S Tony Jefferson To Visit Chargers
News of Tony Jefferson‘s attempt to return to the NFL came with a report of teams showing interest. The veteran safety now has a tryout lined up with a potential suitor. 
Jefferson will take part in the Chargers’ minicamp, per Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz. That will allow him the opportunity to earn a contract and the chance to compete for a roster spot during training camp in the summer. The 32-year-old last played in 2022 with the Giants.
That campaign was followed by a decision to hang up his cleats and join the Ravens’ scouting department. Now, Jefferson intends to land a new gig in the NFL, and a Chargers agreement would allow him to reunite with a number of familiar faces. Several former Baltimore coaches and front office members have joined head coach Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz in Los Angeles this offseason.
That includes defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, who as expected was tapped by Harbaugh to carry on his current capacity after working under him at Michigan. Minter was with the Ravens from 2017-20, working as a defensive backs coach during that span. That allowed him to overlap with Jefferson during his time in Baltimore, and the upcoming tryout could pave the way for a reunion.
Los Angeles has Derwin James on the books with a $19MM-per-year accord, but none of the team’s other safety pacts come close in value. The Chargers – who did not add at the position during the draft – retained Alohi Gilman this offseason on a two-year, $10.13MM deal. Those two are positioned to continue as starters, but a depth role could be available for Jefferson. The Bolts allowed Jaylinn Hawkins to depart in free agency, and Dean Marlowe remains unsigned.
Entering Monday with over $26MM in cap space, the Chargers can certainly afford to take a flier on Jefferson. The former UDFA will all-but assuredly not represent an expensive acquisition for Los Angeles or any other teams which show interest in the near future.
Trevor Lawrence Aiming For Jaguars Extension Before Training Camp
A number of quarterbacks have landed extensions during their first year of eligibility. Trevor Lawrence is aiming to join that group by hammering out a deal with the Jaguars this offseason, and progress is believed to have been made on that front recently. 
The former No. 1 pick has had an up-and-down tenure to date in the NFL. Lawrence nevertheless represents a young signal-caller in line to approach the top of the position’s market on his next pact. Joe Burrow currently leads the way with an annual average value of $55MM, and Jared Goff‘s recent extension ranks second at $53MM. A Lawrence accord could fall between the two in terms of value while consisting of a similar structure to the Goff pact.
The 24-year-old is under contract through 2025 given the Jaguars’ decision to pick up his fifth-year option. That gives team and player plenty of time to reach an agreement, but Lawrence’s preference would be to have a deal worked out before training camp next month. Jacksonville is moving with urgency on the negotiation front, so that goal may be attainable.
“That would be ideal just to put it behind us and keep moving and feel good about that going into training camp,” Lawrence said of an extension (via Josh Alper of Pro Football Talk). “But either way, like I said before, I have the same job.”
Lawrence has been in attendance for the Jaguars’ OTAs, and that will no doubt continue through mandatory minicamp. His camp along with Jacksonville’s front office will have time after that to continue negotiations, especially with the team’s other top financial priority (an extension for edge rusher Josh Allen) out of the way. Other extensions for the likes of Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa could take place along a similar timeline to the Lawrence one, and it will be interesting to see the effects each deal has on the other.
5 Key Stories: 5/26/24 – 6/2/24
With OTAs continuing around the NFL, teams and players have plenty of opportunities to discuss contract maters. In a number of cases, that has seen agreements on new deals reached. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:
- Dolphins Extend Waddle: With his fifth-year option having been picked up, Jaylen Waddle was already tied to the Dolphins through 2025. As the team hoped, though, an agreement was reached on a long-term pact. Miami’s young 1,000-yard wideout secured a four-year, $87.5MM deal. The extension includes $76MM guaranteed, with plenty of base compensation locked in at signing and shortly thereafter. The 25-year-old has proven to work well in tandem with Tyreek Hill, and he now sits fourth in the NFL in terms of receiver AAV. Waddle profiles as a focal point on offense for years to come despite Hill’s presence. In the wake of further upward movement at the top of the position’s market, meanwhile, the latter is angling for a new Dolphins deal of his own.
- Collins Lands Texans Extension: Shortly before the Waddle deal, Nico Collins inked a Texans extension also making him one of the league’s top earners amongst receivers. Following a breakout season in 2023, he signed a three-year accord with a base value of $72.5MM. The former third-rounder is part of an offense which features Tank Dell and offseason trade acquisition Stefon Diggs, meaning there will considerable competition for targets in 2024. Still, Collins, 25, will be expected to produce after he posted 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns during C.J. Stroud’s debut season. With the latter on his rookie deal for the coming years, the Texans have acted aggressively with respect to investments at the offensive skill positions, and Collins represents a key figure in that effort.
