Chargers’ Chad Alexander Withdraws From Vikings’ GM Search
Chad Alexander was among the staffers who recently received an interview request from the Vikings in the early stages of their general manager search. A departure from the Chargers will not be taking place, however.
Alexander has declined the interview request and withdrawn his name from consideration, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated reports. As a result, Los Angeles’ assistant general manager will be remaining in place moving forward. Alexander has been a member of the Bolts’ front office since 2024, the year in which Joe Hortiz was hired as GM.
Hortiz and Alexander worked together in Baltimore, and they reunited in Los Angeles shortly after Hortiz was tapped to lead the Chargers. Alexander has been an NFL staffer since 1999, and he worked as a member of the Ravens’ front office until 2018. Over that span, he served as a scout but also a member of the team’s pro personnel department.
Alexander was with the Jets from 2019-23. He operated as New York’s director of player personnel during that time. Upon arrival with the Chargers, he took on his current AGM title. Alexander will now remain in that role for at least one more season, although it will of course be interesting to see if he receives further general manager interview requests during the 2027 hiring cycle.
The Vikings promoted Rob Brzezinski to the role of interim GM in the wake of Kwesi Adofo-Mensah‘s firing. He led Minnesota’s front office through free agency and the draft before the team’s outside search for a full-time general manager began. Brzezinski is interested in the GM gig, but interviews with other candidates will take place before a final decision is made.
Today’s news takes Alexander out of the running and thins the list of candidates – which was believed to be finalized – for the Vikings to choose from. John McKay (Rams), R.J. Gillen (49ers), Nolan Teasley (Seahawks) and Terrance Gray (Bills) are still in the running at this time.
Each NFL Franchise’s Richest RB Contract
Running back value has become a divisive topic in the modern NFL, and teams’ histories with these investments reveal a large gap in their respective approaches to RB contracts. Following our installments covering the highest-paid quarterback, wide receiver and off-ball linebacker in each team’s history, here are the most lucrative deals — ranked by guaranteed money — for running backs in each franchise’s history (the list excludes rookie contracts).
Unlike the QB and WR markets, some teams’ top RB deals occurred decades ago. This list covers contracts agreed to across four different decades.
Arizona Cardinals
- James Conner; March 14, 2022: Three years, $21MM ($13.5MM guaranteed)
Jeremiyah Love‘s rookie contract brings the highest guarantee ($53MM) in RB history, but for veteran accords, Conner’s second Arizona pact is the organizational standard
Atlanta Falcons
- Devonta Freeman; August 9, 2017: Five years, $41.25MM ($22.1MM guaranteed)
Baltimore Ravens
- Derrick Henry; May 19, 2025: Two years, $30MM ($25MM guaranteed)
Buffalo Bills
- James Cook; August 13, 2025: Four years, $46MM ($28.82MM guaranteed)
LeSean McCoy‘s March 2015 extension included more guaranteed at signing ($18.25MM), but Cook’s brought a rolling guarantee structure that eclipsed that package in total
Carolina Panthers
- Christian McCaffrey; April 13, 2020: Four years, $64.1MM ($38.16MM guaranteed)
Chicago Bears
- Matt Forte; July 16, 2012: Four years, $30.4MM ($17.1MM guaranteed)
D’Andre Swift‘s 2024 agreement included more guaranteed at signing ($14MM), but Forte’s guarantee package remains the Chicago standard
Cincinnati Bengals
- Corey Dillon; May 11, 2001: Five years, $26MM ($10.5MM guaranteed)
The Bengals more than doubled Dillon’s AAV number in 2020 for Joe Mixon (four years, $48MM) but only guaranteed $10MM of that pact
Cleveland Browns
- Nick Chubb; July 31, 2021: Three years, $36.6MM ($20MM guaranteed)
Dallas Cowboys
- Ezekiel Elliott; September 4, 2019: Six years, $90MM ($50.1MM guaranteed)
Denver Broncos
- Melvin Gordon; March 20, 2020: Two years, $16MM ($13.5MM guaranteed)
Detroit Lions
- Barry Sanders; July 21, 1997: Six years, $33.5MM ($11.5MM guaranteed)
