Jets To Acquire S Chuck Clark From Ravens
As the Jets remain connected to a potential Aaron Rodgers blockbuster, the team is making another trade. The Jets are acquiring safety Chuck Clark from the Ravens, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
The Ravens will collect a 2024 seventh-round pick for Clark, per Adam Schefter of ESPN.com (on Twitter). Clark had loomed as a Baltimore departure candidate since the first-round selection of Kyle Hamilton last year, and he will have a fresh start in New York. The trade cannot become official until Wednesday, when the 2023 league year begins.
Trade buzz followed Clark immediately after the Ravens drafted Hamilton, as that move came not long after Marcus Williams‘ $14MM-per-year Baltimore pact. The Ravens will move forward with a Williams-Hamilton safety tandem, while the Jets will add a veteran starter for low-end trade compensation. The deal will save the Ravens $3.64MM in cap space; the team, which now has a $32.4MM Lamar Jackson franchise tag on the books, remains more than $8MM over the cap.
Clark said in January he wanted to stay with the Ravens, but he did request a trade during the 2022 offseason. The 27-year-old defender has been a primary Ravens starter for the past four seasons, remaining with the team as it cycled through veteran safeties alongside him. A 2017 Ravens draft choice, Clark arrived in Maryland after current Jets GM Joe Douglas had left the organization. But after talks with former coworker Eric DeCosta produced a deal, the ex-Ravens exec will have an experienced safety on his roster at a low rate. Clark is due just $2.5MM in base salary; his contract runs through the 2023 season.
A sixth-round pick, Clark worked his way up to starter status and stuck around in that role as the likes of Eric Weddle, Tony Jefferson, Earl Thomas, Williams and Hamilton came through town. Clark has made 63 career starts. The Ravens used all three of their safeties frequently in 2022, though a Williams injury prevented the team from doing so for a chunk of the season. Clark finished the year with a career-high 101 tackles, along with a forced fumble.
The Ravens used Clark in a variety of roles, lining him up in the slot on 128 snaps last season (h/t ESPN’s Field Yates) while using him sporadically as a boundary cornerback and an edge defender. Pro Football Focus rated the Virginia Tech product as a middle-of-the-pack safety (46th overall) but viewed him as one of the best run-support players at the position.
Jordan Whitehead remains under contract with the Jets, but 2022 starter Lamarcus Joyner is set to hit free agency next week. Clark’s arrival could point Joyner out of town. As for the Ravens, they are covered at safety. PFF rated Hamilton as the top safety in the league last season. Williams is under contract through 2026, while Hamilton can be kept on his rookie deal through that point due to the fifth-year option.
OL Rumors: Taylor, McGlinchey, Pats, Powers
Right tackle will be one of this year’s top positional markets to monitor. One of the best players set to hit the market, Jawaan Taylor, is expected to do very well. The Jaguars blocker may move into position to command a deal worth at least $17MM on average, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com notes. The Jaguars used their franchise tag on Evan Engram, with that cost being $7MM cheaper than the O-line tag, but they are attempting to bring back Taylor. The former second-rounder has never missed a start as a pro and has earned plus grades for his pass protection. Although Pro Football Focus viewed Taylor as one of the league’s worst run-blockers last season, the advanced metrics site rates him as the eighth-best pass-protecting right tackle over the past two years.
The Jags already have Cam Robinson tied to a top-10 deal at left tackle, which will make keeping Taylor difficult. A deal at $17MM AAV would move Taylor into the top five at the position. Here is the latest from the O-line ranks:
- Another of the top right-siders set to be hit the market, Mike McGlinchey is not expected to return to the 49ers. The Bears would be in position to outmuscle other suitors for the five-year starter’s services, holding a near-$30MM lead in cap space (at $94.7MM). McGlinchey should be expected to join Taylor on a deal north of $17MM per year, per Adam Jahns of The Athletic (subscription required). Kaleb McGary could profile as a slightly cheaper alternative, per Jahns, who notes Bears offensive line coach Chris Morgan was the Falcons’ O-line coach when they drafted the Michigan product in the 2019 first round. The Bears have gone through a few options at right tackle since releasing Bobby Massie in 2021. This represents a good year for the team to address the position.
