Cowboys LB DeMarvion Overshown In Line For Starting Role?
The Cowboys were among the quietest teams in free agency this offseason, but the team did add Eric Kendricks as a veteran linebacking presence. The former All-Pro is on track for a starting role, but he could be joined in that respect by a player yet to see regular season action in the NFL. 
DeMarvion Overshown is expected to handle first-team duties if he can remain healthy this season, Jon Machota of The Athletic notes (subscription required). The 2023 third-rounder was sidelined for his entire rookie season due to an ACL tear. He did not take part in offseason workouts this spring while continuing to rehab, but returning to full health in time for Week 1 could lead to a notable role.
Overshown entered the NFL with high expectations given his college production. The Texas alum posted 96 stops, 10 tackles for loss and four sacks in his final collegiate season, showcasing his value against the run and the pass. Remaining on the field for third downs in particular would constitute a sign of confidence in Overshown on the team’s part if such a workload were to emerge come the fall.
Of course, using the 23-year-old as a full-time defender would limit Damone Clark‘s usage. The latter logged a heavy workload as a rookie in 2022 before becoming a central member of the Cowboys’ defense last season. Clark handled a 73% defensive snap share, racking up 109 tackles. Dallas’ run defense was a sore spot in 2023, however, so it comes as little surprise there will be new faces competing for roster spots and playing time during training camp and the preseason.
Kendricks – who backed out of a 49ers deal before signing with Dallas – is a highly familiar face for new Cowboys defensive coordinator Mike Zimmer. The pair spent considerable time together in Minnesota, and Kendricks noted Zimmer’s presence as a factor in deciding to join the Cowboys this offseason. The 32-year-old has 127 starts to his name, and he will look to stabilize the second level of Dallas’ defense this season.
In addition to Overshown and Clark likely battling for a starting role this summer, the Cowboys have third-round rookie Marist Liufau and UFL addition Willie Harvey Jr. amongst their depth options at the linebacker spot. The latter two will likely handle heavy special teams workloads if they survive roster cuts, but Overshown’s role will be worth watching closely once the campaign begins.
Latest On Giants’ Brian Burns Acquisition
Reports of serious trade talks between the Panthers and Giants regarding Brian Burns emerged one day before the teams worked out an agreement for the Pro Bowl edge rusher. Initial conversations on that front began much earlier, however. 
Panthers general manager Dan Morgan first discussed the possibility of a Burns trade with Giants counterpart Joe Schoen in February, as chronicled in the debut episode of the 2024 Hard Knocks: Offseason series (video link). Morgan’s comments to Schoen – along with Bills general manager Brandon Beane, who shares a longstanding relationship with the pair – made it clear Burns was available.
Carolina rejected a Rams trade offer of two first-round selections when Scott Fitterer was at the helm. His dismissal allowed Morgan to take over, but in the absence of an extension agreement a move seeing the 26-year-old join a new team became increasingly feasible. Morgan’s conversation with Schoen began with an asking price of two Day 1 picks before quickly being lowered to “a one and something.”
The latter price was a more logical one considering the fact Burns was set to play on the franchise tag in 2024. Needing to be extended upon arrival, his trade value for an acquiring team was far lower than it was at the time the Rams proposal was rejected. Giants director of pro scouting Chris Rossetti also pegged Burns’ acquisition cost as a first-rounder and more, although Schoen remained optimistic the lack of progress on extension talks could lower it (h/t Dan Duggan of The Athletic).
In the end, the parties worked out a trade agreement in March. The Panthers sent Burns and No. 166 in the 2024 draft to the Giants for picks No. 39 and 141 in addition to a fifth-round selection next year. New York moved quickly in hammering out a five-year, $141MM extension which will make the Florida State product the focal point of the team’s edge rush. Expectations will be high as a result, with Burns representing a new big-ticket contract on the Giants’ books.
