Paris Johnson Jr.

Cards LT D.J. Humphries Returns To Practice

June 11th, 2023 at 12:59pm CST by Rory Parks

Cardinals left tackle D.J. Humphries returned to the practice field for voluntary OTAs last week, per Darren Urban of the team’s official website. Humphries missed the second half of the 2022 season due to a back injury.

Humphries, a 2021 Pro Bowler, acknowledged that he “had to roll the dice a little bit” in electing to forego back surgery in favor of rehab. As of the time of this writing, he is not quite back to full strength, but he remains on track to suit up for Week 1 of the regular season.

Humphries’ shortened season was one of many difficulties that the Cardinals faced in 2022, and it was a disappointing setback for a player who dealt with significant injury issues in the early stages of his career but who had missed only one contest — a COVID-related absence — from 2019-21.

That newfound durability, along with generally solid play as Arizona’s blindside blocker, allowed Humphries to land multiple three-year contracts from the Cards. His current deal, which he signed last August and which was restructured in March, keeps him under club control through 2025.

Arizona did select Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson Jr. with the No. 6 pick of this year’s draft, and it is still rostering 2020 third-rounder Josh Jones, who played well at left tackle in Humphries’ absence last season. Nonetheless, Urban expects Humphries to reclaim the starting LT job, with Johnson beginning his professional career on the right side.

Even a rebuilding outfit like Arizona benefits from a quality left tackle, and assuming he can stay healthy, Humphries is exactly that. He also comes at a reasonable price, as he is due under $16MM per season over the 2024-25 seasons. Thanks to the above-referenced restructure, Humphries is earning just $5.5MM in base salary in 2023, though that is because a chunk of his salary was converted to a signing bonus for cap purposes.

Unless they were to make him a post-June 1 cut or trade next year, the Cardinals cannot now feasibly extricate themselves from Humphries’ contract until the end of the 2024 season. That suggests that the club, like the player himself, did not worry that the back injury would be a career-threatening one, and that Humphries could remain on the roster for the foreseeable future.

Arizona’s three-day mandatory minicamp begins on Tuesday, at which point we may have more clarity on the team’s plans with respect to Humphries and Johnson.

Raiders Rumors: Adams, Renfrow, OL

May 19th, 2023 at 1:32pm CST by Sam Robinson

Shortly after the Raiders’ plan to separate from Derek Carr surfaced, Davante Adams indicated he was not planning to make an effort to follow his ex-college teammate out the door. Adams is signed through 2026 on what is still the NFL’s second-most lucrative receiver deal. The Raiders have made some changes this offseason, most notably replacing Carr with Jimmy Garoppolo. Adams made some cryptic comments about the franchise’s direction this week.

“[The front office] thinks this is the best bet for us right now to put us in a position to be urgent,” Adams said regarding the team’s offensive vision, via The Ringer’s Mirin Fader. “We don’t see eye-to-eye on what we think is best for us right now. … I’m going to have to buy into this and try to be as optimistic as possible. It’s not what I expected to happen, but it’s something that’s the reality now.”

Rumored to be potentially kept in the loop regarding the Raiders’ big-picture decisions, Adams expressed hesitancy regarding his fit with Garoppolo. The veteran quarterback is tied to the Raiders through at least 2023, due to his $33.75MM guarantee, and may well be a multiyear Las Vegas starter, seeing as the team did not draft a quarterback.

“It all depends on the style of ball that we play,” Adams said. “If we play a certain brand of ball, I can get [Garoppolo] to conform to whatever. But if we use him a certain type of way, then it’s going to make it tough for us to maximize who we should be this year.”

