Maxx Crosby Hopes To Finish Career With Raiders
Maxx Crosby is on the books through 2026, and the Raiders’ recent actions suggest a desire to keep him in place for years to come. That sentiment is matched by the star edge rusher. 
Vegas accelerated $6MM of Crosby’s compensation for 2024, adding $1.5MM in salary for the following season as well. He is set to carry big-money cap hits for each of the final three years of his contract as things stand, and it would come as no surprise if an extension were to be worked out down the road. That would allow the 26-year-old to meet his goal of remaining with the organization through the rest of his career.
“The guys who inspire me are the Kobe [Bryants] and the [Michael] Jordans; the guys that stayed at the same place and won in the same place,” Crosby said during an appearance on The Jim Rome Show (video link). “No offense to the guys like LeBron [James] and those dudes – I won’t give them some heat, but they took the easier road traveled and that’s not the way I look at it.
“So, I plan on being here for a very long time and I plan on winning here. You know when I signed that contract, I didn’t have any type of, you know, thought of leaving or idea of leaving. I feel like I’m going to be a Raider for life.”
Crosby signed a four-year, $94MM pact in 2022 and he ranks ninth in the league in terms of annual average value amongst edge rushers. He has proven to be a sound investment for Vegas so far, racking up 27 sacks across the past two seasons. He has led the league in tackles for loss (22, 23) both times as well and he remains on track to serve as the focal point of the Raiders’ defense for the foreseeable future. He was floated as a trade candidate in the event Antonio Pierce was not named head coach, but with the interim tag being removed this offseason that is now a moot point.
The three-time Pro Bowler should manage to move into third in franchise history with respect to sacks if he remains healthy in 2024. The top spot belongs to Greg Townsend with 107.5, so Crosby (52) has a long way to go in that regard. Townsend also holds the top spot for games played (174), but if Crosby has his way he could threaten that mark by staying in place for the duration of his NFL tenure.
CB Stephon Gilmore Open To Patriots Reunion
A number of high-profiles defensive backs are still on the open market with minicamps now in the books. Several of those players are safeties, but the group of available cornerbacks includes Stephon Gilmore. 
The 2019 Defensive Player of the Year was connected to a deal with the Panthers earlier this offseason, but no agreement on that front is considered imminent. Plenty of other suitors could emerge over the summer, either in the break between offseason programs and the start of training camps or even later following an injury. Gilmore intends to remain patient as a free agent at this point, and one outcome he would consider is a return to New England.
Following a five-year run in Buffalo to begin his career, Gilmore signed a five-year, $65MM deal with the Patriots. He spent four years with the team prior to being dealt to the Panthers. During that span, he earned three Pro Bowl invitations along with a pair of first-team All-Pro nominations and his DPoY nod. It remains to be seen if New England will pursue a reunion, but Gilmore publicly stated an openness to re-joining the team.
“You never know. I’ll weigh any options,” the 33-year-old said during an appearance at Tom Brady‘s Patriots Hall of Fame induction ceremony (via MassLive’s Nick O’Malley). “This is a place that I played great ball, so just letting it play out how it’s gonna be.”
Gilmore played an injury-shortened season with the Panthers in 2021, but he has remained healthy since then. Between his campaigns with the Colts (2022) and Cowboys (2023), the South Carolina alum has totaled four interceptions and 21 pass breakups while logging over 1,000 snaps both years. He will provide starting-caliber play to any new (or familiar) team once he signs.
The Patriots’ cornerback room contains the likes of Christian Gonzalez, Jonathan Jones, Marco Wilson, Marcus Jones and Isaiah Bolden as things stand. The team currently leads the league in cap space with over $45MM available to spend. Gilmore’s price tag will of course depend on the interest shown by other teams, and he noted no serious contract talks with New England have taken place to date. If that were to change this summer, he could represent a notable late-offseason addition for one of his former squads.
Latest On Extension Talks Between Packers, Jordan Love
Trevor Lawrence became the latest quarterback in the $50MM-per-year club by agreeing to his monster Jaguars extension. Jordan Love may be the next ascending signal-caller to join him in that regard. 
The latter is well past the 12-month mark since his bridge deal was signed last offseason. That one-year extension took the place of his fifth-year option as Love took over for Green Bay on a full-time basis. The 2020 first-rounder helped guide the Packers to the divisional round of the playoffs, and a lucrative long-term investment is now the expected outcome of negotiations this offseason.
General manager Brian Gutekunst recently confirmed the team’s preference to work out a deal before training camp opens next month. It is clear that feeling is mutual based on Love’s remarks on the subject. When asked about his looming deal, the 25-year-old said he is optimistic an agreement will be reached in time for camp. He added he expects contract talks to pick up in the coming days with minicamp having taken place (h/t ESPN’s Rob Demovsky).
