Lions To Sign CB Cameron Sutton
Ending last season with the NFL’s worst-ranked defense, the Lions are adding one of the top cornerbacks available. They are picking up former Steelers corner Cameron Sutton, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com tweets.
Sutton, who has spent his entire career in Pittsburgh, will head to Detroit on a three-year, $33MM deal featuring $22.5MM guaranteed. Aaron Wilson of ProFootballNetwork.com reports (via Twitter) that Sutton will also receive a $10.9MM signing bonus.
A former third-round pick, Sutton will do far better on his third NFL contract compared to his second. He just finished out a two-year, $9MM deal — agreed to just prior to free agency in 2021. The Steelers received quality work from Sutton last season; he was by far their most dependable corner. Sutton finished in the top five in passer rating allowed as the closest defender, per Next Gen Stats, last season (among corners) and ended the year with a career-high 15 passes defensed.
The Lions, meanwhile, ranked 30th in pass defense and have not been able to rely on Bob Quinn-era draftee Jeff Okudah just yet. The new addition will now be a centerpiece player for Aaron Glenn‘s defense in 2023. The seventh-year veteran will attempt to fill a void on the outside in Detroit, though Sutton also brings extensive slot experience as well. That will give Glenn options as he attempts to pick up the pieces ahead of his third season as DC.
Detroit did not roster a cornerback that ranked inside Pro Football Focus’ top 60 at the position last season. Despite Okudah being the highest-drafted corner (No. 3 overall) since 1997, he has not shown sufficient consistency. The team is almost definitely targeting upgrades at other defensive positions as well, though Sutton will qualify as a significant improvement at corner.
The Steelers have T.J. Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick tied to top-market deals at their respective positions, and Cameron Heyward is on an upper-tier interior defensive line pact as well. The team has not devoted much in the way of financial resources to the cornerback spot since passing on a third Joe Haden contract last year. Pittsburgh rolled into the 2022 season with no corner tied to a deal north of $4.5MM per year. The team has since signed Patrick Peterson to a two-year agreement, but it can be assumed the aging veteran’s contract will not qualify as a high-end accord.
Falcons, DT David Onyemata Agree To Terms
A very busy day for the Falcons is continuing. Atlanta has agreed to terms on a new contract with defensive tackle David Onyemata, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network (Twitter link). In a follow-up, he adds that the pact is worth $35MM over three years, with $24.5MM fully guaranteed. 
The 30-year-old former Saint was one of few high-end DTs in this year’s free agent class. He has not wasted time in finding a home with this intra-divisional agreement. By joining the Falcons, Onyemata will be able to continue working with Ryan Nielsen, who served as the Saints’ co-defensive coordinator last year after years as a d-line coach.
Nielsen is now in place as DC in Atlanta, a team which entered the offseason with a number of roster holes. An upgrade along the defensive interior was one of several priorities, and signing Onyemata should help significantly in that regard. The former fourth-rounder has been a consistent contributor across his time in New Orleans, seeing a snap share of at least 60% in each of the past three seasons and four overall.
A rare product of the Canadian collegiate system, Onyemata has made 68 starts and 103 total appearances. His pass-rush production (including five sacks in 2022) will lead to significant expectations for him in Atlanta, as the Falcons will have a high-end tandem with he and Grady Jarrett in the middle of their defensive front.
Atlanta has already traded for tight end Jonnu Smith and re-signed right guard Chris Lindstrom to an historic extension today. This deal is one of likely several which will be aimed at helping their defense take a step forward in 2023. Onyemata, meanwhile, will see a notable raise from his previous deals as he looks to prove his with a new NFC South employer.
Broncos To Sign G Ben Powers
One of the top interior offensive linemen in this year’s class is heading to the Mile High City. Guard Ben Powers is set to join the Broncos on a four-year contract, per Mike Klis of 9News (Twitter link).
Broncos GM George Paton said the team would be focusing on its offensive line, and this contract will bring one of the top interior O-linemen available to Denver. NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport adds that the contract is worth $52MM and includes $28.5MM guaranteed (Twitter link).
This marks the third upper-crust contract the Broncos have authorized for a guard since 2017; they have added Ronald Leary (four years, $36MM), Graham Glasgow (four years, $44MM) and now Powers in that time. Neither of the prior two deals ended up panning out for the AFC West team — Denver cut Glasgow after three seasons on Friday — and this one will ensure Dalton Risner finds a home elsewhere. The former second-round pick is now one of the top free agents left on the board.
