Latest On Packers, S Darnell Savage
Darnell Savage joined the Packers in 2019 with high expectations, but his time with the team could soon come to an end. The veteran safety was among those players whose contracts recently voided, creating dead cap charges regardless of if they re-sign with Green Bay or head elsewhere in free agency. 
As noted at the time by ESPN’s Rob Demovsky, Savage’s contract will carry the largest dead money of the group. The Packers will be hit with a $5.46MM charge for the former first-rounder, who is on track to test the open market for the first time in his career next month. His representation is well aware of the opportunities which could arise taking him out of Green Bay.
“Darnell loved his time in Green Bay, and we remain optimistic that a deal can get done before the league year,” Savage’s agent Seth Katz said (via Demovsky). “But realistically, the window for free agent communication is around the corner, and there will be significant interest in Darnell.”
Savage remained a full-time starter throughout much his five seasons with the Packers, a tenure which included a number of ups and downs. The former first-rounder was benched in a four-game stretch in 2022, although he returned to first-team action when healthy this past season. He was limited to 10 regular season contests due to a calf injury, but he was activated in time for Green Bay’s closing regular season contests and both playoff games.
The Maryland alum totaled a career-low 51 tackles in 2023, and he was held without an interception (in the regular season) for the first time. Savage’s downturn in ball production (one pass deflection) came about as his struggles in coverage continued. He allowed a completion percentage of 78.3% as the nearest defender while surrendering an opposing passer rating above 100 for the third consecutive season. PFF rated Savage 15th amongst qualifying safeties, though, a far more favorable evaluation than the team’s other options at the position.
Still, it would come as little surprise if the 26-year-old were to head elsewhere. Demovsky confirms no contract talks have taken place between Savage and the Packers, leaving him on course for free agency. Presuming the Buccaneers use the franchise tag on All-Pro Antoine Winfield Jr., the list of available safeties will likely offer little in the way of star power. Demovsky reports Savage could land the largest deal in the 2024 class at an AAV between $5MM and $7MM.
In any event, the Packers could see a number of departures on the backend this offseason. Savage is joined by Rudy Ford and Jonathan Owens – who combined to see 20 starts last season – as pending free agents. With a new defensive coordinator in place, improvements in the secondary will be a key offseason goal. A number of new faces at the safety position could be a major factor in that effort.
Nico Collins Open To Texans Extension; Latest On Team’s WR Plans
A major element of the Texans’ surprise run to the divisional round was an uptick in passing efficiency with C.J. Stroud at quarterback. The play of the Offensive Rookie of the Year helped wideout Nico Collins enjoy a career year, and it could help him land a lucrative extension. 
Having played three seasons in the NFL, the latter is now eligible for a second contract. Collins’ value saw a major spike over the course of the 2023 slate given his production compared to his first two seasons. The former third-rounder averaged 35 receptions and 464 yards per campaign in 2021-22, but Stroud’s arrival sparked a major step forward. Collins posted a statline of 80-1,297-8 in 2023, operating as Stroud’s top target.
To little surprise, the 24-year-old is open to parlaying his production into an extension. Collins recently confirmed his willingness to open negotiations when speaking to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2. Wilson notes, however, that it is currently unclear if the Texans and Collins’ agents have discussed a deal. Nevertheless, he adds that there is “definitely mutual interest” in an agreement keeping the Michigan alum in the fold beyond 2024.
Collins and 2023 third-rounder Tank Dell profile as giving Houston a productive 1-2 punch at the receiver position. For that reason, Wilson writes that the Texans are likely to be interested only in second- or third-tier WR options on the free agent market. The team is set to have considerable spending power in March, but other positions will represent more pressing roster needs. Collins could further boost his value with a strong follow-up campaign in 2024, something which will of course be easier if he remains the team’s leader in targets.
A new contract for tight end Dalton Schultz is also on the team’s radar, Wilson notes. The ex-Cowboy is interested in a re-up, and agreeing to one could provide Houston with three familiar pass-catching options for at least one more season. Changes on offense (including at the running back spot) could be taking place in the near future, but a major addition amongst available receivers would come as a surprise. Collins is therefore on track to showcase himself for the Texans or outside suitors next season in the event an extension does not come to fruition in the coming months.
