Lions Release CB Cameron Sutton
One day after it was learned an arrest warrant is out for Cameron Sutton, his Lions tenure has come to end. The veteran corner has been released, per a team announcement. ESPN’s Field Yates notes this will come with a post-June 1 designation, creating $1.5MM in cap space beginning June 2.
A report from Wednesday detailed how a warrant for Sutton’s arrest has been in place for nearly two weeks. Police currently cannot locate the 29-year-old, who is facing a charge of domestic battery by strangulation. In advance of potential legal and NFL punishments, his Lions contract has now been terminated.
The former third-rounder is wanted in connection with an incident which took place in Lutz, Florida. Sutton is alleged to have been involved in a domestic incident with a woman, with evidence of wounds found on the victim’s body. He fled the scene at the time of the incident, and Yates’ colleague Eric Woodward reports Sutton has still yet to surrender himself to police.
The Lions signed Sutton to a three-year, $33MM contract last offseason. That deal called for $10.5MM in base salary in 2024, $9MM of which was guaranteed. NFL suspensions void guaranteed compensation, however, and while it is too early in this case to know if it will be relevant or not, convictions are not necessary for league bans to be imposed. Detroit could also attempt to recoup the outstanding $8.72MM of Sutton’s $10.9MM signing bonus which has not already been paid out on the cap.
The Lions made Sutton a central part of their efforts to add in the secondary in 2023, and the former Steeler was a full-time starter in his debut campaign with Detroit. The team once again prioritized CB moves with respect to free agency this offseason, and that resulted in the trade acquisition of Carlton Davis from the Buccaneers. Amik Robertson was also added on a two-year deal, and those arrivals will be joined by returnee Emmanuel Moseley in 2024.
With Sutton no longer in the picture, cornerback will be a position of focus for the Lions ahead of next month’s draft. For Sutton himself, meanwhile, today’s news puts his NFL future in jeopardy.
Cardinals Open To Trading No. 4 Pick
During his first draft in charge of the Cardinals, general manager Monti Ossenfort was busy on the trade front. He swung a total of five deals which featured pick swaps, including a deal which saw Arizona move out of the third overall slot. A repeat in 2024 could be on the table. 
During a Wednesday press conference, Ossenfort confirmed a recent report that he will be willing to entertain offers for the Cardinals’ top pick in 2024 (No. 4 overall). The top three picks belong to QB-needy teams (Bears, Commanders, Patriots) and as such it would come as a surprise if any of those selections were dealt. The Cardinals are a logical trade-down candidate given the market which could exist for teams looking to secure the next-best passer and the number of roster holes Ossenfort still needs to fill as part of Arizona’s ongoing rebuilding effort.
“There will be a big neon sign that says ‘open’ and I don’t like it blinking, it messes with my eyes, but we’re always going to be listening,” Ossenfort said (via NFL.com). “I think we’ll always have the conversation, we may not get to a point where a deal makes sense, whether it’s at [No.] 4 or anywhere we’re picking, but we’re always going to have the conversation and if it makes sense, if it’s attractive to building our team, then it’s something that we’ll certainly consider.”
The Vikings added an extra first-round pick last week, giving them the draft capital needed to pull off a move up the board. Minnesota has been connected to the No. 4 slot in the wake of that deal. The Broncos, currently set to pick 12th overall, are another candidate for an aggressive move aimed at landing a high-end passer. However, Jarrett Stidham appears to be on track to serve as Denver’s 2024 starter as things stand.
Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are slated to hear their names called before any other prospect on Day 1 of next month’s draft. A number of highly regarded receivers and tackles are among the other players on track to be selected in the top 10, and Arizona has frequently been tapped as a landing spot for Marvin Harrison Jr. Not all teams view the Ohio State star as the top wideout available, though, and the Cardinals could be among those which prefer LSU’s Malik Nabers. If Arizona is prepared to slide down the order, several suitors could increasingly show interest in pulling off a trade.
