Draft Notes: Cowboys, Rams, Fautanu, Legette, Texans, Colts
The Cowboys currently own pick No. 24, but like many other teams late in the first-round order they could be enticed to move down the board. When speaking about the team’s Day 1 approach, owner Jerry Jones noted the appeal of adding extra draft capital, stating it is “very likely” they could have a trade-down opportunity.
“I’m not trying to be cute there,” Jones added, offering a counter to his previous point (via The Athletic’s Saad Yousef). “Obviously we’d like to have some mid-round picks. But by the same token, Micah Parsons might be sitting there with that pick. Now, do you want to go for some more picks or do you want to snag him?”
A number of intriguing options could still be on the board for Dallas if the team remains in place. Offensive line is a known area of interest, and Graham Barton is believed to be on the Cowboys’ radar. Replacements for Tyron Smith and Tyler Biadasz are needed, and Yousef adds that – all things being equal – Dallas’ preference would be to acquire a left tackle over a center in round one. That direction would allow Tyler Smith to remain at guard.
With the draft’s opening night less than 24 hours away, here are some more notes from around the NFL:
- The Colts are among the teams set to to pick in the teens which could be interested in a move up the board. That is also the case for the Rams, per ESPN’s Dan Graziano. 2024 marks the first year in which Los Angeles owns a Day 1 selection since 2016, but with 11 total picks the team could easily move up from the No. 19 slot. Adding a successor for Matthew Stafford under center has been floated as a first-round possibility, and Bo Nix could be a target in that instance. However, Dianna Russini of The Athletic sees such a move as unlikely (subscription required). Finding a D-line contributor to help fill the void left by Aaron Donald could be a more pressing need for the Rams.
- Troy Fautanu is one of many offensive linemen slated to be selected in the first round, but an injury concern could hurt his stock. The Washington tackle had a knee injury flagged during the pre-draft process, as noted by Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer. The issue is seen as one which should not cause trouble in the short term but could ultimately “[impact] his longevity” at the NFL level. Fautanu may be viewed as a tackle (rather than a guard) in the pros, and he is believed to be a target of the Jets at the No. 10 pick. It will be interesting to see if his knee causes a drop down the Day 1 order.
- Wideout Xavier Legette recently went public with the fact the Panthers have shown an interest in drafting him 33rd overall. In response, first-year head coach Dave Canales replied he has made the same remark to “50 other guys” (h/t team reporter Darin Grant). Carolina is obviously not considering that many prospects with the team’s top selection, but Canales’ comment proves the approach is certainly not Legette-or-bust. The former Gamecock had a breakout campaign in 2023, and his size and physicality makes him one of the more intriguing prospects in a celebrated receiver class. Legette could be a first-round candidate, and the WR-needy Bills are among the teams which hosted him for a private workout.
- Nick Caserio has a reputation for executing trades both early and late in the draft, pulling off 18 total moves during his three years at the helm of the Texans. That total includes eight trades in 2023, and ESPN’s Adam Schefter writes Caserio is “likely” to continue being active on the trade front this weekend. Of course, Houston has already been a major player in terms of pick swaps, dealing the 23rd choice to the Vikings last month. As things stand, the Texans own nine 2024 selections.
- Colts owner Jim Irsay is recovering from surgery which addressed back and leg issues, and his mobility is presently limited as a result. That will keep him from being in the team’s draft room, as he explained to ESPN’s Stephen Holder. Irsay will still be connected virtually to the team’s decision-makers, though, meaning Indianapolis’ draft process will carry on as usual as he continues to recover.
Minor NFL Transactions: 4/24/24
Wednesday’s minor moves:
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Waived: CB Richard LeCounte
- Placed on exempt/international list: OL Chukwuebuka Godrick
LeCounte made a pair of regular season appearances with the Buccaneers in 2023, and he landed a futures deal from Tampa Bay in January. He will now look for a new opportunity after the draft has concluded. Godrick joined the NFL via the International Player Pathway last spring, signing with the Chiefs. The 23-year-old did not see game action during the campaign, but today’s move suggests he will spend the 2024 season with the Buccaneers. Teams are provided one practice squad roster exemption for international players such as Godrick.
Bengals’ Trey Hendrickson Requests Trade
8:19pm: Hendrickson and the Bengals discussed a new extension in March, but those talks resulted in the team deciding against any adjustments, Dehner and Jeff Howe report (subscription required). Cincinnati has also conveyed to Hendrickson that no trade considerations will be made at this time.
