Ed Policy To Succeed Mark Murphy As Packers President
Mark Murphy has one year remaining in his post as president and CEO of the Packers before mandatory retirement. The identity of his successor in that role has now been learned. 
Ed Policy will assume Murphy’s responsibilities next summer, as first reported by Pete Dougherty of the Green Bay Press-Gazette. The Packers’ board of directors voted unanimously to tap Policy for the position, NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero adds. The news is now official, per a team announcement
Policy joined the Packers as vice president and general counsel in 2012. That post, in turn, came after he served as president of the Arena Football League from 2001-08, taking on acting commissioner duties for one season. The 53-year-old then served as an executive consultant with the NFL from 2009-10 before working with Green Bay. He has held the title of general counsel and chief operating officer since 2018, and he will continue in the latter capacity until Murphy steps aside next July.
A Packers search committee was formed to find a successor for Murphy, who has served as Green Bay’s top executive since 2007. He and Policy will work together in the coming months to prepare for the transition after the 2024 campaign and subsequent offseason unfolds. The bylaws governing the Packers’ board of directors dictates that members must retire upon turning 70, which will be the case for Murphy on July 13, 2025.
The team’s announcement notes that 90 candidates received consideration for the position before Policy was ultimately selected to serve as chairman of the board in addition to the dual title of president and CEO. He will be tasked with continuing the organization’s unique structure as the only pro spots team without a private owner. Policy’s relationship with seventh-year general manager Brian Gutekunst will be a key factor in roster-building decisions moving forward as Green Bay proceeds with a young core led by quarterback Jordan Love, who will likely soon be attached a lucrative extension.
“I am incredibly honored, excited and grateful to the search committee, the Board, the shareholders and the entire organization for this treasured and one-of-a-kind opportunity,” a statement from Policy reads in part. “I am particularly grateful to Mark for 12 years of mentorship. I am looking forward to building on his leadership and considerable success on and off the field.
“We are the stewards of the most iconic and unique organization in all of professional sports. I am excited to continue to work with so many talented teammates who have ensured the Packers’ consistent success on and off the field. We are the people’s team, and I love being a part of it.”
Ravens Eyeing Increased Role For TE Isaiah Likely
Mark Andrews missed significant time in 2023, and his absence left the Ravens without their top tight end option. It also opened the door to increased playing time for Isaiah Likely, however, and he showed considerable potential. 
In total, Likely racked up 411 yards and five touchdowns on 30 catches in 2023, his second year in the league. Much of that production came when Andrews was sidelined, but Baltimore’s offense could look to include both on the field moving forward. That has been showcased by the many roles Likely has seen time in this spring.
The 24-year-old indicated (via Ryan Mink of the team’s website) he has taken snaps in several spots on offense this offseason. Doing so will allow offensive coordinator Todd Monken to find ways to have both Andrews and Likely on the field together. Baltimore rarely used two tight end sets in 2023, but putting the latter in a variety of spots could change that this season.
“It’s being a chess piece, being anywhere ‘Monk’ needs me to be in this offense – whether it’s in the slot, in-line, in the backfield, split out wide by myself,” Likely said of the experiments with his positioning. “The more you know, the more you can stay on the field.”
Likely showed his pass-catching potential as a rookie, and his success when thrust into a starting role in Year 2 will lead to high expectations. The Coastal Carolina product is not known for his run blocking, so giving him looks not only in the slot but on the perimeter would be sensible. Baltimore’s receiving core is led by Zay Flowers, Rashod Bateman, Nelson Agholor and fourth-round rookie Devontez Walker. Running back addition Derrick Henry does not have a track record of notable production in the passing game, and that should not be expected to change in 2024.
Of course, Henry (along with quarterback Lamar Jackson) being in the fold means the Ravens will remain a run-heavy offense moving forward. Likely’s play to date has garnered interest in a increased workload, though, and it will be interesting to see how that plays out during training camp this summer. Two years remain on his rookie contract, so a strong campaign in 2024 could set him up for an extension.
QB Notes: Broncos, Mahomes, Lance
By selecting Bo Nix 12th overall, Sean Payton and the Broncos added a potential franchise quarterback. Whether or not the uber-experienced college passer takes on starting duties as a rookie remains to be seen, though.
