Lloyd Howell Named NFLPA Executive Director
The foggy search for DeMaurice Smith‘s successor as NFLPA executive director is over. The union has a new leader. Lloyd Howell will succeed Smith, the NFLPA announced Wednesday (Twitter link).
Howell recently retired from his position as CFO with the Booz Allen Hamilton consulting firm. He spent 34 years with the company. Howell left his post in October of last year, with that move coming just as the NFLPA began its search to succeed Smith. The appointment came after a vote from the NFLPA’s board of player representatives, though Howell’s name had not been circulated during this months-long process.
Howell will step in as the fourth executive director of the NFLPA. Smith served in this capacity since 2009, while Hall of Fame guard Gene Upshaw held it from 1983-2008. Ed Garvey was in place in this role from 1971-83. While Upshaw starred for the Raiders, the NFLPA brought in Smith from outside the league to lead their efforts. The union will follow suit with Howell, a Penn alum who holds an MBA from Harvard. Howell certainly hovered off the NFL radar, but Pro Football Talk’s Mike Florio notes Booz Allen has worked in NFL consulting matters in the past (Twitter link).
A number of players have expressed support for the Howell hire since the announcement, but Pro Football Talk’s Michael David Smith notes players were “in the dark” during this search. But Howell will be the choice to lead the way alongside NFLPA president J.C. Tretter. Smith’s term runs through 2024, though CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones notes (on Twitter) Howell could begin his leadership stay this year.
“It was important for us to run a process that lived up to the prestige of the position we sought to fill,” Tretter said in a statement. “The process was 100% player led and focused on leadership competency, skills and experience. Our union deserves strong leadership and a smooth transition, and we are confident Lloyd will make impactful advances on behalf of our membership.”
Richard Sherman, Calais Campbell, Alex Mack, Austin Ekeler, Ryan Kelly, Jason McCourty, Brandon McManus, Jalen Reeves-Maybin, Michael Thomas and Thomas Morstead joined Tretter in comprising the search committee. Smith faced off against the NFL owners during two collective bargaining agreement negotiations, producing deals in 2011 and 2020. The 2020 agreement runs through the 2030 season, meaning Wednesday’s appointment will not lead to near-future Howell-led negotiations.
While CBA talks will not be in the cards for a while, Howell will be in place to lead all other union-related matters. Howell also serves on the board at Moody’s Corporation and General Electric Healthcare. After a top-secret search led to Howell taking over, it will be interesting to see when his term begins and what changes come about in the weeks and months immediately after that transition commences.
Bears’ Tyrique Stevenson On Track To Start
Darnell Wright is positioned to enter Week 1 as Chicago’s right tackle starter. Given that he was drafted 10th overall, that is not exactly a surprise. But the Bears’ No. 56 overall pick is also on track to open the year as a first-stringer.
Chicago’s third draft choice this year, Tyrique Stevenson will have a clear onramp to begin his career with the 1s. The Miami product spent the offseason program working as a first-team option on the outside, Courtney Cronin of ESPN.com notes, adding he is primed to begin the season as a boundary starter opposite Jaylon Johnson.
[RELATED: Johnson Seeking Bears Extension]
The Bears’ Ryan Poles–Matt Eberflus regime has devoted significant draft resources to the cornerback spot, having now taken Stevenson and Kyler Gordon in consecutive second rounds. Gordon began his career as a starter and remained in that role for each of the 14 games he played during his rookie season. Gordon operated as both an outside and slot defender last season, but the Bears are planning to slide last year’s No. 39 overall pick to a full-time slot role. This will clear a path for Stevenson.
ESPN’s Scouts Inc. viewed Stevenson as a quality value choice for the Bears at 56, having slotted the 6-foot cover man as this year’s No. 41-ranked prospect. A high-end recruit who transferred from Georgia, Stevenson spent his final two college seasons with the Hurricanes. He earned third-team All-ACC acclaim last season, playing primarily on the outside.
Stevenson following through on this path will give the Bears three first- or second-year starters in their secondary. Johnson, who is going into a contract year, and safety Eddie Jackson represent the veteran wing of the team’s DB crew. Chicago’s plan to go with a Johnson-Stevenson-Gordon trio at corner will relegate Kindle Vildor, a 2020 fifth-round pick who has started 21 games over the past two seasons, to a reserve role. Pro Football Focus viewed Vildor as making progress in 2022, tabbing him just outside the top 75 at the position. The 25-year-old corner will represent experienced depth for a Bears team that does not have a second-contract presence at this spot. The team also used a fifth-round pick on a corner, bringing in Minnesota’s Terell Smith.