Kelsey Conway of the Cincinnati Enquirer adds the former Saint still desires to continue his Bengals career on a deal providing him more security. Notably, however, she also reports Hendrickson is “not ruling out retirement” in the event no agreement can be worked out. Further developments on either front in this situation will be worth watching closely.
4:39pm: In the absence of a new deal, Bengals wideout Tee Higgins is known to be seeking a trade sending him elsewhere. The same is now true of edge rusher Trey Hendrickson. 
The latter is aiming to be dealt, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. Hendrickson has two years remaining on his contract, but Schefter notes the Bengals have not been willing to meet his asking price on a new deal. Cincinnati will now have an interesting decision to make in this case on the eve of the draft. To no surprise, though, Paul Dehner of The Athletic adds the team has no intention of working out a trade.
Hendrickson joined the Bengals on a four-year, $60MM deal in 2021. He has proven to be a highly impactful member of the team’s front seven since then, earning a Pro Bowl nod in each of the past three years. Despite this past season not representing a walk year, team and player agreed to a one-year extension in July. That pact set Hendrickson up with a $5MM raise for the 2023 campaign and base salaries of $14.8MM and $15.8MM over the next two years.
Neither of those figures are guaranteed, though, and this news come as Hendrickson eyes another round of adjustments to his deal regarding up-front compensation. As Schefter’s colleague Jeremy Fowler notes, the 29-year-old has missed Bengals offseason workouts in each of the past two seasons amidst unrest regarding his deal. Hendrickson has posted 39.5 sacks in his tenure with Cincinnati, including a career-high 17.5 last season. The latter figure placed him a tie for second in the league.
In spite of Hendrickson’s success, the Bengals ranked just 17th in the league in sack production (the team’s second-leading rusher, Sam Hubbard, totaled six sacks). While that showcases the former third-rounder’s importance to Cincinnati, it could explain the team’s hesitancy in making a second long-term investment in him. In any case, the Bengals will be a team to watch closely as the rest of the offseason unfolds.
Despite the trade request, Higgins expects to play out the 2024 season in Cincinnati on the franchise tag. Provided the Bengals follow through on retaining Hendrickson, he too will be a key figure in the team’s efforts to return to the postseason this campaign. Nonetheless, it will be interesting to see if a notable draft addition is made along the edge this weekend with Hendrickson’s financial status still representing a potential issue.
Cowboys Contemplating Ezekiel Elliott Reunion
A report from last month indicated a mutual interest existed between the Cowboys and running back Ezekiel Elliott. On the eve of the draft, Dallas’ actions continue to point in that direction. 
CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson reports the Cowboys are currently meeting with Elliott’s agent. The two-time rushing champion has been linked to a new Dallas deal, and no known interest has been shown by other teams to date. Like many veterans, Elliott will likely have to wait until the post-draft wave of free agency to find an agreement.
As Calvin Watkins of the Dallas Morning News notes, today’s conversations constitute nothing more than the parties “just talking.” Taking this one step further, his colleague David Moore adds the Cowboys merely touched base with Elliott and informed him they will “check back” after seeing how the draft unfolds.
As expected, Tony Pollard departed in free agency after playing out the 2023 season on the franchise tag. Elliott’s replacement as lead back joined the Titans, leaving Dallas short on experience at the RB spot. While Royce Freeman has since been added, the Cowboys remain frequently linked to drafting a back relatively early in the upcoming draft. Texas alum Jonathon Brooks in particular is often labeled as a potential Dallas target (likely in the second round).
Elliott spent his first seven seasons in Dallas, proving to be one of the league’s premier workhorse backs early on. He saw his efficiency drop over time, though, and it came as no surprise when he was cut last offseason. That led to a one-year Patriots agreement, and Elliott played a rotational role in New England’s low-powered offense. Logging a career-low 184 carries, the 28-year-old posted 642 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.
That 3.5 yards per attempt average was the worst mark of Elliott’s career, although the Patriots’ offensive line and options at the other skill positions were not among the league’s strongest in 2023. A return to Dallas would likely represent an upgrade in both regards, and the absence of Pollard could result in a notable workload.
Still, the Ohio State alum’s underwhelming production (he last topped 4.0 yards per carry in 2021) in recent years will no doubt hurt his market value for the second straight offseason. Even with Elliott back in the fold, the Cowboys would be well-served to make a multi-year investment in the backfield over the course of the weekend. It will be interesting to see if today’s summit produces continued interest between team and player regarding a post-draft agreement.
Latest On Cardinals, No. 4 Pick
If the top three selections produce quarterbacks in tomorrow’s first round – a scenario which remains the expectation – the Cardinals will have plenty of leverage. Retaining the No. 4 pick would leave the door open to adding a high-profile receiver, while a trade down the board would give the team substantial additional draft capital. 
