team role, but a different free agent signing appears to have the inside track for the WR2 gig. Mark Kaboly of The Athletic writes Van Jefferson is currently “in pole position” for a starting spot (subscription required). The latter spent three-plus years with the Rams before being traded to the Falcons ahead of the 2023 deadline.
That move allowed Jefferson, 27, to spend time playing under Arthur Smith. The ex-Falcons head coach is now in place as the Steelers’ offensive coordinator, and that familiarity could translate to a role in Pittsburgh. Jefferson had a strong second season in Los Angeles (50 catches, 802 yards, six touchdowns), but he has not managed to repeat that production since. The former second-rounder signed with the Steelers on a league minimum deal, an indication of his market value and his tenuous hold on a roster spot entering training camp.
Pittsburgh has the likes of third-round rookie Roman Wilson and 2022 fourth-rounder Calvin Austin in the mix for signficant playing time in the slot in particular. The latter is on track for an increased workload compared to last year, but the spot opposite Pickens will be one to monitor during the summer. Jefferson, Watkins and Scotty Miller are among the names to watch on that front. It will be interesting to see if Jefferson delivers a strong showing in camp and the preseason or if one of the other contenders surpasses him in the receiver pecking order.
Latest On Bills’ RB Situation
The Bills’ midseason switch to Joe Brady as offensive coordinator brought about a new emphasis on the running game. Considering the changes which have taken place in the teams’ receiving corps, Buffalo’s backfield is a group carrying considerable importance ahead of 2024. 
Just like the receiver position, though, the Bills’ running back spot has seen notable turnover in recent months. Nyheim Hines – who missed the entire 2023 campaign with a torn ACL – departed in free agency. Veteran Latavius Murray is unsigned, while Damien Harris elected to retire. Buffalo’s top two backfield options (James Cook, Ty Johnson) are still in place, however.
To little surprise, both members of that pair are in line for a notable workload in 2024. Cook logged 237 carries last year, good for 10th in the NFL and a dramatic uptick in usage from his rookie campaign. Johnson, meanwhile, spent time on Buffalo’s practice squad before emerging as a depth contributor late in the year and in the postseason. The former sixth-rounder enters training camp as the favorite for the backup role, Ryan O’Halloran of the Buffalo News writes.
Johnson, 26, began his career with the Lions but most of his time prior to his Bills tenure came with the Jets. His most productive season came in 2021 with 610 scrimmage yards, though for the most part he has served in a complementary role. That will likely continue this season with Cook positioned to once again shoulder a heavy workload. Brady is aware, however, that the former second-rounder was not a workhorse back in college. As a result, consideration will be given to his usage rate in 2024.
“I think a lot of this is, ‘We’ll see,’” Brady said (via O’Halloran) when speaking about the Georgia product. “We feel confident in the room that we have and whoever is playing running back and carrying the football, they’re going to do a good job. With regard to a certain target number [for Cook], that is seeing how his body holds up and what he can do.”
The Bills’ other backfield options entering camp include fourth-round selection Ray Davis and undrafted rookie Frank Gore Jr. Their performances during the summer will be important in determining the running back pecking order behind Cook as well as – to an extent – the share of carries he will handle. Johnson will need a strong showing to lock down the RB2 role, but his experience and familiarity in Brady’s system should give him the edge to start the summer.