Week In Review

Even with the draft now in the rearview, teams around the NFL continue to make a number of key roster-building decisions. Here is a quick recap of the top headlines from the past week:

• Giants Extend Lawrence: The Giants have already finished negotiations with quarterback Daniel Jones on a big-money deal this offseason, and they have now done the same with standout defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence. The 25-year-old parlayed a career-year in 2022 into a four-year, $90MM contract with $60MM guaranteed. That makes his pact the latest lucrative one seen in the DT market this offseason, and its $22.5MM annual average value puts Lawrence in a tie for third at the position for yearly compensation. The Clemson product has cemented himself as one of the pillars of New York’s defense, and he will be on the books through 2027 as he and the team look to replicate their shared success from last season for years to come.  
• Packers, Love Agree To Extension: The Packers faced an interesting decision entering the deadline for fifth-year option decisions, with Jordan Love entering the final year of his rookie contract. In lieu of picking up his option, Green Bay worked out a one-year extension with their new starter with a maximum value ($22.5MM) slightly higher than what the option would have paid out. The 24-year-old has only one regular season start to his name, but he is in place as the undisrupted starter for at least the 2023 campaign, with personal and team achievements available as incentives for his 2024 compensation. Love can approach his all-important fourth season in the league with clarity on his short-term financial future.
• Commanders Sale Nearing? An official end to the Dan Snyder era in Washington could be coming later this month, with the Josh Harris-led bid for the Commanders being reviewed by the NFL ahead of the league’s next owners’ meetings. Talks with Snyder’s legal representatives are ongoing, and the matter of indemnification both for himself and the league’s other owners with respect to the various ongoing probes into the organization will be an important hurdle to clear. At least 24 owners will need to formally ratify the Harris bid when it is put to a general vote, but few obstacles are thought to remain before that takes place. Presuming it does, Harris will be in position to secure an NFL franchise one offseason after he was a runner-up to purchase the Broncos.
• Vikings, Cousins Open To Continuing Relationship: Much was made about the Vikings’ quarterback situation entering the draft, with veteran starter Kirk Cousins set to hit free agency after the 2023 season, during which he will play on a restructured deal. General manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s public remarks on the matter keep the door open to another Minnesota deal, however, which would likely result in a continuation of his penchant for short-term deals. The 34-year-old has been with the Vikings since 2018 and earned a second straight Pro Bowl nod in 2022 while leading the team to a strong regular season (along with, on the other hand, another first-round exit). Cousins, for his part, has indicated his openness to continue his stay with the Vikings in 2024 and beyond, so his performance this campaign – and how the team responds to it – will be a key storyline to follow.
• Record Low Fifth-Year Options Picked Up: Love’s situation aside, the 2023 offseason turned out to be an interesting one with respect to team’s decisions on 2020 first-round picks. A record low 12 players had their options exercised, which will lead to a number of high-profile free agent situations next offseason. Some of those whose options were declined could still end up re-signing with their current teams, of course, but notable players on both sides of the ball now face uncertain futures. Decisions on short- and long-term deals with the players across the 2020 first round order will no doubt inform teams’ other moves with more recent draftees, but several could be looking for replacements at key positions earlier than they envisioned.

Another draft has come and gone, bringing with it a number of interesting developments. Prior to the latest class of rookies joining the league, though, some long-anticipated quarterback deals were made as well. Here’s a quick recap of the week’s top stories:

• Packers, Jets Finalize Rodgers Trade: More than one month after Aaron Rodgers stated his intention to play for the Jets, the trade sending him to New York came into place. The Jets paid a considerable price (including a conditional 2024 second-round pick, which could become a first-rounder if he plays 65% of the snaps this season), leading many to wonder whether the 39-year-old will play beyond this year. That question remains unanswered, but for at least this season the Jets’ offense will have substantially more upside than it had under Zach Wilson, which could allow them to compete in a stacked AFC. Rodgers, like Brett Favre before him, will look to find success in the Big Apple late in his career following an illustrious Green Bay tenure.
• Ravens Extend Jackson: Lamar Jackson became the latest quarterback to land a monster extension, inking a five-year, $260MM deal with the Ravens. The agreement put an end to a years-long effort on Baltimore’s part to get the 26-year-old on the books for the foreseeable future, one which included several eyebrow-raising developments. The Ravens placed the non-exclusive franchise tag on Jackson last month, but no suitors emerged on the offer sheet or trade fronts, leading to the growing belief he would ultimately stay in Baltimore. Jackson’s pact supersedes that given to the Eagles’ Jalen Hurts by a small margin in both AAV ($52MM) and guarantees ($185MM), and marks further evidence of the upward trend in the position’s market – something which will no doubt influence talks for the likes of Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert down the road.
• Commanders To Decline Young’s Option: Decisions on the fifth-year options for 2020 draftees are coming due, and the Commanders won’t exercise that of defensive end Chase Young. The former No. 2 pick has been dogged by injuries for much of his career, playing just 12 contests since his impressive debut season. The former Defensive Rookie of the Year showed plenty of potential in 2020, but the questions surrounding his health and ability to replicate his production from that year make Washington’s decision to turn down a guarantee of nearly $17.5MM in 2024 an understandable one, especially considering the other investments made in their defensive front. Young’s performance this season could set up a very high-profile free agent situation depending on how the Commanders handle his contract status.
• Titans End Levis’ Draft Slide: As expected, three quarterbacks were selected with the first four picks of the draft, but Will Levis fell out of the opening round. The Titans ended his wait to hear his name called, trading up to pick No. 33 to draft the Kentucky alum. Tennessee has Ryan Tannehill under contract for one more year, but the veteran’s future with the team has been in serious doubt for some time. Levis’ addition also shows the organization’s desire to add another young passer despite the previous front office having drafted Malik Willis last year. Long considered a first-round lock, Levis should soon have the opportunity to take on a starting role in the NFL, which will no doubt lead to continued comparisons between he and the signal-callers drafted much earlier this weekend.
• Lions Deal Swift To Eagles: Speculation ramped up after the first round that Detroit would move on from running back D’Andre Swift, and they did just that by trading him to the Eagles. The Lions swapped seventh-round 2023 picks and added a 2025 fourth-rounder by dealing the 24-year-old, who is a native of Philadelphia. The Lions signed David Montgomery in free agency, and used pick No. 12 on fellow back Jahmyr Gibbs, and this trade now sets up that pair at the top of their depth chart. Swift will look to solidify the starting role in a crowded Eagles backfield which lost Miles Sanders, but added Rashaad Penny. The Georgia alum is entering the final year of his rookie contract, so his production in his new home will go a long way in determining his future in 2024 and beyond.

With the draft just days away, a number of key developments continue to take place around the league. In case you missed any of the top stories from the past week, here’s a quick recap:

• Hurts Signs Record-Setting Eagles Extension: A number of young quarterbacks are up for massive extensions this offseason, and the Eagles became the first team to get their mega-deal done by signing Jalen Hurts to a five-year, $255MM contract. The $51MM AAV of the pact, which kicks in next season, is the highest figure in league history, and Hurts will see just over $179MM in guaranteed money. His pact will represent another benchmark in negotiations for the likes of Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and Justin Herbert. Hurts, 24, confirmed his status as the Eagles’ starter in 2022 and put himself in the MVP conversation while helping guide the team to the Super Bowl. He will remain in place as their franchise centerpiece for the foreseeable future as the QB market continues its upward trajectory.
• Williams, Four Others Suspended For Gambling: The NFL levied suspensions against five players for violations of the league’s gambling policy, a group headlined by Lions receiver Jameson Williams. He, along with teammate Stanley Berryhill, will be sidelined for six games in 2023 for placing bets on non-NFL games at the team’s facility. Receiver Quintez Cephus and safety C.J. Moore (who have been let go by the Lions), along with Commanders pass rusher Shaka Toney, have been banned indefinitely and will miss at least the 2023 season. The latter three bet on NFL games, as the recently reinstated Calvin Ridley did before his year-long suspension in 2022. The Lions also fired a number of team employees for violations of the gambling policy, adding to the growing list of personnel to face discipline recently.
• Hamlin Cleared To Return: Damar Hamlin’s recovery took another step forward as he was given full clearance to resume football activities. The Bills safety’s playing future was in doubt following his cardiac arrest in January, but he made it clear earlier this offseason that he intended to return to the field when given the green light to do so. Doctors are in agreement that he is safe to take part in the team’s offseason program, putting him on track to suit up for the start of the 2023 campaign. A backup role presumably awaits him this season, but the fact that the 25-year-old is likely to be on the field in any capacity is of course a newsworthy and welcomed development.
• Steelers Acquire Robinson: The Rams continued to move on from some of their more expensive veterans, sending wideout Allen Robinson to the Steelers for a swap of seventh-round picks. Los Angeles will retain two-thirds of Robinson’s 2023 compensation, giving Pittsburgh a relatively cost-effective addition to their pass-catching corps. The 29-year-old had an underwhelming tenure with the Rams last season, but his latest change of scenery could give him the opportunity to return to full health and boost his value. Robinson is under contract through 2024, but no guaranteed money remains on his deal at that point. This move thus represents a one-year audition for the former Pro Bowler as part of a talented WR room.
• 49ers Receiving Calls On Lance: San Francisco faces plenty of QB uncertainty heading into 2023, but they have seen interest from a number of teams regarding the availability of Trey Lance. The former third overall pick was set to take over the starting role in 2022, but his season lasted less than two games. Seventh-rounder Brock Purdy eventually took over the No. 1 role, and is the favorite for the top spot when he is healthy (something which very much remains in the air). The Vikings are among the teams who inquired about Lance, 22. San Francisco would be hard-pressed to get anywhere near the value back in a deal that they paid to move up and draft him just two years ago, making it unlikely a move is made at this point. It remains clear, though, that Lance’s start to his NFL career hasn’t gone according to plan.

Attention continues to shift to the draft, but teams are still making moves on the free agent and trade fronts in advance of adding rookies to their rosters; one major off-the-field development took place recently, as well. Here is a quick recap of the past week’s top headlines:

• Harris Reaches Agreement To Purchase Commanders: The Dan Snyder era in Washington appears to be on the verge of coming to an end, with the Commanders owner reaching agreement on a sale which would see the group led by Josh Harris take over the Commanders. The $6.05 billion price would make this the second straight year in which the North American sports record was shattered in terms of sale price (with the Broncos going for $4.65 billion last summer). Harris is already a majority owner in the NBA, NHL and English Premier League. Now, he is poised to inherit a franchise which has been marred by poor play, numerous scandals and the need for a new stadium (unless today’s news regarding new bidder Brian Davis changes the situation). Investigations into workplace culture and financial impropriety centered on Snyder’s tenure at the helm, meanwhile, remain ongoing.
• Lions Deal Okudah To Falcons: The Lions moved on from the third overall pick in 2020, cornerback Jeff Okudah, in a trade with the Falcons. By receiving a fifth-round pick in return, the move marks a highly underwhelming end to Okudah’s tenure in Detroit, which included multiple injury problems. The 24-year-old showed some of the substantial potential he had coming out of college during the 2022 campaign, and should have a significant role in the Falcons’ new-look secondary. A strong season in 2023 could bode well for both team and player, though, with Okudah looking to play his way into a second contract in Atlanta or elsewhere.
• Ravens, Beckham Agree To Deal: All signs seemed to be pointing to Odell Beckham Jr. signing with the Jets, but the veteran wideout instead agreed to a one-year deal with the Ravens. Baltimore guaranteed $15MM for the three-time Pro Bowler, while incentives could push the maximum value of the pact to $18MM. That far outpaces what many believed Beckham, 30, would be able to sign for considering his missed time (including the entire 2022 season) due to multiple ACL injuries. The Ravens’ gamble comes as part of their retooling effort in the passing game, and it has led to the further expectation that quarterback Lamar Jackson (who helped recruit Beckham) will remain with the team in one form or another in 2023.
• White, Baker Request Trades: Two high-profile defenders – Buccaneers linebacker Devin White and Cardinals safety Budda Baker – have each asked to be traded amidst unproductive contract talks. White is under contract for one more season on the fifth-year option, but he is reportedly seeking one of the most lucrative deals at the position from Tampa or an acquiring team. Baker, meanwhile, let the Cardinals know in February that he was eyeing a new deal to make him the league’s highest-paid safety; two years remain on his 2020 extension, which doesn’t include any guaranteed money in 2023 or ’24. Both teams will look to navigate these developments as they continue contract talks in an attempt to avoid needing to part ways with either player.
• Carter Still Likely Top 10 Pick? Plenty of speculation has surrounded Jalen Carter in the build-up to the draft, considering his legal situation and underwhelming showing at Georgia’s pro day. Despite those factors, the defensive tackle is still expected to be a top 10 pick. The Bears and Eagles – who hold picks No. 9 and 10, respectively – have both shown interest in Carter and would be well-suited to add him to their defensive fronts. Other teams like Seattle, Detroit and Las Vegas have done their homework on him, which could create a competition to secure him early on Day 1. Despite a number of teams reportedly taking Carter off their draft boards altogether, he shouldn’t have to wait long to hear his name called next week.

The countdown to the NFL draft continues, but a number of notable developments continue to take place around the league in the relatively quiet time between the initial waves of free agency and the arrival of the latest crop of rookies. Here is a quick recap of some of the top storylines from the past week:

• Titans Sign Simmons To Monster Deal: An extension for Titans defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons had been considered one of the team’s top priorities for the offseason, and it has now been taken care of. The two-time Pro Bowler inked a four-year, $94MM extension which will take effect starting in 2024. The pact places Simmons, 25, behind only Aaron Donald in terms of average annual value ($23.5MM) and slightly ahead of the Rams superstar in guarantees ($66MM). Tennessee has moved on from a number of veterans this offseason, but the ascending talent at the heart of their defensive line will be in place for years to come, while other DTs up for extensions will look to use his deal as a benchmark for their own contracts.  
• Patriots Looked To Move Jones? Things didn’t go according to plan on offense for the Patriots in 2022, and the fallout from their much-maligned coaching setup continues. The relationship between quarterback Mac Jones and head coach Bill Belichick is not in a good place, and the Patriots reportedly shopped the 2021 first-rounder earlier this offseason. Jones, 24, repeatedly expressed frustration with the team’s underwhelming passing attack last year, something which no doubt contributed to his statistical regression compared to his rookie campaign. Belichick recently hinted at a training camp competition between the Alabama product and 2022 fourth-rounder Bailey Zappe, despite owner Robert Kraft‘s firm support of Jones. Potential developments for New England under center (which is not expected to include a Lamar Jackson pursuit) will certainly be worth watching.
• Jets To Host Beckham: The Jets continue to negotiate with the Packers on an Aaron Rodgers trade, something which is expected to produce a number of other moves on New York’s part. One of those would be a deal with free agent wideout Odell Beckham Jr., and the team will take a step closer to that on Monday by hosting him on an official visit. The 30-year-old sat out the entire 2022 season while rehabbing an ACL tear, and the list of serious suitors appears to have shrunk relatively recently. The Jets have long been connected to Beckham (especially given the assumption they will acquire Rodgers), and this sit-down will be his first official one. A deal sending him back to the Big Apple could soon follow.
• Panthers Favor Young With Top Pick? When the Panthers traded up to the No. 1 spot in this month’s draft, their intentions of selecting a quarterback were confirmed. It had originally seemed their preference was Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, but signs are now pointing to Alabama product Bryce Young being the target. The latter has many fans inside Carolina’s organization, and is generally seen as the top passer in the 2023 class. His size is often named as a concern, though, especially within the context of the QB profile head coach Frank Reich tends to work with. Young, the 2021 Heisman winner, put up two highly productive seasons as the starter for the Crimson Tide and is, along with Stroud, seen as a known commodity compared to the other signal-callers in this class. Carolina will continue to evaluate their options, but Young hearing his name first on Day 1 would come as less of a surprise now than it previously would have.
• Cards’ Bidwill Facing Cheating, Misconduct Allegations: Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill is the subject of an arbitration claim filed by outgoing team executive Terry McDonough following alleged actions which took place in 2018. Specifically, McDonough claims he and then-head coach Steve Wilks were forced to illegally communicate with then-general manager Steve Keim during his suspension that year. The fallout from objecting to that plan, according to McDonough, has resulted in a number of actions taken against him by Bidwill which left him in a position of lower standing in the organization and off the radar for GM positions for other teams. The Cardinals have firmly denied the misconduct allegations, which also include claims of creating “an environment of fear for minority employees.” The matter will be resolved through the league’s arbitration policy.

