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New York Jets News & Rumors

Jets Set To Hold RB2 Battle

June 28th, 2023 at 7:10pm CST by Ely Allen

The Jets are working with a deep, young running backs room, forcing each back to prove his mettle early and often. Michael Carter answered that call as a fourth-round rookie in 2021. Last year was supposed to be the takeover of rookie second-round pick Breece Hall, but a torn ACL ended his season after only seven weeks. Hall should return to the starting role, but with their No. 1 coming back from a serious injury, the RB2 spot becomes that much more important.

Despite falling off a bit in production last season after a strong rookie year, Carter is currently in line to enter training camp as the No. 2 back, according to Brian Costello of the New York Post. Carter started 11 games in his rookie year, racking up 639 rushing yards and four touchdowns, along with 325 yards receiving. He had seized a lead-back role, and many expected him to take a step forward in his sophomore season. This led to a bit of a surprise when New York took Hall 36th overall in last year’s draft.

Carter started off the 2022 season splitting carries with Hall but taking the majority of the workload. Eventually, Hall took the reins and became a bell-cow back for the four remaining healthy games of his season. Hall’s injury opened the door for Carter to return to the spotlight. Instead, Carter’s usage stayed stagnant as backs like James Robinson and Ty Johnson were given opportunities to split the load with him. Eventually, undrafted rookie Zonovan Knight was elevated from the practice squad and took the majority of the carriers for the final seven weeks of the season.

Knight should be one of Carter’s competitors for the primary backup role. Knight came in last year and, over his first four games, ran the ball 59 times for 253 yards, ending his season with 300 total rushing yards and a touchdown. Costello posits that Carter’s confidence was shaken a bit when the team traded for Robinson and then turned to Knight. Regardless, Knight outperformed Carter in that final stretch of the season, and if that’s any indication of how the position battle will go, Carter has his work cut out for him.

The other name competing for the spot is a newcomer. The Jets selected Pittsburgh running back Israel Abanikanda in the fifth-round of the draft this year. Abanikanda declared for the draft after a breakout junior year in which he rushed for 1,431 yards for an incredible 20 rushing touchdowns for the Panthers. He’ll be green to the game at the professional level, but he’s got plenty of tread left on the tires after only starting 17 games in his college career.

Carter should have a bit of a leg up on Knight and Abanikanda. He has more experience than Knight and Abanikanda to begin with. He also offers a bit more to his game. Throughout their careers, both college and NFL for Knight, the two younger backs have not had near the success receiving out of the backfield as Carter has. Carter’s ability to catch the ball may have pigeon-holed him into a third-down back role only in some situations, but combined with his early success rushing the football in New York, it should set him up nicely for a solid chance to regain his footing as the team’s No. 2 back.

Dolphins Make Offer To Dalvin Cook; Other Teams Remain On Radar

June 27th, 2023 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

After communicating with Dalvin Cook in the days since his Vikings release, this market’s long-rumored frontrunner has extended an offer. The Dolphins made their first offer to Cook, Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald reports (on Twitter).

This is not the only offer Cook has received, per NFL.com’s Tom Pelissero, who said during an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show the six-year veteran has received multiple proposals. Around a “half-dozen” teams are in this market, Pelissero adds (video link).

Cook, who has said he wants to land with a contending team that has a need at running back, is not believed to be mandating a deal be done before training camp. It would not surprise if Cook attempted to drag this process into August, as proven veterans are generally fine with avoiding the rigors of camp. An injury or a team viewing its backfield situation as insufficient during camp could change Cook’s market, but it seems significant interest exists now.

Miami has loomed as the Cook favorite for months; PFR readers widely expect the Florida State alum to sign there. The Dolphins discussed a Cook trade with the Vikings but ultimately stood down and waited for a release. Cook is a Miami native who has expressed interest in joining the Dolphins. That said, the longtime Viking should not be expected to take a discount to end up in South Florida, Pelissero adds. But it is not known who the other suitors are here.

