Browns GM Andrew Berry: Deshaun Watson “Ahead Of Schedule” In Recovery
As the Browns aim to have a healthy Deshaun Watson available for the entire 2024 campaign, a key aspect of the team’s offseason will be his rehab from a fractured shoulder socket. Developments on that front have been encouraging so far. 
Watson threw every other day during OTAs, with the Browns understandably taking a cautious approach early in the spring. His workload increased over time, though, and he impressed during minicamp. As a result, the 28-year-old is on track to practice without restrictions in training camp.
“First and foremost, Deshaun has really worked his tail off during the rehabilitation process over the last several months,” Browns general manager Andrew Berry said during an appearance on NFL Network’s The Insiders. “He’s really actually ahead of schedule… He’s thrown the ball well. Did a really nice job during our 7-on-7 and team periods during this veteran minicamp.
“He’s making excellent progress. Honestly if you didn’t know he got hurt last year, you really wouldn’t be able to tell the difference. We’re very excited once camp starts.”
The lingering shoulder issue affected Watson’s second Cleveland campaign, one in which he was slated to take part in the full season after the suspension which sidelined him for 11 contests in 2022. The Browns ultimately won 11 games while using five different starting quarterbacks last year, but having the former Texan in place for a full slate would be critical for team and player. Watson is entering the third year of his $230MM fully guaranteed pact signed upon arrival in Cleveland.
To date, the team has not received the expected results from the decision to trade for and sign Watson. The three-time Pro Bowler is set to carry cap hits above $63MM in each of the next three seasons (unless another restructure is worked out in the coming weeks), which will add to his importance on offense moving forward. Especially with running back Nick Chubb likely to miss time at the start of the season, increased emphasis will be placed on Cleveland’s passing game. If Watson is back to 100% by the fall, he will be positioned to make another run at a healthy season and serve as the focal point of the team’s attack.
Browns DE Lonnie Phelps Arrested For DUI
3:08pm: The Browns have cut ties with the recently arrested defender. The team announced Thursday afternoon it waived Phelps.
1:19pm: Lonnie Phelps was arrested Wednesday night after he crashed his SUV into a Key West restaurant, as detailed by 7News Miami. The second-year Browns defensive end now faces charges for DUI and damaging property.
Phelps’ vehicle crashed into the Red Shoe Island Bistro just before 9:00pm on June 19 with the passenger side “embedded in the wall,” per the police report. The Hyundai SUV also sustained damage in the front, and airbags on both sides deployed. Phelps and his girlfriend were present at the time of the crash.
The parties were seen arguing upon exiting the vehicle, and the report indicates Phelps showed signs of intoxication. He refused a breathalyzer test and was uncooperative with officers before ultimately being booked into the Monroe County Detention Center. Damages from the crash have been estimated at $300K.
Phelps joined the Browns last spring as an undrafted free agent. He spent his first three college seasons at Miami (Ohio), collecting 16 sacks in 38 games. Transferring to Kansas in 2022 paved the way for him to have a strong final campaign at the college level with seven sacks and 11.5 tackles for loss. Phelps did not see any game time as a rookie, but he remained in Cleveland by signing a futures contract in January.
The Browns’ edge group contains the likes of Myles Garrett, Za’Darius Smith, Ogbonnia Okoronkwo and Alex Wright. That quartet consists of returning players, and they will be expected to shoulder the load once again during the 2024 campaign. Phelps will again look to carve out a roster spot during training camp this summer if Cleveland elects to keep him in the fold. If the team were to let him go, he would be subject to waivers.
Chiefs Plan To Have S Justin Reid Handle Kickoffs
The NFL’s new kickoff rules are expected to bring about an uptick in the rate of returns and many teams may prioritize size and tackling on kick coverage teams compared to years past. In the case of the Chiefs, that may very well include Justin Reid handling kickoff duties. 
The veteran safety said during an appearance on Chris Long’s Green Light Podcast that Kansas City plans on using him (rather than kicker Harrison Butker) on kickoffs. With more returns set to take place in 2024, adding a defender to the coverage team would provide an upgrade in terms of tackling compared to kickers. That is the thought process behind this projected move.
“The advantage for us is that if I’m doing the job – which is what we’re planning on doing – then I can fill that last gap, so it makes it a little bit easier and nobody needs to win two gaps,” Reid explained. The 27-year-old has previously filled in for Butker as an emergency kicker handling field goal and extra point duties as well as kickoffs.
