Chiefs DE BJ Thompson Suffers Seizure, Cardiac Arrest
JUNE 7, 12:00pm: Thompson is now awake and responsive, per his agent. Pelissero echoes the sentiment that Thompson has a positive prognosis, a welcomed update to this situation.
JUNE 7, 8:58am: An update from Thompson’s agent states (via Pelissero) that he remains unconscious but in stable condition with “good” vital signs. Further developments related to his condition and recovery timeline (about which, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler notes, doctors are “optimistic”) will no doubt be closely monitored around the NFL.
JUNE 6: The Chiefs canceled their scheduled practice Thursday due to a medical emergency, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Teicher. Details on the situation have since emerged. 
The incident took place during a special teams meeting with the affected player suffering a seizure and going into cardiac arrest, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. The identity of the player was initially unknown, but both Pelissero and Teicher have since noted it is defensive end BJ Thompson.
Thompson received immediate attention from the Chiefs’ medical staff and he was taken by ambulance to a local hospital. He is in stable condition, per multiple reports. In the wake of that encouraging update, Teicher adds Kansas City will practice tomorrow as the team’s OTAs wrap up.
Thompson was a fifth-rounder of the Chiefs during last year’s draft. He began his college career at Baylor, collecting four sacks in 2018. He then transferred to Stephen F. Austin and spent four years there. The 6-6, 243-pounder earned first-team All-WAC honors in 2021 and ’22 to close out his tenure at the college level.
The 27-year-old made just one appearance during his rookie campaign, the regular season finale. He made a pair of tackles while seeing a rotational defensive role along with time on special teams. Thompson once again has a number of players ahead of him on the depth chart (George Karlaftis, Mike Danna, Charles Omenihu, Felix Anudike-Uzomah), and today’s events will no doubt keep him sidelined for a period of time. Thompson’s recovery process will be worth watching ahead of training camp next month.
WR Sterling Shepard Addresses Bucs Deal
Sterling Shepard will not be with the Giants in 2024, but he will attempt to continue his career with the Buccaneers. The veteran wideout agreed to a Tampa Bay deal on Thursday which came together in relatively short order. 
While in conversation with veteran NFL reporter Josina Anderson, Shepard explained that quarterback Baker Mayfield reached out earlier this week to see if he was prepared to play another season in the NFL. The two were teammates at Oklahoma, and a reunion was one of the scenarios Shepard was willing to consider in the event he committed to suiting up for the 2024 campaign.
The 31-year-old noted that he “turned done other opportunities” before a potential Bucs deal came on his radar. Mayfield informed Shepard that his name was being floated by Tampa Bay with respect to interest, which paved the way for the latter’s agent to reach out. A tryout was arranged, and Shepard’s performance earned him a contract and the opportunity to carve out a role on Tampa’s receiver depth chart.
Mike Evans – who signed a two-year deal including $29MM fully guaranteed this offseason – remains the Buccaneers’ top option in the passing game. Fellow Pro Bowler Chris Godwin is under contract for one more year, although his future is less certain at the moment. Tampa Bay also has a pair of recent draft investments (2023 sixth-rounder Trey Palmer and 2024 third-rounder Jalen McMillan) set to play a role on offense this year.
Shepard will look to earn playing time as part of that group. The former second-rounder had a consistent New York tenure from 2016-20, but injuries limited him to 10 games across the next two campaigns. Last season, he occupied a minor role on a Giants team transitioning to younger options at the receiver spot. Shepard will now have an unexpected opportunity to re-build his value to an extent while playing with Mayfield for the first time since 2015.
“I’m looking forward to it,” Shepard said (via Jared and Paul Schwartz of the New York Post).“I can’t say I wanted to experience that, I always wanted to be a Giant but I’m not mad at it, man. It’s a really good situation, they have a really good football team, really talented football team and I get to be reunited with my boy and get to play with him a little bit. I’m excited about it.”