- Excepting their 2017 Stephon Gilmore payment and the 2021 spending frenzy, the Patriots are not known for deep dives into free agency pools. But they also look set to investigate the right tackle market. New England is seeking an upgrade here, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe notes, pointing out that the team is content on the interior (with center David Andrews and guards Michael Onwenu and Cole Strange). Trent Brown is still under contract on the left side. Beyond the top three RTs, Trey Pipkins, Kelvin Beachum and Andrew Wylie are ticketed for free agency. Isaiah Wynn is not expected back in New England, which is not exactly a surprise given his dismal contract year. The Pats hold more than $32MM in cap space, giving them some capital to use at this need area.
- Currently carrying a $32.4MM Lamar Jackson franchise tag on their cap sheet, the Ravens should not be expected to retain their top free agent (now that Jackson is tagged). Ben Powers‘ quality contract year should lead to his Baltimore departure, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic writes. Powers needed to win a left guard competition in training camp. Upon doing so, the former fourth-round pick proceeded to rank in the top 10 in run and pass block win rates, per ESPN. Powers, 26, will be one of the best guards available next week. The Ravens’ Jackson tag has them $9MM over the cap as of Wednesday afternoon.
- USC tackle prospect Andrew Vorhees suffered a torn ACL while doing drills at the Combine, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. While Vorhees still managed to perform 38 reps in the bench press after the injury, this setback will undoubtedly hurt the top-100 prospect’s draft stock.
Ravens Add Dennard Wilson, Chuck Smith To Staff
In consideration for the Eagles and Browns’ defensive coordinator jobs this year, Dennard Wilson is joining the Ravens. Baltimore hired the former Philadelphia assistant as its defensive backs coach.
The Eagles had Wilson in place as a potential Jonathan Gannon successor, and the veteran position coach at a point looked like the frontrunner. Philadelphia promoted from within to fill Shane Steichen‘s OC position, elevating QBs coach Brian Johnson. But the NFC champions went outside the organization to replace Gannon, hiring Seahawks assistant Sean Desai. As could be expected, this meant a separation with Wilson.
Wilson, 40, will return to his home state. He both played high school and college football in Maryland; his Terrapins career spanned from 2000-03. Wilson both coached at his high school and was a graduate assistant at Maryland in the 2000s. He has been an NFL assistant since breaking into the league with the Rams in 2012. Nick Sirianni added pass-game coordinator to Wilson’s responsibilities in 2022, and the Eagles ranked first in pass defense last season. Wilson previously worked as DBs coach for the Rams and Jets. The Browns interviewed Wilson early during this year’s lengthy coordinator hiring period but went with Jim Schwartz.
It appears Wilson will work alongside Ravens defensive pass-game coordinator Chris Hewitt, who has been with the team since 2012. Hewitt previously held the title of defensive backs coach. Former Ravens safeties coach D’Anton Lynn, however, left this offseason to become UCLA’s DC under Chip Kelly. Lynn, 33, worked as Baltimore’s safeties coach over the past two seasons.
The Ravens are also hiring Chuck Smith to be their new outside linebackers coach, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com tweets. The former Falcons defensive end represents a bit of an unusual hire, having not coached at the pro or college levels in recent years. He coached at the University of Tennessee in 2010, though The Ringer’s Lindsay Jones notes Smith has worked alongside Von Miller at the latter’s annual pass rush summits (Twitter link). Smith, 53, played for the Falcons from 1992-99, being part of their Super Bowl XXXIII defense and finishing his career with three double-digit sack seasons. He will replace Rob Leonard, who left last week to become the Raiders’ defensive line coach.
Panthers, Commanders, Dolphins Unlikely To Pursue Lamar Jackson
The Ravens ended one of the least suspenseful (but highest-profile) tag sagas Tuesday, cuffing Lamar Jackson amid a third offseason of negotiations with the former MVP. That will turn attention to what teams are out there for Jackson.
