Colts To Sign DE Samson Ebukam
Samson Ebukam has found a new home. The free agent defensive end is signing with the Colts, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
Ebukam is inking a three-year deal with the Colts. The contract can be worth up to $27MM, including more than $11MM due in the first year.
The former fourth-round pick played out his rookie contract with the Rams before inking a two-year deal with the 49ers prior to the 2021 campaign. After starting 11 of his 17 appearances during his first year in San Francisco, Ebukam started all 15 of his appearances in 2022.
He ultimately finished this past season with 36 tackles and career-highs in sacks (five) and QB hits (13). Pro Football Focus only ranked him 72nd among 119 qualifying edge defenders, although they did grade him as an above-average option at the position in 2021. At the very least, he should help fortify a Colts pass rush that’s also brought in linebacker E.J. Speed.
As for the 49ers, the team will need to find a new rusher to play opposite Nick Bosa. With Javon Hargrave now in the picture, Arik Armstead could end up seeing more time on the edge in 2023.
Patriots To Re-Sign S Jabrill Peppers
Jabrill Peppers is sticking around New England. The safety is re-signing with the Patriots, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Peppers is inking a new two-year deal.
[RELATED: Patriots S Devin McCourty To Retire]
This contract includes a max value of $11MM, per ESPN.com’s Field Yates, who adds $6MM will be guaranteed (Twitter link). Coming off an injury in 2022, Peppers signed a one-year deal worth $2MM. He upped his value a bit with the Pats last season.
A former first-round pick by the Browns, Peppers had an uneven three years with the Giants. His final year in New York ended prematurely when the player suffered a torn ACL and high ankle sprain, and Peppers ended up settling for a one-year pact with the Patriots last offseason.
Despite having to come back from the severe injury, Peppers managed to appear in all 17 games for New England last season, collecting 60 tackles. He ended up grading as PFF’s 16th safety (among 88 qualifiers), the first time he cracked the top-20 at his position since the 2018 campaign.
Peppers was used as a bit of a Swiss Army Knife last season, splitting time between the box, the slot, deep in the secondary, and the perimeter. With Devin McCourty retired and out of the picture in 2023, there’s a chance that Peppers serves as more of a traditional safety in 2023, although with Adrian Phillips still on the roster, the Patriots could continue to take advantage of Peppers’ versatility.
Falcons To Re-Sign OL Kaleb McGary
The Falcons are retaining a key piece on their offensive line. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta has agreed to a deal with offensive lineman Kaleb McGary.
As Rapoport notes on Twitter, it appeared that the offensive lineman was heading elsewhere. However, the Falcons continued to negotiate with the lineman, and the two sides ultimately agreed to a new deal.
That new deal is a three-year pact worth $34.5MM, according to Rapoport. This is a significant deal when compared to some of the deals signed by other top free agent linemen. Jawaan Taylor inked a four-year, $80MM deal with the Chiefs, while Mike McGlinchey received a five-year, $87.5MM deal from the Broncos.
Last year at this time, it was uncertain if McGary would even be able to secure a multiyear deal. The former first-round pick had his fifth-year option declined, making him a free agent this offseason. With free agency coming a year early, McGary showed up in a big way. After grading out as a below-average offensive tackle through his first three seasons in the NFL, he finished fourth among 81 qualifying offensive tackles in 2022, per PFF. This included the league’s second-best mark in run blocking.
Now, he’ll have a chance to build off his breakout season without having to make an offseason move to a new squad. The new contract will keep him in Atlanta through the 2025 season.
Raiders To Sign WR Phillip Dorsett
Josh McDaniels has recruited yet another former Patriots player to Las Vegas. Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (via Twitter) that the Raiders have reached an agreement with free agent wideout Phillip Dorsett.
[RELATED: Raiders To Trade Darren Waller To Giants]
The former first-round pick was paired with McDaniels in New England for three seasons. Despite receiving passes from Tom Brady, Dorsett still wasn’t able to show his first-round pedigree during his time with the Patriots. In 45 games (eight starts) with the organization, Dorsett had 73 receptions for 881 yards and eight touchdowns.
After bouncing around the NFL during the 2021 campaign, Dorsett found a full-time gig in Houston for the 2022 campaign. The wideout got into 15 games (four starts) last year, finishing with 20 receptions for 257 yards and one touchdown.
Dorsett will be joining a new-look Raiders offense in 2023. McDaniels has brought in a pair of Patriots players already, signing quarterback Jimmy Garoppolo and wideout Jakobi Meyers. The Raiders are also rostering running back/special teamer Brandon Bolden and fullback Jakob Johnson, both former Patriots.