CB Xavien Howard Named In Lawsuit
Xavien Howard‘s free agency now includes a legal aspect. The veteran corner has been named in a civil suit filed in Broward County, Florida in May, as detailed by Saira Anwer and Ryan Mackey of ABC Local 10 News. 
Howard is accused of sending photos and videos of sexual acts involving women without their consent. The suit alleges he filmed and photographed one of the plaintiffs (‘Jane Doe’) performing sex acts without consent. Howard then circulated that explicit content to the public after she rejected his advances, the suit claims.
The other plaintiff in the suit (‘John Doe’) alleges that Howard impregnated his mother then demanded she have an abortion. Her refusal to do so resulted in sexually explicit material allegedly being texted to her son, who was a minor at the time. The suit further details that Jane Doe is seeking damages in excess of $50K.
In the event this matter were to be taken to criminal court, Howard could face charges of sexual cyber harassment, invasion of privacy by public disclosure of private facts and intrusion of privacy. The plaintiffs have not, however, pressed criminal charges at this time. Still, this marks the latest legal battle the 30-year-old has faced. Howard has been involved in a number of previous criminal and civil cases featuring allegations including stalking, negligence and domestic battery.
This offseason, the Dolphins released Howard in a cost-cutting move and he remains on the open market. The four-time Pro Bowler has not generated much in the way of known interest so far, but he has received medical clearance. The news of his involvement in this civil suit could result in a league investigation and give potential suitors reason to avoid pursuing a contract for at least the time being. Howard’s playing future will remain uncertain pending further developments in this case.
Chiefs To Re-Sign WR Mecole Hardman
Mecole Hardman‘s second Chiefs stint is set to continue. The veteran wideout has a new deal in place with the defending champions, per veteran NFL reporter Jordan Schultz. 
NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero adds this will be a one-year deal. Following a lengthy stay on the open market, Hardman will avoid the opportunity to join a new team like he did last offseason. He re-joined the Chiefs in 2023 following a short-lived Jets tenure, and the relationship between team and player will now continue for at least one more year.
Hardman signed a one-year, $4MM deal with the Jets after his K.C. rookie contract expired. He was positioned to operate as one of many new faces on the team’s offense, but that unit struggled all season following Aaron Rodgers‘ Achilles tear. The 26-year-old asked to be sent back to the Chiefs, and New York obliged in October. That move set up limited production down the stretch and into the postseason (although Hardman’s lone touchdown was of course the overtime winner in Super Bowl LVIII).
Wide receiver was known to be a position of need for the Chiefs this offseason, and the team added Marquise Brown on a one-year pact. That was followed by the addition of another speedster (Xavier Worthy) in the first round of the draft. Both players could be in line for notable roles in 2024 particularly if Rashee Rice is handed a suspension to begin the campaign.
Following the draft, Kansas City made it clear no major outside additions were being contemplated, including a re-up with Hardman. The former second-rounder has nevertheless found himself back in the fold as he tries to carve out an offensive role. His best season came in 2021 (59 catches, 693 yards) and he scored at least four touchdowns during three of his four full Chiefs campaigns. Hardman could also earn playing time by reprising his role as the team’s primary returner.
Kansas City entered Thursday with over $17MM in cap space, so the team will easily be able to afford what will no doubt be a low-cost Hardman signing. The Georgia product could help his 2025 market value (either for another Chiefs pact or one from an outside team) with a strong campaign. The veteran receiver market, meanwhile, has become thinner ahead of training camp.
WR Courtland Sutton To Attend Broncos’ Minicamp
As he seeks a new deal, Courtland Sutton has been absent from the Broncos’ organized team activities. That situation will change next week. 
The veteran receiver said during a Thursday appearance on a DNVR Sports podcast that he will take part in the team’s upcoming mandatory minicamp. The final stage of Denver’s offseason program will run from June 11-13, and head coach Sean Payton previously stated he expected Sutton to attend. By doing so, the latter will not be subject to roughly $100K in fines.