5 Key Stories: 2/18/24 – 2/25/24
The opening of the franchise tag window began an important period on the NFL calendar in advance of free agency. It has already resulted in one notable move, with more sure to follow. In case you missed any of the top stories from this past week, here is a quick recap:
- Bengals Tag Higgins: The two-week franchise tag window opened on February 20, and the Bengals quickly elected to place the one-year tender on wideout Tee Higgins. The 25-year-old would have headlined the free agent class at his position, and both he and the team have expressed a desire to continue their relationship. As a result, it comes as no surprise he will remain in Cincinnati for at least one more season. The Bengals will soon need to work out a monster extension for Ja’Marr Chase to pair with Joe Burrow’s $55MM-per-year contract, however, leading to questions of a tag-and-trade with Higgins or the chances he departs in 2025. The latter can continue negotiating a multi-year Bengals deal as late as July 15.
- Salary Cap Sees Historic Increase: The NFL unveiled the salary cap ceiling for 2024, and it checked in at $255.4MM. Annual eight-figure increases have been commonplace in non-pandemic years, but the jump of roughly $30MM compared to 2023 is the largest in league history. Teams were preparing offseason strategies with a cap projection approximately $10MM lower than the actual figure, so it will be interesting to see how the found money will be allocated. As always, a number of teams still have work to do simply to achieve cap compliance in time for the new league year. Efforts on that front will be somewhat easier, though, and teams with considerable spending power will have even more flexibility. Notably, franchise tag and 2025 fifth-year option values are also in place, so much-needed clarity has emerged with respect to financial decisions around the league.
- Bears Nearing QB Decision? Just like last year, the Bears hold the No. 1 pick in the draft and therefore have the means of selecting a Justin Fields successor. A decision on whether to take that route or (once again) retain Fields is expected to be in place by the upcoming NFL Combine. Teams have inquired about Fields’ availability, and the market Chicago can generate for the 24-year-old will no doubt be a crucial factor in the direction the rebuilding outfit takes. Numerous Bears coaches and executives have publicly praised Fields, who has one season remaining on his rookie contract (with the potential for one more via the fifth-year option). He would offer an intriguing option under center for any number of teams – and a trade would pave the way for a Caleb Williams selection – but it is unknown at this point if the Ohio State product will become available (as likely as that seems to be). Clarity on that front should be coming soon.
- Raiders Interested In Top Pick: If the Bears do elect to commit to Fields, they could trade out of the No. 1 slot as they did last offseason. In that event, the Raiders would be among the teams eyeing a move up the board. Vegas is currently set to select 13th overall, so a trade-up of that magnitude would come at a massive cost. With Jimmy Garoppolo‘s time in Sin City thought to be over, though, the team is in the market for an addition at the QB spot. Three passers could very well come off the board with the first three selections, so Vegas is among the potential suitors which would need to get aggressive to acquire one of the top 2024 prospects under center. Interestingly, a recent reported noted the Raiders should not be considered a landing spot for Fields in the event he finds himself outside of Chicago this offseason.
- Evans Likely To Reach Free Agency: The Buccaneers are a team to watch in the build-up to free agency, with Mike Evans set to see his contract expire. The perennial 1,000-yard wideout is not believed to be close on extension talks, which could lead to him heading elsewhere on the open market. Evans, 30, has spent his entire career in Tampa Bay but negotiations this past summer did not yield much traction on a third contract. He would be one of the most sought-after receivers in this year’s free agent class on a short-term arrangement in particular, and the Bucs have a new deal to work out with franchise tag candidate Antoine Winfield Jr. as well as quarterback Baker Mayfield. Talks with the latter have begun, and the team is eyeing an agreement before the new league year. Regardless of that effort, the chance of Evans departing this spring remains.
Rams To Hire Sean Desai
Sean Desai did not enjoy a successful stint as defensive coordinator of the Eagles in 2023. He appears to have his next NFL gig lined up, though; the veteran staffer is set to join the Rams in a senior defensive role, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. He will work alongside the team’s offensive coaches while bringing a perspective from the opposite side of the ball, Jourdan Rodrigue of The Athletic adds.
