Latest On Broncos, WR Courtland Sutton
The next phase of the Broncos’ offseason program is beginning on Monday, but Courtland Sutton remains absent from the team. The veteran wideout is seeking a new deal, though nothing is imminent on that front. 
Sutton is due $13.5MM total in 2024 ($2MM of which has already been paid out). One year remains on his current pact beyond that, but none of his scheduled compensation for 2025 ($14MM) is guaranteed. The 28-year-old is angling for adjustments to the contract providing more assurances but with all practice time being voluntary at this point in the offseason, there is little incentive for team or player to budge from their current stance.
Mike Klis of 9News notes that communication between Sutton’s camp and the Broncos has been “respectful” up to this point. That is a positive sign, especially when coupled with the fact that a trade sending the former second-rounder out of the Mile High City is increasingly unlikely. Denver received interest in the lead-in to the draft, but no deal took place during the event. That comes as little surprise considering the team’s desire to retain Sutton moving forward.
As Klis confirms, the SMU product has not requested a trade despite the ongoing dispute with the Broncos. Sutton has been in Denver throughout his six-year career, and he has been the focal point of the team’s passing game when healthy. In three seasons since his ACL tear in 2020, he has received 297 targets while the Broncos have dealt with injuries amongst other pass-catchers. Last year, he posted career highs in touchdowns (10) and catch percentage (65.6%).
The decision to trade Jerry Jeudy to the Browns was followed up by the signing of Josh Reynolds. The latter will be joined by rookies Troy Franklin and Devaughn Vele as newcomers in Denver’s 2024 receiver room. Even with those arrivals and the return of Tim Patrick, though, Sutton will be counted on as the top receiving option for the Broncos’ starting quarterback.
That role will likely be held by first-rounder Bo Nix, who is now missing out on time to develop chemistry with Sutton during spring workouts. That situation would of course become more dire if it were to continue into training camp (when mandatory fines for missed practices or a hold-in could come into play in Sutton’s case). This situation is not currently positioned to result in a parting of ways, but it nevertheless remains worth monitoring as the offseason unfolds.
Raiders Sign OL Jackson Powers-Johnson, Finalize Draft Class
The Raiders announced on Monday that second-round pick Jackson Powers-Johnson has inked his rookie contract. As a result, all eight members of the team’s draft class are now attached to their initial NFL deals. 
The offensive tackle class was a headliner in 2024, but Powers-Johnson was one of the top interior blockers available. The Oregon product served as a full-time starter over the past two seasons, establishing himself as one of the most well-regarded interior linemen in college football during that span.
Powers-Johnson spent much of his time at right guard in 2022, but last season he was used exclusively a center. That produced a stellar campaign for the 6-3, 328-pounder; Powers-Johnson won the Rimington Trophy as the country’s top center (becoming the first Pac-12 player to do so). He was also named a unanimous first-team All-American, helping cement his draft stock.
Graham Barton was the only center to hear his name called on Day 1 of the draft, but Powers-Johnson (just like Zach Frazier) was selected in the second round. Starting roles likely await all three players in their rookie seasons, but Powers-Johnson is positioned to start his NFL tenure at right guard. The Raiders used Greg Van Roten at that spot last season, but he is unsigned.
Vegas has added Cody Whitehair to the fold as an interior blocker with starting experience. The same is also true of Andrus Peat, who has seen time at both tackle and guard and signed a deal last week. Those veterans will give head coach Antonio Pierce a number of potential combinations (alongside Powers-Johnson) to consider as training camp takes place.
Here is the full breakdown of the Raiders’ 2024 draft class:
- Round 1, No. 13: Brock Bowers (TE, Georgia) (signed)
- Round 2, No. 44: Jackson Powers-Johnson (OL, Oregon) (signed)
- Round 3, No. 77: Delmar Glaze (T, Maryland) (signed)
- Round 4, No. 112: Decamerion Richardson (CB, Mississippi State) (signed)
- Round 5, No. 148: Tommy Eichenberg (LB, Ohio State) (signed)
- Round 6, No. 208 (from Chiefs): Dylan Laube (RB, New Hampshire) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 223 (from Patriots): Trey Taylor (S, Air Force) (signed)
- Round 7, No. 229 (from Vikings): M.J. Devonshire (CB, Pitt) (signed)
Jets Sign First-Round T Olu Fashanu
The Jets entered Monday without any of their 2024 draft picks having been signed. That has now changed, however, with first-round offensive tackle Olu Fashanu inking his rookie deal. 
