Buccaneers Notes: Rudolph, Jones, Linebackers
The Buccaneers signed Kyle Rudolph about a month after Rob Gronkowski hung up his cleats, but Rudolph’s path to Tampa Bay started before his peer’s retirement. According to Joey Knight of the Tampa Bay Times, Tom Brady recruited Rudolph to the Buccaneers before Gronk announced his retirement.
Speaking to reporters today, Rudolph acknowledged that Brady’s presence and the Buccaneers’ winning culture influenced his decision to join Tampa Bay. While he’ll likely replace Gronk atop the Buccaneers’ TE depth chart, the veteran made it clear that he’s got a long way to go to replace the future Hall of Famer on the stat sheet.
“Those shoes are way too big to fill, and I’ve got pretty big feet,” Rudolph said. “I feel like there’s so much ground to make up, and I don’t have 10 years of experience with Tom to make it up. We play the Dallas Cowboys in Week 1 in September, and my goal is to go out there that week and be on the same page with Tom like we have been playing together for 10 years.”
Head coach Todd Bowles shared a similar sentiment. While he noted that there’s no replacing Gronkowski’s spot on the field, he anticipates Rudolph playing an important role on this squad.
“He brings intelligence, he brings toughness, he brings savvy, and he’s played the game for a while,” Bowles said. “You’re not going to replace Gronk. We’ve got to do that in a variety of ways, whether it’s running back, the other tight ends, the receivers. … But he brings us a veteran presence, understanding the ball game and he learns fast, so he’ll help us on Sundays.”
More notes out of Tampa Bay…
- Speaking of Rudolph, the tight end’s one-year contract contains a base pay worth $2MM, according to Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com. Rudolph can make another $1.5MM in incentives, bumping the maximum value to $3.5MM. The deal includes $1.5MM in guaranteed money, and considering the commitment, Florio thinks it’s pretty clear that Rudolph will ultimately make the 53-man roster. Greg Auman of The Athletic shares details (on Twitter) of Rudolph’s incentives, which includes $375k in 46-man roster bonuses, $375k for 30 receptions, an additional $250k for 40 receptions, an additional $250k for 50 receptions, and $250k for a Pro Bowl selection.
- Julio Jones‘ contract with the Buccaneers also contains a number of incentives. According to Auman (on Twitter), the wideout has 10 bonuses worth $200K: bonuses for each of 50/60/70/80 receptions, bonuses for each of 600/700/800/900 receiving yards, a bonus for an NFC title, and a bonus for a Super Bowl victory. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Field Yates tweets that the Buccaneers included four void years on the receiver’s contract, a tactic the front office has used frequently in recent years. As a result of this move, Jones has a cap number that’s barely above $2MM.
- Auman speculates that the Buccaneers could add an inside linebacker and an outside linebacker before the start of the season. At ILB, the team is hoping that Devin White and Lavonte David will stand out at the position, but both players have their fair share of question marks and the Buccaneers lack depth behind the duo. At OLB, the team is still seeking a replacement for Jason Pierre-Paul. 2021 first-round pick Joe Tryon-Shoyinka could ultimately be the answer opposite Shaq Barrett, but similar to the other linebacker position, Tampa Bay lacks depth behind their two starters.
Lamar Jackson Discusses Extension Negotiations
Much of the talk surrounding Lamar Jackson‘s ongoing negotiations with the Ravens has been based on speculation. Now, we’re hearing directly from the source. The quarterback told reporters today that he continues to negotiate a new deal with the Ravens, although he was clear that the two sides were “keeping [details] in-house.” When asked if he believed he’d ultimately agree to an extension, the quarterback expressed optimism about a deal.
[RELATED: Latest On Lamar Jackson Contract Talks]
“I think so. I think so. I think so. We’ll have to see,” Jackson said (via ESPN’s Jamison Hensley).
Jackson did tell reporters that he’s got a clear “cutoff” date for negotiations, so the Ravens are working against an unofficial deadline (whenever that may be, although Jackson was speaking to a question regarding Baltimore’s September 11 opener). ESPN’s Jeff Darlington tweets that we’ll get clarity on negotiations soon; either Jackson agrees to a new deal with the Ravens or he stops negotiations with a focus on the 2022 campaign. The 25-year-old is slated to earn $23MM in 2022 on the fifth-year option.
The former MVP is one of the few NFL players who doesn’t have an agent and represents himself. When asked if he thought about staging a “hold in” and avoiding on-field work during the first days of training camp, Jackson made it clear that he never considered the negotiating tactic.