The Bears ranked last in scoring defense and in defensive DVOA last season, opening the door for new personnel to commandeer roles. Stevenson stands to join free agent linebackers Tremaine Edmunds and T.J. Edwards as high-profile new starters on defense.
Dolphins Make Offer To Dalvin Cook; Other Teams Remain On Radar
After communicating with Dalvin Cook in the days since his Vikings release, this market’s long-rumored frontrunner has extended an offer. The Dolphins made their first offer to Cook, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports (on Twitter).
This is not the only offer Cook has received, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, who said during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show the six-year veteran has received multiple proposals. Around a “half-dozen” teams are in this market, Pelissero adds (video link).
Cook, who has said he wants to land with a contending team that has a need at running back, is not believed to be mandating a deal be done before training camp. It would not surprise if Cook attempted to drag this process into August, as proven veterans are generally fine with avoiding the rigors of camp. An injury or a team viewing its backfield situation as insufficient during camp could change Cook’s market, but it seems significant interest exists now.
Miami has loomed as the Cook favorite for months; PFR readers widely expect the Florida State alum to sign there. The Dolphins discussed a Cook trade with the Vikings but ultimately stood down and waited for a release. Cook is a Miami native who has expressed interest in joining the Dolphins. That said, the longtime Viking should not be expected to take a discount to end up in South Florida, Pelissero adds. But it is not known who the other suitors are here.
Although Cook mentioned the Jets as a team he has been linked to, it is unclear if New York has reached out with contract terms. The Jets do not have a need for a starting running back, with Breece Hall expected to be back from ACL surgery by Week 1, though their depth does not match the Dolphins’. While Miami’s backfield is deeper than New York’s, Cook would be positioned as a starter for Mike McDaniel‘s team. The Dolphins re-signed ex-McDaniel 49ers charges Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson and used a third-round pick on Texas A&M speedster Devon Achane. It would seem the Dolphins could get by without Cook, given Mostert and Wilson’s system fits. But Mostert is 31 and has run into major injury trouble in recent years. Wilson also missed a chunk of time in 2021 due to a foot injury.
While Pelissero also mentioned the Broncos and Patriots as potential destinations, neither has been connected to possessing genuine interest. The Broncos emerged as an early Cook suitor, with a report indicating Denver had monitored Cook for a stretch ahead of his release. But a subsequent report pegged the Broncos as a team more likely to stay out of this market.
Like the Jets, the Broncos have a starting back (Javonte Williams) coming off an ACL tear. Williams has made progress, participating in OTAs, and is expected to be ready by Week 1. Denver also signed Samaje Perine, who is on track to play a regular role in Sean Payton‘s offense. The Patriots did not re-sign Damien Harris or add a veteran backup to replace him; as of now, Rhamondre Stevenson is ticketed for a three-down role in his third season.
The Dolphins are not planning to make Cook an offer close to the $10.4MM base salary he was to earn with the Vikings, but if there are legitimately a handful of teams in the market, the six-year Minnesota starter is unlikely to be forced to settle for the low-cost deals Mostert, Wilson and Harris signed in March. It will be interesting to see how close Cook comes to the $10.4MM mark, as even with interest forming, he is a running back going into his age-28 season — and in free agency when teams’ budgets are largely depleted.
Former QB Ryan Mallett Drowns In Florida
Former quarterback Ryan Mallett drowned Tuesday in Florida. He was pronounced dead at a nearby hospital, Deltaplex News reports. He was 35.
Mallett was transported from a beach to the hospital. The former Arkansas standout had not played in the NFL since 2017; he had been in coaching, being hired as head coach by White Hall (Arkansas) High School in 2022. Officials with the school district confirmed (via KARK.com’s Ryan Turbeville) Mallett drowned while swimming in Florida.
Previously serving as an assistant high school coach in his native Arkansas, Mallett had been out of the NFL since 2018. The 6-foot-6 passer finished his career as a member of the Ravens, serving as a Joe Flacco backup. Mallett filled in for an injured Flacco twice during the 2015 season, one he began with the Texans, and continued as a backup for two more seasons.
