Contract Details: Fox, Saunders, Cardinals
Here are some details on more recently signed contracts:
- Khalen Saunders, DT (Saints): Three years, $12.3MM. The contract, according to Wilson, has a guaranteed amount of $6.6MM, $4.6MM of which is guaranteed at signing. The $4.6MM consists of a $3.5MM signing bonus and the first year base salary of $1.1MM. The second and third year base salaries are worth $3.1MM and $3.4MM, respectively. Saunders can receive a $2MM 2024 roster bonus (injury guaranteed at signing) that will fully guarantee on the third league day of the 2024 season. The deal also has three void years built in to spread out Saunders’s cap hit. He’ll also earn a per game active roster bonus of $17,647 for a potential season total of $300,000. The deal also includes a potential $1.45MM base salary escalator in 2024 based on sacks and playing time. New Orleans built a potential out into the deal, allowing them to release Saunders after this year with $2.8MM of dead cap but cap savings of $11.2MM of cap savings over the following four years.
- Morgan Fox, DE (Chargers): Two years, $7.25MM. The deal, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2, has a guaranteed amount of $3.75MM consisting of a $2.5MM signing bonus and the first year base salary of $1.25MM. The second year base salary is worth $2.5MM. Fox can receive a $1MM 2024 roster bonus on the third day of the 2024 league year. The deal also includes annual $750,000 incentives based on playing time, sacks, and Pro Bowl selections.
- Antonio Hamilton, CB (Cardinals): One year, $1.5MM. The contract, according to Balzer, is fully guaranteed with a signing bonus of $335,000 and a base salary of $1.17MM.
- L.J. Collier, DE (Cardinals): One year, $1.23MM. The deal, according to Howard Balzer of PHNX, has a guaranteed amount of $76,250 consisting solely of Collier’s signing bonus. Collier’s base salary is worth $1.08MM. He can earn a potential roster bonus of $76,250 if he is active for Week 1.
AFC West Notes: Broncos, Ekeler, Raiders
Jarrett Stidham will replace Brett Rypien as Russell Wilson‘s Broncos backup, agreeing to a two-year, $10MM deal. While Stidham has fewer career starts than Rypien, his late-season Raiders cameo — particularly a 365-yard, three-touchdown performance against the 49ers’ No. 1-ranked defense — generated a market for the former Patriots fourth-round pick. Stidham chose the Broncos over the Raiders because of Las Vegas’ Jimmy Garoppolo signing and potential to also add a quarterback in the first round, per NBC Sports’ Peter King. From the Broncos’ perspective, Sean Payton views Stidham as an upward-trending option behind Wilson.
“There were a handful of No. 2s that either I have worked with, or we felt comfortable with,” Payton said, via the Denver Gazette’s Chris Tomasson. “In this case, I think he’s a No. 2 whose arrow is moving in a direction where we feel like he can become an NFL starter in our league. The evaluation was pretty crystal clear for all of us. I think he’s someone that’s going to be great in the room. He’s smart. Quietly, that was an important signing for us.”
Payton’s words do not point to a quarterback competition, but this addition does provide an option in case Wilson’s 2022 stumble was more indicative of a steep decline than being trapped in a dysfunctional offense. Here is the latest from the AFC West:
- Wilson ran into a few injury problems during his shockingly mediocre first season in Denver. Knee trouble can be added to the Broncos quarterback’s list of ailments. Wilson underwent arthroscopic knee surgery shortly after last season ended, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets. The 12th-year passer is expected to be ready for Payton’s first round of Broncos OTAs. This issue nagged Wilson for a few seasons, per Rapoport. Last year, the knee trouble accompanied hamstring, shoulder and lat issues, along with a late-season concussion. Wilson, who did not miss an NFL start until his 11th season, missed two games last year.
- Dre’Mont Jones signed for slightly more per year than Zach Allen, committing to the Seahawks on a three-year, $51MM deal just after the ex-Cardinal agreed to a three-year, $45.75MM Broncos pact. But Jones ended up receiving less guaranteed money ($23MM) than Allen ($32.5MM). The Broncos viewed Jones’ initial asking price as too high, Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com notes, pointing to Jones — a player the team had long wanted to retain — preferring a change of scenery or reducing his demand as the market shifted. The Browns also pursued Jones but landed Dalvin Tomlinson shortly after the ex-Bronco’s Seattle pledge.
