Packers Place Second-Round Tender On OL Yosh Nijman
Yosh Nijman is sticking around Green Bay. The Packers have placed a second-round tender on the restricted free agent offensive lineman, per NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero (via Twitter).
Nijman joined the Packers as a 2019 undrafted free agent out of Virginia Tech. He effectively red shirted as a rookie and mostly played on special teams as a sophomore, but he’s seen more playing time on offense over the past two years.
After starting eight of his 17 appearances in 2020, Nijman started 13 of his 17 appearances in 2021, appearing in 69 percent of his team’s offensive snaps. While Pro Football Focus only ranked him 54th among 81 qualifying offensive tackles, he earned high marks for his pass-rushing ability.
Any team is free to sign Nijman to an offer sheet, but if the Packers don’t match the offer, the suitor would owe Green Bay a second-round pick. If the 27-year-old lineman isn’t signed to an offer sheet, he’ll return to Green Bay on a $4.3MM deal.
Patriots S Devin McCourty To Retire
TODAY, 3:45pm: The Patriots have added a year to McCourty’s contract worth the minimum, per ESPN’s Field Yates (via Twitter). This tactic will instantly open more than $5MM in cap space for the Patriots and will push the retired safety’s $6.2MM in dead money to 2024.
MARCH 10, 2:00pm: After 13 seasons, Devin McCourty intends to walk away from the game. The Patriots safety who played an integral role in the team’s 2010s dominance announced Friday he will retire.
McCourty, 35, was set to be a free agent, after having re-signed with the Patriots on a one-year deal worth $9MM in 2022. McCourty agreed to a few pacts with the Pats during his long run with the organization, but the team will see a significant change at safety in 2023.
This announcement comes a year after Devin’s twin brother, Jason, announced his retirement. The two had a chance to play together with the Patriots near the end of the latter’s career, but Devin enjoyed the opportunity to finish his career having played for one team. The Patriots drafted McCourty in the 2010 first round, and he was an essential piece during five seasons that ended in Super Bowl trips.
Only three players have played in more Super Bowls than McCourty’s five, and his 205 starts trail only Tom Brady and tackle Bruce Armstrong in Patriots history. McCourty managed to stay relatively injury-free as a pro, missing only five games during his career. He exited the 2022 season having not missed a game since 2015.
The Pats tacked void years onto McCourty’s deal for cap purposes; this retirement would accelerate $9.7MM in dead money onto New England’s 2023 cap. Though, as Jason Fitzgerald of OverTheCap notes (via Twitter) McCourty re-signing on a league-minimum deal (for procedural purposes) could push $6.2MM of that total to 2024.
McCourty agreed to four contracts with the Patriots during his career, earning more than $92MM. The Pats extending him on a five-year, $47.5MM deal in 2015 proved to be quite the pivotal transaction. McCourty continued to serve as the New England secondary’s linchpin during the late 2010s, helping the team join only the early-1970s Dolphins and early-1990s Bills by advancing to three straight Super Bowls. McCourty notched two postseason interceptions and 119 tackles, starting 24 playoff games.
Although McCourty closed his career with two Pro Bowls, he ended it as one of the most important players during the Patriots’ dynasty. The Rutgers product finishes his run with 35 interceptions, two pick-sixes and 11 forced fumbles. Pro Football Focus graded McCourty as a top-five safety three times and slotted him just outside the top 30 at the position last year.
Bill Belichick‘s teams have managed to maintain their place near the top of the league in points allowed despite regularly allowing talented cornerbacks to depart in free agency (Darrelle Revis, Logan Ryan, Malcolm Butler, J.C. Jackson) or via trade (Stephon Gilmore). McCourty’s presence helped on that front. During McCourty’s tenure, the Pats finished as a top-10 scoring defense 11 times. They will attempt to do so again without their back-line general in 2023.
Adrian Phillips and Kyle Dugger remain under contract, but the two Super Bowl-era bastions in New England’s secondary — McCourty and Jonathan Jones — are not. Jones has said he wants to return, but the Pats may need to outbid other suitors once free agency commences next week.
Dolphins Re-Sign RB Myles Gaskin
The Dolphins are bringing back their entire RB depth chart. After re-signing Raheem Mostert and Jeff Wilson, the team has now re-signed running back Myles Gaskin, reports ESPN’s Adam Schefter (via Twitter). It’s a one-year deal.
Gaskin, a former seventh-round pick, has been given a handful of opportunities to seize the starting gig. He started 17 games for Miami between 2020 and 2021, but he only averaged 3.8 yards on his 315 rushing attempts. He did show some pass-catching ability during those two campaigns, hauling in 90 total receptions.
