Latest On Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet
Seattle’s running back depth chart saw a number of changes this offseason with former former first-rounder Rashaad Penny and special teamer Travis Homer each departing in free agency. Their absences will be filled in large part by a pair of rookies. 
Despite having 2022 Offensive Rookie of the Year runner up Kenneth Walker in the fold, Seattle elected to use a pair of selections on backs in April. That included taking Zach Charbonnet in the second round, a move which has led to the expectation of immediate playing time. The latter does indeed appear poised to have a defined role as a rookie.
Walker is the undisputed early-down back, but Charbonnet could see considerable usage as a pass-catcher. As the Seattle Times’ Bob Condotta notes, the 22-year-old is in line to work on third downs given his skillset. Head coach Pete Carroll suggested that Charbonnet could handle all passing-down work, something which would give the team a young tandem at the RB spot and limit seventh-round rookie Kenny McIntosh and returnee DeeJay Dallas to special teams duty.
Charbonnet’s strengths in the passing game were named by Carroll as part of the reason he was targeted by the Seahawks in the draft. Only top-12 picks Bijan Robinson and Jahmyr Gibbs heard their names called before Charbonnet amongst running backs, after he was named an All-American in 2022 for his production at UCLA. His two-year stint with the Bruins came after one at Michigan of the same length, but it was much more noticeable on the statsheet.
The 6-1, 220-pounder recorded 2,496 yards (at an average of 6.3 per carry) and 27 touchdowns on the ground at UCLA. He added 61 catches for 581 yards during his time there, which helped cement his status as one of the top backs in the 2023 class. If he can replicate his success through the air in particular at the NFL level, he will no doubt see the field early and often during his time with the Seahawks.
LB Will Compton Retires
After being out of the NFL last season, Will Compton has decided to hang up his cleats. The veteran linebacker announced on Sunday that he has retired at the age of 33. 
Compton spent his first five seasons in Washington, and it was there that he saw most of his defensive playing time. The former UDFA started 33 games in the nation’s capital, including 25 between the 2015 and ’16 seasons. He eclipsed the 100-tackle mark in the latter campaign, but his stats fell off significantly after that as he worked as a backup and special teamer.
The Nebraska product bounced around the league following his time in Washington, alternating between the Titans and Raiders over a four-year span. He started only seven combined games during that span, but he established himself as a valuable special teams contributor along the way. Compton’s Vegas release last January led to a lengthy stay on the open market, though he personally announced a deal which would have seen him join the Falcons midway through the campaign.
No such agreement was ever finalized, however, and he spent the full 2022 campaign away from teams’ active rosters. Compton has not been able to find a deal this offseason as well, so he will now move on from his playing days. His time as a co-host of the popular Bussin’ With the Boys podcast is likely to continue, though, giving him a ongoing connection to the NFL.
“I truly can’t put into words how grateful I am for this game and the people who have been on this journey with me,” Compton wrote in his retirement message. “Thank you all so much.” He will leave the game with just under $6.5MM in career earnings.
Panthers’ Brian Burns Addresses Contract Situation
Brian Burns remains without a deal beyond 2023, but he elected to take part in training camp unlike a number of other high-profile players seeking new contracts. The Panthers edge rusher recently spoke about his willingness to decide against holding out and his desire to finalize an extension. 
“No fault to anybody who is not participating,” Burns said, via ESPN’s David Newton. “But we’ve got something special, and I’m a big part of it, so I can’t miss no time. I’ve just got to be here.”
Burns has long been on the extension radar, and at least one offer has been made. Newton reports that negotiations remained ongoing during practice last week, and Burns added that he remains “hopeful” an agreement can be reached before the season starts. He is due $16MM in 2023 while being tied to the fifth-year option, but a signficant raise will be required to hammer out a multi-year deal.
The Florida State product posted a career-high 12.5 sacks last season and he is in position to continue leading the Panthers’ edge rush group. A shift to a 3-4 scheme could help Burns continue his career ascent as a sack artist while masking his relative deficiencies as a run defender. A long-term commitment confirming his status as a franchise cornerstone was implied when Carolina turned down a Rams trade offer which included two first-round picks and again when they did not include him in the package sent to the Bears for the No. 1 pick in this year’s draft.
Burns, 25, is likely to garner a deal placing him at least in the top 10 amongst pass-rushers. That would require an AAV of no less than $20MM, but a figure closer to Myles Garrett‘s $25MM or Joey Bosa‘s $27MM could be in play (especially if Nick Bosa‘s 49ers holdout produces a monster extension to reset the market). Given the lucrative nature of Burns’ next contract, it was perhaps unsurprising that the latest report on his situation indicated signficant progress still needed to be made regarding extension talks.
Nevertheless, Burns reiterated his desire to remain in Carolina for the foreseeable future via a long-term deal, something which would go a long way in helping the team’s chances of competing in a wide-open NFC South. Negotiations could continue into the regular season, which would give team and player extra time to come to an agreement.
