5 Key Stories: 6/2/24 – 6/9/24
Many NFL teams conducted their minicamps this week, marking the end of their offseason programs. A relatively lengthy wait until training camp awaits them, but a number of important developments have taken place on the contract front in recent days. In case you missed anything from the past week, here is a quick recap:
- Vikings, Jefferson Agree To Historic Extension: The most impactful domino at the receiver position fell when Justin Jefferson and the Vikings agreed to a four-year, $140MM extension. The $35MM annual average value of the pact is the highest in league history for a non-quarterback and it moves the top of the WR market even higher. Both the total ($110MM) and full (roughly $89MM) guarantees put Jefferson in a tier of his own regarding up front compensation. The 24-year-old is now under contract through 2028 as a continued foundational piece of Minnesota’s offense. The pace of Jefferson negotiations was a talking point this offseason, and the lack of a deal enticed teams to make sizable trade offers. The Vikings turned down outside interest, though, and a record-breaking deal is now officially in place.
- 49ers Extend McCaffrey: No guaranteed money remained on Christian McCaffrey’s 49ers pact, which prompted an OTA absence and the request for a new deal. An agreement has now been reached, with the reigning Offensive Player of the Year securing a two-year, $38MM extension. McCaffrey is on the books through 2027 as a result of the pact, one which includes $24MM guaranteed and represents an $8MM raise across the next two years compared to what he was originally owed. Since arriving via trade in 2022, the former Panther has thrived in San Francisco. He will now continue to operate as the team’s top rushing threat as well as a key component of their passing game. As his Carolina extension did, meanwhile, McCaffrey’s new pact has moved the financial bar higher at the running back position.
- Browns Confirm Stefanski, Berry Extensions: Earlier this offseason, signs pointed to the Browns extending both head coach Kevin Stefanski and general manager Andrew Berry. The team has now officially inked the pair to new deals, paving the way for consistency on the sidelines and in the front office unlike that which has been seen for much of the time under the ownership of Jimmy and Dee Haslam. Cleveland has gone to the postseason twice in Stefanski’s four-year HC tenure, and he has earned Coach of the Year honors both times. Berry has been in place for the same duration, and his record of player acquisition (with the rather notable exception of Deshaun Watson) has generally been well-regarded. Expectations will be high for the pair for the foreseeable future.
- Steelers Reunite With Sutton: Following his release from the Lions related to a domestic violence arrest, cornerback Cameron Sutton drew interest from the Steelers. The feeling has proven to be mutual with the sides reuniting via a one-year contract. Like many deals signed at this time of year, the pact is worth the veteran’s minimum and does not include any guaranteed money. Sutton, 29, spent his first six years with the Steelers before playing in Detroit in 2023. He will provide at least experienced depth or a starting-caliber option for Pittsburgh’s CB room, one led by Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson. Sutton faces the possibility of a suspension regardless of how his legal case plays out, but when on the field in 2024 he will be in a familiar territory.
- Commanders Cut McManus: Not long after it was learned Brandon McManus is the subject of a sexual assault lawsuit, the veteran kicker was let go by the Commanders. McManus faces allegations related to an incident on a team flight when he was a member of the Jaguars, and Jacksonville has also been named in the suit. Both Jags coach Doug Pederson and Commanders coach Dan Quinn have denied knowledge of the allegations prior to when they became public. McManus signed a one-year deal with Washington in March, and half of his $1.5MM signing bonus has already been paid out. His release came just before the second half was due, which could lead to a dispute with the Commanders. In any case, McManus’ NFL future will no doubt be tied to the outcome of the lawsuit and the ongoing investigation related to it.
Latest On Commanders’ LT Situation
In 2023, quarterback Sam Howell was sacked a league-leading 65 times. That figure marked a franchise record for the Commanders, a team which has made a slew of changes on offense this season. 
That includes second overall pick Jayden Daniels set to take over under center, along with multiple new faces up front. Washington added Tyler Biadasz and Nick Allegretti during free agency, and they are on track to start at center and left guard, respectively. Returnees Sam Cosmi and Andrew Wylie are set to reprise their respective positions on the right side of the line, but the left tackle spot remains wide open.
The Commanders released Charles Leno in March, ending his three-year run in the nation’s capital. The 32-year-old served as a full-time starter in 2021 and ’22, and he logged a first-team role when healthy last season. Washington used swing tackle Cornelius Lucas as his replacement for four games in 2023, and he is one of the candidates to take on blindside duties. Another is fellow veteran Trent Scott, who saw usage at right tackle in his debut Commanders season in 2023.
