Cowboys’ Dak Prescott To Sign $31.4MM Franchise Tender
Dak Prescott will sign his exclusive franchise tender by Monday, according to a source who spoke with ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). With that, the Cowboys quarterback will be slated to play out 2020 on a one-year, $31.4MM deal. After that, the two sides will have just a few weeks to hammer out a multi-year deal.
[RELATED: Prescott Pushing For Four-Year Deal?]
For months, we heard that Prescott was pushing for a two or three-year deal while the Cowboys were looking for a five or six-year add-on. Now, it seems like the two sides are closer than previously believed – at least, in terms of contract length. Prescott reportedly wants a four-year deal and the Cowboys would prefer a five-year arrangement.
Prescott is aiming for a deal that would pay him more than $35MM/year, enough to top Russell Wilson. That’s not exactly chump change for the Cowboys, but they’d rather lock up the QB than risk his asking price skyrocketing next year. If Prescott’s full 2020 played out like his 2019 first half, he’d be in line for untold riches next year. At that point, the Cowboys would have to give him an absolute fortune or tag him with a 20% raise over this year’s tag, for ~$37.7MM. Even in the tag scenario, it’s unlikely that Prescott would cooperate.
Under the more commonly used non-exclusive tag, other teams would have had a shot to sign Prescott to an offer sheet. Instead, the Cowboys opted for the slightly more expensive exclusive tag. Ultimately, it was a ~$5MM difference between the two.
Last year, Prescott threw for 4,902 yards and 30 touchdowns. Meanwhile, the two-time Pro Bowler won’t turn 27 until the end of July.
Bengals, A.J. Green Discussing Extension
The Bengals have discussed an extension with A.J. Green, according to ESPN.com’s Dan Graziano. Per the terms of the franchise tag, the two sides have until July 15 to hammer out a deal. If they can’t come to terms, the wide receiver will play out 2020 on a one-year, $17.971MM deal. 
[RELATED: It’s A Make-Or-Break Year For Bengals WR John Ross]
Green’s situation is complicated to say the least. For years, he’s been the face of the franchise, and he’s performed as one of the league’s very best receivers across multiple seasons. After Green missed all of last year, it might be tough for the two sides to come to terms. If they can’t get something done over the next few weeks, Graziano wonders aloud if Green could be traded later this summer. It would be a shock to see the Bengals part with Green, but we’ve seen similar situations play out before in the NFL.
“Everything’s been positive with A.J.,” head coach Zac Taylor said recently when asked about Green’s status. “He’s fully healthy and is working hard. He’s been in Atlanta. It’s all been positive in that regard.”
That’s good news for the here and now, but Green wants the security of a long-term deal. The 31-year-old (32 in July) won’t hold out, but he won’t be happy without a new pact either.
“I have no problem with the franchise (tag). I don’t like it, but I’m not a guy that’s going to sit out the whole year,” Green said in December. “But at the end of the day, that shows me they’re not committed to me. That’s fine. They have a business they have to run. As the player I have my own business, so if you do that I have to protect myself.”
“If you’re not committed to me long-term, I understand. There are no hard feelings. You have a business to run. All great businesses face difficult decisions. I understand that. For me, I have to make a big decision as well.”
Poll: Will The Jets Trade Jamal Adams?
Jamal Adams wants out. Last week, after taking a couple of shots at the Jets via social media, the star safety formally requested a trade. For now, the Jets are holding the line, but Adams feels that he can force their hand. 
[RELATED: Jamal Adams Seeking $20MM+/Year?]
Contractually speaking, the Jets hold all the cards. Adams is under contract through 2021 thanks to his fifth-year option and the Jets aren’t exactly rushing to give him an early extension. Then, after 2021, the Jets could theoretically use the franchise tag to keep him away from the open market, perhaps even twice to delay his free agency for several more years.
Still, Adams is livid. He says the Jets told him that their extension proposal was in the mail in January. Months later, he has yet to receive that offer, and he’s not taking the pandemic as an excuse. For months, we’ve heard that Adams would look to become the league’s highest-paid safety by a healthy margin. Now, per one report, Adams has advanced his asking price even further. He wants to become the league’s highest-paid defensive player, which means a deal in excess of $20MM/year.
Interestingly, Adams is reportedly willing to table his extension demand for certain teams. The 24-year-old (25 in October) says he’d be willing to play for the Chiefs, 49ers, Cowboys, Ravens, Eagles, Texans, Seahawks, or Buccaneers. At least a few of those eight teams could trade for Adams and wait until next year before getting into talks.
