Raiders To Re-Sign DL Adam Butler
Adam Butler is returning to Las Vegas. The defensive lineman is re-signing with the Raiders, according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler. It’ll be a one-year deal for the veteran.
After sitting out the 2022 campaign and settling for a reserve/futures contract with the Raiders last January, Butler proceeded to have one of the most productive seasons of his career in 2023. He finished the campaign having compiled 28 tackles and five sacks, and despite not starting any of his 17 appearances, he got into close to half of the Raiders’ defensive snaps. Pro Football Focus ranked Butler as a slightly above-average interior defender in 2023, although the site was particularly high on his pass-rush ability.
Butler spent four seasons with the Patriots to begin his career, including 2019 and 2020 campaigns where he combined for 10 sacks. He inked a two-year deal with Miami in 2021, but he only lasted one season with the team before getting released due to a failed physical. Butler ended up sitting out that subsequent 2022 campaign, but he rebounded nicely during his lone season in Las Vegas.
Butler should provide some continuity to the Raiders’ new-look DT corps in 2024. The team brought in a major name in Christian Wilkins to lead the grouping, while Bilal Nichols and Jerry Tillery have both left via free agency (John Jenkins remains unsigned). Butler could be in line for an even bigger role next season, although the Raiders will surely look for additional depth through the draft.
Texans, Jets Considered Keenan Allen Trades
Before Keenan Allen landed with the Bears, the veteran wideout attracted interest from a couple of other suitors. During his press conference today in Chicago, Allen said the Texans and Jets were the only other teams to express interest in a trade (via Adam Jahns of The Athletic).
[RELATED: Chargers Trade Keenan Allen To Bears]
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, the Texans finished second in the sweepstakes. The team offered the Chargers a 2025 third-round pick in exchange for Allen and a later pick. Instead, the Chargers opted for Chicago’s deal, accepting a fourth-round pick for the receiver.
As the Texans look to surround C.J. Stroud with as many weapons as possible, the organization has been mentioned a suitor for many wide receivers. Wilson writes that the rumors connecting the organization to some of the biggest names on the WR market are “inaccurate,” with the reporter pointing specifically to Deebo Samuel.
At the moment, Houston is set to return their same WR depth chart as 2023, with Nico Collins, Tank Dell, Robert Woods, and recent re-signee Noah Brown leading the way. Considering the youth on offense, it isn’t a surprise the Texans would be eyeing a reliable veteran like Allen. On the flip side, considering the team’s depth, the front office doesn’t have to act with any urgency.
Meanwhile, the Jets’ interest in Allen was mostly exploratory. As Dianna Russini of The Athletic passes along, the Jets did not make an offer for the former Chargers wide receiver.
The Jets have Garrett Wilson firmly atop the depth chart, but the team would be a natural fit for another talented pass-catcher. The team got disappointing results from ex-Packers Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb in 2023, but the duo’s struggles could be partly attributed to poor QB play. UDFAs Xavier Gipson and Jason Brownlee took on expanded roles as the 2023 campaign went along, but with Aaron Rodgers back in 2024, the team may not want to be as reliant on the young wideouts.
Chargers Trade Keenan Allen To Bears
The Chargers’ cap crunch has forced the team to move on from their longest-tenured player. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chargers are dealing wide receiver Keenan Allen to the Bears. FOX Sports’ Jay Glazer was first with the news.
Los Angeles will receive a fourth-round pick in return. Per Albert Breer of TheMMQB, the Chargers are receiving the earliest of the Bears’ two fourth-round picks (No. 110).
With the Chargers needing to clear $27MM to reach cap compliance, eyes immediately focused on their four massive cap hits: Allen, Mike Williams, Khalil Mack, and Joey Bosa. The front office put in extra work yesterday before the mandatory cap deadline, releasing Williams and reworking the contracts of both Mack and Bosa. Those three transactions didn’t mark the end of their efforts, however.
According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, the Chargers approached Allen about taking a pay cut today. The receiver refused, and the organization promptly dealt the player to Chicago. The wideout is attached to a $34MM-plus cap hit in 2024, and on top of his $18MM-plus base salary, he’s due more than $5MM via a roster bonus this month. Allen is still attached to a four-year, $80.1MM extension he signed with the Chargers back in 2020.
Even while the Chargers’ cap sheet continued to be untenable following yesterday’s machinations, an Allen trade is still a shocking development. When asked last month about his future in Los Angeles, the receiver definitively stated he’d be back with the team in 2024. And as the organization navigated their impending cap crunch, reports indicated that the veteran wideout was the safest among the team’s four highest-paid players.
Instead, Allen’s tenure with the organization will end after 11 seasons. The receiver wasn’t able to catch former tight end Antonio Gates‘ many receiving records, but Allen will still leave the organization ranked second in receptions (904) and receiving yards (10,530) and third in touchdown receptions (59). The former third-round pick earned six Pro Bowl nods throughout his career with the Chargers, and he’s topped 1,000 receiving yards in five of his last seven seasons. This includes a 2023 campaign where the 31-year-old hauled in a career-high 108 catches for 1,243 receiving yards and seven touchdowns.