- Love Set To Approach Top Of Market With Packers Deal? The Packers entered 2023 with Jordan Love at the helm despite his inexperience. The former first-rounder put forth a strong showing in the latter half of the campaign, though, helping his market value on a long-term deal. Love is reportedly expected to land a Packers extension near the top of the quarterback market, which would entail an annual average value of more than $50MM. The 25-year-old is under contract for 2024 as a result of the bridge deal which replaced his fifth-year option, but the $11MM it calls for falls well short of what he will be earning on his next pact. Green Bay’s offense (filled with a young skill position corps) will hinge on Love’s development for years to come if the team can reach its stated goal of working out a lucrative agreement.
- 49ers Extend Jennings: The 49ers’ receiver room received some short-term clarity with Jauan Jennings signing a two-year deal worth up to $15.4MM. The pact – which includes $10.5MM guaranteed – takes the place of his 2024 RFA tender and ensures he will remain in San Francisco to continue his role as the team’s No. 3 receiver. Both Brandon Aiyuk and Deebo Samuel have frequently been mentioned in trade speculation this offseason, although the team appears content to retain both wideouts for at least one more year. Jennings, 26, has proven to be a consistent complementary option in the passing game while serving as a strong run blocker during his time in the Bay Area. That will continue on a cost-effective basis compared to what Aiyuk and Samuel will require if they are to be retained beyond 2024.
- Watt Also Considering Steelers For Comeback: After spending the past season as a broadcaster, J.J Watt led it be known he would be willing to play for the Texans in 2024. Such a development would see the future Hall of Fame defensive end reunite with former teammate DeMeco Ryans, Houston’s head coach. Watt is also open to returning to the field with the Steelers, though. The three-time Defensive Player of the Year did not play in Pittsburgh before his retirement, but a deal sending him there would allow him to play with his brother T.J. Watt. The latter has a DPOY award of his own and he is under contract as the focal point of the Steelers’ edge rush for two more seasons. The elder Watt, 35, has made it clear a return is possible just for the coming season and only if injuries force Houston or Pittsburgh into an unwanted roster position. Still, the potential for a comeback makes for an interesting storyline.
Lions Not Planning WR Addition; Team Eyeing Increased Role For RB Jahmyr Gibbs
The Lions’ offense will have three pillars (quarterback Jared Goff, right tackle Penei Sewell and receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown) in place for years to come given the respective extensions. The latter is the team’s clear-cut leading wideout, but the depth behind him has changed this offseason. 
Detroit saw Josh Reynolds depart in free agency when he joined the Broncos. That decision came in spite of the Lions’ efforts to retain him, and it leaves the team without a key role player from last season. St. Brown and 2022 first-rounder Jameson Williams will be counted on in the passing game, as will tight end Sam LaPorta (who enjoyed a stellar rookie campaign last year). Outside additions to augment that trio should not be expected.
Rather, the Lions are positioned to rely on internal options with respect to replaying Reynolds’ production. The veteran posted 608 yards and five touchdowns in 2023, drawing 64 targets (the second-highest figure of his career) along the way. The team could turn to the likes of Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones or Tre’Quan Smith to take on a complementary role in lieu of a free agent signing or trade acquisition.
“It might be someone that didn’t have as much production last year, say an Antoine Green or a Peoples-Jones or some of the guys that we had on the scout team,” offensive coordinator Ben Johnson said on the subject (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press). “Or it could be some of the other guys… So, that’s what we’re trying to find out here this springtime and in training camp is not just who the guys are that we’ll hang our hats on, but also how we distribute those carries and those targets as the season goes.”
Johnson helped the Lions rank third in total offense and fifth in scoring last season. Expectations will be high for the unit to repeat that success, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs figures to have a prominent role in that regard. The first of Detroit’s two Day 1 selections in 2023 had a strong rookie campaign both on the ground and in the air, racking up 1,261 scrimmage yards and 11 total touchdowns.
As Birkett notes in a separate piece, the Lions are aiming for Gibbs to take on an expanded role in the pass-catching department in 2024. The Alabama product made 52 catches last season, but his 316 yards ranked only sixth on the team. Developing further as a route-runner could allow him to be used in spots other than the backfield, something which would in turn provide Detroit with a improved secondary option in the passing game.
NFL Nearing Conclusion In Falcons, Eagles Tampering Investigations
NFL investigations are ongoing into potential tampering by the Falcons and Eagles this offseason related to their Kirk Cousins and Saquon Barkley additions. A final outcome could be coming shortly. 
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports a conclusion in both cases is “likely to come this week.” A similar report emerged close to the start of this year’s draft, but that was quickly met by a formal league announcement stating the investigations would continue. Any draft penalties levied against Atlanta or Philadelphia will therefore affect the 2025 draft.
