Buccaneers, WR Chris Godwin Have Not Discussed Extension
Mike Evans was one of several finical priorities for the Buccaneers this offseason, and he agreed to a two-year, $41MM deal prior to free agency. That leaves him in place to partner with fellow receiver Chris Godwin for at least one more season, although the latter is entering the final year of his deal. 
[RELATED: Tristan Wirfs Skipping Bucs’ OTAs, Not Close To Extension]
Godwin is attached to a three-year, $60MM pact and he will aim to cash in on the upward trend seen in the receiver market over recent years. A new agreement keeping him in Tampa Bay beyond 2024 should not be expected for the time being, though. ESPN’s Jenna Laine reports extension negotiations have not begun in Godwin’s case.
As Laine notes, Tampa Bay is waiting to see how the 28-year-old adapts to the offense installed by new OC Liam Coen before making a renewed commitment. The Buccaneers had more success than expected during Baker Mayfield‘s first season at quarterback with Dave Canales overseeing the offense. The latter took the Panthers’ head coaching position, though, leading to Coen’s hire.
The resultant change in scheme will see Godwin play in the slot. The former Pro Bowler played primarily on the outside last season, and his production fell short of expectations before moving back inside. Godwin has shown to be at his best when used in the slot, so he could be in position for a strong outing in 2024. Success would either lead to urgency on the team’s part to pursue a third contract (fourth total agreement, when including his 2021 franchise tag) or help his free agent stock ahead of next offseason.
Godwin managed to eclipse the 1,000-yard mark for the third straight season and fourth time overall in 2023, although his two touchdowns were the lowest total since his rookie campaign. Having drawn at least 121 targets four times since 2019, the former third-rounder should once again be a focal point in Tampa’s passing game despite the switch to Coen as OC. Godwin and Evans will provide Mayfield with a familiar top pairing at the receiver spot.
The Buccaneers did draft Jalen McMillan in the third round, and he joins 2023 sixth-rounder Trey Palmer as a young receiver who could serve as a Godwin successor down the road. Tampa Bay will have a new returner this season given the decision to move on from Deven Thompkins, but Godwin does not have experience in that capacity. His performance on offense (and how the team reacts to it from a contractual standpoint) will be worth watching this year.
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/31/24
Friday’s draft pick signings amongst players selected in the third round or later:
New England Patriots
- T Caedan Wallace (third round, Penn State)
Wallace joins a Patriots offensive line which features uncertainty at the left tackle spot. Veteran Chukwuma Okorafor – signed in free agency this offseason – is on track to start on the blindside. His NFL experience has come at right tackle, though, which could allow Wallace and Vederian Lowe to compete for signficant reps in the summer. Today’s move means the Patriots have two remaining unsigned rookies (second-round receiver Ja’Lynn Polk and fourth-round guard Layden Robinson).
Giants WR Allen Robinson: ‘I’ve Got A Couple More Years In Me’
Allen Robinson will play for his fourth different team in as many years if he manages to make the Giants’ roster in 2024. The veteran receiver acknowledged he was caught off guard by the fact he was a free agent this offseason while adding he has no intention of retiring. 
The 30-year-old spent last season with the Steelers, serving as a full-time starter. Robinson’s production (34 catches for 280 scoreless yards) represented a step back from that of past years, though, and Pittsburgh made the unsurprising move of cutting him in March. That led to an unexpected (from Robinson’s perspective) stint in free agency.
“I know for them, they were doing a lot of changes over there, schematic changes, and different things like that,” he said of Pittsburgh (via Michael Elsen of Giants.com). “So, it was a little surprising. But at the end of the day, it’s a part of the business. I’ve been in this thing now going on 11 years.”
The former second-rounder established himself as a high-profile receiver during his time with the Jaguars and Bears, topping 1,000 yards three times in a career known for often featuring sub-par quarterback play. Those stints were followed by one-and-done campaigns with the Rams and Steelers, during which Robinson saw his outuput drop considerably. He will aim to rebound this year as at least a depth contributor for the Giants.
“I knew right away I was playing again,” the Penn State product added. “In my eyes, I know for sure I’ve got a couple more years in me. Last year, kind of stepping into the season, I wasn’t quite 100 percent. I was coming off a foot injury. So, being able to have this offseason to really be healthy and train and do all those things, I knew for sure. There was no doubt for me as far as playing wise.”
New York’s 2024 receiving corps includes Malik Nabers, selected with the sixth overall pick after the team’s Drake Maye trade-up efforts were rebuffed. The Giants also have Darius Slayton back in the fold with an apparent contract resolution having been found. They, along with the likes of Jalin Hyatt, Wan’Dale Robinson and Isaiah McKenzie will play varying roles in New York’s passing game. Robinson could provide a veteran presence to that group while potentially helping his 2025 free agent stock in the process.