Dorsett will likely find himself behind Meyers, Davante Adams, and Hunter Renfrow on the depth chart, although the Raiders did open up some targets today when they traded tight end Darren Waller.
Cowboys Considered Darius Slay As Trade Option
The Cowboys made a splash in their secondary today when they acquired former Defensive Player of the Year Stephon Gilmore. Before they acquired the cornerback from the Colts, Dallas pondered making a call to a division rival.
[RELATED: Colts To Trade Stephon Gilmore To Cowboys]
While an initial report indicated the Cowboys discussed Darius Slay with the Eagles, these proceedings might not have progressed that far. ESPN’s Todd Archer clarifies on Twitter that the Eagles did not reach out to Dallas, so the Cowboys were clearly sniffing around at CB options. But the team had Slay on the radar. Jane Slater of the NFL Network tweets that the Cowboys indeed kicked around the idea of acquiring Slay.
While the Cowboys could theoretically carve out enough room to afford a pair of pricey cornerbacks, there’s a better chance the two potential moves were mutually exclusive, meaning Dallas preferred Gilmore.
Slay was recently granted permission to seek a trade out of Philly. It’s uncertain which side opted for a divorce; there were reports that the Eagles wanted to keep the cornerback around and that Slay wanted to stay in Philadelphia. The most likely explanation is that the Eagles wanted Slay to take a pay cut, and both sides may be exhausting their options before the player gives in to a reduced contract or is cut.
One year remains on Slay’s Eagles extension, a three-year pact worth $50MM. The 11th-year veteran is attached to a $17MM base salary in 2023 and a lofty $26.1MM cap number thanks to restructures in 2021 and 2022. No guaranteed money remains on the deal. The team could open up $17.5MM in cap space by making Slay a post-June 1 cut.
Addressing the trade topic on his latest podcast, Slay said he still wants to finish his career with the Eagles. That said, he confirmed he will continue his career elsewhere if that is what the Eagles end up deciding. The team locked up James Bradberry earlier today.
“I know what’s going on. I hear the rumors; I hear everything,” Slay said (h/t NBC Sports Philadelphia). “I see everything all over the globe, all over the internet and I just want my fans to know Slay did not ask to be traded. But this is part of the business. There’s no bad blood against neither one of us, me or Howie [Roseman]. None of that. We all good, great understanding. It’s just the business part of it. A lot of guys go up for trades, you know, they got a lot of money involved in this situation so it’s nothing big, nothing too serious. It’s just part of the business, man.
“I do want to finish my career as an Eagle but we’ll see. We be looking forward to it, man. Got time here. But best believe, I do want to be an Eagle. But if my job requires me to go elsewhere, then I’ll go.”
Since joining the Eagles in 2020, the cornerback has earned a pair of Pro Bowl nods. This past season, Slay finished with 55 tackles, 14 passes defended, and three interceptions. He ended up landing at 21st among 118 qualifying cornerbacks in 2022, per Pro Football Focus…a considerable drop from his fourth-place finish in 2021 but a significant jump from his grades in 2019 and 2020. For comparison’s sake, Gilmore finished this past season as PFF’s ninth-best CB.
Cardinals To Sign LB Kyzir White
Another Eagles defender is out the door. Linebacker Kyzir White is signing with the Cardinals, reports Jordan Schultz of The Score (via Twitter).
White is inking a two-year deal that can max out at $11MM, per Schultz. The linebacker played last season on a one-year, $5MM deal, and he parlayed his strong performance into a multiyear contract.
White, a former fourth-round pick, took on a larger role during each of his four seasons with the Chargers. This culminated in a breakout 2021 campaign where he finished with 144 tackles, two interceptions, and a pair of forced fumbles. Despite the strong numbers, he had to settle for a one-year deal with Philly last offseason, and he ended up emerging as a key piece on the Eagles defense.
The linebacker started eight of his 17 games, finishing with 110 tackles and 1.5 sacks. He added another 11 stops in three postseason appearances. Pro Football Focus ended up ranking the 26-year-old 33rd among 81 qualifying linebackers. Today’s move will reunite White with new Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon, who was Philly’s defensive coordinator last season.
With both White and T.J. Edwards gone, the Eagles will be searching for two new starting LBs next season. Javon Hargrave and Marcus Epps have also left in free agency and opened holes on Philly’s defense.
Eagles To Re-Sign RB Boston Scott
The Eagles have been busy today in terms of deals concerning their backfield, and one involving an incumbent has been agreed to. Philadelphia is set to re-sign running back Boston Scott, reports Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). The contract is one year in length, and has a value of roughly $2MM, Pelissero adds.