David Montgomery‘s two Lions deals topped the Hall of Famer in AAV, but neither surpassed $11MM guaranteed; Jahmyr Gibbs is tied to the highest RB guarantee in franchise history ($17.85MM) but got there via a rookie deal
Green Bay Packers
- Aaron Jones; March 14, 2021: Four years, $48MM ($13MM guaranteed)
Josh Jacobs‘ 2024 pact edges Jones in AAV but fell short of his predecessor’s deal in guarantees
Houston Texans
- Arian Foster; March 5, 2012: Five years, $43.5MM ($20.75MM guaranteed)
Indianapolis Colts
- Jonathan Taylor; October 7, 2023: Three years, $42MM ($26.5MM guaranteed)
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Maurice Jones-Drew; April 15, 2009: Five years, $31.1MM ($14.25MM guaranteed)
Leonard Fournette received a $27.15MM guarantee — still in the top 10 in RB history — but it came on a rookie contract
Kansas City Chiefs
- Kenneth Walker; March 9, 2026: Three years, $43.1MM ($28.7MM guaranteed)
Las Vegas Raiders
- Josh Jacobs; August 26, 2023: One year, $11.79MM franchise tag ($10.1MM guaranteed)
Raiders sweetened Jacobs’ franchise tag agreement; Ashton Jeanty‘s 2025 rookie slot deal included $35.9MM guaranteed
Los Angeles Chargers
- LaDainian Tomlinson; August 15, 2004: Six years, $48MM ($21MM guaranteed)
Los Angeles Rams
- Todd Gurley; July 24, 2018: Four years, $57.5MM ($45MM guaranteed)
Miami Dolphins
- De’Von Achane; May 13, 2026: Four years, $64MM ($32MM guaranteed)
Minnesota Vikings
- Adrian Peterson; September 10, 2011: Six years, $86.28MM ($36MM guaranteed)
New England Patriots
- Rhamondre Stevenson; June 20, 2024: Four years, $36MM ($17.12MM guaranteed)
New Orleans Saints
- Alvin Kamara; September 12, 2020: Five years, $75MM ($33.83MM guaranteed)
New York Giants
- Saquon Barkley; March 7, 2023: One year, $10.1MM franchise tag ($10.1MM guaranteed)
Barkley’s rookie slot deal included $31.19MM guaranteed — fourth all time among all RB contracts — while Devin Singletary‘s $9.5MM represents the franchise’s high-water mark on a multiyear deal
New York Jets
- Breece Hall; May 8, 2026: Three years, $43.5MM ($29MM guaranteed)
Philadelphia Eagles
- Saquon Barkley; March 4, 2025: Two years, $41.2MM ($36MM guaranteed)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Le’Veon Bell; February 27, 2017: One year, $12.12MM franchise tag ($12.12MM guaranteed)
Bell’s second franchise tag (2018) covered $14.54MM, but the RB became the first tagged player this century to skip a season; Jaylen Warren‘s 2025 extension brought the highest Steelers RB guarantee ($7.1MM) on a multiyear deal
San Francisco 49ers
- Christian McCaffrey; June 4, 2024: Two years, $38MM ($24MM guaranteed)
Seattle Seahawks
- Marshawn Lynch; March 4, 2012: Four years, $30MM ($17MM guaranteed)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Doug Martin; March 9, 2016: Five years, $35.75MM ($15MM guaranteed)
Tennessee Titans
- Derrick Henry; July 15, 2020: Four years, $50MM ($25.5MM guaranteed)
Washington Commanders
- Clinton Portis; March 1, 2004: Eight years, $50.52MM ($13MM guaranteed)
Information from OverTheCap and Spotrac was used in the creation of this post
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/14/26
Here are Thursday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB Stephen Dix Jr.
Green Bay Packers
- Waived/failed physical: TE Luke Lachey
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: WR Mante’ Morrow
- Waived: LS Peter Bowden
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: WR Terrill Davis
- Waived: OLB Jordan Botelho
New York Giants
- Signed: OLB Khalid Kareem
- Placed on IR: CB Thaddeus Dixon
New York Jets
- Waived: K Will Ferrin
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: WR Rashad Rochelle, WR Trayvon Rudolph
- Waived: OLB Devean Deal
- Waived/failure to disclose physical condition: WR Michael Briscoe
Dixon suffered an Achilles tear during a Wednesday workout with the Giants, NFL.com’s Ian Rapoport tweets. Dixon was part of New York’s six-man UDFA class, joining the team after a college tenure at North Carolina. Ranked by The Athletic’s Dane Brugler as a top-200 prospect in this year’s class, Dixon will likely miss the season. A return after an injury settlement would be the only way Dixon could play for the Giants this season.