Saints Sign Round 2 CB Kool-Aid McKinstry, Wrap Draft Class
The Saints announced on Friday that second-round corner Kool-Aid McKinstry has inked his rookie deal. All members of the team’s draft class are now on the books as a result. 
McKinstry was one of many players believed to be on the fringe of first round consideration leading up to the draft. Expectations were high entering the 2023 campaign based on his strong sophomore season. Alabama teammate Terrion Arnold delivered a better showing this year, though, and to no surprise he heard his name called in the first round.
That left McKinstry to wait until Day 2 to be selected. New Orleans moved up to draft him at No. 41, giving the team another starting-caliber option at the cornerback spot. One of the Saints’ top offseason storylines has centered on the future of four-time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore. A trade sending him away is not in the team’s plans, however, meaning he is on track to remain in place for at least 2024.
The Saints have Lattimore alongside Paulson Adebo and Alontae Taylor. The latter two were also recent Day 2 selections, and McKinstry represents another draft investment at the CB position. He did not record an interception this season, but he added seven pass deflections while remaining a contributor as a punt returner. Known more for a well-rounded skillset in coverage and a high football IQ (which helped yield All-SEC and All-American honors) than for overwhelming physical traits, he should be able to compete for at least a special teams role right away.
New Orleans ranked 10th in the league in terms of passing yards against last season. With Lattimore, Adebo and Taylor returning, expectations will be high for the unit to repeat that success in 2024. McKinstry could be relegated to backup duties as a rookie, but he has starting potential down the road.
Here is a final look at the Saints’ draft class:
- Round 1, No. 14: Taliese Fuaga (OL, Oregon State) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 41 (from Jets through Packers): Kool-Aid McKinstry (CB, Alabama) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 150: Spencer Rattler (QB, South Carolina) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 170: Bub Means (WR, Pittsburgh) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 175: Jaylan Ford (LB, Texas) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 199 (from Eagles): Khristian Boyd (DT, Northern Iowa) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 239 (from Rams through Broncos): Josiah Ezirim (T, Eastern Kentucky) (signed)
Eagles WR John Ross Addresses 2023 Retirement Decision
John Ross retired less than one year ago, but his comeback attempt resulted in an Eagles deal last week. The former top-10 pick recently spoke about the regret he felt following his decision to hang up his cleats. 
Ross admitted he immediately considered the retirement call a mistake when speaking to the media as Philadelphia’s newest receiver. Veteran DeVante Parker decided to end his career, a move which opened up a roster spot for Ross. The latter worked out for the Eagles before signing to their offseason roster.
“You look at it like this,” Ross said (via Dave Zangaro of NBC Sports Philadelphia). “In my situation, I was a top-10 draft pick and we all talk about it all the time. ‘If we ever get to the point where we have to try out, then we’ll be done.’ But then you get to that point and you don’t have no other choice. When I go the opportunity, I was probably the happiest person on Earth.”
In many cases, veterans who land deals last in the offseason are unable to survive roster cutdowns at the end of the summer. Ross will face a steep challenge in Philadelphia to carve out an offense role considering the team’s wide receiver depth chart. A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith (both of whom are attached to new, lucrative deals) are set to remain focal points of the Eagles’ passing game for 2024 and many years beyond that.
Ross – whose draft stock was boosted by a then-record in the 40-yard dash – struggled to establish himself as a consistent option on offense with the Bengals from 2017-20. Injuries kept him sidelined for stretches during that time, and he managed just 11 catches with the Giants in 2021. The 28-year-old did not play the following year, so his retirement decision appeared to mark an underwhelming end to his career. If he can catch on with the Eagles in 2024, though, he will have the opportunity to continue in the NFL.
Lions Sign Second-Round CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr.
Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is on the books for the first time in his NFL career. The Lions announced on Friday that he has inked his rookie contract. 
The hosts of the 2024 NFL draft showed a willingness to double-dip at the cornerback spot with their first two selections. After adding Terrion Arnold on Day 1, the Lions selected Rakestraw at the No. 61 spot. Both players will have a path to signficant playing time in 2024 and beyond if they live up to their potential.
Rakestraw spent four seasons at Missouri, establishing himself as an integral member of the team’s defense over the past two years in particular. Returning from an ACL tear in 2022, he racked up 12 pass deflections and 4.5 tackles for loss. The following season, Rakestraw was limited to nine contests due to core muscle surgery. That injury history no doubt hurt his draft stock, but he was still considered one of the top members of this year’s CB class.
