Eagles Agree To Terms With OL Nick Gates
Nick Gates‘ journey around the NFC East is set to continue. The former Giants and Commanders starter is heading to Philadelphia. The Eagles agreed to terms with Gates on Tuesday, NFL.com’s Mike Garafolo tweets. The team waived cornerback Mario Goodrich to make room on its roster.
Having played center in Washington and across the O-line in New York, Gates will head to Pennsylvania to join a team that lost a future Hall of Fame center. Cam Jurgens is sliding from guard to center to replace Jason Kelce, but the Eagles are holding a competition at right guard. Thus far, former third-round pick Tyler Steen has been mentioned most frequently as the likely RG. But Gates will supply another option.
The Commanders released Gates one season into a three-year, $16.5MM deal, one authorized by the Ron Rivera-led regime. The Adam Peters-run operation moved on from Gates and left tackle Charles Leno. While Leno remains unsigned, Gates has secured another gig ahead of what would be his sixth NFL season.
Gates, 28, came back from a major injury to secure that midlevel Commanders contract. A broken leg sustained in September 2021 kept Gates out for over a year, sidetracking his run as a Giants starter. He made a return midway through the 2022 season and worked mostly in a platoon role. Despite splitting time for a chunk of his comeback season, Gates managed to land a nice Washington payday. Pro Football Focus slotted Gates as the No. 17 overall center last season.
This still prompted the new Commanders regime to drop the former UDFA; the team is taking on a $5.3MM dead money hit this year as a result. Gates will join a crowded setup inside in Philly. Brett Toth, ex-Falcon Matt Hennessy and former second-rounder Max Scharping are in place as guard/center options. Day 3 draftees Trevor Keegan (Round 5) and Dylan McMahon (Round 6) are also rostered. The Eagles have cross-trained Mekhi Becton at guard, however, providing an interesting wrinkle here. Becton played exclusively at tackle in games as a Jet.
While Gates has 29 starts under his belt — including a 16-game run as the Giants’ center back in 2020 — this Eagles equation may not guarantee him a spot on the 53-man roster. The signing does add an intriguing name to the mix, as the team prepares to transition from Kelce and find capable backups. Gates’ time at center and both guard spots, along with an early-career right tackle work, would make him an appealing swing option behind the starting five.
Jaguars To Sign DL Rasheem Green
Rasheem Green is coming back to the AFC South. The former Texans defensive line contributor has a deal in place with the Jaguars, according to ESPN.com’s Adam Schefter. This will be Green’s fourth team in four seasons.
Spending 2023 with the Bears, Green played out his rookie contract in Seattle before going year-to-year with teams. This will be another one-year contract for the former third-round pick. Green joins a Jaguars team that still has Arik Armstead on the active/PUP list.
Green played on a one-year, $2.5MM deal in Chicago; he was attached to a one-year, $3.25MM accord in Houston two years ago. The Bears stationed the USC alum as a depth piece, using him as a rotational rusher in all 17 games last season. Green, 27, registered two sacks with Chicago; his five QB hits were his fewest since his 2018 rookie season.
Pro Football Focus slotted Green outside the top 100 among edge defenders last season, though he has played both inside and outside during his career. Armstead has transitioned to a DT regular as his career has progressed; he is expected to be a starter upon signing a three-year, $43.5MM deal ($28MM guaranteed) following his 49ers release. Armstead, however, is recovering from a torn meniscus.
The Seahawks received a 6.5-sack season from Green in 2021, though he was unable to score a notable contract following that solid platform year. During a Texans season spent as a part-time starter, Green totaled 3.5 sacks and eight QB hits. Having spent time in 4-3 and 3-4 defenses — mostly in 4-3 schemes, however — Green will join a Jaguars team that lost rotational rusher Dawuane Smoot this offseason.
While Jacksonville’s rush still hinges on Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker, the team used second- and fourth-round picks on LSU DTs Maason Smith and Jordan Jefferson. As Ryan Nielsen takes the reins as the third Jags DC in four seasons, he will also see what Green can provide as a supporting-caster.
Cowboys CB Trevon Diggs Off PUP List
Trevon Diggs‘ recovery from an ACL tear sustained during practice has reached a key stage. The All-Pro cornerback is ready to practice once again. He is officially off Dallas’ active/PUP list.
The Cowboys had nearly a month to activate Diggs from their active/PUP list, a training camp-only designation, but his being ready before August represents a positive direction for this particularly rehab odyssey. Team officials, per the Dallas Morning News’ David Moore, have been confident Diggs will be ready for Week 1. Today’s activation certainly points to a return on time.
Dallas managed to remain a top-tier defense despite losing the former 11-interception player early last season. DaRon Bland delivered a ballhawk season for the ages, setting an NFL record with five pick-sixes. The Cowboys now have 11- and nine-INT players rostered at corner, and they are close to playing together once again. Dallas has planned a Diggs-Bland-Jourdan Lewis trio at the position under new DC Mike Zimmer, and the veteran coach will see his top troops together for the first time.