For the Panthers, meanwhile, the return was greater in value than the compensatory selection the team would have received following a Burns free agent departure after the 2024 campaign. Carolina can move forward with considerable cap flexibility, although the sack artist’s absence will no doubt be felt amongst the team’s remaining edge contingent. Considering their ties stemming from their Panthers days, Morgan and Schoen could use the Burns deal as a blueprint for future trade negotiations.
Malcolm Koonce On Raiders’ Extension Radar?
New Raiders general manager Tom Telesco has made a few key additions this offseason, but the team has a number of extension-eligible players who could make a case for new deals. An evaluation period for those contributors would not come as a surprise during Telesco’s first campaign at the helm. 
Nevertheless, a small number of players could be in line for an extension. One of those is edge rusher Malcolm Koonce, whom The Athetic’s Vic Tafur notes is highly regarded by the team’s staff (subscription required). The 26-year-old barely saw any defensive time across his first two seasons with the team, but things changed in 2023. Koonce logged a 44% snap share in addition to a heavy special teams workload.
Seeing time both as a base end as well as a stand-up rusher, the former third-rounder enjoyed a strong third season in the NFL. Koonce racked up eight sacks, 17 quarterback hits, 23 pressures and three forced fumbles while playing 500 defensive snaps. As Tafur writes, Vegas’ staff is confident further development can take place moving forward, and as such an extension would be logical from the team’s perspective. One year remains on Koonce’s rookie contract.
As a result, the Buffalo alum is due $1.34MM in 2024. A new deal would no doubt check in at a much higher rate, depending on how optimistic the Raiders are regarding Koonce’s ability to develop into a full-time starter. The team has already made one of the league’s most lucrative edge investments with Maxx Crosby, and free agency brought about the high-priced addition of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins. With those two in the fold, Vegas already has plenty of money committed to the defensive front.
Koonce – who ranked 22nd amongst edge defenders with an overall PFF grade of 81.3 last season – could increase his market value with another strong season in 2024 and thus make a Raiders re-up more expensive next spring than it would be now. The team has plenty of financial wiggle room at the moment, but Telesco is not expected to make any more splashy moves this offseason.
Tafur names linebacker Robert Spillane as the player likely second in a hypothetical extension pecking order, and several other defenders are also candidates for a new deal. Koonce could play his way into the most lucrative one, however, so it will be interesting to see if the Raiders show urgency in pursuing an agreement.
Chiefs’ Leo Chenal, Chamarri Conner, Joshua Williams On Track For Starting Roles
Many members of the Chiefs’ defense from the 2023 season are still in place, but a few notable departures have created room for rotational returnees to take on an increased workload. At the linebacker spot and in the secondary in particular, new faces are positioned to ascend to a starter’s role. 
Willie Gay signed a free agent deal with the Saints, leaving Kansas City without a three-year starter on the second level. The team still has Nick Bolton in place for one first-team spot, but Leo Chenal is poised to fill Gay’s vacancy. The 2022 third-rounder is on track to see an uptick in defensive usage, Nate Taylor of The Athletic writes (subscription required).
Chenal has played in all 34 regular season games during his career to date, along with seven playoff contests. During that combined span, he has made 21 total starts but his largest workload so far has come on special teams. The 23-year-old racked up 65 tackles and three sacks last year, adding 15 stops and a forced fumble in the postseason. An increased workload in 2024 would lead to expectations for further growth in pass coverage in particular.
Needing to devote resources to defensive tackle Chris Jones this offseason, the Chiefs tagged-and-traded cornerback L’Jarius Sneed to the Titans in March. That created a notable opening in the secondary, but second-year defensive back Chamarri Conner is a strong candidate to step into a larger role. The 2023 fourth-rounder has experience at multiple spots dating back to his time in college, and he served as a fill-in at safety during his rookie campaign. Taylor notes, though, that in spring workouts Conner took first-team reps at the nickel corner position.