Size was mentioned as a potential concern for the 5-11, 183-pounder in addition to a relative lack of ball production in college. Rakestraw recorded only one interception in 35 games, though he notched 107 total stops (including eight tackles for loss) and 24 pass breakups over that time. He also drew praise for his run defense and overall physicality, something which could help him carve out a role early in with Detroit.
Struggles in the secondary (and in particular at the cornerback spot) were a theme for the Lions last season. That drove the team to acquire Carlton Davis via trade and add Cameron Sutton during free agency. The latter’s arrest for domestic violence resulted in his release, however, and as a result it came as no surprise Detroit focused on further secondary additions during the draft. Arnold was the second corner selected, and he will be positioned to compete for a starting role this offseason. Rakestraw likewise could establish himself as a regular on defense in relatively short order.
With the Rakestraw deal now official, Arnold is the only member of the Lions’ draft class yet to sign his rookie contract. The latter’s pact will be four years in length like all the others, but it will also include a fifth-year option covering the 2028 campaign.
Giants Sign Round 2 S Tyler Nubin, Complete Draft Class
The Giants announced on Friday that second-round safety Tyler Nubin has signed his rookie deal. As a result, all members of New York’s draft class are now on the books. 
Nubin spent his entire five-year college career at Minnesota. He played in only five games as a freshman, but after that he was a key contributor to the team’s secondary. Each season from 2021-23 featured multiple interceptions being recorded (including a career-high five this past campaign to go along with 53 tackles and one sack).
Nubin earned Academic All-Big Ten honors four times during his tenure with the Golden Gophers, something which added to his on-field production in helping his draft stock. He was the first true safety to hear his name called during the 2024 draft (Eagles prospect Cooper DeJean has experience at that spot but also at corner), coming off the board 47th overall. Nubin should have an immediate path to playing time in New York.
The Giants saw Xavier McKinney depart in free agency this offseason when he landed a Packers deal averaging $17MM per year. New York elected not to match that offer, leaving McKinney free to follow in the footsteps of Julian Love one year ago in finding a new home on the open market. With the former no longer in the fold, a starting safety spot is up for grabs this offseason.
Nubin will be competing for the opportunity to join Jason Pinnock as a first-teamer in 2024 and beyond. The 6-2, 205-pounder was lauded for his well-rounded skillset in college, and he should be able to contribute right away at the NFL level. If that turns out to be the case, New York will have a McKinney replacement for at least the next four seasons.
Here is the final breakdown of the Giants’ 2024 draft class:
- Round 1, No. 6: Malik Nabers (WR, LSU) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 47 (from Seahawks): Tyler Nubin (S, Minnesota) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 70: Andru Phillips (CB, Kentucky) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 107: Theo Johnson (TE, Penn State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 166 (from 49ers through Panthers): Tyrone Tracy Jr. (RB, Purdue) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 183: Darius Muasau (LB, UCLA) (signed)
WR Rashod Bateman Addresses Ravens Extension
Rashod Bateman has not had a breakout campaign to date, but he will have a number of opportunities to deliver one in the coming years. The fourth-year Ravens wideout is under contract through 2026 as a result of the extension he signed in April. 
That agreement – which came about in part due to the fact Bateman was on track for restricted free agency in 2025 – has a maximum value of $16.75MM. The former first-rounder therefore remains firmlly in the team’s plans, and he could be positioned to take on a larger role in 2024. Bateman himself was surprised when the team made the offer, though.
“That extension definitely came out of nowhere,” the 24-year-old said, via The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec (subscription required). “I’m blessed, for sure. I did not see them doing that, but it shows that… the team believes in me. I love playing here. I love this organization… I feel like I still have a lot to do, so it was a no-brainer for me, for sure.”
Bateman entered the league with considerable expectations given his college production and the presumed role he would play early on in Baltimore’s run-heavy offense. He faced injury problems during his first two seasons, though, being limited to 18 games in that span. He suited up for 16 contests, logging a career-high 610 offensive snaps. Bateman finished with a 32-367-1 statline, however, and more will be expected moving forward.
Falling in line with recent trends, the Ravens used a Day 1 selection on Zay Flowers last year. He had a strong rookie season (914 scrimmage yards, six total touchdowns) and projects to once again play a central role in Baltimore’s passing game this season. The team saw Odell Beckham Jr. depart in free agency, although veteran Nelson Agholor was retained this offseason.
That sets the Ravens up for a Flowers-Bateman-Agholor trio at the WR spot in 2024. Of course, All-Pro tight end Mark Andrews will serve as a focal point in the team’s offense for the foreseeable future. Bateman has the opportunity to cement his status as a key cog in the passing attack as well, though, and doing so would give Baltimore another young producer. His level of play in 2024 will be a key storyline to follow.
