Jets WR Xavier Gipson In Line For Starting Role?
Upon joining the Jets as an undrafted free agent last year, Xavier Gipson managed to carve out a special teams role. As his rookie season progressed, though, he also saw increased usage as a receiver. That could have him in line for significant snaps to begin the 2024 campaign. 
Gipson served as New York’s primary returner in 2023, and that role is likely be his again this season. The 23-year-old racked up 830 yards between his kick and punt returns, and his third phase contributions were of course highlighted by his game-winning touchdown in Week 1. In the latter half of the campaign, Gipson became a regular on offense and that could remain the case in the fall.
Spring practices pointed to Gipson having a lead on the starting slot receiver role over third-round rookie Malachi Corley, Brian Costello of the New York Post writes. The latter established himself as a unique member of 2024’s highly regarded receiver class especially based on his production after the catch. That should allow Corley to thrive in the slot, but if he takes time to acclimate to the pro game Gipson could maintain a first-team role. The S.F. Austin alum posted 221 yards on 29 receptions last year.
That production came from a 45% offensive snap percentage, and an uptick in usage (coupled with, of course, a healthy season for Aaron Rodgers) could lead to a notable offensive output from Gipson. New York has Garrett Wilson atop the depth chart, and free agent signing Mike Williams will provide the team with a vertical threat. While Breece Hall is set to shoulder a large workload in the backfield, a complementary role should await Gipson if he has a strong training camp.
The competition for a first-team slot role will be worth watching as the summer unfolds. Even if Corley manages to win it, however, Gipson should still be able to make an impact in the return game. As his rookie season showed, a spot in the receiver pecking order would be reasonable as well.
Seahawks Planning To Expand DL Dre’Mont Jones’ Role
Dre’Mont Jones joined the Seahawks with considerable expectations last offseason, and he served as a full-time starter during his debut campaign with the team. The veteran defensive lineman operated primarily on the interior to start the season before injuries in the pass rush department led to him being used more along the edge. 
Jones had a productive season in Seattle with career highs in tackles (49) and quarterback hits (12). With only 4.5 sacks – his lowest total since his rookie campaign – however, the former Bronco underwhelmed to a degree in terms of rushing the passer. The arrival of Mike Macdonald as head coach will see the Seahawks’ defensive front in general and Jones in particular used in a variety of ways in 2024.
The 27-year-old is joined by the likes of Leonard Williams, Jarran Reed and Johnathan Hankins as a veteran along the D-line. Williams fared well after arriving via trade, and he re-signed in March before testing the open market. Seattle selected Byron Murphy in the first round of the draft, adding further to the team’s depth along the interior. That will leave Jones and Williams free to spend considerable time along the edge and allow Macdonald’s scheme (which generated considerable success during his DC stint in Baltimore) to maximize their versatility.
“I think his skillset lends to trying to play a little matchup ball with him or setting another guy up,” Macdonald said of Jones’ expanded role (via ESPN’s Brady Henderson). “He can do a lot of things. We’ve talked about it, but we’re really excited about Dre’Mont.”
The Seahawks have Uchenna Nwosu, Boye Mafe, Darrell Taylor and Derick Hall atop the depth chart for edge rushers entering 2024. Nwosu’s health will be a key storyline for the team after his 2023 campaign was ended by a pectoral strain. Further missed time on his part or poor play by the team’s complementary options could see Jones used more on the edge than along the interior. In any case, the Ohio State product will be counted on to produce under Macdonald as the Seahawks attempt to make needed improvements in the front seven.
Jones has two years remaining on the $51MM contract he signed last spring to head to the Emerald City. He will carry a cap hit of $10.77MM this season thanks to a recent restructure, but that figure is set to spike to $25.65MM the following year. With none of his 2025 salary guaranteed, how well he adapts to a hybrid role will be key in determining his Seahawks future.
Brandon Aiyuk Addresses 49ers Extension Talks
The future of Brandon Aiyuk remains a key storyline for the 49ers in particular and the NFL in general this offseason. The contract-year wideout recently reconnected with San Francisco to discuss a deal, but an agreement still does not seem imminent at this point. 
