Cowboys, S P.J. Locke Agree To Deal
For the second day in a row, the Cowboys have lined up a safety deal. P.J. Locke is heading to Dallas, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
This will be a one-year deal, Rapoport adds. Locke will earn up to $5MM with his new team. He and Jalen Thompson are positioned to handle key roles on Dallas’ defense next season.
Locke came up as a Cowboys target just before free agency, as he has played for new Dallas DC Christian Parker previously. Parker’s time as the Broncos’ DBs coach (2021-23) overlapped with Locke’s stay as a backup and then starter. Year 3 of Parker’s work with Locke involved a promotion into a starting role — as Kareem Jackson was suspended twice for illegal hits and then released — alongside Justin Simmons, and the Broncos re-signed Locke in 2024.
A former UDFA out of Texas, Locke will return to his home state after playing out a two-year, $7MM Denver deal. The Broncos signed Brandon Jones (three years, $20MM) in 2024 but brought back Locke to start alongside the ex-Dolphin. Locke’s performance, however, prompted the AFC West team to give Talanoa Hufanga a three-year, $39MM deal in 2025. Locke worked primarily as a third safety in Denver last season.
After 23 starts from 2023-24, Locke only made three during the ’25 regular season. This came after he underwent offseason spine surgery. But the Broncos needed the sub late in the season, as Jones suffered a season-ending pectoral injury. Locke started alongside Hufanga in both Denver’s playoff games, making a crucial divisional-round interception as the Broncos staved off the Bills. The six-year veteran also forced a fumble in Denver’s overtime win, making nine tackles in the game.
With Jones and Hufanga due back in Denver, Locke is leaving for a potential starting role. Though, his contract could lead to a competition or another reserve opportunity. Thompson agreed to a three-year, $33MM accord, and the Cowboys have Malik Hooker on a reworked deal. Hooker is now tied to a one-year, $5MM contract. That could pit him against Locke in a competition. Locke’s past with Parker should help ahead of an age-29 season.
Adam La Rose contributed to this post.
FA Notes: Pierce, Pats, Walker, Seahawks, Etienne, Jags, Broncos, Chiefs, Robinson, Giants, Titans, Cowboys
Prepared to make Stefon Diggs a one-and-done, the Patriots continue to be linked to A.J. Brown. The Eagles standout could be the team’s No. 1 option at receiver, but if the defending AFC champions are unable to strike a deal, MassLive.com’s Karen Guregian indicates a pivot to Alec Pierce could be in the cards.
Ranked as PFR’s No. 2 overall free agent, Pierce’s market will be competitive. Guregian points to a $25-$30MM-per-year number being required to close that deal. Pierce is the league’s two-time reigning yards-per-catch leader, topping 1,000 yards last season despite the Colts losing Daniel Jones in Week 13. We heard earlier this week Pierce would land at least $20MM per year. The Colts prioritized Jones via the transition tag, putting them at risk of losing Pierce on Monday.
Had the Colts made an effort to lock down Pierce before last season, Essentiallysports.com’s Tony Pauline notes the view at the Combine was he would have cost maybe half the AAV he is expected to command next week. Not much extension buzz existed last summer; that could be costly for the Colts soon. Pierce is preparing to hit free agency; he can officially begin talking to interested teams at 11am CT Monday.
Here is the latest coming out of the free agent market:
- Kenneth Walker making it past the tag deadline unattached makes him the top RB option this year. The Super Bowl LX MVP should be able to land a deal in the $12-$16MM-AAV neighborhood, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes. That would vault him into top-five territory at the position. The Giants have been tied to a Walker pursuit, with the Seahawks potentially ready to stand down after showing interest in retaining their four-year starter.
- If Walker scores a deal in that range, Breer estimates Travis Etienne winding up in the $10MM-per-year realm. The Jaguars are likely to let Etienne walk, with CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones adding the team is prepared to move forward with 2025 fourth-rounder Bhayshul Tuten.
- The Broncos, who were set to pursue Breece Hall before his franchise tag, are a logical suitor for the longtime Jags starter, according to Jones. Walker could be on Denver’s radar as well, Jones adds, noting the Chiefs — who are believed to be interested in RB help (with Isiah Pacheco and Kareem Hunt unsigned) — are likely to be priced out of the Walker market. Kansas City does not believe Notre Dame’s Jeremiyah Love will be available at No. 9, per Jones, potentially pointing to an RB signing next week. Denver is looking for an RB to replace J.K. Dobbins alongside RJ Harvey, and it looks like the team is prepared to devote more resources to this position this offseason — with Russell Wilson finally off the books.
