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Bears | Rome Odunze Has Worked At All Three Receiver Spots (Mon Jun 17, 05:01 PM) [jump to this story] Cardinals | Marvin Harrison Jr. taking over (Mon Jun 17, 03:20 PM) [jump to this story] 49ers | Brandon Aiyuk hints cloudy future with 49ers (Mon Jun 17, 02:03 PM) [jump to this story] |
Chargers | Ladd McConkey agrees to terms Mon Jun 17, 07:29 PM
Los Angeles Chargers second-round draft choice WR Ladd McConkey agreed to terms on a four-year contract with the Chargers Monday, June 17. Financial terms were not disclosed, but it is the most guaranteed money ever given to 34th overall pick.
Footballguys view: As noted in a previous item, at least one local observer reports McConkey displayed the most potential throughout the offseason program. QB Justin Herbert pointed to McConkey's precise route running and sudden quickness in tight spaces as qualities that would appeal to any quarterback. McConkey's progress as he establishes a role will be worth watching closely when training camp opens. |
Tennessee Titans OT Nicholas Petit-Frere (shoulder) did not participate in offseason workouts because of a shoulder injury but appears to be the leading candidate for the starting right tackle job.
Link to storyCleveland Browns OT Dawand Jones (knee) was able to participate in the offseason workouts and should be fine for the start of training camp, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.
Link to storyCleveland Browns OT Jedrick Wills (knee) has the chance to be at least a limited participant when training camp begins, according to The Cleveland Plain Dealer's Mary Kay Cabot.
Link to storyMiami Dolphins QB Tua Tagovailoa has not made a lot of progress in contract extension talks with the team, but the two sides are believed to be in the same ballpark in regards to the terms, according to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler.
Footballguys view: Earlier this month, Tagovailoa spoke of his growing impatience with the lengthy negotiations. "The market is the market. That's it," Tagovailoa told reporters at minicamp. Since then, Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars received a five-year, $275 million deal that tied him with the Cincinnati Bengals' Joe Burrow for the NFL's highest annual average ($55 million per year). After leading the NFL in passing yards and earning Pro Bowl honors, it'd be a surprise if Tagovailoa was willing to take much less (if any) than that. Stay tuned. |
A minor hamstring injury sidelined Rome Odunze for several weeks in May but did not slow down his development while learning from veteran wide receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen. The Bears have lined up the No. 9 pick at all three receiver spots (X, Z, slot) and tapped into his ability to run a varied route tree, which coaches believe will create mismatches that favor the offense.
Footballguys view: According to ESPN.com's Courtney Cronin, coaches have even experimented with Odunze on punt return, which he did sparingly at Washington (three returns for 87 yards and one TD). The way Odunze has begun to learn the Chicago offense has impressed coaches, including his ability to take a specific play onto the field, recite the playcall and run it on his own. |
The Bears held very little back from rookie quarterback Caleb Williams as he began learning the offense, and his ability to "chunk information, put it into buckets and operate" impressed coach Matt Eberflus throughout the spring.
Footballguys view: According to ESPN.com's Courtney Cronin, coaches encouraged Williams to experiment with different throws in OTAs and minicamp to see what windows he could hit while making sure his footwork timed up with when he released the ball. The 22-year-old quarterback naturally experienced ups and downs in practices while going against an experienced defense that used movement and disguises to challenge the rookie, but every now and again Williams got the better of his teammates. The next step will be continued improvement through training camp. |
Despite being slowed by a hamstring injury, Xavier Legette will be a starter right away. "That combination of size, speed, how explosive he is, the way he comes out of routes, it's definitely something that I gotta get used to,'' quarterback Bryce Young said. "We're working on getting that timing down, but I'm super excited."
Footballguys view: As ESPN.com's David Newton reminded readers, Carolina traded into the first round to get the 6-foot-3 Xavier Legette because he reminded the team of the big receivers (Mike Evans, DK Metcalf) that played significant roles in head coach Dave Canales' offenses in the past. They also wanted a receiver who could create separation and get open deep. While fantasy managers are unlikely to invest in the Panthers beyond the front-line pieces, Young making good on optimistic reports about his progress could lead to interest in ancillary pieces with upside like Legette. We'll watch for more. |
Minnesota Vikings WR Devron Harper was waived Monday, June 17.
Link to storyNew England Patriots CB Christian Gonzalez (shoulder) said he is feeling good after missing most of the 2023 season because of a shoulder injury.
Link to storyNew England Patriots OG Ryan Johnson was released Monday, June 17.
Link to storyCincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins officially signed his franchise tag tender, the team announced Monday, June 17.