So far, teams with quarterback needs are standing down. There stands to be interest in Jackson, though it remains to be seen if any would approach his hope at a fully guaranteed contract. The Panthers pursued Deshaun Watson for two offseasons, but The Athletic’s Joe Person notes (via Twitter) they are not expected to make a push for Jackson. The Commanders offered three first-round picks for Russell Wilson in 2022, but Kimberley Martin of ESPN.com adds they are considered unlikely to go after the five-year Raven (Twitter link).
The Falcons also made it pretty clear, based on the numerous reports to emerge since the Ravens slapped the non-exclusive tag on their quarterback, they will not be part of a pursuit. The Jets are currently meeting with Aaron Rodgers in California, while the Saints signed Derek Carr. As expected, the Giants and Seahawks re-signed Daniel Jones and Geno Smith. This thins the market, but other suitors will loom for a player of Jackson’s talent.
Frank Reich said the Panthers, in an ideal world, would land a long-term option in the draft. The Panthers have not handed the reins to a rookie since Cam Newton in 2011, spending time on a years-long carousel after cutting the former MVP in 2020. Carolina has begun talks with Sam Darnold, presumably as a bridge option. The Commanders just released Carson Wentz and have Taylor Heinicke set to hit free agency. Despite the efforts Ron Rivera‘s team made to acquire a high-end veteran last year, they continue to be linked to giving fifth-round pick Sam Howell a legitimate opportunity to win the starting job. That appears a risky scenario for a team with a coach on the hot seat, but Washington was not closely connected to Carr, either.
Considering Jackson is a South Florida native, it would stand to reason he would be interested in joining his hometown team. How willing the Dolphins are to grant Jackson’s contractual wishes while sending the Ravens at least two first-round picks could be a sticking point here. The Dolphins are not expected to pursue Jackson or anyone else this offseason, Jeff Darlington of ESPN.com tweets. The Dolphins, who had the inside track for Watson in 2021, committed to Tua Tagovailoa last year. While recent reports appeared to reveal that trust weakening, Darlington adds Mike McDaniel “fully believes Tua is the perfect fit for his system.”
The Raiders would also seemingly loom for Jackson and hold a top-five cap-space figure ($39.1MM as of Tuesday afternoon), but while Josh McDaniels coached Newton in 2020, it would be a transition for his offense to install a player like Jackson. Still more than $40MM over the cap, the Buccaneers probably lack the funds to make a legitimate pursuit.
Teams would need to revamp their offenses to bring in a unique talent like this; it will be interesting to see which ones move into position as a legitimate suitor. However, this many quickly surfacing as uninterested parties is a bit odd given Jackson’s accomplishments and the value of this position. Teams working in concert to prevent another guaranteed contract from coming to pass would represent collusion, but it is a bit too early to make such a claim. That said, there does not appear to be as many interested parties as expected here.
Raiders QB Notes: Lamar, Garoppolo, Rodgers, Mac, Hoyer
After an unusual number of teams have been mentioned as not being interested in Lamar Jackson, the Raiders can be included as a potential suitor. The Silver and Black have not eliminated Jackson or any of the big-name QBs still available, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com tweets.
Jackson would represent the biggest fish left, and the list of teams listed as early stay-aways dwarfs those being connected to the Ravens’ franchise player. The Commanders, Dolphins, Falcons and Panthers have been connected to steering clear of Jackson — at least on the fully guaranteed contract he seeks. The Raiders moved on from Derek Carr and created some cap space as a result, though they still have three skill-position players — Davante Adams, Darren Waller, Hunter Renfrow — tied to extensions.
It would cost the Raiders at least two first-round picks to obtain Jackson from the Ravens, who would have the option to match an offer sheet. The teams could also work out a trade involving another compensation package.
The Raiders’ most logical connection remains Jimmy Garoppolo, who has ties to Josh McDaniels and Dave Ziegler. The Raiders were mentioned as a potential Garoppolo suitor in January, and many at the Combine voiced an expectation the team will pursue the former Patriots and 49ers passer, Dan Graziano of ESPN.com notes.
