AFC East Notes: Tua, Jets, Patriots, Miller
We previously heard that both the Dolphins and quarterback Tua Tagovailoa were hoping for speedy negotiations on an extension. However, it sounds like the two sides are temporarily pumping the brakes on a potential deal.
Daniel Oyefusi of The Miami Herald writes that while Tagovailoa’s next contract is the most “consequential matter” in Miami, it isn’t the most pressing. A source also made it clear that an agreement isn’t imminent and there’s “no rush” to finalize a deal.
When we last heard about the impending negotiations, there was a general sentiment that neither the Dolphins nor Tagovailoa wanted the extension talks to hang over training camp, much less the regular season. The two sides could simply be delaying talks until after free agency and the draft, which would still provide an ample amount of time to negotiate before practices start.
The former first-round pick is currently slated to play the 2024 season on a $23.17MM salary via the fifth-year option. Tua is coming off a career year where he set career highs in passing yards (4,624), touchdowns (29), and completion percentage (69.3). He also managed to get into all 17 games, a significant accomplishment after he missed 14 contests through his first three years in the NFL due to injuries and concussions.
More notes out of the AFC East…
- The Jets recently added Mike Williams to their receivers room, but with the former Charger coming off a torn ACL, he won’t immediately be seen on the practice field. GM Joe Douglas told reporters that Williams will not be ready for the start of training camp, but there’s optimism that he’ll be good to go for Week 1 (per SNY’s Connor Hughes). Williams himself echoed that sentiment, telling ESPN’s Adam Schefter that it’s his goal to be ready for the regular season opener.
- Two more Jets injury updates, both coming on the offensive line. After being limited to five games last season thanks to an Achilles injury, guard Alijah Vera-Tucker is expected to be ready for the start of the regular season, coach Robert Saleh told reporters (via team reporter Caroline Hendershot). Meanwhile, new addition (and old friend) Morgan Moses revealed that he played through most of last season with a torn pec, telling the team’s website that he’s looking forward “to having two arms this year.”
- While the Patriots have been busy re-signing their own free agents, the new regime is making it clear that they’re not following the same formula as Bill Belichick. ESPN’s Mike Reiss points to the recent release of special teams ace Chris Board, “who was a Belichick favorite.” While the former head coach/chief decision maker used to invest in top-of-the-market deals for key ST players, Reiss notes that new head coach Jerod Mayo and de facto GM Eliot Wolf “appear less willing.” Reiss also points to defensive back Myles Bryant, who “lost a top advocate in Belichick.” After spending the past four seasons in New England, Bryant remains unsigned, and the Patriots are only willing to bring him back if his salary is reflective of a “depth player” vs. a “key cog.”
- After Von Miller was arrested on a domestic violence charge, the NFL considered suspending the Bills linebacker. However, commissioner Roger Goodell told reporters (including ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler) that a suspension “was not appropriate based on the facts,” although the case remains under review by the NFL. Miller told reporters in December that the allegations were “100% false.”
Latest On DB Patrick Peterson
It’s been quiet on the Patrick Peterson front since the cornerback was released by the Steelers earlier this month. However, the veteran is expecting that talks will heat up once teams have more post-draft roster clarity.
[RELATED: Steelers To Release CB Patrick Peterson]
During an appearance this week on the NFL on Fox podcast, Peterson acknowledged that he’s had preliminary talks with a handful of teams but isn’t expecting to join a new squad before the draft.
“From the cornerback position, I think a lot more signings are going to happen toward after the draft, once teams really understand what they have on their roster and what they may need to continue to improve their rosters,” Peterson said (via NFL.com’s Bobby Kownack). “That’s when I believe you’ll start to see more guys get picked up. Me and my agent have had conversations with a couple teams. Nothing really serious thus far, but there has been conversations. Like I said, we’ll see what happens in the next couple months.”
Peterson had an uneven one season in Pittsburgh. After signing a two-year, $14MM deal with the organization last offseason, the former All-Pro proceeded to start 16 of his 17 appearances for the Steelers, collecting 42 tackles and a pair of interceptions. Pro Football Focus wasn’t particularly fond of his performance in 2023, ranking him 86th among 127 qualifying cornerbacks. The Steelers cut him at the beginning of the month, with the organization getting $6.85MM in cap savings.
Thanks in part to his struggles, the Steelers experimented with Peterson at safety last season, playing him in more than 300 snaps at the position. While the 33-year-old didn’t seem to entirely reject the position change, he said he wants suitors to be completely transparent if they intend for him to be a full-time safety.