During this week’s summit, it was confirmed Aiyuk is not seeking a trade; likewise, the 49ers remain steadfast that (after receiving trade calls during the draft) a move sending the 26-year-old out of the Bay Area is not under consideration. In spite of the relatively positive nature of the meeting, Aiyuk’s most recent comments on his situation confirm plenty of progress still needs to be made for a long-term deal to be reached.
“Throughout this process, there have been times when we’re super close,” the Arizona State alum said during an appearance on The Pivot Podcast (video link). “I’m telling my agent ‘Let me get my suit ready, I’ve got to get it back to the Bay. I got to get right to sign that contract.’ [But] there’s days and times, like in the past month or so, where you could say we’re pretty far apart.”
Value is known to be the primary issue in this case, with the 49ers not being willing to meet Aiyuk’s asking price. Two years ago, we watched new contracts for such stars as Cooper Kupp, Davante Adams, and Tyreek Hill reset the wide receiver market. That offseason, the 49ers were dealing with the extension of Aiyuk’s teammate, Deebo Samuel. Despite having just completed a first-team All-Pro and Pro Bowl season, Samuel’s contract negotiations were similarly contentious, with Samuel requesting a trade and eventually staging a “hold-in,” attending training camp while participating as little as possible without getting fined.
Despite watching Hill, Adams, Kupp, and fellow “hold-in” D.K. Metcalf all reach new, market-setting deals before Samuel eventually inked his new contract, San Francisco was able to sign Samuel to a much lower rate whenever the veteran finally put pen to paper on his second deal. Samuel’s contract was only three years and trailed all the above players to rank eighth in the NFL at the time in annual average value at $23.85MM. That figure was only slightly below Metcalf’s ($24MM) but was far below the deals reached by Kupp ($26.7MM), Adams ($28MM), and Hill ($30MM). The 49ers were able to make up for that by granting Samuel a guaranteed amount of $41MM, compared to guarantees of Metcalf ($31MM), Kupp ($35MM), and Adams ($22.75MM).
Once again, this offseason, the 49ers have been patient during a contentious contract negotiation. While taking their time to extend to Aiyuk, they have seen new contracts for Nico Collins, DeVonta Smith, Jaylen Waddle, Amon-Ra St. Brown, A.J. Brown, and Justin Jefferson continue to reset the wide receiver market. If they wait much longer, they may also watch the Bengals set the top marks even higher with a new deal for Ja’Marr Chase.
While the number of big money extensions should, in theory, make deflating the figures on a new Aiyuk deal harder to justify, the 49ers have been here before. They’ve pushed a star wideout to the brink and eventually signed him to a below-market deal. It stands to reason that similar front office tactics are the cause for the divide in asking price between the two parties today.
Aiyuk believes, after a second-team All-Pro season, that he’s done enough to be among the top-paid players at his position, while it seems like the 49ers are looking to repeat their actions from two years ago, undercutting Aiyuk’s contract length and value and perhaps making up for it by delivering a higher level of guarantees. That path doesn’t come without its own challenges, though, as Jefferson and Brown set the bar high with guaranteed amounts of $88.74MM and $51MM, respectively.
Perhaps a negotiation tactic used in the crafting of Samuel’s deal, the 49ers have informed Aiyuk that they just aren’t able to get up to his asking price. Perhaps having seen Samuel go through this same process, Aiyuk has some unique insight into the team’s tactics. For now, he’s standing firm and refusing to give ground on his perceived value.
“They told me that they didn’t think that we were on the same page and that they didn’t believe that we were going to,” Aiyuk added in his recent podcast appearance. “And that was about it at that time. But it’s part of it. It’s part of the contract negotiations, trying to sway stuff in either direction. So whether that’s 100 percent true or not, I guess that’s still to find out.”
Ely Allen contributed to this post.
Titans Considering Carrying Three QBs?
With the Ryan Tannehill era over in Tennessee, Will Levis is set to take on starting quarterback duties across a full campaign in 2024. The Titans have a pair of signal-callers behind him on the depth chart, but both could end up surviving roster cuts. 
Tennessee selected Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 draft, making him a member of a class which was not well regarded before or after the event. The 25-year-old made three starts as a rookie, but down the stretch it was clear he did not have the trust of Mike Vrabel‘s coaching staff. Last season, Willis made just three appearances and attempted five passes with Tannehill ultimately making way for Levis as QB1.
