NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/9/22
Here are Monday’s draft pick signings:
Carolina Panthers
- OL Cade Mays (sixth round, Tennessee)
- CB Kalon Barnes (seventh round, Baylor)
Green Bay Packers
- T Rasheed Walker (seventh round, Penn State)
NFL Draft Pick Signings: 5/6/22
Here are the latest draft pick signings:
Baltimore Ravens
- RB Tyler Badie (sixth round, Missouri)
Chicago Bears
- T Braxton Jones (fifth round, Southern Utah)
- DE Dominique Robinson (fifth round, Miami University)
- RB Trestan Ebner (sixth round, Baylor)
- C Doug Kramer (sixth round, Illinois)
- T Ja’Tyre Carter (seventh round, Southern)
- DB Elijah Hicks (seventh round, California)
- P Trenton Gill (seventh round, North Carolina State)
Green Bay Packers
- LB Quay Walker (first round, Georgia)
- DT Devonte Wyatt (first round, Georgia)
- T Sean Rhyan (third round, UCLA)
- LB Kingsley Enagbare (fifth round, South Carolina)
- DB Tariq Carpenter (seventh round, Georgia Tech)
- DT Jonathan Ford (seventh round, Miami)
- WR Samori Toure (seventh round, Nebraska)
Kansas City Chiefs
- CB Trent McDuffie (first round, Washington)
- DE George Karlaftis (first round, Purdue)
- S Bryan Cook (second round, Cincinnati)
- G Darian Kinnard (fifth round, Kentucky)
- CB Jaylen Watson (seventh round, Washington State)
- RB Isiah Pacheco (seventh round, Rutgers)
- S Nazeeh Johnson (seventh round, Marshall)
Philadelphia Eagles
- DT Jordan Davis (first round, Georgia)
- LB Kyron Johnson (sixth round, Kansas)
- TE Grant Calcaterra (sixth round, SMU)
Seattle Seahawks
- DB Tariq Woolen (fifth round, Texas-San Antonio)
- LB Tyreke Smith (fifth round, Ohio State)
- WR Bo Melton (seventh round, Rutgers)
- WR Dareke Young (seventh round, Lenoir-Rhyne)
Washington Commanders
- QB Sam Howell (fifth round, North Carolina)
- TE Cole Turner (fifth round, Nevada)
- T Chris Paul (seventh round, Tulsa)
- DB Christian Holmes (seventh round, Oklahoma State)
Packers Sign Round 1 LB Quay Walker
Hours after agreeing to terms with the second of their two first-round picks, defensive lineman Devonte Wyatt, the Packers locked down their other first-rounder.
Wyatt’s ex-Georgia teammate, linebacker Quay Walker, is now under contract, according to NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero (on Twitter). Although the modern-era rookie signing process features far fewer complications than the negotiations before the 2011 CBA, with a slot system now in place, the Packers moved past any complications very early in this process. Walker and Wyatt’s signings coincide with the beginning of the Packers’ rookie minicamp.
Green Bay deviated considerably from a path of not devoting significant resources to its off-ball linebacker spots, selecting Walker 22nd overall a few weeks after giving 2021 free agency flier De’Vondre Campbell a big-ticket deal. Walker and Campbell represent the Packers’ biggest commitment to these two positions in over a decade.
Walker worked as a Bulldogs regular over the past three years, with his most significant contributions coming for the national champions’ dominant 2021 defense — one that saw five of its cogs drafted in the first round. Walker was the third of those Georgia defenders taken. The 6-foot-3 linebacker registered a career-best 65 tackles (5.5 for loss) as a senior last year. Via the fifth-year option that could later be exercised, Walker can be controlled on this rookie deal through 2026.
Packers To Sign First-Rounder Devonte Wyatt
Earlier this week, the first 2022 draftee signed his rookie contract. Today, the first prospect selected on Day 1 has inked his NFL deal. The Packers have agreed to terms with defensive tackle Devonte Wyatt, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport (Twitter link). 
Wyatt was the second of two Packers first-round choices, going 28th overall. He is set to join former Georgia teammate Quay Walker, who went at No. 22. Wyatt was the second interior defensive linemen selected, behind another former Bulldog, Jordan Davis (taken 13th by the Eagles).