Although Cook mentioned the Jets as a team he has been linked to, it is unclear if New York has reached out with contract terms. The Jets do not have a need for a starting running back, with Breece Hall expected to be back from ACL surgery by Week 1, though their depth does not match the Dolphins’. While Miami’s backfield is deeper than New York’s, Cook would be positioned as a starter for Mike McDaniel‘s team. The Dolphins re-signed ex-McDaniel 49ers charges Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson and used a third-round pick on Texas A&M speedster Devon Achane. It would seem the Dolphins could get by without Cook, given Mostert and Wilson’s system fits. But Mostert is 31 and has run into major injury trouble in recent years. Wilson also missed a chunk of time in 2021 due to a foot injury.

While Pelissero also mentioned the Broncos and Patriots as potential destinations, neither has been connected to possessing genuine interest. The Broncos emerged as an early Cook suitor, with a report indicating Denver had monitored Cook for a stretch ahead of his release. But a subsequent report pegged the Broncos as a team more likely to stay out of this market.

Like the Jets, the Broncos have a starting back (Javonte Williams) coming off an ACL tear. Williams has made progress, participating in OTAs, and is expected to be ready by Week 1. Denver also signed Samaje Perine, who is on track to play a regular role in Sean Payton‘s offense. The Patriots did not re-sign Damien Harris or add a veteran backup to replace him; as of now, Rhamondre Stevenson is ticketed for a three-down role in his third season.

The Dolphins are not planning to make Cook an offer close to the $10.4MM base salary he was to earn with the Vikings, but if there are legitimately a handful of teams in the market, the six-year Minnesota starter is unlikely to be forced to settle for the low-cost deals Mostert, Wilson and Harris signed in March. It will be interesting to see how close Cook comes to the $10.4MM mark, as even with interest forming, he is a running back going into his age-28 season — and in free agency when teams’ budgets are largely depleted.

30 Unsigned Draft Picks Remain

June 26th, 2023 at 2:23pm CST by Sam Robinson

With training camps less than a month away, 30 members of the 2023 draft class remain unsigned. Several teams have agreed to terms with their entire draft classes, but a handful of teams have multiple players still unsigned. Draft slots largely explain this. First- and second-rounders comprise the bulk of the unsigned lot, with guarantees the core issue for the latter group. Here are the unsigned draftees:

Round 1:

Round 2:

Round 3:

Round 4:

Round 6:

The second-round slowdown continues a trend. Last year, more Round 2 choices received three fully guaranteed years compared to prior drafts. This year’s No. 39 overall pick — Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (Ole Miss) — broke through with three locked-in years and a partial 2026 guarantee. This would explain the next nine players drafted being unsigned, with the agents for the players chosen immediately after Mingo angling for the same terms or guarantees in the same ballpark.

No. 31 overall choice Felix Anudike-Uzomah‘s four-year Chiefs deal is fully guaranteed, while No. 34 pick Sam LaPorta (Lions) has a partial 2026 guarantee. This would explain the Nos. 32 and 33 choices remaining unsigned. Other issues — like offset language and signing bonus payouts — annually arise in rookie-deal negotiations, but most of these players will be signed by the time teams head to training camp. A few stragglers report late due to their contracts each year, but the 2011 CBA’s slot system — which the 2020 CBA kept in place — largely addressed the issues that once emerged frequently regarding rookie pacts.

Jets Rumors: Gardner, Colletto, Amos

June 24th, 2023 at 1:47pm CST by Ely Allen

Jets cornerback Ahmad Gardner may have only just finished his rookie season, but he’s already looking towards the future of his NFL career. A recent tweet from Vayner Sports agency announced that Sauce has made a change in his representation and is joining their “family.” While the move seems premature, with Gardner currently under contract through the 2026 season, assuming New York picks up his fifth-year option, Gardner’s early success makes the move much more reasonable.

Sauce only has one season under his belt, but in that one season, Gardner graded out as the best cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required). That assessment was backed up with a Pro Bowl selection, a first-team All-Pro selection, and a Defensive Rookie of the Year award. When you display that consensus of dominance in only your rookie year, it makes a bit of sense to start looking past your rookie contract.

Usually, teams can take advantage of their best young players being on rookie contracts. For an example, look no further than quarterback Lamar Jackson, who played an MVP season for the Ravens while only making $2.37MM per year. While the Jets would love nothing more than to continue paying Gardner $8.36MM per year under his rookie deal, the best cornerbacks in the league are starting to make north of $20MM per year. If Sauce continues to play like the best cornerback in the NFL, he’s going to want to get paid like it sooner rather than later. Switching agencies may be the move that gets that ball rolling.