Schefter’s latest update confirms that of the two teams, the Falcons are believed to have committed a “more significant” tampering violation. As a result, they are positioned to receive a harsher penalty than the Eagles if any league discipline is deemed necessary. The NFL has docked teams draft capital in the past following investigations into inappropriate free agent communications.
The Falcons worked out an agreement with Cousins (four years, $180MM) on March 12, and he has said publicly he spoke with the team’s trainer during the legal tampering period which immediately precedes free agency. Cousins also admitted to offering his recruiting services for Atlanta to sign wideout Darnell Mooney. He did end up inking a Falcons deal, but communication originating from Cousins before his own pact was official would constitute another violation.
In the Eagles’ case, league attention stems from remarks made by Penn State coach James Franklin about direct communication between Barkley and general manager Howie Roseman. Such talks are prohibited during the legal tampering window for players (such as Barkley) who do not represent themselves. The Eagles have denied any wrongdoing, but they could be subject to fines or the loss of draft capital.
The same is true for the Falcons, although owner Arthur Blank has likewise stated he does not believe any violations occurred. Both players will still play for their respective new teams in 2024 and beyond regardless of what happens regarding potential discipline. It will nevertheless be interesting to see if a final decision is made in the coming days.
Giants’ Brandon Brown Addresses Financial WR Approach
Recent offseasons have seen the top of the wide receiver market reach unprecedented heights. A number of teams around the league have made massive investments in both ascending and established pass-catchers, but the Giants have not been among them under general manager Joe Schoen. 
New York inked Kenny Golladay to a four-year, $72MM during Dave Gettleman‘s final year at the helm. That pact proved to be ill-fated, as the ex-Lions Pro Bowler recorded one touchdown catch in 28 combined regular and postseason games. Golladay was released last March, and he remains unsigned.
Under Schoen, the Giants have relied on the draft to fill out the receiver room. Wan’Dale Robinson (second round, 2022), Jalin Hyatt (third round, 2023) and Malik Nabers (first round, 2024) represent the team’s most notable investments along that route. The latter in particular faces major expectations entering his rookie season (although New York attempted to move the No. 6 pick in a trade-up which would have yielded quarterback Drake Maye).
The Nabers-Hyatt-Robinson trio comprises a low-cost group to join veteran Darius Slayton. A contract dispute was recently ended in that case, and $2.15MM now exist in incentives on the final year of his pact. Slayton, fellow veteran Allen Robinson and the Giants’ young WR options are the product of an organizational effort aimed at keeping costs down at the position.
“You see where the wave is going,” assistant general manager Brandon Brown said of the Giants’ financial approach (via Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post). “We’ve talked over the years about projecting the market… and you don’t want to be on the wrong end of deals. I think, when you look at how young our receiver corps is, it’s an advantageous position to be in. Just the production, opportunity and the skill set all allows for you to be cost-controlled.”
Fielding a receiving corps lacking in major cap commitments has allowed the Giants to make moves such as the Brian Burns acquisition. The trade for the ex-Panthers edge rusher was accompanied by a five-year, $141MM extension. Of course, the Giants’ offense features a notable investment in the form of quarterback Daniel Jones. He is in place for at least one more season on his $40MM-per-year deal, although the team’s interest in replacing him were understandably not well received.
Questions remain about Jones’ long-term future, but adding a rookie signal-caller would provide the cap flexibility to make a signficant addition at spots such as receiver. Given Brown’s comments, though, the Giants appear content to remain committed to their current approach at one of the league’s premium positions.
RB James Conner Aiming To Remain With Cardinals Beyond 2024
James Conner is entering a contract year, and a repeat of his production from 2023 could help his free agent stock next offseason. If the veteran running back has his way, though, he will remain in Arizona for years to come. 
The 29-year-old earned a Pro Bowl nod in 2021, his debut Cardinals campaign. That landed him a three-year, $21MM deal, an investment which has proven to be worthwhile on the team’s part. Conner has served as the team’s lead back when healthy, and in 2023 he eclipsed 1,000 rushing yards for the first time in his career.
The former Steelers third-rounder averaged five yards per carry last season, a figure which also marked a personal high. That success will be countered by his age and the underwhelming valuation of running backs compared to other positions around the league. In any case, a new Cardinals pact is still on Conner’s radar.
“It would be awesome to finish my career here, but nothing changes,” he said when speaking about his 2024 approach (via Darren Urban of the team’s website). “If anything, it’s time to turn it up even more going into the last year of my deal. I’m thankful I got to see the last year of it… We’ll see what happens next year, hopefully [I] stay, but I understand it’s a business.”
