49ers Fielding Calls On QB Jimmy Garoppolo
With Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson, and Carson Wentz now off the board, a number of QB-needy teams are switching their focus to Jimmy Garoppolo. According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (via Twitter), the market for Garoppolo has “heated up pretty quickly,” and the 49ers have already fielded several trade calls on the veteran quarterback.
However, trade talks are somewhat complicated by Garoppolo’s recent shoulder surgery. While the quarterback has expressed full confidence in returning to the field in time for training camp, he only went under the knife this week. As a result, teams are seeking full clarity on his current outlook before pulling the trigger on a deal.
When it comes to suitors, Rapoport mentions that the Colts are certainly “in the mix” for Garoppolo. After dealing Wentz to Washington earlier today, the Colts are believed to have “significant interest” in the 49ers signal caller.
The writing was on the wall for Garoppolo in San Francisco when the organization gave up a haul to draft Trey Lance with the third-overall pick. Despite an uncertain future, the veteran still went 9-6 in his 15 starts this past season (plus a pair of postseason victories). We heard recently that the 49ers were seeking a Day 2 choice for the 30-year-old. Garoppolo’s contract includes a $24.2MM salary in 2022.
Latest On Kyler Murray’s Future With Cardinals
The Kyler Murray situation sounds like it’s far from over. According to Albert Breer of TheMMQB, the Murray situation in Arizona has the “potential to get worse before it gets better.”
[RELATED: Cardinals To Pick Up Kyler Murray’s Fifth-Year Option]
Specifically, Murray and his camp don’t want to wait until the summer to discuss a potential extension, which is what the QB was told by the organization following the season. Rather, Murray prefers to sign an extension with the Cardinals at some point between now and the draft in late April.
Why the rush? Well, if the wheels fall off and Murray ends up getting shopped, the QB’s camp believes the market will be more robust prior to the draft. The belief is that a trade partner would be willing to pay Murray his desired extension, which is why the player’s camp is so focused on the number of potential suitors…after the draft, a number of potential suitors will be off the board. Further, a summer holdout would be tougher due to “strengthened rules to further punish players who stay away.” Plus, a summer holdout means Murray would be spending crucial time away from his teammates, a factor that could be important if he ends up lining up under center for the Cardinals in 2022.
While Breer cautions that he’s not saying Murray will ultimately demand a trade, he believes that the scenario is on the table.
There is some good news for those rooting for Murray to return to Arizona. Per Mike Florio of ProFootballTalk.com, the QB has returned Cardinals images to his social media profiles. According to a source, this is “the latest olive branch that Murray has extended at a time when the relationship is frayed.”
Steelers Not Interested In Deshaun Watson
The Steelers are one of the few QB-needy teams remaining, but don’t expect them to pursue the most talented option that’s still on the market. Gerry Dulac of the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette reports (via Twitter) that the Steelers are not interested in acquiring Deshaun Watson.
[RELATED: Steelers Reportedly Targeting Winston, Bridgewater, Trubisky At QB]
With Ben Roethlisberger now out of the picture, the Steelers are clearly on the lookout for their next signal-caller (with apologies to Mason Rudolph). There’s a variety of reasons why the organization may be crossing Watson off their list. Of course, there’s the QB’s ongoing legal issues, and while there should be come clarity on his immediate NFL future when he appears before a grand jury Friday, a suspension is likely coming (regardless of an indictment). His uncertain playing status could be important to a Steelers squad that may be looking to return to the postseason. The organization could also be scared off by Houston’s asking price, which continues to be three first-round picks and more assets.
So if not Watson, who could the Steelers pursue? We heard recently the the team was targeting Jameis Winston, Teddy Bridgewater and Mitchell Trubisky, and the organization has also been connected to Liberty QB Malik Willis. The front office could ultimately decide to pair a rookie quarterback with a veteran.
There’s also Rudolph, who the organization has continually praised via the media. The former third-round pick had some success as a starter in 2019, guiding the Steelers to a 5-3 record while tossing 13 touchdowns vs. nine interceptions. The team will also be placing a restricted free agent tag on QB Dwayne Haskins, who could also end up competing for the starting nod.
Texans To Release CB Terrance Mitchell
Terrance Mitchell‘s stint with the Texans has already come to an end. The Texans informed the veteran cornerback that he will be released, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
The 29-year-old joined the Texans last offseason, inking a two-year, $7.5MM deal. He started 13 of his 14 games during his lone season in Houston, collecting 60 tackles, 10 passes defended, and one interception. He ended up seeing time in 69 percent of his team’s defensive snaps, and he garnered the second-most defensive snaps (796) on the squad.
Mitchell previously spent three seasons in Cleveland, starting 27 of his 39 games. He’s also had stints with the Bears, Cowboys, and Chiefs. The Oregon product was a seventh-round pick by the Cowboys in 2014.
The defensive back was set to have a $3.4MM cap hit in 2022. Thanks to an out in his contract, the Texans will only be left with $250K in dead cap following today’s move.
Giants Favorite For QB Mitchell Trubisky?