As ESPN’s Field Yates notes, this four-year pact will carry a value of $20.51MM. Like with all other Day 1 draftees, New York will have the ability to extend the contract by one more season via the fifth-year option. If the team does so, Fashanu will remain in place through the 2028 campaign.
Offensive line was a concern for the Jets entering the 2023 season, one in which Aaron Rodgers‘ debut New York campaign was cut short four plays into the season opener. After struggling with poor performance and injuries up front, adding at the tackle and guard spots was a priority this offseason. As a result, Morgan Moses was re-acquired via trade to regain his old right tackle spot.
That move was followed in short order by the signing of Tyron Smith. The former Cowboys All-Pro joined on a one-year deal, and he is in place as New York’s starter on the blindside. Both Moses and Smith are 33, however, and the former is also a pending free agent. A long-term investment at the tackle spot was thus a main concern entering the draft. While New York was high on wideout Rome Odunze, it came as little surprise when the team used the No. 11 pick (acquired in a swap with the Vikings) on Fashanu.
The Penn State product was seen as one of the top tackle prospects in the 2023 class, and it came as a surprise to many when he elected to remain in school for one more year. Nevertheless, Fashanu was squarely on the first-round radar this year despite being part of an extremely deep O-line class. The Jets also had interest in fellow tackle Troy Fautanu, but like other teams they had injury concerns which steered them elsewhere.
Fashanu does not have an immediate path to playing time as a rookie, but injuries have been a constant in Smith’s career and the usually-durable Moses missed three games last season. The 6-6, 313-pounder could therefore find himself on the field in relatively short order this year. Even if not, though, Fashanu should be a fixture up front for the team in 2025 and beyond.
Panthers Interested In Veteran QB Addition
The Panthers currently have three quarterbacks on the roster, including undrafted rookie Jack Plummer. He took part in Carolina’s rookie minicamp over the weekend and remains with the team, but further moves under center could be taking place. 
Carolina has 2023 first overall pick Bryce Young atop the depth chart. The 22-year-old did not meet expectations during his rookie season, but the team’s offseason moves in free agency and the draft were aimed in large part at providing him better protection up front and an enhanced skill-position group. Veteran Andy Dalton – who made three appearances and one start last season – is under contract for one more year as Young’s backup.
First-year head coach Dave Canales said in March the Panthers could be suitors for an experienced third quarterback. No addition on that front has been made through the post-draft wave of free agency, but Canales (who praised Plummer’s performance) noted the team is still keeping their “ears to the ground” on the subject of veteran signal-callers.
“What we always like to do is to add people, especially guys that have some kind of exposure to our system,” Canales said, via The Athletic’s Joe Person (subscription required). “I’m looking for value for the quarterback room. What do they bring for that room, for Bryce in particular?”
Ryan Tannehill, Blaine Gabbert, Brian Hoyer and Trevor Siemian are among the top options still available for the Panthers or other teams eyeing veteran insurance. Carolina has roughly $6MM in cap space entering Monday, a smaller figure than several others teams at this point in the offseason (although the Panthers have already inked their entire draft class). Given the depth of experienced passers on the market, any addition would likely not be an expensive one.
Part of the Canales hire was based the ex-Seahawks and Buccaneers staffers’ work developing quarterbacks. His ability to oversee a rebound performance from Young will be a defining storyline for the Panthers in 2024, but it will be interesting to see if the team adds depth behind him in the near future.
Bucs GM Jason Licht: ‘Positive Movement’ On Antoine Winfield Jr. Extension Talks
Much of the heavy lifting has already taken place this offseason for the Buccaneers. The team managed to retain both quarterback Baker Mayfield and receiver Mike Evans on multi-year deals and in doing so clear the way for safety Antoine Winfield Jr. to receive the franchise tag. 
The latter is currently set to earn $17.12MM in 2024, but that would only be the case if team and player were not able to hammer out a long-term agreement. Such a pact will carry a much higher price tag, of course, given Winfield’s age (25) and All-Pro status. A report from last month indicated the Buccaneers are optimistic a pact putting him atop the safety market will be worked out, and general manager Jason Licht recently confirmed that sentiment.