Desai joined Philadelphia last offseason to replace Jonathan Gannon as defensive coordinator. Expectations were high for the reigning NFC champions, and they started the campaign with a 10-1 mark. Things took a dramatic turn for the worse after that, however, and the team sputtered before being eliminated in the wild-card round. Desai’s unit was a key factor in the late-season struggles, and his role with the organization shifted along the way.
The Eagles stripped Desai of play-calling duties in December, handing over the position of de facto DC to Matt Patricia. In a move which came as little surprise, the former was fired after the campaign came to an end. Patricia’s contract is also up, so he will likely be working elsewhere in 2024. After pursuing him last offseason, the Eagles brought in Vic Fangio to lead their defense moving forward.
From 2021-23, Raheem Morris served as the Rams’ DC, drawing praise along the way. He parlayed his coordinator tenure into the Falcons’ head coaching gig last month, allowing him to return to Atlanta. Morris’ departure created a notable vacancy on Sean McVay‘s staff, one which was filled internally by the promotion of Chris Shula. Desai (as defensive coordinator with the Bears in 2021 and an associate head coach of the Seahawks before his Eagles stint) will offer considerable experience in Los Angeles.
The 40-year-old had interviews lined up with both the Falcons and Bills for their defensive coordinator positions, but to little he surprise he will not work in a DC capacity in 2024. Desai will aim to use the coming campaign as a transition year to rebound from an underwhelming showing in Philadelphia. The Rams posted middling numbers in several defensive categories last year, and he could help his stock by playing a part in improvement in 2024.
Patriots, WR Kendrick Bourne Have Not Held Contract Talks
Regardless of who will be under center for the Patriots in 2024, improvement in the passing game will be needed. New pass-catchers will no doubt be a priority for the team, but Kendrick Bourne is one of the incumbent options who could be retained on a new deal. 
Bourne is a pending free agent after playing out the three-year, $15MM contract he signed in 2021. That deal came after his four-year tenure with the 49ers, though it did not entirely go according to plan. The former UDFA saw a downturn in playing time during the 2022 season after posting a career-high 55-800-5 statline the year before. Bourne’s third New England campaign came to an abrupt end in October due to an ACL tear.
The 28-year-old is on track to be ready for Week 1 of the the 2024 season, one which he hopes will allow him to continue his time with the Patriots. However, ESPN’s Mike Reiss reports that “no substantial” talks have taken place on a new contract to date. As a result, Bourne is on track to reach the open market once the new league year begins in March.
Given his injury and modest receiving totals for two of his New England campaigns, the Eastern Washington product could be hard-pressed to land a lucrative deal from an outside suitor. More accomplished wideouts like Michael Pittman Jr., Mike Evans and Calvin Ridley are among the headlining members of the 2024 free agent class, and Bourne would check in as a member of a lower tier for available options on the market. Looking to take a step forward in passing efficiency, the Patriots could also elect to turn elsewhere at the WR position this offseason.
New England already has veterans JuJu Smith-Schuster and DeVante Parker on the books for the next two years. The team also has Demario Douglas and Tyquan Thornton as recent draftees set to hold a receiving role in 2024 and beyond. A big-money addition in free agency will be possible given the Patriots’ cap situation, though the team has a number of other roster holes which need to be addressed this offseason. As things stand, Bourne could be headed to a new environment relatively soon, but there is still time for his desire to work out a new contract to be reciprocated.
2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team
The NFL provided clarity to its teams on Friday by setting the salary cap ceiling ($255.4MM). Franchise tag figures have been locked in as well, and clubs can now proceed with their offseason planning knowing exactly where they stand with respect to financial flexibility. Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is the current landscape in terms of salary cap space:
- Washington Commanders: $79.61MM
- Tennessee Titans: $78.66MM
- Chicago Bears: $78.34MM
- New England Patriots: $77.96MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $72.34MM
- Houston Texans: $67.58MM
- Detroit Lions: $57.61MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $51.1MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $50.67MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $43.68MM
- Los Angles Rams: $43.11MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $42.94MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $35.81MM
- Carolina Panthers: $34.57MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $33MM
- New York Giants: $30.8MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $27.35MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $24.68MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $18.19MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $16.63MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $12.97MM
- New York Jets: $12.76MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $9MM
- Green Bay Packers: $2.3MM
- San Francisco 49ers: $5.07MM over the cap
- Cleveland Browns: $7.76MM over
- Dallas Cowboys: $9.86MM over
- Denver Broncos: $16.81MM over
- Los Angeles Chargers: $25.61MM over
- Miami Dolphins: $27.92MM over
- New Orleans Saints: $42.11MM over
- Buffalo Bills: $43.82MM over
All teams must be cap compliant by the start of the new league year, but it will of course be more than just those currently over the limit which will make cost-shedding moves in the near future. Cuts, restructures and extensions are available as tools to carve out space in advance of free agency. Several have already taken place around the league.