The first few waves of free agency have come and gone, but plenty of key storylines remain in place around the NFL. Here’s a quick recap of some of the top headlines from this past week:

• Packers, Jets Continuing Rodgers Negotiations: It is well known around the NFL that Aaron Rodgers wishes to continue his career with the Jets, and that the Packers are more than willing to move on from the four-time MVP. Trade talks between Green Bay and New York are now centered on the compensation (particularly in 2024 draft capital) which will be needed to finalize a swap. There is a growing sense that no first-round picks will be included in the package sent to the Packers, given the uncertainty surrounding Rodgers’ playing future beyond 2023. Most of the elements of this trade – including, quite possibly, the financial work which will be required for the Jets to absorb the 39-year-old’s contract – are said to be in place, though, so trade compensation likely represents the final hurdle to a deal being consummated.
• Jackson Goes Public With Trade Request: The saga surrounding Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson has taken a number of turns recently, including his Twitter posts stating that he asked for a trade one month ago. Negotiations have remained ongoing for years now, but not much traction has been gained between player and team. The former MVP’s market has not heated up, as no serious suitors for an offer sheet or tag-and-trade have emerged to date. The issue of draft compensation, along with the matter of guarantees (although Jackson is reportedly not seeking a fully-guaranteed pact), has left the 26-year-old’s future in the air well into the offseason.
• Commanders Sale Approaching? Signs continue to point to the Dan Snyder era in Washington nearing an end. Two fully funded bids (from the groups led by Josh Harris and Steve Apostolopoulos) have been submitted, despite the fact that it is not known with certainty whether or not Snyder intends to sell. The latter’s recent actions, including reportedly moving himself and his family to England, however, have further fueled the belief that a sale will be finalized in the near future. In addition to Harris and Apostolopoulos, Houston Rockets owner Tilman Fertitta and an unnamed fourth bidder are in place as potential new Commanders owners.
• Hopkins Trade Market Heating Up? The 2023 free agent class of wideouts has, as expected, produced little in the way of big-money deals. One of the top trade candidates at the position, DeAndre Hopkins, is drawing interest from a number of teams, as the Cardinals continue to shop him. To no surprise, the 30-year-old is eyeing a contending team as his next home, but his contract represents a significant obstacle. Hopkins would likely sign an extension upon arrival with a new team to lower his 2023 cap hit ($29.99MM), but Arizona has remained firm in seeking a trade package including at least one second-round pick in return for the three-time All-Pro. Interested teams (including the Bills, Chiefs, Ravens and, perhaps less feasibly, the Patriots) are intent on having the Cardinals eat a portion of Hopkins’ remaining compensation to make a trade more manageable. The degree to which Arizona is willing to do so will no doubt go a long way in determining his playing future.  
• Campbell Heading To Atlanta: After three years in Baltimore, six-time Pro Bowl defensive end Calais Campbell was a cap casualty of the Ravens this offseason, allowing him to head elsewhere on the open market. He did just that, inking a one-year deal with the Falcons which includes $7MM guaranteed and has a maximum value of $9MM. The 36-year-old proved he can still be an effective producer in the run and pass game in 2022, and will look for career sack No. 100 with an Atlanta team which has made a number of noteworthy additions so far in free agency. A strong year with his fourth career franchise will help the 2010s All-Decade member add further to his legacy.