The Jets included Ferrin among their 12-man priority free agent class, but he will not make it far into the offseason with the team. New York still rosters kickers Cade York and Lenny Krieg.
Vikings Could Make EDGE Addition
Jonathan Greenard was productive during his first Vikings season and remained a full-time starter in 2025. His Minnesota tenure came to an expected end during the draft, however, with a trade to the Eagles (and subsequent extension) being worked out.
Finances were a key factor in the decision by interim general manager Rob Brzezinski to execute the trade. Any big-money move taking place now would thus represent a surprise. Andrew Van Ginkel and Dallas Turner are still in the fold as edge rushers, but the Vikings could be among the teams which make an addition late in the offseason.
Alec Lewis of The Athletic notes Brzezinski has managed to fill a number of roster holes through free agency and the draft. The team’s pass rush depth chart, however, faces questions in the wake of the Greenard trade. As a result, Lewis notes at least one addition would be viable through trade or – much more likely – free agency leading up to training camp.
Van Ginkel has thrived during his time with defensive coordinator Brian Flores, racking up 18.5 sacks and 29 tackles for loss over the past two years. He missed five games in 2025 and is entering his age-31 season, though. Turner, meanwhile, saw his playing time limited as a rookie before taking on a larger workload last year. The former first-rounder made strides in 2025, posting eight sacks. A return to health from Van Ginkel and continued development on Turner’s part would of course be welcomed, but improved depth would represent a logical target for the front office.
Former undrafted free agents Bo Richter, Chaz Chambliss and Tyler Batty are still in the fold as things stand, although it would come as no surprise if Brzezinski (or his eventual replacement) sought out a more established option. The likes of Cameron Jordan, Joey Bosa, Jadeveon Clowney and Leonard Floyd are still on the market at this time. Any could be available on a short-term pact this deep into the offseason.
Minnesota currently has roughly $12MM in cap space. A portion of that figure will be needed to sign second-rounder Jake Golday to his rookie contract, but a low-cost free agent signing should still be feasible. With the division-rival Bears representing another potential EDGE suitor, it will be interesting to see how the Vikings operate on this front.
Vikings Request GM Interviews With Ray Agnew, Reed Burckhardt, Kyle Smith
The list of candidates for the Vikings GM opening continues to grow. According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, the team has requested interviews with three executives: Lions assistant GM Ray Agnew, Broncos assistant GM Reed Burckhardt, and Dolphins assistant GM Kyle Smith.
Agnew had front office stints with the Jets and Rams before following Brad Holmes to Detroit to become the Lions assistant general manager in 2021. The executive has helped spearhead a franchise turnaround; after a three-win showing during the first year under the new regime, the Lions have averaged more than 11 wins per season since 2022. The front office has also pulled off shrewd trades (like the Matthew Stafford–Jared Goff swap) and have hit on some key picks (including Aidan Hutchinson and Jahmyr Gibbs). As a result, Agnew has been mentioned as a candidate to eventually lead his own front office.
Burckhardt earned a promotion to Denver’s assistant GM last offseason. The executive previously served as the team’s director of player personnel. Before his stint with the Broncos, Burckhardt worked alongside current boss George Paton in Minnesota, where he held a variety of scouting and personnel roles. Following Burckhardt’s promotion to assistant GM in Denver, the Broncos proceeded to have one of their most successful seasons in recent history, finishing with 14 victories. According to Mike Klis of 9News in Denver, Burckhardt interviewed for the Vikings gig earlier today.
Smith worked his way up to vice president of player personnel in Washington and assistant GM in Atlanta before taking an assistant GM gig in Miami under Jon-Eric Sullivan. The executive was credited with some of Washington’s draft hits like Terry McLaurin, and he’s currently being counted on to guide a similar rebuild in Miami.
The Vikings fired Kwesi Adofo-Mensah in late January and went through the draft with Rob Brzezinski in place in the interim. In the meantime, the team has been looking high and low for their new front office leader. The latest trio joins a list of candidates that also includes Chargers assistant GM Chad Alexander, 49ers assistant GM RJ Gillen, Bills assistant GM Terrance Gray, Rams assistant GM John McKay, Seahawks assistant GM Nolan Teasely, and Titans assistant GM Dave Ziegler.
