Robert Kraft Addresses Patriots’ Cash Spending
The issue of cash spending has been a talking point for the Patriots in recent years in particular, but the departure of Bill Belichick and the cap situation the team is in could bring about a change. When speaking about the matter, owner Robert Kraft pushed back on criticism of the team’s financial approach while stating money will not be an issue in the coming offseason. 
“I know there’s a perception that we have held back on spending,” Kraft said, via Nicole Yang of the Boston Globe. “Let me just say, for our fans, that’s just not true.”
New England ranked 31st in the league with respect to cash (as opposed to salary cap) spending in 2023, continuing a trend in terms of Belichick’s roster management preferences as de facto general manager. The Patriots do not have a recent track record of retaining many homegrown players on second contracts, relying heavily on players on their rookie deals and low-cost veterans. Things could change moving forward with Eliot Wolf now in charge of roster decisions, but Kraft defended the approach Belichick employed for many years.
“Look, we were blessed to have a coach in our system who was a great coach and also understood value,” Kraft added. “He ran a tight ship. They say we’ve been low spenders in the last 10 years, and that might be true, but we had a pretty good record. And we won three Super Bowls. But our coaches have always had the ability to spend at whatever level they wanted.”
The issue of finances was a public talking point this summer between Belichick and Kraft in advance of the season in which their storied working relationship ultimately came to an end. New head coach Jerod Mayo will oversee the team’s transition, one which will likely include a starting quarterback being added either in free agency or the draft. The Patriots have the No. 3 selection as well as the third-most cap space in the league at the moment, so their new brain trust will have considerable flexibility in attempting to rebound from the struggles of the post-Tom Brady era.
Falcons Yet To Decide QB Direction; HC Raheem Morris Will Not Call Defensive Plays
The Falcons have a new (but familiar) head coach in place in the form of Raheem Morris, along with an adjusted organizational structure. With those moves taken care of, the team’s top priority will be acquiring an upgrade at the quarterback spot. 
Both Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke are under contract for 2024, but their collective showings this season left plenty to be desired. Atlanta endorsed the former as a full-time starter based on his four-game performance to close out his rookie year, but he was benched on multiple occasions in 2023. Finding a replacement via trade, free agency or the draft will be a key objective for the Falcons, but a firm direction on that front has not yet emerged.
In the team’s press conference introducing Morris, it was revealed that he and general manager Terry Fontenot have only had “very limited” discussions to date about the QB spot (h/t ESPN’s Michael Rothstein). More than one month remains until the start of the new league year, but the Falcons’ plan with respect to finding a new starter will be worth following.
“When you get those guys that are elite processors, when you get those guys that are decision makers,” Morris said. “When you get those guys that can just cut it loose and play ball and also play with those great fundamental techniques that we talked about… it makes you excited to go out there and find those things. And sometimes, it’s not easy to see.”
A number of veteran options (such as Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, Gardner Minshew and Ryan Tannehill) are set to reach free agency next month, so Atlanta will have short-term signal-callers to choose from. Passers such as Russell Wilson (Broncos), Justin Fields (Bears) and Zach Wilson (Jets) could also find themselves on the trade market in the near future. The Falcons hold the No. 8 selection in April’s draft, which will likely take them out of contention for the top QB three prospects in Caleb Williams, Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels. An upgrade under center would help the team rebound from a third straight 7-10 campaign and complement a young skill-position corps, one of the league’s top offensive lines and an improved defense.
Notably, Morris also said he will not serve as the Falcons’ defensive play-caller. Those responsibilities will instead go to DC Jimmy Lake, who followed Morris from the Los Angeles to Atlanta. Lake has never served as a defensive coordinator at the NFL level, but he held DC duties at Washington before becoming the school’s head coach in 2020. The Falcons ranked 11th in total defense in 2023, but the team has room for improvement in a number of categories on both sides of the ball moving forward. An uptick in passing efficiency fits the bill, and Atlanta’s search for a new quarterback will an intriguing storyline to follow.
Lions C Frank Ragnow Not Contemplating Retirement
In the immediate aftermath of the Lions’ NFC championship game loss, center Frank Ragnow confirmed he was playing through multiple injuries. His remarks pointed to a period of contemplating his immediate future, but no thought about hanging up his cleats was included in that process. 
Ragnow confirmed (via Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press) that he will play in 2024. At the age of 27, a retirement decision certainly would have come as a surprise, though he has an extensive list of injuries which he has dealt with during his career. Ragnow had a number of ailments in 2023, including a toe issue which has been recurring for the past three years as well as knee and ankle sprains sustained in the divisional round.
“It takes a toll on you,” Ragnow said at the end of the season. “It really takes a toll on you, so I need to find a way to get back to Frank and I don’t regret any of this at all, but it weighs on you and I’m just going to take some time and really figure everything out to make sure that I’m feeling good, not only for me the football player but for me to be the best husband and best father and everything with that as well.”