“We’re in a great place with it,” head coach Andy Reid added. “Although I know [Butker] can make some tackles, I think he’s excited to preserve himself, and we can use him where we really need him, which is those fourth-quarter situations to go nail a 60-yard field goal and win the game. It would be devastating to try and trot a guy out there who’s still nicked up from trying to make a tackle in the second quarter.”
Plenty is unknown regarding how the new, XFL-style kickoff alignment will shake out and the manner in which teams will react to it. If the Chiefs do manage to find success by replacing Butker with Reid, though, it will be interesting to see how many teams mimic their approach. Of course, the chance of injury is present for the latter, an important member of Kansas City’s defense.
Reid signed a three-year, $31.5MM deal with the Chiefs in 2022. The former Texan has served as a full-time defensive starter since then, racking up 178 tackles and 14 pass deflections along the way while helping the team win consecutive Super Bowls. An injury suffered on special teams would leave Kansas City without a key member of the secondary, but the team is prepared to at least begin the campaign by accepting that risk.
49ers TE George Kittle Addresses Recovery From Core Muscle Surgery
George Kittle took part in the 49ers’ run to the Super Bowl, but he did so at less than full strength. The All-Pro tight end underwent core muscle surgery in the offseason, and he recently provided an update on his recovery. 
“It was tough, but I’m feeling great now, which is fantastic,” Kittle said during an appearance on the Bussin’ With the Boys Podcast (h/t Will Simonds of NBC Sports Bay Area). “I’d say I’m almost back to 100 percent.”
That falls in line with an update Kittle provided on his condition. The 30-year-old is aiming to take part in training camp next month, and if his rehab continues to progress as planned that should take place. In addition to the core muscle injury, though, Kittle dealt with rib and toe ailments which left him unable to work out for a stretch following the Super Bowl.
“I couldn’t lift,” the three-time Pro Bowler added. “I couldn’t do any upper body because of my shoulder and my rib, and I couldn’t do lower [body] because of my core surgery… I didn’t lift from the Super Bowl until like almost mid-March. I went a month without doing anything, I wasn’t supposed to do anything.”
Kittle noted that the layoff resulted in the loss of nearly 30 pounds. He has since regained most of that, and the time remaining until training camp opens should allow him to return to his playing weight. Expectations will be high for the Iowa alum in his seventh 49ers campaign after he topped 1,000 yards for the third time in his career last season. Kittle is a key part of San Francisco’s offense nucleus, a unit which should remain intact for at least one more year.
Beyond that, the former fifth-rounder is among the players who could attempt to land an extension including new guaranteed money. Much of Kittle’s approach on that front will depend on his performance in 2024. Provided he can recover in full over the coming weeks, he will be positioned for another productive season.
Saints To Sign S Roderic Teamer
Roderic Teamer‘s Saints audition has proven to be a success. The veteran safety has a deal in place with his hometown team, Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football reports. 
Teamer joined wideout Russell Gage in working out with the Saints last week. The latter remains unsigned at this point, but the former will now have the opportunity to carve out a depth role during training camp and the preseason. Teamer has 40 games and 11 starts to his name dating back to his time with the Chargers and Raiders.
The Tulane alum saw part-time defensive duties with Vegas in 2021 and ’22, and he matched his career high with 40 tackles during the former campaign. Last season, he made six appearances before a DUI arrest led to his release. Teamer was previously suspended four games for a substance-abuse policy violation in 2020.
Since his single season with the Bolts, the former UDFA has primarily seen the field on special teams. That will likely be the case in New Orleans if Teamer manages to survive roster cutdowns. The Saints have Tyrann Mathieu in place to reprise his starting duties in 2024, although the team released Marcus Maye in February. That has paved the way for Jordan Howden to take on an increased workload, but a depth spot could be available for Teamer.
The Saints have a number of options in place regarding special teams contributors, including J.T. Gray and Jonathan Abram. Teamer’s third phase performance over the summer will thus be a critical in determining whether or not he lands a roster spot. New Orleans entered Thursday with just over $12MM in cap space, so this deal (which will no doubt be worth the veteran’s minimum) should not drastically impact the team’s financial outlook.
Broncos Hire David Shaw
David Shaw has long been mentioned as a candidate to return to the NFL coaching scene, and he is now set to join a pro franchise for the first time since 2005. The former Stanford head coach is taking on a position with the Broncos, as first reported by Mike Klis of 9News. The move is now official, per a team announcement. 