Footballguys view: Previous reports indicated Higgins would sign the tender, guaranteeing the wideout $21.8 million this season. While the two sides have until July 15 to reach a long-term deal, that's been characterized as a long shot. Nonethelss, Higgins will report to training camp with teammates next month. |
New England Patriots QB Drake Maye finished mandatory minicamp as the No. 2 on the depth chart after starting the spring workouts as the No. 3, according to sources Monday, June 17.
Footballguys view: As previously noted in this space, after starting spring practices as the No. 3 option behind Jacoby Brissett and Bailey Zappe, Maye was the No. 2 option by the end of mandatory minicamp. According to ESPN.com's Mike Reiss, Maye's comfort level grew with each practice. "Every day he's gotten better," Brissett said of Maye. Now we'll be looking for signs the youngster can improve enough to move ahead of Brissett, who is currently expected to be the team's Week 1 starter. |
Arizona Cardinals WR Marvin Harrison Jr. was taking the top spot in receiver drills during minicamp, according to sources Monday, June 17.
Footballguys view: According to ESPN.com's Josh Weinfuss, while Harrison has made the routine plays look simple, he has also made the difficult look easy. Coach Jonathan Gannon said Harrison's transition to the NFL has been "pretty seamless," and teammates on both sides of the ball have been heaping praise on the fourth overall pick. Harrison will need to be every bit as good as advertised if he's going to make good on his current WR9 Average Draft Position on Underdog. We'll be watching for more on that when training camp opens. |
San Francisco 49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk told Washington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels over FaceTime that the 49ers 'don't want me back' in a video that surfaced Monday, June 17. Aiyuk is currently seeking a new deal with the 49ers.
Footballguys view: Aiyuk is under contract at $14.1 million in 2024. He reportedly wants $30 million or more per year. So, as PFT's Mike Florio noted, in saying "they don't want me back," Aiyuk might be saying they don't want him after this season. Or maybe he's saying they don't want him because they won't offer what he wants. The Athletic's Matt Barrows told us last weekend that the team has offered Aiyuk slightly less than the $28 million a year Amon-Ra St. Brown got from Detroit last month. Barrows also contends the two sides will eventually reach an agreement. Barrow added the 49ers often take these deals to "the bitter end." We'll continue monitoring this situation while reminding you the public portions of negotiations tend to be the most contentious. |
Pittsburgh Steelers RB Najee Harris could still land a long-term extension, according to general manager Omar Khan.
Footballguys view: While the Steelers didn't think Harris was valuable enough to pick up the fifth-year option on his rookie contract, nobody should be surprised they still might want him on the team in 2025 and beyond. Khan explained that Harris "knows that just because we're going into this with one year left, that doesn't prevent us from doing business with him long term." As Profootballtalk.com pointed out, NFL teams are increasingly deciding that running backs aren't worth big contracts, but Harris may still find that the Steelers are willing to offer him more than anyone else. Either way, fantasy managers should expect Harris to handle his usual role alongside Jaylen Warren through 2024. |
Baltimore Ravens OT Patrick Mekari (undisclosed) exited the final minicamp practice with an undisclosed injury.
Link to storyCarolina Panthers QB Bryce Young is positioned to 'take a big jump' in his second season, according to QB Andy Dalton. 'We're going to see Bryce do things he didn't do last year just because of the experience,' Dalton said. 'We're already seeing it right now.''
Footballguys view: Given the considerable investment to land Young, getting the QB on track has been a primary objective. Incoming coach Dave Canales is coming off a 2023 season in which he helped turn Baker Mayfield's career around in Tampa Bay. The offensive line, a problem last year, was upgraded via free agency. They also traded for Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson to bolster a receiving corps led by Adam Thielen. Still, improvement is likely to be incremental. So it's worth remembering he completed 59.8 percent of his passes for 2,877 yards with 11 touchdowns and 10 interceptions while leading the team to a 2-14 record (in his 16 starts). Keep your expectations in check. |
Las Vegas Raiders CB Jakorian Bennett is the favorite for the team's No. 2 cornerback job, Sporting News' Mike Moraitis wrote on Saturday, June 15.
Link to storyWide receiver Tee Higgins is officially in the fold for the upcoming season. Higgins signed his franchise tag Saturday, a source told ESPN's Adam Schefter. By signing the tag, the fifth-year wide receiver is now expected to be at training camp. Higgins is set to earn $21.8 million this season under the tag. He and the Bengals can still negotiate a long-term deal until July 15, though the likelihood of that seems unlikely.