Despite an uncertain depth chart that also included Chase Edmonds at one point, Gaskin barely saw any time with a new coaching staff in place in 2022. He ultimately finished the season having appeared in four games, compiling 14 touches for 54 yards from scrimmage.
Mostert and Wilson will continue to lead the depth chart in 2023, but the duo has struggled to stay healthy in the past. Gaskin could see some competition for that RB3 spot from Salvon Ahmed, who has collected 532 rushing yards on 141 carries over the past three seasons.
Colts Re-Sign WR Ashton Dulin, Sign DT Taven Bryan
The Colts have finalized contracts with players on both sides of the ball. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports (via Twitter) that the Colts are re-signing wide receiver Ashton Dulin. Meanwhile, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (via Twitter) that the Colts are signing defensive tackle Taven Bryan.
Dulin is inking a two-year deal worth $9.2MM. Doug Kyed clarifies (on Twitter) that Dulin will earn $7.2MM and can make another $2MM via incentives and base escalators. The wideout is due $3.5MM in guaranteed money.
Dulin, a 2019 UDFA out of Division II Malone, has transformed into a key special teams player for the Colts. He earned a second-team All-Pro nod in 2021 after he finished with 17 tackles and three fumble recoveries (one of which was returned for a TD), and he’s even seen some time returning kickoffs. Dulin has also managed to contribute on offense, hauling in 28 catches and three touchdowns over the past two seasons.
Bryan will sign a one-year deal worth $4.5MM. The former first-round pick collected 5.5 sacks in four seasons for the Jaguars. After having his fifth-year option declined, he signed with the Browns for the 2022 campaign. The 27-year-old proceeded to start all 16 games for Cleveland, collecting 26 tackles and three sacks.
Titans Place Second-Round Tenders On OL Aaron Brewer, DT Teair Tart
The Titans made a handful of decisions on impending restricted free agents today. NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reports (via Twitter) that the Titans are placing a second-round tender on restricted free agent offensive lineman Aaron Brewer, while Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports reports (via Twitter) that the Titans are placing a second-round tender on restricted FA defensive tackle Teair Tart.
Brewer joined the Titans as a 2020 undrafted free agent out of Texas State. and he started six games through his first two seasons in the NFL. He started all 17 games this past season and, assuming he doesn’t get an offer in RFA, will be sticking around the Titans starting lineup in 2023, either at the same position or as a fill-in at center for Ben Jones.
Tart also joined the Titans as an undrafted FA in 2020. He started 10 of his 11 games during the 2021 season and started all 16 of his appearances in 2021, finishing with 34 tackles and 1.5 sacks.
Another team could sign either player to an offer sheet but would be required to send a second-round pick to Tennessee if the Titans don’t match. If the players don’t receive an offer sheet, they’ll earn $4.3MM in 2023.
Meanwhile, two impending Titans RFAs who won’t receive tenders are wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine (per Terry McCormick of Titans Insider) and tight end Cody Hollister (per McCormick on Twitter). Westbrook-Ikhine started 20 of his 33 appearances over the past two years, hauling in 63 receptions for 873 yards and seven touchdowns. Hollister has had a minor role on offense over the past four years, collecting 10 receptions for 112 yards.
Dolphins To Sign S DeShon Elliott
Another new arrival is expected in Miami’s secondary. The Dolphins have agreed to terms on a deal with safety DeShon Elliott, reports Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). Josina Anderson of CBS Sports tweets that it is a one-year contract. 
The 25-year-old hit the open market for the first time in his career last offseason, following an injury-plagued start to his career in Baltimore. Elliott flashed potential as a starting-caliber producer on the backend when healthy, though, making 109 tackles and adding 3.5 sacks in the three seasons he played with the Ravens.
That earned him a one-year deal from the Lions last April, with a value of $1.1MM. The Texas alum’ market was hampered by his injury troubles, which cost him his entire rookie season. His struggles defending the pass relative to his effectiveness as a run-stopper also limited his value on the open market. In his debut season in the Motor City, Elliott was a full-time starter across 14 games, the second-highest number of contests he has been able to suit up for in his NFL career.
The former sixth-rounder totaled a career-high 96 tackles with the Lions, adding one interception and a forced fumble. In terms of completion percentage (81.6%) and passer rating (125.3) allowed, however, Elliott had the worst season of his career to date. In general, he was also a key member of a Lions defense which significantly hampered the team’s performance, and has already resulted in changes in the secondary.
In Miami, Elliott will join a defense which likewise was tapped for upgrades in the offseason. One has already taken place with the acquisition of All-Pro corner Jalen Ramsey, who should help new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio lead the team to a rebound on the backend. Elliott will be joined by Jevon Holland and Brandon Jones near the top of the Dolphins safety depth chart as he makes his return to the AFC.