It sounds like the Cowboys will ease Diggs back into action, per ESPN.com’s Todd Archer. That makes sense given that the fifth-year corner is just more than 10 months removed from the injury. Diggs going down so early last season helps him on this front, and the injury did not end up costing him any value. The Cowboys extended the former second-round pick during last year’s training camp, and the injury soon made signing early — as opposed to playing out his rookie contract — an important decision.
Diggs, who will turn 26 in September, earned first-team All-Pro honors in 2021 — after he became the first 11-INT player since Cowboys then-rookie Everson Walls in 1981. Diggs parlayed that season into a five-year deal worth $97MM. That still ranks fifth among CBs. In terms of AAV, this year’s batch of cornerback accords — for the likes of Jaylon Johnson, L’Jarius Sneed and Tyson Campbell — did not eclipse that. Though, each of the three 2024 big-ticket CB extension recipients outdid Diggs for guarantees.
The team has not re-signed Stephon Gilmore, who remains a free agent. But Zimmer will soon see how the Diggs-Bland-Lewis trio looks in practice. Diggs has started 46 games for the Cowboys, becoming one of the team’s many draft finds in recent years. The Alabama alum will hope to join Lewis in putting an injury-marred chapter behind him.
RB Rashaad Penny Retires
Rashaad Penny‘s latest bid to put together a healthy campaign has come to an abrupt end. The Panthers announced on Tuesday that they have placed the veteran running back on the reserve/retired list, ending his career. 
Penny entered the league with high expectations as a first-round pick. His Seattle tenure began with 24 appearances across the 2018 and ’19 seasons. He did not log a heavy workload during that time, but he scored six total touchdowns while displaying impressive efficiency on the ground. The years since then have been marred by injuries, however.
The 28-year-old was limited to just three games in 2020, and his Seahawks future was in doubt entering the following campaign. Penny’s best season came in 2021, when he scored six touchdowns while leading the NFL with a 6.3 yards per carry average. That performance earned him a one-year, $5.75MM deal with Seattle, but that pact did not produce the desired outcome. Penny had a strong start to the year in 2022, but a major injury (including a fractured fibula) limited him to just five contests.
Penny had a brief stint in Philadelphia last season, logging only 11 carries. His free agent market was understandably limited this spring, although the Seahawks showed interest in a reunion. Seattle has made recent draft investments in the backfield with Kenneth Walker and Zach Charbonnet, and that tandem will remain intact for 2024. Penny inked a deal with the Panthers in May, but his time in Charlotte has already come to an end.
Carolina signed Miles Sanders in free agency last offseason, but he struggled mightily during his debut Panthers season. Sanders still has a future with the team, but he will continue to have competition for playing time during training camp. Chuba Hubbard and second-round rookie Jonathon Brooks are set to handle the bulk of the load for Carolina this season. Rather than attempting to catch on with a new team, meanwhile, Penny will hang up his cleats.
The San Diego State product will end his career with 46 combined regular and postseason appearances to his name. Penny accumulated just over $17MM in career earnings, and he will now turn his attention to his post-playing endeavors.
Patriots, S Jabrill Peppers Finalize Extension
JULY 30: Peppers’ deal has a maximum value of $29MM, Ben Volin of the Boston Globe clarifies. His 2024 compensation will increase to $10MM, while next year already includes locked in money. Peppers has $4.32MM in guaranteed money for 2025, so he will remain in New England for at least the immediate future on his new pact.
JULY 26: Questions linger for some Patriots defenders at the start of training camp with respect to their futures. In the case of Jabrill Peppers, though, that will not be a concern. 
The veteran safety is finalizing a three-year New England extension, per ESPN’s Field Yates. The pact has a base value of $24MM and can max out at $30MM, he adds. Peppers had one year remaining on his deal, so he will now be on the books through 2027.
This agreement – which head coach Jerod Mayo has since confirmed – will ensure Peppers remains a key member of the Patriots’ secondary for the foreseeable future. The former Browns first-rounder spent his first two seasons in Cleveland before being included in the Odell Beckham Jr. trade. Peppers then played three years with the Giants before seeing his rookie contract expire. During that time, he demonstrated his ability to be an impactful player when healthy.
Peppers was limited to six games in 2021, and he originally joined the Patriots on a one-year, $2MM deal. The 28-year-old played more on special teams than defense during his debut New England campaign, but his performance earned him another contract. Peppers inked a two-year deal last offseason, one which set him up for a full-time starting role. He responded with a career-high two interceptions, along with eight pass deflections and 78 tackles.