This agreement will put Powers firmly in the top 10 among guards, and Sirius XM’s Adam Caplan tweets he will earn $15MM in its first year. Powers, 26, has gone from needing to win a competition to lock down a spot as a Ravens starter in 2022 to becoming one of the most sought-after free agents on the market. The Broncos are giving Powers a $13MM signing bonus, and Field Yates of ESPN.com tweets his 2023 and ’24 base salaries will check in at $2MM and $12MM, respectively.
The deal essentially comes in at two years and $27MM, with Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk adding most of Powers’ 2025 money does not become guaranteed until Day 5 of the 2025 league year. That gives him two seasons to prove valuable in Denver. Powers’ $27MM through 2024 is fully guaranteed.
This will give the Broncos a guard tandem of Powers and Quinn Meinerz; Pro Football Focus ranked the latter as its No. 6 overall guard in 2022. Powers checked in much lower, just inside the top 40, but the advanced metrics website ranked him as its second-best pass-blocking guard. ESPN’s run block win rate also placed Powers in the top 10 among guards.
For the Ravens, this will continue a trend. Often prioritizing compensatory picks, Baltimore has let the likes of Kelechi Osemele, Ryan Jensen and Bradley Bozeman walk in free agency over the past 10 years. Powers will parlay his 18-start contract year into big dollars, creating a need up front for the Ravens. The AFC North team still has Ben Cleveland and swingman Patrick Mekari under contract.
Ravens Release DE Calais Campbell
During Super Bowl weekend, Calais Campbell confirmed that he would play in the 2023 season. It was expected that he would do with the Ravens, but it appears that might 
not be the case. Baltimore announced on Monday that the veteran defensive end has been released.
The 36-year-old has been in Baltimore since 2020, and been a key starter in the defensive line rotation. He has flirted with the possibility of retirement in recent years, but made it official last month that he would continue his storied career at least one more season. He had one year remaining on his existing contract, leading to the belief that the Ravens would keep him in the fold, albeit at a reduced rate if possible.
Campbell was due to account for more than $9MM on the cap this season, a relatively steep figure given his reduced production and the team’s financial situation with Lamar Jackson set to take on a larger portion of their cap commitments on the franchise tag or a long-term deal. Cutting Campbell will result in $7MM in cap savings.
The six-time Pro Bowler has started 40 of his 41 games in Baltimore, seeing a consistent snap share of 64% and 62% over the past two seasons. He had a resurgent season from a pass-rushing perspective in 2022, registering 5.5 sacks. Those numbers could help him earn a new contract with the Ravens or any number of other teams, particularly on a short-term deal.
“Calais defines what it is to be a Raven,” general manager Eric DeCosata said in a statement. “He personifies professionalism, and his contributions to our organization – both on and off the field – are immense… While this is the worst part of the business, we have not closed the door on the possibility of him returning to our team in the future.”
The Ravens have recent draftees Justin Madubuike, Broderick Washington and Travis Jones in place on the interior of their d-line. Veteran Michael Pierce will also play in 2023 after he agreed to reduce his cap number this year. Campbell would be welcomed back in at least a rotational role by the Ravens, who will have a number of other offseason priorities even if they are able to bring him back.
Bears To Sign LB T.J. Edwards
The Bears have struck first in the tampering period of free agency. They are set to sign linebacker T.J. Edwards to a three-year deal, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (on Twitter). 
Rapoport adds that the pact is worth $19.5MM, and includes $12MM guaranteed (Twitter link). Doug Kyed of A to Z Sports tweets that Edwards will receive a $4.5MM signing bonus, and have nearly all of his compensation for the first two years guaranteed. That represents a sizable investment in the team’s linebacking corps, but Chicago has the spending power to make a number of other additions in the coming days. This will surely not be the last deal aimed at boosting the Bears’ front seven.
The 26-year-old was one of the headliners in this year’s free agent LB class, arguably representing the top option aside from Tremaine Edmunds. Especially since the latter has reportedly agreed to a massive deal of his own, the Edwards addition demonstrates how committed GM Ryan Poles has been to upgrading at the position and how willing he is to spend at one which is generally undervalued.
Chicago had Roquan Smith at the heart of their linebacking corps heading into the 2022 season, but his trade request cast doubt on the team’s ability to retain him beyond his contract year. They dealt him to the Ravens at the trade deadline, clearing up the money needed to pursue Edwards and Edmunds, but also creating a major need on defense to properly execute head coach Matt Eberflus‘ scheme. These additions will go a long way to filling that gap.