Garoppolo still might be a backup plan, with Aaron Rodgers rumblings surfacing again. The Jets are currently meeting with the future Hall of Famer, but Graziano adds McDaniels has long respected him. Pushback regarding the Raiders’ Rodgers interest has also emerged, and McDaniels indicated an aim to develop a young passer. Rodgers would not qualify as a bridge option like Garoppolo, as a trade for the Packers great would be for a Super Bowl run. Garoppolo, conversely, could be used as a high-end placeholder.
The Jets have made their interest in Rodgers crystal clear, and the Packers greenlit an all-hands-on-deck Jets recruiting effort Tuesday in California. The Raiders have kept their cards closer to the vest. Way back when Rodgers dropped his initial trade-request bombshell on the league — in April 2021 — the Raiders joined the Broncos as being an acceptable destination. Much has changed in Las Vegas since. Jon Gruden making a controversial exit that ultimately led to McDaniels and Ziegler taking over, but that duo signed off on a blockbuster trade for Adams. Rodgers attempted to convince Adams to stay in Green Bay last year, but the longtime Carr ally had made up his mind.
In the event Rodgers removes himself from the Jets’ equation, Garoppolo would have an apparent path to New York. But he spent the first three-plus seasons of his career in McDaniels’ offense. After the new Raiders power duo deemed Carr an iffy fit for McDaniels’ attack, a familiar face running the show would be a logical move for the team.
On the familiarity front, Graziano also mentions chatter about the Raiders having interest in acquiring Mac Jones while adding the Patriots are unlikely to move him. Jones regressed last season and fared better under McDaniels compared to Matt Patricia, but the Pats appear prepared to see how their 2021 first-rounder looks in Bill O’Brien‘s offense. The Raiders have eyes on another ex-Patriot, however, with the Boston Globe’s Ben Volin adding Brian Hoyer would be on McDaniels’ radar as a mentor-type presence. But Hoyer is leaning toward retiring, per Volin. McDaniels worked with Hoyer, 37, from 2017-18 and again from 2020-21. The former Patriots UDFA has been in the NFL since 2008.
The Raiders have begun talks to bring back Jarrett Stidham, who has been a McDaniels pupil at every step of his NFL career. With only ex-UDFA Chase Garbers under contract with the Silver and Black, the team will continue to be connected to big names and/or a first-round investment at the game’s premier position.
Ravens Place Non-Exclusive Franchise Tag On Lamar Jackson
Many around the league have been waiting to see the Ravens’ decision with Lamar Jackson. A long-term deal will not be finalized in time for today’s deadline, though. ESPN’s Kimberley Martin reports (via Twitter) that Baltimore is using the non-exclusive franchise tag. A team announcement confirms that the less expensive tag option is their chosen route with the former MVP.
With contract talks resulting in an impasse between the two sides, it comes as little surprise at this point that the tag has been used. Over the course of the weekend, reports emerged that the Ravens were leaning towards going the no-exclusive route, something which carries potential financial benefits from the team’s perspective but also a great deal of risk. 
The non-exclusive tag carries a value of $32.4MM, a figure which is far lower than the roughly $45MM the exclusive version would have cost. In that regard, the former option was the most logical one with respect to Baltimore’s cap situation. However, other teams will now be eligible to send the 26-year-old an offer sheet, which would not have been possible had the Ravens used the exclusive tag. One team frequently linked to Jackson via an offer sheet or tag-and-trade scenario is the Falcons. However, Atlanta will not pursue such a move, per ESPN’s Dianna Russini (Twitter link).
Baltimore would have the option to match any offer sheet which Jackson signs. If they elect not to, they will receive two first-round picks as compensation from Jackson’s new team. The fact that not every squad currently owns Day 1 selections in each of the next two years slightly shrinks the list of potential suitors for him, but competition could quickly ramp up. Jackson, a two-time Pro Bowler, would constitute a significant upgrade over many other incumbent QBs.