The former first-rounder has been a mainstay on Detroit’s O-line since his rookie season as a left guard. His shift to the middle paved the way for Ragnow to become one of the league’s best centers, and he earned a third Pro Bowl nod in the past four years for his performance in 2023. Durability has not been an issue for much of his career, with the exception of 2021 when his toe injury required season-ending surgery.
Ragnow noted that it is yet to be determined if he will undergo any procedures this offseason. He added, however, that he will alter his routine in an attempt to be in a better position health-wise by the start of the 2024 campaign. Ragnow is under contract for three more years and is scheduled to carry cap hits of $12.8MM, $14MM and $16.35MM in that span, so his health will remain a key storyline for the Lions’ well-regarded offensive front.
Justin Jefferson Wants To Remain With Vikings
Talks on a new deal between the Vikings and wideout Justin Jefferson took place in advance of the 2023 campaign, but they did not produce an agreement. The sides will no doubt prioritize a resumption of negotiations this offseason. 
The Vikings made a late push to hammer out a contract prior to Week 1, but the sides agreed to table negotiations until the end of the campaign. Jefferson followed up his Offensive Player of the Year season in strong fashion despite missing seven games due to a hamstring injury. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark, adding to the historic three-year run which began his career.
As a result of his production, the 24-year-old is in line to receive the largest WR contract in NFL history. He is on the books for one more season via the $19.74MM fifth-year option, but a second pact will check in at a far higher figure. When asked about where things stand on that front, Jefferson expressed a desire to remain with the Vikings for the long term. A hometown discount should not be expected, though.
“I want to break the bank and I want to be a part of an organization that wants me, and to really give me what I deserve,” the LSU alum told Adam Schein of Mad Dog Sports Radio (video link). “I feel like eventually, the Vikings will do what they need to do to have me in the building, but I don’t really know at this very moment; only time will tell.”
Tyreek Hill became the first wideout to average $30MM per year when he inked an extension upon arrival with the Dolphins. Three other receivers are at an AAV of $25MM or more, but Jefferson’s age, statistical output and durability – with the exception of this year’s injury, which the team approached with caution before his IR activation – should allow him to reset the top of the market.
The Vikings currently sit mid-pack in terms of cap space, and the team has a number of critical free agent decisions to make. Quarterback Kirk Cousins and edge rusher Danielle Hunter headline the team’s list of pending free agents, and negotiations on a new deal for the former in particular will inform much of Minnesota’s other offseason moves. In any case, though, getting Jefferson on the book for 2025 and beyond will a key priority, and it will be interesting to see how much progress is made on extension talks this offseason.
Raiders To Hire Mike Caldwell As LBs Coach
The Raiders are continuing to make additions to Antonio Pierce‘s staff. Vegas is set to hire Mike Caldwell as linebackers coach, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
As is the case with a number of other staffers in similar situations, Caldwell will also hold the title of run game coordinator. The move marks a quick rebound for him, after his two-year run as defensive coordinator of the Jaguars came to an end. Caldwell and a number of defensive staffers were let go at the end of the campaign, one in which Jacksonville fell short of a playoff spot.
The Jaguars posted middling numbers in several defensive categories in 2023, but the team did rank ninth in rushing yards allowed. Caldwell will look to duplicate that success with the Raiders as he quickly moves to a new role on an NFL staff. The 52-year-old previously served as LBs coach with the Eagles, Cardinals, Jets and Buccaneers before getting his first coordinator gig in Jacksonville.
As Garafolo and KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson note, the Ravens were among the teams which showed interest in Caldwell for their linebackers coach vacancy. The same is true of the Eagles and Bills, but Caldwell will instead join a Raiders staff which still includes defensive coordinator Patrick Graham. The latter was a head coaching candidate, but with all eight vacancies filled on that front, any move would be a lateral one. The Raiders made it clear early in the hiring cycle that they would block any Graham coordinator interviews.
Vegas saw a notable turnaround on defense after Pierce took over midseason, finishing ninth in points allowed. The team ranked just 21st against the run, however, and improvement in that department will be an offseason goal. Caldwell will look to rebuild his coordinator stock while playing a key role on the Raiders’ new-look staff.
Baker Mayfield Addresses Bucs Future
Baker Mayfield made his first career Pro Bowl appearance last weekend, but his attention will now turn to his impending free agency. A deal allowing him to remain with the Buccaneers is still very much in play, and the veteran signal-caller recently spoke about where things stand on that front. 