Here are a few other rumors coming out of East Rutherford:

  • The 49ers won the lottery for Oregon State fullback Jack Colletto, who signed with San Francisco despite serious interest from the Jets and Dolphins, according to Matt Barrows of The Athletic. The thing is, the 49ers already have a fullback in Kyle Juszczyk, who has graded out as a top-two fullback in the league in six of the past seven years, according to PFF. San Francisco may intend for Colletto to be the successor to the 32-year-old Juszczyk, but if so, they’re going to need to find room for him on the roster. If they waive Colletto in hopes of signing him to the practice squad, they risk allowing one of his other suitors to swoop in and claim him off of waivers. They may also take the route Baltimore did years ago with kicker/punter Kaare Vedvik. For those who don’t remember, Vedvik had a standout preseason with the Ravens, but Baltimore was set with Justin Tucker and Sam Koch as their specialists at the time. They leveraged Vedvik’s success into a trade, converting their undrafted free agent into a fifth-round pick. San Francisco may be able to do the same, flaunting Colletto’s specialist abilities and enticing New York or Miami into a trade for the initially sought after fullback.
  • Earlier this month, the Jets signed safety Adrian Amos in free agency on what was reportedly a one-year deal worth up to $4MM. Thanks to ESPN’s Field Yates, we have a few more details on Amos’s new contract. The deal is initially worth only $1.75MM, consisting of a veteran minimum salary of $1.17MM and a $585k signing bonus. The rest of the value comes from a possible $2.25MM in incentives. $900k of the incentives are considered like to be earned, bumping his cap hit up to $2.65MM.

Dolphins, Dalvin Cook Have Discussed Deal

June 22nd, 2023 at 10:00pm CST by Sam Robinson

Long the clubhouse leaders for Dalvin Cook, the Dolphins are now looking into the Pro Bowl back as a free agent. Months after exploring a trade with the Vikings, the Dolphins have spoken to the six-year veteran.

Cook said during an interview with Sirius XM Radio’s Amber Theoharris he has spoken with the Dolphins and believes he would be a perfect fit in their system. The only back to total at least 1,100 rushing yards in each of the past four seasons, Cook expressed interest in joining the Dolphins shortly after his Vikings release.

[RELATED: Broncos Not Expected To Sign Cook]

“Yeah, it’s an exciting situation to go into when you got guys that can stretch the field on the outside. I think that defense is pretty solid to me. Tua [Tagovailoa], when he’s out on the field, they got a winning a record,” Cook said of the Dolphins (h/t to the Miami Herald’s Barry Jackson). “… As a running back you look for a certain scheme and I know the scheme that I’m good in, and that’s outside zone, and that’s what the Miami Dolphins run. So it’s like, you know, it’d be a perfect fit.”

PFR readers are viewing Miami as the clear frontrunner to be Cook’s next home. Cook does not necessarily disagree, though it is believed more teams are exploring a signing. The longtime starter has said he wants to join a contending team that has a regular role for him. The Dolphins were active at the running back position this offseason, but they do not have a back that would directly impede Cook taking over.

Miami recently re-signed Raheem Mostert, Jeff Wilson and Myles Gaskin, keeping costs low. After spending time with Texas A&M’s Devon Achane before the draft, the Dolphins drafted the SEC speedster. Cook would crowd Mike McDaniel‘s backfield, though Gaskin did not receive any guaranteed money to come back.

“A lot of people got me pegged going back home,” Cook said (via Harris) of a Dolphins deal. “A lot of people got me going to the Jets. It’s all over the place right now, but what’s gonna be important for me is just going to that right situation and helping somebody turn the page. I want to go and be the piece that can just help somebody win and get over the hump and whatever that situation comes with, if it comes with me taking less reps, but me being in the perfect situation to hold up that trophy, I don’t mind.

“I just wanna go somewhere I can just get the ball and just help somebody win, and turn the next page.”