Shaw will hold the title of senior personnel executive. That is a different role than what he had interviewed for in recent years – the 51-year-old had been attempting to become an NFL head coach – but he will nevertheless face high expectations as part of Denver’s front office. Shaw’s arrival follows that of Cody Rager, who in January became the team’s VP of player personnel.
The Broncos hired Sean Payton during the 2022 head coaching cycle; their interview process included a meeting with Shaw. The latter was again on the radar of interested teams this offseason, interviewing with the Chargers and Titans for their respective HC vacancies. After being unable to land a role on the sidelines in the NFL, Shaw will now transition to an executive position allowing him to reunite with Payton. The pair worked together as assistants on the Eagles’ staff in 1997.
Shaw took over from Jim Harbaugh at Stanford in 2011, and he had a strong run as head coach through 2022. Compiling a 96-54 record and leading the program to three Rose Bowl titles, he drew praise for his pro-style offense. Shaw was away from coaching last season, and this gig will involve new front office responsibilities. Several members of the Broncos’ ownership group – including Greg Penner, Carrie Walton Penner and Condoleezza Rice – have longstanding ties to Stanford, and Klis notes general manager George Paton remained in touch with Shaw following his head coaching interview.
Now, Shaw will aim to offer insight on both pro and college personnel in Denver while serving in a different role than what he is familiar with. Success in the Mile High City could lead to further opportunities in Denver or renewed interest from around the NFL.
Jaguars To Sign WR Denzel Mims
Denzel Mims has not needed to wait long to find a new home. Shortly after being waived by the Steelers, the journeyman wideout is set to sign with the Jaguars, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Mims had been in Pittsburgh since early in the 2023 campaign, and while he did not see any playing time there the Steelers retained him via a futures deal. That allowed the 26-year-old the opportunity to carve out a depth roster spot in the team’s revamped receiver room, one which no longer features Diontae Johnson or Allen Robinson. With Mims unable to do so, Pittsburgh moved on from him earlier this week.
The former second-rounder failed to live up to expectations during his time with the Jets. Across three seasons in New York, Mims made just 42 catches for 676 scoreless yards. A trade to the Lions last summer appeared to open the door to a fresh start in a new setting, but he was unable to make Detroit’s roster. That resulted in an injury settlement followed by a lengthy stay on the Steelers’ taxi squad.
Jacksonville lost Calvin Ridley in free agency despite a willingness shown to re-signing him this offseason. His departure was countered by the additions of Gabe Davis and Devin Duvernay, but it came as little surprise when another move was made at the position during the draft. The Jaguars selected Brian Thomas Jr. in the first round, and he is in line to occupy a notable role as a rookie alongside Christian Kirk.
Mims will now spend training camp aiming to earn a depth spot in Duval County. With a 16.1 yards per catch average, the Baylor alum could try to establish himself as a vertical threat, although Davis and Thomas have a similar skillset in that regard. In any event, the Jags will have another option to consider during training camp and the preseason with respect to filling out their receiver room.
Latest On Packers’ Jordan Love
With the Trevor Lawrence deal in place, the likes of Dak Prescott, Tua Tagovailoa and Jordan Love have another benchmark to use in their own negotiations. The latter could be in line to benefit from Jacksonville’s investment despite his limited resume. 
The Jaguars inked Lawrence to a five-year, $275MM extension; that term and overall value matches Joe Burrow‘s market-topping deal signed last offseason. Lawrence has had an up-and-down tenure through three years in the league, and the fact he was nevertheless able to land a massive commitment bodes well for ascending signal-callers like Love. After one year as the Packers’ starter, he is in line for a long-term deal of his own.
Both team and player in Love’s case are hoping to work out an agreement before training camp opens next month. One year remains on the band-aid deal the 2020 first-rounder signed last offseason to replace his fifth-year option. He is due $11MM in 2024, but a new accord will be far more lucrative. During an appearance on ESPN Milwaukee Radio, Adam Schefter said he does not anticipate Love will take a deal worth less than Lawrence’s.
Six quarterbacks currently average more than $50MM on their contracts, and indications from last month pointed to Love joining that group despite his inexperience and underwhelming production to start the 2023 season. Improvement in the second half of the campaign helped the 25-year-old lead Green Bay to the divisional round of the postseason and demonstrate an ability to succeed with the team’s young (and cost-controlled) group of pass-catchers. One of the NFL’s most lucrative contracts could soon be coming his way as a result.