- Wan’Dale Robinson–Titans connections continue, but SNY’s Connor Hughes notes the Giants are still in on their homegrown slot receiver. That said, Tennessee is viewed as a very interested party for Robinson, whom Hughes pegs as more likely to leave New York than stay. A Nashville trek would reunite the 5-foot-8 WR with new Titans OC Brian Daboll. The Titans have been tied to a receiver pursuit for some time, as they are flush with cap space and expected to release Calvin Ridley. The Robinson market is expected to come in around $15MM per year, ESPN.com’s Jordan Raanan adds. With the Giants giving Darius Slayton a $12MM-AAV deal in 2025, how much will they be willing to spend here? Raanan views Robinson’s price tag as being a bit too steep for Big Blue.
- Two of Christian Parker‘s former charges may be on the Cowboys‘ radar. We heard Nakobe Dean‘s name connected to Dallas, which needs linebacker help, and the Dallas Morning News’ Calvin Watkins notes the team is in on the Eagles LB starter. The Cowboys are also interested in P.J. Locke, who has been an off-and-on starter at safety in Denver. Locke played under Parker previously, beginning as a starter under the new Dallas DC (after replacing Kareem Jackson in 2023).
Broncos S P.J. Locke Expected To Be Healthy By Training Camp Following Spinal Fusion
P.J. Locke played in the Broncos’ wild-card loss but was then unable to participate in team drills during minicamp this spring. The sixth-year safety was sidelined as a result of the spinal surgery he underwent following the 2024 campaign. 
As detailed in a video released on Locke’s YouTube channel, an MRI conducted one day after Denver’s season came to an end revealed a spinal fusion would be necessary. The procedure was a success, something which is key for Locke and the Broncos’ secondary. A full recovery in time for training camp is expected, Luca Evans of the Denver Post reports.
“I feel like, man, it’s just been a miracle,” Locke said in the video when reflecting on his recovery process. “I feel like it’s been a breakthrough that I’ve been praying for.”
A former UDFA, Locke did not register any starts across his first three Broncos seasons. He took on a much larger workload in 2023, however, logging a 69% snap share. Last season, the 28-year-old was on the field for over 1,000 defensive snaps.
The Talanoa Hufangaaddition, though, is expected to demote Locke to the backup level. Hufanga and Brandon Jones are positioned to start, but Locke — after two seasons as a defensive regular — represents high-end depth. This safety trio will be counted on to help Denver’s defense repeat last year’s defensive success (No. 3 in points allowed) in 2025.
Locke re-signed with the Broncos last March, and the $3.5MM average annual value of that pact represented a notable raise from his previous deals. The Texas product enters the coming campaign as a pending free agent, though, so his performance will be critical in determining his future. Provided the final stages of his rehab process go as planned, Locke will be available once training camp starts later this month in advance of an important campaign for himself and the Broncos.
Broncos To Re-Sign S P.J. Locke
The Broncos moved on from a franchise mainstay earlier this week by releasing Justin Simmons. While he will not be in place for 2024, P.J. Locke will be. The latter has agreed to a new Denver deal, Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports.
Rapoport notes Locke will receive $7MM in base compensation on a two-year deal. The maximum value sits at $9MM, which will mark a hefty raise from his previous deals. The former UDFA had amassed less than $4MM in career earnings across five seasons. He will now remain in Denver and avoid a trip to the open market.
Simmons’ release created the possibility that all three safeties which played signficant time in 2023 (he, Locke and Kareem Jackson, who was waived and finished the campaign with the Texans) could be gone by the 2024 campaign. However, a recent report noted interest from the team to work out a new deal in Locke’s case. The 27-year-old took on starting duties filling in for Jackson last year, and he will be counted on as a first-teamer moving forward.
Locke tallied 53 tackles, one interception, five pass deflections, two forced fumbles and three sacks last season. Each of those figures represented career highs, and he could have generated a notable market given his age and play down the stretch even with numerous veterans now available. After playing each of his 59 games with the Broncos, however, Locke has elected to take another new deal in lieu of gauging his outside value.
The Texas alum joins Caden Sterns and a pair of other recent draftees (Delarrin Turner-Yell, JL Skinner) in being on the books for Denver ahead of free agency. That group is severely lacking in experience compared to the Broncos’ longtime Simmons-Jackson tandem, so an addition at the position would come as no surprise. The team will have several options to choose from on the open market. Regardless of what happens on that front, though, Locke will face significant expectations ahead of 2024 and ’25.
