The NFL’s Longest-Tenured Head Coaches
After the 2022 offseason produced 10 new head coaches, this one brought a step back in terms of turnover. Five teams changed HCs, though each conducted thorough searches — four of them lasting until at least January 31.
The Colts and Cardinals hired their HCs after Super Bowl LVII, plucking the Eagles’ offensive and defensive coordinators (Shane Steichen, Jonathan Gannon). The Cardinals were hit with a tampering penalty regarding their Gannon search. Conducting their second HC search in two years, the Broncos saw multiple candidates drop out of the running. But Denver’s new ownership group convinced Sean Payton to step out of the FOX studio and back onto the sidelines after just one season away. The Panthers made this year’s first hire (Frank Reich), while the Texans — running their third HC search in three years — finalized an agreement with DeMeco Ryans minutes after the Payton news broke.
Only one of last year’s top 10 longest-tenured HCs lost his job. A turbulent Colts year led to Reich being fired barely a year after he signed an extension. During a rather eventful stretch, Jim Irsay said he reluctantly extended Reich in 2021. The Colts passed on giving interim HC Jeff Saturday the full-time position, despite Irsay previously indicating he hoped the former center would transition to that role. Reich landed on his feet, and after losing Andrew Luck to a shocking retirement just before his second Colts season, the well-regarded play-caller now has another No. 1 pick (Bryce Young) to mentor.
After considering a Rams exit, Sean McVay recommitted to the team and is overseeing a reshaped roster. Andy Reid also sidestepped retirement rumors, staying on with the Chiefs after his second Super Bowl win. This will be Reid’s 25th season as an NFL head coach.
Here is how the 32 HC jobs look for the 2023 season:
- Bill Belichick (New England Patriots): January 27, 2000
- Mike Tomlin (Pittsburgh Steelers): January 27, 2007; extended through 2024
- John Harbaugh (Baltimore Ravens): January 19, 2008; extended through 2025
- Pete Carroll (Seattle Seahawks): January 9, 2010; extended through 2025
- Andy Reid (Kansas City Chiefs): January 4, 2013; extended through 2025
- Sean McDermott (Buffalo Bills): January 11, 2017; extended through 2027
- Sean McVay (Los Angeles Rams): January 12, 2017; extended through 2023
- Kyle Shanahan (San Francisco 49ers): February 6, 2017; extended through 2025
- Mike Vrabel (Tennessee Titans): January 20, 2018; signed extension in February 2022
- Matt LaFleur (Green Bay Packers): January 8, 2019: signed extension in July 2022
- Zac Taylor (Cincinnati Bengals): February 4, 2019; extended through 2026
- Ron Rivera (Washington Commanders): January 1, 2020
- Mike McCarthy (Dallas Cowboys): January 7, 2020
- Kevin Stefanski (Cleveland Browns): January 13, 2020
- Robert Saleh (New York Jets): January 15, 2021
- Arthur Smith (Atlanta Falcons): January 15, 2021
- Brandon Staley (Los Angeles Chargers): January 17, 2021
- Dan Campbell (Detroit Lions): January 20, 2021
- Nick Sirianni (Philadelphia Eagles): January 21, 2021
- Matt Eberflus (Chicago Bears): January 27, 2022
- Brian Daboll (New York Giants): January 28, 2022
- Josh McDaniels (Las Vegas Raiders): January 30, 2022
- Kevin O’Connell (Minnesota Vikings): February 2, 2022
- Doug Pederson (Jacksonville Jaguars): February 3, 2022
- Mike McDaniel (Miami Dolphins): February 6, 2022
- Dennis Allen (New Orleans Saints): February 7, 2022
- Todd Bowles (Tampa Bay Buccaneers): March 30, 2022
- Frank Reich (Carolina Panthers): January 26, 2023
- Sean Payton (Denver Broncos): January 31, 2023
- DeMeco Ryans (Houston Texans): January 31, 2023
- Shane Steichen (Indianapolis Colts): February 14, 2023
- Jonathan Gannon (Arizona Cardinals): February 14, 2023
Extension Candidate: Kristian Fulton
Kristian Fulton has emerged as a key member of the Titans’ secondary, a unit which the team has made considerable investments in over the course of recent years. He is now approaching the final season of his rookie contract.