Edwards took on a more significant role in the Eagles’ defense with each successive year of his career. He topped 1,000 snaps in 2022, starting all 17 games in the regular season. He comfortably set a new career-high in tackles with 159, adding a pair of sacks and seven pass breakups. His age gave him higher upside that a number of older, more accomplished ‘backers, so it comes as little surprise that he was an immediate target of the Bears.
Chicago entered the free agency frenzy with the most cap space in the league, giving them the ability to make numerous splashes on the open market. The additions of Edwards, Edmunds, offensive lineman Nate Davis, not to mention the acquisition of wideout D.J. Moore as part of last week’s blockbuster trade, should set the Bears up for a significant step forward in 2023.
Patriots Expected To Re-Sign CB Jonathan Jones
Jonathan Jones had been expected to test the open market this week, but that will no longer be the case. Ian Rapoport of NFL Network reports that the corner is re-signing with the Patriots on a two-year contract (Twitter link).
The 29-year-old played out the final season of a three-year extension he signed with the Patriots in 2019. His production over that span, including seven interceptions and usage both in the slot and on the boundary, would have made him a candidate for a notable contract from New England or another team on the open market. Ultimately, it looks like he took a bit of a discount to stick around with the Patriots.
The former UDFA out of Auburn mostly played in the slot during his first six seasons in the NFL, but he was required to take on a larger role in 2022 following the loss of J.C. Jackson in the secondary. Jones ended up having a career season from a statistical standpoint while playing on the outside, finishing with career-highs in interceptions (four) and passes defended (11) while starting a career-high 16 games.
Pro Football Focus also gave Jones some praise for his new role, ranking him 38th among 118 qualifying cornerbacks. When serving as a slot cornerback, Jones had a pair of top-20 finishes, including a fifth-place ranking in 2020.
“He’s tough, well prepared, smart kid,” Belichick said this past season (via ESPN’s Mike Reiss). “His playing strength for his size is good, speed’s very good, instincts, quickness, good tackler. He’s a good player and really good off the field with preparation and communication.”
While the Patriots were able to bring back Jones on an affordable contract, the team wasn’t in dire need of cornerback help. The organization got some solid production from rookies Marcus Jones and Jack Jones in 2022, but with Jonathan Jones back in the fold, the team won’t be as reliant on the upcoming sophomores.
Falcons, OG Chris Lindstrom Agree To Extension
Atlanta has just acquired a new playmaker on offense, but one of the unit’s top players will remain in place for years to come. Right guard Chris Lindstrom has agreed to terms on a “mega-extension,” per ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler (Twitter link). The team has confirmed the deal. 
Providing terms on the deal, Fowler’s colleague Adam Schefter tweets that it is a five-year pact worth $105MM. The former first-rounder was set to play on the fifth-year option in 2023, but he will now be on the books for the foreseeable future as the league’s highest-paid interior o-lineman. SI’s Albert Breer adds that the contract includes $63MM in guaranteed money (Twitter link).
The $21MM annual average value of this deal puts the 26-year-old slightly ahead of Colts left guard Quenton Nelson, who last offseason became the only non-left tackle in NFL history to eclipse the $20MM-per-season mark. The fifth-year option on Lindstrom’s deal carries a value of $13.2MM. This new pact may be aimed at lowering that figure slightly, though Atlanta entered the offseason in better financial shape than most teams.
Lindstrom was the 14th overall pick in the 2019 draft, and represented one of several moves in recent years by the Falcons to invest in their offensive front. He has certainly lived up to expectations, serving as a full-time starter at right guard right away. His rookie season was limited to just five contests, but he has not missed a game since then. That durability, along with his level of play, makes this move a worthy investment.
The Boston College alum was PFF’s highest-rated player last season, earning a sparkling overall grade of 95. His rating in that regard his increased steadily over each of his four campaigns in Atlanta. His strength has been in run blocking, though his pass protection has taken notable strides as well. Now, the Falcons are banking on continued development over the coming years.
Right tackle Kaleb McGary is set to hit the open market, after he too worked as a full-time starter on the right side of the Falcons’ o-line. While his level of play hasn’t been at the level of Lindstrom, McGary is slated to be one of a few RTs in line for a considerable deal in the coming days. Regardless of if Atlanta can retain the latter, they now have Lindstrom on the books as the anchor of their offensive front for the long-term future.
Falcons To Acquire TE Jonnu Smith From Patriots
The Patriots have moved on from one of their big-ticket tight end acquisitions of 2021. Jonnu Smith is being traded to the Falcons for a seventh-round pick, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network (Twitter link). 