During an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show, Licht said there has been “positive movement” with respect to Winfield extension talks (video link via JC Allen of Bucs Gameday). Plenty of time remains before the mid-July deadline for tagged players to sign long-term deals. If no pact can be worked out before then, Winfield would enter the 2024 campaign as a pending free agent.
The two-time Pro Bowler’s tag ranks him third in the league amongst safeties with respect to annual average compensation. Only Derwin James ($19MM) and Minkah Fitzpatrick ($18.25MM) are higher in the pecking order, and Xavier McKinney‘s Packers contract is the lone one signed this offseason which comes close in terms of value. 2024 has seen the safety position devalued, leaving plenty of notable veterans unsigned well after the draft.
Nevertheless, Tampa Bay would be investing in Winfield’s prime years on a multi-year agreement. Working out a lucrative pact would keep a foundational defensive contributor in the fold for years to come, something which will be the case on the other side of the ball if a monster extension with left tackle Tristan Wirfs is worked out. Licht is also confident on that front.
As the Buccaneers seek a fourth straight NFC South title in 2024, Mayfield, Evans and fellow re-signee Lavonte David will all have crucial roles to play. The same will of course be true of Winfield, especially if he has a market-resetting deal in hand by the time the campaign begins. If Licht’s optimism is well placed, an agreement could be hammered out relatively soon.
Latest On Cowboys’ RB Plans
Leading up to the draft, the Cowboys were frequently linked to selecting a running back relatively early. Dallas eschewed a number of opportunities to add a rookie to the backfield, though, and immediately following the event a reunion with Ezekiel Elliott was finalized. 
Owner Jerry Jones’ comments about Elliott’s ability to remain a starter at this point in his career were matched by the former rushing champion himself. Elliott is by far the most experienced back on the Cowboys’ roster, but head coach Mike McCarthy revealed at the team’s rookie minicamp that a committee approach will be used in 2024.
“I don’t think that’s fair,” McCarthy said about Elliott resuming his previous role as a workhorse back. “What do you mean? The guy carried the ball more than anybody in the history of football in the first couple of years. That’s not going to be his role, we’re a running back by committee. He’ll definitely play at the level that he’s played at in my time here. I anticipate that. I don’t see any drop off in the way he moves” (h/t Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News).
After allowing Tony Pollard to depart in free agency this offseason, Dallas has Elliott (who averaged a career-worst 3.5 yards per carry with the Patriots last season), Malik Davis, Rico Dowdle and free agent addition Royce Freeman as current running back options. As EVP Stephen Jones noted, however, the team is still open to further backfield additions. One back (Nathaniel Peat) was brought in as part of the Cowboys’ UDFA class. In terms of experienced candidates, Dalvin Cook, Latavius Murray, Cam Akers and Jerick McKinnon top the list of unsigned free agents.
Cook – like Elliott – was named as a back interested in a Cowboys deal earlier this offseason. It remains to be seen if that feeling is mutual in Cook’s case, something which is especially a question mark with Elliott now in the fold. Dallas currently has only $3.86MM in cap space, so moves at the running back position or any other would need to be inexpensive.
In 2023 (McCarthy’s first season as offensive play-caller), the Cowboys led the NFL in scoring while ranking third in passing yards. The team was mid-pack on the ground (14th), though, leaving plenty of room for improvement this season. Elliott will have a significant role to play upon his return to Dallas, but it will be interesting to see how the rest of the backfield shakes out over the coming months.
Steelers, CB Anthony Averett Agree To Deal
Anthony Averett was one of several experienced players who used rookie minicamps as a way to earn an NFL deal. The veteran corner spent the past few days at the Steelers’ camp, and that has indeed produced a contract. 
[RELATED: Steelers Met With Cameron Sutton]
Averett’s agent told Pro Football Talk a one-year Pittsburgh agreement has been reached. The 29-year-old will thus spend the remainder of the offseason looking to earn a 53-man roster spot. The Steelers already have Joey Porter Jr. and trade acquisition Donte Jackson in place as projected starters, but Averett has notable first-team experience of his own.
The latter entered the league as a fourth-round pick of the Ravens in 2018. Averett was used sparingly during his first two Baltimore campaigns, but he logged 18 starts across the 2020 and ’21 campaigns. That led to a one-year, $4MM Raiders agreement during his first trip to free agency. He was limited to just six games in 2022, however, something which hindered his market value.