Fulton, a 2020 second-round pick, is “hoping for a new deal,” writes Joe Rexrode of The Athletic (subscription required). A long-term commitment from Tennessee would come as little surprise considering the level of play he has delivered when on the field during the past two seasons in particular, though the frequency with which that is not the case could be a concern. 
As a rookie, Fulton logged a 49% snap share but his campaign was limited to just six games due to a knee injury. His availability was better the following season when he served as a full-time starter for all 13 of his appearances. During that span, he recorded a pair of interceptions and 14 pass deflections. His coverage statistics (51% completion percentage and 71.3 passer rating allowed) also pointed to a promising future and raised expectations for him heading into 2022.
In the build-up to that year, Tennessee had a number of options to choose from in terms of the starting CB spot opposite Fulton. The LSU product was once again counted on as an anchor of the secondary, though, starting all 11 games he played in. Fulton was again sidelined by injury, however, which contributed to a step back in his ball production (one interception, five pass breakups). In all, he has missed 20 games over the course of his career, a figure which will no doubt hurt his value on a new deal, particularly one signed before the onset of the coming season.
The Titans have a number of young corners on the books, including Fulton but also 2021 first-rounder Caleb Farley (who has only played 12 games to date), 2021 third-rounder Elijah Molden (who missed all but two contests last season) and 2022 second-round selection Roger McCreary. The latter enjoyed a highly productive rookie campaign in which he was a full-time starter and stayed on the field for all 17 games. Tennessee also brought in another first-team option during free agency by signing Sean Murphy-Bunting on a one-year deal.
Nevertheless, Fulton will be counted on as a key performer for at least one more season. A return to health in his case – and that of the Titans’ secondary as a whole – would go a long way in determining the team’s success on defense, a unit which will likely need to perform at a high level given the question marks surrounding their offense. A strong showing from Fulton would also boost his value heading into free agency next March, or Titans extension negotiations conducted before that point.
Tennessee is limited with respect to available funds at the moment, and much of their remaining cap space would be used up by any hypothetical deal for DeAndre Hopkins. Fulton’s 2023 cap hit is just under $1.7MM, so a new deal would not clear up any significant money for the remainder of the summer. However, the Titans are currently projected to have the fourth-most spending power in 2024, so they would certainly be able to absorb a significant raise for Fulton on a new contract if his desire for one were to be reciprocated.
Latest On Titans, DeAndre Hopkins
The waiting game continues with respect to DeAndre Hopkins and his relatively small list of known suitors. One of them is the Titans, a team which has a standing offer in place for the All-Pro wideout. 
Hopkins visited Tennessee and New England last month, and each team was sufficiently impressed to put a contract on the table. The 31-year-old is staying patient with plenty of time remaining between now and training camp, which could extend his free agent period especially if his market fails to heat up in the coming weeks.
In that event, the Titans could represent an intriguing option for Hopkins. Tennessee is lacking in known producers at the WR spot, and a signing could give them a signficant boost in the passing game. On that point, ESPN’s Turron Davenport notes that the team believes it has a “legitimate chance” at landing the five-time Pro Bowler.
Tennessee has 2022 first-rounder Treylon Burks at the top of the depth chart as things currently stand, and expectations will be high for him after an underwhelming rookie season. To little surprise, though, the Arkansas alum publicly praised the in-house options in place, a group which includes Nick Westbrook-Ikhine, Kyle Philips, Racey McMath and free agent signing Chris Moore. Hopkins would represent by far the most accomplished pass-catcher for the Titans if he were to ink a contract with them.
However, the former Texan and Cardinal has been closely connected to the Patriots during his time on the open market, and their new deal for DeVante Parker has not taken them out of the running for him. New England currently has just under $15MM in cap space, while Tennessee has $8.3MM, meaning the latter team would be underdogs in a potential bidding war.
Offensive coordinator Tim Kelly echoed Burks’ confidence in the Titans’ current setup, but a signficant step forward is needed through the air compared to 2022 when the post-A.J. Brown era began. Tennessee could see themselves competing with New England and potentially Carolina to land Hopkins, but belief within the organization that his arrival remains a distinct possibility is noteworthy. Hopkins’ market is one they, among others, will no doubt continue to monitor.
Titans RB Hassan Haskins Arrested On Assault Charge
Titans running back Hassan Haskins was arrested on an assault charge Thursday, Caleb Wethington of WSMV reports. Metro Nashville Police booked the second-year back on an aggravated assault by strangulation charge.