The Broncos entered Saturday with roughly $30.5MM in cap space with free agency on the horizon. Locke’s new deal will lower that figure to a slight extent, but his continued presence will be welcomed on a Denver defense which will feature a number of new faces next year.
AFC West Notes: Broncos, Chiefs, Eluemunor
Coming off their Russell Wilson misstep, the Broncos will be taking on a chunk of their record-setting dead money ($35.4MM) this year. The more punishing hit will come in 2025 ($49.6MM), and although both numbers will be offset to a degree by the cap’s rise, Denver may need to be thriftier at quarterback. Mock drafts continue to include a Broncos QB pick or a trade-up move for a passer, but 9News’ Mike Klis writes a veteran will likely be added in free agency.
Kirk Cousins and Baker Mayfield are probably out of play for the Broncos, who are still $2.5MM over the cap following their Justin Simmons release. But after other cost-saving moves, the team will have a host of bridge options available. Jacoby Brissett, Ryan Tannehill, Gardner Minshew and Sam Darnold headline that list, and the volume of passers in free agency should lead to affordable options for teams looking to pair a rookie with a stopgap vet. The Broncos do have Jarrett Stidham tied to a $7MM base salary, and they plan to give him a chance. But it is possible two outside options will be joining the season-ending starter this offseason.
Here is the latest from the AFC West:
- Chris Jones remains the Chiefs‘ top priority, but after rumblings the defending champions could retain the likely Hall of Famer before free agency, they are running short on time. Other clubs can begin talking to Jones at 11am CT March 11. Seeking at least $30MM per year, Jones remains Kansas City’s top priority. Some uncertainty exists if the Chiefs’ the near-year-long retention effort will succeed, but the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora indicates the team is expected to devote more funds to its offense. After a wildly inconsistent receiver year, the Chiefs were believed to be interested in Mike Evans. Calvin Ridley, Marquise Brown and Gabe Davis are among the top options available, though it should also be expected the team — particularly if Jones is back on a monster contract — devotes a high draft choice to this group.
- The Raiders appear to want to re-sign right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor, per ESPN’s Paul Gutierrez, who notes the team’s stopgap right tackle starter might be the highest priority among the team’s free agent O-linemen. That would be interesting given Andre James‘ presence as a younger UFA-to-be. Eluemunor joins James and guard Greg Van Roten as Raiders starting O-linemen set for free agency. Eluemunor has signed three Raiders contracts, receiving a notable raise (to $3MM) in 2023. Showing himself to be a capable starter instead of a swingman, the 29-year-old blocker has started 34 games for the Raiders — at both guard and right tackle — over the past three seasons.
- Releasing their longest-tenured player earlier today, the Broncos will need to make a plan at safety. As Simmons searches for a new team, the Broncos also have P.J. Locke as an unsigned starter. The team is interested in keeping Locke, according to the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. Locke replaced the twice-suspended Kareem Jackson as a starter and played well during the team’s five-game midseason win streak, holding off Jackson for the gig alongside Simmons. Caden Sterns, who suffered a season-ending injury in Week 1, remains under contract.
- While Locke should be expected to return, Klis does not anticipate Lloyd Cushenberry or Josey Jewell coming back. Cushenberry’s likely high price should be viewed as a borderline non-starter for a Broncos team that has three other veterans (Garett Bolles, Ben Powers, Mike McGlinchey) on veteran contracts and Quinn Meinerz as a potential extension candidate. Jewell, who joined Simmons as a holdover from Vance Joseph‘s HC years, discussed terms with the Broncos recently. But the six-year vet may be ticketed to leave Colorado as the team regroups after its failed Wilson extension.
- The sports betting criminal case in Iowa against the former Denver fourth-round defensive lineman Eyioma Uwazurike will be dropped, Tomasson adds. A rotational player in 2021, Uwazurike drew a full-season ban for gambling on NFL games. Uwazurike’s NFL future is in doubt, but he can apply for reinstatement in July.
Broncos Eyeing Patrick Surtain Extension, Unlikely To Spend Big In Free Agency
Although Patrick Surtain did not repeat his first-team All-Pro performance from 2022, the standout Broncos cornerback earned his second Pro Bowl nod. As expected, the Broncos kept Surtain out of trades at the deadline. The next step — once Surtain’s fifth-year option is exercised — would be an extension.
The Broncos sound interested in that coming to fruition at some point, with GM George Paton indicating (via the Denver Post’s Parker Gabriel) the team wants the third-year corner in Denver for a long time. Surtain became extension-eligible last week, though the fifth-year option buys the Broncos another year.