“I want to win at the end of the day. I just want to be great,” Jackson said. “I just want to work with my brothers. I don’t want to leave them out there hanging. That’s not me. That’s never been me.”
At the very least, this is good news for Ravens fans, as there were some question marks surrounding Jackson’s desire to stay in Baltimore long-term. We heard earlier today that Jackson was interested in sticking around Baltimore and was discussing a new contract with the organization, although no agreement was imminent.
Seahawks, DK Metcalf Agree To Extension
DK Metcalf is sticking around Seattle for the foreseeable future. The receiver has agreed to an extension with the Seahawks, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). Jordan Schultz of Boardroom was first with the news (on Twitter).
The former second-round pick got a three-year extension worth $72MM, including $58.2MM guaranteed. The deal also includes a $30MM signing bonus, the largest ever for a wide receiver (per Schefter). By May 2023, Metcalf will have collected $43MM from this deal, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adds.
Metcalf’s agent, Tory Dandy, finalized the deal with Seahawks GM John Schneider and exec Matt Thomas this afternoon. Interestingly, Dandy is also the agent for 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel, another star receiver from the 2019 draft who’s awaiting an extension.
Metcalf had one year remaining on his rookie contract at just under $4MM. He’ll now be signed through the 2025 campaign, allowing him to get another stab at free agency before his age-28 season. As ESPN’s Brady Henderson points out on Twitter, the Seahawks prefer longer deals when it comes to first-time extensions for players. Ultimately, Metcalf’s camp got their way, leading to a shorter extension that could have been partly inspired by fellow ’19 draft mate Terry McLaurin.
The 24-year-old Metcalf now leads the WR position in guaranteed money, topping the $56.4MM that A.J. Brown got from the Eagles. The total value of the contract ranks 10th at wide receiver (alongside Kenny Golladay and Christian Kirk), and the $24MM average annual value on the three-year extension would rank sixth at the position (tied with Stefon Diggs).
Metcalf sat out mandatory minicamp in pursuit of a new contract. This move surprised some in the organization, and it may have been a bigger shock when the receiver reported to training camp this week but staged a “hold in” while refusing to participate in drills. There seemed to be some optimism that a deal would eventually be signed, although it wasn’t expected to materialize this quickly. Now, the Seahawks will have their top offensive weapon back on the practice field as they prepare for a transitional season on offense.
It didn’t take long for Metcalf to make a name for himself in Seattle. After finishing with 900 receiving yards as a rookie, the wideout earned a Pro Bowl nod and second-team All-Pro recognition in 2020 after finishing with 83 receptions for 1,303 yards and 10 touchdowns. While he hauled in a career-high 12 touchdowns during the 2021 campaign, he saw a dip in his other key numbers (75 receptions, 967 yards). Still, Metcalf was listed 14th among 115 eligible receivers on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the position.
With a pair of mainstays (Russell Wilson, Chris Carson) now out in Seattle, Metcalf will be relied on as the leader of a shaky offense. Fortunately, the receiver has had success with Geno Smith under center, at least in the red zone. In Smith’s three starts last season, Metcalf had 14 receptions for 197 yards and three touchdowns.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/28/22
Today’s minor NFL transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: Antwaun Woods
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DB Henry Black
- Waived: TE Brayden Lenius
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: RB Jacques Patrick
- Placed on IR: RB Elijah Holyfield
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed: WR KaVontae Turpin
- Released: FB Nick Ralston
Detroit Lions
- Signed: OT Darrin Paulo
- Waived/injured: LB Natrez Patrick
Indianapolis Colts
- Activated from NFI: DT Eric Johnson II
Kansas City Chiefs
- Signed: DE Azur Kamara
- Waived: DT Cortez Broughton, TE Mark Vital
New England Patriots
- Signed: WR Josh Hammond
New York Giants
- Signed: LB Austin Calitro
- Waived: LB Justin Hilliard
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: TE Johnathan Howard
- Waived: P Sterling Hofrichter
Tennessee Titans
- Signed: WR Terry Godwin
- Waived: WR Juwan Green
Washington Commanders
- Activated from PUP: C Chase Roullier
Offseason In Review: New England Patriots
Following a busy offseason in 2021, the Patriots stayed relatively quiet in 2022. In the long run, it probably doesn’t matter much. No matter what moves the team could have possibly made this spring, the success of the 2022 Patriots was always going to be dependent on the progression of Mac Jones.