Haskins was released on bond later Thursday, ESPN.com’s Turron Davenport adds. The Titans released a statement indicating they are aware of the arrest. Haskins, 23, is scheduled to appear in Davidson County Court July 10.
The Titans chose Haskins in the 2022 fourth round out of Michigan. The Eureka, Missouri, native shined in a breakout 2021 season with the Wolverines, rushing for 1,327 yards and totaling 20 touchdowns. He spent his rookie season as Derrick Henry‘s top backup. Haskins’ 25 carries were the second-most by a Tennessee running back last season.
In addition to potential legal punishment, this arrest puts Haskins on the radar for a suspension and a possible Titans exit. Haskins gained 93 yards on his 25 totes last season, adding 11 receptions. But the Titans have since changed general managers since selecting him 131st overall last year. Ran Carthon replaced Jon Robinson atop the team’s front office, and the team chose Tulane’s Tyjae Spears in this year’s third round. Spears is also a clear candidate to become Henry’s top backup.
Top Second-Round Picks In Mix For Fully Guaranteed Contracts
Signing second-round picks continues to be a slow-moving process for many teams. Fourteen second-rounders remain unsigned. That accounts for almost half the unsigned draftees remaining from this year’s class.
No. 39 overall pick Jonathan Mingo receiving three fully guaranteed years and part of his 2026 season locked in has undoubtedly caused the gridlock for teams negotiating with players chosen shortly after the Panthers wide receiver. The Nos. 40-48 picks have not signed their rookie deals. But more clarity came earlier in the round; the Nos. 34-39 players have inked their respective rookie contracts. Three-year guarantees are now the standard in that slot range. But the two players chosen atop Round 2 are likely looking to further adjust the draft pay structure.
Neither Joey Porter Jr. (Steelers, No. 32 overall) nor Will Levis (Titans, No. 33) have signed. Agents for both players are likely aiming to land fully guaranteed deals for their clients, and GOPHNX.com’s Howard Balzer notes others in the agent community view full guarantees as in play for the two second-round leadoff picks. No second-rounder has secured a fully guaranteed deal since the 2011 CBA implemented the slot system.
The first round has featured fully guaranteed deals for just two years. Clyde Edwards-Helaire and Joe Tryon-Shoyinka, the No. 32 overall picks in 2020 and ’21, received partial fourth-year guarantees. But last year’s 32nd pick — Vikings safety Lewis Cine — effectively closed the book on the partial guarantee era for first-rounders, receiving all his money ($11.494MM) guaranteed. As such, this year’s final first-rounder — Chiefs defensive end Felix Anudike-Uzomah — signed a fully guaranteed $11.818MM deal. The tide now appears to be rising toward Round 2, putting the onus on the Steelers and Titans to offer more player security.
Since the NFL stripped the Dolphins of their first-round choice, Porter has a clear case for a fully guaranteed pact. Had the Sean Payton–Tom Brady tampering matter not removed Miami’s slot from the equation, Porter’s draft slot would have arrived in Round 1. As a quarterback, Levis has some additional leverage as well. Levis securing a buttoned-up deal may be more notable going forward, due to his No. 33 slot, but he will probably need Porter’s help.
A drop-off in guaranteed cash took place after Cine in 2022; Buccaneers No. 33 overall selection Logan Hall only received $225K of his $1.98MM 2026 base salary guaranteed. This year’s 34th overall choice — Lions tight end Sam LaPorta — has already done better, securing $408K of his 2026 salary guaranteed. Porter and Levis look to be aiming to follow Cine in moving the bar forward for picks in this range, though the gap between Anudike-Uzomah’s guaranteed money and LaPorta’s overall guarantee ($9.47MM) does provide a reasonable bridge for the Pittsburgh and Tennessee rookies to cross.
This can be considered a fairly minor development; the 2011 CBA’s slot system removed much of the haggling and ensuing holdouts involving rookie contracts. But any second-rounder securing a fully guaranteed deal will represent a notable hurdle cleared, as the slot system has now been in place for 13 drafts. It will also be worth watching to see if the Steelers and Titans attempt to hold the line, thus bringing holdouts into play this year. Titans rookies report to camp July 22, with Steelers opening July 26.