“I will be there,” Sutton said of minicamp (via Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette). “A small tidbit. It’s been killing me not being able to be at [OTAs]. This has been a very different offseason since I’ve been a part of since I’ve been in this league. Anybody that knows me and anybody that’s played with me understands that I love this game.”
The 28-year-old has two years remaining on his contract. That includes a 2024 base salary of $13MM, $2MM of which is guaranteed. Next year’s base compensation ($13.5MM) does not contain any money locked in. Sutton is believed to be aiming for a bump in pay for the immediate term in lieu of an extension. An AAV in the $15-16MM range is his reported target, and Mike Klis of 9News confirms a raise is still being sought out.
No progress on negotiations regarding a new arrangement have been made, however, meaning Sutton could wind up playing out the 2024 season on his deal as currently constructed. The former Pro Bowler has fallen well down the pecking order at the WR position, with the 2024 offseason seeing a new wave of monster extensions (with more likely soon to follow).
The SMU alum led the Broncos in receiving last season, his fifth with at least 700 yards. Sutton has topped 1,000 only once in his career, but he was on the radar of interested teams leading up to the trade deadline and the draft. Denver does not wish to move him, nor is he seeking a new team. A key role should await Sutton in 2024 as the Broncos start the second year of the Sean Payton era with a new quarterback (likely first-round rookie Bo Nix) in place.
The Broncos have invested at the receiver spot this offseason with the free agent addition of Josh Reynolds and the selection of Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele in the fourth and seventh rounds of the draft. Those newcomers, along with veteran Tim Patrick and 2023 second-rounder Marvin Mims, will vie for playing time this summer in a receiver room which no longer includes Jerry Jeudy. Sutton will be counted on as a leader for that group, but it remains to be seen if his contract will be adjusted before the start of the campaign.
Eagles Sign First-Round CB Quinyon Mitchell, Complete Draft Class
Quinyon Mitchell signed his Eagles rookie pact on Thursday, per a team announcement. With the first-round corner now on the books, each member of the team’s 2024 class is under contract.
Mitchell enjoyed one of the best pre-draft processes of any prospect this year. As a result, the Toledo product climbed up draft boards to the point where he was considered one of the candidates to be the first cornerback to hear his name called. It thus came as little surprise when Mitchell was selected at No. 22.
Likewise, it was far from a shock that the Eagles were the first team to add at the position. Following an historic run on offensive players to begin Day 1, Mitchell was one of several top defensive prospects left on the board. Given his status as a high-end CB prospect, he was firmly on Philadelphia’s radar. The Eagles double-dipped in the secondary by adding Cooper DeJean in the second round, and both player will provide an infusion of youth on the backend.
The Eagles have Darius Slay and James Bradberry in place as projected cornerback starters, but both players are in their 30s. Philadelphia’s defense was at the heart of the team’s late-season collapse in 2023, and improvements in the secondary were seen as a priority. The return of C.J. Gardner-Johnson should help in that regard, as will the additions of Mitchell and DeJean.
Mitchell had strong seasons in 2022 and ’23, earning first-team All-MAC and second-team All-American honors. Posting six interceptions and 37 pass deflections during that span, he solidified his reputation as a playmaker in addition to strong coverage skills. He will look to earn a defensive role right away, but failing that he should be an impactful contributor in the near future.
Here is the full breakdown of Philadelphia’s draft class:
- Round 1, No. 22: Quinyon Mitchell (CB, Toledo) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 40 (from Bears through Commanders): Cooper DeJean (CB, Iowa) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 94 (from 49ers): Jalyx Hunt (EDGE, Houston Christian) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 127 (from Eagles): Will Shipley (RB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 132 (from 49ers): Ainias Smith (WR, Texas A&M) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 155 (from Steelers through Rams, Panthers and Colts): Jeremiah Trotter Jr. (LB, Clemson) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 172: Trevor Keegan (G, Michigan) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 185: Johnny Wilson (WR, Florida State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 190 (from Saints through Packers): Dylan McMahon (C, NC State) (signed)
Latest On Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs
Trevon Diggs‘ 2023 campaign came to an unexpected end. The Cowboys’ highest-paid corner suffered an ACL tear during a September practice, sidelining him and leaving the team shorthanded in the secondary. 