Being willing to accept a lesser role may be important, but Cook preparing himself for a lower payday will be as well. The Dolphins are expected to make an offer, but it should not be anticipated said proposal will come in too close to the $10.4MM base salary Cook was to earn with the Vikings this year. Minnesota bailed on Cook’s $12.6MM-per-year contract, which ran through 2025, after months of separation speculation. The talented back, who is going into his age-28 season, has also said his shoulder is healed up from a February surgery.

The Dolphins hold $13.9MM in cap space. While the Jets’ number is much higher ($23.2MM), the team remains in the process of negotiating an Aaron Rodgers restructure. Due to a Packers reworking, Rodgers is currently tied to a $1.2MM 2023 cap number but an astonishing $107.6MM figure for 2024. The Jets are exploring ways to adjust the deal, which would result in his 2023 cap hit rising. New York could have an opening alongside Breece Hall, who is returning from an October ACL tear. The Jets’ backup situation also appears less promising compared to the Dolphins’, but Miami would both offer Cook a chance to play in his hometown and provide a clearer path into the starting lineup.

TE Marcedes Lewis Eyeing 18th Season, Has Spoken With Teams

June 22nd, 2023 at 4:55pm CST by Sam Robinson

The list of tight ends to play into their late 30s is short, but a few have joined Marcedes Lewis in logging an age-38 season. Antonio Gates, Jason Witten and Hall of Famer Jackie Smith did so. Only Ben Watson has voyaged into an age-39 campaign.

Lewis, who turned 39 last month, is attempting to join Watson and set a tight end record in the process. While Watson played until age 39, he suited up in 16 seasons. Lewis, Witten and Tony Gonzalez are the only two to reach 17. Lewis will attempt to wade into uncharted waters by playing an 18th. The former Jaguars and Packers tight end is not planning to retire and has said conversations with multiple teams have occurred this offseason.

“I get the business side of it. My agent is in talks with a handful of teams, but it’s just small talk,” Lewis said, via The Associated Press’ Mark Long. “I guess teams are trying to figure out their rosters and what they need.”

The Packers carried Lewis on their roster for the past four seasons, utilizing the 270-pound tight end’s blocking prowess. Green Bay has since moved on from some of its veterans, and the team used two Day 2 picks at the position (second-rounder Luke Musgrave, third-rounder Tucker Kraft). The Pack let Robert Tonyan, Allen Lazard and Randall Cobb walk in free agency, being set to outfit Jordan Love with a full complement of rookie-contract players in the QB’s first year as a starter. Lewis may not be entirely out of the picture for a Green Bay return. But multiple reports earlier this year indicated the team is unlikely to make another contract offer.

The obvious team for the former Jags first-rounder would be the Jets. Aaron Rodgers is believed to have placed the four-year Packer on his Jets wish list. Considering the team’s additions of Cobb, Lazard and Billy Turner, it would not surprise if Lewis became another ex-Nathaniel Hackett Green Bay charge to head to the Big Apple. Robert Saleh did not shut this down when asked about the prospect recently, though the Jets do employ veterans Tyler Conklin and C.J. Uzomah along with 2022 third-rounder Jeremy Ruckert and seventh-round rookie Zack Kuntz.

A Raiders agreement also came up on Lewis’ radar, per Long, but the team’s trade-up move for Michael Mayer at No. 35 may scuttle that. Las Vegas also added Austin Hooper and O.J. Howard this offseason. Lewis would be eager to mentor a tight end prospect, but a deal would likely come together closer to training camp or during preseason workouts — as teams assess their various position groups to determine needs.

“For older players, there’s two things where they could potentially not get picked up,” Lewis said. “One is that their play is declining for their role. The second thing is they’re asking for too much money. I’m neither of those. I just want to compete.”

Lewis, who signed three Packers contracts from 2019-22, played out a two-year deal worth $5.92MM last season. Working as the Pack’s primary blocking tight end, Lewis started 17 games — only Gonzalez (254) and Witten (252) top Lewis’ 221 starts among tight ends — and played 451 offensive snaps. Lewis, who has missed one game over the past six seasons, played between 400 and 500 snaps in each of his four Green Bay slates. Pro Football Focus graded the 6-foot-6 veteran as the fifth-best run-blocking tight end in 2022.