Lawrence’s deal matches Joe Burrow‘s in terms of average annual value ($55MM). Love has been named as another candidate to approach that figure, but at a minimum he should manage to become the seventh quarterback to reach the $50MM plateau. The Utah State product had only one start to his name before the 2023 campaign, one in which he endured expected growing pains. The close of the regular season and the playoffs eliminated doubt on the team’s part that a mega-pact would be worthwhile, though.
Love finished second in the NFL in touchdown passes (32) and seventh in yards (4,159) last season, providing reason to believe he can guide a young Packers offense to similar success moving forward. He is due $11MM for 2024 as things stand, but that will change dramatically if a deal is worked out in short order. Given the public stances of both team and player in this case, it would not come as a surprise if Love opened training camp with a new deal in hand.
Steelers’ Cameron Heyward Open To 2025 Free Agent Departure
It has become clear this offseason that Cameron Heyward is seeking a new deal from the Steelers. If an extension agreement is not reached, he could enter the 2025 offseason as a free agent. 
Heyward is due a $16MM base salary this season, the final year of his $65.5MM 2020 contract. The reigning Walter Payton Man of the Year winner has spent his entire 13-year career in Pittsburgh, and he hopes to remain with the Steelers for years to come. No hometown discount should be expected, though, which leaves open the possibility of an agreement not being reached in time for the start of the season.
In that case, the 35-year-old would play out the 2024 campaign as a walk year. His latest comments on his future confirm he is immediately focused on the coming season, one which will be critical in establishing his value. Heyward saw his production drop in an injury-shortened 2023 slate, and multiple core muscle surgeries have taken place aimed at providing the opportunity for a rebound. A strong showing this year would help boost Heyward’s stock on a new Steelers accord or one sending him elsewhere.
“I have talked to my wife, and we know the reality, and we have had those talks, and she said it could be fun to play somewhere else,” the three-time All-Pro said, via The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly (subscription required). “If that is what is needed to be done, then so be it. But I am still enjoying the ride here this year.”
Heyward is seeking a two-year extension, something which would greatly strengthen his chances of playing out his full NFL tenure as a Steeler. That could, of course, still wind up being the case. His comment certainly points to an openness to exploring the market, though, meaning the progress of negotiations during the summer will be an interesting storyline to follow.
Pittsburgh has a mix of veterans (Larry Ogunjobi, Montravius Adams, Dean Lowry) and recent draft additions (DeMarvin Leal, Keeanu Benton, Logan Lee) along the defensive interior. Heyward will have a large role to play once again in 2024 as the leader of that group, but whether or not that will double as his final Pittsburgh campaign remains to be seen.
CB D.J. Reed Open To New Jets Deal; No Extension Talks Taking Place
Haason Reddick is the pending free agent defender who has drawn the most attention for the Jets recently. Another player who fits that description is cornerback D.J. Reed, although he is not in danger of missing training camp or regular season action. 
The latter joined New York on a three-year, $33MM deal in 2022. That pact has proven to be a sound investment on the team’s part given the way Reed has worked in tandem with Sauce Gardner over their two seasons together. The former Seahawk is due $11MM in 2024 with a cap hit of $15.64MM.
Working out an extension would likely lower that figure while ensuring the Gardner-Reed tandem remains in place beyond 2024. As Reed said when addressing the media, however, no talks on an extension have taken place to this point (h/t ESPN’s Rich Cimini). He therefore remains on track to play out the coming season as a walk year.
“I signed a three-year deal, so I expect to play three years here and go into free agency,” Reed said, via Brian Costello of the New York Post. “I do love New York. I love playing here. I love the coaches, love the organization. [Owner] Woody [Johnson] took care of me last time.”
Reed split his first four NFL seasons evenly between the 49ers and Seahawks, starting 24 games across that span. The 27-year-old had a strong contract year in 2021 (two interceptions, 10 pass deflections) before leaving the NFC West for the first time in his career. He has remained a full-time starter in New York, posting consistent seasons in terms of ball production while adding strong play in coverage.
That has yielded steady PFF evaluations; Reed has ranked between eighth and 23rd amongst qualified corners in the past four years. 2024 should see him continue to deliver solid performances in the Jets’ secondary, a unit which also has Michael Carter II looming as an extension candidate. Especially with Gardner eligible for a monster re-up as early as next offseason, keeping Reed in the fold could be challenging. Much will depend on how New York proceeds at the cornerback spot from a financial perspective over the short-term future.
“The ball is in the Jets’ court,” the Kansas State product added. ““I love being here, but I’m not really stressing about it. I’m here. I’m going to be here in training camp. I signed a three-year deal here, so I expect to play my three years out and go from there.”