- Austin Ekeler explained his trade request recently, correctly indicating his contract is out of step with the value he provides the Chargers. But GMs do not see a market forming for the former UDFA, Jason La Canfora of the Washington Post notes. Ekeler has outperformed most of his peers on their respective second contracts, but several teams took advantage of this year’s buyer’s market at the position. Many lesser backs filled roster holes. While Ekeler is still just 27 and could provide versatility for another team, the Bolts may not land too much for him. His four-year, $24.5MM contract runs through season’s end.
- Robert Spillane signed a two-year, $7MM Raiders contract, coming over from the Steelers. That ended up being more than Denzel Perryman received to leave Las Vegas for Houston, and Spillane said (via The Athletic’s Vic Tafur) Raiders coaches want him to wear the green communication dot. This would point to the Raiders eyeing a big role for Spillane, a run-stuffer who logged a career-high 59% defensive snap rate in 2022.
- The Raiders were planning to move Dylan Parham from guard to center, Tafur adds, but the team’s decision to retain starting snapper Andre James will lead to Parham staying at left guard (Twitter link). A 2022 third-round pick, Parham started all 17 Raiders games as a rookie. McDaniels said the Memphis alum will still work at center, pointing to this being the team’s backup plan in case James goes down.
- Jerry Tillery‘s Raiders deal is a two-year, $6.8MM accord that includes $5.5MM in total guarantees, Aaron Wilson of KPRC2 tweets. The ex-Chargers first-round D-tackle is due a guaranteed $1.5MM roster bonus in 2024, though his 2024 base salary ($1.7MM) does not become fully guaranteed until next March.
Chargers, Justin Herbert Talking Extension
Justin Herbert recently became eligible to sign an extension, and the Chargers confirmed that they’ve started negotiations with their franchise quarterback.
“Those talks are ongoing,” coach Brandon Staley said today (via ESPN’s Lindsey Thiry). “We’re at the beginning of all that, but all know how we feel about him.”
Herbert will earn a bit more than $4MM during his fourth season in the NFL, but the former sixth-overall pick will surely be eyeing a significant pay raise on his next contract. With Joe Burrow and Jalen Hurts also eligible to sign extensions, Aaron Rodgers may not be the league’s only $50MM player for much longer.
Herbert hasn’t matched Burrow’s or Hurt’s playoff success, but he’s put up some impressive regular season numbers to start his career. The Chargers QB has thrown for 14,089 passing yards, the most by a player through their first three NFL seasons. Herbert has also tossed 94 touchdowns vs. 35 interceptions, including a 2022 campaign where he threw 25 touchdowns while guiding the Chargers to the postseason. The 25-year-old had offseason shoulder surgery but is expected to be ready for the start of the 2023 season.
Naturally, the Chargers aren’t committing to any particular deadline to sign Herbert to an extension, but as Thiry notes, the organization has already “expressed optimism about the situation.”
“Navigating this process, we have a very good relationship with his team,” Staley said. “I’m confident that Justin Herbert is going to be our quarterback for a long time and that we’ll make sure that we get a deal done.
“[We’ve got to] just be patient,” Staley added. “But the major takeaway is that Justin Herbert is going to be our quarterback, and we’re so excited that he is leading our franchise.”
As Thiry notes, the Chargers will still have to make a decision on Herbert’s fifth-year option this offseason. The team will obviously pick up that option, with GM Tom Telesco referring to the inevitable move as a “formality” because of the QB’s impending extension.
AFC West Coaching Updates: Broncos, Chiefs, Chargers
The Broncos announced several additions to their coaching staff today as they attempt to round out Sean Payton‘s first coaching staff in Denver. While we’ve already covered most of the offensive additions, the defensive announcements were new to report.
Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph is adding some NFL and college experience to the staff. The team reportedly lured veteran NFL defensive coach Joe Vitt out of retirement to join the Broncos as a senior defensive assistant. On the other end of the spectrum, Denver hired veteran college assistant Jamar Cain as its new pass rush specialist. Cain spent last year as LSU’s defensive run game coordinator/defensive line coach.
Lastly on the defensive side, the Broncos hired Isaac Shewmaker and Addison Lynch as defensive quality control coaches. The only offensive announcement we had yet to cover was another new quality control coach, Favian Upshaw.
