Minor NFL Transactions: 1/17/24
Today’s minor moves:
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed to active roster: LB Cole Christiansen
- Placed on IR: LB Cam Jones
San Francisco 49ers
- Reverted to IR: WR Danny Gray
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Reverted to IR: DL Mike Greene
Jones’ rookie season has come to an end, given the requirement for players on injured reserve to miss four weeks. The UDFA was used primarily on special teams this year, but he appeared in all 17 regular season games as well as the Chiefs’ wild-card win. Christiansen last played in Week 17, which marked his fifth appearance of the campaign. Kansas City will need to make another roster move soon to create room for wideout Skyy Moore to come back into the lineup, after he was designated for return earlier today.
Saints Request OC Interview With Seahawks’ Shane Waldron
A third candidate has emerged for the Saints’ OC vacancy. New Orleans has sent an interview request for Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports.
The Saints are in the market for an OC for the first time since 2009 after Pete Carmichael was fired yesterday. The team (which has competition for the top candidates) has moved quickly in looking for replacements. Bengals quarterbacks coach Dan Pitcher as well as Rams assistant Zac Robinson received interview slips earlier today.
That pair will now be joined by Waldron, who has also drawn interest from the Bears. Chicago is looking for a Luke Getsy replacement, though that team’s offseason outlook will be driven in large part by the decision to retain or replace quarterback Justin Fields. New Orleans, by contrast, has a more stable situation under center in the form of Derek Carr. The longtime Raider did not enjoy the debut Saints campaign he or the team envisioned, though most of his statistics fell roughly in line with his career averages.
Taking a step forward on offense – and finding more consistency in the run game in particular – will be a key priority for the new Saints OC. Whomever the team hires in that capacity (which, unlike most of Carmichael’s tenure, will include play-calling duties) may very well have ties to Rams head coach Sean McVay. Just like Pitcher and Robinson, Waldron has a history with McVay dating back to his time in Washington and Los Angeles. Waldron spent four years with the Rams before taking Seattle’s offensive coordinator position in 2021.
The 44-year-old has delivered middling results in terms of total and scoring offense during his time in the Emerald City, but he has now drawn interview requests for a pair of lateral moves. Much is yet to be determined in Seattle with respect to the team’s coaching staff with Pete Carroll having been moved to an advisory role. His replacement is not in place, leaving assistants like Waldron free to at least explore other options. In addition to the Bears gig, that process will now include an interview regarding the Saints vacancy.
Mike Tomlin To Remain With Steelers In 2024
Speculation about Mike Tomlin‘s plans for at least the immediate future can be put to rest. The NFL’s longest-tenured coach informed the Steelers he will remain in place for the 2024 campaign, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo reports. 
Only one year remains on Tomlin’s current contract. Given the general pattern of working out extensions with two years left on his pact followed by the Steelers, questions have been raised about a potential lame-duck season. Recent reports have pointed to Tomlin stepping back and evaluating his situation in the offseason, but he has very quickly arrived at a decision. Garafolo adds he is expected to speak to the media on the subject later this week.
Pittsburgh’s season – which, as has become commonplace in recent years, included doubts about Tomlin’s streak of never having a losing season – resulted in a 10-7 record and a playoff appearance. However, the Steelers’ wild-card loss to the Bills on Monday leaves the team without a postseason win since 2016. Criticism of Tomlin in that regard has intensified, but he received significant public shows of support from his players in the aftermath of the loss. Now, any potential Pittsburgh coaching search will be delayed by at least one year.
The 2023 campaign was defined in large part by Pittsburgh’s nearly unprecedented decision to make an in-season coordinator change. Replacing Matt Canada was a move many had called for leading up to his dismissal, but it did not yield the desired results on a consistent basis. The more significant alteration to the team’s success on offense came when Mason Rudolph took over at quarterback late in the year. Even after Kenny Pickett returned to full health from ankle surgery, Tomlin elected to stick with Rudolph as the the team found success in the ground game.
Tomlin would have been able to command a hefty trade market had he elected to depart Pittsburgh, and a report from Fox Sports’ Jay Glazer indicated teams around the league were inquiring about such a move. Given the length of his tenure, it would also have come as little surprise if the 51-year-old had elected to take a year off from coaching before returning in 2025. Still, today’s news marks the expected outcome given the mutual sense between Tomlin and the Steelers that their relationship would continue which emerged during the season.
Pittsburgh enters the 2024 offseason with a number of key questions to answer, including at the quarterback position. Rudolph is a pending free agent while Pickett’s chances of retaining the starter’s role heading into next season have obviously taken a hit. Veteran Mitch Trubisky is on the books for two more years, but his time with the Steelers is thought to be over. The team must also search for a permanent solution with respect to an offensive coordinator.