The calendar has flipped over to March, which means the NFL Combine and the impending franchise tag deadline have driven most of the headlines in recent days. Here’s a quick recap of some of the top stories from the past week:

• Bears Open To Trading No. 1 Pick: Only twice this century has the No. 1 pick in the draft been traded, but that is a distinct possibility in 2023. The Bears are reportedly leaning toward a move down the board, something which GM Ryan Poles hinted at when giving incumbent quarterback Justin Fields a strong endorsement. Several QB-needy teams have top-10 picks, so a bidding war shouldn’t be difficult for the Bears to generate while fielding calls. Interestingly, Poles added that a trade involving the top selection could take place before free agency begins, which would be an unprecedented move.
• Saints Prepared To Sign Carr: Derek Carr figures to have several suitors as the top quarterback currently available, but New Orleans is reportedly “ready” to sign him right now. The Saints are in the market for an upgrade under center from their 2022 setup, and they pursued Deshaun Watson last offseason. They have plenty financial work remaining to become cap compliant, however, and will likely face competition from the likes of the Jets and Panthers to sign the 31-year-old. Carr could make his decision in the coming days, so his future – and that of the Saints at the QB position – could become clearer soon.
• Raiders To Tag Jacobs: The NFL’s leading rusher could have commanded a hefty payday on the open market, but he will remain in Vegas for at least one more season. Unless a long-term deal can be agreed upon with Josh Jacobs, the Raiders will tag him at a cost of $10.1MM. A multi-year deal appears to be each party’s preference, though Jacobs’ 2022 performance would no doubt drive up his contract demands; the two sides can negotiate a pact until mid-July assuming the tag gets used. The same holds true of Tony Pollard with the Cowboys.
• Wentz, Mariota Headline Veteran Cuts: Joining Carr in early quarterback free agency this past week were Carson Wentz of the Commanders and Marcus Mariota of the Falcons. Neither move came as a surprise, as the veterans lost their No. 1 positions midway through the 2022 season after being signed as bridge starters. Both Washington and Atlanta are likely to make additions under center this offseason, albeit with less expensive options to compete with Sam Howell and Desmond Ridder, respectively. Wentz and Mariota will look to catch on with a preferable situation as they attempt to rebuild their value. They are joined on the open market by other notable veterans such as wideout Kenny Golladay and running back Leonard Fournette.
• Jaguars To Tag Engram: After an up-and-down tenure with the Giants, Evan Engram enjoyed a career-year in 2022 with the Jaguars. He and the team have expressed their desire to continue their partnership, and the 28-year-old will remain in Duval County on at least the franchise tag (valued at $11.35MM). A long-term deal remains a strong possibility, and could take shape before the March 7 tag deadline. Failing that, Engram and the Jags could keep negotiating through July 15 as they look to retain several core members of last season’s playoff squad.