Mitchell Trubisky could be heading to New York. A team source who is “in the thick of it for a competitive backup QB in free agency” believes that Trubisky will ultimately sign with the Giants and compete with Daniel Jones for the starting gig, according to Charles Robinson of Yahoo (via Twitter).
[RELATED: Giants Likely To Target Mitchell Trubisky]
During a recent appearance on the Adam Schefter podcast, Trubisky spoke highly of the Giants and new head coach Brian Daboll, who the veteran QB worked under in Buffalo.
“I think of Coach Daboll right away because of my connection with him in Buffalo. I’m excited to see what he does in New York, really,” Trubisky said (via ESPN’s Jordan Raanan). “I don’t know where I’m going to go, but I know whatever he does there, he’s going to do a great job with that offense. He’s a great leader of men. He’s just real and authentic with all the guys, and I think that is why so many people respected him in our building. So I’m excited to see what he’s going to do.
“And then, of course, New York, you think of the city. I haven’t been to New York that many times, but you think of big New York City and the Giants. So I know Coach Daboll will do a great job, and I’m excited to see that offense.”
We heard last week that Trubisky was on the Giants radar, but they weren’t necessarily considered the favorite at that time. We also recently heard that the former second-overall pick was “creating a lot of buzz” and would likely have a number of suitors pursuing him. After spending the 2021 season as Josh Allen‘s backup in Buffalo, Trubisky will likely have opportunities to compete for a starting gig elsewhere.
According to ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler, Trubisky’s market could get so hot that the QB could end up earning more than $10MM annually. The ESPN duo also mention the Panthers and Steelers as potential landing spots, and they note that an organization deciding to pair Trubisky “with a first-round quarterback such as Malik Willis wouldn’t shock a few teams.”
While Trubisky isn’t a sexy name, you can still see the semblance of a capable quarterback when you squint. He had a 29-21 record as a starter, and he tossed 64 touchdowns vs 37 interceptions during his four years in Chicago. Any suitors surely wouldn’t guarantee Trubisky a starting gig, but he would make sense to pair with a rookie or unproven young player.
Browns Intend To Keep TE Austin Hooper
The Browns may have slapped David Njoku with the franchise tag, but the organization intends to keep their other pricey tight end. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (via Twitter), the organization’s plan is to keep Austin Hooper.
[RELATED: Browns Place Franchise Tag On David Njoku]
It’s been almost two years since Hooper inked a then record-breaking deal for tight ends, keeping him on the books in Cleveland until 2024. The Browns wouldn’t see a whole lot of savings by cutting Hooper, so it makes sense that they’ll keep him around as another target in the Baker Mayfield-led offense.
Hooper earned two-straight Pro Bowls during his final two seasons with the Falcons, and he had a career season just before hitting free agency. However, he’s disappointed a bit since catching on with Cleveland. In 29 games (29 starts) over the past two years, Hooper has hauled in only 84 receptions for 780 and seven touchdowns.
A first round pick in 2017, Njoku’s best season came one year later, when he posted 56 catches for 639 yards and four majors. The franchise tag means Njoku will make $10.8MM next season, making the two Browns teammates one of the highest-paid tight end duos in the NFL.
Seahawks To Release LB Bobby Wagner
The Seahawks are cleaning house. The team informed eight-time All Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner that he’ll be released, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter).
[RELATED: Seahawks To Trade Russell Wilson To Broncos]
Wagner had spent his entire career in Seattle, joining the organization when he was selected in the second round of the 2012 draft. He came off the board a round before future teammate Russell Wilson…who, of course, was traded to the Broncos earlier today. Wagner and Wilson were previously the two longest-tenured members of their team.
Wagner quickly established himself as a key member of the Seahawks defense, starting 15 games as a rookie. He started all three playoff games during the Seahawks Super Bowl-winning 2013 campaign, and he then proceeded to go on an eight-year run of Pro Bowl and All-Pro selections. During that stretch, Wagner averaged 145 tackles per season, and he’ll leave the organization as the Seahawks’ all-time leader in tackles.
The 31-year-old was still productive in 2021, compiling a career-high 170 tackles to go along with three tackles for loss and three QB hits. However, his $20.35MM cap hit for next season had Wagner admitting that he could be done in Seattle.
“You think about it,” Wagner said in December (via ESPN’s Brady Henderson). “You think about what the next year looks like and what the future holds because this was a season that I don’t think we all planned for. We didn’t plan for the season to go this way, so obviously there’s going to be some changes and whether or not I’m part of those changes, I don’t know.”
With Wilson gone, it was clear that the Seahawks were pivoting toward a rebuild. This move will save the organization $16.6MM against the cap. He’ll leave behind $3.75MM in dead cap.
Latest On Mitchell Trubisky’s Market
Mitchell Trubisky may not be destined for a future career as a backup after all. According to Tony Pauline of ProFootballNetwork.com, Trubisky “is creating a lot of buzz,” and teams are pursuing the QB “with the expectation he’ll compete for a starting spot.”