Lawrence’s Jags extension includes $200MM in total guarantees and $142MM locked in at signing. The commitments (in terms of up front compensation) go deep into the pact, and it could represent a blueprint for similar agreements this summer. Green Bay has made it clear Love is positioned to serve as the team’s next franchise passer like Brett Favre and Aaron Rodgers before him, but the surging QB market could complicate negotiations if the Packers are not willing to surpass the $55MM AAV mark.
Of course, extensions for the likes of Prescott and Tagovailoa could provide further clarity on where the market is headed. In any event, Love’s bargaining power has been strengthened by the Lawrence deal, and it will be interesting to see if he tries to reach the top of the quarterback pecking order as talks with the Packers continue.
Steelers OC Arthur Smith: Russell Wilson To Enter Training Camp In “Pole Position”
Before acquiring Justin Fields via trade, Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin made it clear the team intended to use Russell Wilson as their starting quarterback in 2024. Both passers are pending free agents, and training camp looms as an opportunity for Fields to reverse the pecking order. 
Tomlin later opened the door to Fields unseating Wilson for the starter’s gig this offseason, but such a development would still be considered an upset at this point. The latter has the opportunity to earn a multi-year stay in Pittsburgh or a deal sending him to another new team during free agency in 2025 with his play as a Steeler. New offensive coordinator Arthur Smith is in line with the organizational notion that the QB1 spot is Wilson’s to lose.
“Russ is in the pole position,” Smith said (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “It’s a competition. Obviously, we get to Latrobe, I’m sure things will heat up, but both those guys knew that, however they were acquired, and they got here and I think it’s been pretty transparent.”
Indeed, Tomlin has routinely used the same phrasing this offseason when describing Pittsburgh’s situation under center. Wilson has impressed during spring workouts, giving him the edge so far over Fields. That has pointed further to the former Super Bowl winner opening the season at the helm, although the 25-year-old does not intend to spend the full campaign on the sidelines.
Opinion amongst PFR’s readers also pegs Wilson as the favorite to operate as Pittsburgh’s starter for at least a majority of the 2024 campaign. In that event, his free agent market (and that of Fields) would be interesting given the Steelers’ reset at the position undertaken this offseason. Moving on from Kenny Pickett, Mitch Trubisky and Mason Rudolph paved the way for the team’s new faces acclimating to Smith’s scheme. More clarity will emerge during training camp and the preseason, but the competition between Wilson and Fields will be one to watch as the summer unfolds.
Latest On Raiders’ RB Situation
Josh Jacobs is no longer in place for the Raiders, meaning the team’s backfield will look different in 2024. After the former first-rounder departed without any negotiations on a re-signing, Zamir White is on track to handle lead back duties. 
The latter showed promise last season, his second in the NFL. White racked up 451 rushing yards, many of which came during a four-week stretch to close out the campaign in which Jacobs was sidelined through injury. The 24-year-old should be expected to shoulder by far the heaviest workload of his career in 2024, although free agent Alexander Mattison represents an experienced competitor for carries.
“Just because [White has] got the job now, that doesn’t mean it can’t be taken,” head coach Antonio Pierce confirmed, via Vic Tafur of The Athletic (subscription required). “Alex Mattison is a really good football player, and that’s how I’m going to keep going about our team… So Zamir understands that – don’t get comfortable. And I think he’s done a really good job with that.”
Mattison spent his first five NFL seasons in Minnesota, generally serving as Dalvin Cook‘s backup. The Vikings’ decision to move on from the four-time Pro Bowler last offseason left the door open to Mattison seeing increased usage. He logged a career-high in carries (180) and rushing yards (700), but his efficiency of 3.9 yards per attempt and lack of rushing scores led to Minnesota moving on. Mattison, 25, inked a one-year, $2MM pact in March as he aims to rebuild his value.
A report from last month confirmed the White-Mattison arrangement was the Raiders’ plan at the running back spot, and veteran Ameer Abdullah is in place as a special teams mainstay. As Tafur notes, though, Vegas could be in the market for another addition during training camp or as part of roster cutdowns. With White on his rookie pact and the team having elected not to retain Jacobs on a lucrative deal, the position does not feature a pricey commitment at this time.
To no surprise, several veterans are still unsigned during the period between offseason programs ending and training camps beginning. Cook, Kareem Hunt and Cam Akers are among the backs who are on the market and who should be available for a low price in the summer. Vegas has over $34MM in cap space, although splashy signings through the remainder of the 2024 offseason should not be expected. Plenty will of course depend on the outcome of the competition between White and Mattison once camp opens next month.