That includes the Dolphins’ release of defensive end Emmanuel Ogbah and the planned cut of Xavien Howard. The latter cannot be designated a post-June 1 release until free agency begins but once it happens, Miami will move much closer to cap compliance. The Saints have moved considerable commitments into the future via restructures (as usual), but more transactions on that front will be required even with the cap seeing an historic single-season jump.
The roughly $30MM spike from 2023 will provide unforeseen spending power for teams already set to lead the pack in cap space while also making the task of those at the bottom of the list easier. Spending more on backloaded contracts this offseason at the expense of future space obviously carries risk, however. Still, the news of a higher-than-expected ceiling will add further intrigue to each team’s financial planning.
With Dak Prescott and Deshaun Watson each set to carry record-breaking cap hits for 2024, the Cowboys and Browns will be among the teams most in need of working out a deal to lower those figures. In Dallas’ case in particular, an extension would provide immediate breathing room in addition to clarity on his future beyond the coming season. For Cleveland, Watson’s fully-guaranteed deal has already been restructured once and will need to be again to avoid consecutive years of a $64MM cap charge over its remaining term.
If the Commanders and Patriots add a quarterback with the second and third picks in this year’s draft, each team currently in the top six in space will enjoy the benefits of having a signal-caller on their rookie contracts. That would allow for an aggressive approach to free agency, although the Chiefs’ success after Patrick Mahomes signed (and re-worked) his monster extension has proven it is possible to win Super Bowl titles with a substantial QB investment on the books.
UCLA To Hire Eric Bieniemy As OC
Several changes took place on the Commanders’ sidelines this offseason, including Ron Rivera being replaced as head coach by Dan Quinn. The latter elected not to retain incumbent offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, leaving him with an uncertain coaching future. He has found his next opportunity, however. 
Bieniemy is set to join UCLA’s staff on a two-year deal under the title of associate head coach/offensive coordinator, as ESPN’s Adam Schefter and Pete Thamel report. That report includes excerpts from an email Bieniemy sent to ESPN, in which he noted that he was not fired by the Commanders, and that he simply elected not to stay (though it is unclear whether he was given the chance to stay on as Washington’s OC under Quinn, or if he was asked to take a different position on the offensive staff).
“I have no regrets with the Commanders,” Bieniemy wrote. “Contrary to what some think and what has been put out in the media, I was not fired. I actually just chose not to stay. Learned a lot and that is always a good thing.”
Bieniemy will now work alongside DeShaun Foster, who succeeded Chip Kelly as head coach of the Bruins this winter. The move represents Bieniemy’s first NCAA coaching gig since he worked as Colorado’s OC from 2011-12, and it also marks a return to UCLA, where Bieniemy served as the school’s running backs coach for three seasons. The 54-year-old had been in the NFL since 2013, enjoying a successful run as Kansas City’s RBs coach and later offensive coordinator until 2022. He joined Rivera’s Commanders staff in a move which included play-calling duties.
Washington’s 2023 campaign was driven in large part by the decision to hand the reins to Sam Howell as the team’s starting quarterback. The 2022 fifth-rounder showed promise at times, but by the end of the season he found himself being benched mid-game on more than one occasion. Quinn and the Commanders will move forward with new OC Kliff Kingsbury and, in all likelihood, a signal-caller selected with the No. 2 pick in April’s draft as their new starter.
Despite a less-than-impressive showing in the nation’s capital, Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz notes Bieniemy drew interest from a number of NFL teams for a new OC opportunity. He joined the Commanders on a two-year contract, leading some to believe he would simply take the 2024 season off before planning his next move. Instead, he will now hold a pivotal role at UCLA as the program transitions out of the Pac-12 and into the Big Ten.