Chargers, S Tony Jefferson Agree To Deal
Tony Jefferson‘s comeback attempt has landed an agreement. Shortly after trying out with the Chargers, the veteran safety is signing a deal with the team, veteran insider Jordan Schultz reports. The move is now official.
Jefferson took part in Los Angeles’ minicamp aiming to secure a roster spot for at least the remainder of the offseason. Now, the Chula Vista, California native will look to carve out a role on defense and/or special teams with the Bolts. Jefferson last played with the Giants in 2022.
The 32-year-old established himself as a starter during his tenure with the Cardinals. He showcased a strength as a run defender in particular during that time, posting five sacks and six forced fumbles with Arizona. Jefferson landed a four-year, $34MM contract with the Ravens in 2017 and he remained a consistent first-team presence during his time in Baltimore.
Across 35 Ravens starts, the former UDFA posted a pair of interceptions and 12 pass deflections. His career was impacted by a 2019 ACL tear, though, and he was sidelined for the following campaign. A brief 2021 49ers spell led to a Ravens reunion, but that too was short-lived. After failing to survive Ravens roster cutdowns two years ago, Jefferson played under Don Martindale with the Giants.
By joining the Chargers, he has once again undertaken a reunion with familiar faces. Longtime Ravens executive Joe Hortiz is now the general manager in Los Angeles, and a number of staffers with connections to Baltimore are in place under Jim Harbaugh. That includes defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who served as a DBs coach with the Ravens during Jefferson’s time there.
The latter worked as a scouting intern in Baltimore last season, but instead of a repeat in that capacity he will try and resume his playing career. The Chargers entered Friday with over $21.5MM in cap space, so adding Jefferson on what will likely be a one-year deal worth the veteran’s minimum will not be burdensome.
TE Jimmy Graham’s Retirement Decision Dependent On Saints’ Plans
Jimmy Graham returned to NFL action last season, doing so where his decorated career began. Another Saints season is a possibility for the veteran tight end, but whether he plays or retires in 2024 will depend on how the team proceeds. 
The 37-year-old made 13 appearances last season, his sixth in New Orleans and first since 2014. Graham saw a career-low snap percentage (19%s), though, and he made only six catches during the year. While four of those were touchdowns, a similar workload would likely await him if he elected to continue playing in 2024.
Graham posted what appeared to be a farewell message to the Saints in March. That stopped short of a retirement announcement, however, and nothing has appeared to change on that front. The five-time Pro Bowler has plans for the offseason – including being a member of a team attempting to break the world record for the fastest time rowing across the Arctic Ocean – but he is still open to playing another year in New Orleans.
“I’m gonna reach out to the Saints and figure out what’s best, and then make the decision on when it’s best for me to retire,” Graham said (via ESPN’s Katherine Terrell). “I don’t have any expectations. I just want to make sure when I retire, it’s as a Saint, and it’s when they want me to. I’ll just make sure I give them a call and see exactly when they want me to retire and then I’ll end up doing it.”
While those comments point even further to Graham’s playing days being done, New Orleans could be shorthanded at the tight end position to begin the season. Juwan Johnson is facing a multi-week absence following foot surgery, and his Week 1 availability is now in question. The Saints have other replacement options on the books, but Graham could provide the team with an experienced red zone threat if they were open to a new deal.
If no such agreement is reached, though, Graham’s career will end with top-10 rankings amongst tight ends in a number of all-time statistical categories. He has amassed over $82MM in earnings, but it remains to be seen if that total will increase in 2024.
Patriots Sign Round 2 WR Ja’Lynn Polk, Complete Rookie Deals
The Patriots have signed receiver Ja’Lynn Polk to his rookie deal, per a team announcement. As a result, each member of the team’s draft class has been signed ahead of the break leading up to training camp. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 adds this pact includes a $3.87MM signing bonus. 
To no surprise, New England used the No. 3 pick to add a potential franchise quarterback. Drake Maye is in line to handle starting duties at some point relatively soon, but the caliber of the pass-catching options around him has drawn questions. Free agency saw the Patriots pursue Calvin Ridley, but the team’s most notable addition was K.J. Osborn.
The former Viking will be joined by veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and Kendrick Bourne in New England’s receiver corps. That unit also features recent draftees Tyquan Thornton, Kayshon Boutte and Demario Douglas, and Polk will look to carve out an early role. The latter began his college career at Texas Tech before transferring to Washington in 2021. He had a limited impact during his first Huskies season, but his production jumped considerably after that.
In 2022, Polk posted a 41-694-6 statline, establishing himself as an impactful member of the team’s deep receiver room. That continued this past season while he played alongside Rome Odunze and Jalen McMillan as the Huskies went to the national title game. Polk recorded 1,159 yards and nine touchdowns on 69 catches, proving himself to be a sure-handed option in the intermediate game in particular. The 6-1, 203-pounder came off the board early on Day 2, joining Odunze (first round, Bears) and McMillan (third round, Buccaneers) as Washington products who will face high expectations upon entry into the NFL.