Smith made himself one of the top free agents of the 2021 class at the position after the four-year start to his career in Tennessee. As part of their unusually aggressive approach on the open market that offseason, New England inked him to a four-year, $50MM contract. They also splurged on fellow tight end Hunter Henry, something the team may have come to regret.
The former had an underwhelming tenure with New England, scoring just one touchdown in 30 games. He registered 539 yards on 55 catches, totals which were far lower than expected given his success in Tennessee. Now, this move will reunite him with Falcons head coach Arthur Smith (who was the Titans’ offensive coordinator during his time there). It will also save the Patriots roughly $4.4MM in cap space.
Smith’s deal was restructured in September, which upped his 2023 cap hit to $17.2MM. Per multiple reports, the Falcons will look to re-work his contract once again upon arrival to make it more team-friendly. Smith, 27, is currently on the books through 2024. He will look to rediscover his Titans form while working with a familiar coach in Atlanta, while also giving the Falcons a strong blocking tight end to complement the pass-catching skills of Kyle Pitts.
For New England, this move marks a disappointing end to Smith’s addition two years ago. They will now focus on retaining Henry, who has racked up 1,112 yards and 11 touchdowns in his two Patriots campaigns. The former Charger has one year remaining on his deal, which includes a cap hit of $15.5MM. That figure could hinder the team’s efforts to add more productive receivers (regardless of if they are able to keep Jakobi Meyers in the fold), though the cap savings from this deal will give them some added flexibility. A replacement for Smith can likely be found in the draft, which is said to include a number of high-end options at the TE spot this year.
Lions Re-Sign DL Isaiah Buggs
Last summer, the Lions added Isaiah Buggs as defensive line depth; his play this year has earned him an extended stay in the Motor City. Detroit is re-signing Buggs on a two-year deal worth up to $6MM, per Tom Pelissero of NFL Network (Twitter link). The team has since confirmed the move. Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press tweets that the pact includes $4.5MM in base salary, with $1.5MM in incentives. $2.1MM in compensation is guaranteed at signing.
A former Steelers third-rounder, Buggs operated in a rotational capacity over the course of three seasons in Pittsburgh. His snap share rose every year, reaching 34% in 2021, though he never managed to make as much of an impact on the statsheet as the team would have wished. He was waived last January, and remained on the open market for several months after a brief stint with the Raiders as playoff insurance.
Following workouts with the Vikings and Falcons, Buggs signed in Detroit in an attempt to carve out a more notable role. That was certainly this case this season, as he started 13 of 17 contests and played considerably more snaps (755) than he did across three campaigns with the Steelers. He comfortably set new career highs in several categories, including tackles (46) and QB pressures (11).
That production has led to this new deal, one which will essentially double his career earnings if he is able to maximize its value. Buggs will continue as a key member of the Lions’ defensive line rotation, one which could see the departures of pending free agents John Cominsky and Austin Bryant. Detroit will be seeking significant upgrades on defense this offseason, but by retaining Buggs, they will have a degree of continuity up front in the coming years.
Giants To Re-Sign P Jamie Gillan, LS Casey Kreiter
9:15am: Kreiter is also re-signing with the Giants, per ESPN’s Jordan Raanan (on Twitter). His one-year deal will put him place for a fourth season in New York, and allow the team to return all three members of their kicking battery from 2022 for the coming season.
8:23am: The Giants have already had a busy offseason by retaining several members of their offense, but continuity will also be found for their special teams unit. New York is re-signing punter Jamie Gillan to a two-year, $4MM contract (Twitter link via Tom Pelissero of NFL Network).
The ‘Scottish Hammer’ spent the first three seasons of his career with the Browns after he won a training camp competition in 2019. His average of 46.2 yards per punt as a rookie helped earn him an extended look in Cleveland, though his performance in that regard dipped over the following two seasons. He was waived in December 2021.
That led to his Giants tenure beginning this past season. The 25-year-old had a generally strong debut campaign in the Big Apple, recording a career-high 74 punts. His average on those (46.8) also set a new personal mark, and his net punting average topped 40 for the first time since his rookie year. While he will aim to drop his touchback percentage (12.2%) in the coming years, he will have stability for the short-term future.
The Giants will now have at least two-thirds of their kicking operation in place for 2023. Kicker Graham Gano has one year remaining on his current contract, but long snapper Casey Kreiter is a pending free agent. Gillan, though, will look to build off of his 2022 success with his financial future in place.