Washington waited until the third round of this year’s draft to select an offensive linemen, adding Brandon Coleman at No. 67. The TCU product saw time along the interior during his college tenure, but he also logged snaps at tackle. If he impresses this summer, he could get an extended look at the latter position. For now, though, nothing has been settled with respect to the competition for a first-team role.
“It’s still a little early to say how confident we are in anything,” offensive line coach Bobby Johnson said (via ESPN’s John Keim). “I’m pleased with the progress they’ve made. At this point, I don’t see any red flags that give me pause. But once again, it’s still early.”
Many positional battles along the offensive and defensive lines are, of course, not settled until padded practices in July and August take place alongside preseason action. For the Commanders, that will leave the left tackle spot undecided for at least a few more months. If a late-offseason free agent addition is deemed necessary, finances will not be an issue. Washington currently has $44.5MM in cap space, the second-most in the NFL.
Much of Daniels’ success at LSU (which included a Heisman-winning performance in 2023) was built on his mobility, and scrambling will no doubt be a consistent aspect of his play at the NFL level early on in particular. As Keim notes, Washington has also committed more to the run game than last season, and a running backs room now led by Austin Ekeler is in line to be notably involved as a result. Still, one of the team’s key questions over the summer will be the selection of a starting blindside protector for Daniels’ rookie campaign.
Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah Addresses Financial Approach
Kwesi Adofo-Mensah has been at the helm of the Vikings for the past two years, and that span has seen considerable roster turnover. A few major roster-building decisions have been made this offseason, including the recent monster investment made in receiver Justin Jefferson. 
Jefferson’s extension carries an annual average value of $35MM, the highest figure for a non-quarterback in NFL history. He is a member of the team’s young core now and for the foreseeable future, and the structure of the pact includes guaranteed money in all but its final season. The Jefferson accord is the latest component of the Vikings’ financial approach, one Adofo-Mensah recently expanded on.
“I have been in places where they have specific calculations for how much a player’s worth,” he said (via Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune). “Those are tougher in football as compared to baseball, just because of the interaction between teammates and things like that. But I do know those numbers, and obviously I have [them] in our calculations. There’s also ways to do it, relative value-wise: Would I rather have a quarterback at this level or a wide receiver at this level or a [pass] rusher at this level?”
In the era of certain positions – quarterback being chief among them – occupying an increasingly large share of salary cap space, the question of which players to invest in on second contracts has become a central element of roster construction. In the case of the Vikings, of course, the QB spot is now made up of veteran Sam Darnold (who signed a one-year, $10MM deal in free agency) and first-rounder J.J. McCarthy (who will be attached to his rookie deal for at least four years).
The extra funds realized by letting Kirk Cousins depart will be used in part on Jefferson’s deal, as well as the one tight end T.J. Hockenson is signed to. Left tackle Christian Darrisaw is a candidate for the Vikings’ next lucrative in-house contract, something Adofo-Mensah confirmed is a preferred means of committing cap space to the team’s new nucleus.
“The draft is the most efficient way to boost talent, but re-signing your own is typically the second best, right?” he said. “Because then free agency is its own deal, and you have to pay a premium to the market. And then lastly is, people have to trade. So with that kind of hierarchy, we look at these deals as still pretty favorable to the team, when you’re extending your own.”
Minnesota is currently projected to have over $54MM in cap space in 2025, and the likes of McCarthy, fellow first-round rookie Dallas Turner and wideout Jordan Addison will be on cost-controlled pacts for multiple years beyond that point. That will create a notable window for Adofo-Mensah to make additions aimed at complementing the players attached to lucrative second contracts as the organization’s transition away from numerous veterans of the previous regime continues.
Texans WR Stefon Diggs Expected To Be Traded By Bills?
One of the most impactful moves of the offseason for both the Bills and Texans was the trade which sent Stefon Diggs from Buffalo to Houston. The deal came about in short order with the Pro Bowl wideout’s former team originally expecting to keep him for at least the 2024 campaign. 
Diggs himself seems to have had a different outlook on that front, however. When speaking to the media for the first time as a member of the Texans, he addressed the end of his Bills tenure. The 30-year-old said of a trade, via ESPN’s DJ Bien-Aime, that he felt “it was going in that direction.”
Tension (real or perceived) between team and player was a regular occurrence in the case of Diggs’ four-year run in Buffalo. He still managed to enjoy plenty of success there with 5,372 yards and 37 touchdowns, production which led to four straight Pro Bowl invites and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2020. Once the Texans presented a trade package involving a 2025 second-round pick, though, the Bills elected to move on.