On that point, Ossenfort added, “I’d say those phone calls are starting to pick up a little bit, I would say they’ll probably continue into next week when we get down to Florida for the owner’s meetings… So I would imagine some of those conversations will continue to pick up, but honestly they probably will not get real serious until we get right up until the week of the draft, similar to last year. They have definitely picked up, but I expect that to continue here for the next month.”
In the wake of Ossenefort’s comments, Mike Jurecki of Arizona Football Daily views it as “highly likely” the Cardinals will trade down. If that turns out to be the case, the market which the Cardinals can generate for the selection will be a key storyline to follow.
NFL Submits Kickoff Proposal Ahead Of League Meeting
10:15pm: Roger Goodell viewed a Super Bowl in which all 13 kickoffs went for touchbacks as a sign a better solution is necessary, and Jones adds the commissioner backs the proposal that would implement the XFL-style kickoff on a trial basis. Goodell’s support obviously represents a critical component here. Fans may need to prepare for a radically different kickoff setup next season.
The phrase “XFL kickoff” might be scarce at the meetings, per Jones, who adds the NFL can tweak the language of this potential rule change. But this adjustment looks to have momentum ahead of the next gathering of owners.
11:26am: A number of proposals have been submitted by the NFL in advance of next week’s annual spring league meeting. Included among them is a plan to significantly re-vamp kickoffs in the hopes of keeping the return game alive while ensuring better safety than the current set-up. 
The proposal – which, if ratified, would be in place on a trial basis for the 2024 campaign – calls for kickoffs to take place at the 35-yard line. That is already the case, but many other elements of the revised set-up would mark a notable change from the traditional alignment used. The 10 players other than the kicker would line up at the receiving team’s 40-yard line, while seven players on the receiving team would be positioned in the ‘set up zone’ between their own 35- and 30-yard lines (the proposal is illustrated well in these graphics, via NFL Network’s Judy Battista).
Up to two returners would be allowed to line up in the ‘landing zone’ (the space between the 20-yard line and the end zone). No players on the kicking team will be allowed to move until the ball is caught or hits the ground; the same holds true of the players on the receiving team in the set up zone. Notably, the proposal dictates any kicks inside the landing zone (or those which land there and bounce into the end zone) must be returned. The NFL allowed for fair catches on kickoffs in 2023, something which led to the continued decline of runbacks.
Of course, this proposed setup will be familiar to spring football fans. The XFL used the alignment being put on the table during its most recent iteration. Notably, though, the United Football League (consisting of the former XFL and USFL) will not be using it during its inaugural campaign this spring. In any case, the principals of the alternate kickoff format offer the potential of lowering the injury risk of the play while keeping returns a relatively normal occurrence.
Touchbacks under this proposal would take a number of forms. Kicks downed in the end zone would put the ball at the 20-yard line, while those which go through the end zone would result in the receiving team starting at their 35. Kicks short of the landing zone would be treated as a kick out of bounds. With respect to onside kicks, the existing formation and rules would be in effect and teams would be required to declare their intentions of performing one from the fourth quarter onwards.
The proposal will be discussed at the League Meeting; at least 24 of the NFL’s 32 owners will need to approve it to achieve ratification. When the framework initially emerged, CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported the format was expected to be green-lit. If that ends up being the case, special teams play will look much different in 2024.
Joe Hortiz: Chargers Offered Extension To WR Keenan Allen
8:34pm: Adding some information on the Bolts’ talks with the 11-year veteran, Allen’s agent said (via X) the team only offered his client a pay cut for 2024 and indicated only one proposal came their way. The Chargers’ offer included larger pay cuts for 2025 and ’26, according to his agent, who indicated the team rejected a counteroffer. Allen had signed a four-year, $80.1MM extension in September 2020; that contract is now on the Bears’ payroll.
3:54pm: In addition to releasing Mike Williams, the Chargers helped put an end to their cap crunch by trading fellow wideout Keenan Allen to the Bears. That move came after multiple attempts on the part of Los Angeles’ new front office to work out a new deal. 