The 15th overall pick in last year’s draft may have been the fifth QB off the board, but he was the only rookie quarterback to make the playoffs and earn a Pro Bowl nod during the 2021 campaign. Still, there’s plenty of room for improvement, and the Patriots’ best chances at another Super Bowl will depend on Jones’ ability to break into at least the top 10 at his position.
Still, following a quiet offseason, the major question in New England is if the Patriots have put Jones in the best position to succeed. Sure, the team has invested plenty in receiver and tight end (including the acquisition of DeVante Parker this offseason). However, following an offseason where division rivals surrounded their young QBs with a first-team All-Pro (Tyreek Hill) and a first-round pick (Garrett Wilson), the Patriots receiving corps certainly looks to be underwhelming.
Further, with Josh McDaniels taking the head coaching job with the Raiders, the Patriots are without an offensive coordinator…and they’re relying on a pair of unconventional options to fill the coaching void.
Ultimately, the Patriots are hoping for internal progression from the squad. Bill Belichick always looms as a threat, but thanks to New England’s offseason moves (or lack thereof), that progression might not be seen in the wins column.
Trades:
- Acquired WR DeVante Parker and 2022 fifth-round pick from Dolphins for 2023 third-round pick
- Traded G Shaq Mason to Buccaneers for 2022 fifth-round pick
- Traded LB Chase Winovich to Browns for LB Mack Wilson
- Traded WR N’Keal Harry to Bears for 2024 seventh-round pick
- Traded QB Jarrett Stidham and 2023 seventh-round pick to Raiders for 2023 sixth-round pick
Despite adding four notable pass catchers during the 2021 offseason (WR Nelson Agholor, WR Kendrick Bourne, TE Hunter Henry, TE Jonnu Smith), there was still an expectation that the Patriot would bring in another target for Jones. In typical fashion, the Patriots ended up ignoring the big-name trade options and pivoted to a division rival’s former first-round pick.
Parker didn’t live up to his first-round billing during his time with the Dolphins. His impression 2019 campaign (72 receptions, 1,202 yards, nine touchdowns) proved to be an outlier. Over the past two seasons, Parker had collected a combined 103 receptions for 1,308 yard and six touchdowns in 24 games. The drop in production could be partly attributed to offensive coaching changes, injuries, and a revolving door at starting QB, but there’s also a reason why the Dolphins have invested so much draft capital into the position over the past two offseasons.
Still, there’s some optimism for Parker in New England. Despite an uneven 2021 campaign, he still ranked just outside the top third of receivers on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of the position (41/115). Parker also has the ability to play in basically any pass-catching role (as John Laghezza of The Athletic detailed), an attribute that will be valued by a Patriots staff that prioritizes versatility.
Considering New England’s pass-catching depth, Parker is going to have a tough time matching his 2019 numbers in New England. However, he clearly has the most upside of any of the Patriots receivers, and considering what it took the Patriots to get him, this move was a no-brainer from New England’s perspective.
Chase Winovich was productive when he was on the field. Through his first two seasons in the NFL, the Michigan product tallied 11 sacks and 22 QB hits in 32 games. However, the defensive end always seemed to find himself in the dog house. For instance, despite starting nine games for New England in 2020, he had five games where he appeared in fewer than 30 defensive snaps. It’s one thing to be a situational pass rusher, but Winovich found himself completely phased out of the defense in a handful of contests.
This culminated in a 2021 campaign where Winovich notched only 11 tackles in 13 games. The Patriots decided to move on, and they acquired a player who was in a similar situation in Cleveland. Mack Wilson started 14 games as a rookie and collected 82 tackles. He started eight of his 13 games in 2020, and by the time the 2021 campaign came to an end, he basically had an even split on defensive and ST snaps.
For a Patriots team that lacks linebacker depth, Wilson could end up playing a significant role in New England in 2022. The same probably couldn’t have been said about Winovich.
The Patriots did a favor for former quarterback Tom Brady when they shipped one of their most veteran blockers in Shaq Mason to Tampa Bay. It was a bit of a surprising move from New England’s perspective. The guard has been a consistent starter since being selected in the fourth round of the 2015 draft, and he hasn’t show any signs of slowing down despite appearing in 103 regular season games and another 13 postseason contests. In 2021, Pro Football Focus ranked Mason fourth among 82 eligible guards.
The addition of rookie Cole Strange removes some of the sting from Mason’s departure, and the Patriots still have a formidable starting offensive line. It’s the depth behind the five starters that’s questionable, and keeping Mason around certainly would have helped in the regard.