Here are some other coaching updates from around the AFC West, starting with the defending Super Bowl champions:
- The Chiefs‘ offensive staff lost some talent in the offseason after another extremely successful campaign, necessitating some updates to the coaching staff. Joe Bleymaier was promoted from wide receivers coach to the title of pass game coordinator. Replacing him at wide receivers coach will be former offensive quality control coach Connor Embree, a large step up. Todd Pinkston joins the team to coach running backs after formerly serving as the wide receivers coach at Austin Peay. Former offensive quality control coach Porter Ellett will join him as assistant running backs coach. Dan Williams, formerly an offensive assistant, has taken one of the offensive quality control positions along with the added title of assistant quarterbacks coach. Filling his old offensive assistant role will be Kevin Saxton, who formerly served as the co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach at Benedict College.
- The Chargers also went to the college ranks to make a coaching addition, according to Matt Zenitz of On3 Sports. Los Angeles hired former Georgia Southern defensive coordinator Will Harris to serve as assistant secondary coach in 2023. Before his time as a coordinator, Harris had coached a slew of talented future NFL players as the defensive backs coach at the University of Washington.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/22/23
Here are today’s minor moves from around the NFL:
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: DE Michael Dogbe, DT Henry Mondeaux
Los Angeles Chargers
- Re-signed: CB Kemon Hall, K Cameron Dicker
Los Angeles Rams
- Re-signed: DT Michael Hoecht
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed: LB Troy Reeder
- Re-signed: FB C.J. Ham
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: DE Austin Bryant
Austin Ekeler Addresses Trade Request, Contract Status
One of the top storylines to emerge last week was running back Austin Ekeler‘s request to seek a trade sending him away from the Chargers. Los Angeles has given him permission to do so, making this situation one to watch. The veteran recently spoke on his trade request and his openness to remain in Los Angeles during an appearance on the Green Light with Chris Long podcast. 
“I think it’s really important to put it out there that it’s not like, ‘Oh, I hate the Chargers and I need to get out of this organization, and I need to leave,” Ekeler said. “That couldn’t be further from the truth. I would like to stay if it was under the right circumstances.” (h/t Kevin Patra of NFL.com).
The 27-year-old has one year remining on his current contract, a four-year, $24.5MM deal which has given the Chargers tremendous value given Ekeler’s production. He has topped 1,500 scrimmage yards three times in his career, and led the NFL in total touchdowns in each of the past two campaigns. That production would likely put him in line for a sizeable raise on the $6.25MM he is due in 2023 (or, more generally, the $6.125MM AAV of his existing pact) if he were a free agent now.
The former UDFA ranks 14th in the league in terms of average compensation at the running back position, one which has traditionally been undervalued relative to most others. This year’s free agent period has continued that trend, which will make it interesting to see how much interest other teams will have in acquiring Ekeler at a high trade and/or financial cost. Pushing closer to the top of the pecking order on his next deal is clearly his priority, though.
“I’m so underpaid right now as far as my contract and what I contribute to the team,” Ekeler said. “I am relentlessly pursuing this. I want to get something long-term done. I want a team that wants me long term… I’m getting half my value of what I could be getting.”
Given his age, a lucrative investment on the part of the Chargers or any other team could carry significant risk. As the Western Colorado product noted, however, his skillset differs from that of traditional, between-the-tackles workhorse backs. Ekeler has received more than 200 carries only twice in his career, and 48% of his total yardage has come in the passing game. That could help the 5-foot-8 back extend his production deeper into his career than many others at the position.
Ekeler reiterated his affinity for the Chargers, adding, “I want to be there, but on the right terms.” Los Angeles’ offense would look dramatically different if a trade were to take place, given the team’s struggles to find a consistent backup RB in recent years. A new round of extension talks could help continue the relationship between team and player, but the potential market from outside suitors could drive him to a new NFL home in the near future.
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/17/23
Here are today’s minor moves from around the league:
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Tae Davis
Buffalo Bills
- Signed free agent tender: CB Dane Jackson
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: C Justin McCray
Green Bay Packers
- Re-signed: S Rudy Ford
Las Vegas Raiders
- Signed: LS Jacob Bobenmoyer
Los Angeles Chargers
- Re-signed: P JK Scott
Miami Dolphins
- Re-signed: WR River Cracraft
New England Patriots
- Re-signed: DT Daniel Ekuale
- Signed: LB Chris Board
New York Jets
- Re-signed: FB Nick Bawden
- Signed: C Trystan Colon-Castillo
Washington Commanders
- Signed: DT Abdullah Anderson
Board is a strong special teamer, signing a two-year, $5MM deal with New England, according to Ben Volin of the Boston Globe. The contract reportedly includes incentives that can push the deal to a maximum value of $6.7MM.