The Patriots used a third-round pick on Mallett in 2011, bringing him in as a backup to Tom Brady. Mallett only attempted four passes as a member of the Patriots, who traded him to the Texans months after drafting Jimmy Garoppolo in the 2014 second round. Mallett served as Ryan Fitzpatrick‘s backup during the 2014 season in Houston, starting two games before seeing his season end early due to a pectoral injury. While the team did not bring back Fitzpatrick, Mallett re-signed on a two-year deal in March 2015.
The Texans pitted Mallett and ex-Patriots teammate Brian Hoyer in a competition for the starting job in 2015, a battle chronicled on that year’s Hard Knocks. After Hoyer won it, the Texans benched him one game in. Mallett started the next four games for the eventual AFC South champion Texans, but the team benched him for Hoyer. Mallett missing a charter flight for an October 2015 game in Miami led to the Texans releasing him soon after.
Mallett finished seventh in the 2010 Heisman voting, throwing 32 touchdown passes and leading Arkansas to a 10-3 record. The former Michigan recruit started two seasons at Arkansas, combining for 62 TD passes and 7,493 yards.
Packers Sign Round 1 DL Lukas Van Ness
The Packers still have some work to do regarding draft signings, but they checked off their top box Tuesday. Green Bay signed first-round pick Lukas Van Ness to his rookie contract.
Van Ness’ deal will be fully guaranteed and will run through 2026. The Packers can extend the contract through 2027 via the fifth-year option. While that decision will not be due until May 2026, the Packers have not declined a fifth-year option since passing on 2013 first-rounder Datone Jones‘ in 2016.
Van Ness made some draft history by going in the first round despite never starting a game at Iowa. The 6-foot-5, 272-pound defensive lineman still zoomed onto the Round 1 radar, clocking a 4.58-second 40-yard dash at the Combine after impressing as a critical off-the-bench cog with the Hawkeyes. Van Ness, who totaled 13 sacks and 19.5 tackles for loss during his final two college seasons, has experience rushing from the edge and interior posts along the defensive line. That will give the Packers options.
Green Bay chose Van Ness with the No. 13 overall pick it obtained from New York in the Aaron Rodgers swap completed days before the draft. Moving up two spots, the Packers took a defensive player once again opted for defense in Round 1. Although the team traded up for Jordan Love in 2020, that is the only offensive investment the team has made in Round 1 over the past 12 drafts.
Over the past several months, the Packers lost Rashan Gary to a torn ACL and lost Dean Lowry in free agency. The team is expected to move 2022 first-rounder Devonte Wyatt into its starting lineup alongside Kenny Clark. Van Ness could fit as an edge rusher alongside Gary and Preston Smith or an interior presence with Clark on passing downs. This addition gives the Packers intriguing choices, assuming Gary returns to full strength, along their front seven.
Even after the Van Ness agreement, the Packers still have both their second-round picks — tight end Luke Musgrave and wide receiver Jayden Reed — unsigned. Guarantee issues involving second-round picks have gridlocked the middle of that round, with no players chosen between Nos. 40 and 48 having signed yet. Musgrave went off the board 42nd.
Browns Comfortable With WR Room; Team Unlikely To Pursue DeAndre Hopkins
DeAndre Hopkins resided as Deshaun Watson‘s top receiver throughout the latter’s stay with the Texans, and the 2022 trade chip has expressed support for his new team to greenlight a reunion. Although early momentum signaled the Hopkins-to-Cleveland scenario was viable, that buzz ceased over the past several days.
Hopkins made visits to Nashville and Foxborough, and the 10-year veteran is weighing Titans and Patriots free agency offers. The former All-Pro, however, is clearly hoping for more. He is eager to see if more teams will enter the fray and drive up the price. As of now, it does not look like the Browns will be one of them. It has been trending in this direction for a bit with Cleveland.
The Browns are comfortable with their receiving corps, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, adding that the team has not made an effort to enter the Hopkins derby. Such an entrance is unlikely. Elijah Moore‘s work thus far this offseason has contributed heavily to the organization’s comfort level with a position group that was thin during Watson’s first year.
Helping the Jets rearrange their receiver room to accommodate what turned out to be three free agency additions (Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman, Randall Cobb) as Aaron Rodgers arrived, the Browns acquired Moore in a pick-swap deal that featured the former second-round pick relocating in exchange for a 32-spot draft-slot drop. The Jets used the Moore pick in the package sent to the Packers for Rodgers. While the Jets now have four second-contract receivers supplementing Garrett Wilson, the Browns have been impressed by Moore’s showing during their padless set of practices.