Although you would have had to squint, there was one point of time where you could have envisioned a Patriots offense guided by Jarrett Stidham and N’Keal Harry. Fast forward to this offseason, and the Patriots bailed on both players for a minimal return.
Stidham was selected in the fourth-round of the 2019 draft, and following a rookie season where he sat behind Brady, he would have had a chance to secure the starting gig in 2020. It was clearly troubling for Stidham’s future prospects when the Patriots pivoted to veteran Cam Newton, and it was clear that the young QB had no future in New England when the organization selected Jones in the first round of the 2021 draft. Fortunately for the Patriots, they found a taker in the Raiders and McDaniels.
There were even higher expectations for Harry when the receiver was selected in the first round of the 2019 draft. He was never able to click with Brady, and while he saw an increased role in 2020, he still finished with only 309 receiving yards. Following the Patriots’ spending spree during the 2021 offseason, Harry was buried on the depth chart and asked out of New England. It took a year, but he was granted his wish this offseason when he was traded to Chicago for a seventh-round pick.
Notable signings:
- Jabrill Peppers, S. One year, $5MM. $1.35MM guaranteed.
- Malcolm Butler, CB. Two years, $9MM. $750K guaranteed.
- Terrance Mitchell, CB. One year, $3MM. $350K guaranteed.
- Ty Montgomery, WR/RB. Two years, $4MM. $300K guaranteed.
- Lil’Jordan Humphrey. One year, $965K.
The Patriots broke records in 2021 when they committed $163MM in guaranteed money to free agent acquisitions. The front office had to tighten the belt straps in 2022, leading to a lack of big, multi-year, headline-stealing moves.
To help replace the departed J.C. Jackson, the Patriots brought back former Super Bowl hero Malcolm Butler to presumably start at cornerback. Butler’s exit from New England (which started with a practical DNP in Super Bowl LII) was a bit messy, but he’ll now be relied on to provide some experience to their cornerbacks corps. The 32-year-old didn’t play at all during the 2021 season, but he collected a career-high 100 tackles in 16 starts with the Titans in 2020.
Mitchell was also added to provide some experienced depth at cornerback. The 30-year-old profiles as more of a rotational piece, but he could even find himself starting depending on the status of rookie Jack Jones and veteran Jalen Mills’ ability to bounce back from a rough season in 2021.
Perhaps the Patriots’ most intriguing addition was Jabrill Peppers. The safety was limited to only six games (five starts) in 2021 thanks to a torn ACL, and he’s never really lived up to his first-round pedigree. The Patriots have some solid depth already at safety in Devin McCourty, Kyle Dugger, and Adrian Phillips. However, Peppers has proved to be effective in defending the run, and he could find himself playing the pseudo-linebacker role that Patrick Chung used to play.
The Patriots added to their pass-catching corps with the additions of Ty Montgomery and Lil’Jordan Humphrey. Neither player moves the needle all that much, but there’s a world where they find themselves with a role in 2022. Montgomery has seen plenty of rushing opportunities since entering the NFL, and we could see the team fully commit to the veteran in the backfield similar to what they did with Cordarrelle Patterson in 2018. At the very least, Montgomery could see some third-down opportunities, especially considering the health of James White.
WR Cole Beasley Drawing Interest
It sounds like Cole Beasley won’t be unsigned for much longer. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter), the veteran wideout has drawn “significant” interest around the NFL.
Beasley was released by Buffalo earlier this offseason after the team and the player unsuccessfully found a new home for the receiver. As Garafolo notes, the Bills considered re-signing Beasley once he was cut, but the receiver continues to hold out for the right opportunity. That “right opportunity” goes beyond a clear spot on the depth chart; Garafolo mentions that Beasley is also seeking at least a modest payday and won’t settle for a minimum contract.
The former undrafted free agent spent his first seven seasons in Dallas. He started 22 of his 103 games for the Cowboys, mostly serving as a secondary target on offense. He did have a standout campaign in 2016, hauling in 75 receptions for 833 yards and five touchdowns. Beasley signed a four-year deal with the Bills in 2019, and he saw a significant increase in targets during his three seasons in Buffalo (325 vs. 450 in Dallas). Beasley hauled in 231 receptions for Buffalo, and he added another 25 receptions in six playoff games.
