Dolphins Sign Christian Wilkins, Two Other Draft Picks
The Dolphins have signed first-round defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, fifth-round linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel, and sixth-round offensive tackle Isaiah Prince, the club announced today.
Entering a rebuild phase, Miami could have gone in any number of directions with the 13th overall pick. Some observers had the Dolphins pegged as landing spot for a first-round quarterback, but the club passed on Dwayne Haskins in order to land Wilkins. A high-effort player from Clemson’s fearsome defensive line, Wilkins brings excellent character to a Dolphins locker room that’s attempting to modify its culture.
Wilkins should see ample playing time during his rookie campaign, and Prince might, as well. The Dolphins’ offensive line performed like one of the worst units in the league last season, and their right tackle spot is currently manned by Zach Sterup. Prince should a decent chance at beating him put for the starting role.
Third-round guard Michael Deiter is now the only Miami draft pick left unsigned.
Cardinals Sign Kyler Murray, Five Other Draft Picks
The Cardinals have signed first overall selection Kyler Murray, the club announced today. Arizona also signed following draft choices:
- 2-33: Byron Murphy, CB (Washington)
- 3-65: Zach Allen, DE (Boston College)
- 6-174: KeeSean Johnson, WR (Fresno State)
- 7-248: Joshua Miles, T (Morgan State)
- 7-254: Caleb Wilson, TE (UCLA)
Like all first-round picks, Murray has signed a four-year deal with a fifth-year option for the 2023 season. Per Over the Cap, Murray’s contract should be worth $33.159MM in total. He’ll receive a signing bonus of roughly $23.59MM, and carry a cap charge of $6.392MM during his rookie campaign. Murray’s contract contains language that will void the deal if he leaves the NFL to pursue his baseball career, tweets Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk. 
Murray, of course, spurned MLB’s Oakland Athletics in order to enter the NFL Draft. The Cardinals have since traded 2018 first-round quarterback Josh Rosen to the Dolphins, and intend to install an Air Raid system under new head coach Kliff Kingsbury. Along with new weapons like rookie wideouts Andy Isabella and Hakeem Butler (neither of whom was signed today), the Cardinals will look to improve an offense that ranked among the league’s worst last year.
While Murray is the headliner, Murphy is a name-brand prospect in his own right. Projected by many observers to become the first cornerback off the board, Murphy ultimately lasted until the first pick of the second round. An excellent zone coverage corner, Murphy will fit in well with new defensive coordinator Vance Joseph‘s zone-heavy scheme.
Bills Sign Cody Ford, Five Other Draft Picks, Eight UDFAs
After signing first-round pick Ed Oliver earlier today, the Bills have signed six more draft picks and eight undrafted free agents.
Draft Picks
- 2-38: Cody Ford, T (Oklahoma)
- 3-74: Devin Singletary, RB (Florida Atlantic)
- 5-147: Vosean Joseph, LB (Florida)
- 6-181: Jaquan Johnson, S (Miami)
- 7-225: Darryl Johnson Jr., DE (North Carolina A&T)
- 7-228: Tommy Sweeney, TE (Boston College)
Ford, whom many teams had earmarked as a Day 1 selection, will give the Bills options along their revamped offensive line. He’s capable of playing either guard or tackle, so Buffalo can deploy the Oklahoma product in any number of ways. Singletary, meanwhile, becomes yet another new running back on the Bills’ roster, joining T.J. Yeldon and Frank Gore. LeSean McCoy, therefore, could potentially either become trade bait or be released.
UDFAs
- Tyrel Dodson, LB (Texas A&M)
- Nick Easley, WR (Iowa)
- Juwan Foggie, LB (Charlotte)
- Blake Hance, OL (Northwestern)
- Tyree Jackson, QB (Buffalo)
- Cam Lewis, CB (Buffalo)
- Chase McLaughlin, K (Illinois)
- David Sills, WR (West Virginia)
Jackson was widely expected to be drafted, but he was instead able to choose his destination and remain close to home. He received $75K guaranteed on his deal with the Bills, tweets Adam Schefter of ESPN.com.
Eagles Sign Entire 2019 Draft Class, 10 UDFAs
The Eagles have moved quickly to not only wrap up their entire 2019 draft class, but announce their crop of undrafted free agents.
Draft Class
- 1-22: Andre Dillard, T (Washington State)
- 2-53: Miles Sanders, RB (Penn State)
- 2-57: JJ Arcega-Whiteside, WR (Stanford)
- 4-138: Shareef Miller, DE (Penn State)
- 5-167: Clayton Thorson, QB (Northwestern)
Philadelphia moved up to pick No. 22 to acquire Dillard, sending pick Nos. 25, 127, and 197 to Baltimore in order to get ahead of the Texans, who had their own needs along the offensive line. Many analysts viewed Dillard as the best offensive tackle available in the draft, especially given the number of pass sets he took in Washington State’s pass-happy offense. With the Eagles, he’ll likely act as a swing tackle in 2019 before moving into the starting lineup in 2020 (if Jason Peters ever decides to hang up his cleats).