Moore is expected to operate in the slot frequently in Cleveland, but the team is also planning a versatile role for the former Ole Miss prospect. Saddled with potential bust Zach Wilson in New York, Moore showed promise as a rookie (43 catches, 538 yards, five touchdowns) but slumped last season. Moore feuded with Jets OC Mike LaFleur, was sent home from a practice and requested a trade. The Browns looked into Moore last year, but the Jets brought him back into the fold. He ended averaging just 27.9 yards per game — far lower than his 48.9 per game as a rookie. Two seasons remains on Moore’s rookie contract; he is expected to work alongside Amari Cooper and Donovan Peoples-Jones as a Browns starter.
In addition to the intrigue surrounding Moore, Breer adds Anthony Schwartz has shown progress as well. The former Auburn speedster has not taken flight as a pro, catching just 14 passes in 25 career games. The Browns also brought in veteran Marquise Goodwin to help as a long-range threat. Schwartz, who joined Moore as a 2021 Day 2 pick, could conceivably put pressure on Goodwin for the team’s final WR spot. But Goodwin is viewed as a good bet to make the team. The Browns also have 2022 third-round pick David Bell and yet another third-rounder (rookie Cedric Tillman) in the mix; Bell’s roster spot is not believed to be in jeopardy.
Hopkins’ past with Watson notwithstanding, he would seemingly fit better with the Patriots or Titans — or other teams that have also been connected here over the past few weeks. The Chiefs lost Hardman and JuJu Smith-Schuster and saw Kadarius Toney‘s run of injuries follow him from New York last year. The Bills did not see consistency from Stefon Diggs sidekick Gabe Davis, who is going into a contract year.
After the Browns trudged through last season mostly dependent on only Cooper and Peoples-Jones, Moore gives them a clear third option. The team has some interesting backups as well, which will likely keep Hopkins out of Ohio. The Browns’ receiver acquisitions will put Watson in position to improve on his sluggish start with the franchise.
Latest On 49ers’ Quarterback Situation
A year after spending the summer trying to trade Jimmy Garoppolo and then pivoting to a compromise that allowed the longtime starter to stay, the 49ers are late in another offseason headlined by an unusual quarterback situation.
Brock Purdy has resumed throwing, and NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero notes (via Twitter) the Mr. Irrelevant-turned-starter remains on track to be ready for Week 1. Following his throwing program during the 49ers’ offseason sessions, Purdy will spend two weeks throwing in front of independent QB coach Will Hewlett and an orthopedic surgeon.
The 49ers’ party line continues to center around Purdy reprising his role as the team’s starter. The 2022 rookie revelation securing the job as expected would mark one of the more interesting conquests in modern NFL history, seeing as Purdy was chosen 262nd overall and will soon be participating in a training camp alongside two former No. 3 overall picks. Trey Lance and Sam Darnold spent OTAs and minicamp splitting the first-team reps in Purdy’s absence, but each obviously came into the NFL — Darnold in 2018, Lance in 2021 — in different realms as far as prospect pedigrees.
Going into camp, Darnold is believed to have the edge on Lance for San Francisco’s backup job, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com said during a recent Pat McAfee Show appearance (video link). The 49ers signed Darnold to a one-year, $4.5MM deal that came with $3.5MM guaranteed. The word of Darnold being ahead of Lance, who is tied to a $34.1MM fully guaranteed rookie contract, follows a report from earlier this offseason in which this was expectation.
In between the time Darnold signed and began his QB2 competition with Lance, the younger ex-No. 3 overall choice came up in trade rumors. The 49ers shot them down, and John Lynch spoke to Lance about the rumblings. It is worth wondering where the pre-draft rumors came from. While the 49ers have said they were not aiming to trade Lance, Schefter adds the QB did not produce a real trade market. It is not known what the 49ers would have considered an acceptable return for a player who has one season (2019) with extensive game work since high school, but Darnold staying ahead of Lance during camp would represent another setback for the ex-North Dakota State superstar.
The 49ers are planning to keep three quarterbacks, though only two figure to dress. Because of the Purdy and Josh Johnson injuries draining the drama from the NFC championship game, the NFL reintroduced the emergency QB rule. Teams can designate an emergency QB that is not part of an initial 48-man gameday unit. Plenty of reps remain, but as of now, Lance would project as San Francisco’s emergency passer.