For what it’s worth, Adams shared a photo with GM Dave Ziegler after that interview surfaced. Adams, who will turn 31 later this year, earned his third straight first-team All-Pro honor last season. He will team with Josh Jacobs, Hunter Renfrow and UFA addition Jakobi Meyers as Garoppolo’s lead supporting cast. Here is the latest out of Vegas:

While Ziegler and Josh McDaniels signed off on Renfrow’s two-year, $32MM extension during the 2022 offseason, the veteran slot player delivered underwhelming early returns in McDaniels’ system. After Renfrow’s 1,038-yard 2021 showing helped drive the Raiders into the playoffs, he managed just 330 in 10 games last year. Since giving Renfrow that extension, the Raiders have signed Meyers to an $11MM-per-year deal and drafted slot target Tre Tucker in Round 3. Pegging the odds of Renfrow being elsewhere by 2024 as “90%,” The Athletic’s Vic Tafur notes he joined Darren Waller in being a poor fit for McDaniels’ offense (subscription required). McDaniels also cut down on Renfrow’s route improvisations, which were encouraged under Jon Gruden. Trading Renfrow in 2024 (when his base salary spikes to $11.2MM) would save the Raiders $8MM.
The Raiders have surprisingly made it to mid-May without adding a starter-caliber outside free agent on their offensive line. That might not be the case by training camp. Citing the team’s potential to add a veteran guard or tackle, Tafur adds he would be “shocked” if Alex Bars remained the team’s right guard starter. Pro Football Focus rated Bars, a former Bears UDFA, as the Raiders’ worst starting O-lineman by a wide margin last season. Guard Dalton Risner remains unsigned, as do Rodger Saffold, Pat Elflein, A.J. Cann and Laurent Duvernay-Tardif. Longtime Raider Gabe Jackson, whom Gruden traded to the Seahawks in 2021, is also available. The Raiders also showed interest in Paris Johnson, per Tafur. Although the Cardinals discussed a deal with the Raiders for the No. 7 pick, Arizona moving ahead of Vegas for No. 6 (to take Johnson) makes sense.
The team re-signed right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor but also brought back 2021 right tackle starter Brandon Parker, who missed last year with an injury. Eluemunor will also be a candidate to slide to guard, per the Las Vegas Review-Journal’s Vincent Bonsignore, after having played there in the past. That would be an internal way to upgrade from Bars. Second-year tackle Thayer Munford and Justin Herron, one of many ex-Patriots in Vegas, stand to factor in for the RT gig.

Cardinals Sign First-Round OL Paris Johnson Jr.

May 11th, 2023 at 5:54pm CST by Ben Levine

The Cardinals have officially signed their first-round pick. The team announced that they’ve inked Paris Johnson Jr. to his rookie contract.

Arizona was reportedly in pursuit of an offensive lineman in the draft. Despite trading out of the third-overall pick, they still got their way when they selected Johnson with the sixth-overall pick.

Johnson took on a larger role at Ohio State in 2022, appearing in 13 games. The 6-6, 315-pound blocker allowed only a pair of sacks last year, and as a result of his performance, he earned a consensus All-American selection and was graded as one of Pro Football Focus’ top offensive tackle prospects in the draft.

The Cardinals were in dire need for depth along the offensive line after having allowed 44 sacks last year. This offseason, they’ve re-signed right tackle Kelvin Beachum and added veteran Elijah Wilkinson, and they’ll also welcome back veteran D.J. Humphries, who missed much of last season. As a result of the added depth, Johnson may not immediately start at LT, but his versatility shouldn’t make that much of an issue.

The Cardinals also announced that they’ve signed four other draft picks: third-round wide receiver Michael Wilson, fourth-round offensive lineman Jon Gaines II, fifth-round quarterback Clayton Tune, and fifth-round linebacker Owen Pappoe. That leaves four rookies unsigned, including second-round linebacker B.J. Ojulari.

Cardinals Acquire No. 6, Select Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr.

April 27th, 2023 at 7:57pm CST by Adam La Rose

After trading out of the No. 3 pick, the Cardinals are moving back up. Arizona has acquired the No. 6 pick (along with No. 81) from the Lions, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter). NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo tweets that Detroit will receive picks No. 12, No. 34, and No. 168.

The Cardinals will use their newfound selection on Ohio State offensive tackle Paris Johnson Jr.

We heard that Arizona was considering a trade down in pursuit of an offensive lineman. It took multiple trades to get there, but the Cardinals ultimately got their way, selecting one of the draft’s top O-line prospects.