Bills Agree To Terms With WR Deonte Harty
The Bills have added to their receiving corps, but more significantly, to their special teams. Buffalo has agreed to terms on a two-year deal with returner Deonte Harty, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter (on Twitter). Ian Rapoport of NFL Network adds that the contract has a base value of $9.5MM with the potential to max out at $13.5MM, and includes $5MM guaranteed (Twitter link). 
Harty has spent the past four seasons in New Orleans, operating as the team’s kick and punt returner. As a rookie, he earned Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors, demonstrating his potential in the third phase. Over the course of his first three years in the league, the 25-year-old racked up over 3,400 all-purpose yards as one of the top returners in the league.
The 5-6, 170-pounder signed played on the RFA tender in 2022, which earned him just under $4MM. Given his production on offense in the previous year (36 catches, 570 yards, three touchdowns), he was said to be seeking a more long-term accord in the offseason. Nothing materialized on that front, though, leading him to Buffalo on this new pact.
The Bills are thought to be in the market for an addition to their receiving corps to help compliment Stefon Diggs. While Harty is unlikely to fill a consistent role on offense, he can give them a productive option in the return game. Buffalo used seven different kick returners in 2022, though the midseason acquisition of Nyheim Hines gave them a proven producer in the third phase.
Hines is under contract for two more years, and re-worked his contract to lower his base salary this season. His compensation, along with that of Harty, shows how willing the Bills are to remain productive in the return game as they continue to re-shape their offense.
Commanders To Sign QB Jacoby Brissett
Although the Commanders have continued to talk up Sam Howell as a live option to start in 2023, they will bring in veteran competition. Jacoby Brissett is expected to sign with Washington, Dianna Russini of ESPN.com reports (on Twitter).
This will be Brissett’s fourth stop over the past four seasons. The two-time Andrew Luck replacement starter spent 2020 with the Colts, 2021 with the Dolphins and 2022 with the Browns. With Howell having played in one NFL game, Brissett stands to have a good opportunity to make starts in 2023.
Brissett, 30, is signing another one-year deal, per the Washington Post’s Nicki Jhabvala (on Twitter). He will earn $8MM guaranteed, with ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler adding the contract can max out at $10MM (Twitter link).
The nomadic QB agreed to one-year pacts with both the Dolphins and Browns previously. The Commanders were interested in keeping Taylor Heinicke, per John Keim of ESPN.com, but they had Brissett just below their former backup on their offseason QB hierarchy (Twitter link). Heinicke signed a two-year, $14MM deal with the Falcons, where he will land in a similar situation to Brissett’s.
Brissett outplayed Deshaun Watson during the QBs’ time together on Cleveland’s roster. Bouncing back after not showing much in Miami, Brissett finished his 11-game season eighth in QBR. He threw 12 touchdown passes, six interceptions and averaged a career-high 7.1 yards per attempt. While the Browns only went 4-7 in Brissett’s starts, he attracted interest during his stay as Watson’s suspension gatekeeper. Over the course of his career, Brissett has made 48 starts.
Heinicke, Brissett and Baker Mayfield will step into stopgap arrangements. Considering Howell’s low draft pedigree (Round 5) and inexperience, Brissett might have stepped into the best situation of the three. The Commanders hired longtime Andy Reid right-hand man Eric Bieniemy as OC and return an intriguing wide receiver setup — Terry McLaurin, Jahan Dotson, Curtis Samuel — to go along with a Brian Robinson–Antonio Gibson backfield tandem.
After aggressively pursuing big-name quarterbacks in 2022, the Commanders have only been connected to Howell and a low-cost veteran. A Brissett-Howell competition may be how Washington proceeds this year. The Commanders hold the No. 16 overall pick in the draft; it is a good bet the top four QB prospects will be off the board by then. Ron Rivera‘s comments have also not pointed to the team considering another rookie addition.
Cowboys To Release Ezekiel Elliott
2:21pm: Elliott will be designated as a post-June 1 cut, per Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero of NFL.com (on Twitter). This will create summer savings for the Cowboys, who used this distinction on La’el Collins last year. The Cowboys have since informed Elliott he will be released.
8:52am: The Cowboys are planning to move on from their two-time rushing champion. After a seven-season run, the team is expected to release Ezekiel Elliott, Clarence Hill of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reports.
While designating Elliott as a post-June 1 cut would save the team $10.1MM, a standard release would free up $4.9MM in funds immediately. The move could take place Wednesday, Hill adds. A post-June 1 distinction will allow the Cowboys to avoid an $11.8MM dead-money charge as a result of this release.
With Tony Pollard receiving the franchise tag, Elliott has loomed as a release candidate. Although Jerry Jones has continually praised the former No. 4 overall pick, Elliott’s play has declined in recent years. Pollard’s Pro Bowl nod last year displayed what has taken place during that time; the former fourth-round pick has overtaken Elliott in Dallas’ backfield.