Jets S Chuck Clark Suffers Torn ACL

June 22nd, 2023 at 10:25am CST by Sam Robinson

JUNE 22: As feared, Clark has indeed suffered a torn ACL (Twitter link via ESPN’s Adam Schefter). The news represents the worst-case scenario for team and player, given Clark’s sterling track record of durability (having logged a 100% snap share in each of the past three seasons) and his contract status. The Jets will need to rely heavily on Amos and their other safety options in 2023, a season in which expectations are high for their defense in particular and the team in general.

JUNE 13: The Jets’ Adrian Amos acquisition makes a bit more sense now. Chuck Clark suffered a knee injury, one Zack Rosenblatt of The Athletic reports is feared to be serious (Twitter link).

Clark plans to seek a second opinion, per SNY’s Connor Hughes adds (via Twitter), but this is obviously a concerning situation. The team was not in on Amos until recently, with the Ravens leading the way for a while. Although Amos made a second Ravens visit Monday, the Jets came in with a stronger offer. That proposal may soon lead to a starting opportunity.

The Jets are concerned this is a season-nullifying injury, KPRC2’s Aaron Wilson reports (on Twitter), noting ACL damage is feared. An ACL tear would almost definitely knock out Clark, 28, for the season, though it is not known if a tear has occurred. This would represent brutal timing for Clark, who remains attached to the three-year, $15.1MM the Ravens gave him in 2020. That contract expires after the 2023 season. Missing the year would crush Clark’s chances of creating a nice market in 2024.

The chance to start in New York sold Amos over a deal with his hometown team, per Rosenblatt. Amos has worked as a starter throughout his eight-year career. He profiles as a quality replacement option, especially in June, but Clark was expected to play a big role for the Jets.

After the Ravens made two big investments at safety in the spring of 2022 — signing Marcus Williams drafting Kyle Hamilton in Round 1 — Clark emerged in trade rumors. While the Ravens held onto the veteran defender for another season, they pulled the trigger on a deal in March. Baltimore traded Clark to New York for just a 2024 seventh-round pick.

A former sixth-round pick, Clark worked as a primary Ravens starter over the past four seasons. Teaming with a host of big safety additions (Williams, Hamilton, Earl Thomas, Tony Jefferson, Eric Weddle) during his six-year Baltimore career, Clark had been ticketed for a full-time Jets role. The Virginia Tech product voiced frustration about his final stretch in Baltimore but may not begin his Jets tenure on time.

This injury leading to missed time would be a first for Clark, who has missed all of one game during his six-year career. The Ravens used extensive three-safety looks during Clark’s time, and he helped the team as Williams missed much of last season. Clark topped 100 tackles for the first time as a pro last year, totaling 101.

Amos’ arrival offers the Jets some protection. The team rosters Jordan Whitehead, a former Buccaneers Super Bowl starter who started all games for Robert Saleh‘s team last season, in place as its other first-string safety. In Amos, the Jets have a player who started four seasons with the Bears and the past four with the Packers. The 30-year-old defender has made 122 career starts; he has not missed a game since the 2017 season.

Poll: Who Will Sign Dalvin Cook?

June 21st, 2023 at 10:30pm CST by Sam Robinson

Indicating on multiple occasions he plans to take his time during his first go-round in free agency, Dalvin Cook is surveying the field. The six-year Vikings running back is believed to have attracted interest from a few teams, but the market has not produced many known suitors yet.

When determining a Cook destination, it is probably logical to start with the Dolphins. Cook is a Miami native who dropped a bit of a hint about his hopes after the Vikings released him. Mutual interest is believed to exist between these parties, and while the Dolphins are not planning to give Cook a contract on par with the $12.6MM-per-year deal he signed with the Vikes back in 2020, they are expected to make an offer.

Miami adding Cook would crowd its backfield, given the re-signings of ex-Mike McDaniel 49ers charges Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, along with Myles Gaskin (though, Gaskin’s deal contains no guarantees). The team also drafted Texas A&M’s Devon Achane in Round 3. Cook would fit in on a Dolphins team loading up around Tua Tagovailoa‘s rookie contract. Tyreek Hill‘s deal represents the only notable skill-position contract on Miami’s payroll, and Tagovailoa is due to count only $9.63MM against the team’s cap this season. Next year becomes trickier, with Tua’s fifth-year option bumping his cap number to $23.17MM.