After playing sparingly through his first two collegiate seasons, Johnson took on a larger role in 2022, appearing in 13 games for Ohio State. The 6-6, 315-pound blocker was charged with only a pair of sacks this past season, and Pro Football Focus gave him one of the highest grades (88 overall) at his position. As a result of his performance, Johnson earned a consensus All-American nod after the season.

The Cardinals surrendered 46 sacks last season, leaving open the possibility of improving their pass protection during the draft. By virtue of this pair of moves, new general manager Monti Ossenfort has landed arguably the team’s top target, while adding draft capital next season. Johnson will join a new-look room along the offensive front in the desert.

Arizona has re-signed right tackle Kelvin Beachum and added veteran Elijah Wilkinson so far this offseason. Johnson could compete for a starting role right away, despite only playing at that spot for one season with the Buckeyes. The Cardinals still have D.J. Humphries at left tackle, but the longtime starter missed much of last season. His previous experience includes time at right guard, versatility which could help the Cardinals improve along the O-line in one fashion or another – a needed development considering the long-term rebuilding path the team is likely on.

The Lions, meanwhile, had been connected to a few different defensive players at their original spot. Moving down has already taken them out of contention for DT Jalen Carter, though CB Christian Gonzalez could still be an option at No. 12.

Bijan Robinson On Eagles’ Radar At No. 10

April 27th, 2023 at 2:58pm CST by Sam Robinson

The Eagles are one of the teams to enter tonight’s draft with a running back need. They can either add a back to work in a committee of sorts with Kenneth Gainwell and Boston Scott or make an early-round move to replace Miles Sanders.

While the team has been connected to offensive and defensive line prospects, James Palmer of NFL.com notes Bijan Robinson is in play for the defending NFC champions at No. 10 overall (video link). Only the Eagles and Buccaneers, who hold the No. 19 overall pick, met with Robinson during the pre-draft visit window. But the Texas prospect is viewed as one of this draft’s safest options; he would be expected to be a plug-and-play starter.

This would be an against-the-grain pick for the Eagles, who have valued O-line investments over running back payments under Howie Roseman. The veteran GM traded DeMarco Murray, signed during Chip Kelly‘s 2015 in power, quickly after being given the front office keys back and has not devoted much in the way of expenses toward the lower-value position. But the Eagles did use a second-round pick on Sanders four years ago. Robinson could be kept on a rookie deal through 2027, via the fifth-year option.

ESPN’s Scouts Inc. grades Robinson as this draft’s second-best prospect; NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah slots him third overall. Positional value makes Robinson’s landing spot harder to peg. The Falcons, at No. 8, have been tied to the ex-Texas standout. The Ravens, who have dealt with frequent injury trouble at the position, have also been connected to making a move here. Though, Baltimore holds the No. 22 overall pick.

Additionally, the Eagles continue to look into this draft’s top O-linemen. After Wednesday’s Paris Johnson connection, Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski may be in play as well. The Eagles, who let Isaac Seumalo walk in free agency, see both players as being able to begin their career at right guard and eventually transition to tackle to take over for Lane Johnson. Both players’ positional flexibility is important, per Palmer. Several teams see Skoronski as a guard. Neither Johnson nor Skoronski, however, is a lock to be on the board at No. 10. The Cardinals and Bears are interested in O-linemen, though if the Titans are the team that makes a trade for the No. 3 choice, the Cards would be sitting behind the Eagles at No. 11.

The Eagles used a second-round pick on potential Jason Kelce heir apparent Cam Jurgens, who could also factor into the team’s plans at guard. That probably depends on how the Eagles proceed tonight. While no NFL date features more misdirection than Day 1 of the draft, the Eagles — thanks to their April 2022 trade with the Saints — stand to be a major factor in tonight’s first round, given their Nos. 10 and 30 selections.

Eagles Eyeing Move Up In Round 1?

April 26th, 2023 at 4:17pm CST by Sam Robinson

4:17pm: Indicating the Eagles are exploring a trade to move up, NFL.com’s James Palmer notes it could be for Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson. The multiyear Buckeyes starter has gained steam in the final days, and Palmer adds Johnson impressed the Eagles on his visit. The Cardinals have been connected to Johnson as well, but they are still exploring a move down to collect assets and better position themselves for an O-lineman.