Veteran backs have generally not fared well with respect to landing multi-year deals in recent years, and even a strong season for Conner could merely set him up for a move to a new team via free agency. Arizona added to the backfield this offseason by drafting Trey Benson in the third round. The Florida State product was one of the top RB options in this year’s class, and after logging 310 carries across two Seminoles campaigns he has experience serving as a clear-cut lead back.
Conner and Benson will likely share reps this season, but an impressive rookie showing by the latter could incentivize the team to move on from the former. Benson is under contract through 2027, and he will no doubt have a notable role throughout much of that time. Conner’s free agent stock could be buoyed by the speed with which teams signed running backs this March, but it will be interesting to see if his desire for another new contract is reciprocated.
Marvin Lewis Addresses Decision To Join Antonio Pierce’s Raiders Staff
Marvin Lewis’ NFL head coaching tenure came to an end following the 2018 season. He will be back on the sidelines this coming season, though, as a member of Antonio Pierce’s Raiders staff. 
The latter took on the interim HC gig in Vegas once Josh McDaniels was fired. Pierce, 45, had only started his tenure with the organization one year ago under the title of linebackers coach. That lack of experience led to him seeking out assistance from a number of veteran staffers, including Lewis. To no surprise, the opportunity to continue that relationship was a central factor in Lewis’ decision to re-join the coaching ranks.
“I think just the opportunity to really assist AP,” the longtime Bengals coach said (via NFL.com). “From the time that I first met him and had the opportunity to coach him, and then the opportunity to kind of reunite again later on at Arizona State – so kind of was in a similar role at one point there with him there as well, being in support of him, I just have been really impressed all the time with him.”
Lewis was Washington’s defensive coordinator in 2022 when he first met Pierce as a player, and the pair worked together at Arizona State during the latter’s tenure with the Sun Devils (2018-21). Pierce oversaw a strong defensive effort to close out the 2023 campaign, earning him the endorsement of a number of players before he was hired on a full-time basis. Lewis – who will hold the title of assistant head coach – will no doubt be leaned on heavily upon his return to NFL coaching.
The 65-year-old last held a non-head coaching role in the pro ranks during his one-and-done DC gig in the nation’s capital. He drew interest on the head coaching front following the end of his Bengals tenure, but instead of holding out for another opportunity in that regard Lewis has elected to reunite with Pierce as they attempt to find success during the latest chapter of their working relationship. It will be interesting to see how they fare in 2024 during a full season at the helm.
Bills Sign Olympic Gold Medal Wrestler Gable Steveson
The Bills have made an intrigue addition to their offseason roster. The team announced on Firday that Olympic gold medal wrestler Gable Steveson has been signed. He will aim to make the jump to the NFL as a defensive lineman. 
Steveson enjoyed a decorated career at Minnesota, winning three conference championships and a pair of national titles. He was named the Big Ten Athlete of the Year in 2022, and twice took home the Dan Hodge Trophy as the nation’s top wrestler. The 24-year-old won gold at the Tokyo Olympics for freestyle wrestling. He joins seventh-round rookie Travis Clayton (a former rugby player drafted in the seventh round in 2024) as a player aiming to lock down a roster spot via an unusual route.
“I have been fortunate to compete at the highest level of competition in my sport but am looking forward to the challenge of seeing how my wrestling skills may translate to football,” Steveson said (via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). “I am grateful to [head coach] [Sean] McDermott, [general manager] Brandon Beane and the Buffalo Bills organization for giving me this opportunity.”
Steveson’s agent indicated a recent workout with the Bills led to interest from other NFL teams as well. He has elected to sign with Buffalo, though, a team with a coach (McDermott) who has a background as a high school champion wrestler. The Bills will use the remainder of the offseason to begin what will be a steep development process likely involving time on the practice squad during the 2024 season.
Steveson will attempt to join the likes of Lam Jones and James Jett as athletes who won Olympic gold before playing in the NFL (although the latter two did so as sprinters). Longtime Cowboys wideout Bob Hayes – a member of the United States Olympic Hall of Fame as well as the Pro Football Hall of Fame – is the only athlete to win both an Olympic gold and a Super Bowl to date.
In a corresponding move, the Bills released punter Matt Haack. The veteran served as Buffalo’s punter during the 2021 season before moving on to the Colts the following year. He returned this offseason, but today’s move will leave him on the move once again. Veteran Sam Martin and undrafted rookie Jack Browning remain in place as the team’s punting options moving forward.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/31/24
Friday’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Released from IR via injury settlement: TE Tucker Fisk
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: OL Matt Cindric
New York Giants
- Reverted to IR: RB Gary Brightwell
New York Jets
- Released from IR via injury settlement: RB Markese Stepp