After acquiring D.J. Moore last offseason, the Bears are making another splashy move at the position. The expectation is that the Bears will trade Justin Fields and select USC’s Caleb Williams with the first-overall pick, and they’re certainly preparing the incoming rookie for success. The Bears have also added running back D’Andre Swift and tight end Gerald Everett to the offense, providing their 2024 quarterback with plenty of worthy targets.
Regardless of who is under center next season, it shouldn’t take long for Allen to get acclimated. New Bears receivers coach Chris Beatty spent the previous three seasons with the Chargers, so the coaching staff surely knows what they have in the veteran acquisition.
Things aren’t nearly as rosy in Los Angeles. Justin Herbert has watched as his top two receivers (Allen, Williams), his top tight end (Everett), and his top running back (Austin Ekeler) have all left the organization this past week. The Chargers did use a first-round pick on Quentin Johnston last year, and the organization will surely be banking on a big season from the second-year pro. The Chargers are also armed with the fifth-overall pick in the draft. That might not be enough to draft someone like Marvin Harrison Jr., but the organization should still be able to snag one of the draft’s other elite WR prospects.
Chiefs To Sign WR Marquise Brown
Following a season of inconsistency from Chiefs receivers, the organization is adding a notable name to Patrick Mahomes‘ arsenal. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Chiefs are signing wideout Marquise Brown.
“Hollywood” is signing a one-year deal worth up to $11MM, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Albert Breer of TheMMQB clarifies that the former first-round pick will earn a $7MM base with another $4MM via incentives and/or bonuses.
While free agency’s other top receivers (Calvin Ridley, Gabe Davis) earned multi-year deals, Brown ultimately had to settle for a one-year prove-it deal before hitting the market again next offseason. That arrangement seemingly intrigued a number of teams, as Russini notes that Brown garnered interest “from all around the league.”
It was uncertain if the Chiefs would be willing to open up the checkbook for an offensive weapon this soon. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport noted the prevailing sentiment was that the organization needed to trade L’Jarius Sneed before making a big-name signing. Instead, the Chiefs locked up a talented wideout on a reasonable deal.
Brown’s career has been highlighted by his own inconsistency. He started his career tied to one of the NFL’s most run-heavy offenses, but he still managed to build on his numbers in each of his three seasons with the Ravens. This culminated in a 2021 campaign where he topped 1,000 yards from scrimmage, although his six touchdowns marked his lowest total during his Baltimore tenure.
Despite the growing offensive role, Brown expressed discontent with his team’s offense and asked for a trade. The Ravens found a taker in Arizona, with the Cardinals sending a first-round pick for Brown and a third-round selection in 2022. The move reunited Brown with his college quarterback in Kyler Murray, but the receiver wasn’t able to elevate his play during his time in the desert.
Of course, that wasn’t entirely Brown’s fault. The Cardinals started seven different QBs over the past two seasons, which was thanks in part to Murray suffering an ACL tear during the 2022 finale. Brown struggled with his own injury woes, battling through foot and heel issues over the past two years. After finishing with 67 catches for 709 yards during his first season in Arizona, Brown was limited to only 51 catches for a career-low 574 yards in 2023.
Still, Brown provides the Chiefs with a high-upside target, and they’ve showed that they can win despite WR issues. Rashee Rice emerged as a rookie in 2023, and Travis Kelce will continue to command many of Mahomes’ targets. But other than that duo, the QB’s top options included the likes of Skyy Moore, Justin Watson, and Kadarius Toney.
Just Brown’s 1,000-yard pedigree gives him a higher upside than many of his teammates. Entering his age-27 season, Brown could help the offense rebound following a relatively underwhelming regular-season performance in 2023.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/14/24
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Re-signed: WR KhaDarel Hodge, OL Storm Norton
Baltimore Ravens
- Re-signed: S Ar’Darius Washington
Chicago Bears
- Signed: OT Jake Curhan
Dallas Cowboys
- Re-signed: DB C.J. Goodwin
Green Bay Packers
- Re-signed: LB Kristian Welch
Indianapolis Colts
- Re-signed: RB Trey Sermon
Kansas City Chiefs
- Re-signed: DT Tershawn Wharton
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: TE Jody Fortson, DL Jonathan Harris
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Trent Sherfield
New York Jets
- Re-signed: OL Jake Hanson
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: LS Christian Kuntz
Tennessee Titans
- Re-signed: LB Jack Gibbens
Washington Commanders
- Signed: LB Anthony Pittman
Cardinals To Sign WR Chris Moore
After swapping Rondale Moore for Desmond Ridder, the Cardinals are quickly adding some receiver depth. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo, the Cardinals are signing wideout Chris Moore to a one-year deal.
[RELATED: Cardinals, Falcons Finalizing Desmond Ridder Trade]
The former fourth-round pick spent five forgettable seasons in Baltimore before catching on with Houston in 2021. After hauling in 21 receptions during his first season with the Texans, Moore saw a much larger offensive role in 2022. He finished that season with 48 catches for 548 yards, earning him a contract with the Titans last offseason.