The six-foot-three, 315 pounder was a mainstay of Georgia’s defensive front, and played a key role in the team’s national championship. The 2021 campaign was his most productive, as he totalled 39 tackles (including seven for a loss) and 2.5 sacks. Seen as the more trusted prospect in terms of pass rushing compared to Davis (albeit the one with less overall upside), Wyatt was projected by many to be taken in the latter stages of the first round.
As Rapoport notes, the deal is for four years (with a fifth-year team option) carrying a fully guaranteed value of $12.86MM. The contract also includes a $6.533MM signing bonus. In Green Bay, Wyatt will join a defensive line led by Kenny Clark, but which faces uncertainty beyond the 2022 season. Both Dean Lowry and free agent signee Jarran Reed have only void years left on their respective contracts after the coming season, so Wyatt will provide a long-term answer on the defensive front as the Packers try to keep their Super Bowl window open as long as possible.
2023 NFL Fifth-Year Option Results
Monday marked the deadline for NFL clubs to officially pick up their options on 2019 first-rounders. Fifth-year option seasons are no longer just guaranteed for injury — they’re now fully guaranteed, which makes these decisions a little tougher for teams.
Nineteen players had their options exercised, a tick up from 14 last year. Here’s the full rundown:
1. QB Kyler Murray, Cardinals – Exercised ($29.7MM)
2. DE Nick Bosa, 49ers: Exercised ($17.9MM)
3. DE Quinnen Williams, Jets: Exercised ($11.5MM)
4. DE Clelin Ferrell, Raiders: Declined ($11.5MM)
5. LB Devin White, Buccaneers: Exercised ($11.7MM)
6. QB Daniel Jones, Giants: Declined ($22.4MM)
7. DE Josh Allen, Jaguars: Exercised ($11.5MM)
8. TE T.J. Hockenson, Lions: Exercised ($9.4MM)
9. DT Ed Oliver, Bills: Exercised ($10.8MM)
10. LB Devin Bush, Steelers: Declined ($10.9MM)
11. OT Jonah Williams, Bengals: Exercised ($12.6MM)
12. LB Rashan Gary, Packers: Exercised ($10.9MM)
13. DT Christian Wilkins, Dolphins: Exercised ($10.8MM)
14. G Chris Lindstrom, Falcons: Exercised ($13.2MM)
15. QB Dwayne Haskins:
16. DE Brian Burns, Panthers: Exercised ($16MM)
17. DT Dexter Lawrence, Giants: Exercised ($10.8MM)
18. C Garrett Bradbury, Vikings: Declined ($13.2MM)
19. DT Jeffery Simmons, Titans: Exercised ($10.8MM)
20. TE Noah Fant, Seahawks: Exercised ($6.9MM; originally drafted by Broncos)
21. S Darnell Savage, Packers: Exercised ($7.9MM)
22. OT Andre Dillard, Eagles: Declined ($12.6MM)
23. OT Tytus Howard, Texans: Exercised ($13.2MM)
24. RB Josh Jacobs, Raiders: Declined ($8MM)
25. WR Marquise Brown, Cardinals: ($13.4MM; originally drafted by Ravens)
26. DE Montez Sweat, Commanders: Exercised ($11.5MM)
27. S Johnathan Abram, Raiders: Declined ($7.9MM)
28. DE Jerry Tillery, Chargers: Declined ($11.5MM)
29. DE L.J. Collier, Seahawks: Declined ($11.5MM)
30. CB Deandre Baker — N/A (released by Giants)
31. OT Kaleb McGary, Falcons: Declined ($13.2MM)
32. WR N’Keal Harry, Patriots: Declined ($12.4MM)
Packers Trade Up To No. 34, Select WR Christian Watson
After another night in which the Packers added to their defense, but not the receiving corps, they have added a wideout right away on Day 2. Green Bay has traded picks 53 and 59 to the Vikings for 34, and with it, they have selected WR Christian Watson.