Averett began last year with the 49ers, but he was let go amidst further injury issues. That led to a brief Lions practice squad agreement before San Francisco checked back in. No agreement was reached the second time around, though, and the Alabama product did not see any regular season action in 2023. He will aim to bounce back this season on a Steelers team which has made a number of moves on defense.
The team’s draft was centered mainly on offense, however, and sixth-rounder Ryan Watts represents Pittsburgh’s only rookie in the secondary. Veteran Patrick Peterson – who played with the Steelers last season but was released midway through his $14MM pact – remains unsigned. Head coach Mike Tomlin is open to bringing Peterson back into the fold, but it will be interesting to see if this Averett addition changes that stance.
Pittsburgh entered Sunday with over $18MM in cap space. With most of the team’s draft class having been signed already, the Steelers thus have the flexibility to make post-draft veteran additions such as this one. Averett’s pact will no doubt be a low-cost flier, but his previous starting experience gives this move a degree of upside.
5 Key Stories: 5/5/24 – 5/12/24
With the deadline having passed for signings to count against the compensatory pick formula, free agent movement has picked up around the league. Developments on those and other fronts have taken place recently; in case you missed any of the NFL’s top stories from the past week, here is a quick recap:
- Patriots Retain Wolf To Lead Front Office: As expected, the Patriots began the post-draft portion of the offseason by searching out external candidates for their de facto general manager position. Several potential hires turned down the opportunity to interview for the gig, however, amidst the widespread expectation Eliot Wolf would remain in place as New England’s lead executive. Indeed, the team gave Wolf the title of EVP of player personnel, putting an end to the search. In his first offseason at the helm, the 42-year-old has overseen a number of critical decisions – including, most notably, the selection of Drake Maye at No. 3 in the draft. Wolf will lead the front office as the Patriots begin to transition to Maye as their starting quarterback (in the near future) and move forward from the Bill Belichick era.
- Raiders To Hold QB Competition: In the build-up to the draft, the Raiders were named as a candidate to move up the board to add a quarterback (in particular, Jayden Daniels). The team did not do so, leaving Aidan O’Connell and Gardner Minshew in place under center. New GM Tom Telesco confirmed Vegas will hold a training camp competition between the two. O’Connell has drawn praise from head coach Antonio Pierce, and he finished his rookie season by throwing nine touchdowns and one interception over his final six games. Minshew, meanwhile, inked a two-year, $25MM deal in free agency. The 27-year-old has much more NFL action under his belt, and Vegas’ new offensive scheme could counterbalance O’Connell’s potential advantage from spending time in the previous system to a degree. As the Raiders aim to take a step forward in 2024, the battle for the QB1 spot will be a key story to follow.
- Chargers Add Dupree: The Chargers kept both Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack in place this offseason via restructured contracts. That pair will have Bud Dupree as a notable third edge rushing option, with the latter having inked a two-year contract. Dupree will earn at least $6MM with the potential for $10MM during his Bolts pact. The 31-year-old had a disappointing run with the Titans, leading to his release last year. Serving as a starter with the Falcons, though, he regained his Steelers form to an extent and tied for the team lead with 6.5 sacks in 2023. Instead of returning to Pittsburgh or Atlanta (teams which had interest in a reunion), Dupree has elected to join a Chargers outfit which was among the league leaders in sacks last season. With Bosa struggling on the injury front recently, he could see notable playing time in Los Angeles.
- Boyd Joins Titans: Tyler Boyd courted a number of teams prior to arriving at a decision on the open market. The longtime Bengals wideout elected to sign with the Titans on a one-year deal. This agreement (worth up to $4.5MM) will allow Boyd to continue working with ex-Cincinnati OC Brian Callahan, Tennessee’s new head coach. The 29-year-old was linked to a deal with his hometown Steelers, but the sides could not agree to terms. Instead, he will depart a receiving corps headlined by Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to join one including DeAndre Hopkins and free agent addition Calvin Ridley. Boyd has twice topped 1,000 yards in his career, but he will look to rebound from declining production in recent seasons. Doing so would help a Titans’ offense led by Will Levis and help his 2025 free agent stock.