2:36pm: The rare Super Bowl entrant to hold a top-10 pick in the following draft, the Eagles are widely believed to have their eye on pass-rushing help. They appear prepared to trade up from No. 10 overall to acquire it.

Philadelphia is laying groundwork for a trade higher into top 10, per ProFootballNetwork.com’s Tony Pauline, who notes (on Twitter) the move would be for a pass rusher. The Eagles lost Javon Hargrave in free agency and have not re-signed Robert Quinn but have a fairly deep group of edge defenders. Though, all four of those players (Haason Reddick, Josh Sweat, Brandon Graham, Derek Barnett) are on veteran contracts.

Eagles connections to edge players have formed during the pre-draft process. The NFC champions are viewed as fans of Georgia outside linebacker Nolan Smith and are believed to be high on Iowa’s Lukas Van Ness as well. Another report, via the Washington Post’s Jason La Canfora, indicates the Eagles are intrigued by Van Ness.

It is certainly possible one of these rushers — if not both — will be available at No. 10. ESPN’s Scouts Inc. ranks Van Ness and Smith as the 15th- and 16th-best prospects in this year’s class. Philly has not been closely connected to the top edges in this year’s class — Will Anderson Jr., Tyree Wilson — and a move into top three, where Houston and Arizona are open to moving down, would be costly.

The Eagles have made a trade on Day 1 of the draft in four of the past five years. Last year, they traded a first-rounder to the Saints, in a complex pre-draft swap, and moved up for Jordan Davis. Philly then used the third of its 2022 first-rounders to acquire A.J. Brown.

The team has also been viewed as perhaps the lowest floor for Jalen Carter, the consensus best defensive tackle in this year’s class and one of the top overall talents. Just ahead of the draft, SI.com’s Albert Breer notes that perception remains. Carter met with the Eagles and every other team holding a pick between Nos. 5 and 10. The Bears are also seeking a D-lineman and are believed to be OK drafting the higher-risk prospect.

Like other teams without a quarterback need, the Eagles stand to benefit by other teams pouncing on passers in the top 10. Philly does have the No. 30 overall choice as well, and both Breer and La Canfora have Oregon cornerback Christian Gonzalez going off the board at No. 10. With the Eagles’ starting corners — Darius Slay, James Bradberry — going into their age-32 and age-30 seasons, respectively, the Super Bowl contenders figure to strongly consider bolstering this position with one of their first-round picks.

Cardinals Continue To Explore Trade-Down Move, Eyeing First-Round O-Linemen

April 25th, 2023 at 4:16pm CST by Sam Robinson

Even if the Texans follow through with a much-rumored effort to take a non-quarterback at No. 2 overall, one of the top two edge rushers — either Will Anderson Jr. or Tyree Wilson — would still be on the board for the Cardinals at 3. The team has front-seven holes, and mock drafts have often placed a top-flight edge prospect in this slot.

But the Cardinals continue to explore avenues to move down the board. Offensive line appears to be the top Cards concern heading into the draft, Todd McShay of ESPN.com notes. While a previous report indicated the Cardinals may be prepared to address this issue at No. 3 — by taking Ohio State tackle Paris Johnson — McShay adds the team is “borderline desperate” to move down.

Sliding down the board would seemingly better match Arizona with this year’s top O-linemen while providing the rebuilding team with additional assets. The Johnson rumors aside, McShay connects the team to having interest in Northwestern tackle/guard Peter Skoronski. The former Big Ten standout rates as Scouts Inc.’s No. 9 overall prospect, with Johnson sitting 12th. Kyler Murray has spoken highly of Johnson, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets, with SI.com’s Albert Breer also indicating the team is quite taken with the two-year Buckeyes starter. Johnson visited the Cardinals as well.

Though, some teams are believed to place a higher value on Johnson, who is projected to stay at tackle. Skoronski is viewed by many as a player who will make a Brandon Scherff-like transition by going early in the first round but being shifted from tackle to guard before his first NFL game. Teams are generally reluctant to draft a guard especially early, though the Scherff (No. 5, 2015) and Quenton Nelson (No. 6, 2018) choices panned out. The Cardinals’ connections to the Big Ten blockers may lead to the team setting a floor regarding how low it is willing to drop in a trade.