Considering the 49ers tried to trade Garoppolo and give Lance the job without challenge last year, the latter being a real threat to enter a season as a third-stringer is a stunning development based on where his value stood as recently as last September. Eighth-year veteran Brandon Allen is also on San Francisco’s roster, signing shortly after the draft.
How a post-UCL surgery Purdy looks alongside Darnold and Lance once cleared will be another important component in the latest complex 49ers QB plot. For now, Purdy’s job is not believed to be under threat. That could conceivably change in camp, where Darnold might be the top competitor. Pressure will also be on Lance — who said he did not consider seeking an offseason trade — to stay afloat in a battle for the backup gig.
PFR Originals: Jacobs, Cook, Bills, Ravens
Here are the recent originals produced by the PFR staff:
- Josh Jacobs resides as one of this year’s three franchise-tagged running backs. Ben Levine took a look at how the fifth-year Raider’s extension process might play out. Jacobs not signing a long-term extension by July 17 would force him to play the season on the $10.9MM tag — or make an unexpected move to follow Le’Veon Bell‘s rarely traversed path by skipping a season (and passing on an eight-figure guarantee) in protest.
- The running back position looks to be in one of its most important offseasons. Dalvin Cook‘s Vikings release and ensuing free agency represents one of the job’s many storylines. I asked readers where the high-profile back will end up signing. Thus far, the Cook-Dolphins rumblings have led to Miami leading the pack. But other AFC East teams have received a number of votes as well.
- The Bills’ Leonard Floyd addition crowds their defensive end corps. Von Miller anticipates being ready for Week 1, and the team also brought back Shaq Lawson. The latter will join three homegrown defensive ends alongside Miller and Floyd. With Gregory Rousseau‘s roster spot not in question, one of the recent Buffalo second-round D-ends is far from a lock to make the roster. As such, Adam La Rose looked into a potential trade involving 2021 second-rounder Boogie Basham.
- A number of NFL extensions have come to pass during the period between minicamp and training camp. The Cowboys have a few candidates for re-ups this year. CeeDee Lamb is primed to collect an upper-crust receiver payday, and Ely Allen explored the Pro Bowler’s situation in detail. The Cowboys picking up Lamb’s fifth-year option keeps him signed through 2024, giving the team time on this front.
- Lamb, however, may need to wait. Since the 2011 CBA reshaped rookie contracts, no team has extended a first-round receiver with two years of control remaining. I looked into the first-rounders who bucked this trend by signing extensions during their fourth NFL offseasons. Many of them have been quarterbacks, but teams also made some early moves at other spots. Receiver has not been one of them, which could affect the Vikings’ Justin Jefferson talks.
- The Ravens also boast a pair of extension candidates on their defensive line. Both Justin Madubuike and Broderick Washington are going into contract years. While Baltimore is known to covet compensatory picks and has let a number of ascending starters walk in free agency, Ely examined the extension cases for the two 2020 draftees.
- It has now been six years since the Chiefs broke up their Andy Reid–John Dorsey power structure. Kansas City employed Dorsey as GM from January 2013 until June 2017. While current GM Brett Veach has guided the team to three Super Bowls and two wins, Dorsey draftees Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce and Chris Jones remain the Chiefs’ pillars. Ben took a look at how this situation unfolded and assessed the fallout.
Chargers Sign Round 2 OLB Tuli Tuipulotu, Wrap Draft Class Deals
Playing at a Los Angeles-area high school and then at USC, Tuli Tuipulotu will make a smooth transition to the NFL. The Chargers chose the pass rusher at No. 54 overall. He is now set to start training camp on time.
The AFC’s Los Angeles franchise signed its second-round pick Monday. This completes the Bolts’ latest round of draft class deals. First-rounder Quentin Johnston signed last month. Like Johnston, Tuipulotu joins a position group housing two entrenched veterans.
Joey Bosa is entering his seventh NFL season, and his big-ticket contract remains a top-five pact among edge rushers. The Bolts still have Khalil Mack, a 2022 trade acquisition, as well. But the team played much of last season without Bosa, who has battled a number of injuries as a pro. Tuipulotu brings a proven track record as a college pass rusher. Barring another major injury to one of their starters, the Chargers figure to work in the young player as a rotational option behind Bosa and Mack.