Sanders and Arcega-Whiteside give quarterback Carson Wentz a few more weapons to play with in 2019. The Eagles acquired running back Jordan Howard from the Bears, but Sanders should also be in the mix for carries. Meanwhile, Arcega-Whiteside will give Philadelphia a big body at the receiver position, and could potentially lead to the Eagles trading former first-round pass-catcher Nelson Agholor.
Undrafted Free Agents
- Joey Alfieri, LB (Stanford)
- Ryan Bates, T (Penn State)
- T.J. Edwards, LB (Wisconsin)
- Nico Evans. RB (Wyoming)
- Nate Herbig, G (Stanford)
- Sua Opeta, G (Weber State)
- Keegan Render, C (Iowa)
- Anthony Rush, DT (UAB)
- DeAndre Thompkins, WR (Penn State)
- Kevin Wilkins, DT (Rutgers)
Among Philadelphia’s UDFAs, Opeta may have the best chance to stick given his contract. The Weber State product received a $55K base salary guarantee and a $25K signing bonus from the Eagles, tweets Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle.
Texans Sign Tytus Howard
The Texans have signed offensive lineman Tytus Howard, their first-round draft choice, according to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link). Houston has also agreed to terms with second-round cornerback Lonnie Johnson, second-round offensive tackle Max Scharping, and seventh-round fullback Cullen Gillaspi, according to John McClain of the Houston Chronicle (Twitter link).
Houston selected Howard with the 23rd overall pick after the Eagles jumped one spot ahead of the Texans to draft fellow offensive tackle Andre Dillard. Howard has his own strengths, but Dillard was widely viewed as the superior prospect after spending his collegiate career at Washington State. Howard, meanwhile, is coming from the FCS’ Alabama State.
The Texans had a dire need for offensive line reinforcements heading into the draft after ranking dead last in sacks allowed, adjusted sack rate, and pressure rate in 2018. But it’s unclear just how soon Howard or Scharping (a Northern Illinois product) will be able to adjust to the NFL game.
After ranking just 19th in pass defense DVOA a season ago, the Texans have spent the offseason addressing their cornerback crew. Free agent additions Bradley Roby and Briean Boddy-Calhoun are in line for playing time alongside holdovers Johnathan Joseph, Aaron Colvin, and Kayvon Webster, and Johnson becomes the latest defensive back added to the mix.
Bills Sign DT Ed Oliver
The Bills have their top 2019 draft choice under contract. Ed Oliver signed his four-year deal on Thursday, per Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle (on Twitter).
Oliver can be under Bills control through 2023, via the fifth-year option. He signed a $19.675MM deal, the slot price for this year’s No. 9 overall pick, that contains a $12.239MM signing bonus. The Houston alum is expected to be a regular contributor in his first NFL season.
Having received Aaron Donald comparisons, Oliver drew interest from numerous teams. The Jets were linked to him at No. 3 overall, but after the Raiders and Giants made unexpected picks, Oliver fell to the Bills at 9. They will likely plug him into their three-technique slot.
Oliver joins a Bills defense that ranked second in yardage and DVOA last season. He will succeed Kyle Williams on Buffalo’s front, the 21-year-old trekking to western New York after recording 53 tackles for loss in three Cougars seasons.
Redskins Sign Dwayne Haskins, 6 Others
Washington’s quarterback of the future signed his rookie deal on Thursday. Dwayne Haskins inked his four-year contract, with the 2023 option, the Redskins announced.
Chosen No. 15 overall, the Ohio State product signed his slot deal — worth $14.416MM with an $8.504MM signing bonus.
Six other Redskins draftees joined Haskins in signing shortly before the team begins its rookie minicamp. Running back Bryce Love, guard Wes Martin, center Ross Pierschbacher, linebacker Cole Holcomb, wide receiver Kelvin Harmon and cornerback Jimmy Moreland signed their four-year rookie pacts.
The second Redskins first-round quarterback pick this decade and fourth this century — following Patrick Ramsey, Jason Campbell, and Robert Griffin III — Haskins comes to Washington on the heels of throwing 50 touchdown passes as a sophomore. He joins a new-look Redskins quarterback room, featuring Case Keenum, and will likely see extensive action as a rookie.
The only members of Washington’s draft class yet to sign are Montez Sweat and Haskins’ college teammate Terry McLaurin.
- 1-15: Dwayne Haskins, QB (Ohio State)
- 1-26: Montez Sweat, DE (Mississippi State)
- 3-76: Terry McLaurin, WR (Ohio State)
- 4-112: Bryce Love, RB (Stanford)
- 4-131: Wes Martin, G (Indiana)
- 5-153: Ross Pierschbacher, C (Alabama)
- 5-173: Cole Holcomb, LB (North Carolina)
- 6-206: Kelvin Harmon, WR (North Carolina State)
- 7-227: Jimmy Moreland, CB (James Madison)
- 7-253: Jordan Brailford, DE (Oklahoma State): Signed
Raiders Waive WR Jalin Marshall
Jalin Marshall‘s latest NFL opportunity lasted less than a week. Days after signing the former Jets wide receiver, the Raiders parted ways with him.
The Raiders now boast a crowded receiver room. Marshall was going to have to display plenty this offseason to warrant a spot on either the team’s active roster or practice squad.