The 2024 offseason has seen a steady flow of coaches leaving the college ranks and taking lesser positions with NFL staffs. Bieniemy – who has seven years of experience at the NCAA level and 16 in the NFL – will head in the opposite direction with this deal. His reputation as an offensive play-designer was established during his decade on the Chiefs’ staff, a tenure which included a pair of Super Bowl titles. He will now aim to boost his stock with at least a brief period at the college level before a potential NFL return.
Cardinals Likely To Pursue TE Additions
Arizona began the season with both veteran Zach Ertz and 2022 second-rounder Trey McBride on the tight end depth chart. The latter’s play allowed for the team to move on from the former midway through the season. Depth at the position will need to be acquired in the coming months, however. 
Mike Jurecki of Arizona Football Daily reports the Cardinals are expected to use both free agency and the draft to add secondary options to complement McBride. The 24-year-old started every contest from Week 8 onward in 2023, and he was a major factor in the team’s offense. McBride drew at least seven targets on eight occasions as he saw his workload take a substantial jump compared to his rookie campaign.
The Colorado State alum totaled 825 yards and three touchdowns on 81 receptions, and he profiles as being a central figure in Arizona’s offense moving forward. The team’s only other current options at the position who are under contract (Blake Whiteheart, Travis Vokolek and Bernhard Seikovits), however, are former undrafted free agents. Veteran Geoff Swaim is a set to hit the open market when the new league year begins in March.
The 2024 free agent class could present the Cardinals with a number of short-term options. Dalton Schultz, Hunter Henry, Noah Fant, Gerald Everett and Irv Smith Jr. are among the tight ends who could be on the move in March. With more than $51MM in cap space, Arizona will have the ability to out-bid a number of suitors on the free agent market, although a big-money investment at the TE spot in particular would come as a surprise given McBride’s success as a starter.
This year’s draft features a clear-cut No. 1 prospect amongst tight ends in the form of Georgia’s Brock Bowers. The All-American and two-time John Mackey Award winner is all-but assured to be on the board when the Cardinals pick fourth overall, but the team could prioritize an offensive tackle or receiver prospect at that spot. Arizona also owns the No. 27 slot, but Bowers could very well be gone by that point. A Day 2 or 3 selection would still offer a useful addition to the depth chart, though, especially if paired with a veteran signing. The Cardinals will have the opportunity to take a number of paths to fill out their TE room this offseason.
Examining Statuses Of 2023 RB Franchise Tag Recipients
One of the key talking points during the 2023 offseason was the continued downward slide of the running back market. High-profile players at the position met to discuss the matter, but to little surprise those efforts did not yield a firm plan for the future.
Three backs were hit with the franchise tag last spring: Saquon Barkley (Giants), Josh Jacobs (Raiders) and Tony Pollard (Cowboys). The latter quickly decided to sign his one-year tender, but the other two took until well past the deadline for extensions to be worked out for their immediate futures to become clear. Both Barkley, and later Jacobs, agreed to one-year pacts worth a higher maximum value than those of the tags. Now, all three face the prospect of a second tag or – far more likely – a trip to free agency.
With the RB market set to feature a longer list of names in 2024 than it did last offseason, teams will have a number of experienced options to choose from. An evaluation of each ’23 tag recipient’s performance this past year will no doubt be a key factor in determining the value for Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard. Here is a side-by-side look at each back’s production in 2022 compared to their totals while playing on the tag (or one-year equivalent):
Saquon Barkley (Age in Week 1: 27)
2022 (16 games): 18.4 carries per game, 1,312 yards, 10 touchdowns (57-338 receiving statline)
2023 (14 games): 17.6 carries per game, 962 yards, six touchdowns (41-280-4 receiving) 
The Giants ran up against the 2023 tag deadline needing to find a way forward with both Barkley and quarterback Daniel Jones. The four-year, $160MM commitment made to the latter allowed the tag to be used on the former, despite his track record as the focal point of New York’s offense when healthy. Barkley missed time in 2023 due to an ankle injury, and the Giants underperformed with and without him during a forgettable campaign. Still, New York’s offense will be lacking in playmakers even if Barkley is retained for 2024.