Elsewhere in the AFC East, the Jets have not exactly made their desperation a secret. They have brought in three veteran skill cogs already, in Allen Lazard, Mecole Hardman and Randall Cobb, to team with Aaron Rodgers. New York features a question at running back, with Breece Hall coming off ACL surgery. But the 2022 second-round pick is on track to be ready for Week 1. The Jets have Michael Carter, Zonovan Knight and fifth-round rookie Israel Abanikanda. The Bills appear less needy, having signed Damien Harris and Latavius Murray. But the team does roster Dalvin’s younger brother, James Cook, and is aiming to capitalize on a Super Bowl window that has been open for years.

Beyond the competitive AFC East, the Bengals loom as an interesting option. They are still planning to seek a Joe Mixon pay cut. A refusal by the six-year starter would deal a blow to a locked-and-loaded offense, but in the event the $12MM-per-year back balks, the Bengals would check Cook boxes of a contender with a clear need. That said, Mixon would not have many options were he to refuse a cut. It will be interesting to see how much of a reduction Cincy requests.

The Ravens have seen their J.K. Dobbins–Gus Edwards backfield plan thrown off course by injuries, and considering the aggressive moves to bolster a long-shaky receiver situation, would Baltimore consider a veteran back without major injury questions? Cook has said he is recovered from the February shoulder surgery he underwent. The Browns are likely to explore the addition of a Nick Chubb backup, though the Cleveland Plain Dealer’s Mary Kay Cabot notes the team is unlikely to chase a Cook- or Ezekiel Elliott-level back for this role.

The NFC East profiles as another division to watch here. Elliott remains in play to return to Dallas on a significant pay reduction; Cook would be an upgrade on the popular Cowboy. But how much money would the team be comfortable shelling out during an offseason in which it tagged Tony Pollard at $10.9MM? Washington has Brian Robinson and Antonio Gibson rostered, but the team is looking into former Eric Bieniemy Chiefs charge Kareem Hunt. Cook may need to compromise on his interest in landing with a contender, given the uncertainty surrounding likely Commanders QB1 Sam Howell. But the team’s running back interest should be factored into this equation.

Last month, the Buccaneers were connected to the pursuit of a veteran to complement Rachaad White. Cook would be overqualified for such a role, and Tampa Bay’s post-Tom Brady contender status is in question. But the Bucs, their Chase Edmonds acquisition notwithstanding, profile as a team that could stand to add a backfield piece. The Broncos initially came out as a team monitoring the four-time 1,100-yard rusher, joining the Dolphins in this regard, but they have since been mentioned as a team expected to steer clear of this market.

Kirk Cousins mentioned a potential Vikings reunion — which would need to come at a significantly reduced rate — and Cook has spoken highly of Minnesota. Though, this does not seem likely. Is there another team that should be mentioned as a Cook destination? Vote in PFR’s latest poll and weigh in with your thoughts on this summer free agency storyline in the comments section.

Who will sign Dalvin Cook?
Miami Dolphins 38.90% (1,114 votes)
He will return to the Vikings at a lower rate 8.94% (256 votes)
New York Jets 8.48% (243 votes)
Buffalo Bills 8.00% (229 votes)
Dallas Cowboys 6.77% (194 votes)
Denver Broncos 6.01% (172 votes)
Cincinnati Bengals 5.17% (148 votes)
Baltimore Ravens 4.68% (134 votes)
Another team (specify in comments) 4.02% (115 votes)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers 3.74% (107 votes)
Cleveland Browns 3.07% (88 votes)
Washington Commanders 2.23% (64 votes)
Total Votes: 2,864

LB Alec Ogletree Announces Retirement

June 21st, 2023 at 4:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

Alec Ogletree made an effort to play a 10th season last year, but the veteran linebacker will not aim to suit up this season. The former first-round pick announced his retirement (Instagram link).

One of the more successful players to enter the league from the much-maligned 2013 first round, Ogletree secured a Rams extension and started 110 games across a career spent in St. Louis, Los Angeles, New York (with the Giants and Jets) and Chicago. Ogletree picked up a second-team All-Pro honor (in 2016) and finished his career as a full-time starter, lining up with the Bears’ first-stringers throughout the 2021 season.