The 30-year-old started five of his 17 appearances for Tennessee, snagging 22 receptions for 424 yards. He also returned a handful of kickoffs for the first time since 2019. Adding to Moore’s intrigue is his blocking ability; Pro Football Focus graded him as a top-20 pass-blocking WR in 2023.
With Marquise Brown still unsigned, the Cardinals could be eyeing a new receivers corps in 2024. The team’s depth chart is currently topped by Michael Wilson and Greg Dortch, but the Cardinals should be in prime position to select the draft’s top receiver prospect, Marvin Harrison Jr., with the fourth-overall pick.
Steelers To Re-Sign DL Montravius Adams
Montravius Adams has found a home in Pittsburgh in recent years, and the Steelers will continue to hang on to the defensive lineman. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports that the Steelers are re-signing Adams. The veteran will get a new two-year deal from the Steelers.
Adams spent parts of the 2021 campaign in New England and New Orleans before catching on with the Steelers. He started four of his five appearances down the stretch of that season, and he’s started 17 of his 30 appearances over the past two campaigns.
The 28-year-old has combined for 50 tackles over the past two years, and he finished this past season with a forced fumble and a pair of tackles for loss. Pro Football Focus ranked him 72nd among 130 qualifying interior defenders this past season, with the site being particularly bullish on his pass-rush skills.
Rookie Keeanu Benton leaped Adams on the depth chart this past season. When the veteran returned from a midseason leg injury, he was playing on about a third of his team’s defensive snaps. Barring a move, Adams will likely be eyeing a similar backup role in 2024.
Saints To Sign WR Cedrick Wilson Jr.
Cedrick Wilson Jr. is back in the NFC. Following a two-year stop in Miami, the wide receiver is set to sign with the Saints, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. Wilson will be inking a two-year deal with New Orleans.
Wilson made a name for himself in Dallas, transforming from little-used sixth-round pick into a consistent member of the offense. The receiver had a career year in 2021 despite playing alongside CeeDee Lamb, Amari Cooper, and Michael Gallup. Wilson finished that campaign with 45 catches for 602 yards and six touchdowns, and he added another five receptions in his lone playoff game.
Wilson parlayed that performance into a three-year, $22.8MM deal with the Dolphins in 2022. Unfortunately, he could never establish himself as the true WR3 behind Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle. While Wilson got into 30 games through his two seasons with the Dolphins, he was limited to only 34 catches for 432 yards and three scores. The veteran restructured his deal last offseason, making him a free agent following the 2023 campaign.
Michael Thomas was cut by the Saints earlier this week, leaving the team with a barren WRs depth chart. The grouping is still led by Chris Olave, but the rest of the WRs room consists only of Rashid Shaheed and A.T. Perry. The team will surely add more depth before the offseason is through, but Wilson should have an opportunity to contribute regardless of any future acquisitions.
Chargers To Sign DL Poona Ford
Following a one-year stop with the Bills, defensive tackle Poona Ford will be joining Jim Harbaugh’s first Chargers squad. According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 in Houston, Ford is signing a one-year deal with the Chargers.
The defensive lineman joined the Bills on a one-year deal last offseason. There was optimism that the sixth-year player could provide some consistency on Buffalo’s defensive line. Ford previously started 63 games for the Seahawks between 2019 and 2022, and that experience was a big reason why the Bills brought him on.
Things couldn’t have gone much worse for Ford. He was inactive for more than half of Buffalo’s games, and he was limited to only a part-time role in his eight appearances. He was firmly behind Ed Oliver, Tim Settle, and Jordan Phillips on the depth chart, and Linval Joseph eventually got an extended look ahead of the free agent acquisition. Ford ultimately finished the campaign with nine tackles and one sack.
In Los Angeles, Ford will look to rehabilitate his value following a down season. The five-foot-eleven, 311-pound lineman will provide the Chargers with some defensive line depth, although he could earn himself a larger role. The team’s DL depth currently consists of the likes of Morgan Fox, Otito Ogbonnia, Scott Matlock, and Christopher Hinton.
Seahawks To Sign LB Tyrel Dodson
Following a career-best season in 2023, Tyrel Dodson is heading west. The former Bills linebacker is signing with the Seahawks, according to Bleacher Report’s Jordan Schultz.
The former UDFA out of Texas A&M had spent his entire five-year career with the Bills. A suspension and a practice-squad stint led to a redshirt rookie campaign, and Dodson mostly played a special teams role in 2020 and 2021. After seeing an uptick in defensive snaps in 2022, the fifth-year player took off in 2023.
Dodson started 10 of his 17 appearances this past season while getting into more than half of the Bills’ defensive snaps. He finished the campaign with 74 tackles, 2.5 sacks, and one forced fumble. Pro Football Focus was especially fond of his performance, ranking Dodson as their top linebacker for the 2023 season. The 25-year-old’s PFF grade was brought up by elite scores for run defense and coverage.
The Seahawks have lost some significant linebacker depth in free agency, with both Jordyn Brooks and Bobby Wagner signing elsewhere. Dodson provides the organization with some experience at outside linebacker. The team’s other options include Patrick O’Connell, Jon Rhattigan, and Drake Thomas; that trio has combined for 23 career defensive snaps.