Meanwhile, Albert Breer of SI.com recently provided some insight on the organization’s approach. The reporter suggests that Brzezinski could be kept in a role similar to Mike Disner with the Lions or Tony Pastoors with the Rams, with the new GM being tasked with more of a “scouting-focused” role. Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports adds that the team’s search will surely continue through Memorial Day and could drag on into late May.
Minor NFL Transactions: 5/11/26
Today’s minor moves:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: DT Ross Blacklock, LB Daveren Rayner
- Waived: TE Brandon Frazier, DT Ben Stille, WR Deven Thompkins, RB Carlos Washington
Baltimore Ravens
- Signed: S K’Von Wallace
Buffalo Bills
- Waived: CB M.J. Devonshire
Chicago Bears
- Signed: WR Kyron Hudson, LB Wayne Matthews III, LB Jon Rhattigan
Cleveland Browns
- Signed: CB Michael Coats Jr.
- Waived: TE Sal Cannella
Denver Broncos
- Signed: CB Paul Manning, WR Michael Woods
Houston Texans
- Signed: RB Evan Hull
- Waived: TE Luke Lachey
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LB Cameron McGrone
- Waived: WR Brenden Rice
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: FB DJ Herman
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Bangally Kamara, DL Smith Vilbert
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Xavier Holmes, S Peter Manuma
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: WR Brock Rechsteiner
New York Jets
- Signed: LB Jaden Keller
- Waived: LB Ochaun Mathis
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: C Greg Crippen
- Waived: OT Sataoa Laumea
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: LB Larry Worth III
- Waived: LB Milo Eifler
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Claimed off waivers (from Colts): LB John Bullock
- Waived: LS Wesley Brown, WR Noah Short, LB Benton Whitley, RB Owen Wright
Vikings’ Kyler Murray, J.J. McCarthy Will Have ‘True Competition’ For Starting Job
The Vikings entered the 2025 season hoping to smoothly transition to J.J. McCarthy as their long-term starting quarterback.
That never came to pass. The former No. 10 pick completed just 57.6% of his passes with more interceptions (12) than touchdowns (11). He also missed time due to three different injuries and, overall, did not show signs of being a franchise QB.
Minnesota then brought in Kyler Murray after he was released by the Cardinals, adding another, more proven passer to their quarterback room. Since Arizona is still paying him $36.8MM this year, the former No. 1 pick was available for a veteran minimum salary, making him a hot commodity on the free agent market. He quickly agreed to a deal with the Vikings, indicating that he would have a chance at their starting quarterback job. But the question remained: would Murray have to take the job from McCarthy, or would the two begin offseason practices on equal footing?
An initial answer has come via NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, who said on the Rich Eisen Show that the Vikings “envision it being a true competition: Kyler Murray vs. J.J. McCarthy.”
On paper, Murray should have a substantial advantage. He has 87 career starts to McCarthy’s 10 with a significantly better completion percentage and passer rating in 2025. But Murray will be learning a new offense in Minnesota, while McCarthy will be entering his third year in Kevin O’Connell‘s system.
It is worth noting that Pelissero specifically mentioned those two quarterbacks as part of the competition and not Carson Wentz or Max Brosmer, who are also in the team’s quarterback room. Brosmer was abysmal in his two starts last year, but Wentz statistically outperformed McCarthy nearly across the board. In theory, that would make him a worthy competitor for the starting job, but Minnesota moved in Murray’s direction and seems more inclined to keep Wentz as a third-stringer.
Minor NFL Transaction: 5/8/26
Friday’s minor NFL transactions:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Claimed off waivers (from Giants): LB Swayze Bozeman
- Signed: S Isaiah Nwokobia
Cleveland Browns
- Claimed off waivers (from Giants): DT Elijah Chatman
- Received international exemption: P Nik Constantinou
Denver Broncos
- Waived: T Marques Cox, OLB Garrett Nelson
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: DT Smith Vilbert
New York Giants
- Signed: RB Damon Bankston
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Claimed off waivers (from Colts): LB John Bullock
Tennessee Titans
- Claimed off waivers (from Giants): WR Courtney Jackson
- Waived: WR Hal Presley
After the Giants waived Bozeman, Chatman, and Jackson yesterday, all three found new homes today on the waiver wire. Constantinou qualifies for the international exemption that allows him not to count against the team’s 90-man roster as one of several Australians who have found their way to the NFL as specialists. Lastly, Cincinnati, Minnesota, and New York all added to their UDFA classes today after Nwokobia, Vilbert, and Bankston went undrafted out of SMU, North Carolina, and New Mexico, respectively.