At times, All-Pro corner Trent McDuffie could slide to the inside. During those instances, Taylor writes Conner will likely move to the safety spot, something which will no doubt lead to a notable uptick in usage. The Virginia Tech product was on the field for 28% of defensive snaps in 2023, a figure which could check in much higher this fall. With respect to the perimeter spot opposite McDuffie, Taylor notes Joshua Williams received the most reps during OTAs and minicamp.
The latter has also been a special teams mainstay while seeing part-time usage on defense during his career. Williams, 24, has totaled 58 tackles and 12 pass breakups over his first two years in Kansas City; his coverage statistics saw a notable improvement last season. That could give the Chiefs cause for optimism a first-team role would suit the former fourth-rounder, although Taylor adds that Jaylen Watson is also in the mix for a starting position.
Kansas City’s defense played a central role in the team’s second straight Super Bowl title, and the unit will again face high expectations in 2024. New faces in starting positions could change the Chiefs’ performance on that side of the ball, but their familiarity with DC Steve Spagnolo should lead to a relatively smooth transition.
S Tashaun Gipson Handed Six-Game Suspension
7:05pm: Gipson has been suspended for violating the league’s policy against performance-enhancing substances, per Cam Inman of The Mercury News.
3:30pm: Tashaun Gipson is among the numerous veteran safeties still on the free agent market, and that will likely continue for the foreseeable future. Gipson has been handed down a six-game suspension by the NFL, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports. 
The cause of the ban is unclear, but it will nevertheless limit his availability at the start of the 2024 campaign. Gipson spent his last two seasons with the 49ers, and the team has been open to a reunion this offseason. With it remaining unclear if the 33-year-old intends to continue his career, though, San Francisco has elected to remain patient and allow him to decide on his future.
The team has struggled with injuries at the safety spot in recent years, and the draft addition of Malik Mustapha has lowered any potential urgency the 49ers would have proceeded with regarding a Gipson deal. The latter has played 173 games (165 starts) across time with the Browns, Jaguars and Bears prior to his two-year San Francisco spell. It will be interesting to see if today’s news impacts his aspirations regarding his playing career.
Gipson has not previously received a suspension in his career, one which included a Pro Bowl nod in 2014. His resume features five seasons with at least three interceptions, the most recent of which came in 2022. The former UDFA has remained steady in terms of coverage statistics as well, although in his case and others past performances has not translated to interest on the market this offseason.
The safety position has not fared well with respect to veteran producers in 2024, and the expectation remains most or all players still unsigned will be forced to settle for low-cost deals this summer. Gipson was already on track to be in such a position, but his stock will no doubt take another hit in the wake of today’s suspension.
Latest On Bills’ WR Situation
The Bills will have several new faces at the receiver position in 2024 with Gabe Davis having departed in free agency and Stefon Diggs expectedly being traded away. Training camp will prove to be a crucial point in the offseason as Buffalo looks to rebuild its WR depth chart. 
Plenty of uncertainty remains regarding the final roster spots, and performances this summer will dictate who survives final cuts. Before camp opens, however, a shortlist of wideouts can be considered locks to make the Bills. As ESPN’s Alaina Getzenberg writes, returnee Khalil Shakir, free agent addition Curtis Samuel and second-round rookie Keon Coleman fall into that category.
Shakir is the only receiver currently on the roster who has caught a pass from Josh Allen in his career. The 24-year-old has operated in a rotational capacity to date, although his 15.8 yards per catch average suggests he could establish himself as a notable vertical threat in Buffalo’s passing game. Samuel has much more experience – 91 games, 58 starts – during his time with the Panthers and Commanders, although he has generally served in a complementary role.
Samuel, 27, has recorded more than 656 yards only once in his career (2020). He could manage to match or exceed his career-best 851 yards during his tenure in Buffalo if it includes starting duties, though. The former second-rounder signed a three-year deal with a base value of $24MM in March, so he will be expected to serve as a consistent producer for the Bills.