The Louisville product has been eligible for a new deal from the Ravens since 2020, but at no point has one seemed to be particularly close. Annual compensation is not thought to be a sticking point from the Ravens’ side, even though any multi-year extension would have surely been the most lucrative in franchise (perhaps league) history. Rather, the matter of guarantees has long been the most pressing issue. Jackson is reportedly seeking a fully-guaranteed pact, a desire seemingly made more plausible after Deshaun Watson‘s historic deal signed with the Browns last offseason.
The Ravens – led by owner Steve Bisciotti – have publicly spoken out against the possibility of making such a commitment to Jackson (and, by extension, a number of other young QBs around the league when they sign second contracts). New deals for Kyler Murray and Russell Wilson signed in 2022 pointed to the Watson accord being an outlier, rather than a new benchmark. That presumably gave the Ravens some leverage in negotiations, but a compromise has not been found.
By going the non-exclusive route, Baltimore is banking on the rest of the league agreeing that full guarantees are too great of a risk for Jackson. The All-Pro has missed five regular season games in each of the past two seasons, including the Ravens’ wild-card loss in 2022. The nature of his PCL injury increasingly became a point of contention as his absence continued deeper into the year, and tension is thought to have increased during the direct negotiations between Jackson himself and GM Eric DeCosta.
Injury problems could scare off other teams to the point where they don’t make an offer to Jackson, or at least one which the Ravens don’t feel comfortable matching. The earliest that teams can submit an offer sheet is the start of the new league year on March 15. Another factor to keep in mind is the possibility of a tag-and-trade situation, where Baltimore could deal him anywhere for any package of trade compensation. That would only be possible, however, after he signed the franchise tender – something he is under no obligation to do until much later in the offseason.
Jackson is the eighth player in franchise history to receive the tag, a move which has more often than not resulted in a long-term deal being agreed upon before the July deadline. Attention will continue to be placed on the two sides in this situation, as negotiations will continue in the hopes of a mega-deal being finalized before the possibility of Jackson skipping portions of the offseason becomes more likely.
A statement from DeCosta reads in part, “We will continue to negotiate in good faith with Lamar, and we are hopeful that we can strike a long-term deal that is fair to both Lamar and the Ravens. Our ultimate goal is to build a championship team with Lamar Jackson leading the way for many years to come.”
Jackson’s importance to the Ravens – from his numerous all-time NFL records to his overall winning percentage of .707% since 2019 – is clear for any observer. The degree to which it is seen and acted upon by any other team (and if so, Baltimore’s willingness to keep him in place for the long-term future) will be a major storyline as the QB landscape takes shape.
Latest On Ravens, QB Lamar Jackson
The Ravens appear to be putting forth maximum effort towards extending star quarterback Lamar Jackson. According to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta went down to South Florida to meet with Jackson in an attempt to further negotiations. 
DeCosta reportedly left Miami with work to be done, as Pelissero claims the two sides remain on track for a franchise tag. The two parties have been the subject of much speculation, and after a year of negotiations, no consensus has been reached on a long-term deal. Former general manager and current Ravens executive vice president/player personnel Ozzie Newsome spoke on the subject today and seemed to confirm Pelissero’s assessment, according to ESPN’s Jamison Hensley.
“Today and up until 3:30 tomorrow, a lot of energy will be utilized in trying to get a deal done,” Newsome said on “The Bernie Kosar Show.” “If not, we will put the franchise tag on him.”
Baltimore has not utilized the franchise tag since using it in 2020 told hold on to pass rusher Matt Judon, but with Jackson’s status as a Raven hanging in the balance, the team seems fated to go that route again. The biggest question following “will Jackson be a Raven and how” is currently “which franchise tag with they use?”
If the Ravens administer the non-exclusive tag, it will allow other teams to negotiate potential deals with Jackson, presenting Baltimore with the option to match the offer or refuse it and be awarded two first-round picks as compensation. It’s difficult to imagine any offer another team would put up that the Ravens wouldn’t match, so it’s a dangerous route that could bite them. The exclusive franchise tag would restrict Jackson from participating in such negotiations but would allow him to hold out all the way up until the regular season if a new deal is not reached, a la Jessie Bates or, even worse, Le’Veon Bell.