General manager Joe Hortiz said on Thursday the Bolts presented Allen with “multiple contract options,” as noted by The Athletic’s Daniel Popper. That included an extension offer, one of the ways Allen’s cumbersome cap figure could have been reduced. It was reported in the wake of the deal the six-time Pro Bowler turned down a pay cut request, something Allen himself later confirmed.
An extension would have allowed Los Angeles to retain the 31-year-old for years to come while dropping his 2024 cap charge (one of four which was over $34MM) in the process. A multi-year agreement – adding onto the one season remaining on Allen’s current pact – also likely would have ensured he remained with the Chargers for the remainder of his decorated career. Prior to free agency, the Cal product expressed confidence he would stay with the only team he has played for, but that did not turn out to be the case.
Hortiz took on the Chargers’ GM gig in January to serve as Tom Telesco‘s replacement. He faced the task of dealing with the financial ramifications related to Williams, Allen and edge rushers Khalil Mack and Joey Bosa in his first offseason at the helm. The latter two have had their contracts restructured, ensuring they will be in place for at least one more season. Receiver, by contrast, is now a glaring hole on the team’s roster.
Los Angeles has 2023 first-rounder Quentin Johnston in place as a starter for the time being. Josh Palmer – who has operated a third option behind Allen and Williams while stepping in during their respective absences in his career – is entering the final year of his rookie contract. Adding a pass-catcher early in the draft (in addition to perusing the secondary free agent market) will no doubt be a priority for the Chargers. The team currently holds the No. 5 selection in the first round.
Ravens To Host WR Josh Reynolds
The Ravens continue to seek out options on the veteran wide receiver market. Josh Reynolds will head to Baltimore for a visit tomorrow, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
[RELATED: Michael Gallup To Visit Ravens]
Reynolds began his career with the Rams, operating as a secondary receiving option for much of his first three years in Los Angeles. He took on starting duties in 2020, though, and he posted a career-best 52 catches and 618 yards that year. The former fourth-rounder joined the Titans in free agency off the back of that production, but things did not go according to plan in Nashville.
Playing on a one-year, $1.75MM pact, Reynolds was unable to carve out a role in Tennessee. He asked for and was granted his release, leading to a waiver claim by the Lions in 2021. With Detroit, the 29-year-old found more consistent playing time and earned a two-year, $12MM deal during the subsequent offseason. Reynolds remained a key member of the Lions’ attack over the past two years, totaling 78 catches, 1,078 yards and eight touchdowns in that span.
The Ravens will not have Odell Beckham Jr. in the fold for 2024, and the team is in search of a replacement for his complementary production from last season. Fellow veteran Nelson Agholor was retained earlier in the offseason, and former first-rounders Zay Flowers and Rashod Bateman are on their respective rookie contracts. With tight end Mark Andrews also in the fold, any WR addition will be joining the Ravens in a bid to serve in a rotational capacity and fill a depth role in the pass-catching pecking order.
Reynolds – who has averaged 13.3 yards per catch in his career – could fit the bill. The Lions have Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Kalif Raymond in place at the WR spot; the team also signed Tre’Quan Smith to a futures deal in January. Reynolds could thus be on the move for the third time in his career this offseason, and a Baltimore deal would make sense. The Ravens (a team which added offensive lineman Josh Jones earlier today) entered Thursday with just under $14MM in cap space.
Jaguars QB Mac Jones Addresses Patriots Trade
Free agency saw several veteran quarterbacks find new homes. A number of trades took place involving signal-callers as well, though, including the one which ended Mac Jones‘ Patriots tenure. 
The 2021 first-rounder was dealt to the Jaguars last week in return for a sixth-round pick. The move will allow Jones to play for his hometown team while getting a fresh start following his underwhelming run in New England. He will serve as Trevor Lawrence‘s backup for at least one season, while the Patriots will reset under center. Jones recently spoke about the trade.
“We kind of just decided the mutual parting of ways was the best decision for both of us,” the 25-year-old said, via Doug Kyed of the Boston Herald. “For me, it was just about moving on and getting back home, and I couldn’t be more excited. And for them, it’s about moving forward and turning the page. So really, that’s what we decided, and I think it’s a great decision.”