Given what has thus far been a tepid QB trade market, the free agent-to-be is gaining momentum, Mike Klis of 9News tweets. While passer-needy teams’ fanbases would surely not be pleased with a Trubisky addition, the ex-Bears flameout may soon find himself with a true second-chance opportunity as a starter.
The 2017 second-overall pick wore out his welcome with the Bears following four inconsistent seasons. Thanks in part to the roller-coaster regular seasons, his 0-2 playoff record, and his label as a draft bust (especially when you consider that the two other first-round QBs were Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson), Trubisky had to settle for a backup gig in Buffalo in 2021. He really only saw stints in garbage time, completing six of eight passes attempts for 75 yards.
While Trubisky isn’t a sexy name, you can still see the semblance of a capable quarterback when you squint. He had a 29-21 record as a starter, and he tossed 64 touchdowns vs 37 interceptions during his four years in Chicago. Any suitors surely wouldn’t guarantee Trubisky a starting gig, but he would make sense to pair with a rookie or unproven young player.
So which teams will have interest in the 27-year-old? Pauline previously reported that the Steelers would make a run at the quarterback, and one source told the reporter that Pittsburgh “would be a great fit.”
Browns Won’t Extend QB Baker Mayfield This Offseason
It sounds like 2022 will be a prove-it year for Baker Mayfield. According to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com, the Browns met with Mayfield’s representatives this week and agreed that the quarterback wouldn’t sign an extension this offseason. However, the Browns reiterated their commitment to Mayfield as their starting QB in 2022.
[RELATED: Browns Plan To Keep Baker Mayfield]
This means Mayfield will play out the 2022 season on his fully guaranteed, $18.8MM salary (via his fifth-year option). The 26-year-old would be a free agent next offseason.
2021 wasn’t a banner year for Mayfield (17 touchdowns vs. 13 interceptions), but he was clearly hampered by his injured shoulder. The former first-overall pick underwent surgery on a torn labrum in January, which will keep him sidelined until May or June. Fortunately, he’s expected to be good to go for training camp, and Mayfield will have an opportunity to prove that he’s truly the team’s QB of their future.
Mayfield and the Browns have had their ups and downs through his four years in Cleveland, and an underwhelming 2021 campaign (couple with a lack of substantial extension talks) have led some to question the Browns commitment to their QB. Despite the rumblings, we learned last month that the Browns will planning to retain Mayfield for the 2022 campaign.
Dolphins GM Talks Watson, Payton/Brady Rumors, Howard
THURSDAY: Set to pursue a media gig, Payton indicated to veteran NFL reporter Jason Cole (via Twitter) he would “probably not” have been interested in this Dolphins setup had he been given the chance to speak with the team. Once Payton lands with a network, the subject of his next coaching stop figures to come up fairly frequently.
WEDNESDAY: It’s already been a busy offseason for the Dolphins. The team hired a new head coach in Mike McDaniel, dealt with the fallout of former HC Brian Flores‘ lawsuit, and brushed off continued rumors regarding their quarterback position.
While speaking with reporters today, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier addressed many of the major story lines surrounding the organization. Most notably, the GM acknowledged that “the door is shut” on acquiring Deshaun Watson from the Texans. The organization has been continually connected to Watson over the past year, but the team’s decision makers seem focused on moving forward with Tua Tagovailoa.
Grier also addressed a recent report that indicated the organization pursued Sean Payton as their head coach and Tom Brady as their starting quarterback. While the GM discussed the team’s brief pursuit of the coach (which we detail below), he said the Dolphins “never had a conversation” with the future Hall of Fame quarterback.
The Dolphins general manager provided a handful of additional thoughts on the state of the Dolphins, which we’ve compiled below (h/t to Cameron Wolfe of NFL.com):
More on the Dolphins’ commitment to Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback:
“Mike and the staff have come in to do a lot of work, studied a lot of Tua and they feel good about his developmental upside, what he can be and then the fit in the offense. I think we’re good with Tua.”
On the Dolphins pursuit of Payton:
“[We called the Saints] to see if he is done with football or does he want to coach. … They told us no, they weren’t going to grant permission. So that was it.
“We stopped to see if he would have interest at all. So, I don’t even know if he would have interest.”
On cornerback Xavien Howard, who is seeking a new contract following back-to-back Pro Bowl seasons:
“My anticipation is that Xavien will be here next year. We made the promise to him — after the season, we’ll make the adjustment … just to be truthful with him and do it, that’s the right thing to do.”
On impending free agents Mike Gesicki and Emmanuel Ogbah:
“Mike knows how I feel about him. I drafted him and have had separate conversations with Mike. We’ve had limited talks with his agents.”
“As it got to the end of the season with free agency, both of those guys get to this point, they want to be able to see what their options are. They both told us they want to be back in Miami. They both love it here, they want to be back. We’ll see what happens.”
On Flores’ class-action lawsuit against the NFL and three teams (including the Dolphins):
“(At) some point when it’s done [i can discuss], maybe in the future, but I can’t comment on this right now.