Footballguys view: ESPN's Adam Schefter went further, advising his X followers a long-term deal for Higgins "is considered a longshot." Higgins missed the entire offseason program while the tag remained unsigned. Earlier in the week, quarterback Joe Burrow said he remained in contact with Higgins since the end of last season and welcomed the idea of throwing with him before training camp begins in late July. Remember, Higgins isn't the only Bengals wide receiver looking for a massive extension. Ja'Marr Chase, a three-time Pro Bowler, is also angling for a new deal. |
Rookie quarterback Drake Maye missed a throw on an out route in last Wednesday's practice during the two-minute drill, so he followed his regular routine by staying after practice to work on it. He didn't have to recruit a receiver to join him. Ja'Lynn Polk, as usual, was right there. The Patriots' first- and second-round picks made it a habit over the past four weeks to take extra repetitions after practice and were usually the last players to leave the field. "I think it's important," said Maye, the No. 3 overall selection from the University of North Carolina. "It's picking up little things every day."
Footballguys view: As ESPN.com's Mike Reiss suggested, little is expected of the Patriots in the 2024 season -- they are projected as one of the NFL's lower-echelon teams -- but the potential development of Maye and Polk sparks hope for the future. The question, specifically with Maye, is when the future starts. It's widely believed veteran Jacoby Brissett will be the Week 1 starter at QB. But it's fair to wonder how long Maye will have to wait before being thrown into the fray. He's already making progress. Per Reiss, at the start of the spring, Maye was taking repetitions behind Brissett and 2022 fourth-round pick Bailey Zappe. By the end of the spring, he was mostly repping immediately behind Brissett. We'll continue to watch for more. |
The Chargers parted ways with Keenan Allen and Mike Williams in March because of salary-cap issues, leaving Joshua Palmer and Quentin Johnston atop the depth chart. They drafted Ladd McConkey in the second round. McConkey displayed the most potential throughout the offseason program, his precise route running and sudden quickness in tight spaces the sort of qualities that would appeal to any quarterback.
Footballguys view: Those qualities definitely appeal to Justin Herbert. "It's like he's been a four- or five-year vet," Herbert told the Times. "He understands the game. He understands leverage. He's a smart player, and he's very athletic. I'm really looking forward to getting him the ball." In addition to McConkey, the Chargers drafted wideouts Brenden Rice and Cornelius Johnson in the seventh. Then they signed veteran D.J. Chark in free agency. McConkey is versatile enough to line up inside or outside, but local observers believe he's ready to jump in right away and contribute in the slot. |
Updating a previous report, Baltimore Ravens S Kyle Hamilton's (elbow) recent surgical procedure resulted in some loose bodies being removed from his elbow, according to head coach John Harbaugh. He will need approximately two to three weeks to recover and will be ready for training camp.
Link to storyWashington Commanders QB Jayden Daniels appears to be 'entrenched' as the team's starting quarterback, in the opinion of Ralph Vacchiano of FOX Sports. He received the bulk of the snaps with the offensive starters during mandatory minicamp and it is unlikely this situation will change once training camp begins.
Footballguys view: That doesn't mean Daniels is a finished product. But expect the Commanders to let him sort that out on the field. And when they do? Daniels threw 40 TD passes and four interceptions at LSU in his 2023 Heisman Trophy-winning season. He also rushed for 1,184 yards and 10 TDs. That rushing ability sets him apart, and it's why Daniels heads into training camp as QB11 on the Footballguys Draft Rankings. |
Kansas City Chiefs WR Marquise Brown earned praise from QB Patrick Mahomes during minicamp. 'I thought Hollywood did a great job coming in and being prepared and learning really fast,' Mahomes said.
Footballguys view: Brown broke out in 2021 with the Ravens but never made the hoped-for impact after he was traded to Arizona. But things are looking up in Kansas City. Insider Nick Athan from ChiefsBlitz.com told us earlier today that Brown has been "a perfect fit" since signing with the team in March. Athan characterized Brown as the team's No. 1 receiver, ahead of Rashee Rice and rookie Xavier Worthy. He's being drafted as such, with a WR33 Average Draft Position on Underdog. We rank Brown as WR40, ahead of Rice (WR42) and Worthy (WR43). However, Brown could move further ahead as we gain clarity on possible discipline for Rice's recent off-field issues. |
Seattle Seahawks WR Jaxon Smith-Njigba is 'definitely going to be a massive piece' of the offense this season, according to head coach Mike Macdonald.