New England struggled in a number of offensive categories last year, ranking 28th in passing yards. The addition of Polk and fellow rookie Javon Baker could give the team new options in an offense which has seen a number of moves made on the field and the sidelines this offseason as all parties aim to take a needed step forward in 2024.
Here is a full breakdown of the Patriots’ draft class:
- Round 1, No. 3: Drake Maye (QB, UNC) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 37 (via Chargers): Ja’Lynn Polk (WR, Washington) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 68: Caeden Wallace (T, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 103: Layden Robinson (G, Texas A&M) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 110 (from Bears through Chargers): Javon Baker (WR, UCF) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 180: Marcellas Dial (CB, South Carolina) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 193 (from Jaguars): Joe Milton III (QB, Tennessee) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 231 (from Bears): Jaheim Bell (TE, Florida State) (signed)
Falcons Docked 2025 Fifth-Round Pick For Tampering Violation
The Eagles will not face punishment following the NFL’s investigation into the Saquon Barkley signing. In the case of the Falcons, however, discipline has been handed down. 
The league announced on Thursday that the team has been docked its 2025 fifth-round pick as result of improper communication with quarterback Kirk Cousins, wideout Darnell Mooney and tight end Charlie Woerner. The Falcons have also been fined $250K and general manager Terry Fontenot will pay a $50K fine.
“While the [Anti-Tampering] policy permits clubs to engage with and negotiate all aspects of an NFL player contract with the certified agent of any prospective unrestricted free agent during the two-day negotiating period, any direct contact between the player and an employee or representative of the club is prohibited,” a league statement reads (via NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport).
“This includes discussion of travel arrangements or other logistical matters, which the club acknowledges took place with regard to these three players.”
Indeed, Rapoport’s colleague Tom Pelissero notes communication related to travel took place within the two-day negotiating window for the three players in question. They had already legally agreed to terms by that point, a key factor in the league’s decision to issue a penalty which is lighter than those previously imposed in other circumstances. Still, the fact Atlanta has been disciplined while the Eagles have not falls in line with the previous expectation on the outcome of their respective investigations.
Cousins has publicly stated he spoke with Falcons medical personnel before his deal was official; he also acknowledged that he offered to help recruit Mooney prior to his contract being on the books. Cousins ultimately signed a four-year $180MM contract while Mooney inked a $39MM pact covering the next three seasons. Both players will be key figures in Atlanta’s offense moving forward.
“We are pleased the review is complete,” a Falcons statement reads. “We cooperated fully with the league and its review, and appreciate the NFL’s thoroughness. As we do with every process, we will review how we operate and look for ways to improve.”
As a result of today’s decision, Atlanta will move forward with five 2025 draft picks. The team has its own selection in each of the first four rounds, as well as a seventh-round pick from the Rams. The Falcons are not currently projected to receive any compensatory picks.
Bengals Sign Second-Round DT Kris Jenkins Jr.
The Bengals announced on Thursday that defensive tackle Kris Jenkins Jr. has signed his four-year rookie contract. All but one member of the team’s draft class is now on the books. 
Jenkins was selected with the 49th pick, making him one of several interior defenders who heard their names called during the beginning of Day 2. He spent four seasons at Michigan, serving as an impactful member of the team’s defense from 2021-23. Jenkins drew attention based on his production but also his athletic profile over the course of his college career.
The 6-3, 300-pounder’s most productive season as a run defender came in 2022, when he posted 54 total stops. That figure fell last year, but Jenkins managed to up his tackle for loss and sack totals to 4.5 and 2.5, respectively. That made him a key starter on the Wolverines’ defense, a unit which played a central role in the team’s unbeaten campaign and national title.
In Cincinnati, Jenkins will look to earn at least a rotational role during his rookie campaign. The Bengals’ defensive front was dealt a blow when D.J. Reader departed in free agency. The four-year starter inked a deal with the Lions, creating a notable vacancy along the interior. By the time that took place, Cincinnati had worked out a two-year deal with Sheldon Rankins.
The latter will provide the Bengals with first-team reps at the DT spot. Cincinnati also has veteran B.J. Hill and 2022 third-rounder Zachary Carter in the fold at that position. Of course, the team followed up the Jenkins pick by taking McKinnley Jackson in the third round. Both rookies will spend training camp looking to carve out a role ahead of the regular season.
With the Jenkins deal now in place, only first-round offensive tackle Amarius Mims has yet to sign his rookie deal. An agreement on that front could take place before the end of the week, but if not both sides will likely wait until training camp opens next month to finalize it.