Regardless of which decision the Ravens have in mind, they’re still going to give Jackson’s extension the old college try. As hopeless as it may seem, Newsome, DeCosta, and company will be working up until the finish line in an attempt to keep Jackson in black and purple long-term.
Ravens Strongly Considering Non-Exclusive Tag For QB Lamar Jackson
Last month, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reported that there is a very real possibility that the Ravens use the non-exclusive franchise tag on quarterback Lamar Jackson. Today, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com reports that Baltimore has strongly considered that option, and several rival executives believe it makes the most sense for the club (subscription required).
The benefits of the non-exclusive tag are obvious. There is, of course, the considerable difference in price between the non-exclusive tag ($32.4MM) and exclusive tag ($45MM). Plus, player and team have been negotiating for a long time, and it is unclear whether any real progress has been made. By utilizing the non-exclusive tag, the Ravens would effectively be allowing other teams to do their negotiating for them, and they may feel confident that no other club is willing to give Jackson the fully-guaranteed contract he has been seeking. If they are correct in that regard, then they would be able to simply match an offer sheet and keep the 2019 MVP in the fold.
By the same token, allowing Jackson to speak with other clubs allows Baltimore to maintain neutrality should the two sides part ways, as Fowler posits. And, in the event that the Ravens choose not to match an offer sheet, they would obtain two first-round picks and would clear up a great deal of salary cap space to use on a different passer.
On the other hand, Baltimore may be able to fetch more than two first-round picks if it were to seek a Jackson trade, and using the lower tag may create additional tension at a time when the relationship between the parties may already be strained. One way or another, GM Eric DeCosta has a career-defining decision to make, and he must make it no later than March 7, the deadline to utilize a tag.
It seems unlikely that a long-term extension will be reached by that deadline, though the Ravens are still trying. Just yesterday, we learned that the club remains optimistic about the chances of such a deal coming to fruition, with one rumor indicating that Baltimore is willing to pay Jackson up to $50MM per year while guaranteeing 80% of the contract. Jackson’s teammate, veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell, also indicated that Jackson wants to remain in Baltimore.
AFC North Rumors: Jackson, Watson, Steelers
A common conception of the situation surrounding the Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson‘s efforts towards a new deal has been that Jackson has refused to participate in negotiations. Jackson’s teammate, defensive lineman Calais Campbell, told the media this week that Jackson is more than willing to work out a new contract, according to Jamison Hensley of ESPN.
“He wants to get a deal done, and that’s the most important part” Campbell said on NFL Network. “Sometimes guys who are part of a team and don’t want to be there anymore use (free agency) as an opportunity to go elsewhere, but he wants to be (a Raven).”
Josina Anderson of CBS Sports reported yesterday that the Ravens remain “hopeful” for a new deal and that the team currently has their best offer yet on the table for Jackson. It’s reportedly not an all or nothing offer, as the Ravens are waiting for a counter to their proposal from Jackson. We have no certain facts as to what the deal may entail, but on The Athletic Football Show podcast hosted by Robert Mays, rumors were mentioned that Baltimore is willing to go up to $50MM per year and 80% guaranteed money. The team is running out of time before they’ll be required to tag Jackson or, barring a more preferred resolution, trade him.
Here are a few more rumors from around the AFC North, starting with one of the main reasons the Ravens are having such an issue with Jackson’s new contract:
- News that comes as a surprise to absolutely nobody, the Browns are exploring restructuring the historic fully-guaranteed contract of quarterback Deshaun Watson, according to Mary Kay Cabot of Cleveland.com. The team is facing a challenge in getting under the salary cap and have already confirmed plans to release safety John Johnson in order to clear some space. After a first year of Watson’s contract that held a base salary of $402,500 and a cap hit of $9.40MM, Watson’s numbers in 2023 jump up to a base salary of $46MM and a record-setting cap hit of $54.99MM. Browns general manager Andrew Berry acknowledged that, with the team currently about $13.42MM over the cap, Watson’s mammoth contract could be a source of wiggle room with a restructure.