In addition to their big-ticket moves, the Silver and Black signed J.J. Nelson and Ryan Grant, drafted Hunter Renfrow and added Keelan Doss as a UDFA.
Marshall, who fared well in the Alliance of American Football’s abbreviated season, has not played an NFL game since 2016. A UDFA out of Ohio State, Marshall caught 14 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns as a rookie. A PED suspension to start what would have been his second season scuttled any momentum Marshall built as a rookie. The Jets waived him shortly after the 2018 draft.
Seahawks Release Doug Baldwin, Kam Chancellor
Doug Baldwin is no longer a Seahawk. Two weeks after a report surfaced indicating injuries will likely force the veteran slot receiver to retire, the Seahawks released Russell Wilson‘s top target with a failed-physical designation, the team announced.
The Seahawks also cut Kam Chancellor with this designation. Chancellor announced intentions to retire before last season but did not officially retire in order to collect guaranteed money.
“The Seahawks have made the difficult decision to terminate/failed-physical Doug Baldwin and Kam Chancellor,” GM John Schneider said. “These are two of the most iconic players in franchise history and both were instrumental in establishing our championship culture, great examples of competitiveness and leadership on the field and in the community. These legendary players will always be a part of our Seahawks family.”
Knee, groin and shoulder injuries — which each required surgery — look set to end Baldwin’s career. The 30-year-old wideout led the Seahawks in receiving five times and, with 6,563 yards, is the franchise’s No. 3 all-time receiver — behind only Steve Largent and Brian Blades. Baldwin’s 49 touchdown receptions trail only Largent in Seahawks history. Baldwin booked two Pro Bowl berths and tied for the league lead with 14 touchdown receptions in 2015.
The Seahawks signed Baldwin as an undrafted free agent out of Stanford in 2011; he led the Tarvaris Jackson-quarterbacked team in receiving as a rookie before becoming Wilson’s most trusted target. Baldwin was a key member of both Seattle Super Bowl teams this decade, catching touchdown passes in both the Seahawks’ Super Bowl XLVIII win and crushing loss a year later. However, his momentum stalled last season.
A knee injury hampered him during training camp and likely throughout the 2018 campaign, one that ended with Tyler Lockett as Seattle’s leading receiver and Baldwin posting 618 yards — the second-lowest total of his career. While Baldwin came alive late to help the Seahawks back to the playoffs, scoring four of his five touchdowns in December, he clearly was playing hurt. This offseason, he underwent multiple corrective procedures.
Seattle traded up to select D.K. Metcalf in the second round, also adding Wake Forest’s Gary Jennings in Round 4 and Hawaii’s John Ursua in Round 7. The team did not make any notable veteran additions at the position, which will place plenty on Lockett’s shoulders this season.
Baldwin’s second Seahawks extension, signed in 2016, came with $24.25MM in total guarantees. Thursday’s transaction will allow him to collect the remainder of that sum. The Seahawks will save $6.9MM this year by releasing Baldwin. In total, cutting both cornerstone players will give the team around $20MM in cap space next year, Bob Condotta of the Seattle Times tweets.
Chancellor received a $5.2MM payment earlier this year. The Seahawks will be tagged with $10.2MM in dead money in 2019 because of this move. The 31-year-old safety’s release serves as a mere formality, with the neck injury he sustained during the 2017 season ending his career. These cuts leave Wilson, Bobby Wagner and K.J. Wright as the only starters left from Seattle’s Super Bowl rosters.
Lions Sign T.J. Hockenson, 2 Other Picks
The Lions’ second top-10 tight end pick in six drafts, T.J. Hockenson is now in the fold. The acclaimed Iowa prospect signed his rookie contract on Thursday, Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweets.
In addition to Hockenson’s four-year deal, with the customary fifth-year option, the Lions agreed to terms with second-rounder Jahlani Tavai and fifth-round selection Amani Oruwariye, Birkett adds (via Twitter). Hockenson will receive a $12.435MM signing bonus upon inking his four-year, $19.821MM deal.
Detroit drafted Hockenson at No. 8 overall, two spots higher than the team took Eric Ebron five years ago. Hockenson may not have Ebron’s receiving upside but brings a more well-rounded game and hails from what’s become a tight end factory. The Hawkeyes have produced George Kittle, Broncos first-rounder Noah Fant, C.J. Fiedorowicz, Tony Moeaki, Scott Chandler and Dallas Clark over the past 15-plus years. Hockenson is expected to immediately become a key target for Matthew Stafford.
The Lions passed on Ebron’s 2018 option last year, and while the former North Carolina standout thrived as a Colt, his former team struggled to replace him. Levine Toilolo‘s 263 yards led Detroit tight ends. Hockenson, whom the Jaguars likely would have selected had the Giants not taken Daniel Jones at No. 6, broke out for 760 (on 49 receptions) as a sophomore last season at Iowa, where he also became a well-regarded blocker.
A linebacker out of Hawaii, Tavai played both on the Warriors’ defensive line and at middle linebacker. He registered 16.5 sacks in four college seasons. Oruwariye arrives as a cornerback from Penn State.