The 25-year-old is making progress in his recovery. To little surprise, though, Dallas will take a cautious approach with him in terms of usage during this offseason. It remains to be seen if Diggs will be available once training camp begins in July.
“Maybe,” the former second-rounder said when asked about his training camp readiness (via Michael Gehlken of the Dallas Morning News). “Maybe not. But I’m feeling comfortable. I feel good.”
Diggs’ injury left the Cowboys notably thin at the cornerback spot even with Stephon Gilmore playing at a high level and DaRon Bland enjoying an historic season in terms of pick-sixes. The latter is still on the books for two more years, but the former is among the most high-profile players still on the open market. Gilmore has expressed a willingness to re-sign in Dallas, but little movement has been seen in his case this offseason.
Even if the former Defensive Player of the Year lands elsewhere in free agency, expectations will be high for the Cowboys after they ranked fifth in the NFL in passing yards against last season. A healthy Diggs would certainly help the team given his status as one of the league’s top ballhawks. The Alabama product has racked up 18 interceptions and 52 pass breakups in 47 games, figures which helped him secure a five-year, $97MM extension last summer.
Three other Cowboys – linebacker DeMarvion Overshown, tight end John Stevens and receiver David Durden – also suffered ACL tears last year. Like Diggs, their respective rehabs are progressing with an eye on a patient approach from the team’s perspective. Diggs is nevertheless currently in a good place with respect to his recovery.
“We’ll respect the timeline, but Trevon looks great,” head coach Mike McCarthy said. “He’s in a good spot…. As far as when he gets back, let’s be honest, we’re going to be very cautious with those guys. We’re not going to put them out there too soon. Better later than too fast.”
If Diggs is not fully recovered by the beginning of training camp, he will be a candidate for the active/PUP list. Players can be activated from that list at any time during the summer, and the point at which the Cowboys do so with Diggs (if necessary) will be a key storyline to follow.
Browns RB Nick Chubb Progressing In Rehab; Return Timeline Still Unclear
After Nick Chubb‘s 2023 season was cut short by a major knee injury, it was obvious he would face a long road back to the field. The standout Browns back is not a lock to be available at the start of the season, but he is making progress in his recovery. 
Chubb, as expected, required two surgeries to repair the damage done to his knee in Week 2. The second operation took place in November, and its success kept him on track to return at some point this season. The Browns are not committed to a firm time at which the four-time Pro Bowler will suit up, but they have operated this offseason as if he will remain a key member of their offense.
“I’m getting better every day, taking it day by day, getting better,” Chubb said when speaking about his health status (via NFL.com). “Yeah, just right now, trying to get stronger. I like where I’m at. I’m where I need to be, I would say that.”
With only one year remaining on his contract, questions were raised in the offseason about Chubb’s short- and long-term future in Cleveland. As a further sign the team had him in their plans, the Georgia alum agreed to a restructure which lowered his cap hit and base compensation. Incentives will allow him to earn back some of his previously scheduled money, but his ability to do so will largely hinge on his return timeline.
Chubb confirmed he does not have a specific target in mind with respect to when he will be back on the field, adding he only recently started “moving really well.” Having him in any capacity would be a major development for Cleveland at any time during the campaign, though. The former second-rounder averaged between 5.0 and 5.6 yards per carry in each of his first five seasons in the NFL, topping 1,000 rushing yards each year from 2019-22. He should be able to take on lead RB responsibilities when healthy in a backfield featuring the likes of Jerome Ford, D’Onta Foreman and Nyheim Hines.
“Definitely a blessing,” Chubb added when speaking about his reworked contract and the fact he will remain with the Browns through at least 2024. “They could have just cut me dry and left me hanging, right, but they did a great job. I want to be here in Cleveland – they know that – so we came to a great point.”