Coleman’s addition came about after Buffalo traded out of the first round. Allen supported the decision to draft the Florida State alum, whose size (6-4, 210 pounds) and jump-ball skills make him an intriguing prospect. Regardless of how he, Samuel and Shakir fare, second-year tight end Dalton Kincaid and lead running back James Cook are of course in line for an uptick in targets in 2024.
To little surprise, Getzenberg adds that Marquez Valdes-Scantling can also be considered a roster lock. The former Packers and Chiefs speedster joined the Bills on a one-year deal after dining with Allen. Valdes-Scantling has struggled with drops during his career, but he will provide Buffalo with a known commodity in the pass-catching corps during a season in which uncertainty is present.
Other wideouts like Mack Hollins, Chase Claypool, KJ Hamler and Andy Isabella are also in place to compete for a roster spot. Their performances over the course of the summer will be worth watching, but the bulk of Buffalo’s receiver room is in place based on where things currently stand.
Colts DE Kwity Paye Not Eyeing 2024 Extension Agreement
Earlier this offseason, the Colts elected to pick up Kwity Paye‘s fifth-year option. The ascending edge rusher is therefore on the books through 2025, and neither team nor player appears to be interested in working out an extension in the near future. 
A report in May indicated the Colts have not engaged in extension talks with Paye, who has seen incremental improvement in production during each of his three seasons in the NFL. The former No. 21 pick is part of an edge contingent which also features the likes of Dayo Odeyingbo, Samson Ebukam and first-round rookie Laiatu Latu. His performance working alongside them will go a long way in determining his value on a second Colts contract.
“I’m excited that [general manager] Chris Ballard picked up my fifth year,” Paye said in an interview with Justin Melo of the Draft Network. “I see it as a prove-it thing now more than anything. I want to prove that I’m what this team needs in a pass rusher moving forward. I’m going to get out there and get the sacks, get the production.
“After I do that, we’ll have those contract discussions next offseason. For the most part, I’m not really worried about that [in 2024]. I’m worried about having my best season yet. We’ll discuss all that other stuff next offseason.”
Paye, 25, has started all 43 of his games and logged a steady defensive snap share during that span. Further progress both against the run and in the pass-rush department would help the Colts’ defense (a unit which was already strong up front last year) as well as his bargaining power. Paye could make a case for a deal near the top of the edge market if he takes a notable step forward in 2024, especially if the salary cap continues to rise and Indianapolis remains committed to quarterback Anthony Richardson on his rookie deal.
The Colts are currently on track to sit mid-pack with respect to cap space next offseason, although plenty of things will change in that respect between now and then. Part of the team’s plan will be centered on whether or not a lucrative Paye commitment will be worthwhile, and he appears to be content letting his 2024 performance dictate his value.
Lions DT D.J. Reader Likely To Miss Time During Training Camp
The Lions made a considerable addition to their defensive interior during free agency with the signing of D.J. Reader. The veteran defensive tackle is continuing to recover from his second career quad tear, though, and it could very well lead to missed time once training camp opens. 
Reader is expected to be sidelined when camp begins later this month, as noted by Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press (subscription required). He adds, however, that the 30-year-old remains on track to recover in full by the start of the regular season. Having Reader available for Week 1 would be a key development for the Lions’ front seven.
The quad tear ended Reader’s fourth Bengals campaign, and it threatened his free agent stock ahead of this spring. The former fifth-rounder inked a two-year deal with Detroit worth up to $27.25MM. The pact only includes $7.4MM locked in at signing, though, and with a $4MM roster bonus due early in the 2025 league year Reader’s health and performance come the fall will be key deciding factors in his future.
During his time in Cincinnati, the Clemson product served as a full-time starter and exceled as a run defender. Reader also posted 20 quarterback hits and seven pass knockdowns, and he faces high expectations in Detroit. The Lions underwhelmed in a number of defensive categories last season, although they were second in the league against the run. The team’s defensive front will likely remain strong in that regard with Reader in the fold.