Watson was generally viewed as the top remaining receiver, after their was a surprising run at the position through the middle of the first round last night. Now, after much anticipation, Green Bay adds a high degree of upside to their WR room. Watson’s speed will likely help him fill the void left by Marquez Valdes-Scantling.
Watson played four seasons at North Dakota State, saving his best year for last. He made 43 catches for 800 yards and seven touchdowns, which should give him an immediate role as a vertical threat in the Packers’ passing offense. With Sammy Watkins being the only other significant addition to the WR room so far, this deal of course doesn’t preclude the team from making further moves. At a minimum, they will exit the weekend with a new, noteworthy piece on offense.
Draft Notes: Remaining QBs, Jets, Vikings, Burks, Johnson
One of the main storylines from last night’s first round was the fact that only one quarterback came off the board. The Steelers have their preferred choice in Kenny Pickett, but the other top options likely won’t have to wait long to hear their names called.
Jeff Howe of the Athletic reports (via Twitter) that “several teams” are trying to move up in the second round. As a result, there is “anticipation that a QB run could be on the way”. A number of teams could be interested in adding the likes of Malik Willis, Sam Howell, Desmond Ridder and Matt Corral as intriguing developmental options.
On that point, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer names the Titans, Falcons, Seahawks and Commanders as teams to watch for. He reports that “Ridder’s name has been consistently connected to Tennessee”, who now holds the 35th overall pick. The other teams have done significant work on signal-callers as well. Perhaps eyeing a passer, the Seahawks have made “exploratory calls” about moving up tonight, per CBS Sports’ Josina Anderson (Twitter link).
Here are some other notes looking back on last night:
- The Jets, as it has been reported, were willing to part with the No. 10 pick for Deebo Samuel. They almost made a different deal with that selection, though, as detailed by ESPN’s Rich Cimini (on Twitter). New York wanted to swap with Seattle for No. 9 to avoid a team leapfrogging them to select Garrett Wilson. Both teams were able to successfully stand pat, ultimately getting Charles Cross and Wilson, respectively.
- Not long after the top-10 was complete, the Vikings ceded the 12th overall pick to the Lions. With their second first-rounder, Detroit selected Jameson Williams, who may have been the pick at that spot had Minnesota kept it. Breer reports that the Alabama receiver “was very much in play ” for the Vikings, who added Lewis Cine and two Day 2 picks as a result of the deal.
- Another of the top receivers to be taken last night was Treylon Burks, whom the Titans selected as a replacement for A.J. Brown. When speaking to Pat McAfee, NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport said the Arkansas alum “was the guy Aaron Rodgers wanted” (video link). With him off the board, the Packers extended their streak of not using a Round 1 pick on a wideout, but he reports that they are a candidate to trade up for one tonight (video link).
- One of the most surprising fallers on Thursday night was pass rusher Jermaine Johnson II. Part of the reason he was still on the board for the Jets at No. 25, Breer notes, was poor interviews with teams in the pre-draft process. Thought by some as a top-10 pick, he ended up with the Jets anyway, and figures to serve as a notable boost to their pass rush.
Chiefs, Packers Pursued Marquise Brown
Prior to the Cardinals acquiring Marquise Brown during the first round, the Ravens discussed the deep threat with the Chiefs and Packers, SI.com’s Howard Balzer tweets.
Given both contenders’ receiver moves this offseason, their involvement in these trade talks should not surprise. The Cardinals’ somewhat surprising offer — headlined by the No. 23 overall pick — won out, and neither the Chiefs nor Packers selected a wide receiver in the first round. Despite holding two first-rounders apiece, Green Bay and Kansas City enter Day 2 of the draft with needs at the position.
Although the teams’ market-shifting Davante Adams and Tyreek Hill trades had more of an impact on the A.J. Brown trade than the one involving the Baltimore wideout, the moves left the Chiefs and Packers in need. Kansas City does not appear to feature the same level of need as Green Bay, thanks to Marquez Valdes-Scantling‘s Missouri relocation, but the team was linked to a wideout move ahead of the draft. The Packers have done well with second-round receiver picks; perhaps this is the direction Green Bay goes Friday.