The Titans, to no surprise, have not re-signed Tannehill (who remains on the open market). The team did, however, bring in an experienced backup option in the form of Mason Rudolph. The ex-Steeler inked a one-year deal with a base value of $2.87MM to head to Nashville. Rudolph, 28, will spend training camp competing with Willis for the backup spot.
Regardless of how that battle turns out, though, all three passers could make the team’s initial 53-man roster. Team reporter Jim Wyatt writes the Titans could carry both Rudolph and Willis even if the latter loses out on the QB2 gig. Willis has two years remaining on his rookie contract and keeping him in the fold would allow him to continue developing under new head coach Brian Callahan. On the other hand, the Liberty alum’s underwhelming pro career to date could make him a relatively safe candidate to clear waivers at the end of the summer.
New rules allow teams to use an unlimited number of practice squad elevations for signal-callers to dress on gamedays as an emergency third quarterback. As a result, many NFL roster are expected to include only two passers on the 53-man roster at the start of the season. Plenty is yet to be determined, but the Titans could be on track to serve as an exception in that regard.
Steelers WR Calvin Austin To Take On Increased Role
The Steelers’ receiver room is short on know commodities aside from George Pickens, but a number of in-house options will get the opportunity to serve in a more prominent capacity this season. That applies to Calvin Austin. 
The 25-year-old is in line to see the largest workload of his young career to date, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic writes (subscription required). That come as little surprise considering Pittsburgh’s decision to trade away Diontae Johnson and release Allen Robinson. Those moves have created a pair of starting vacancies, and no veteran presence on the roster is a lock to secure one of them.
Austin was selected in the fourth round of the 2022 draft, but a foot injury cost him his entire rookie campaign. The 5-9, 162-pound speedster was healthy for the entire 2023 season, but the presence of Pickens, Johnson and Robinson limited his offensive role. Austin logged a 35% offensive snap share and made just 17 catches. The Memphis product did chip in on special teams as a punt returner, although free agent addition Cordarrelle Patterson could take on those responsibilities in 2024.
The slot is likely Austin’s primary location for offensive usage, but the same could be true (at least early in his career) of third-round rookie Roman Wilson. The Michigan product was part of a stellar receiver class in this year’s draft, and he should be able to compete for a rotational role amongst Pittsburgh’s other options – a list which includes the likes of Quez Watkins, Van Jefferson and Scotty Miller. Watkins saw his new team as an opportunity to earn a first-team role, but training camp will go a long way in determining the receiver pecking order.
Keeping in line with his previous stance on the matter, Kaboly adds in a separate piece that the Steelers could still be in the market for a wideout addition. Such a move may not happen until the start of training camp, the point at which unsigned veterans often commit to a team. Pittsburgh has nearly $16MM in cap space, so the team certainly has the flexibility to bring in another experienced pass-catcher.
Regardless of whether or not that happens, though, Austin could be primed to take on a starter’s workload in 2024. Doing so would be key for him given he will be eligible for an extension after the coming season. A strong performance would help his leverage in potential contract talks in addition to providing the Steelers with needed production from the WR spot.
Latest On Steelers S Minkah Fitzpatrick
As the Steelers dealt with injuries in the linebacking corps and the secondary last season, Minkah Fitzpatrick was forced to handle a number of different responsibilities. The All-Pro safety is in line to handle a more familiar workload in 2024, however. 
Fitzpatrick – known to be at his best when used as a free safety based on his ballhawking skills – saw a decrease in his usage rate with respect to centerfield-type deployment last season. Instead, his varied workload included an uptick in time spent in the box as well as at slot corner. That played a key role in the four-time Pro Bowler being held without an interception for the first time in his career last year.
“The biggest thing is as coaches, our job is to try to get all of our guys in the best position as possible so they can play as well as they can and play up to their abilities,” Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin said about Fitzpatrick’s usage (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “And so last year I probably failed in that regard. We tried to have him do too much stuff, and I think I’m going to get back to really what makes him special.”
Pittsburgh has Damontae Kazee set to return to from the suspension which ended his regular season, and the team added a veteran safety in the form of DeShon Elliott in free agency. The Steelers’ linebacking corps (which includes holdovers Cole Holcomb and Elandon Roberts) was also strengthened this offseason with the signing of Patrick Queen and the selection of Payton Wilson in the draft. Better health and increased depth at both positions in 2024 should allow Fitzpatrick to return to an all-but exclusive role as a free safety.