Titans T Nicholas Petit-Frere Hit With Six-Game Gambling Suspension
Another name in the NFL’s gambling crosshairs has dropped. The league will hand a six-game suspension to Titans tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere for violating the gambling policy, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
A third-round Titans draftee last year, Petit-Frere became the team’s starting right tackle as a rookie. Petit-Frere said in a statement he did not gamble on NFL games but admitted to violating the betting policy. His betting on non-NFL games from a team facility will induce the six-game ban.
This comes a day after Schefter reported other players, in addition to Colts cornerback Isaiah Rodgers, were targets in the league’s gambling probe. This is the first mention of Petit-Frere, however, in connection with gambling. Rodgers is set to draw a season-long ban for making bets on NFL games. Expanding what is becoming a widespread issue for the NFL, Petit-Frere is the seventh known player popped for a 2023 gambling violation.
This suspension is consistent with the bans handed to Lions wide receiver Jameson Williams and former Detroit wideout Stanley Berryhill. While other since-cut Lions — and Commanders defensive end Shaka Toney — were hit with indefinite suspensions for betting on NFL games, Williams and Berryhill were found to have bet on other sports from team grounds.
Chosen 69th overall out of Ohio State last year, Petit-Frere won the Titans’ starting tackle job in training camp. He started 16 games as a rookie, during a season in which Tennessee’s offensive line endured a rash of injuries. By season’s end, longtime starters Taylor Lewan, Ben Jones and Nate Davis were on IR; Petit-Frere and guard Aaron Brewer were the only first-string blockers left standing. The team has since cut Lewan and Jones; Davis signed with the Bears in free agency. Petit-Frere and Brewer are ticketed to stick as starters, but the Titans will need to make other plans at right tackle to start the season.
Pro Football Focus did not view Petit-Frere’s rookie year fondly, grading the former Big Ten blocker 74th among tackles last season. The Titans have also gone through some issues staffing their right tackle spot in recent years; this adds to a growing list.
Since the team passed on Jack Conklin‘s fifth-year option, it has not enjoyed continuity at the position. After Conklin left for Cleveland in 2020, the Titans drafted Isaiah Wilson in the first round. Wilson became a spectacular bust, playing all of four NFL plays, and lasted one season in Tennessee. The Titans then drafted North Dakota State’s Dillon Radunz in the 2021 second round. Radunz has been unable to win the right tackle job, losing the camp competition to Petit-Frere. Radunz could find himself back in the mix for the role, but the Titans’ offseason retooling effort up front now will include a right tackle change as well.
This move also could affect where the Titans station first-round pick Peter Skoronski. Viewed as a guard by most evaluators, the Northwestern prospect played only tackle while in college. He worked at both tackle and guard during the Titans’ offseason program. Sixth-rounder Jaelyn Duncan and swingman Jamarco Jones also loom a potential stopgap options, in case the Titans view Skoronski as a guard. The team also may look for a veteran. Dennis Kelly, who started for the team in 2020, is unattached. Though, George Fant, a three-year Jets starter, probably represents the top available option. Marcus Cannon, Ja’Wuan James and Chris Hubbard are also available.
Tennessee’s O-line will now roll out four new starters to open the season. Brewer is expected to shift to center to replace Jones, but new pieces will comprise the rest of the group. The Titans signed left tackle Andre Dillard in free agency, with ex-49ers exec-turned-GM Ran Carthon adding former San Francisco guard Daniel Brunskill as well. Another new blocker will now be in line to follow Dillard, Brunskill and Skoronski as a Titans starter — health permitting — in Week 1.
Latest On S Kevin Byard, Titans
There’s been no shortage of awkwardness in the recent business relationship between All-Pro safety Kevin Byard and the Titans. Byard refused to take a pay cut that the team floated his way early in the offseason. While, in most situations, this would cause the relationship to deteriorate into an eventual split, things don’t seem to be headed in that direction, according to Josh Alper of NBC Sports. 
Questions initially arose as Byard spent the offseason away from the Titans, with many thinking his absence was a result of bad blood following the failed request. Byard refuted that claim in an address to the media, saying that he had been in communication with his coaches and was working out according to a preexisting plan. His explanation and following comments seemed to indicate that he would not be pursuing a trade as a result of the pay-cut request.
In fact, Byard is more likely to continue working toward a deal that will keep him in Tennessee for the remainder of his career. Byard has certainly taken the high road in an awkward situation, showing the maturity to know that “you can’t be emotional in business,” a point he expanded on in an appearance on the Bussin’ With The Boys podcast recorded two weeks ago. He, instead, found a way to “compartmentalize and keep (his) emotions out of it,” concluding that he thinks the two sides are “in a good place right now.”