This past season, Beasley started eight of his 16 appearances, hauling in 82 receptions for 693 yards and one touchdown. Despite the 2021 campaign being his age-32 season, his 82 catches tied a career-high (from the year before). Beasley landed just about in the middle of the pack on Pro Football Focus’ ranking of wide receivers (59/115), but his score was partly dragged down by poor run-blocking metrics. While the wideout is clearly getting up there in age, he’s proved that he can still be productive, so it shouldn’t be long until a WR-needy team gives Beasley the contract he desires.
DL Carlos Dunlap To Meet With Chiefs; Panthers Continue To Have Interest
The market for Carlos Dunlap is heating up. ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the free agent defensive lineman is visiting the Chiefs tonight. Meanwhile, Joseph Person of The Athletic writes that the Panthers continue to have interest in Dunlap after meeting with him earlier this offseason.
The two-time Pro Bowler got into all 17 games for the Seahawks last season, and while he only appeared in 38 percent of his team’s defensive snaps, he still managed to finish with 35 tackles and 8.5 sacks. Pro Football Focus was particularly fond of his performance, ranking him 30th among 108 qualifying edge rushers. PFF also ranked the veteran 16th at the position for his run defense, and his pass-rush grade was above average, so while Dunlap may not have the stamina to be an every-down player, he still has the skills to play in most situations.
Besides the Panthers and now the Chiefs, the Seahawks were the only other team mentioned as a landing spot for Dunlap. However, we haven’t heard a whole lot on that front in months.
The Chiefs have always seemed like a fit for Dunlap, although this is the first time we’re hearing the organization definitively connected to the 33-year-old. After losing Melvin Ingram III in free agency, Kansas City is currently eyeing Frank Clark and rookie George Karlaftis as their starting edge rushers. Dunlap might not necessarily supplant either of those two in the starting lineup, but he’d provide some experienced depth behind the duo.
Meanwhile, Person tweets that the Panthers continue to show interest in adding front-seven help, having reached out to Dunlap earlier this week. The veteran visited Carolina in June but left without a deal. The Panthers current in-house options to start opposite Brian Burns at defensive end include 2020 second-round pick Yetur Gross-Matos, Darryl Johnson, and rookie Amare Barno.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/27/22
Today’s minor NFL transactions:
Arizona Cardinals
- Released from reserve/NFI: TE Alex Ellis
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Darrion Daniels
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: WR Bailey Gaither
- Placed on NFI: G Ben Cleveland
Chicago Bears
- Placed on PUP: DL Sam Kamara, LB Roquan Smith
- Placed on NFI: S Dane Cruikshank, CB Michael Joseph, WR Tajae Sharpe
Cincinnati Bengals
- Signed: QB Drew Plitt
- Waived: CB John Brannon
- Activated from PUP: G Alex Cappa, RB Samaje Perine
Dallas Cowboys
- Placed on PUP: WR Dontario Drummond, WR Michael Gallup, LB Aaron Hansford, CB Quandre Mosely
- Placed on NFI: LB Damone Clark
Detroit Lions
- Placed on PUP: FB Jason Cabinda
- Placed on NFI: S C.J. Moore
- Placed on non-football illness: T Dan Skipper
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: Ishmael Hyman
- Released: LB Caliph Brice
- Activated from PUP: OT Caleb Jones, DE Dean Lowry, RB Patrick Taylor
Houston Texans
- Placed on PUP: DE Jordan Jenkins, DB Tristin McCollum, TE Teagan Quitoriano
Indianapolis Colts
- Activated from PUP: DL Tyquan Lewis, S Rodney McLeod
Kansas City Chiefs
- Released (failed physical designation): DT Cortez Broughton
- Activated from PUP: RB Clyde Edwards-Helaire
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: CB Tino Ellis
New Orleans Saints
- Activated from PUP: Nick Vannett
- Placed on NFI: LB Pete Werner
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Garrett McGhin
- Waived (failure to disclose physical condition designation): OT Kamaal Seymour
- Activated from PUP: TE Daniel Bellinger
New York Jets
- Signed: DB Luq Barcoo
- Waived: DB Jovante Moffat
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Placed on PUP: DE Tyson Alualu
- Placed on NFI: S Minkah Fitzpatrick
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: OL Keenan Forbes, G Eric Wilson
49ers WR Deebo Samuel, Seahawks WR DK Metcalf Staging Hold-Ins
A pair of high-profile wideouts are staging “hold-ins.” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (on Twitter) that 49ers wideout Deebo Samuel and Seahawks receiver DK Metcalf will not be practicing at training camp due to contract disputes. Both players reported to training camp earlier this week.