Denver used a rotation of Nix, Jarrett Stidham and Zach Wilson with the first-team offseason during spring practices. A report from earlier this month pointed to Nix being the favorite despite Stidham’s familiarity with Payton’s scheme. On that note, Troy Renck of the Denver Post confirms Nix “has ground to cover” relative to the 27-year-old who made two Broncos starts last season.
On the other hand, Payton has not been shy about praising Nix’s acclimation so far. The former Saints Super Bowl winner noted (via Renck’s colleague Parker Gabriel) the Oregon alum’s performances so far have matched the team’s expectations based on their pre-draft evaluations. As Renck adds, Nix could very well wind up getting the nod for Week 1. That would turn attention from Stidham’s perspective to a competition with Wilson for the QB2 gig.
Here are some other quarterback notes:
- The top priority for NFL teams during this part of the year is having players avoid non-football injuries. As a result, the contracts of several players list specific activities which are deemed off-limits. In the case of Patrick Mahomes, that list includes basketball. The three-time Chiefs Super Bowl MVP would have the guarantees in his deal voided if he were to be injured playing basketball, as detailed by ESPN’s Marc Raimondi. Mahomes’ monster extension was restructured again in March to create cap space, but it still runs through 2031. Plenty of rolling guarantees (in terms of both salary and bonuses) remain on the contract, giving him ample reason to play things safe.
- Trey Lance is on the books with the Cowboys for one more season, with the team having made the unsurprising decision of declining his fifth-year option. The former 49ers top-three pick did not play last year, and it remains to be seen if he will serve as Dak Prescott‘s backup. Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram notes Lance is likely still behind Cooper Rush on the depth chart. The latter has made 26 appearances and six starts for Dallas, and he has one year remaining on his deal. With both Rush and Lance set to reach free agency next spring, their respective training camp and preseason performances will be key in determining the pecking order.
- Taulia Tagovailoa‘s pro football career will begin north of the border. The CFL’s Hamilton Tiger-Cats announced Tua Tagovailoa‘s younger brother signed with the team. Taulia began his college tenure at Alabama, but he transferred to Maryland and enjoyed a successful four-year run there. Tagovailoa, 24, broke the Big Ten’s all-time records for passing yards (11,265) and completion percentage (67.1%) with the Terrapins before going undrafted into the NFL this year. He received a look from the Seahawks and Cardinals during their minicamps, but his attention will now turn to earning playing time in Hamilton.
Jets To Manage LT Tyron Smith’s Training Camp Workload
Entering the offseason, questions were in place regarding how the Jets would proceed along the offensive line. Both tackle spots have seen veteran additions, although in the case of Tyron Smith and Morgan Moses injuries remain a concern. 
Smith established himself as one of the league’s top blindside protectors over the course of his 13-year Cowboys tenure. That period was frequently marred by injuries, however, and the 2010s All-Decade team member last played more than 13 games in a season in 2015. Smith inked a one-year, incentive-laden Jets deal in March.
The 33-year-old is on track to serve as New York’s left tackle starter, an important position considering quarterback Aaron Rodgers is coming off an Achilles tear which sidelined him for essentially his entire debut season with the Jets. Smith’s workload during training camp will be an important factor in his ability to acclimate to his new team. To little surprise, though, the Jets will proceed with caution in his case.
New York will include several rest days in Smith’s practice schedule this summer, Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic notes (subscription required). The eight-time Pro Bowler has missed 37 games across the past four years, appearing in just two contests in 2020 and four in 2022. Remaining healthy would be a critical development for team and player, although the Jets did use their top pick in this year’s draft on tackle Olu Fashanu as a future left tackle starter capable of seeing time as a rookie if needed.
Smith – who had discussions with the Cowboys about a new deal but did not come close on financial terms – will of course help his free agent value with a strong season. A key first step in that regard will be remaining on the field for most of the 2024 campaign, and a training camp regimen aimed at preserving him would mirror the approach Dallas used last year while increasing his chances of being effective down the stretch.
As Rosenblatt notes, Moses (re-acquired to handle right tackle duties) did not practice this spring as he recovers from pectoral surgery. Guard Alijah Vera-Tucker meanwhile, is rehabbing from an Achilles tear although there is optimism he will be ready for the start of the season. There will likely be few practices this summer where all five projected Jets O-line starters are on the field at the same time, but in Smith’s case at least that will be by choice.