Rather than waiting to see if Peppers repeats that level of production in 2024, Eliot Wolf and the front office have authorized a significant raise. The Michigan alum was attached to a $4.5MM AAV on his previous deal, but he will collect much more on this contract even if he is unable to maximize its value. With Peppers in the fold, he will reprise his starting spot in a tandem with Kyle Dugger moving forward. The latter signed a four-year, $58MM deal earlier this offseason.
Wolf’s first year at the helm has consisted of a long list of re-signings and extensions being worked out. The likes of Peppers, Dugger, Christian Barmore, Anfernee Jennings and Jahlani Tavai have all secured new pacts on the defensive side of the ball. Michael Onwenu, Rhamondre Stevenson, Kendrick Bourne and Hunter Henry, meanwhile, each signed long-term contracts allowing them to remain key players on offense.
Uncertainty remains as it pertains to edge rusher Matt Judon and defensive tackle Davon Godchaux, and attention will no doubt continue to be focused on how their respective contracts are handled by the front office. With Peppers now on the books well beyond 2024, though, he is among the Patriots whose future is not in question.
Lions Extend LT Taylor Decker
Lions general manager Brad Holmes announced during a Monday appearance on 97.1FM radio that left tackle Taylor Decker has signed an extension. His agent confirmed the news, noting this is a three-year, $60MM agreement. 
Decker will receive $31.83MM guaranteed on his latest Lions pact. He was entering the final year of his deal, one which was set to pay him $13.7MM. The 29-year-old has now landed a raise, though, along with added long-term security. Decker will be on the books through 2027.
The former first-rounder has spent his entire eight-year career in Detroit, and he has started each of his 116 combined regular and postseason contests. Decker has remained a consistent performer with respect to pass protection in particular, and his PFF evaluations have been steady over the years. He received the ninth-highest overall grade amongst tackles in 2023 (81.1), his best showing in that regard to date.
Extension talks between Decker and the Lions began this spring, ahead of an offseason in which several big-money deals were worked out. The likes of quarterback Jared Goff, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and right tackle Penei Sewell each inked contracts at or near the top of their respective markets in recent months. Decker’s $20MM AAV will move him into seventh amongst blindside blockers, a notable move up the pecking order from where he previously was.
Decker recently expressed a positive outlook on where contract talks stood, so today’s news comes as little surprise. With his deal now official, both members of Detroit’s tackle tandem are in place for the foreseeable future. Any question of whether or not Sewell would transition to the left side (at least any time soon) will be put to rest. The Lions selected Canadian college product Giovanni Manu in the fourth round of the draft, but he projects as a long-term developmental option. With Decker on the books, Manu will not need to be rushed into action.
The Lions’ success in a number of categories last year stemmed in large part from the play of their offensive line. That unit will return Decker, Sewell, left guard Graham Glasgow and center Frank Ragnow. Former right guard starter Jonah Jackson departed in free agency, but Detroit added a capable replacement in the form of Kevin Zeitler. Expectations will therefore once again be high up front for the team in 2024 and beyond with Decker remaining on the blindside.
Minor NFL Transactions: 7/29/24
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: WR Jesse Matthews
Houston Texans
- Activated from PUP: FB Andrew Beck
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Waived: K Riley Patterson
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: WR Terrell Bynum
- Waived (failed physical): LB Darien Butler
Minnesota Vikings
- Waived: K John Parker Romo
New York Jets
- Activated from PUP: FB Nick Bawden
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released: DB Josiah Scott
San Francisco 49ers
- Activated from NFI: WR Ricky Pearsall
Riley Patterson‘s second stint in Jacksonville has come to an end. After getting a seven-game look with the Lions in 2021, Patterson won the Jaguars full-time kicking gig in 2022. He proceeded to convert 30 of his 35 field goal attempts that season, plus another three-for-three showing in the postseason (including a 41-yard game-winner against the Chargers).
He was replaced in Jacksonville by Brandon McManus last offseason, leading to him spending the majority of the 2023 campaign back in Detroit. In addition to his two-game stint with the Browns to end last season, Patterson ended 2023 having connected on 16 of his 18 FG tries and 41 of his 44 XP tries. The Jaguars brought him back in February via a reserve/future contract, but the team is already committing to rookie sixth-round pick Cam Little as their full-time kicker.
Falcons, WR James Washington Agree To Deal
James Washington‘s efforts to land an NFL deal have produced an agreement. The veteran wideout is set to join the Falcons, Mike Garafolo of NFL Network reports. 
Washington did not record a reception in his pair of Cowboys contests during the 2022 season. He was out of the league altogether last year, but he made it clear earlier this month he intended to join a new team. After reportedly being on the radar of multiple interested teams, he will spend the rest of training camp in Atlanta.