The Cardinals have their tackle tandem of the past three years — D.J. Humphries–Kelvin Beachum — under contract, though Humphries missed much of last season and Beachum is going into his age-34 campaign. The team did lose guard Justin Pugh to an ACL tear and has not re-signed him. Guard Will Hernandez did re-sign, however. It is worth wondering if the Cardinals taking an O-lineman in the top 10 would affect one of the veterans’ statuses.

The team, which has needed a cornerback since Patrick Peterson‘s 2021 free agency departure, is also interested in Devon Witherspoon, per Breer. With Witherspoon a candidate to go midway through the top 10, the Cardinals would need to take a measured approach with a trade-down effort. If the team cannot find a trade partner, Wilson may be in play. The team passed the Texas Tech edge rusher on a pre-draft physical, Breer adds.

A few teams have been mentioned as candidates to trade up for a quarterback. The Titans (No. 11), Falcons (No. 8) and Raiders (No. 7) are among them. The Cardinals are believed to have spoken with at least six teams about a potential trade. The Texans passing on C.J. Stroud — assuming the Panthers indeed take Bryce Young — would stand to help the Cardinals find a trade partner, and Will Levis‘ late rise may as well.

With a need at quarterback, the Texans have the more interesting decision to make Thursday. The Cardinals having Murray lowers the stakes for their pick, but new GM Monti Ossenfort may have a complex process to navigate during his first draft night.

Steelers Eyeing First-Round Tackles; Team Interested In Trade-Up

April 24th, 2023 at 5:14pm CST by Sam Robinson

Mike Tomlin said recently he is comfortable redeploying the Steelers’ tackle tandem of the past two years — Dan Moore–Chukwuma Okorafor — but the team made efforts to upgrade its interior offensive line in free agency. Tackle appears a strong consideration in the draft.

The Steelers are interested in finding Kenny Pickett improved edge protection, with ESPN.com’s Todd McShay indicating the team has made inquiries about trading up from No. 17. Specifically, McShay names the Bears (No. 9) and Titans (No. 11) as teams the Steelers have contacted about a move up the board for a tackle. A tackle is indeed believed to be the reason the Steelers have been connected to moving up, Albert Breer of SI.com notes.

While the Steelers did not host Paris Johnson on a visit, Mark Kaboly of The Athletic adds the team met with the Ohio State tackle over dinner ahead of his pro day (subscription required). The Steelers, whom Kaboly notes dined with T.J. Watt and Artie Burns before selecting them in Round 1 during the 2010s, also met with other Buckeyes linemen.

This franchise does not have an extensive history in moving up, though such a move did take place for Devin Bush in 2019. The Steelers succeeded the other two times they have moved up in Round 1 (Troy Polamalu, Santonio Holmes) over the past 20 years. This is Omar Khan‘s first draft as Pittsburgh’s GM. He and assistant GM Andy Weidl have added some pieces up front, signing top guard Isaac Seumalo and adding Nate Herbig as well. The Steelers agreed to terms with tackle Le’Raven Clark, but that almost certainly is a depth-based acquisition. As of now, Moore and Okorafor should be considered Pittsburgh’s unquestioned starters at tackle.

Johnson has generated buzz to the point he might not be available at 9. The ex-Buckeyes standout has been connected to climbing into the top five, which would seemingly be out of the Steelers’ range due to the board jump required. But the likes of Peter Skoronski — who is seen by many as a guard — and Broderick Jones are also certain first-rounders-to-be. The Steelers did meet with Jones, a Georgia tackle, during the pre-draft visit window. Tennessee’s Darnell Wright may be available if the Steelers stick at No. 17.

The Steelers have not drafted a tackle in Round 1 since 1996 (Jamain Stephens) and have not selected an O-lineman in the first since David DeCastro 11 years ago. Okorafor (2018) and Moore (2021) each arrived as third-rounders. Both started all 17 games for the Steelers last season. Pro Football Focus rated each outside the top 55 at the position, however. Despite the Steelers enjoying steady health from their starting O-line, PFF ranked the unit 16th.