Jones said at the Combine he wanted to find a way for the team to retain Elliott, but after placing the $10.1MM tag on Pollard, it looks like the Cowboys are not planning to devote much more money to their running back room.
Elliott said he would be amenable to a pay cut that would allow him to remain with the team. It is unclear how far along the sides progressed on this front. The Ohio State product is tied to a $10.9MM base salary and an untenable $16.72MM cap number in 2023. The Cowboys already adjusted the contracts of Dak Prescott and Zack Martin, freeing up money to make multiple big moves Tuesday, but they have not touched Elliott’s. It appears that $15MM-per-year deal will come off Dallas’ books nearly four years after the parties agreed to terms.
Elliott is still just 27 and only one year removed from his most recent 1,000-yard rushing season. Following that 1,002-yard showing in 2021, a season in which the veteran back played through a PCL tear, Zeke matched Pollard with 12 touchdowns in ’22. He has 80 for his career. But Elliott averaged a career-low 3.8 yards per carry in 2022, showing signs of the high-mileage workloads the Cowboys saddled him with in the past. Elliott’s 2,186 touches lead all active running backs. He missed two games last year, hyperextending the same knee he hurt in 2021. Elliott dubbed that injury an MCL tear, though Hill adds surgery is not expected.
The Cowboys’ Elliott pick led to a stretch in which the team saw multiple backs — DeMarco Murray and Elliott — combine for three rushing titles from 2014-18. Running behind Dallas’ three-Pro Bowler O-line, Elliott flourished on his rookie contract and joined Prescott in leading the Cowboys to a 13-3 record in 2016 and a divisional-round run two years later. The Cowboys rewarded Elliott with a six-year, $90MM extension, locking him down for eight seasons. That contract remains tied for second among running backs, with only Christian McCaffrey‘s $16MM-per-year pact topping it. The Giants are not prepared to match Zeke’s AAV for Saquon Barkley, despite nearly four years passing since the Cowboys accord came to pass.
Elliott’s 8,262 rushing yards rank third in Cowboys history, trailing only Emmitt Smith and Tony Dorsett. It will be interesting to see if another team brings him aboard as part of a committee. There are still several starter-caliber backs available, however, and Elliott has not been especially productive in the passing game for a while. Last season, he totaled 92 receiving yards.
Despite Pollard’s increased production and involvement, Jones said last season Elliott would remain Dallas’ starter and cited his myriad contributions. But the Cowboys are preparing to make Pollard their starter in 2023. The team rosters former UDFAs Malik Davis and Rico Dowdle but now should be considered in the market for a running back addition — presumably via the draft.
Texans, DT Sheldon Rankins Agree To Deal
Multiple AFC teams pursued Sheldon Rankins, and the former first-round pick will end up relocating again. The Texans are signing Rankins to a one-year deal, Mike Garafolo of NFL.com tweets.
The Jets and Texans were connected to pursuits here, and Garafolo adds Rankins will collect $10.5MM in 2023. The defensive tackle spent the past two seasons in New York. He will transition from Robert Saleh‘s scheme to DeMeco Ryans‘ similar setup. Ryans succeeded Saleh as San Francisco’s DC, which should make Rankins’ transition fairly smooth.
A former Saints first-round pick, Rankins has played in 4-3 schemes throughout his career. He spent part of his New Orleans run as a starter and complemented Quinnen Williams in New York, making 15 starts for the Jets in 2022. The inside pass rusher graded as Pro Football Focus’ No. 22 overall interior D-lineman last season; the 6-foot-2 pass rusher totaled 14 QB hits between the 2021 and ’22 campaigns.
Rankins has not approached his eight-sack 2018, but the 28-year-old defender has been a useful presence for two teams. He will try his hand in Houston in hopes of setting up another market next year. Of course, the Texans will have exclusive negotiating rights with Rankins until March 2024, giving them the chance to evaluate him. Houston did this with Maliek Collins and ended up extending the veteran D-tackle.
Houston has agreed to terms with both Rankins and ex-Ryans charge Hassan Ridgeway. The team still has Collins under contract as well. Collins has experience as a 4-3 tackle as well, having played for the Cowboys and Raiders before joining the Texans in GM Nick Caserio‘s first year.
The Jets have now lost two D-tackle contributors Wednesday, also seeing Nathan Shepherd leave to join the Saints. The team has Williams under contract through 2023, and extension talks will ramp up this offseason. Two-city Saleh charge Solomon Thomas is also a free agent once again. Gang Green, which is likely to employ Aaron Rodgers and encounter some higher-profile TV windows next season, will need more help alongside Williams as a result of today’s developments.