In doing so, Buffalo incurred a dead cap charge of just over $31MM. General manager Brandon Beane has since confirmed the team’s preference was to absorb that record-breaking amount (for receivers) all at once rather than spreading it out over multiple years. While that approach will create considerable spending power in 2025, questions have been raised about the Bills’ receiver room this year.
By contrast, the Texans have added Diggs to a unit already featuring Tank Dell – who had a strong rookie campaign when healthy last season – and Nico Collins. The latter had a breakout season in 2023, and it earned him a lucrative extension. Diggs was attached to a big-ticket deal of his own, but Houston agreed to remove the post-2024 years of his contract. The former fifth-rounder is thus on track for free agency next offseason, and much of his value will depend on his ability to fit in well with his new team. Diggs’ remarks in that regard have been encouraging early on.
“They’re very welcoming,” he said of the Texans. “Very open arms, and I just feel like it’s important for me to be a part of things like that. It’s genuine. You thrive in that space. You thrive in a space where you’re loved. Thrive in a space of being around those who truly care and truly want to see you win.”
Latest On Falcons’ Planned Roles For TE Kyle Pitts, RB Bijan Robinson
Kirk Cousins will be one of the key figures to watch at the start of the 2024 season as the Falcons’ new quarterback. Plenty of the team’s offensive success will of course depend on the play of tight end Kyle Pitts and running back Bijan Robinson, though. 
[RELATED: Falcons Pick Up Pitts’ Fifth-Year Option]
Both former top-10 picks faced massive expectations upon entering the NFL. Pitts had a strong rookie showing, but that was followed up by underwhelming campaigns in 2022 and ’23. The 23-year-old was known far more for his pass-catching abilities than his run blocking coming out of college, and to little surprise new offensive coordinator Zac Robinson is interested in keeping that element of his skillset a key component of his usage.
“He has so much flexibility with what he can do even as an in-line blocker, then he’s split out wide,” Robinson said when speaking about the hybrid role Pitts is taking on this spring (via D. Orlando Ledbetter of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution). “There is just a lot of versatility…. He’s learning basically two different positions. There is some tight end, and there is some receiver. He’s got a lot on his plate, and he’s handling it really well.”
The Florida alum’s usage in the slot increased year over year with the Falcons during Arthur Smith‘s tenure as head coach. Pitts earned a Pro Bowl nod for his output in 2021 (68 catches, 1,026 yards), but injuries limited him to 10 games the following year. In 2023, he rebounded to a degree with 667 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, but the arrival of Cousins under center could unlock further production. It is interesting, though, that traditional tight end usage will still be an element of his deployment in a new scheme.
Atlanta had a 1,000-yard rusher (Tyler Allgeier) in the fold last offseason before selecting Robinson eighth overall. That move marked the third straight year in which the team used its top selection on a skill-position player (having added wideout Drake London in 2022). Robinson’s usage – 12.6 carries per game – was lower than many anticipated during his rookie campaign, but he expects that to change moving forward.
“Yeah, so I’m going to be more of a runner that does everything else,” the Texas product said (video link via the Journal-Constitution). “Like not as much… but it’s like runner first, like I did in college, and then still having that access to go to receivers, having that access to do creative things out of the backfield, more so like how they use Christian [McCaffrey] down there in San Francisco…. So that’s kind of what their plan is here.”
Robinson received 86 targets last season, playing a notable passing role (albeit in an offense which fared poorly at the quarterback spot). His 58 receptions ranked second on the team, and despite adding Darnell Mooney to the receiving corps Robinson should still be expected to produce out of the backfield in 2024. More of a dual-threat usage would certainly add to the likelihood of that happening.
Atlanta ranked 26th in scoring last season, and improvement in that respect would go a long way toward a postseason berth in 2024. The manner in which both Pitts and Robinson are used will be a key element in those efforts as well as an interesting storyline to follow for the team as a new scheme is implemented.
Commanders HC Dan Quinn Addresses Brandon McManus Lawsuit
Brandon McManus was released by the Commanders on Sunday in the wake of the sexual assault lawsuit he was named in. That move came after the veteran kicker’s former team (the Jaguars) denied knowledge of the allegations made against him and the team. 
Likewise, the Commanders have denied being aware of the suit until it went public. A May 27 report detailed the contents of the suit, which accuses McManus of rubbing himself and grinding against a pair of flight attendants during a Jaguars team flight and offering them cash to drink with and dance inappropriately for him. Jacksonville head coach Doug Pederson said he was not aware of the allegations until they became public.