“I don’t want to start at safety because that’s a different animal back there,” Peterson said. “That’s a different view back there. If that is the case, I would need to be warned going into the season to get my body, my mental prepared. It’s different being at the safety from the cornerback position, having those open-field tackles. As corners, we’re used to knifing in and slicing guys down. When you’re in the open field as a safety, especially if you’re in the middle of the field, that guy’s got 24 yards right and 24 yards left of you. There ain’t no way to cut him off by any means. You’re the last line of defense. So if that is something, I would need notice and probably, you know, get one of these old-time safeties like an Ed Reed or (Troy) Polamalu to coach me up.”
Packers HC Matt LaFleur Surprised By RB Moves
The Packers were one of the major players in the free agent RB carousel. The team couldn’t convince Aaron Jones to take a pay cut, leading to the veteran’s release. The Packers quickly scooped up former Raiders star Josh Jacobs as Jones’ replacement, completely revamping the top of their depth chart.
[RELATED: Packers Sign RB Josh Jacobs]
While it seemed likely that the Packers would approach Jones about a reduced salary, there weren’t many people who anticipated the Packers pivoting to a different star running back. That includes head coach Matt LaFleur, who admitted to reporters this week that he was caught “off guard” by the sudden moves.
“There were some other things in play, obviously with Aaron Jones, and I didn’t quite know how everything was going to go,” LaFleur said (via Jason Wilde of Madison.com). “It just happened really fast on that Monday. … It happened really fast, so I don’t know all the details of that. I’m not involved in those types of conversations. But we were super excited (to get Jacobs).”
Jacobs shouldn’t have any issues replacing Jones’ production. Following a 2022 campaign where he led the NFL with 2,053 yards from scrimmage in 17 games, Jacobs was limited to only 13 contests in 2024. Still, the 26-year-old managed to top 1,100 yards from scrimmage, although that was partly due to him garnering more than 20 touches per game. Jones followed up four-straight seasons of 1,000-yard production with 889 yards from scrimmage in 13 games this past season.
The team will also be counting on Jacobs to fill the leadership void left by Jones, although LaFleur told reporters that he’s challenged Jordan Love to step into a larger vocal role. Jones left the franchise with the third-most rushing yards in team history, and the head coach acknowledged that moving on from the veteran was “really tough.”
“[Jones has] always been team first,” LaFleur said (via Wilde). “He walks the walk, and he does everything. He’s just such a pro, [and] that’s always tough to replace.”
The Packers will have some continuity on their depth chart in AJ Dillon. The organization hit the former second-round running back with the rarely used four-year qualifying offer, locking the player into a one-year deal.
LSU WR Malik Nabers Meets With Six Teams
Malik Nabers has established himself as a definitive top-10 pick, and it sounds like a number of teams could be battling for the wideout’s services. According to NFL Network’s Cameron Wolfe, Nabers met with the Patriots, Titans, Jets, and Jaguars on Tuesday afternoon before having dinner with the Giants that night. The receiver also met with the Cardinals yesterday.
While Marvin Harrison Jr. is still expected to be the first wideout off the draft board, Nabers has certainly given the Ohio State WR a run for his money in mock drafts. Known for his top-end speed and versatility, Nabers would be an easy fit in any offense, and the right offensive coordinator could get creative with how they utilize the nation’s leader in receiving yards per game (120.7).
Among the teams mentioned, the Patriots (No. 3) and Cardinals (No. 4) would be in the driver’s seat to draft the LSU product, although it’d be ambitious to select the receiver with their respective picks. If either New England or Arizona lands the prospect, it’d mostly likely come after moving back in the first round.
That would then make the Giants (No. 6) the potential favorites for Nabers. The receiver visited with the organization earlier this month, and the incoming rookie acknowledged that his most recent dinner with the team went “great.”
“Those are some funny guys to be around,” Nabers told Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post. “I opened up my personality to those guys. It’s not hard to talk to them. They know me personally as a player. … I heard Brian, the head coach, loves the way I play. It’s just great to be around the atmosphere with those guys again.”
If the Giants pivot to another position, the Titans could scoop the WR at No. 7, although the team has already invested heavily in the position this offseason. Despite adding Mike Williams, the Jets are also seeking more offensive firepower, and there’s little chance Nabers sneaks past them at No. 10.