Pittsburgh has been connected to making a cornerback pick at No. 17 as well, and Breer adds Tomlin’s son, Dino, was in the same Maryland recruiting class as first-round prospect Deonte Banks. The ex-Terrapin, like Tomlin, visited the Steelers recently as well. But tackle has emerged as a position to watch regarding Pittsburgh’s first pick. Via the Chase Claypool trade, the Steelers also hold the No. 32 overall choice to bolster one of these areas as well.

Ohio State OT Paris Johnson Jr. Meeting With Eagles, Jets

April 18th, 2023 at 5:18pm CST by Ben Levine

One of the draft’s top offensive tackles will have a busy week meeting with potential suitors. According to NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo (on Twitter), left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. was in Philadelphia today for a pre-draft visit with the Eagles.

The Ohio State product is also set to meet with the Jets tonight and tomorrow. These meetings follow a trip out west, where Johnson met with the Cardinals last week. As Garafolo points out, there are a “lot of possible fits” for the lineman in the top-15, so these surely won’t be the prospect’s only official visits.

Johnson has climbed NFL.com’s Daniel Jeremiah’s rankings of the top-50 draft prospects, landing at No. 16 in the latest update. Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski is still the favorite to be the first offensive tackle off the board, but a team could end up selecting Johnson and banking on his size and temperament.

Ohio State QB C.J. Stroud, T Paris Johnson Jr. Declare For Draft

January 16th, 2023 at 12:45pm CST by Adam La Rose

In anticipation of today’s deadline for college underclassmen to declare their NFL intentions, one of this year’s top quarterbacks announced that he is turning pro. Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud announced (on Twitter) that he is forgoing his senior year and entering the 2023 draft.

The decision comes as little surprise given his production with the Buckeyes, though it was not taken lightly. Mike Garafolo of NFL Network tweets that Stroud “strongly considered” remaining at Ohio State for the 2023 campaign. Instead, the Heisman finalist will turn his attention to the upcoming draft, where he will be a highly sought-after prospect.

Stroud took over for Justin Fields under center for the Buckeyes in 2021, and immediately showcased his potential. The 6-3, 215-pound passer racked up 4,435 passing yards and 44 touchdowns as a sophomore, allowing the team’s offense to continue its efficiency under head coach Ryan Day. His performance earned Stroud Big Ten Offensive Player of the Year honors, and he finished fourth in Heisman voting that year.

Entering the 2022 campaign, Stroud was set to compete with Alabama’s Bryce Young for the title of top QB prospect in the upcoming class. The former put together another strong season, though his yardage, touchdowns and completion percentage totals each dipped compared to 2021. Stroud helped lead the Buckeyes to the CFP semifinals, where they nearly pulled off a major upset against the eventual-champion Georgia Bulldogs. He was once again named the conference’s top offensive player, and finished third in Heisman voting to solidify his status as one of the top prospects at any position this spring.

Young is generally regarded as the top passer, but a number of teams in need of a new quarterback will have the opportunity to draft Stroud inside the top 10. Much will depend on the Bears’ plans with the No. 1 pick, and the jockeying which will take place to trade for it should they decide to move down the board. Whichever teams are unable to land Young will be acutely aware of Stroud’s pre-draft process, as he and Kentucky’s Will Levis represent the other first-round locks at the position.

Stroud’s decision comes not long after his teammate, left tackle Paris Johnson Jr., declared for the draft (Twitter link). The 6-6, 315-pounder enjoyed a stellar campaign this season, his first as a blindside blocker. Johnson was charged with only two sacks allowed en route to a career-high PFF grade of 83. A consensus All-American, he is also considered a surefire first-rounder and is in contention alongside Northwestern’s Peter Skoronski to be the first tackle off the board.

With Stroud, Johnson and wideout Jaxon Smith-Njigba all having turned pro, the Buckeyes figure to have at least three players hear their names called on Day 1 of the draft. The former two in particular are likely to feature heavily in the evaluation process leading up to the spring.