Commanders coach Dan Quinn has now done the same. Quinn said, via ESPN’s John Keim, that he did not know about the lawsuit until the report emerged detailing the allegations. That doubles as an indication the Commanders did not know about the incident in question when McManus was signed in March. The 32-year-old had a nine-year tenure with the Broncos which ended last offseason. That paved the way for his single campaign in Jacksonville before heading to the nation’s capital.
Washington elected to cut McManus just before the deadline for the second half of his $1.5MM signing bonus to be paid out. That move could result in a financial dispute between the two parties, but Quinn did not comment on the matter due to the fact an investigation is ongoing. For the same reason, he declined to speak on the Commanders’ history related to sexual misconduct allegations and whether or not it played a role in the decision to cut McManus.
Investigations into former owner Dan Snyder resulted in a number of league punishments for both he and the organization. His sale of the franchise in July 2023 pre-dates the arrival of both Quinn and new general manager Adam Peters, though. With McManus no longer in the fold, the Commanders will move forward with recent signing Ramiz Ahmed as their only kicker on the roster for the time being. Training camp and roster cutdowns will present Washington with plenty of opportunities to add further at the position if needed.
Mekhi Becton Aiming To Remain With Eagles Long Term, Seeing Reps At Guard
Mekhi Becton‘s run with the Jets did not go according to plan, and to no surprise his free agent value was not high. The former first-round pick inked a one-year, $2.75MM deal with the Eagles this offseason. 
Becton dealt with injuries which limited him to a single game between the 2021 and ’22 campaigns. He managed to return to the fold last year, serving primarily as the team’s blindside blocker. In spite of that, it came as no surprise that the Jets elected to move in a different direction at both tackle spots (trading for Morgan Moses and signing Tyron Smith before drafting Olu Fashanu).
As a result, Becton is set to take part in a ‘prove it’ season with Philadelphia in 2024. His future will depend in large part on his level of play when on the field, but regardless of what happens in that respect the 25-year-old is hoping to remain with the Eagles for the foreseeable future. When speaking about his situation, Becton made it clear he hopes to avoid another free agent move next offseason.
“I want it to be long term” the Louisville alum said of his Eagles tenure, via PHLY’s Zach Berman. “I love this city of Philly. I love the people here, I love the fans. I hope it’s long term.”
Becton’s NFL career has not yet consisted of work at guard, but that could change with his new team. The Eagles (set at both tackle spots with Jordan Mailata and Lane Johnson) have been using him at guard in addition to taking tackle reps, Johnson recently noted (via NBC Sports Philadelphia’s Dave Zangaro). Becton has even seen some first-team reps along the interior, as detailed by The Inquirer’s Jeff McLane.
The Eagles have Landon Dickerson attached to the league’s most lucrative guard deal (four years, $84MM) after he signed an extension this offseason. The right guard spot is currently open with Cam Jurgens sliding over to center, but Tyler Steen is currently the favorite to win that position. Philadelphia added experienced guard depth recently with the signing of Max Scharping.
Becton will be a member of that group as the RG competition continues through the summer. Especially if he were to carve out a notable role, he could see significant playing time in Philadelphia. That would increase the chances of the team being willing to meet his desire for a long-term relationship.
Latest On Patriots’ LT Plans
With Trent Brown no longer in the fold, the Patriots will have a new left tackle starter in 2024. Neither of the team’s top options to replace him have NFL experience on the blindside, though, leaving open the question of a free agent addition. 
Chukwuma Okorafor has been taking the majority of first-team reps during OTAs, and that will likely continue through the summer. The former Steelers third-rounder has 59 NFL starts to his name, but his last action on the blindside came in college. Third-round rookie Caedan Wallace is also a candidate for the left tackle gig, but his Penn State tenure consisted of playing on the right side.
Head coach Jerod Mayo noted that both newcomers are seeing time at multiple spots as the team works out its plan up front. He made it clear, though, that moving Michael Onwenu from right tackle to the blindside is not under consideration. Onwenu re-signed on a three-year, $57MM deal this offseason and he will remain a key member of New England’s O-line regardless of who winds up winning the first-team spot opposite him.
“I mean, I think, look, we’re always trying to bring in good players,” Mayo said when asked about the possibility of an outside addition (via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald). “Those guys are doing well. We’ll see what happens as the roster continues to play out. Realistically, we’re still early in the process, and training camp will reveal a lot.”
Indeed, evaluations of players on both sides of the line of scrimmage is challenging in the non-padded practices of OTAs and minicamp. More will be known about Okorafor, Wallace and former UDFA Calvin Anderson with respect to their blindside viability this summer. If it is deemed necessary, the Patriots could explore adding a veteran such as David Bakhtiari, D.J. Humphries, Donovan Smith or Charles Leno.