To no surprise, teams have made offers to Arizona general manager Monti Ossenfort, who moved down (and then back up) the Day 1 order during his first draft at the helm last year. A repeat of that maneuvering is firmly in play, and The Athletic’s Dianna Russini notes the Cardinals do not want to move far down the board (subscription required). She adds Ossenfort and Co. are believed to be comfortable staying in place and having their pick of the class’ top receivers.
On that note, Arizona is believed to be high on Ohio State’s Marvin Harrison Jr. The Cardinals could certainly stand to add a No. 1 receiver after Marquise Brown departed in free agency. Much of the team’s actions, of course, will depend on the value of offers received from squads eager to move up the order and add a signal-caller in the process.
While discussions on a trade will continue into the start of the first round tomorrow night, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz notes the Cardinals are “driving a hard bargain” for the fourth selection. As a result, Russini’s colleague Jeff Howe adds teams around the league are not currently prepared to pay the price to move up (subscription required), although quarterback Drake Maye still being on the board after the Patriots’ selection – third overall – could lead to better offers. Armed with 11 selections, including six of the draft’s first 90 picks, Arizona can certainly afford to hold firm at a high asking price and turn aside interest.
Harrison delivered 14 touchdowns in 2023 while averaging just over 18 yards per catch. Some teams have LSU’s Malik Nabers rated higher, though, and Washington’s Rome Odunze is another WR option viewed as being a lock for the top 10. Each member of that trio will be highly sought-after, and in Harrison’s case in particular the Giants (set to pick at No. 6) are a potential suitor. For now, though, the Cardinals possess the ability to control the top of the receiver draft market as they continue to weigh offers.
Cowboys Pick Up Micah Parsons’ Fifth-Year Option
With the draft approaching, teams continue to make decisions on 2021 first-round selections’ futures. To no surprise, the Cowboys will keep edge rusher Micah Parsons in the fold for at least the next two years. 
Dallas has picked up Parsons’ option, ESPN’s Todd Archer reports. The move – which the team has since announced – will come at a cost of $21.32MM, since the former No. 12 pick has been designated as a defensive end. A tender with an outside linebacker classification would have been costlier, but Parsons is nevertheless in line for a monster second contract.
Dallas, of course, has massive financial decisions to make with respect to Parsons, quarterback Dak Prescott and wideout CeeDee Lamb. Each member of that trio is due for a considerable raise, although Prescott is currently entering a walk year and Lamb – having been drafted one year before Parsons – represents a more pressing priority. The latter has said he is willing to wait on contract talks, but classifying defenders as defensive ends (rather than outside linebackers) often leads to grievances.
In many cases, compromises are made with time to spare in terms of multi-year deals being worked out or middle ground figures being agreed to on an option. Parsons has certainly made a case to take the top spot in the league in terms of annual compensation amongst edge rushers, a title which currently belongs to Nick Bosa ($34MM). That extension was signed on the eve of the 2023 campaign, and it has been followed by an historic jump in the salary cap ceiling. Parsons delivered a third straight Pro Bowl campaign this year, leading to a third-place finish in Defensive Player of the Year voting.
The 24-year-old has recorded 13, 13.5 and 14 sacks during his decorated career so far. That has earned him first-team All-Pro acclaim on two occasions (along with a second-team nod in 2023), cementing his status as a foundational member of Dallas’ defense. That will remain the case for at least the intermediate future, but progress on a long-term deal will be a story to follow this offseason.
A recent report on the Parsons situation indicated an agreement is still expected to be reached on a mega-extension. The Cowboys have been notably hesitant on the quarterback and receiver fronts this offseason, aiming to gauge the outside market at those positions before committing to Prescott and/or Lamb. Regardless of what happens with those two, a massive Parsons investment will be needed relatively soon to keep him in the fold and avoid any contractual conflict over his classification.
Jets To Trade QB Zach Wilson To Broncos
Zach Wilson‘s time in New York is set to come to an end. The Jets have found a trade partner for the former No. 2 pick in the form of the Broncos. 
Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports the Jets will send Wilson to Denver as part of a Day 3 pick swap. The teams will exchange sixth- and seventh-round picks, with New York acquiring No. 203 and the Broncos adding Wilson and No. 256. Both clubs will evenly split Wilson’s $5.45MM in 2024 compensation, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic notes this agreement has been in the works “for weeks.” The Broncos have long been linked to a quarterback addition this offseason, with Russell Wilson unsurprisingly being released. That move left a vacancy under center, but in the lead-in to the draft Jarrett Stidham was in place atop the depth chart. That will remain the case for the time being, but Wilson represents a young depth option for Denver. One year remains on the latter’s rookie contract.