When he initially received the request to take a pay cut, Byard had been expecting a contract extension discussion that would alleviate his cap hits in the near future while allowing him to remain in Nashville long-term. He stood his ground on his worth, stayed quiet about the negotiations, and has allowed the business side of things to run their course. He’s claimed that there are no “ill feelings” lingering from the situation and seems to be optimistic about finding a way forward.
30 Unsigned Draft Picks Remain
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:
- No. 1: Panthers QB Bryce Young (Alabama)
- No. 2: Texans QB C.J. Stroud (Ohio State)
- No. 4: Colts QB Anthony Richardson (Florida)
- No. 5: Seahawks CB Devon Witherspoon (Illinois)
- No. 12: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs (Alabama)
- No. 13: Packers DE Lukas Van Ness (Iowa)
- No. 15: Jets DE Will McDonald (Iowa State)
- No. 16: Commanders CB Emmanuel Forbes (Mississippi State)
- No. 17: Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez (Oregon)
Round 2:
- No. 32: Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr. (Penn State)
- No. 33: Titans QB Will Levis (Kentucky)
- No. 40: Saints DE Isaiah Foskey (Notre Dame)
- No. 41: Cardinals DE BJ Ojulari (LSU)
- No. 42: Packers TE Luke Musgrave (Oregon State)
- No. 43: Jets OL Joe Tippmann (Wisconsin)
- No. 44: Colts CB Julius Brents (Kansas State)
- No. 45: Lions DB Brian Branch (Alabama)
- No. 46: Patriots DE Keion White (Georgia Tech)
- No. 47: Commanders CB Jartavius Martin (Illinois)
- No. 48: Buccaneers OL Cody Mauch (North Dakota State)
- No. 50: Packers WR Jayden Reed (Michigan State)
- No. 51: Dolphins CB Cam Smith (South Carolina)
- No. 52: Seahawks RB Zach Charbonnet (UCLA)
Round 3:
- No. 77: Rams OLB Byron Young (Tennessee)
- No. 89: Rams DL Kobie Turner (Wake Forest)
Round 4:
- No. 105: Eagles CB Kelee Ringo (Georgia)
- No. 108: Colts T Blake Freeland (BYU)
Round 6:
- No. 182: Rams CB Tre’Vius Hodges-Tomlinson (TCU)
- No. 189: Rams OLB Ochaun Mathis (Nebraska)
- No. 215: Rams RB Zach Evans (Ole Miss)
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.
DeAndre Hopkins Weighing Offers From Patriots, Titans
Both of DeAndre Hopkins‘ visits produced contract proposals. The Titans and Patriots each made the free agent wide receiver an offer, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com said during an NFL Live appearance.
Hopkins is weighing both potential deals but is angling for more teams to emerge as suitors, per Russini (h/t MassLive.com). Other teams have been mentioned as interested, but Hopkins has only trekked to Nashville and New England since his Arizona release. The Patriots made a push to sign Hopkins last week. However, the former All-Pro is holding out for more.
Considering both teams told Hopkins they believe he can still be an impact receiver, it is unsurprising each submitted an offer during their respective visits. The Titans secured the first meeting and look to need receiving help a bit more than the Patriots. That said, Bill Belichick has long been intrigued by Hopkins’ skillset. And the team is aiming to maximize Mac Jones‘ capabilities this season, after the former first-round pick took a step back as the Patriots followed through with a strange 2022 setup that featured the since-departed Matt Patricia at the controls.
It does not sound like Hopkins is eager to accept one of these offers in the near future, with Russini echoing the refrain of patience. The 31-year-old receiver has clearly not received the kind of offer he wanted during either visit, and neither Jones nor Ryan Tannehill were on the list of quarterbacks with whom Hopkins would most want to align. Two of the passers on said list — Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen — lead teams that have been closely connected to this pursuit this offseason. Both the Chiefs and Bills negotiated a trade with the Cardinals. Kansas City’s discussions involved Hopkins adjusting his contract to facilitate a trade, but after the Ravens gave Odell Beckham Jr. $15MM guaranteed in late March, those talks ceased.
Hopkins likely hopes one or both of those AFC powerhouses will jump back into this derby — if nothing else, to accelerate his market — and the Chiefs can increase their cap space by extending Chris Jones. Talks are ongoing. The Chiefs ($409K) and Bills ($5.5MM) sit at or near the bottom for available funds. The Patriots hold $14.9MM; the Titans carry $7.9MM.