The Jaguars are an intriguing inclusion. The team currently sits at No. 17, meaning they’d need to swing a trade into the top-10 in order to select the wide receiver. The team replaced Calvin Ridley with Gabe Davis, adding the former Bill to a grouping that also includes Christian Kirk and Zay Jones.
Latest On Steelers’ QB Situation
The Steelers entered the offseason with some expectation of shaking up their quarterbacks room. However, Steelers general manager Omar Khan admitted this week that he never would have imagined the team adding both Russell Wilson and Justin Fields.
“I’m excited about both of those players,” Khan said earlier this week (via Dale Lolley of the team’s website). “They’re both really good quarterbacks. If you would have told me a month ago in Indy that we’d be here and Russell Wilson and Justin Fields would be our quarterbacks, I’d say, I’d be a little bit surprised.”
When the season ended with yet another one-and-done playoff appearance, Khan gave Kenny Pickett a vote of confidence. At the same time, the GM acknowledged that the Steelers would likely add some competition at the position. That mentality didn’t last too long, as both Russell (via free agency) and Fields (via trade) were acquired thanks to massive discounts. The Steelers were also able to find a trade partner for Pickett in the Eagles, allowing them to completely reset their QB depth chart. Despite the sudden pivot, Khan made it clear that it had nothing to do with Pickett’s ability.
“Nothing has changed. I still have a lot of faith in Kenny Pickett,” Khan said. “Kenny’s a good football player, a good quarterback. I think he’s got a big future in the NFL. Things just kind of evolved. I couldn’t really have foreseen that things would go the way they did.”
Now, the Steelers will shift their focus to their two new signal callers. Mike Tomlin made it clear this week that Wilson is in “pole position” to be Pittsburgh’s starting quarterback, although Fields will eventually have the “opportunity to compete” when the time comes. Tomlin noted the advantage of having clarity at the position, which is why he’s been straightforward when discussing his team’s QB plan.
“We’ve been very transparent about the pecking order, at least to start,” Tomlin said earlier this week (via ESPN’s Brooke Pryor). “I just think that provides clarity for all parties involved. Russell is a veteran, man. He’s got a proven process of readiness. He’s been in this league a long time. He’s capable of rallying troops, receivers, tight ends, running backs, et cetera. He’s just got a lot of experience in terms of what it takes to be the guy over the course of a 12-month calendar and I just think that that’s something that a younger guy like Justin could learn from.”
While the Steelers were clearly active in the QB market, the team didn’t pursue the biggest available name. Tomlin told reporters (including Pryor) that the Steelers didn’t make a run at Kirk Cousins, who ended up getting $180MM from the Falcons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/28/24
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Released: OL Justin Shaffer
Carolina Panthers
- Re-signed: RB Raheem Blackshear
A 2022 undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech, Blackshear has spent the majority of his professional career in Carolina. He’s managed to get in 25 games over his two NFL seasons, collecting 261 yards from scrimmage and three touchdowns on 53 touches. He’s also played a significant special teams role, returning 35 kickoffs between 2022 and 2023. Blackshear will likely see a similar role in 2024 behind Chuba Hubbard and Miles Sanders.
Seahawks Beat Out Three Teams For Sam Howell Trade
Before Sam Howell was dealt to the Seahawks, the quarterback attracted interest from a handful of other suitors. As ESPN’s Brady Henderson writes, at least three other teams negotiated a Howell trade with the Commanders.
[RELATED: Commanders To Trade QB Sam Howell To Seahawks]
One of those squads is believed to be the Rams, who have already pivoted away from Carson Wentz as Matthew Stafford‘s primary backup. When the Rams lost out on the Howell sweepstakes to their division rival, they ended up pivoting to veteran Jimmy Garoppolo, who will miss the first two games of the season after being suspended for PEDs. There was some recent chatter that the Rams could be a suitor for Jets bust Zach Wilson, and it seems pretty clear that the front office was looking to reset the QB depth chart with a veteran backup and a reclamation project.
Ultimately, the Seahawks won out, sending a third- and fifth-round pick to Washington for Howell, a fourth-round pick, and a sixth-round pick. Seattle has made it very clear that Geno Smith still sits atop the depth chart, although general manager John Schneider recently admitted that his newest acquisition could “absolutely” be a full-time starter (via Henderson).
Howell was sacked a league-high 65 times last season. As Henderson notes, part of that blame has been placed on Howell, who has been criticized for holding the ball too long. However, the Seahawks are convinced the QB was “hesitant while playing behind a struggling O-line,” and he could excel with better personnel.