Having failed to secure a long-term answer under center with Sam Darnold, the Jets selected Wilson second overall in 2021. That made him one of five first-round QBs that year, but only one (Trevor Lawrence) is still with his original team. Wilson – who logged 33 starts in three seasons as a Jet – joins Trey Lance, Justin Fields and Mac Jones in having been dealt at a fraction of the cost relative to the draft capital used in their selection.
Following a rookie season in which Wilson struggled with accuracy and turnovers, he did not progress as hoped in Year 2. The 24-year-old was limited to nine contests in 2022 and saw Mike White take over as New York’s starter. That led to an aggressive pursuit of Aaron Rodgers last offseason, and while his Achilles tear prompted Wilson to once again see game action, things did not go as planned. Wilson in particular and the Jets’ offense as a whole struggled mightily.
As a result, it came as no surprise when the BYU alum was given permission to seek out a trade partner. Wilson’s cap charge ($11.1MM) and poor play hindered his value, and as expected the Jets have needed to attach draft capital to him to land a pick in return. Considering the gap between when New York began fielding offers and today’s agreement being reached, this marks a miniscule (but nevertheless expected) price from the Jets’ perspective.
New York has Rodgers and veteran backup Tyrod Taylor on the books, but the team could use the upcoming draft to add a developmental third option. Denver, meanwhile, will add Wilson to a depth chart featuring Stidham and Ben DiNucci. The lack of proven passers has led to considerable speculation tying the Broncos to an aggressive trade up the board for a first-round quarterback. Head coach Sean Payton himself is believed to be on board with such a move.
This deal has not tangibly taken away the draft capital which would be needed for Denver to move into the top five or top 10 in the first-round order. With Wilson in place, though, Payton has a depth signal-caller to work with for at least the 2024 campaign. Where Wilson slots on the Broncos’ depth chart following the draft – and as such the opportunities for playing time he receives in the Mile High City – will be interesting to watch.
QB Matt Ryan Retires
2023 saw Matt Ryan transition to the broadcast booth, a move which appeared to bring an end to his playing days. The former MVP quarterback remained open to a return to the field last season, but that is no longer the case. 
Ryan announced his official retirement on Monday (video link). To no surprise, he has done so as a member of the Falcons, the organization with which he spent the first 14 years of his career. The 38-year-old spent 2022 with the Colts, but his one-and-done tenure there paved the way for his broadcasting career to begin.
The Falcons drafted Ryan third overall in 2008, and he served as the team’s starting quarterback from that point through to his final campaign in Atlanta (2021). He collected four Pro Bowl nods during that span, highlighted by the 2016 season in which he was at the helm of the league’s highest-scoring offense. The Falcons rode their success on that side of the ball to a Super Bowl appearance.
Atlanta went on to suffer an historic collapse in that game, and the team has only made one playoff appearance since. As Ryan aged, he generally remained a consistent producer but the former Offensive Rookie of the Year was unable to guide the Falcons an another deep playoff run. After facing increasing questions about his future, Ryan was dealt to the Colts in 2022.
Indianapolis viewed the Ryan acquisition as a multi-year investment, but he struggled during his run as the team’s starter (14 touchdowns, 13 interceptions in 12 games). With Frank Reich out of the picture, interim head coach Jeff Saturday benched the Boston College product; that move, in turn, foreshadowed his release last March. Ryan then lined up a deal with CBS while leaving the door open to an NFL return under the right circumstances.
After the Jets lost Aaron Rodgers to an Achilles tear in Week 1, Ryan was named as one of the veteran passers who reached out to New York about a short-term arrangement. Ryan disputed that, though, and he remained away from the game (in a playing capacity) for the campaign. Now, he can keep his attention focused on his broadcasting work while reflecting on his decorated time in the league.
“So today, 16 days after being drafted, my childhood dream has officially come to an end. I’m honored to retire as a Falcon,” Ryan’s message reads in part. “Thank you to all the Falcons fans for your continued support… While we didn’t accomplish everything we had hoped, I am proud of what we did.”
Ryan will formally exit the game as the Falcons’ franchise record-holder in several categories. In terms of all-time ranks, he sits fifth in the NFL in completions (5.551), seventh in yards (62.792) and ninth in touchdowns (381). Today’s one-day Falcons pact represents the final – and, of course, least lucrative – one of his accomplished tenure. Ryan amassed over $306MM in career earnings after inking two separate Atlanta extensions with a nine-figure total value.