A trip to free agency is now expected, though, something the former No. 2 pick has publicly welcomed. No doors have been shut with respect to a Giants agreement being reached, but few circumstances (if any) have tangibly changed compared to last year. New York made a series of offers with an inversely proportional relationship between AAV and guaranteed figures during last offseason’s negotiations and a different approach this time around would come as a surprise.
Barkley out-rushed backup Matt Breida by 811 yards, so his departure would create a massive void at the RB spot. The Giants are likely to use the No. 6 pick in April’s draft on a much-needed offensive playmaker or a Jones successor, and either move will help their outlook in the passing game. The ground attack would face serious questions without Barkley in the fold or an impactful replacement, although one could be acquired in a more cost-effective manner through the draft or a short-term veteran addition. Barkley’s pedigree could make him the most attractive free agent running back option in 2024, and it would be interesting to see how willing New York would be to win a bidding war.
Josh Jacobs (Age in Week 1: 26)
2022 (17 games): 20 carries per game, 1,653 yards, 12 touchdowns (53-400 receiving)
2023 (13 games): 17.9 carries per game, 805 yards, six touchdowns (37-296 receiving)
Jacobs led the NFL in touches during the only full season with Josh McDaniels at the helm. That resulted in league-leading rushing and scrimmage yard totals, but the Alabama product saw a downturn in usage on the ground and in the air when on the field in 2023. His missed the final four games of the campaign, a span during which McDaniels’ replacement (Antonio Pierce) helped his case to have the interim head coach label removed.
Pierce is indeed in place on a full-time basis, something Jacobs and a number of other players endorsed. Vegas is willing to explore a deal with the two-time Pro Bowler, but the price point will be worth watching with respect to new general manager Tom Telesco. The latter was in charge of a Chargers regime which allowed Austin Ekeler to seek out a trade in lieu of extending him. Ekeler joined Barkley and Jacobs in agreeing to a re-worked pact last offseason which has him in line for free agency this March. Telesco could be inclined to repeat his aversion to a long-term RB commitment in Jacobs’ case.
The Raiders have a potential Jacobs replacement in the form of Zamir White. The 2022 fourth-rounder averaged 4.1 yards per carry this season, and he eclipsed 100 rushing yards in two of the four games Jacobs missed to finish the campaign. White has two years remaining on his rookie contract, so placing him atop the depth chart and drafting another member of the backfield would be a more cost-effective direction to take. Vegas is expected to pursue a quarterback addition, something which could require cap resources otherwise available to Jacobs if it takes the form of a free agent signing or trade acquisition.
Tony Pollard (Age in Week 1: 27)
2022 (16 games): 12.2 carries per game, 1,007 yards, nine touchdowns (39-371-3 receiving)
2023 (17 games): 14.8 carries per game, 1,005 yards, six touchdowns (55-311 receiving) 
As expected, the Cowboys moved on from Ezekiel Elliott once no guaranteed salary remained on his deal. That paved the way for Pollard to take on an undisputed No. 1 role in 2023, as showcased by his increased touches. The Memphis alum’s efficiency suffered a notable drop, though; his 4.0 yards per carry in 2023 represented the lowest of his career. With questions in place regarding Pollard’s production as a full-time starter, a lucrative deal would increase expectations in his production further while complicating an already unenviable cap situation.
Dallas’ offseason will be defined in large part by the team’s ability to work out a Dak Prescott extension. The veteran quarterback possess extraordinary leverage in advance of negotiations on a pact both sides are eager to hammer out. The Cowboys will likely also need to prepare market-setting extensions for wideout CeeDee Lamb and edge rusher Micah Parsons over the next two years, and re-signing Pollard would hinder those efforts. Allowing him to depart would create a major vacancy in the backfield, though.
Pollard and second-leading rusher Rico Dowdle (361 yards) are both pending free agents. The leading Cowboys rusher amongst RBs who are under contract for next season is Deuce Vaughn, who received only 23 carries as a rookie. Pollard has considerably more tread left on his tires than Barkley, Jacobs and a number of other free agent backs due to his time as Elliott’s backup. That (coupled with the lack of an obvious successor) could help his value and his effort to secure longer term on his next contact, albeit something which will come off the back of a relatively underwhelming year. At any rate, a tag for Pollard or any other Cowboy would come as a surprise.