Tuipulotu recorded 13.5 sacks with the Trojans last season, soaring to Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year acclaim and All-American honors. That sack count led the Pac-12 and ranked third in Division I-FBS; the accomplished edge defender added 22 tackles for loss. Tuipulotu worked as a 28-game starter in college. Given Mack’s status, it is not out of the question the rookie will begin a lengthy NFL first-string run in the not-too-distant future.
Mack is still tied to the contract the Bears gave him upon acquiring him from the Raiders in 2018’s late-summer blockbuster. That six-year extension runs through the 2024 season, but Mack’s cap number — thanks to yet another restructure this offseason — shoots to $38.5MM next year. With no guarantees left on the deal, it is not hard to see the Chargers evaluating Tulipulotu’s rookie year with Mack’s future in mind. For this year, however, the Bolts boast an intriguing setup that should allow for the rookie to develop behind two standouts. The team has not re-signed 2022 cog Kyle Van Noy.
Here is the Chargers’ 2023 draft class:
Round 1, No. 21: Quentin Johnston, WR (TCU) (signed)
Round 2, No. 54: Tuli Tuipulotu, OLB (USC) (signed)
Round 3, No. 85: Daiyan Henley, LB (Washington State) (signed)
Round 4, No. 125: Derius Davis, WR (TCU) (signed)
Round 5, No. 156: Jordan McFadden, G (Clemson) (signed)
Round 6, No. 200: Scott Matlock, DT (Boise State) (signed)
Round 7, No. 239: Max Duggan, QB (TCU) (signed)
30 Unsigned Draft Picks Remain
With training camps less than a month away, 30 members of the 2023 draft class remain unsigned. Several teams have agreed to terms with their entire draft classes, but a handful of teams have multiple players still unsigned. Draft slots largely explain this. First- and second-rounders comprise the bulk of the unsigned lot, with guarantees the core issue for the latter group. Here are the unsigned draftees:
Round 1:
- No. 1: Panthers QB Bryce Young (Alabama)
- No. 2: Texans QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)
- No. 4: Colts QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)
- No. 5: Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon (Illinois)
- No. 12: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)
- No. 13: Packers DE Lukas Van Ness (Iowa)
- No. 15: Jets DE Will McDonald (Iowa State)
- No. 16: Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State)
- No. 17: Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez (Oregon)
Round 2:
- No. 32: Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)
- No. 33: Titans QB Will Levis (Kentucky)
- No. 40: Saints DE Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame)
- No. 41: Cardinals DE BJ Ojulari (LSU)
- No. 42: Packers TE Luke Musgrave (Oregon State)
- No. 43: Jets OL Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin)
- No. 44: Colts CB Julius Brents (Kansas State)
- No. 45: Lions DB Brian Branch (Alabama)
- No. 46: Patriots DE Keion White (Georgia Tech)
- No. 47: Commanders CB Jartavius Martin (Illinois)
- No. 48: Buccaneers OL Cody Mauch (North Dakota State)
- No. 50: Packers WR Jayden Reed (Michigan State)
- No. 51: Dolphins CB Cam Smith (South Carolina)
- No. 52: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)
Round 3:
- No. 77: Rams OLB Byron Young (Tennessee)
- No. 89: Rams DL Kobie Turner (Wake Forest)
Round 4:
- No. 105: Eagles CB Kelee Ringo (Georgia)
- No. 108: Colts T Blake Freeland (BYU)
Round 6:
- No. 182: Rams CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU)
- No. 189: Rams OLB Ochaun Mathis (Nebraska)
- No. 215: Rams RB Zach Evans (Ole Miss)
The second-round slowdown continues a trend. Last year, more Round 2 choices received three fully guaranteed years compared to prior drafts. This year’s No. 39 overall pick — Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss) — broke through with three locked-in years and a partial 2026 guarantee. This would explain the next nine players drafted being unsigned, with the agents for the players chosen immediately after Mingo angling for the same terms or guarantees in the same ballpark.
No. 31 overall choice Felix Anudike-Uzomah‘s four-year Chiefs deal is fully guaranteed, while No. 34 pick Sam LaPorta (Lions) has a partial 2026 guarantee. This would explain the Nos. 32 and 33 choices remaining unsigned. Other issues — like offset language and signing bonus payouts — annually arise in rookie-deal negotiations, but most of these players will be signed by the time teams head to training camp. A few stragglers report late due to their contracts each year, but the 2011 CBA’s slot system — which the 2020 CBA kept in place — largely addressed the issues that once emerged frequently regarding rookie pacts.