Jones had an encouraging rookie season, but his struggles the following year under Matt Patricia and Joe Judge led to questions about his long-term viability as a starter. A coaching change led to Bill O’Brien taking charge of the Patriots’ offense in 2023, but Jones did not rebound as hoped. The Alabama product was benched in favor of Bailey Zappe to close out the campaign, furthering the expectation he would be dealt during the offseason.
The Patriots have indeed moved on, with Zappe, former Jaguars addition Nathan Rourke and veteran Jacoby Brissett on the QB depth chart. New England is widely expected to draft a signal-caller third overall, and the understanding of that plan lends credence to Jones’ assertion the trade was a mutual parting of ways. The latter will compete for the QB2 job in Jacksonville with veteran C.J. Beathard.
One year remains on Jones’ rookie contract; the Jaguars will surely decline his 2025 fifth-year option (valued at $25.66MM). His free agent stock will thus depend on his play over the coming season, something which will not involve much in the way of opportunities if Lawrence remains healthy. Jones’ value and the performance of his replacement will be worth monitoring in 2024.
Eagles Sign WR Parris Campbell
Parris Campbell came to the Giants amidst notable expectations last offseason, but his time in New York did not go according to plan. The veteran wideout will remain in the NFC East for 2024, though. 
Campbell has agreed to terms on a one-year deal with the Eagles, as first reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter; the deal is now official, per a team announcement. The 26-year-old endured multiple injuries during much of his four-year tenure with the Colts to begin his career. He remained healthy for the final season of his rookie contract, however, posting career-high totals (632 yards, three touchdowns on 63 catches) along the way.
That production earned him a one-year, $4.7MM deal with the Giants last spring. Campbell was in place to serve as a starter in New York’s receiver room as a result of the pact, but he failed to carve out a notable role. He was a healthy scratch in Week 14, something which was unprecedented in his NFL career. That remained the case for the remainder of the campaign, limiting the former second-rounder to just 104 scoreless yards on 20 receptions.
To no surprise, Campbell will head elsewhere in a bid to rebuild his free agent stock. The Eagles already have A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith firmly atop the WR depth chart, but adding secondary options has been a priority this offseason. Especially if Quez Watkins signs with a new team in free agency, Philadelphia will need added depth amongst its pass-catchers. The team signed DeVante Parker last week in a bid to fulfill that goal.
The latter represented a low-cost addition in part due to the offset language present in his Patriots contract. While that is not the case for Campbell (a free agent since the start of the new league year), he too will no doubt be joining the Eagles on an inexpensive investment. The Ohio State alum will spend the offseason looking to compete with Parker and others for a roster spot on Philadelphia’s re-vamped offense.
Ravens Sign OL Josh Jones
The 2024 offseason has seen three starters from the Ravens’ 2023 offensive line depart. Additions up front will thus be a priority for the team, and a move in that regard has been made. 
Josh Jones has signed with Baltimore, the team announced on Thursday. The 26-year-old has seen time at both guard and tackle spots between his time in Arizona and Houston. That positional versatility could could lead to him seeing at least depth usage on the inside or outside with the Ravens.
A third-round pick in 2020, Jones made 47 appearances during his three-year Cardinals tenure. That stretch included 21 starts, most of which came in 2021 when he played primarily at right guard. Arizona then used him on the blindside the following year, and Jones drew strong PFF reviews. He earned a 75.8 grade on the back of strong play both in the run game and with respect to pass protection.
Jones was traded to the Texans last offseason as Houston aimed to find quality depth amidst multiple injuries up front. He wound up starting three games in 2023, splitting time at left tackle, left guard and right tackle. The Houston alum surrendered one sack and nine QB pressures in that limited action, which led to his PFF evaluation (49.3) landing in line with that of his first two seasons. This Ravens agreement will no doubt represent a short-term, low-cost investment as a result.