The cornerback salary ceiling still sits at $21MM (Jaire Alexander), but with the cap back on a steady climb and young corners like Surtain and Sauce Gardner immediately establishing themselves as top-tier talents, $25MM per year is probably a better projection for where the top CB salary will be by the time these two land extensions. Gardner does not become eligible for a new deal until 2025, but Surtain has become the Broncos’ defensive centerpiece.
Teams generally wait until Year 5 to extend first-rounders, due to the option, but the Broncos are in an atypical situation. Their expected Russell Wilson post-June 1 cut designation will produce a larger cap hit in 2025 compared to 2024, with the total package coming to $84.6MM in dead cap. That record-shattering figure will complicate matters for the Broncos, who will have Surtain undoubtedly eyeing CB-record money when talks begin.
The Broncos extended Chris Harris and signed Aqib Talib, but their last brush with top-tier CB money came when they extended Champ Bailey after acquiring him 20 years ago. Surtain is closer to Bailey’s trajectory compared to Denver’s recent CB All-Pros, pointing to a monster extension either this year or next. Denver would also have the franchise tag at its disposal in 2026, when the Wilson contractual damage is projected to be finished.
As for this year, the Broncos are not expected to be big spenders. After splurging for Mike McGlinchey, Ben Powers and Zach Allen on Day 1 of the 2023 legal tampering period, Denver will be restricted by both the Wilson contract — which would call for $35MM in 2024 dead money — and its limited cap space. Paton said (via the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson) the team will not be in on the first wave of free agency come March. The team currently features the NFL’s fifth-worst 2024 cap situation, though it is poised to enter the draft with a first-round pick for the first time since 2021, when Surtain arrived at No. 9 overall. The Broncos hold the No. 12 pick.
Additionally, free agents-to-be Josey Jewell and P.J. Locke would prefer to stay in Denver, Tomasson adds. Jewell played out a two-year, $11MM deal and has now started 58 games since being chosen in the 2018 second round. Locke ended up usurping Kareem Jackson to become a starting safety, making an impact as a blitzer during Denver’s five-game win streak. Jewell and Locke, a former UDFA, could see their statuses complicated by other contracts at their respective positions. Justin Simmons is attached to a $15.25MM-per-year deal, though that through-2024 pact contains no more guaranteed money, while Denver gave top tackler Alex Singleton a three-year accord worth $18MM in 2023.
The Broncos stood pat at the trade deadline, but Jewell’s name may have come up. The Cowboys targeted linebacking help last October, and ESPN.com’s Ed Werder notes they discussed a deal with the Broncos. It is not known if Jewell or Singleton was Dallas’ target, though the former was in a contract year. The Cowboys later pursued Shaquille Leonard, seeing him sign with the Eagles. Jewell and Singleton have been the Broncos’ ILB starters for two seasons.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/7/23
Here are the day’s minor transactions heading into Week 5:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: RB Corey Clement, DL Ben Stille
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: WR Xavier Malone
Baltimore Ravens
- Elevated: RB Kenyan Drake, WR Laquon Treadwell
- Placed on IR: DB Daryl Worley
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: CB Ja’Marcus Ingram, DT Kendal Vickers
- Placed on IR: CB Tre’Davious White (story)
Carolina Panthers
- Elevated: CB Dicaprio Bootle
Cincinnati Bengals
- Elevated: WR Kwamie Lassiter
Denver Broncos
- Activated from IR: S P.J. Locke
Detroit Lions
- Activated from IR: OLB Julian Okwara
- Activated from exempt/commissioner permission: WR Jameson Williams
- Elevated: WR Dylan Drummond
- Placed on IR: FB Jason Cabinda
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Placed on IR: WR Parker Washington
- Activated from exempt/commissioner permission: T Cam Robinson
Miami Dolphins
- Elevated: DE Chase Winovich
Minnesota Vikings
- Elevated: WR N’Keal Harry
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: G Tommy Kraemer
- Elevated: S Johnathan Abram, S Daniel Sorensen
- Waived: RB Tony Jones Jr.