[RELATED: Eagles Agree To Terms With RB Rashaad Penny]
Besides a brief stint with the Saints, Scott has spent his entire five-year career with the Eagles. He’s been a valuable reserve/spot starter for the Eagles, collecting 17 total touchdowns over the past four seasons. He’s been especially productive against the Giants, collecting 11 touchdowns and 668 yards from scrimmage.
Scott’s numbers were down a bit in 2022 following three-straight years of contributing at least 400 yards from scrimmage. He ultimately finished the 2022 campaign with 232 yards from scrimmage and a pair of touchdowns before adding another 70 yards and two scores in three postseason games.
Earlier today, the Eagles agreed to terms on a deal with running back Rashaad Penny. The NFC champions enjoyed a career year from Miles Sanders in 2022 as the focal point of their elite rushing attack, but with the starter poised to be the best available FA option at the position, the Eagles likely determined that he priced himself out of Philly.
Falcons To Sign LB Kaden Elliss
The Falcons aren’t done making big moves on defense. This time, the team is adding free agent linebacker Kaden Elliss, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
[RELATED: Falcons To Sign S Jessie Bates]
The former seventh-round pick had a breakout season in 2022. Elliss ended up starting 11 of his 17 appearances, finishing with 78 tackles, seven sacks, and a pair of forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus was particularly fond of his performance, ranking him seventh among 81 qualifying linebackers.
The breakout season couldn’t have come at a better time with Elliss hitting free agency this offseason. The Saints surely won’t be happy that the pass-rusher will be heading to a division rival, but Atlanta surely had to pay up for the free agent’s services. Indeed, it’s a three-year, $21.5MM contract, including $11MM guaranteed, per Raport (on Twitter).
Elliss will be relied on to help turn around one of the league’s worst pass-rushing units in 2022. The Falcons finished last season with only 21 sacks, the second-lowest total in the NFL. He’ll be following new Falcons defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen to Atlanta; the coach served as New Orleans’ co-defensive coordinator last year after a long stint as their defensive line coach.
The Falcons have been busy spending on defense today. The front office gave safety Jessie Bates a $64MM contract and handed defensive tackle David Onyemata a $35MM deal.
Chargers To Sign LB Eric Kendricks
Eric Kendricks is heading to the west coast. The long-time Vikings linebacker is signing with the Chargers, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter).
Kendricks agreed to a two-year deal worth $13.25MM, Rapoport adds (on Twitter). The UCLA alum will receive $6.75MM guaranteed, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets. The Chargers will have a decision to make ahead of this contract’s second year, with Wilson adding Kendricks is due a $1.5MM roster bonus on Day 3 of the 2024 league year.
The Vikings cut the veteran linebacker last week, providing the team with $9.5MM in cap relief. The move ended Kendricks’ eight-year stint in Minnesota that saw him collect at least 90 tackles each season. He earned a first-time All-Pro nod and a Pro Bowl appearance in 2019, and he’ll end his Vikings tenure with the third-most total tackles (919) and top-10 marks in tackles for loss (54) and passes defended (51).
Kendricks was set to enter the final year of a $50MM contract he inked with the organization in 2018. Thanks to a subsequent restructure, he was set to earn more than $11MM in 2023. The team decided to take the savings and move on from Kendricks as they look to revamp that side of the ball.
The Chargers will still be getting a highly productive linebacker. The 31-year-old finished the 2022 season with 137 tackles and eight tackles for loss, although Pro Football Focus only ranked him 50th among 81 qualifying linebackers.
Drue Tranquill was the Chargers’ most productive linebacker last season but is currently an unrestricted free agent. Kendricks could easily fill Tranquill’s role, but considering the team’s lack of depth at the position, it’s within the realm of possibility that the Chargers still retain their free agent.
Falcons To Re-Sign P Bradley Pinion, FB Keith Smith
The Falcons have re-signed a pair of key special teamers. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that Atlanta has re-signed punter Bradley Pinion. Meanwhile, Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (on Twitter) that the Falcons have re-signed fullback Keith Smith.
Pinion is inking a three-year pact worth $8.65MM, putting him in the top-eight of the highest-paid punters. The deal includes $4.325MM in guaranteed money, with Pinion taking home $3.5MM of that guaranteed money in 2023.
Pinion was the only punter selected during the 2015 draft, going in the fifth round to the 49ers. He spent four years in San Francisco before a three-year stint with the Buccaneers that saw him earn a Super Bowl ring. He spent this past season with the Falcons, where he recorded a career-high 45.9 average yards per punt.
Smith has spent the past four seasons in Atlanta, collecting four tackles while appearing in more than 1,000 special teams snaps. Smith has also had a minor role as a blocker on offense, and he’s even had some brief cameos in the receiving game. In four years with the Falcons, the 30-year-old has collected 22 receptions.