Latest On Rams CB Tre’Davious White
Tre’Davious White saw his time with the Bills come to an end this offseason, setting up an eventual one-year flier he agreed to with the Rams. The former All-Pro corner’s health will be worth monitoring as the rest of the 2024 offseason unfolds. 
White – who was limited to 10 games across the past two seasons – suffered an Achilles tear in October, adding to his list of major injuries. That led to his Buffalo release and obviously hurt his market value. The 29-year-old signed a one-year Rams deal worth a base value of $4.25MM.
Spring workouts provided Los Angeles with the opportunity to evaluate White’s progress in terms of recovery. He spent most of OTAs working with trainers off to the side of practices, although he was able to take part in a walkthrough during the final week of the voluntary workouts. Whether or not the two-time Pro Bowler will be available to practice in pads during training camp remains to be seen.
“He’s making good progress,” head coach Sean McVay recently said of White (via the team’s website). “He was able to partake in the walkthrough. It’s obviously a significant injury that he’s overcome. He’s gotten a lot of good stuff done on the side… As far as what his actual process will be in training camp, we’ll see where he’s at. He does such a great job, understands his body, and so I don’t think we want to pigeonhole ourselves into one approach.”
The Rams brought back Darious Williams in free agency, and his $7.5MM-per-year pact is the team’s most lucrative one at the cornerback spot. Los Angeles also has the likes of Cobie Durant, Derion Kendrick and Tre Tomlinson in the fold as starting options. If healthy, White should be able to hold down a first-team role on his new team, though, something which would have financial implications for him. The LSU alum’s 2024 earnings will increase to $8.5MM if he logs a defensive snap share of 60% or higher.
Of course, a strong showing in Los Angeles would set White up for either a lucrative re-signing or a market of outside suitors in free agency next offseason. For now, attention will remain on his Week 1 availability and how he performs when he is on the field,
TE Dallas Goedert Addresses Eagles Future
Dallas Goedert is on track to remain atop the tight end depth chart for the Eagles in 2024. No guaranteed salary exists on his deal after the coming season, though, which could lead the team to seek out a replacement in the near future. 
Goedert has been a consistent presence in Philadelphia’s passing game when on the field, though injuries have been present throughout much of his career. The 29-year-old has not played a full season since his rookie year in 2018, and he has missed eight combined contests across the past two campaigns (including a fractured forearm in 2023). Goedert is under contract through 2025, but that year calls for a non-guaranteed $14.25MM in compensation and a cap charge of $11.81MM.
The Eagles could thus look to move on from Goedert by adding a successor in the same way he took over from Zach Ertz. In 2023, Goedert’s average of 42.3 yards per game was his lowest mark 2019, and Philadelphia’s offensive pecking order includes wideouts A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith along with running back Saquon Barkley. Both Brown and Smith signed lucrative extensions this offseason, while Barkley inked a three-year pact including $26MM guaranteed to provide the team with a pass-catching option out of the backfield. Goedert is not concerned about where things stand with respect to his financial outlook at the moment, though.
“I feel really good,” the South Dakota State alum said (via Jeff McLane of the Philadelphia Inquirer). “I’m not too worried about it. I love being in Philadelphia. I’m going to give them everything I’ve got and let the chips fall where they may fall.”
The Eagles signed C.J. Uzomah in free agency, but a long-term Goedert successor does not appear to be on the roster for the time being. That is especially true since the team did not elect to add a tight end during the draft. Goedert is therefore safe with respect to playing time for at least one more season, and how Philadelphia operates regarding his contract will no doubt be tied to his performance in 2024 under new OC Kellen Moore. His comments on his future point to optimism regarding a new agreement being possible, and it will be interesting to see if he plays his way into another Philadelphia extension.
Chiefs To Release DT Isaiah Buggs
Amidst a number of legal issues, Isaiah Buggs‘ time with the Chiefs is set to come to an end. The veteran defensive lineman has been informed by Kansas City he will be released, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
Buggs was the subject of two arrest warrants on misdemeanor animal cruelty charges, and he turned himself in earlier this month. The 27-year-old was later arrested for alleged domestic violence and burglary, adding to his off-field troubles. A $5K bond was initially posted in the latter case, but Pelissero notes it has since been revoked. As a result, Buggs is currently in prison as his legal situations play out.