Texans, WR Nico Collins Agree To Extension
MAY 29: Further details on the Collins deal are in, courtesy of Wilson. The pact includes guaranteed base salaries in its first two years (including $13.5MM in 2025), with $10MM of his $20MM 2026 salary becoming guaranteed on the fifth day of the 2025 league year. Collins will see the other half shift to a full guarantee in March 2026; the final year includes a non-guaranteed $21.25MM in base compensation.
To maximize the extension’s value, $750K in annual incentives from 2025-27 will need to be met. Collins will earn an additional $250K each for a Pro Bowl selection, recording 95 catches and posting 1,460 yards those seasons. Each year of the pact contains $625K in roster bonuses.
MAY 28: The Texans’ offensive success in 2023 included a breakout year for Nico Collins. The ascending wideout has landed a lucrative new deal as a result. 
Collins and the Texans have agreed to a three-year extension, Dianna Russini of the Athletic reports. This pact will keep him on the books through 2027. Providing further details, ESPN’s Adam Schefter notes the deal has a base value of $72.75MM which can max out at $75MM. $52MM is guaranteed, and Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 adds Collins will collect a $17MM signing bonus.
The 25-year-old had a modest start to his career as a member of a low-output Texans passing game. Collins nevertheless showcased his potential as a deep threat in particular during that time, and expectations were raised with C.J. Stroud‘s arrival last year. The two formed a productive partnership in 2023, with Collins posting 1,297 yards and eight touchdowns on 80 catches.
With an annual average value of $24.25MM, this agreement is a strong indication the Texans feel Collins can continue to develop into a focal point on offense. The Michigan product was the team’s top option at the receiver position for much of the 2023 season, although Stroud initially showed a strong connection with third-round rookie Tank Dell. The latter’s season-ending injury paved the way for Collins to take on a larger role, and he will now be expected to remain a top producer.
A February report indicated a mutual interest existed between team and player in Collins’ case. Since then, Houston has acquired Stefon Diggs via trade, a move which adds a four-time Pro Bowler to the mix. Diggs has received at least 149 targets in five of the past six years, and it will be interesting to see how he fits in an offense returning Collins, Dell and tight end Dalton Schultz. The Texans signed Schultz to a three-year deal of his own this offseason, and Collins will join him as a member of the team’s long-term offensive plans.
Dell – who is recovering from a minor gunshot wound suffered this offseason – is on the books for three more years via his rookie pact. With he and Stroud under team control for years to come, Houston can afford to make investments such as this one. Diggs is due just over $22.5MM in 2024 before hitting free agency. Especially if he were to depart next year, Collins would comfortably reside as the Texans’ highest-paid receiver.
This deal will slot the former third-rounder into seventh in the NFL in terms of annual average compensation amongst receivers. The top of the market has been on an upward trajectory with recent deals, and number of ascending talents at the position are set to move the bar even higher in the near future. Collins has understandably not moved to the top of the pecking order, but his 2023 production has vaulted him near the league’s top earners at a premium position.
Yannick Ngakoue Receiving Interest; DE Aiming For Deal Before Training Camp
At this point of the NFL offseason calendar, many veterans who are still unsigned will likely not have a deal in place until training camps open in July. In the case of Yannick Ngakoue, that could be different. 
The journeyman edge rusher indicated during an interview on SiriusXM Radio that he has received interest this offseason (audio link). Ngakoue waited until August to sign last offseason, when he inked a one-year, $10.5MM Bears pact. Given the way his 2023 season ended, a more valuable pact should not be expected. The 29-year-old does, however, intend to find a new home before camp this time around.
“I feel like everything’s going to work out just perfectly,” Ngakoue said. “Like I said, everything happens for a reason… I’m just focused on myself, just focused on how can I get better, focusing on things that I could have done better last year.”
While the former second-rounder has not been able to find a long-term opportunity since his four-year run in Jacksonville, he managed to remain consistent as a pass rusher up until 2023. Ngakoue had totaled at least eight sacks in each of his first seven years in the league, spanning time with the Jags, Vikings, Ravens, Raiders and Colts. Expectations were high for a similar campaign in Chicago last year, but he managed just four sacks and six tackles for loss.
Ngakoue suffered a season-ending ankle injury in December; that ailment has played a role in the fact he has yet to sign a new deal. The Maryland alum has been floated as a candidate to return to the Windy City in 2024, but he said he is not considering specific offers at this time. Still, having an agreement (one which will no doubt be of the short-term, low-cost nature) in place relatively soon would represent a different approach to last year.
“I just hope that I’m somewhere before training camp starts because everyone needs to go through a training camp in order to have the kind of season they want to have,” Ngakoue added. “The only thing that I’m worried about is being able to help an organization, help out the young guys and guys that are veterans as well to be able to get a Super Bowl ring and just bring great energy to that building wherever I’m at.”