The 2023 franchise tag cost $10.1MM at the running back position. In the case of Pollard and Barkley (whose one-year deal contained incentives paired with an identical base value), a second tag would cost $12.1MM. For Jacobs – who landed a slightly higher salary on his contract – a 2024 tag would check in at a price of $13.67MM.
Considering the performances of each member of the trio, their respective teams could aim to take another route this offseason and likely save considerable cap space in the process. Given the nature of their statistical showings, hesitancy on the part of interested teams with respect to a new agreement after another season of wear and tear would also be understandable. Further hurting the market for Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard is the depth of other veteran rushers set to be available.
Ekeler, along with two-time rushing champion Derrick Henry, is a pending free agent. The same is also true of 25-year-olds J.K. Dobbins and D’Andre Swift, who have each played out their rookie contracts and could profile as having higher upside given their age. While this year’s draft class is not viewed as having a plethora of impact prospects, recent history has shown teams can find production after Day 1 when looking to avoid expensive commitments at the position. For Barkley, Jacobs and Pollard, those factors will likely make it a challenge to secure multiple years of guaranteed money on their next pacts, regardless of where they come from.
Chiefs Sign P Matt Araiza
FEBRUARY 23: Araiza’s Chiefs deal is worth the league minimum and it includes an injury split, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network notes. As a result, Kansas City is not absorbing any financial risk while taking a flier on the once-celebrated prospect.
FEBRUARY 22: Matt Araiza is on course for an NFL return. The former Bills punter agreed to a one-year deal with the Chiefs on Thursday, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports. Araiza’s agency has confirmed the move.
The Bills waived the 2022 sixth-round pick in August 2022, after it was alleged he was involved in a gang rape of a minor. Araiza, 23, has since been cleared of criminal charges, and an investigation into the 2021 incident on the San Diego State campus did not produce a connection involving Araiza, who has also been dropped from a lawsuit pertaining to the matter. He has periodically surfaced on the NFL radar as a result, but the former All-American had not previously caught on with a team since his controversial Buffalo exit.
Araiza visited the Jets in May 2023; the meeting did not produce an agreement. Araiza was out of the league last season. Although Araiza was cleared of wrongdoing by authorities, the prospect of teams not wanting to bother a second chance for a punter who generated the headlines he did loomed. But Adam Caplan of Pro Football Network reports another team showed interest recently. Now, Araiza will look to earn the punting gig with the two-time defending champions.
The Chiefs’ punter of the past four seasons, Tommy Townsend, played out his rookie contract. He is set to be a free agent soon. A 2020 UDFA, Townsend earned first-team All-Pro honors for his work in 2022. He punted in three Super Bowls, collecting two rings as part of the team’s past two championship-winning efforts.
After averaging 50.4 yards per punt last season — by far a franchise single-season record — the Florida alum checked in with a 47.1-yard average in 2023. Townsend, 27, holds the top three single-season punting averages in Chiefs history, providing a strong replacement for longtime Kansas City punter Dustin Colquitt. Araiza averaged 51.2 yards per boot during his final San Diego State season.
The Araiza accuser’s civil suit alleged he had sex with the her at an off-campus party and brought her into a bedroom where “a group” of men raped her. The woman, who was 17 at the time of the October 2021 party, said she told friends immediately after she had been raped; she reported it to the San Diego Police Department the next day. During a 10-month criminal investigation into Araiza and two other members of the San Diego State football team, however, a witness said Araiza was no longer at the party at the time the alleged rape took place. Araiza had said any sexual contact between he and the accuser was consensual. Although the woman was 17 at the time of the alleged rape, Araiza has said he believed she was 18.
During Araiza’s quest to resume his career, the punter’s agent sent 20 teams a recording of a December 2022 meeting between a San Diego County prosecutor, the accuser and her attorney. The recording included a series of video clips showing the teen’s sexual encounters at the party; none showed Araiza, who declined an offer to settle the case for $50K.
This Araiza flier of sorts comes years after the Chiefs kicked the tires on first-round washouts Deandre Baker and Damon Arnette. Kansas City picked up both after off-field developments respectively led the corners out of New York and Las Vegas. Those partnerships did not last long, and it will be interesting to see if Araiza can rebound and begin his career two years later.
Sam Robinson contributed to this post.