Kansas City signed the former sixth-rounder rounder to a futures contract in February, giving him an opportunity to carve out a roster spot during training camp. That pact – worth the veteran’s minimum – contained only $250K in guaranteed salary along with a $100K signing bonus, though, making it feasible from the team’s perspective to move on. The decision to release Buggs will result in $350K in dead money and $803K in cap savings.
Buggs spent his first three NFL seasons with the Steelers, making 29 appearances and seven starts. He spent the past two years in Detroit, logging a heavier workload than he had during his time in Pittsburgh. The Alabama product racked up 58 tackles and a pair of sacks in 27 games as a Lion. Detroit waived him in January once Alim McNeill returned to full health.
The Chiefs have Chris Jones in place as the focal point of their defensive front. That group is filled out by low-cost contributors, including the likes of Derrick Nnadi, Mike Pennel and Tershawn Wharton. Kansas City entered Monday with roughly $15.6MM in cap space, a figure which will jump slightly once the Buggs release become official. The team will therefore have the financial wiggle room to make a summer addition along the D-line if one is deemed necessary. Buggs’ NFL future, meanwhile, is in doubt.
Latest On Raiders’ QB Competition
Raiders general manager Tom Telesco made it clear this spring the team would conduct a genuine competition for the starting quarterback job. 2023 fourth-rounder Aidan O’Connell and free agent addition Gardner Minshew split first-team reps in OTAs and minicamp, setting up an interesting situation for the summer. 
O’Connell took over from Jimmy Garoppolo midway through last season, and his final weeks of the campaign in particular led to strong endorsements from head coach Antonio Pierce. The 25-year-old received a vote of confidence to enter camp atop the depth chart, but Vegas was among the teams known to be interested in adding a first-round rookie quarterback. In the end, the Raiders did not have the option to trade into a top three slot and add a passer.
Minshew signed a two-year, $25MM contract in March to provide Vegas with either an experienced bridge starter or a veteran capable of stepping in for a rookie. The team viewed him as an insurance policy for any potential draft additions, but with none being made the 28-year-old will have a chance to win the QB1 gig during the summer. He may have ground to make up once training camp opens, though.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler noted during a recent SportsCenter appearance that while the Raiders’ competition is a “real battle,” O’Connell may have the lead at this point. Familiarity with the team is a factor in his potential edge (along with, as Fowler notes, support from wideout Davante Adams) although Vegas has installed a new scheme this offseason under offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. Fowler does add that Minshew has grown comfortable in the team’s offense as well, leaving plenty to be decided in the coming weeks.
Fowler predicts both O’Connell and Minshew could wind up seeing playing time in the preseason, something which is generally not the case for starters at many positions (especially quarterback) these days. If training camp practices are not sufficient for a leading candidate to emerge, though, Pierce may be required to use both signal-callers in game action to determine the order of the depth chart.
O’Connell is attached to his rookie contract for three more years at cap hits no larger than $1.27MM. Minshew, meanwhile, has scheduled cap charges of just $5.84MM and $3.16MM over the next two seasons thanks to the void years present in his deal. The Raiders will therefore have a cost-effective QB tandem in 2024, but it remains to be seen who will get the nod for Week 1.
5 Key Stories: 6/16/24 – 6/23/24
The period between offseason programs ending and training camps beginning is in full swing. A number of notable developments and updates to ongoing contract situations have taken place around the NFL in recent days, though. In case you missed any of the top headlines from the past week, here is a quick recap:
- Patriots Extend Stevenson: Signs pointed to an agreement being close between the Patriots and running back Rhamondre Stevenson shortly before an extension was indeed finalized. The 26-year-old is now attached to a four-year deal which will keep him in place through 2028. The pact has a base value of $36MM ($17MM of which is guaranteed), but incentives could push Stevenson’s earnings to $48MM. New England does not have a track record of making lucrative backfield commitments, but the new regime led by Eliot Wolf and Jerod Mayo authorized a deal carrying a $9MM annual average, the seventh-highest figure for running backs. Stevenson – who has amassed 3,047 scrimmage yards in his three-year career – will be counted on as a focal point of the Patriots’ offense for years to come.