With that in mind, the Seahawks still have work to do on their own offensive line, with both guard spots currently open. Henderson points to free agents Laken Tomlinson and Cody Whitehair as two potential targets for the organization.
Commanders To Sign WR Olamide Zaccheaus
Following a one-year stop in Philadelphia, Olamide Zaccheaus will be sticking in the NFC East. The veteran wide receiver has agreed to a contract with the Commanders, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
The former undrafted free agent made a name for himself in Atlanta, where he spent the first four seasons of his career. Zaccheaus earned a larger role each season during his time with the Falcons, culminating in a 2022 campaign where he hauled in 40 receptions for 533 yards and three touchdowns. The wideout spent two of his four seasons with the Falcons playing under current Commanders head coach Dan Quinn.
He caught on with the Eagles last offseason and proceeded to get into every game for his new squad. Zaccheaus mostly served as the third receiver behind A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but that still only resulted in 10 catches.
In Washington, Zaccheaus could settle into that familiar WR3 role behind Terry McLaurin and Jahan Dotson. Swiff Army Knife weapon Curtis Samuel won’t be part of Kliff Kingsbury‘s first offense in Washington, so there are some WR snaps to go around. The team gave Dyami Brown a look last year, and the 2021 third-round pick should compete for reps behind the top-two wideouts. The team also re-signed veteran Jamison Crowder, so there’s a bit of competition for Zaccheaus to overcome.
Chiefs Sign Rugby Star Louis Rees-Zammit
The Chiefs are getting creative as they seek some additional offensive firepower. The team is set to sign rugby star Louis Rees-Zammit, according to Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
The 23-year-old worked out for the Chiefs earlier this week and impressed the staff. According to Schultz, Rees-Zammit attracted interest from around the NFL, as the rugby wing also visited with the Jets, Browns, and Broncos. Rees-Zammit previously announced that he’d be leaving Gloucester Rugby with the hopes of catching on with the NFL International Player Pathway Program.
In Kansas City, Rees-Zammit will be utilized in a running back/wide receiver hybrid role. The six-foot-three athlete will also be utilized in the return game, with Schultz noting that the NFL’s recent kickoff rule changes could make Rees-Zammit a “significant” addition. Per the new rule, only the kicker and returner can move before the ball hits the ground, a change that the NFL is hoping will reduce high-speed collisions.
Rees-Zammit posted a 4.43-second 40-yard dash time during his pro day last week. He also recorded a 9’7″ broad jump and 29″ vertical jump, per Timothy Rapp of Bleacher Report. The rookie certainly possesses the physical attributes to contribute in both the receiving and running game, and he could earn a roster spot on an uncertain Kansas City depth chart.
The Chiefs brought in Marquise Brown to partly solve their WR woes, adding him to a grouping that already includes holdovers like Rashee Rice, Justin Watson, Skyy Moore, and Kadarius Toney. Rees-Zammit might have an easier path to playing time at the RB position, where the team still hasn’t re-signed Jerick McKinnon. That opens up a third-down role behind Isiah Pacheco, where Rees-Zammit could compete with the likes of La’Mical Perine, Deneric Prince, and Keaontay Ingram.
Panthers To Re-Sign S Sam Franklin
While another Panthers move will steal the headlines, the team also managed to retain one of their special teams aces today. According to Joe Person of The Athletic, the Panthers are re-signing safety/core special teamer Sam Franklin. It’s a one-year deal for the veteran.
[RELATED: Panthers Sign OLB Jadeveon Clowney]
Franklin has spent his entire career in Carolina, joining the organization as an undrafted free agent out of Temple in 2020. He’s had an inconsistent defensive role through his first four seasons in the league, starting only nine of his 64 appearances. However, he’s managed to make an impact on special teams, averaging more than 270 ST snaps during that four-year span.
The 28-year-old actually got into a career-high 289 defensive snaps in 2023, finishing the season with a career-high 30 tackles. He also snagged his first career interception, returning it 99 yards for a touchdown.
While Franklin will continue to see a significant special teams role in 2024, he may not have the same opportunity on defense. The safety’s snaps last season mostly came when Xavier Woods and Vonn Bell were out of the lineup. While Bell is gone, the team has brought in Jordan Fuller and Nick Scott via free agency, pushing Franklin back towards the bottom of the depth chart.