“We’ve got a lot of things I want to accomplish, a lot of goals, and God-willing we’ll reach those goals,” Burns added. “But I’ve got to be here.”
Broncos Likely To Limit RB Javonte Williams’ Workload Upon Return
The Broncos’ offense will have a new play-caller in the form of head coach Sean Payton as well as new faces up front. One of the most signficant factors in the team’s ability to rebound from last season’s struggles, though, will be the play of lead running back Javonte Williams. 
The 23-year-old’s second season in Denver was limited to just four games due to an ACL tear. The timing of the injury led to questions about his Week 1 availability for 2023, but he was able to take part in training camp, as both he and the team had hoped. That suggests Williams could be available to handle a full starter’s workload when the Broncos’ season kicks off next week.
However, ESPN’s Dan Graziano notes that Denver is expected to take a cautious approach with the North Carolina alum as he returns to game action. Players coming off ACL injuries typically experience a period of game time at less-than-normal production before truly reaching 100% health. It was thus come as little surprise if Williams were to be used sparingly in the first few games of the campaign.
Presuming that takes place, Samaje Perine would be in line to handle a larger workload. The 27-year-old signed a two-year, $7.5MM deal in free agency to serve as Denver’s pass-catching backup behind Williams. Perine has averaged a modest 4.0 yards per carry in his career, but he has 736 yards (7.3 per reception) and six touchdowns through the air, leading to expectations for continued production in the latter capacity.
Perine’s 175 carries as a rookie represent by far the most he has received in a single season in his career. He should not come near that mark if Williams is able to serve as a workhorse relatively soon, but the former will have an opportunity to earn extra playing time down the road if he delivers a strong performance early in the campaign.
Colts GM Chris Ballard Addresses Jonathan Taylor Situation
With roster cutdown day having come and gone, Jonathan Taylor remains with the Colts for at least the time being. As a result, the 2021 rushing champion and the team still have time to find a way to continue their relationship, something general manager Chris Ballard recently spoke about.
Indianapolis granted Taylor permission to seek out a trade partner, and a number of teams showed interest in a trade which would, presumably, be conditional on a big-money extension being agreed to. The Dolphins and Packers are among the teams who reports have indicated would be prepared to give Taylor a deal placing him high in the RB pecking order. The Colts have not been willing to make such a commitment at this point, leading in large part to the current stalemate between player and team. 
The 24-year-old will start the season on the PUP list, meaning he will be sidelined for at least the first four weeks of the season. A lingering ankle injury was named by Ballard as the reason for the designation, adding that Taylor will rehab the ailment at the team’s facility. Taylor had spent time away from the organization to recover earlier this offseason. Regarding the extension-eligible back’s contract situation, Ballard admitted he is in an unprecedented situation during his tenure while striking an optimistic tone.
“It’s where we’re at, and we’re got to work through it, and we’re going to do everything we can to work through it,” he said, via NFL.com’s Nick Schook. “Relationships are repairable. They’re repairable. When guys get emotional and take a stance, you’ve got to be able to work through those. We’ve got work to do. We got work to do on the relationship. We got work to do to find a solution to the problem and that’s what we’re gonna do.”
It remains to be seen if said solution will see Taylor play out the final year of his rookie contract in Indianapolis, or if a trade sending him elsewhere is still in the cards. A drop in asking price – a first-round pick or a similarly-valued collection of draft capital – will likely be required for the Colts to be satisfied by an offer in time for the trade deadline. In the meantime, interest will no doubt still remain around the league as Ballard and Co. set about trying to salvage the situation with their top offensive player.
With Taylor not in the picture to start the campaign, the Colts will have to move forward with Deon Jackson atop the depth chart. Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 reports the former UDFA will handle starting duties in Indianapolis’ season opener against the Jaguars. Jackson saw 68 carries last year, during part of which Taylor was sidelined with the ankle injury. An uptick in usage will be in order for Jackson in at least the short term.
2022 trade acquisition Zack Moss is making progress in his recovery from a broken arm, Wilson adds. Moss suffered the injury at the end of July, and his Week 1 availability was put in doubt as a result. Wilson reports that the former Bills third-rounder is expected to miss the first two or three games of the season. His return after that missed time will be welcomed given Taylor’s absence, but it will be interesting to see how much progress will have been made regarding the latter by that point.
Ravens Name John Simpson Starting LG
The left guard spot was the only one up for grabs this offseason along the Ravens’ offensive front. A slew of candidates received a look at the left guard spot, but a decision has been made ahead of the season opener. 
[RELATED: Recapping Ravens’ Offseason]
Head coach John Harbaugh named John Simpson the starter at the LG spot, putting an end to the competition at that position (video link). Simpson represented the most experienced option who took significant reps during training camp and the preseason, especially compared to the other finalist for the gig, sixth-round rookie Malaesala Aumavae-Laula.