Tomlin will no doubt have a major say in both of those decisions as he prepares for an 18th campaign in charge of the Steelers. His contract status will remain a key talking point (especially if no extension is worked out in the offseason), but for the time being his future is no longer in doubt.
Eagles C Jason Kelce To Retire
At least one member of the Eagles’ ‘Core Four’ will not be in place for the 2024 season. Center Jason Kelce informed his teammates after Monday night’s loss that he is retiring, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Retirement questions are nothing new for the 36-year-old, and his playing future was in the air leading up to Super Bowl LVII. Kelce wound up on the wrong side of that contest, but he announced one month later that he intended to return for at least one more campaign. A new contract was then worked out, and he played out the year at a slight raise compared to what he would have otherwise made.
That one-year, $14.25MM pact came with the understanding Kelce may very well retire at the end of the current season. The Eagles appeared to be on their way to another deep playoff run through much of the 2023 campaign, but things took a significant turn for the worse down the stretch. Counting Monday’s lopsided loss to Tampa Bay, Philadelphia closed out the season losing six of seven games, and changes in the lineup and potentially on the sidelines will be coming.
Regardless of the circumstances, Kelce’s decision to hang up his cleats will leave a massive vacancy in the middle of the team’s offensive line and in the locker room. As a rookie in 2011, the former sixth-rounder took on full-time starting duties and never relinquished them over the course of his 13-year career. All 193 regular season games he played in, along with 12 in the playoffs, came with Philadelphia. Kelce established a reputation as one of the best centers not only of his generation but of all time throughout his tenure.
The Cincinnati alum earned seven Pro Bowl nods, including one in each of the past five years. Kelce was also named first-team All-Pro a total of five times. Only four other centers have matched that feat, and each of them – Jim Otto, Bulldog Turner, Dermotti Dawson and Jim Ringo – are in the Hall of Fame. Kelce will no doubt join them in Canton after following through with his decision to hang up his cleats.
Kelce’s career comes to an end with not only a number of personal accolades but also team success. He was a key member of the Eagles’ 2017 Super Bowl-winning squad, and that remained the case for last season’s trip to another title game. Kelce delivered consistent performances over the course of his career, earning a PFF grade of 80.2 or higher eight times. His lengthy track record of success culminated in more than $85MM in career earnings.
Cam Jurgens – drafted last season as Kelce’s successor – will likely move to C in 2024 after starting full-time at right guard this season. That transition will be notable given the long stretch since anyone other than Kelce manned the position and the substantial expectations Jurgens will face as his replacement. Meanwhile, it will also be worth watching what fellow mainstays Lane Johnson, Fletcher Cox and Brandon Graham decide with respect to their playing futures.
Saints Fire OC Pete Carmichael
Saints head coach Dennis Allen appears to be safe for 2024, but his staff will look different next season. Offensive coordinator Pete Carmichael has been fired, Mike Triplett and Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.Football report. The move is now official. 
[RELATED: Mutual Interest Between Saints, Jon Gruden]
Allen – like each of the other coaches in the NFC South – faced questions about his job security throughout the season. New Orleans failed to win the league’s most underwhelming division, but expectations pointed to at least one more season for him at the helm. He said as much on ‘Black Monday,’ but signs have pointed to substantial changes on the offensive side of the ball in particular.
Indeed, not only Carmichael but also wide receivers coach Kodi Burns and senior offensive assistant Bob Bicknell have been dismissed. A report from last month indicated the Saints’ offensive staff would be subject to an examination, and that has proven to be the case. As a result, New Orleans is now in the market for an OC for the first time since 2009.
Carmichael joined Sean Payton‘s initial Saints staff in 2006, having a pre-existing relationship with quarterback Drew Brees. He was promoted to coordinator three years later, and remained in place through the 2023 campaign. That easily made him the league’s longest-tenured offensive coordinator, but his time with the franchise has now come to an end. The Saints’ statistical showings under Carmichael since Payton’s departure two years ago leave plenty to be desired.
New Orleans ranked 19th in total offense and 22nd in scoring in 2022. Issues at quarterback played a major factor in those struggles, leading to the signing of Derek Carr on a four-year, $150MM deal this past offseason. The four-time Pro Bowler battled injury for much of his debut Saints campaign, and he did show signs of improvement late in the year. Despite that (and a respectable ninth place finish in points), the team finished only 14th in yards per game. Struggles in the run game in particular were prevalent, and they contributed to Carmichael’s departure.
Carr’s 2024 base salary ($30MM) is guaranteed, and as currently structured, his contract is set to lock in a $10MM roster bonus for 2025 in March. With his short-term future in New Orleans thus relatively secure, the team’s OC search will be predicated in large part on finding a candidate able to mesh well with the veteran quarterback. The Saints’ receiver room will continue to be led by Chris Olave, but former All-Pro Michael Thomas faces an uncertain future given the nature of his latest contract. New faces not only on the sidelines but on the field could therefore be present in 2024.