Tennessee has been reeling at wide receiver since trading A.J. Brown, a move that wounded the team’s passing attack last season. The Titans used a 2022 first-round pick on Treylon Burks, but he battled injuries as a rookie and finished with 444 receiving yards and one touchdown. More will be expected of Burks this year, but the Titans are light on complementary help as well. Nick Westbrook-Ikhine might be Tennessee’s top WR2 presence; the team did not draft a receiver until Round 7.
New England was more active this offseason, signing JuJu Smith-Schuster to a three-year, $25.5MM deal. The Pats used a second-round pick on Tyquan Thornton last year, but injuries limited the Baylor product as a rookie. DeVante Parker and Kendrick Bourne remain rostered, while the Pats also used two sixth-round choices on receivers. The team did not see consistency from its Bourne and Nelson Agholor 2021 investments, so it would be interesting to see another two-signing offseason. But Hopkins could obviously help this receiving corps.
Latest On DeAndre Hopkins’ Free Agency
Following their free agency visit, the Patriots were making a push to sign DeAndre Hopkins. The former All-Pro wideout is believed to be intrigued by the idea of joining the Pats, but he remains unsigned.
Visits with both the Patriots and Titans are believed to have gone well, Albert Breer of SI.com notes, and veteran NFL reporter Mike Giardi offers that each team told the high-profile UFA he still offers “elite” capabilities (Twitter link). Like Dalvin Cook, however, Hopkins is taking his time surveying the market. Waiting on a potential injury or a team suddenly growing concerned about its receiving corps — scenarios that could come to pass during training camp — is also factoring into Hopkins’ decision-making, Giardi adds.
Hopkins and Bill Belichick spent time in one-on-one meetings during the Pats summit, per Breer, who adds the 10-year veteran remains close with Titans HC Mike Vrabel. That said, it looks like Hopkins is holding out hope teams with better Super Bowl LVIII odds will re-enter the equation. Absent big money, Hopkins is aiming to join a contender, Breer added during an NBC Sports Boston appearance (video link).
The Ravens’ Odell Beckham Jr. contract blew up Cardinals-Chiefs negotiations for Hopkins, who would have been bound for Kansas City on an adjusted deal. With Beckham securing $15MM fully guaranteed despite missing all of last season and having suffered two ACL tears since October 2020, Hopkins balked at taking a pay cut. Cardinals talks with the Chiefs and Bills ceased, and both Buffalo and Kansas City have drifted a bit compared to their spots on the Hopkins radar when Arizona first released him. But neither Tennessee nor New England appears to have blown Hopkins away with an offer, per Breer, potentially reopening the door for the Chiefs or Bills.
The Bills created some 2023 cap space by extending Ed Oliver but used that savings to add Leonard Floyd. They hold $5.5MM in space. The Chiefs are at just $651K, carrying the league’s lowest figure exiting minicamp. But Kansas City remains at work on a Chris Jones extension. While Jones is likely asking for a contract closer to Aaron Donald‘s $31.7MM per year than Jeffery Simmons‘ No. 2 defensive tackle deal ($23.5MM AAV), the Chiefs extending their All-Pro lineman would drop his cap number from its present $28.3MM place. That would create cap room for Kansas City to potentially re-enter the fray, and Hopkins — who has spoken highly of teaming with Patrick Mahomes on multiple occasions this offseason — can afford to be patient.
Regarding the New England fit, Hopkins and Bill O’Brien look to be back on favorable terms despite the 2020 Houston separation. And Belichick likely addressed potential concerns about Hopkins’ recent history of not practicing fully, famed ex-Patriots O-line coach Dante Scarnecchia said (via MassLive.com’s Karen Guregian). In-season practice schedules certainly do not present the grind they once did, with the CBA capping the number of padded workouts to 13 over the course of the regular season. But Hopkins has battled multiple injuries since his most recent Pro Bowl season (2020) and has missed nine games for health reasons over the past two years.
Although Hopkins did not begin his visit itinerary looking to take much of a discount from the $19.4MM salary he was due to make with the Cardinals, the first two meetings not producing take-notice money adds intrigue to this situation. The Bills and Chiefs could be back in the mix soon, but for now, the Titans and Pats are still interested.