- Since the Steelers waited until after last year’s draft to replace then-general manager Kevin Colbert, new general manager Omar Khan is going through his first draft process. According to Mark Kaboly of The Athletic, Khan plans to use assistant general manager Andy Weidl much in the way Weidl was used in Philadelphia. That is to say that the Steelers will rely on Weidl to put together the team’s draft board before turning it over to the higher ups who will make the draft decisions. Weidl will utilize input from director of player scouting Mark Sadowski, director of college scouting Dan Colbert, and director of pro scouting Sheldon White, then Khan will work together with head coach Mike Tomlin and owner Art Rooney to make decisions.
Coaching Notes: Chiefs, Colts, Clay, Zampese
As Matt Nagy returns to the offensive coordinator post he held from 2016-17, the Chiefs are promoting his lieutenant. Former assistant quarterbacks coach David Girardi will replace Nagy as QBs coach, Andy Reid confirmed this week. Girardi has been the Chiefs’ assistant QBs coach for the past two years, working under Nagy and Mike Kafka. He previously served as a quality control assistant in Kansas City, moving to the NFL from Division I-FCS Lafayette College. Girardi will now move closer to a potential OC position, seeing as four Reid assistants have either become HCs or OCs elsewhere during his time in Missouri.
Here is the latest from the coaching ranks:
- Ken Zampese interviewed for the Commanders‘ OC job, and while the recent Washington QBs coach will be staying with the team, he will not remain in that position under Bieniemy . Zampese, a former Bengals OC, is moving to the role of senior offensive advisor/game management. He has been with the team throughout Ron Rivera‘s tenure. Bieniemy is bringing in Tavita Pritchard to become the Commanders’ next QBs coach. This previously rumored hire will take Pritchard from his longtime place on David Shaw‘s Stanford staff. Formerly an assistant under Shaw and Jim Harbaugh, Pritchard spent the past five seasons as the Pac-12 program’s OC.
- Previously the QBs coach on Kliff Kingsbury‘s Cardinals staff, one that did not employ an OC, Cam Turner is joining the Colts. Shane Steichen is hiring Turner to be Indianapolis’ QBs coach, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. Turner, 35, was previously with the Panthers prior to the four-year Arizona stay; he will replace Scott Milanovich in Indy. The Colts are also hiring Tony Sparano Jr. as their offensive line coach, Art Stapleton of the Bergen Record notes (on Twitter). The second-generation NFL coach spent last season as the Giants‘ assistant O-line coach; he had held that role with the Jaguars and Panthers previously. Sparano, 36, joins ex-Giants running backs coach DeAndre Smith as Steichen Colts hires.
- Although the Eagles became the first team since the Bengals nine years ago to see both their OC and DC become head coaches in the same offseason, the NFC champs are retaining their third coordinator. ST boss Michael Clay will also receive a new contract. The Eagles are adding a year to Clay’s deal and giving him a raise, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets. Clay, 31, has been with the team since 2021.
- Sean Payton is hiring former Northwestern running backs coach Lou Ayeni to work in the same role for the Broncos, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets. Northwestern HC Pat Fitzgerald has been on the NFL radar for a bit, and the Wildcats will lose their second assistant to the NFL this offseason. Ryan Smith is now the Cardinals’ DBs coach. Ayeni has worked mostly at the college level, being the run-game coordinator at Iowa State during David Montgomery‘s tenure.
- Ravens outside linebackers coach Rob Leonard will join the Raiders‘ staff, per John Harbaugh. Leonard is joining Josh McDaniels‘ assistant cadre as linebackers coach. Leonard joined the Ravens in 2022, having spent the previous three seasons on Brian Flores‘ Dolphins staff. He spent the previous six years with the Giants. The Ravens are still searching for wide receivers and safeties coaches, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec adds. Harbaugh said internal hires are possible there (Twitter link).
- The Commanders are also reshuffling a bit on their defensive staff. Brent Vieselmeyer will rise to the role of secondary coach, with Christian Garcia set to be the team’s assistant DBs coach. Vieselmeyer will replace Chris Harris, who received DC interest this offseason before moving to Tennessee’s staff as the team’s cornerbacks coach.