New York Giants
- Elevated: G Jalen Mayfield, T Jaylon Thomas
New York Jets
- Elevated: WR Irvin Charles, CB Craig James
Philadelphia Eagles
- Elevated: P Braden Mann, CB Bradley Roby
- Placed on IR: G Cam Jurgens (story)
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Elevated: OL Ryan McCollum, P Brad Wing
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: DE Austin Bryant, CB Kendall Sheffield
Tennessee Titans
- Activated from IR: WR Kyle Philips
- Elevated: S Dane Cruikshank, DT Jaleel Johnson
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/4/23
Today’s minor moves from around the league:
Arizona Cardinals
- Designated for return from IR: OL Dennis Daley
- Designated for return from NFI: CB Garrett Williams
Atlanta Falcons
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return from IR: RB Keaton Mitchell
Carolina Panthers
- Designated for return from IR: TE Stephen Sullivan
Denver Broncos
- Signed to active roster: RB Dwayne Washington
- Designated to return from IR: S P.J. Locke
- Designated to return from PUP: OLB Baron Browning
Houston Texans
- Signed to active roster: DE Derek Rivers
Los Angeles Chargers
- Claimed off waivers (from Broncos): CB Essang Bassey
- Waived: DT Christopher Hinton
Miami Dolphins
- Designated for return from IR: G Robert Jones
- Designated for return from PUP: CB Nik Needham
New York Jets
- Designated for return from IR: T Carter Warren
- Designated for return from PUP: S Jarrick Bernard-Converse
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed to active roster: TE Rodney Williams
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: TE Kevin Rader
Mitchell could be a key piece back for Baltimore in the offensive backfield. After the season loss of running back J.K Dobbins, the Ravens have been operating with a committee that includes Gus Edwards, Justice Hill, Melvin Gordon, and Kenyan Drake. While just an undrafted rookie, Mitchell could immediately relieve the need for the use of Gordon or Drake off the practice squad. The East Carolina product flashed serious potential in the preseason and led the FBS last year with 54 runs of 10 or more yards.
Denver will certainly be hoping to add Browning back to its ailing defense soon. Especially with Randy Gregory finding himself off the roster today, Browning’s pass-rushing ability could be just what the team needs to get its defense back on track.
Broncos Move CB K’Waun Williams To IR; CB Fabian Moreau, DT Mike Purcell Re-Sign
Three Broncos are moving to IR. While it remains to be seen how the team will use its eight allotted activations this season, three options became available Thursday.
Cornerback K’Waun Williams, safety P.J. Locke and tackle Alex Palczewski landed on IR. Each must miss at least four games. To replace them on the 53-man roster, Denver brought back longtime nose tackle Mike Purcell, cornerback Fabian Moreau and tackle Quinn Bailey. Each was on the radar to return, and the Broncos are not deviating from their cutdown-day play.
Purcell agreed to be released to help the Broncos manage their roster. He has joined several veterans in yo-yoing off and then back onto an active roster this week. A regular Broncos contributor since he made the jump from the Alliance of American Football to the NFL in 2019, Purcell was also released and then re-signed ahead of last season. Purcell, 32, will again be expected to be a regular on Denver’s defensive line.
An ankle injury, which will require surgery, will lead to Williams’ IR placement. The longtime 49ers slot corner is going into the second season of a two-year, $5.2MM Broncos deal. Essang Bassey, who intercepted three passes during the preseason, may well be called upon to line up alongside Patrick Surtain and Damarri Mathis in nickel sets to start the season.
Moreau, however, will supply depth for the AFC West team. Moreau spent last season with the Giants, coming over after the Texans released him after the preseason. The Broncos signed the former Washington third-round pick earlier this month.
Bailey has been with the Broncos since 2019, working as a backup. Denver’s injury troubles at tackle last season led to Bailey starting his first career game. The team has Cameron Fleming in place as its swing tackle — behind starters Garett Bolles and Mike McGlinchey — but Bailey is back on the roster to provide additional depth.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/16/23
Today’s minor NFL transactions:
Baltimore Ravens
- Re-signed: LS Nick Moore
Dallas Cowboys
- Re-signed: CB C.J. Goodwin
Denver Broncos
- Re-signed: S P.J. Locke
Miami Dolphins
- Re-signed: FB John Lovett
New England Patriots
- Re-signed: LS Joe Cardona
San Francisco 49ers
- Re-signed: LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles, DT T.Y. McGill
There’s some long snapper news to pass along! Cardona will be returning to New England for his ninth season with the organization, making him the Patriots’ second-longest tenured player (behind Matthew Slater). Per ESPN’s Mike Reiss (on Twitter), Cardona got a four-year deal with a $1MM signing bonus, with that latter value being “an important marker” for the veteran to clear.
Meanwhile, Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic tweets that Moore will be getting a two-year, $2.5MM deal. The long snapper was non-tendered by Baltimore yesterday but ultimately re-upped with the team on a multiyear deal. Per Zrebiec, Moore received interest from other teams but wanted to stick around Baltimore. The 30-year-old has been with the Ravens since 2020 and earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2022.