“You have no control in this profession in where you start,” Ryan added. “I am so lucky that my start and my finish was here in Atlanta.”
Patriots Expected To Retain No. 3 Pick
APRIL 22: Reiss’ colleague Adam Schefter notes New England could be a team which contemplates moving down but then back up the first-round order (as the Cardinals did in 2023 and may be prepared to do again this year). Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer and Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal concur that the asking price for the third pick and the complications of a second trade make it likely the Patriots will remain in place and select Maye (video link).
APRIL 21: The Patriots are among the teams which have received calls related to a top-10 pick in the upcoming draft. No offers strong enough to convince New England to move back from third overall have come in yet, though, leaving the team positioned to hold onto its premium capital. 
[RELATED: Patriots Host QB Michael Penix Jr.]
In the event the Patriots stay put at No. 3, they will be in place to add a potential franchise quarterback. That has been in play throughout the offseason, and ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports it remains “the most likely scenario” at this time. With Caleb Williams expected to hear his name called first overall, New England will have a choice between two of Jayden Daniels, Drake Maye and J.J. McCarthy when on the clock.
Daniels is in pole position to be selected second by the Commanders, and in that case Eliot Wolf would face a Maye vs. McCarthy decision. Both passers have met with the team on ‘top 30’ visits, and a recent report stated there is not a consensus within the organization with respect to which signal-caller should be selected. Aside from the potential a blockbuster trade offer emerges in the coming days, the team therefore remains one to watch closely.
Putting an end to the Mac Jones era this offseason, the Patriots brought back Jacoby Brissett as a familiar option under center. The latter began his career in New England – albeit under a different regime than the one now in place – and he has proven capable of serving as a bridge starter. For that reason, many have pointed to a rookie passer beginning the 2024 campaign as a backup. The Patriots’ other roster holes have also been mentioned as a reason to sit a developmental QB, although Wolf recently pushed back on that notion.
“I read a lot of that storyline,” the Patriots’ de facto general manager said during his pre-draft news conference (via Reiss). “I’m not really sure what that means. “I definitely feel like we can support [a rookie quarterback].”
Wolf’s post-draft status in his current position is unclear, but much of how he and the rest of the Patriots’ front office and coaching staff are evaluated over the long term will no doubt be tied to the decision at No. 3. An addition to the QB depth chart should be expected, something which will have a notable impact on the rest of the draft early on Day 1.
WR Xavier Legette Panthers’ Top Target At No. 33?
The Panthers’ blockbuster acquisition of the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft left their 2024 first-rounder in the hands of the Bears. That means Carolina will not be on the clock until the opening selection of the second round this year, but a primary target for that pick appears to be in place. 
Among other roster holes, the Panthers could stand to add at the receiver position. To little surprise, Georgia’s Ladd McConkey is among the prospects which have been connected to Carolina at the No. 33 slot. Another, local prospect at the WR spot could be in play to begin Day 2, though. South Carolina’s Xavier Legette spoke about a potential Panthers selection, making it clear there is a strong interest from the team.
“I’ve met with the Panthers about four or five times,” Legette told John Crumpler of Texans Wire (video link). “The relationship, it just keeps continuing to grow. They’re really hoping I can make it the second round. They keep on telling me if I’m sitting at 33, they’re gonna take me.”
Legette spent his entire five-year college career with the Gamecocks, but it was only in 2023 that he served as a full-time starter. He became the team’s focal point in the passing game, recording 71 catches for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns. Known to be a strong presence after the catch, the 6-1, 221-pounder averaged 17.7 yards per reception last year.
Those totals earned Legette second-team All-SEC honors and confirmed his status as one of the more intriguing options in a 2024 class loaded in receiver talent. He also has return value, and his special teams experience could help him earn a role right away on the Panthers or any other team he joins. Carolina saw Laviska Shenault depart in free agency, and DJ Chark remains unsigned.
The Panthers have not made a veteran signing at the receiver spot so far, but the team did add a starter by trading for Diontae Johnson. The former Steeler will be joined by the likes of Adam Thielen and Jonathan Mingo in the receiving corps, a unit which has plenty of room for improvement working with quarterback Bryce Young in 2024.
Carolina has, of course, hosted several non-WR prospects on ‘top 30’ visits recently. That includes offensive lineman Jordan Morgan and defensive end Marshawn Kneeland, both of whom could still be on the board when the first round concludes. The Panthers’ first draft action under new general manager Dan Morgan is set to take place at the opening of Day 2, and despite the team’s pre-draft evaluations Legette’s comments certainly put him in pole position to be Carolina’s selection.