“I would like to thank Pete, Bob and Kodi for their service to the New Orleans Saints and to this coaching staff,” a statement from Allen reads. “These types of decisions are never easy to come to, but are necessary as we move forward. I would especially like to thank Pete for his contributions to this staff for 18 seasons. I have a tremendous amount of respect for the job he has done and as a colleague.”
Once again set to face significant salary cap hurdles, New Orleans’ offseason will now include an OC search. That process could go a long way in determining the franchise’s outlook for 2024 and beyond as the Saints aim to take a step forward in offensive productivity and in the standings.
Minor NFL Transactions: 1/16/24
Tuesday’s minor moves:
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: WR Steven Sims
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed off Jets practice squad: S Trey Dean
Sims has been elevated from the practice squad three times, so any further action required he be added to the active roster. The former UDFA has only seen 10 offensive snaps (making three catches) this season, his first with the Texans, though he has been used slightly more on special teams. Sims will look to fill the complementary role of Noah Brown to an extent, after the latter was placed on season-ending IR yesterday.
Seahawks Request HC Interviews With Ben Johnson, Bobby Slowik
As the Seahawks continue to cast a wide net in search of a Pete Carroll replacement, they plan to speak with two of the 2024 cycle’s most popular candidates. Seattle has requested a head coaching interview with Lions OC Ben Johnson, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network. In addition, Texans OC Bobby Slowik has received a slip, ESPN’s Dan Graziano reports. 
[RELATED: 2024 Head Coaching Search Tracker]
Seattle moved Carroll into an advisory role last week, despite his public comments suggesting he was prepared to coach the team for a 15th season. Interview requests have begun as a result of the move, with general manager John Schneider at the helm of the coaching search. As he confirmed in a Tuesday press conference, the latter will handle all personnel matters after Carroll held final say in that regard during his lengthy HC tenure.
Johnson has received an interview request from each HC-needy team except the Patriots and Raiders to date. The up-and-coming play-caller is believed to have a mutual interest with the Chargers, but significant competition will exist for his services. The Commanders and Panthers have identified Johnson, 37, as their top target. Seattle will thus have a number of suitors to outmaneuver if the team is to land him in this year’s cycle.
Much Like Johnson last year, Slowik has boosted his stock considerably in his first year as a coordinator. The former 49ers passing game coordinator followed DeMeco Ryans from San Francisco to Houston this offseason, and he has delivered a strong performance. The Texans ranked seventh in the league in passing yards this season despite quarterback C.J. Stroud missing time due to a concussion. Slowik, 36, is lacking in experience compared to a number of other candidates available this year. He has nevertheless received interview requests from the Falcons, Panthers, Titans and Commanders.
Schneider said he intends to begin Seattle’s coaching search tomorrow with virtual interviews (in-person meetings with coaches still in the playoffs cannot take place until after the divisional round). CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes the Seahawks’ interview with Cowboys defensive coordinator Dan Quinn is scheduled for Thursday. Quinn was immediately named as a candidate to watch given his ties to the franchise, though he too has garnered considerable interest from other teams with a HC vacancy.
Given the fact the team has several roster pieces in place from last year’s run to the postseason and the continuity strived for in terms of adding a coach similar to Carroll in terms of culture-building (as Schneider added will be the goal), Seattle’s hiring process will be worth watching closely. The team has targeted staffers from both sides of the ball, and the ultimate selection will be tasked with the significant challenge of matching Carroll’s success.
Rams TE Tyler Higbee Suffers Torn ACL
JANUARY 16: Higbee did indeed tear his ACL, an MRI confirmed (h/t NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport). He now faces a steep challenge with respect to recovering in full in time for the beginning of the 2024 campaign, one in which he will look to return to form and the team will aim to repeat this year’s offensive success in particular.
JANUARY 15: The Rams’ campaign came to an end on Sunday night, and Tyler Higbee is likely to face an offseason of recovery. The veteran tight end is believed to have suffered a torn ACL during the team’s wild-card loss, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
Higbee suffered the injury after being hit by Lions safety Kerby Joseph in the fourth quarter. He had not made a catch up to that point in the game (with the play in which he went down coming on his lone target of the contest), but his absence nevertheless dealt a blow to the Rams’ offense. Schefter notes an MRI will take place today to confirm the initial diagnosis.
The 2023 campaign was Higbee’s eighth in the NFL, all of which have come with the Rams. The former fourth-rounder has been a full-time starter since his rookie season, and he has served as a consistent option in the passing game over the course of his tenure. Higbee has played at least 15 games every year, and his durability has of course been a key factor in his success. Assuming he has indeed torn his ACL, he will face a challenging recovery period to be available for the start of next season.