Known best for his Rams tenure, the off-ball linebacker began as a No. 30 overall pick during Jeff Fisher‘s regime. Fisher and then-second-year GM Les Snead signed off on the linebacker in a two-first-rounder Rams draft, which began with Tavon Austin going eighth overall. Both players fetched extensions from the Rams, but Ogletree made a bigger impact. His 2016 second-team All-Pro season included a career-high 136 tackles (nine for loss), two interceptions and a forced fumble.

That showing earned Ogletree a four-year, $42MM extension in October 2017. Despite the Rams changing HCs by hiring Sean McVay in 2017, they signed off on keeping Ogletree. Though, they reversed course during the ’18 offseason by trading the contract to the Giants. Ogletree, who combined to force 10 fumbles over his first two seasons, led the Rams in tackles during each of the four seasons he finished with the team.

The Giants kept the Georgia alum on that contract for two seasons, and he posted two pick-sixes during his Big Blue debut slate. The Giants had traded fourth- and sixth-round picks to the Rams for Ogletree and a seventh. A 2020 release led Ogletree to the Jets, with whom he only played two games. Despite the Jets cutting bait in October 2020 and Ogletree not playing again that season, he stepped in as a Bears full-timer to close out his career. In 16 Chicago starts, Ogletree made 87 tackles in 2021.

Ogletree, 31, collected just more than $40MM during his NFL run. He added 12 INTs and 7.5 sacks to a resume that includes 766 tackles (49 for loss).

Jets To Sign S Adrian Amos

June 13th, 2023 at 1:41pm CST by Sam Robinson

Months after acquiring Chuck Clark via trade, the Jets are adding another safety to the mix. Adrian Amos intends to sign with the team, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.

Linked to the Ravens after visiting earlier this offseason, the Baltimore native will instead follow Clark to New York. The Jets are set to add the ex-Bears and Packers safety on a one-year deal worth up to $4MM.

Amos continues the chain of ex-Packers to join the Jets, following Aaron Rodgers, Allen Lazard, Billy Turner and Randall Cobb. Amos, 30, spent the past four seasons in Green Bay and has worked exclusively as a starter throughout his eight-year career. Following the draft, the Packers had not closed the door on re-signing Amos. But they will let another free agent join Rodgers in the Big Apple.

Prior to this Jets agreement, The Athletic’s Jeff Zrebiec notes the Ravens brought in Amos for a second visit (Twitter link) Monday. Amos met with the Ravens in March as well. Despite steady interest from the Ravens, the Baltimore native received a better offer from the Jets during his New York visit.

While a Packers team with a more glaring need at safety did not show urgency to re-sign Amos this offseason, the veteran defender’s only major connections were to teams with two safety starters in place. The Ravens discussed a deal with Amos, but they already have Marcus Williams and 2022 first-round pick Kyle Hamilton on the back line. The Jets added Clark to a safety corps including Jordan Whitehead. The former Buccaneer, a 2022 free agency addition, started 17 Jets games last season.

Pro Football Focus graded Amos as one of the NFL’s worst safety regulars last season, but he drew a top-30 mark at the position in every other year of his career. Amos also made a career-high 102 tackles in 2022, registering a career-most seven tackles for loss as well. This signing gives the Jets interesting depth, at the very least. It will be interesting to see how the Jets use Amos and if he can recapture the form he showed prior to a 2022 step back.

Amos landed a four-year, $36MM Packers deal during the 2019 offseason. This came just after he started for a No. 1-ranked Bears defense, which powered the team to an NFC North title in Vic Fangio‘s final year at the controls. The former Bears fifth-rounder then helped the Packers to three straight division crowns. Green Bay still rosters ex-first-rounder Darnell Savage, but the team reduced his playing time last season. With Amos now gone, the Packers have a host of less proven players — Rudy Ford, Jonathan Owens and Tarvarius Moore among them — vying for the spot alongside Savage.

As for the Ravens, they remain in strong shape at safety even after dealing Clark and missing out on Amos. They moved Brandon Stephens back to safety, after he played cornerback in 2022, and retained Geno Stone via RFA tender this offseason. While Williams missed a chunk of last season due to injury, he and Hamilton are positioned as entrenched starters going forward. Williams is signed through 2026; Hamilton can be kept on his rookie deal through then via the fifth-year option.

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