The two receivers are heading into the final year of their respective contracts. Metcalf didn’t attend mandatory minicamp, but he incurred only a $90K fine. Samuel reported to minicamp but didn’t participate in on-field work, leaving the door open to a potential hold-in scenario. If the two players engaged in a traditional holdout, they’d face fines worth $40K for each day they were absent. The CBA’s recent holdout crackdown also includes a measure that would strip players of a year of service time toward free agency after barely a week’s worth of absences. Samuel and Metcalf will avoid these penalties by attending training camp but refusing to participate.
According to Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury (on Twitter), Samuel conditioned on the sideline while the rest of his team participated in drills today. Meanwhile, the 49ers front office and Samuel’s agent considered to negotiate a deal.
“Hopefully we can figure something out soon, but we’re in a good place today,” Kyle Shanahan told reporters shortly after speaking with Samuel (via Inman).
Samuel is expected to join the ever-growing club of receivers signing deals averaging at least $20MM per season. Bridging the gap between Samuel’s original asking price and the team’s best offer to date has, naturally, been seen as a key milestone in helping repair relations between the two sides after the 26-year-old’s April trade request. Still, there’s a clear divide when it comes to the player’s value.
Metcalf doesn’t have to look very far to find inspiration for his hold-in, as teammate Jamal Adams staged his own last offseason. Adams returned to the field once he received a record-setting contract. Metcalf shouldn’t expect to reset the market at receiver, but the impending free agent should still be able to secure a lucrative multiyear deal. Metcalf’s decision to skip minicamp surprised some in the organization, but both Metcalf and Pete Carroll have expressed optimism about an extension being finalized. Though, this process is not expected to be wrapped up early in camp. Late last month, a report emerged indicating a Metcalf deal “hardly seemed like a slam dunk.”
49ers Commit To Trey Lance As Starting QB; Jimmy Garoppolo Won’t Land On PUP
The Trey Lance era in San Francisco has officially begun. 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan told reporters today that the team is fully committed to last year’s third-overall pick as their starting QB, thus eliminating any QB controversy as veteran Jimmy Garoppolo lingers on the roster.
“We have moved on to Trey,” Shanahan said (via ESPN’s Nick Wagoner). “This is Trey’s team. That’s nothing against Jimmy. We made that decision a year ago and we’re going with that. We’re not going to mess around with that anymore. Jimmy understands that fully. That’s a business decision and that’s what makes it not awkward. Jimmy knows we’re going with Trey. Trey knows we’re going with Trey and our team does, and everyone likes both of those guys.”
It has been known since last April that San Francisco would hand the No. 1 role to Lance no later than his second season in the NFL. A deal sending Garoppolo elsewhere has thus been seen as inevitable throughout a 2022 offseason filled with several major moves at the position. The QB’s health obviously played a role in the fact that a trade still hasn’t materialized, but with few suitors (if any) on the market, the organization recently gave Garoppolo permission to seek a trade. According to Wagoner, Garoppolo met with Shanahan and GM John Lynch to discuss their next steps today, the first conversation the trio had had since February. Shanhan also told reporters that he’d like to have Garoppolo off the roster as “soon as we can.”
“We spoke when he left and we had a pretty good understanding of what was going on, and because of the surgery and the ramifications of that in other teams’ eyes, nothing has transpired as of yet,” Lynch said. “But he’s here, he’s reported, we’ll see what happens in the physical and we’ll move forward accordingly.”
Meanwhile, Garoppolo won’t be placed on the physically unable to perform list. As Matt Maiocco of NBC Sports Bay Area tweets, the quarterback was cleared today after undergoing his physical. This was the intended plan as Garoppolo continues to recover from offseason shoulder surgery; Cam Inman of the San Jose Mercury tweets that Garoppolo will do his throwing rehab on the sideline while the rest of the team is practicing. Plus, as NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo points out (on Twitter), there was little chance the 49ers were going to fail Garoppolo’s physical as they continue to seek a trade for the veteran. Today’s move also means the 49ers wouldn’t be on the hook for the player’s $7.5MM injury guarantee if he is ultimately released.
Garoppolo isn’t the only major story in San Francisco. We learned earlier today that wideout Deebo Samuel reported to camp despite seeking a new contract. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (on Twitter), the two sides are not close on money, but the two sides are on the same page when it comes to Samuel’s role in 2022. The player has expressed a desire to get less carries between the tackles and reduce the wear and tear on his body.