“[Adams] was a big reason I was excited about coming here,” Jets GM Joe Douglas said earlier this year. “I feel this guy is a core player. The main goal that I’m trying to do right now is to surround him with like-minded players, because we know Jamal is a dog.”
The Jets clearly want to smooth things out, but it’s fair to wonder whether this situation is beyond repair. In the past, the Jets have rebutted trade offers from the Ravens and Cowboys by setting a sky-high asking price, but they’re working with significantly less leverage now that Adams has gone public with his complaints.
Will the Jets trade Adams? Cast your vote below (link for app users) and back up your choice in the comment section.
PFR Originals: 6/15/20 – 6/21/20
Here’s a look back at some of our faves from the past week:
- This year’s draft was exceptionally deep at wide receiver. CeeDee Lamb, Henry Ruggs, and Jerry Jeudy were widely regarded as the top WRs in the class, but everyone has their own opinion. Rory Parks ran ’em all down and asked you to weigh in on which promising WR will have the best rookie season. So far, the results are pretty split.
- Phil Simms’ exit from the Giants played out differently than Eli Manning‘s sendoff. Sam Robinson looked back on the surprising release of Simms, who was one of the league’s first big-name cap casualties.
- The NFL Supplemental Draft is just around the corner…we think. Here’s a refresher on how it works and a look back at some of the gems teams have found in the “other” draft.
- The Panthers locked up Michael Oher with a three-year, $21.6MM deal, but he never played a down under that contract. Here’s why the “Blindside” protector’s extension ended before it could even begin.
- The Texans happily handed Benardrick McKinney a new $50MM deal in 2018. He continued to deliver solid work against the run, but he’ll need to step up his coverage skills in 2020.
NFL Remains Optimistic About 2020 Season
Even as the positive tests for COVID-19 continue to pile up, the NFL remains “highly optimistic” about the 2020 season going ahead as planned, Mike Florio of PFT hears. However, the league is less optimistic about having fans in attendance.
[RELATED: Multiple Buccaneers Players Test Positive For COVID-19]
A few weeks ago, the NFL said it was planning as though stadiums would be filled to full capacity. As the cases continue to rise around the country, the league doubts that fans will be able to attend, in any fashion. Of course, their views on the matter can change between now and September, based on the fluidity of the virus and government protocols. Meanwhile, the players’ union’s top medical official has advised players to halt all group workouts with teammates (Twitter link).
“Please be advised that it is our consensus medical opinion that in light of the increase in COVID-19 cases in certain states that no players should be engaged in practicing together in private workouts,” wrote Dr. Thom Mayer. “Our goal is to have all players and your families as healthy as possible in the coming months.
“We are working on the best mitigation procedures at team facilities for both training camps and the upcoming season, and believe that it is in the best interest of all players that we advise against any voluntary joint practices before training camp commences.”
Earlier today, we learned that at least two Buccaneers have tested positive for the coronavirus. That comes on the heels of positive tests for one 49ers player, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott, and many more.
Bills To Stick With Matt Barkley As QB2?
Since debuting in 2013, Matt Barkley has just seven starts to his credit. Although he’s largely unproven, Bills head coach Sean McDermott says he’s “very confident” in the quarterback “for a lot of reasons,” as Sal Maiorana of the Rochester Democrat and Chronicle writes.
[RELATED: Owner Says There’s No “Financial Pressure” On Bills]
Some have wondered whether Barkley is a reliable safety net for Josh Allen, in the event that the Buffalo starter gets injured or contracts COVID-19. Injuries and illnesses aside, there are plenty of question marks about Allen as well. The former first-rounder won ten games for the Bills last year and took them to the playoffs, but his career 56.3% completion rate leaves a lot to be desired.
Barkley, meanwhile, has gone 2-5 in his starts. For his career, he has a 58.8% success rate on throws with ten touchdowns against 21 interceptions. His last start came in 2018, a solid showing and victory over the Jets. Last year, he popped in for two games and lobbed three INTs with zero TDs.
In addition to Barkley, the Bills also have Jake Fromm on hand. The fifth-round pick out of Georgia was once viewed as a high-caliber prospect, but his performance slipped over time and tanked his stock. Fromm completed just 60.8% of his passes in 2019, which doesn’t inspire much confidence either. Davis Webb, the former Giants third-rounder who has never appeared in a game, is also on the offseason roster.