It came out shortly before Baltimore’s preseason finale that the left guard battle was down to Simpson and Aumavae-Laula. The latter saw time at both tackle and guard during his time at Oregon, but is viewed as a long-term developmental option. Simpson – who has 21 NFL starts to his name – is, by contrast, much more of a known commodity at this point in his career. The latter will take on first-team duties in 2023 for the first time since he lost a starting role with the Raiders last season.
The Clemson alum started all 17 contests in 2021, and he remained the first choice left guard for the first two games the following season. By December, however, he found himself on waivers with one year remaining on his rookie contract. Simpson earned a PFF grade of 59.5 in 2022, an underwhelming mark which helped explain Vegas’ decision to move on (although it was the highest of his brief NFL career).
Ben Powers excelled at the left guard spot during his walk year last season, pricing himself out of Baltimore in free agency. The former fourth-rounder inked a four-year, $52MM deal with the Broncos, making him part of the team’s major investment project up front. Powers’ absence was first thought to pave the way for 2021 third-rounder Ben Cleveland to ascend to a starting role, and the latter was indeed one of the initial contenders for the role. He underwhelmed in the summer, though, and it was in doubt during roster cutdowns that he would even make the initial 53-man squad.
That will lead to questions about Cleveland’s future with the Ravens beyond 2023. In the meantime, attention will turn toward Simpson’s ability to succeed between former All-Pro left tackle Ronnie Stanley and 2022 first-round center Tyler Linderbaum in his first full year in Baltimore. Replicating Powers’ level of play from last year would go a long way in helping Simpson’s prospects with the Ravens or another team on the open market, while helping the team maintain a strong offensive front.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/2/23
Saturday’s saw just one team make additions to its taxi squad:
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Qadree Ollison, RB Zander Horvath, S Tariq Carpenter
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 9/1/23
Teams continue to tinker with their taxi squads in the aftermath of roster cutdowns. Here are Friday’s updates:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: WR Daniel Arias, G Marquis Hayes, S Jovante Moffatt, DL Ben Stille, TE Blake Whiteheart
- Released: CB Quavian White
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: T David Sharpe, RB Jashaun Corbin, LB Chandler Wooten, WR Derek Wright
Chicago Bears
- Signed: S A.J. Thomas
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB A.J. Green
Denver Broncos
- Signed: LB Ben Niemann
- Released: WR Michael Bandy
Detroit Lions
- Signed: TE Darrell Daniels
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: DL Jonathan Ford
- Released: C James Empey
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: TE Gerrit Prince
- Released: DT Chris Williams
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Chris Wilcox
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR T.J. Luther
- Released: WR Thyrick Pitts
New York Giants
- Signed: OL Jaylon Thomas
- Released: OL Tyre Phillips
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Robert Rochell, LB Jon Rhattigan
- Released: QB Holton Ahlers, OL Greg Eiland
Tennessee Titans
Minor NFL Transactions: 9/1/23
Friday’s minor moves:
Carolina Panthers
- Released from reserve/PUP list: WR Marquez Stevenson
Houston Texans
- Released from IR via injury settlement: S Tyree Gillespie
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released from IR via injury settlement: LB Olakunle Fatukasi
Los Angeles Chargers
- Released from IR via injury settlement: WR Darrius Shepherd
Los Angeles Rams
- Placed on IR: OLB Ochaun Mathis
Washington Commanders
- Released from IR via injury settlement: RB Jonathan Williams
Bills Release QB Matt Barkley
During their roster cutdowns earlier this week, the Bills placed quarterback Matt Barkley on IR. That move initially meant that he would not be able to play in Buffalo during the 2023 season, but the veteran now finds himself on the open market. 
Buffalo released Barkley via an injury settlement, as noted by ESPN’s Field Yates. As a result, the 32-year-old is now a free agent and can sign with any team’s active roster or practice squad. A deal will likely not take place until he has returned to full health, but today’s move opens the door to him finding playing time this season in a new environment.
Barkley was one of two signal-callers competing for the QB2 job in Buffalo. His IR designation paved the way for Kyle Allen to win the backup spot, although the Bills have been named as a team to watch with respect to making an addition under center before the regular season kicks off. Barkley’s last eight appearances – spread across the 2018, ’19 and ’20 seasons – have each come in Buffalo.
The USC alum bounced around to a number of teams since his last game action with the Bills, but his relationship with Buffalo has garnered him multiple looks, including time on the practice squad following last year’s roster cutdowns. Barkley had the opportunity to replace Case Keenum as the Bills’ backup this season, but his time with the team will need to continue via the taxi squad again once he is healthy.
Alternatively, a spot on an active roster could become available as the season progresses. As a result, Barkley may elect to remain unsigned and weigh his options into the fall. While another Bills reunion could be possible, IR settlements require players remain away from their previous team for a specific amount of time before being eligible to re-sign.