Whether or not that feeling is mutual to the point of a new deal being negotiated next offseason will be worth watching as the campaign unfolds. Chubb’s health will be a key determining factor in when he next sees the field and how effective he is upon doing so. That will have a major impact on his post-2024 future with the Browns or another team.
Bucs, WR Sterling Shepard Agree To Deal
After eight years in New York, Sterling Shepard is set to join a new team for the first time in his career. The veteran wideout has an agreement in place with the Buccaneers, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
To little surprise, Garafolo notes this will be a one-year pact. Many free agents still on the market this deep into the offseason take on deals of that length as they attempt to use the summer as a means of carving out a roster spot. In Shepard’s case, doing so would give Tampa Bay an experienced pass-catching option. He will receive $1.21MM on the veteran salary benefit, Greg Auman of Fox Sports adds.
The 31-year-old has played 90 games, including 74 starts. Shepard proved to be a consistent producer with the Giants, recording between 586 and 872 yards each year from 2016-20. He was a favorite of both Eli Manning and Daniel Jones, drawing at least 83 targets every season during that span. Injuries have proven to be a hindrance since then, however.
Shepard suffered an Achilles tear in December 2021, limiting him to seven games. That was followed by a torn ACL early in the 2022 campaign, which led to further missed time and minimal production. The Giants’ longest-tenured player entered last offseason on the roster bubble after signing another pact for the veteran’s minimum. Shepard played 15 games in 2023, but he made just 10 catches; New York elected to go in a different direction this year at the WR spot.
Now, a reunion with quarterback Baker Mayfield is in store. He and Shepard were teammates at Oklahoma, and strong play with a familiar face during training camp could allow the latter to secure a spot on the depth chart. Tampa Bay has Mike Evans and Chris Godwin in place for at least one more season, and the team also rosters Trey Palmer along with third-round rookie Jalen McMillan.
Shortly after moving on from returner Deven Thompkins, the Bucs added Cody Thompson to the receiver mix. Shepard will be competing with the latter for reps during the summer as he attempts to rebound from the missed time and underwhelming totals of the past three years. Remaining healthy in 2024 would go a long way to meeting both goals while also helping his free agent stock.
Bills’ Von Miller Addresses Health Status
The 2023 campaign did not go according to plan for Von Miller. The future Hall of Famer’s second Bills campaign included a lengthy recovery from an ACL tear and finished without a sack being recorded. 
A key factor in Miller’s ability to rebound in 2024 will of course be the status of his knee. A return to health could pave the way for a bounce-back season, although at age 35 expectations will be lowered with respect to pass rush production. In any event, positive signs have been seen this spring.
“I have continued to grind and continued to work on my knee,” Miller said when speaking to the media (via Michael David Smith of Pro Football Talk). “Everything revolves around my health, the way my knee is feeling So far, I’ve been feeling great. I’ve been practicing without a knee brace. That’s something that I just could not do last year.”
The longtime Broncos Pro Bowler made just three tackles last season while playing a rotational role. That stands in stark contrast to the eight sacks and 27 QB pressures he registered the year before, figures which potentially offered a preview of his time in Buffalo. Four years remain on Miller’s pact, which was restructured in March as part of the team’s multitude of cost-shedding moves ahead of free agency. As a result, he is due $8.86MM in 2024 base compensation with the potential to earn more via incentives.
No guaranteed salary exists on Miller’s contract beyond this season, and a post-June 1 release would generate notable cap savings as early as 2025. The extent to which he rebounds during the coming campaign will therefore be worth watching closely. Buffalo lost Leonard Floyd in free agency, but the team still has Gregory Rousseau and A.J. Epenesa along with veteran addition Dawuane Smoot and fifth-round rookie Javon Solomon on the edge. Miller will compete for snaps as part of that contingent.
“During the season, once we start getting in the mix, in games and stuff, I think I should be good to go,” the latter added. “I think my last three games of the [2023] season, Miami, Pittsburgh and K.C., were my best games of the year. I hate that it waited all the way to that point, but that’s just what it took, and I’ve just been trying to use that to springboard into this season.”