The 27-year-old has proven to be a productive acquisition for the Steelers, amassing 17 interceptions and 41 pass deflections since being traded by the Dolphins. Fitzpatrick is under contract through 2026 on his $18.25MM-per-year deal, and expectations will be high for him in 2024 especially if he manages to return to his preferred alignment.
Pittsburgh ranked 11th in the league in interceptions last year despite Fitzpatrick being kept off the board in that regard, but the team finished just 17th in passing yards allowed. Improvement in both areas could take place with him returning to his most effective spot.
Cowboys WR Jalen Tolbert On Track For Starting Role
CeeDee Lamb and Brandin Cooks are safely set top the receiver depth chart for the Cowboys, but the absence of Michael Gallup has created a vacancy for the No. 3 role in 2024. A clear candidate is in place to occupy it. 
Jon Machota of The Athletic confirms Jalen Tolbert is the “front-runner” to serve as Dallas’ other starting wideout (subscription required). The 2022 third-rounder had a sparse offensive role as a rookie, logging just 89 snaps. Last year, though, his offensive snap share rose to 40%. Tolbert scored a pair of touchdowns while averaging 12.2 yards per catch in his rotational role.
Of course, this update comes as little surprise. Dallas’ decision to move on from Gallup in a cost-shedding move was not followed up by a veteran addition. As a result, Tolbert was firmly among the team’s younger pass-catchers in line to see an uptick in usage. The 25-year-old’s performance in training camp will be worth monitoring as he looks to cement a first-team role.
Lamb’s uncertain contract status has been a central storyline for the Cowboys this offseason, and little progress has been made in negotiations. The All-Pro could very well hold out during training camp if no extension agreement is reached in the coming weeks, a move which would fall in line with his OTA and minicamp absences. Missing regular season time – something which would obviously not be guaranteed by a training camp holdout – would be critical for the Cowboys given Lamb’s franchise record-breaking performance in 2023.
Regardless of if Lamb is present during camp, Cooks will operate in another starting spot. The latter had a strong debut season in Dallas (657 yards, eight touchdowns) as a complementary option, a role which he will maintain in 2024. Expectations will be high for Tolbert presuming he does get the nod for first-team duties this year, and his ability to handle an increase in targets could be an important factor in determining Dallas’ offensive success. Failing that, other options for a larger role include the likes of KaVontae Turpin, Racey McMath, Ryan Flournoy and Jalen Brooks.
K Nick Folk Addresses Decision To Re-Sign With Titans
After four years with the Patriots, Nick Folk was dealt to the Titans last summer. That move left the 39-year-old kicker on the move once again, but he enjoyed a strong debut campaign in Nashville. 
Folk converted all but one of his 30 field goal attempts in 2023, and his 96.7% success rate led the NFL. He converted 28 of 30 extra point attempts as well, proving he is still capable of delivering consistent performances despite his age. That led to Tennessee’s decision to retain him via a one-year deal featuring $3.5MM guaranteed in March.
“For me, it’s always been a patient game,” the former sixth-rounder said when reflecting on his decision to re-sign (via team reporter Jim Wyatt). “I kind of understand the game, and I understand the business side of it. I was patient with it, and I knew I wanted to play. I told that to [general manager] Ran [Carthon] at the end of the season, that I wanted to keep playing, that I loved it here. I wanted to come back, and I’m excited to be back.”
Considering his strong play in 2023, Folk likely could have found a number of outside suitors if he preferred to test the market. Instead, his decision to remain in Tennessee should give the team another campaign of stable production at the position – something the Patriots did not enjoy in the field goal department from Chad Ryland, who was drafted to replace Folk.
The latter had struggled with kickoffs during much of his New England tenure, although his touchback percentage (50.8%) and average depth (62.3 yards) on kickoffs from 2023 outpaced his career averages. Entering his 17th NFL campaign, Folk faces understandable questions about his playing future. Another productive season with the Titans – a team which included kicker Brayden Narveson in its UDFA class – would certainly help his chances of landing another opportunity in 2025 if he pursued one, though.
Folk’s range on kicks beyond 50 yards could be a cause for concern, but his accuracy aside from that has remained steady. He has connected on 78 consecutive field goals within 40 yards, the longest such streak in NFL history. Provided he remains consistent from close range, the Titans should once again have a reliable kicking game in 2024.