- Hill Aiming For New Dolphins Deal? The $30MM-per-year deal the Dolphins gave Tyreek Hill in 2022 stood as the benchmark amongst receivers until recently. That pact is artificially inflated with non-guaranteed money after 2024, however, and Hill’s comments on his future indicate he is seeking a Miami extension. The five-time All-Pro stated his desire to finish his career as a Dolphin, although last year he said he planned to retire following the conclusion of his Miami pact. With Hill’s contract set to carry massive cap hits in 2025 ($34.24MM) and ’26 ($56.31MM) the Dolphins would be well-served to work out an extension lowering those figures while providing him with new guarantees if a mutual desire exists on the team’s part
Saints To Sign OL Lucas Patrick
New Orleans’ offensive line has seen a number of changes this offseason, but the team is set to make an addition up front. The Saints will sign veteran Lucas Patrick on Monday, per his agents (via Nick Underhill of New Orleans.Football). 
Patrick spent his first five seasons in Green Bay before making the intra-divisional move to the Bears in 2022. Over the past two years, the 30-year-old has logged 20 starts in 23 appearances. That includes 15 starts in 16 games in 2023, matching Patrick’s largest single-season workload in his career.
The former UDFA saw time at both guard spots in 2022, but last season he served exclusively at the center position. Patrick’s PFF evaluation was in line with his previous campaigns in terms of run blocking, but his pass protection was rated much poorer. That led to an overall grade of just 50.5, something which helps explain how he remained on the open market well after the draft.
Chicago has invested up front during the past two years, and the team’s moves in 2023 make it little surprise Patrick will not be returning. The Duke alum met with the Seahawks in April, making him one of several veteran interior O-linemen the team checked in on. Instead of heading to the Emerald City, though, Patrick will join a Saints team which is in need of starting-caliber options at multiple spots.
The left tackle spot is a question mark with Trevor Penning struggling early on in his career (although 2024 first-rounder Taliese Fuaga could step in on the blindside as a rookie). Longtime RT starter Ryan Ramczyk faces an uncertain future based on his knee issues. Andrus Peat was an option at both tackle spots while representing a guard option, but he recently signed with the Raiders. Patrick will look to at least replace Peat’s potential as a guard starter.
New Orleans has Erik McCoy on the books through 2027, so he is positioned to continue serving as the team’s center starter. The Saints also have guard Cesar Ruiz attached to a lucrative deal. Patrick could compete with offseason addition Shane Lemieux for a starting position at the opposite guard spot or provide the team with a veteran backup across the three interior positions.
Titans Interested In S Addition
Tennessee was one of several teams engaged in the post-draft receiver market. That ultimately produced an agreement with Tyler Boyd, but the Titans are still looking into additions elsewhere on the roster. 
When speaking to the media, head coach Brian Callahan said (via Jim Wyatt of the team’s website) Tennessee is engaged in conversations about bringing in a safety. The team traded away former All-Pro Kevin Byard midway through the 2023 season, creating a notable vacancy in the secondary. Terrell Edmunds was part of the return in the Byard swap, but he remains unsigned well after the draft.
Tennessee also saw K’Von Wallace – who started seven games for the team last year – sign with Seattle in free agency. Amani Hooker remains in place as a full-time starter after he inked a three-year extension in September 2022. Elijah Molden logged nearly 200 snaps in the slot last season, but his primary usage came as a safety. The pending free agent is joined by the likes of L’Jarius Sneed, Roger McCreary and Chidobe Awuzie in the Titans’ secondary.
The team could use at least a depth addition at the safety spot, though. The likes of Matthew Jackson and Syheim Carter are in place after they were used on special teams during their respective rookie seasons. Tennessee invested a Day 3 pick (seventh-rounder James Williams) in the backend during this year’s draft, but a third phase role should be the expectation in his case as well.
Much like their running back counterparts in recent years, veteran safeties around the league saw their market take a nosedive this offseason. Several accomplished (albeit aging) producers were let go or not retained, and a number of them are still unsigned at this point. Longtime Broncos ballhawk Justin Simmons headlines the group of available options. Marcus Maye, Micah Hyde and former Seahawks Jamal Adams and Quandre Diggs are other potential targets for the Titans and other teams seeking a late-offseason addition.
Tennessee is near the top of the league in terms of cap space with over $30MM in available funds. Signing the rest of the team’s rookie class will lower that figure slightly, but plenty of room will remain to make at least one notable addition. Given the state of the safety market, any signing will likely not come with a hefty price tag, so it will be interesting to see if a deal with one of the top options is worked out in the near future.