Footballguys view: According to ESPN.com's Brady Henderson, no Seahawks player shined more during OTAs and mandatory minicamp than Smith-Njigba. The Seahawks' wide receiver corps is virtually unchanged from last season, but the pecking order could change in 2024. While Tyler Lockett led the team with 79 catches and finished second behind DK Metcalf with 894 yards, Lockett turns 32 in September and took a paycut to return to Seattle for his 10th season. We currently rank Smith-Njigba (WR38) one spot ahead of Lockett (WR39). JSN will likely move up if he continues to build momentum when training camp opens. |
Buffalo Bills OT Spencer Brown (shoulder) is expected to be able to participate in training camp without any restrictions.
Link to storyFree-agent CB Stephon Gilmore (Cowboys) is 'being patient right now' when it comes to signing with a team, he told media members Friday, June 14. He said no team has met his asking price yet.
Link to storyKansas City Chiefs P Matt Araiza is in line to start in 2024 after the team cut its only other punter on the roster on Thursday, June 13.
Link to storyDetroit Lions CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. is healthy despite being limited during the offseason program, he said on Tuesday, June 12.
Link to storyTennessee Titans OG Saahdiq Charles is the favorite to win the starting right guard job, Titans Wire's Mike Moraitis wrote on Saturday, June 15.
Link to storyUpdating a previous report, Tennessee Titans OT Geron Christian's one-year deal is worth $1.25 million and includes $250,000 guaranteed.
Link to storyPittsburgh Steelers WR George Pickens has spent time in the slot during minicamp. 'It is great,' Pickens said. 'I'm a total receiver, so I like working in the slot just as much as I like working at outside receiver.'
Footballguys view: Pickens will be the undisputed #1 receiver, and now it sounds like new offensive coordinator will be more creative in deploying Pickens than his predecessor Matt Canada. Pickens went off at the end of the season with Mason Rudolph and should play with an even better deep passer whether Justin Fields or Russell Wilson wins the job. He might be significantly undervalued as a fourth round pick on the verge of a DJ Moore-esque leap. |
Kansas City Chiefs WR Xavier Worthy (hamstring) remained sidelined by a sore hamstring during minicamp.
Footballguys view: We shouldn't move Worthy down on redraft boards based on this news - his rookie uncertainty has already been priced in - but if he is still sidelined when camp opens or has a setback, we should move him down at least a few rounds and move Marquise Brown up a few. Brown could end up being a big value in 2024 drafts if Worthy isn't ready to play a big role in his rookie year. |
New York Giants WR Malik Nabers has impressed QB Daniel Jones during spring practices. 'I mean, he can do everything,' Jones said. 'There is not much that he can't do from a route-running standpoint. He's dynamic with the ball in his hands and strong, fast, explosive, catches the ball well.
Footballguys view: Nabers could easily be one of the league leaders in targets as a rookie. He is going a round later than fellow elite rookie Marvin Harrison Jr, but could have just as big an opportunity to make an impact. Harrison will catch passes from Kyler Murray, while Nabers will play with Jones and Drew Lock, so that could account for most of the difference. |
Dallas Cowboys TE Jake Ferguson said he hopes to make a similar jump in play this upcoming season like he did from 2022 to 2023. He posted only 174 yards in 2022 but improved to 761 yards last season.
Footballguys view: 2023 second round Luke Schoonmaker is hurt again with a hamstring issue that caused him to miss OTAs. He has also already missed time with shoulder and foot injuries. Ferguson came on with the rest of the Cowboys pass offense in the second half of the season and could be a good value pick at tight end if Schoonmaker continues to struggle with injuries. |
Cleveland Browns OT Jedrick Wills (knee) and OT Jack Conklin (knee) did not participate in offseason workouts because they are recovering from knee injuries, and head coach Kevin Stefanski did not provide a timetable for their returns.
Footballguys view: The Browns offensive line was riddled with injuries last year. While this item is a reminder of those unfortunate circumstances, it also reminds us that the Browns offense could be better than expected if their starting tackles have uneventful full recoveries in camp and the preseason. |
Free-agent PK Jake Bates (Texans) is expected to sign with the Detroit Lions, according to sources.
Footballguys view: Bates might even get the same locker he had for the UFL Michigan Panthers, who played in Ford Field this spring. Bates will be in a kicker battle with Michael Badgley, and the winner will have fantasy value because they'll kick indoors for all but three games this year, cleaning up after one of the NFL's best offenses. |
Denver Broncos QB Jarrett Stidham appears to be the leading candidate for the starting quarterback job at this point, in the opinion of BroncosWire's Jon Heath.