Each of those linemen remain on the open market well after the initial waves of free agency and the draft, and they should be available on a low-cost deal for New England or any other interested teams. The Patriots currently have the most cap space in the league with over $46MM available, so funds would not be an issue if a left tackle move was pursued. It will be interesting to see if that winds up being the case later on, or if they elect to stay in house at the position.
Raiders Not Planning Free Agent Additions?
With the initial waves of free agency along with the draft having taken place, many teams around the NFL do not have the cap space to make a notable splash this summer. The Raiders have plenty of spending power, but a noteworthy acquisition should not be expected. 
[RELATED: Josh Jacobs Confirms No Raiders Talks Occurred Before Packers Deal]
Vegas was one of the teams which executed a post-June 1 release in 2024, moving on from quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo after one season in Sin City. That created $24MM in cap space, bringing the Raiders’ available funds to roughly $34MM. Rather than committing a portion of that to an immediate addition, the team is planning to keep it for in-season breathing space and future use, Tashan Reed of The Athletic reports (subscription required).
The addition of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins (four years, $110MM) represents the team’s most lucrative outside deal this offseason. Other big-ticket financial moves include the recent acceleration of compensation on edge rusher Maxx Crosby‘s deal and the signing of quarterback Gardner Minshew. A number of veterans remain on the free agent market, but interest from new Raiders GM Tom Telesco does not appear to be high.
As Reed notes, Vegas sees the remaining list of available players as negligible upgrades at positions such as cornerback. Nate Hobbs is set to start in the slot, with Jack Jones in line for a first-team role on the outside. Who will join the latter on the perimeter remains to be seen, but both Reed and Vincent Bonsignore of the Las Vegas Review-Journal write that 2023 Jakorian Bennett has received the most starter’s reps so far this offseason.
By passing on an addition at the CB spot (which could involve the arrival of a player like Stephon Gilmore, J.C. Jackson, Steven Nelson, Adoree’ Jackson or Patrick Peterson), the Raiders will leave funds available for moves at other positions if they become necessary. Poor performance or injuries this summer could require a deal which is not currently deemed necessary. On a larger scale, Reed notes Vegas likely does not see 2024 as the season for a serious run at a Super Bowl, meaning rolling over funds into next year would be a logical approach.
Bonsignore also notes the Raiders should not be expected to aggressively seek out a move with the funds opened up by Garoppolo’s release. Position battles amongst the team’s in-house options will thus be worth watching closely as the rest of the offseason unfolds.
Browns Sign Round 2 DT Michael Hall, Wrap Draft Class
The Browns signed second-round selection Michael Hall to his rookie contract on Friday, per a team announcement. As a result, each member of Cleveland’s draft class is on the books. 
Owing to the Deshaun Watson trade, the Browns were without a first-round pick once again in 2024. Hall was the team’s top draft choice at No. 54 overall, and the Jerry Jeudy acquisition left Cleveland short on overall capital to make a move up the board. Still, Hall will face notable expectations at the NFL level.
The Ohio State product spent three seasons in college, playing a key role during his sophomore and junior campaigns. In 2022, he tied for the team lead in sacks (4.5) while posting 7.5 tackles for loss. The Streetsboro, Ohio native did not have as large of an impact in the pass-rush department last year, but he did set a new career high with 24 tackles. He earned third-team All-Big Ten honors in 2023.
The Browns’ defensive front has remained largely intact this offseason compared to 2023. Jordan Elliott departed in free agency, but veteran Quinton Jefferson was added. The likes of Shelby Harris, Maurice Hurst and Sam Kamara were each retained. That group, coupled with former free agent signing Dalvin Tomlinson and 2023 third-rounder Siaki Ika, will carry much of the load along the D-line in 2024.
Hall should nevertheless be able to land a rotational role during his rookie season. The Browns attempted to add youth and a pass-rushing element to their defensive interior in 2022 with Perrion Winfrey, but he was cut last summer. Team and player will of course be hoping for a better outcome in the short- and intermediate-term future in Hall’s case.
Here is the final breakdown of Cleveland’s draft class:
- Round 2, No. 54: Michael Hall (DT, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 85: Zak Zinter (G, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 156 (from Eagles through Cardinals): Jamari Thrash (WR, Louisville) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 206 (from Ravens): Nathaniel Watson (LB, Mississippi State) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 227 (from Titans): Myles Harden (CB, South Dakota) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 243: Jowon Briggs (DT, Cincinnati) (signed)