With free agency not far away, the coordinator hiring cycle has begun to wind down as teams look to make financial moves to become cap compliant and free up flexibility. In case you missed any of this past week’s top headlines, here’s a quick recap:

• Giants Continuing Jones, Barkley Talks: All teams have important decisions to make in the next few days, but the Giants face the dilemma of keeping quarterback Daniel Jones and running back Saquon Barkley on the roster for at least one more year. They have resumed contract negotiations with Jones, in the wake of reports that he is seeking north of $40MM (perhaps as much as $45MM) per season. New York is trying to finalize a deal at a more affordable number, knowing that the franchise tag deadline (March 7) is approaching. That one-year option remains for Barkley in particular, though the team’s intention remains multi-years deals for both. Progress will need to be made soon on at least one front if they wish to avoid either player hitting the open market.
• Rams Moving On From Wagner: All-Pro linebacker Bobby Wagner chose to sign with his hometown team on a five-year deal last offseason, but that contract resulted in only a one-year stint there. The Rams and Wagner will mutually part ways when the new league year begins, and he will likely once again have a robust market for his services. The 32-year-old remained highly productive in 2022, but will turn his attention to signing with a contender. In the wake of that news, it has since come out that star corner Jalen Ramsey is expected to be traded as the Rams reset financially.
• Chiefs Promote Nagy To OC: The departure of Eric Bieniemy left a vacancy at the offensive coordinator spot for the Super Bowl champions. The Chiefs made the expected move of promoting from within, naming Matt Nagy as their new OC. The ex-Bears head coach is now in his second stint under that title in Kansas City, though it does not include play-calling duties on a full-time basis. Nagy worked as quarterbacks coach in 2022, and has experience working not only with HC Andy Reid but QB Patrick Mahomes as well. The decision will give the Chiefs continuity as they look to lengthen their recent run of success.
• Titans Shed Significant Salary: Cost-cutting season is in full swing, and the Titans made several notable moves by releasing wideout Robert Woods, linebacker Zach Cunningham, left tackle Taylor Lewan and kicker Randy Bullock within a matter of hours. The slew of cuts freed up more than $35MM in cap space, but Tennessee still sits outside the top-10 in the league in terms of financial wiggle room. In Lewan’s case, retirement could very well be the next step, but the other three will now get a head start on free agency. The Titans will have a number of replacements to find in the coming weeks and months in their bid to rebound from a disappointing 2022 campaign.
• Broncos Reunite With Joseph: The Broncos have plenty of new faces on their coaching staff, including Sean Payton at the helm. However, their defense will have some familiarity under Vance Joseph, who was hired to come back to the Mile High City after his HC stint there ended in 2018. Since then, he had led Arizona’s defense and recently been let go by the Cardinals’ new staff. The 50-year-old won out over a few other notable candidates, including Rex Ryan, Matt Patricia and Sean Desai. He will aim to continue Denver’s success on defense in 2022, while Payton and Co. attempt to revive the team’s offense.

With Super Bowl LVII in the rearview, all 32 NFL teams are now in offseason mode. In case you missed any of the top developments in the days following another season coming to an end, here’s a quick breakdown:

• Raiders Release Carr: A move which had long been expected finally became official this week, as the Raiders cut quarterback Derek Carr before the guarantee trigger in his contract took effect. A trade to an interested team was not an option, after the four-time Pro Bowler made it clear he would force Las Vegas to make him a free agent. Now, Carr can sign with a new team at any time (as opposed to other free agents who can only do so when the new league year begins in March). He has already met with the Saints, and most recently, the Jets. A number of other suitors are likely to show interest in him as well.
• Colts Hire Steichen As HC: The Colts conducted a lengthy, wide-ranging search for their next full-time head coach, one which included interim HC Jeff Saturday for quite some time. Not long after narrowing their list of finalists, though, they landed on Eagles offensive coordinator Shane Steichen. The 37-year-old has received glowing reviews for his previous work with quarterbacks in particular, something which will play a central part in his success in Indianapolis, a team desperate for a long-term solution under center.
• Gannon Takes Over As Cardinals’ Coach: Hours after the news broke that Steichen was headed to Indianapolis, it was learned that Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon had been hired by Arizona. That put him in place as the final HC hire of the 2023 cycle, and made the Eagles the first team in a decade to see both their offensive and defensive coordinators depart in the same offseason. Gannon, 39, emerged as a late contender for the Cardinals’ head coaching gig, and will face the tall task of rebuilding the AFC West squad alongside new general manager Monti Ossenfort and a pair of new coordinators.  
• Commanders Hire Bieniemy As OC: After five straight one-year contracts tying him to Kansas City, Eric Bieniemy has landed a new coaching opportunity in Washington. While it isn’t the HC position many have been clamoring for, the 53-year-old will have his first opportunity to have full control of an offense, along with a raise and bump in title as the Commanders’ assistant head coach. The two-time Super Bowl winner inherits a far different situation than the one he left in Kansas City (from the distinct lack of an established quarterback to the uncertain future of HC Ron Rivera), but he will have the chance to guide his new team to an improved showing on offense and, in turn, boost his own stock.
• Ridley Applies For Reinstatement: On the first day he was eligible to do so, wideout Calvin Ridley applied to be reinstated to the NFL. The 28-year-old was suspended for the 2022 campaign due to a violation of the league’s gambling policy, but was still traded at the deadline from the Falcons to the Jaguars. If he is allowed to suit up in 2023, the former first-rounder will look to build off his success in Atlanta while helping Jacksonville’s new-look pass-catching corps take another step forward.

With training camps well underway, there have been a number of significant developments with on- and off-the-field implications this past week. In case you missed anything, here’s a quick recap of the top stories from around the league:

• Watson Given Six-Game Suspension: The long-awaited ruling from former judge Sue L. Robinson was handed down Monday morning, and imposed a ban for the first six games of the season on Deshaun Watson. The Browns QB was found to have violated the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy by virtue of his “nonviolent sexual conduct” during massage sessions dating back to his time with the Texans. As it stands, the punishment will cost Watson $345K in salary; things could change significantly soon, however, since the league has appealed the decision, and is looking to have both its length and financial penalties increased by a new third-party arbiter.
• Samuel Signs Extension: After formally requesting a trade earlier this offseason, wideout Deebo Samuel completed his course reversal by inking a three-year, $71.55MM extension. The new deal will keep him in San Francisco through 2025, and moves him into the top-10 in the league in annual compensation ($23.85MM) at the position. The 26-year-old now has the financial security to replicate his success from last season – where he earned All-Pro honors for his unique effectiveness in the air and on the ground – but also the opportunity to hit the open market in the not-too-distant future.
• Dolphins, Ross Punished For Tampering: The Dolphins were docked a 2023 first-round pick and a 2024 third-rounder for their attempts to acquire QB Tom Brady and head coach Sean Payton. In addition, owner Steven Ross was suspended until October and fined $1.5MM. The organization was found to have committed tampering violations of “unprecedented scope and severity,” leading to the substantial discipline being handed down. Ross and the team were, on the other hand, cleared of any wrongdoing with respect to the tanking allegations made by former head coach Brian Flores.
• Steelers Extend Johnson: In the immediate build-up to his new deal being finalized, all signs seemed to point to Diontae Johnson departing in free agency at the end of this season. Instead, he signed a two-year extension worth $36.71MM. Surprisingly, the Pro Bowler came in short of the $20MM-per-year mark that each of his 2019 draft classmates (among several other wideouts) who have been extended this offseason eclipsed. Like Samuel, though, he can build off of a career-year over the course of the pact’s short term and test the free agent market while still in his prime.
• Cardinals Extend Humphries: Not long after signing QB Kyler Murray to a massive extension, Arizona took care of his blindside blocker as well. Left tackle D.J. Humphries signed a three-year, $66.8MM extension to keep him on the books through 2025. The 28-year-old now ranks ninth in the league in terms of annual average compensation ($16.98MM) amongst left tackles as a result of the deal. He will look to continue his Pro Bowl form of last year as another key member of the Cardinals’ offense who is on the books for the foreseeable future.