Footballguys view: Bo Nix was drafted to be the team's quarterback of the future, but it might be best for him to sit at first so that he's better prepared for NFL defenses and fluent in Sean Payton's offense before taking the field. Whether it's Nix or Stidham starting at Seattle in Week 1, expect the Seahawks to be heavy favorites. The Broncos offense might not produce one consistent fantasy option because of the transition they are going through at quarterback, running back, and wide receiver. |
Denver Broncos TE Greg Dulcich (foot), RB Audric Estime (knee), CB Delarrin Turner-Yell (undisclosed), S Caden Sterns (undisclosed) and DE John Franklin-Myers (undisclosed) did not participate in the minicamp this week. WR Josh Reynolds was excused from the minicamp.
Footballguys view: Estime had minor knee surgery, but is expected to be ready for camp. If the issue lingers, one of Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine would take up the slack in the between the tackles running game. With Dulcich and Adam Trautman both ailing, watch out for second year tight end Lucas Krull to generate some buzz in training camp. |
Washington Commanders TE Ben Sinnott (Kansas State) signed a four-year contract on Friday, June 14. Financial terms of the deal were not immediately disclosed.
Footballguys view: Sinnott may not have an immediate fantasy impact if Zach Ertz is ready to be a starting tight end again, but the last two understudies to Ertz - Dallas Goedert and Trey McBride - appears to have benefited from playing with him. Sinnott could arrive as a top 10 fantasy tight end by the end of next season even though Kliff Kingsbury's offenses aren't known for featuring tight ends in the passing game. |
Washington Commanders first-round draft choice QB Jayden Daniels (Louisiana State) signed a four-year contract worth $37.7 million - including a $24.3 million signing bonus - on Friday, June 14. The deal includes a fifth-year team option.
Footballguys view: Daniels should start from day one and could be severely underrated in redraft leagues with all of the indications that new offensive coordinator is going to up the tempo and keep defenses on their toes. Daniels is going outside of the top 10 quarterbacks in early drafts but could easily finish in the top five if he stays healthy. |
Denver Broncos WR Tim Patrick (Achilles) is 'a great teammate' that head coach the team has 'an idea or vision for,' according to head coach Sean Payton earlier this week.'(He brings) those intangibles. I do know and obviously have seen healthy tape. Granted I wasn't here, but I kind of have an idea or vision for the player. Then all the other things that he brings relative to his competitiveness, his versatility. He's a great teammate. I think he's an important part of the locker room, so it's good to see him more and be smart with that,' Payton said.
Footballguys view: Patrick took a pay cut down the veteran minimum, so he's not a sure thing to make the team, but his experience should get him a spot on the roster. If Courtland Sutton is dealt before the season, Patrick could even start opposite free agent signing Josh Reynolds. The Broncos wide receiver group is a bit underwhelming with or without a resurgent Patrick, which will be part of the challenge for Sean Payton and rookie quarterback Bo Nix. |
Cincinnati Bengals DB Daxton Hill is 'well on his way' to being the starting cornerback opposite of Cam Taylor-Britt, according to Chris Roling of BengalsWire.
Footballguys view: The Bengals brought back Vonn Bell and signed Geno Stone away from the Ravens to revamp their safety position so Hill could make this switch. Opposing quarterbacks will likely test Hill a lot in the early weeks of the season. Early season matchups against Kansas City (Week 2) and Washington (Week 3) could present excellent matchups for one of the opposing receivers if Hill has some growing pains in his transition. |
Cincinnati Bengals WR Tee Higgins is signing his franchise tag tender on Saturday, June 15, per source, and is expected to report to training camp. An extension remains unlikely, though.
Link to storyBuffalo Bills RBs Ty Johnson (undisclosed) and Ray Davis (undisclosed), FB Reggie Gilliam (undisclosed) and LBs Baylon Spector (undisclosed), Dorian Williams (undisclosed), Edefuan Ulofoshio (undisclosed) and Nicholas Morrow (undisclosed) each missed practice sessions at mandatory minicamp earlier this week. They all had various injuries that the club is not required to specify at this time of year. In addition, OT Spencer Brown (undisclosed) and S Mike Edwards (undisclosed) practiced on a limited basis Tuesday, June 11.
Link to storyUpdating a previous report, free-agent PK Jake Bates (UFL) will sign a two-year deal with the Detroit Lions this week, according to agent Marty Magid.
Link to storyNew Orleans Saints QB Spencer Rattler worked with the second-team offense during portions of minicamp, and head coach Dennis Allen expects Rattler and QB Jake Haener to battle for the backup job throughout training camp.
Link to storyNew York Jets WR Mike Williams (knee) said he believes he can complement WR Garrett Wilson. 'I can be that big, physical receiver who can make plays downfield, catch slants or do whatever it takes,' Williams said.
Link to storyUpdating a previous report, free-agent TE Dylan Leonard (hamstring) was waived by the Denver Broncos with an injury settlement after suffering a hamstring injury.
Link to story