Mayfield enjoyed a strong campaign in 2023 with Dave Canales operating as an offensive coordinator for the first time in his career. The latter parlayed that into the Panthers’ head coaching position, leaving Mayfield in line for yet another new face to work with in terms of coordinators. Tampa Bay tapped Liam Coen, however, allowing he and Mayfield to reunite after their brief time together with the Rams in 2022.
“It’s important to me,” Mayfield said of the coordinator move, via Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times. “I’ve had so many offensive coordinators to this point, to me it’s, ‘Okay if I do come back, let’s keep the continuity for the other guys, build on what we’ve already grown from and go from there.’”
Keeping Canales in place no doubt would have been a welcomed development for Mayfield, but the 28-year-old endorsed bringing on Coen to replace him. As SI’s Albert Breer notes, the Buccaneers were receptive to the vote of confidence Coen received before hiring him for his second NFL OC stint (and first which will involve calling plays). Similarities to Canales’ scheme could help ensure a smooth transition and help the chances of Mayfield repeating his Tampa Bay success in 2024.
A mutual interest exists for a new Bucs deal, but Mayfield and his camp have yet to take part in serious negotiations on a contract. The franchise tag could also be in play, locking the former No. 1 pick into a 2024 salary of roughly $36MM or at least buying extra time to hammer out a long-term pact. The presence of not only a familiar OC in Coen, but also fellow pending free agent Mike Evans is a key factor for Mayfield as he weighs his options, however.
“I would love to be back with [Evans], so there’s a lot of contingencies that go in that” Mayfield added. “Obviously, getting an OC, that helps. That’s Step 1. And [Evans] sees that so we can talk to him about it and see his thoughts. But we both have to do what’s best for us.”
Evans earned second-team All-Pro honors in 2023, proving himself to still be a durable and consistent producer with a 79-1,255-13 statline. The 30-year-old is projected to be one of the top available wideouts in this year’s free agent class, and the Buccaneers also need new contracts for the likes of linebacker Lavonte David and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. Retaining Mayfield will still be a top priority, though, and having an OC whose arrival he co-signed is another indication that a new deal should be expected at some point in the near future.
Seahawks, Leonard Williams To Discuss Deal
The Seahawks were one of the teams which made a significant addition at the trade deadline, acquiring Leonard Williams from the Giants. He is set to become a free agent, but talks on a Seattle deal will take place. 
The Seahawks did not pursue an extension with Williams in the aftermath of the trade, something which often takes place when teams spend notable draft capital on a player. Seattle sent New York a second-round pick in this year’s draft along with a 2025 fifth-rounder for Williams, whose contract was restructured to facilitate the deal. The former top-10 pick played in 10 games with the Seahawks, recording four sacks and 41 tackles.
As a result of his play, Williams could be a prime candidate for a short-term deal and Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports there is “hope” he and the Seahawks can work out an agreement (subscription required). Williams inked a three-year, $63MM deal with the Giants, and his next contract will likely check in at a lower price than that. Still, the 29-year-old proved in his audition period that he can be a productive contributor, and he could generate a notable market if he reaches free agency.
The Seahawks are currently projected to be over the 2024 salary cap, although they and all other teams will make several cost-shedding moves in the coming weeks. Improvement along the defensive front will be a key priority for new head coach Mike Macdonald and Co. after Seattle ranked 31st in the league in rushing yards allowed. Keeping Williams on a new contract would thus be a logical move to pair with a D-line addition in free agency or the draft.
On the other hand, the Seahawks already have Dre’Mont Jones attached to the three-year, $51MM deal he signed last offseason. Jones is set to carry cap hits of $18.18MM in 2024 and $23.18MM the following year, so retaining Williams on a lucrative pact of his own would leave considerable resources tied up along the defensive front. In any case, the sides will at least explore extending their relationship in advance of the new league year in March.
Patriots To Hire Ben McAdoo
Another high-profile name is set to join Jerod Mayo‘s initial Patriots staff. New England is hiring Ben McAdoo as an offensive assistant, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer – who initially reported the Patriots’ interest – confirms the deal is essentially in place. McAdoo will play a key role on offense alongside new OC Alex Van Pelt, who joined New England’s staff after his four-year run with the Browns came to an end this offseason. He and McAdoo previously overlapped in Green Bay, and the pair will now work alongside each other with the Patriots.
The latter was out of coaching in 2023, after his one-year stint as offensive coordinator of the Panthers. That campaign marked the end of Matt Rhule‘s head coaching tenure, and McAdoo was not connected to any OC openings in the 2023 hiring cycle. The 46-year-old nevertheless has experience in a number of roles, including assistant and positional titles before and after his time with the Giants.