Lamar Jackson expressed frustration after the Brown trade commenced, but the former MVP knew about the latter’s trade request. Despite Jackson’s Twitter activity Thursday night, GM Eric DeCosta informed the star quarterback of the move before it happened, per Pro Football Focus’ Doug Kyed. Brown did as well, being at the Cardinals’ draft party Thursday night.
“It was just … my happiness,” Brown said during an appearance on the I Am Athlete Tonight podcast (via Pro Football Talk). “I talked to Lamar about it after my second year. And then after my third year, leading up to the end of the season, you know, [Jackson] wasn’t playing. I let him know again, like, ‘Yeah, bro, I can’t do it.’
“You know, it’s not really on Lamar, like I love Lamar. It was just, you know, it’s just the system just wasn’t for me personally. You know, I love all my teammates. I love the guys. It was just something I had to think about for myself.”
The Ravens’ run-heavy system has steered receivers (including Smith-Schuster) away in the past, and Brown’s exit leaves Baltimore with a bit of a need at the position. This reunites Brown with Oklahoma teammate Kyler Murray, a scenario Brown said the two discussed this winter (via 98.7 Arizona Sports’ Tyler Drake, on Twitter). Brown, who is coming off his first NFL 1,000-yard season, played a big role in Murray winning the 2018 Heisman Trophy. The 5-foot-9 target caught 75 passes for 1,318 yards and 10 touchdowns as a sophomore, catching the Ravens’ eye in the 2019 first round.
Packers Pick Up Fifth-Year Options On Rashan Gary, Darnell Savage
For the second time in three years, the Packers used two first-round picks to bolster their defense. Quay Walker and Devonte Wyatt will join 2019 first-rounders Rashan Gary and Darnell Savage. The Georgia products are in line to join the 2019 draftees for multiple seasons.
The Packers are picking up the fifth-year options on Gary and Savage, per ESPN.com’s Jeremy Fowler and Rob Demovsky (Twitter links). Despite Gary qualifying for a lower-tier option on the new four-tier hierarchy, his 2023 price tag comes in much higher than Savage’s due to positional value. The former Michigan pass rusher will be tied to a $10.89MM salary next year. A three-year Packers starter eligible for the Tier 3 option price, Savage is now attached to a $7.9MM 2023 salary.
Gary’s increased 2021 playing time did not lead to his option cost climbing, due to the 2019 and ’20 seasons he spent largely as a backup behind Za’Darius Smith and Preston Smith. The Packers broke up their edge-rushing Smith tandem this offseason, cutting Za’Darius to leave Gary a clear path to a starting role. The 2019 No. 12 overall pick impressed in his first extended run as a starter, registering 9.5 sacks and 28 QB hits. During a season in which Za’Darius Smith missed 16 games, Gary became a key part of Green Bay’s defensive future.
Green Bay traded out of the 2018 first round, allowing New Orleans to select Marcus Davenport. This gave the Packers a 2019 first, which became Savage after the Packers traded up to No. 21 with the Seahawks. Savage became a Day 1 starter in Green Bay. He has started all 46 games he’s played — including 17 last season — to help the Packers to three consecutive playoff byes. While Pro Football Focus viewed Savage’s 2021 as a step back from his 2020 showing, the Maryland alum’s lower option price allowed for a sensible pickup.
Packers Trying To Trade Up
The Packers‘ streak of not drafting a wide receiver in Round 1 has hit 20 years, but they may be prepared to snap it in a few hours. After trading Davante Adams and letting Marquez Valdes-Scantling walk in free agency, Green Bay enters the draft with a glaring need at this position. The team is exploring trade-up scenarios ahead of Round 1, Tom Pelissero of NFL.com tweets. Holding the Nos. 22 and 28 picks, the Packers standing pat runs the risk of seeing the top receivers being taken ahead of them. Drake London, Garrett Wilson, Chris Olave and Jameson Williams could all go off the board in the first half of Round 1. Other receivers are firmly on the first-round radar as well. The Packers have traded up in the first round under GM Brian Gutekunst, doing so for Jordan Love two years ago. That scrutinized pick prevented the Pack from landing a first-round receiver to pair with Adams, and the team’s efforts to trade up in the 2020 second round failed. Can Gutekunst and Co. pull off a deal tonight?