QB Cooper Rush Trying Out For Vikings
Quarterback Cooper Rush was connected to the Jets in early April, but he has not landed anywhere since the Ravens released him March 12. Rush will at least get a look from the Vikings, who invited him to try out at their rookie minicamp (via Craig Peters of the team’s website).
The Vikings did not draft a quarterback or add any UDFA signal-callers, leaving them in need of a passer for rookie camp. With that in mind, Rush may not be under serious consideration for a contract, especially considering the Vikings’ crowded QBs room.
Although J.J. McCarthy‘s career has not gone according to plan since the Vikings drafted him 10th overall in 2024, he will compete for the starting job against free agent addition Kyler Murray. The Vikings also kept Carson Wentz around on a new deal, and 2025 UDFA Max Brosmer is still on the roster despite his immense struggles over seven games and two starts last year.
Like Brosmer, Rush endured a rough 2025. After Rush won nine of 14 starts in place of an injured Dak Prescott as the Cowboys’ backup from 2017-24, the Ravens brought him in on a two-year pact worth up to $12.2MM. In a best-case scenario, the Ravens would have only needed Rush in mop-up duty, but they ended up giving him a pair of starts while Lamar Jackson battled a hamstring injury. Baltimore lost Rush’s starts (to the Texans and Rams) by a combined score of 61-13.
The Ravens demoted Rush to third-string duties after their Week 6 loss to the Rams, and he did not throw another pass in their uniform. The 32-year-old ended the season 34 of 52 for 303 yards (a paltry 5.8 per attempt), no touchdowns, four interceptions, and a disastrous 48.8 traditional rating/26.3 QBR combo.
Vikings Sign First-Rounder Caleb Banks
The Vikings announced deals with eight of their draft picks, including first-round defensive tackle Caleb Banks. As the 18th overall selection, Banks signed a fully guaranteed contract worth around $21.28MM over four years.
Former Oregon safety Dillon Thieneman was a popular pick for the Vikings in mock drafts, but they instead elected to address their defensive line in Round 1. The Vikings released 2025 starters Jonathan Allen and Javon Hargrave in early March, leaving them in need of help up front. Cognizant of that, they drafted both Banks and third-round defensive tackle Domonique Orange, formerly with Iowa State. The Vikings also signed Orange, aka “Big Citrus,” on Friday.
Banks opened his college career in 2021 at Louisville, but he got into a mere seven games and made one tackle in two years with the Cardinals. The 6-foot-6, 327-pounder then transferred to Florida, where he logged 19 tackles and a sack over 12 games in 2023. Banks’ numbers jumped during another dozen-game season the next year. He tallied 21 tackles, 7.5 TFL, 4.5 sacks and two forced fumbles, but left foot problems prevented Banks from building on that production in 2025. He played in just three games and made six tackles in his last year in school.
Adding to Banks’ health issues, he fractured the fourth metatarsal in the same foot the night before on-field Combine testing in February. Although Banks underwent surgery in mid-March, he gutted out the injury at the Combine and finished second among D-tackles in the broad jump and tied for sixth in the vertical jump. There was still some pre-draft concern over his foot, especially considering Banks is not expected to return to the field until June, but it did not scare off the Vikings.
Along with Banks and Orange, the Vikings inked six other selections on Friday. Here is the list:
- Round 3, No. 97: Caleb Tiernan (T, Northwestern)
- Round 3, No. 98: Jakobe Thomas (S, Miami)
- Round 5, No. 159: Max Bredeson (FB, Michigan)
- Round 5, No. 163: Charles Demmings (CB, Stephen F. Austin)
- Round 6, No. 198: Demond Claiborne (RB, Wake Forest)
- Round 7, No. 235: Gavin Gerhardt (C, Cincinnati)
Former Cincinnati linebacker Jake Golday, the Vikings’ second-rounder, is now the only unsigned member of their nine-player class.