PFR Originals: Giants, Extensions, Zappe
Here is a rundown of PFR’s recent originals:
- In the first edition of the 2024 Offseason in Review series, Sam Robinson recapped the Giants’ moves this spring. The departure of running back Saquon Barkley, the trade acquisition of edge rusher Brian Burns and the selection of wideout Malik Nabers were among the defining developments of the past few months in New York. Uncertainty remains over the future of head coach Brian Daboll, though, and the team’s interest in finding a Daniel Jones replacement has led to a new round of questions concerning his tenure beyond 2024.
- The summer is a common time for many players around the league to receive extensions, including those entering the final year of their rookie pacts. That is the case for Browns linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah, who made a case for a new deal with his play in 2023. Ben Levine profiled the former second-rounder’s candidacy for an extension, one which would keep him in place for years to come as part of Cleveland’s highly-regarded defense. A repeat of last year’s Pro Bowl invitation would help Owusu-Koramoah’s leverage in talks on a new Browns deal or one sending him elsewhere.
- Plenty of veteran players with term remaining on their pacts find themselves negotiating new deals during the offseason as well, of course. One example could be Bears wideout D.J. Moore, who has two years (but little guaranteed salary) left on his deal. I broke down the ex-Panther’s deal and the presence of new wideouts (Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze) which could give Chicago pause before committing to a long-term deal. Moore, 27, has proven to be an effective producer in many systems during his career and waiting could cost the Bears based on the surging receiver market.
- The Bengals have had one of the league’s most consistent kicking games over the past three years with Evan McPherson serving in that role. As Ely Allen detailed, the 24-year-old has put himself squarely on the extension radar with his play to date, and he could soon find himself near the top of the financial pecking order amongst kickers. That position’s market currently has eight players averaging at least $5MM per year, and McPherson could join that list on a multi-year agreement.
- Roster cutdowns entail releases for all 32 teams, but players believed to be on the cut list often draw attention from interested suitors. In those case, players are traded to avoid being placed on waivers; Ben profiled Patriots quarterback Bailey Zappe as someone who could find himself in that situation this summer. Zappe, 25, does not have a path to a starting job in New England, and the team’s post-Mac Jones depth chart features a number of backup options. A fresh start could allow him to rebuild his value while providing an acquiring team with a cost-controlled passer for two seasons.
Colts’ Alec Pierce, Adonai Mitchell To Compete For Starting WR Spot
The Colts have Michael Pittman Jr. on the books for three more years, and he is set to reprise his role as the team’s top receiver. Indianapolis has consistently made draft investments aimed at providing strong complementary options in the passing game, though, and a competition for a starting spot is on hand this summer. 
Pittman inked a three-year deal including $41MM fully guaranteed after receiving the franchise tag. That pact is one of several major commitments made at the position around the league, but the Colts have a number of other pass-catching options attached to rookie contracts. That includes 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs, who had a strong rookie season and figures to log a heavy workload in the slot moving forward.
The other perimeter starting spot is up for grabs. Over the past two years, it has belonged to Alec Pierce, but the 24-year-old has struggled to make an impact early in his career. Drafted in the second round in 2022, Pierce’s abilities as a deep threat have resulted in a yards-per-catch average of 15.2, but he has managed only 73 receptions so far. A more diverse workload could see him receive more targets, but the team’s latest rookie class includes new competition for a first-team role.
Adonai Mitchell is set to compete with Pierce for the WR3 role this summer, as detailed by ESPN’s Stephen Holder. The Texas alum enjoyed a strong season in 2023, making him one of two intriguing Longhorns wideouts in the 2024 class. Mitchell emerging as a key contributor during his rookie season could cut into Pierce’s impact in the offense, something which in turn would of course not bode well for his future in Indianapolis. Two years remain on the latter’s contract.
The Colts ranked 10th in the league in rushing last season, one in which quarterback Anthony Richardson was severely limited through injury. To no surprise, that resulted in a ranking of only 20th in terms of production through the air, something the team will look to rebound from with a healthy Richardson. Better output from the receiver spot will also help in that regard, and the competition between Mitchell and Pierce for first-team duties will be a key summer storyline.