McAdoo worked as New York’s OC from 2014-15 before being promoted to serve as the team’s head coach for the next two campaigns. An 11-5 record was followed up by a 2-10 mark in 2017, leading to his midseason dismissal. McAdoo moved to a QBs coach role with the Jaguars in 2020, followed by a one-year stint as a consultant with the Cowboys. That time set him up for his Carolina OC opportunity, but it comes as little surprise that his next NFL gig will not be at the coordinator level.
Van Pelt did not call plays during his time working under Kevin Stefanski, so pairing him with an experienced offensive mind in McAdoo is a logical step for the Patriots. New England will be looking to take a tangible step forward on offense in 2024, likely with a new face under center. McAdoo has a reputation for evaluating QB prospects, and the Patriots will be heavily invested in scouting that position with the No. 3 pick in April’s draft. It is not a lock the team adds a signal-caller with the top two prospects (Caleb Williams and Drake Maye) likely to be off the board at that point, but McAdoo will now be part of the staff which makes a decision on that front.
Plenty of questions remain given Mayo’s status as a rookie head coach and the state of the Patriots’ roster. His staff continues to come into shape, though, and McAdoo furthers the mix of outside coaches brought in to pair with internal candidates who were promoted to their new roles. His next opportunity to rebuild his stock will come with a transitioning New England team.
Giants Hire Tim Kelly As TEs Coach
Tim Kelly is set to venture outside the AFC South for the first time in his NFL coaching career. The former Titans offensive coordinator has been hired by the Giants as their tight ends coach, per NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo. The move is now official. 
[RELATED: Giants To Hire Shane Bowen As DC]
Kelly joined the Texans’ staff in 2014, and he remained with the organization through 2021. In his final three years in Houston, he served as offensive coordinator, though the team never finished better than 14th in scoring during Kelly’s time at the helm. After a single season as the passing game coordinator of the Titans, he was promoted to OC in Tennessee for the 2023 campaign.
The Titans finished near the bottom of the league in many offensive categories, leading to speculation he could be let go midseason. Then-head coach Mike Vrabel elected not to do so, but he was among the staffers fired at the end of the regular season. As a result, signs pointed to Kelly being one of the Tennessee coaches who would be on the move during this year’s hiring cycle. That was confirmed with the arrivals of Brian Callahan as play-calling head coach and Nick Holz as OC.
New York saw TEs coach Andy Bischoff depart to take the same position with the Chargers, according to a report from Doug Samuels of FootballScoop.com. The Giants’ announcement of the Kelly hiring does not confirm that Bischoff is out, but the former’s arrival obviously points in that direction. New York will aim to improve on offense in 2024 compared to last year’s output, and the tight end spot will be a crucial aspect of that goal.
Darren Waller was acquired via trade last offseason, and he arrived with substantial expectations as the focal point of the Giants’ passing game. He finished the year (one in which the team experienced numerous quarterback injuries) with a 52-552-1 statline in 12 games. An uptick in production would be a welcomed development, along with continued growth from 2022 fourth-rounder Daniel Bellinger. Kelly will oversee their play next season as the Giants look to rebound on offense and he aims to rebuild his coordinator stock.
Dolphins To Hire Joe Barry As LBs Coach
Joe Barry‘s run at the helm of Green Bay’s defense came to an end this year, but he has quickly landed a new NFL coaching position. Barry is set to join the Dolphins as their linebackers coach, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports. 
This agreement will also include the title of run game coordinator, Pelissero adds. Barry will return to a familiar role on Miami’s staff, having served as LBs coach at the college level as well as during his time with the Buccaneers, Chargers, and Rams. Those stints have alternated with his three defensive coordinator tenures.
Barry guided the Lions’ defense from 2007-08, served as the Commanders’ DC from 2015-16, then took charge of the Packers for the past three seasons. Green Bay ranked ninth in yards allowed in his first season at the helm, but the team put up middling numbers in multiple categories after that. The unit rarely lived up to expectations in the eyes of many given the draft investments made by the Packers in recent years. In spite of that, head coach Matt LaFleur gave Barry repeated endorsements.
Once the Packers’ run to the divisional round came to an end, however, Barry was fired with term remaining on his contract. That created a vacancy in Green Bay – which has since been filled with former Boston College head coach Jeff Hafley after the team explored a deal with new Ravens DC Zach Orr – and left Barry in search of a new employer. The 53-year-old was connected to one DC opening (that of the Bears), and he interviewed with Chicago before the team ultimately went with Eric Washington for the position.
In Miami, Barry will partner with new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver as the Dolphins look to move forward from Vic Fangio‘s one-and-done tenure. The team ranked seventh against the run in 2023, and Barry will aim to continue that success in his new role. Incumbent LBs coach Anthony Campanile, meanwhile, will not be returning in 2024, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald notes. Campanile interviewed for the Dolphins’ DC gig before Weaver’s hire, but he did not land the position. He will now head elsewhere as the 2024 hiring cycle continues.