Still, Jones could find himself occupying a notable role in 2024. The Ravens have lost both starting guards from last season (Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson) to free agent departures; the team also traded away right tackle Morgan Moses in a cost-shedding move. None of those developments came as much of surprise, but they have added urgency to the need on Baltimore’s part to bring in replacements via free agency and next month’s draft.
Adding another blocker early in April will remain a priority even with Jones’ arrival. The latter will nevertheless likely have the chance to compete for the swing tackle role or playing time on the inside. At a minimum, Jones will be capable of serving as depth and a spot-starter at multiple positions up front. Considering the turnover Baltimore has experienced on the O-line, that could make this second-wave free agent addition an effective one.
Latest On WR Michael Thomas
Michael Thomas is one of the most high-profile free agents still on the market, but his injury history has helped keep him in free agency well past the start of the new league year. His legal situation is no doubt a factor that regard as well. 
Regarding the latter, Thomas now has a path to having misdemeanor simple battery and criminal mischief charges against him dropped. Attorney Daniel ‘Becket’ Becnel initially stated those charges have already been dropped, but the Kenner City Attorney’s Office later clarified that Thomas will enter a pre-trial diversion program. Upon completion of the program, the case will be closed, as detailed by ESPN’s Katherine Terrell.
Thomas was arrested in November after a dispute which took place near his home. The 31-year-old was allegedly involved in a verbal altercation with a local contractor arising from issues of parking on his street and in his driveway. The charges arose from Thomas being accused of pushing the victim and throwing a brick at his car windshield. Rather than having the case proceed to trial, however, this development will give Thomas a clear means of putting it behind him.
“There was no assault, there was no brick thrown… This was a dispute between a contractor and his employees, who were blocking [Thomas’] driveway and who were parking and walking on his grass,” Becnel said in a statement (via Terrell). “It came to a head one day, but there was no criminality involved. That’s obvious by the lack of any type of civil suit, the lack of any type of property damage, the lack of any medical issues and the lack of any physical evidence that criminal action took place.”
Thomas played in the Saints’ next game one day after the arrest, but he suffered a season-ending knee injury during that contest. The former Offensive Player of the Year was released last week, a move foreshadowed by the structure of the contract he played on last year. Given his career accomplishments – including a record 149 catches in 2019 – the two-time All-Pro has a stronger resume than any wideouts still on the market. His injuries have limited him to just 20 games over the past four years, however.
The former second-rounder earned $6.46MM in 2023, and another short-term deal worth far less than the $19.25MM-per-year extension he landed in 2019 will no doubt await him this offseason. With his legal situation now on track to be resolved, it will be interesting to see if interest picks up in the near future.
Aaron Donald Addresses Retirement Decision
Aaron Donald brought his Hall of Fame career to an end last week, a decision which came as a surprise to many outside the Rams’ organization but not one to those within it. The franchise icon recently spoke further about his thought process on the matter. 
“Ten years, 10 Pro Bowls, eight All-Pros, three Defensive Players of the Year, Rookie of the Year, two NFC Championships, three NFC West championships, went to two Super Bowls, won one, lost one,” Donald said in an interview (Instagram link). “I’m complete. I’m full. I think the passion to play the game is no longer there for me. I will always love football, but to think about going through another camp and another 17 [game] season, I just don’t got the urge to want to push myself to do that no more.
“I’m just, I’m burned out. The best way to say that is I’m full, I’m complete, I’m satisfied with what I was able to do in 10 years, and I think it’s time for me, at 32 years old, to retire from football and jump into the next step of my career and life and it’s time to move on.”
Indeed, Donald’s career is one of the most decorated amongst NFL players on either side of the ball. Especially having won a Super Bowl in addition to his individual accolades, the Pitt product would not encounter any unmet challenges if he suited up for an 11th campaign in 2024. Due in large part to his massive raise secured in 2022, his financial situation is also far from a concern.
Donald has racked up over $157MM in earnings, a reflection of the Rams’ ongoing commitment to retaining him and his continued elite level of play through the final seasons of his illustrious career. He will no doubt enter the Hall of Fame when first eligible in 2029, by which point further clarity on his post-playing plans will have emerged.