Colon-Castillo reportedly visited the Falcons today, according to Mike Garafolo of NFL Network. Despite the visit, he decided to sign with the Jets.
Chargers To Re-Sign TE Donald Parham
Linked as a team in play for help at tight end, the Chargers are going to keep one of their own in the fold. They are re-signing Donald Parham, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN.com tweets.
A 6-foot-8 performer who joined the Chargers after being part of the XFL’s second go-round, Parham has been with the team for the past three seasons. He has played an auxiliary role for the Bolts in that span, totaling seven touchdown receptions.
Operating as one of the NFL’s tallest players, Parham posted three TDs apiece in 2020 and ’21. Last season, a hamstring injury limited the complementary pass catcher. Parham missed 11 games last season, limiting him to 10 receptions for 130 yards.
The Chargers have thus far chosen to run it back with their cadre of receiving options, re-signing Parham and seeing GM Tom Telesco take Keenan Allen out of play as a trade chip. The Bolts have been connected to Dalton Schultz. That move would likely mean parting with current starter Gerald Everett, whom the team can release to create $4.25MM in cap space.
Regardless of the Chargers’ plans involving their first-string tight end, they will continue to develop Parham as a backup option.
Former Chargers S Nasir Adderley Retires
Nasir Adderley‘s rookie contract expired yesterday, leaving him eligible to sign with any team to begin the next chapter of his career. Instead, the 25-year-old safety announced (via Instagram) on Thursday that he is retiring from the NFL. 
Adderley joined the Chargers as second-round pick in 2019. He was limited by injury to just four games played as a rookie, but remained mostly healthy beyond that point. He was a full-time starter over the past three regular seasons, though he did not start Los Angeles’ playoff loss to the Jaguars. Adderley appeared in a total of 51 games in the NFL.
“After a period of self-reflection, I have decided it’s time for me to walk away from the game of football,” his announcements reads. “Over the past couple of years I have denied this realization, but I’m finally going to put myself first for once. My health is above everything.
“It has been a dream come true to play in the NFL and have the opportunity to play for the Chargers organization. I believe I have yet to scratch the surface of the player I could be, but if it’s at the expense of my peace of mind then it’s no longer for me.”
The Delaware product racked up 232 tackles during his time with the Chargers, adding three interceptions and 12 pass deflections. His coverage statistics improved over each of the past three years, suggesting he could have remained an effective member of Los Angeles’ (or another team’s) secondary for at least the short-term future. Instead, he will now positively reflect on his relatively brief NFL tenure.
“It’s been a joy to create such amazing relationships,” he wrote in his statement. “Words can’t express how much love and gratitude I have for you all.”
Minor NFL Transactions: 3/15/23
Today’s minor transactions:
Cincinnati Bengals
- Re-signed: RB Trayveon Williams
Denver Broncos
- Signed: CB Tremon Smith
Green Bay Packers
- Re-signed: TE Tyler Davis
- Signed: LS Matt Orzech
Indianapolis Colts
- Re-signed: CB Tony Brown
Las Vegas Raiders
- Re-signed: S Roderic Teamer
Los Angeles Chargers
- Re-signed: DL Morgan Fox
Los Angeles Rams
- Re-signed: OL Coleman Shelton
Miami Dolphins
- Re-signed: T Kendall Lamm
- Signed: TE Eric Saubert
- Claimed off waivers (from Broncos): WR Freddie Swain
Minnesota Vikings
- Re-signed: TE Ben Ellefson
Washington Commanders
- Re-signed: DE Efe Obada
Smith got a two-year deal from Denver that can max out at $5.5MM, per Mike Klis of 9News in Denver (via Twitter). Smith got a $1.4MM signing bonus to join the Broncos, per Troy Renck of Denver7 (via Twitter). After finishing last in kicker return average in 2022, the Broncos should get a bump from Smith, who averaged 23.9 yards on his 40 kickoff returns for Houston over the past two years.