Seahawks TE Colby Parkinson Suffers Injury
Seahawks rookie tight end Colby Parkinson suffered a Jones fracture in his foot, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The fourth-round pick broke the fifth metatarsal in his foot while route running earlier this offseason and had surgery earlier this month to correct the problem. 
Parkinson was slated to push for snaps at tight end, somewhere behind Greg Olsen and alongside vets like Will Dissly, Luke Willson, and Jacob Hollister. No one expected the Seahawks to draft a TE in April, but they saw real potential in Parkinson and couldn’t pass him up. Also, Parkinson offered insurance against Olsen’s age and the medical history of the rest of the bunch.
The Seahawks will probably start the year without the safety net of Parkinson, but he should be able to suit up this year. Beyond that, he could be ticketed for a prime role – Olsen, Hollister, and Willson are all set for free agency after the 2020 season and no one would be surprised if Olsen made this his last NFL campaign.
Parkinson put himself on the map at Stanford with a strong 2018 and seven touchdowns. Last year, he set new career bests with 48 grabs for 589 yards, though he only scored once.
49ers Sign Colton McKivitz
The 49ers have signed fifth-round rookie Colton McKivitz, per a club announcement. In accordance with his slot, the offensive lineman will earn about $3.6MM over the course of his four-year deal.
[RELATED: 49ers Guarantee Half Of Trent Williams’ Salary]
On draft weekend, the 49ers shipped running back Matt Breida to the Dolphins for the No. 153 overall pick, which they used to select McKivitz. At West Virginia, McKivitz suited up for 50 games (47 starts) over the course of five years on campus. Last year, he earned first-team all-conference honors for his work at left tackle.
The West Virginia product may vie for time as a supporting guard, Somewhere behind projected starters Laken Tomlinson and Tom Compton. He could also push for snaps on the outside, where he’d back Trent Williams and Mike McGlinchey.
Here’s the full rundown of SF’s class, via PFR’s 2020 NFL Draft Pick Signing Tracker:
- 1-14: Javon Kinlaw, DT (South Carolina)
- 1-25: Brandon Aiyuk, WR (Arizona State)
- 5-153: Colton McKivitz, T (West Virginia): Signed
- 6-190: Charlie Woerner, TE (Georgia)
- 7-217: Jauan Jennings, WR (Tennessee)
Multiple Buccaneers Players Test Positive For COVID-19
At least two Buccaneers players have tested positive for COVID-19, sources tell Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). In keeping with privacy laws, the team has not disclosed the identities of the positive players.
One Bucs assistant also tested positive earlier in the week, raising concerns about viral spread in the organization. The list of positive cases in the NFL seems to be growing larger and larger. COVID-19 has struck one 49ers player, Broncos safety Kareem Jackson, Cowboys star running back Ezekiel Elliott, and many more – most of whom have remained anonymous.
The growing number of cases has the NFL considering an expansion of its contagious disease containment policy. Roster changes are also likely on the way – the league may move practice squads from 12 to 16 players because of the pandemic. Meanwhile, Dr. Anthony Fauci is pushing for a “bubble” strategy, one that would isolate players and NFL personnel from the community at large during the season.
For now, the NFL says it will test players three times per week in advance of training camp and possibly test more during the season. A single-location for games – like what the NBA is doing – is not currently being considered.
49ers Guarantee Half Of Trent Williams’ Salary
The 49ers have guaranteed half of Trent Williams‘ salary for the 2020 season, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com (on Twitter). The two sides agreed to rework his deal earlier in the offseason, but the terms were now previously known. On Friday, Williams formally inked the deal and passed his physical, making it all officially official. 
[RELATED: 49ers Player Tests Positive For COVID-19]
As Williams demanded a trade, he also demanded a new deal from whatever team acquired him. But, when the 49ers got serious with the Redskins, Williams had a change of heart. The deal went down towards the tail end of draft weekend and was not accompanied by a multi-year extension.
After Williams put his extension request on the back burner, the 49ers locked in 50% of his $12.5MM in base salary. Before, that sum was completely non-guaranteed.
The multiple-time Pro Bowler will take over for SF legend Joe Staley, who kept his retirement plans on the hush until the Niners landed Williams to replace him. Now, he’ll look to get back to his old form, secure another big pay day, and play for a championship in SF.
Williams, 32 in July, ggraded out as Pro Football Focus’ best tackle in the NFL in 2016. He’s missed a combined 29 games over the past four seasons, but he still profiles as one of the league’s most talented and accomplished linemen.