Higbee recorded his fourth consecutive season with at least 521 receiving yards in 2022, seeing a career-high 108 targets along the way. His production and continued importance to the team’s passing attack earned him an extension in September. The 31-year-old is under contract through 2025 as a result, with scheduled cap hits of $11.6MM and $9.6MM. A return to form would be a welcomed development as the Rams look to build off of this year’s offensive success.
Higbee had a smaller share in the team’s overall production this year, posting a 47-495-2 statline. The emergence of fifth-round rookie Puka Nacua into one of the the league’s leading receivers played a large role in that, of course, but having he, fellow WR Cooper Kupp and Higbee healthy will go a long way in ensuring offensive production moving forward. The latter’s health situation could be a key storyline for the team in the offseason, however.
Latest On Jim Harbaugh’s Michigan Negotiations
Having interviewed with the Chargers yesterday, Jim Harbaugh is once again firmly in the running for an NFL return. His candidacy for a coaching gig at the pro level has helped give him substantial leverage in negotiating a new Michigan contract as well, however. 
The national champions have long been in talks with Harbaugh on a new contract, and a number of terms on that hypothetical pact appear to have been worked out. A major sticking point, however, pertains to the matter of potential discipline handed down by the NCAA over Harbaugh’s involvement in Michigan’s various scandals. Yahoo! Sports’ Dan Wetzel reports Harbaugh is seeking a number of provisions in his new Wolverines contract if he elects to remain with the school
Specifically, Harbaugh is aiming to have a clause included in his pact which will prevent Michigan from being able to fire him as a result of any NCAA sanctions brought about by its ongoing investigations. In addition, the 60-year-old wants any potential ‘for-cause’ termination decision to be made by a three-member arbitration panel. Traditionally, such matters would be handled by athletic director Warde Manuel, who under Harbaugh’s proposed terms would still be able to fire him for on-field reasons.
After Michigan went undefeated en route to the national championship (a feat accomplished in spite of Harbaugh being suspended for the three games to begin and end the regular season), interest from the NFL has once again picked up. The Chargers have been connected to him early and often this offseason, but plenty of buzz linking him to the Raiders has existed as well. No matter how the 2024 hiring cycle plays out, Harbaugh will be able to secure a lucrative contract for 2024.
On that note, Wetzel adds Harbaugh is seeking to have the start date of his latest Michigan extension delayed. As things currently stand, an NFL team would be required to pay a buyout of $1.5MM to hire Harbaugh away. The school is aiming to raise that figure to roughly $4MM. Harbaugh wants to push back the point at which that happens to February 15 – in other words, after this year’s NFL coaching hires have been made – per Wetzel. That request, coupled with Harbaugh’s decision to hire an agent, continue to point toward an NFL return.
Harbaugh enjoyed a successful run with the 49ers from 2011-14, and he discussed NFL openings in each of the past two offseasons. If 2024 proves to represent the year in which he made the jump, it will have come after a lengthy negotiating period with his alma mater. If not, he will have protection against NCAA discipline. something which would likely help his market with respect to future NFL opportunities.
Packers Fear Kingsley Enagbare Suffered ACL Tear
The Packers pulled off an upset win over the Cowboys on Sunday, allowing their season to continue. Green Bay will likely be shorthanded on the edge the rest of the way, however. Kingsley Enagbare is believed to have suffered a torn ACL, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports. 
The 2022 fifth-rounder logged a notable workload as a rookie, particularly after Rashan Gary suffered an ACL tear of his own. Enagbare wound up starting seven games and shouldering a 45% defensive snap share last year. He flashed potential with three sacks and eight quarterback hits. Even with Gary back to full health, Enagbare remained a key member of the Packers’ edge contingent this campaign.
The latter appeared in all 17 regular season contests for the second straight year, starting four. His playing time remained roughly on par with that of his rookie campaign, and posted similar numbers as a result. Enagbare registered two sacks, 37 total tackles, 11 QB pressures and a forced fumble. He added a pair of quarterback hits in Green Bay’s wild-card victory, and his loss will be felt on a Packers defense which faces a stiff challenge this weakened against the 49ers.
The Packers will move forward with Gary, Preston Smith and first-round rookie Lukas Van Ness in the pass rush room. Van Ness has found himself behind Enagbare on the depth chart with respect to playing time, but four of his five total sacks (regular and postseason combined) have come in the past seven games. He could be in line for an increased workload against San Francisco if further testing confirms Enagbare will indeed miss the remainder of the campaign.
Should that be the case, the 23-year-old will turn his attention to a lengthy recovery process in an attempt to heal in time for Week 1 of the 2024 season. Enagbare’s absence will leave Green Bay without a key rotational presence on the defensive front for the divisional round, an unwanted development for the team as it tries to continue an unexpected postseason run.