The 28-year-old’s Dallas tenure did not go as planned, but it was preceded by four years in Pittsburgh. Between 2018-21, Washington showed his potential as a deep threat by averaging 14.2 yards per reception. He totaled 1,629 yards and 11 touchdowns on 114 catches, and he will aim to regain that form with the Falcons. Atlanta’s receivers coach – Ike Hilliard – served in that role with the Steelers during Washington’s last two years in Pittsburgh.
The Falcons’ WR depth chart is once again topped by 2022 first-rounder Drake London. The former No. 8 pick has been a focal point of the team’s passing attack so far, and that is expected to continue in 2024 with Kirk Cousins at the helm. The Falcons added Darnell Mooney in free agency, and the former Bear is slated to handle a starting role. Washington will be competing for a rotational spot alongside the likes of trade acquisition Rondale Moore, veteran returner Ray-Ray McCloud and incumbent KhaDarel Hodge.
Atlanta entered Monday at the bottom of the league in terms of cap space (roughly $3.5MM), so this Washington accord will not be a lucrative one. That comes as no surprise, of course, but he will now have the opportunity to earn a 53-man roster spot with a new team.
Texans DE Denico Autry Issued Six-Game PED Suspension
Denico Autry will miss the opening portion of the 2024 campaign. The Texans defensive end released a statement confirming he has received a six-game suspension for violating the league’s PED policy. 
Autry’s statement indicates he inadvertently ingested a banned substance while taking a prescription medication. The 34-year-old does not have a history of using performance-enhancing drugs, but this ban will keep him sidelined for the start of his Texans career. Autry will not appeal the suspension.
The former UDFA began his career with the Raiders, logging 18 starts during his four seasons with the team. Autry then kicked off his tour of the AFC South with a three-year Colts stint. In Indianapolis, he served as a full-time starter and racked up 20 sacks. From 2021-23, he played for the Titans and remained an integral member of the team’s pass rush.
Autry recorded 9.0, 8.0 and 11.5 sacks during his Tennessee campaigns before landing in Houston. The Mississippi State product signed a two-year Texans deal this offseason, and in doing so provided the team with another established producer off the edge. Houston’s offseason included the free agent departure of Jonathan Greenard, but he was replaced in the starting lineup by Danielle Hunter.
The latter will pair with 2023 third overall pick Will Anderson in anchoring Houston’s pass rush. Autry was expected to play a large role in that regard as well, but his season debut will now be delayed. The former UDFA will forfeit $1.5MM in salary, $500K in lost signing bonus compensation along with $177K in weekly roster bonuses, as detailed by Spotrac. In addition, Autry’s remaining 2024 salary ($3MM) will no longer be guaranteed.
The Texans also have the likes of Derek Barnett, Jerry Hughes and Dylan Horton along the edge. During the first six games of the season in particular, they will be counted on to step up. Autry will first be eligible to make his season debut in Week 7 against the Packers.
Vikings To Sign DB Bobby McCain
In need of depth in the secondary, the Vikings are set to bring in Bobby McCain. The veteran defensive back has a deal in place with Minnesota, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports. 
McCain has spent nine seasons in the NFL across three teams. His first stint came in Miami, which included time spent under then-head coach Brian Flores. The latter is now the Vikings’ defensive coordinator, and he will have a familiar face in the fold during training camp. McCain will use the coming weeks attempting to carve out a spot on Minnesota’s defense (or at least a special teams role).
The 30-year-old spent a pair of seasons as a full-time starter in Washington. Across the 2021 and ’22 campaigns, McCain logged just over 2,000 snaps while seeing considerable time at safety. He also saw time at slot corner, however, and his path to a 53-man roster spot in Minnesota could be at the CB position. With that said, Flores indicated – via Schefter’s colleague Kevin Seifert – McCain will start out at safety with the potential to also spend time in the slot or on the perimeter.
McCain was released by the Commanders last offseason (as he was at the end of his Dolphins tenure), paving the way for a one-year Giants contract. The former fifth-rounder was used heavily on special teams during his brief New York tenure, but he saw just 19 defensive snaps. He was let go in December and remained unsigned until now. McCain will face plenty of competition for a safety role alongside Harrison Smith, but he could earn a depth spot as a corner considering the Vikings’ losses at that spot recently.
Rookie Khyree Jackson died in a car accident this offseason, and Mekhi Blackmon suffered an ACL tear last week. That has left the team short on available contributors in the secondary, and head coach Kevin O’Connell recently said (via Ben Goessling of the Minneapolis Star Tribune) the Vikings would look into further free agent options. Minnesota already signed Duke Shelley, and he will now join McCain in competing for a roster spot.
The latter is a veteran of 131 games and 87 starts, and his familiarity with Flores could allow him to secure playing time on his newest team. Minnesota entered Monday with just over $19MM in cap space, so an underwhelming showing from McCain would still allow for further depth moves in the secondary to be made if necessary.