- 49ers, Aiyuk Not Close To Deal: Progress remains elusive with respect to efforts between the 49ers and wideout Brandon Aiyuk on extension talks. Team and player are at an impasse as things currently stand, with San Francisco not prepared to meet Aiyuk’s asking price. This offseason has seen the receiver market reach new heights, and to little surprise the 26-year-old has adjusted his financial target based on the new going rate for top pass-catchers. San Francisco has both Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel under contract for one more year, but keeping both in the fold in 2025 will be challenging. The team also has a Brock Purdy extension to budget for, leading to continued speculation about a receiver being dealt. Aiyuk skipped OTAs and minicamp, and his training camp participation will no doubt depend on his contract status.
- Jets, Reddick Unlikely To Work Out Extension? Running counter to what the Jets expected, Haason Reddick was absent from the team’s mandatory minicamp earlier this month. The offseason trade acquisition is angling for a new contract putting him closer to the top of the edge rush pecking order, but New York is not interested in making such a commitment. Approaching his age-30 season, Reddick wanted to remain in Philadelphia but an inability to work out an extension led to him being dealt to New York. He could elect to incur fines by avoiding training camp in July, or he could stage a ‘hold in’ and avoid participating. Optimism does exist, however, that an arrangement can be agreed upon by Reddick and his new employer before camp opens. Whether that consists of a new deal or incentives being added to his existing one will be interesting to see.
- Broncos Hire David Shaw: After a successful run at Stanford, David Shaw was frequently connected to an opportunity to return to the sidelines in the NFL. He will indeed be back in the pro game in 2024, but his role with the Broncos will be in the front office. Shaw will handle player evaluation at both the NFL and college levels in Denver, a team which interviewed him for their head coaching position in 2022. That gig went to Sean Payton, but he and Shaw have remained close since their shared time as assistants on the 1997 Eagles. The latter neither confirmed nor denied having future NFL coaching aspirations, and he will focus his attention on his transition to new responsibilities with the Broncos.
- Browns Aiming For Cooper Resolution: Another of the league’s ongoing receiver situations is that between the Browns and Amari Cooper. The five-time Pro Bowler is eyeing a new deal, and Cleveland hopes to work out an agreement ahead of training camp. Cooper has proven to be an integral member of the team’s passing attack, although the trade acquisition of Jerry Jeudy could cut into his target share moving forward. One year remains on the $20MM-per-year contract Cooper signed during his time with the Cowboys, a figure which now falls well short of the receiver market’s ceiling. At age 30, the former top-five pick will not reach the top of the pecking order on an extension but he could land a raise if the Browns agree to either a new deal or an incentive package covering 2024.
Giants, Titans In Contact With UFL’s Juwan Manigo
A number of players who took part in the 2024 UFL season have already landed NFL deals. Return specialist Juwan Manigo could be the next to do so.
Manigo has received interest from the Giants, Mauricio Rodriguez and Mike Payton of A to Z Sports report. The 26-year-old exceled in Mexico’s LFA league for two seasons, winning MVP honors in both campaigns for his play as a receiver and returner. That was followed by a spell with the UFL’s Arlington Renegades in which his special teams skills were on full display. Manigo ranked third in the league in all-purpose yards, racking up 1,116 in 10 games.
The Giants have not shied away from spring league additions this offseason, inking Jacob Saylors last week. He will compete for a position in the backfield, whereas Manigo would be added as a contender to win the primary return role. The latter was not a factor on offense with the Renegades, so third phase contributions will no doubt be his path to an NFL roster. New York used Parris Campbell on kick returns in 2023, but he departed in free agency. Gunner Olszewski – the Giants’ primary punt returner from last year – re-signed in March.
Manigo has also been in contact with the Titans, Payton and colleague Sam Phalen add. Tennessee remains in search of a primary returner, and a number of options have received a look so far this offseason. That group includes former first-rounder Treylon Burks, whose special teams performances during the summer will play a role in his ability to hold onto a roster spot in Nashville.
At five-foot-seven, Manigo will certainly face size concerns if he manages to land an NFL deal ahead of training camp. Still, the league’s new kickoff rules are expected to add to the number of returns, and increased emphasis will be placed on the play in 2024. Cowboys returner KaVontae Turpin is a recent example of an undersized player finding success after spending time in a spring league, and Manigo will look to join him in that regard. Both the Titans ($24.3MM) and Giants ($11.5MM) have the cap space to afford signing him in the near future.