If he is not fully healthy once training camp opens, Reader will be a candidate for the active/PUP list. Player can be activated from that list at any time, and the progress he makes with respect to rehab will be worth watching closely during the summer.
Vikings Open To Re-Signing RB Cam Akers?
Cam Akers closed out the 2023 season in Minnesota after his Rams tenure ended in a trade. The free agent running back is still on the market, but a deal allowing him to remain with the Vikings could be worked out shortly. 
Akers is set to take part in a physical, and Charley Walters of the Pioneer Press writes passing it could put him on track to re-sign in Minnesota. That would allow the 25-year-old to compete for a depth spot in the backfield during training camp. Akers’ Vikings tenure proved to be short-lived when he suffered an Achilles tear in November.
That represented the second such injury of his relatively brief career, and to little surprise it hurt his free agent value. The former second-rounder was limited to one regular season contest in 2021, although he did manage to return to action in time for the Rams’ Super Bowl run that year. A falling out with head coach Sean McVay made it clear Akers would not have a long spell in Los Angeles, however, and the trade which sent him to Minnesota paved the way for a fresh start.
Across six games with the Vikings, the Florida State product posted 138 yards and one touchdown on a 3.6 yards per attempt average. Akers did chip in with respect to the passing game (11 receptions, 70 yards) but those figures will limit expectations for him on Minnesota or any new team he joins this summer. Regardless of if he is brought back into the fold, the Vikings have a number of backfield options available.
Allowing Alexander Mattison to depart, the team added former Packer Aaron Jones on a one-year deal. He will occupy lead back duties in 2024, while recent draftees Ty Chandler and DeWayne McBride will compete for backup snaps. The Vikings also have Kene Nwangwu in place as their kick returner, as well as Myles Gaskin as an option for veteran depth. The latter in particular would be in competition for a roster spot if Akers were to re-sign. The Vikings currently have over $26MM in cap space.
Broncos WR Courtland Sutton Contemplating Training Camp Holdout
A number of contract-related disputes are ongoing around the league, many of which affect the receiver position. In the case of the Broncos and Courtland Sutton, no resolution is imminent. 
The former Pro Bowler confirmed earlier this month that he and the team are at a standstill with respect to negotiations on a new pact. Two years remain on Sutton’s contract, with $2MM of his 2024 base salary guaranteed. He is open to an adjustment to the deal consisting of new compensation – as opposed to an extension – but it remains to be seen if the Broncos will accommodate that wish.
Sutton skipped OTAs while recovering from offseason ankle surgery, and he gave thought to remaining away from the team during minicamp. Instead, the 28-year-old took part in the mandatory event while noting progress still needs to be made on the contract front. With that remaining the case, he could be absent once training camp opens later this month.
When asked if he will hold out in the absence of a new agreement, the former second-rounder replied, via The Athletic’s Nick Kosmider, “We’ll see” (subscription required). Players have stayed away from teams during training camp on plenty of occasions before, although more recently the ‘hold-in’ approach has become common. The latter avenue consists of players attending camp but not taking part in any on-field work.
Being attached to a non-rookie pact, Sutton would be subject to mandatory daily fines if he elected to skip training camp. The SMU product helped his bargaining position with a career-high 10 touchdown catches in 2023, and the Broncos’ decision to trade away Jerry Jeudy left Sutton in place as an experienced receiving option for a new-look QB room. On the other hand, Sutton has just one season on his resume (2019) with more than 1,000 yards.
The top of the receiver market has reached new heights this offseason, and the likes of Ja’Marr Chase, CeeDee Lamb and Brandon Aiyuk are positioned to land monster extensions from their respective teams. Sutton is not in an identical position given his age and production, but his situation is still one to monitor closely as training camp approaches. It will be interesting to see if traction is gained with respect to negotiations given the possibility of a holdout.