Former Ravens offensive guard Kevin Zeitler to sign a 1-year deal with the Lions

Former Baltimore Ravens offensive guard Kevin Zeitler is signing a one-year deal with offensive guard Kevin Zeitler

Kevin Zeitler is taking his talents to Motown, as the former Ravens offensive guard is set to sign a one-year deal with the Detroit Lions.

Zeitler played over 1,000 snaps played in every year with Baltimore.

The Pro Bwol honoree is still going strong at 33 years old, earning a pass-blocking grade above 80.0 for the second consecutive season in 2023.

Zeitler improved as last season went on, and from Week 4 on to the playoffs, he logged 428 passing blocking snaps, allowing 12 pressures, 0 hits and 0 sacks.

He’ll replace Jonah Jackson, who departed Detroit for the Los Angeles Rams in free agency.

Grade for Titans re-signing WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine

How we graded the Titans’ re-signing of WR Nick Westbrook-Ikhine in free agency.

In what is a testament to what the franchise thinks of him, wide receiver Nick Westbrook-Ikhine has survived a coaching change and will return to the Tennessee Titans in 2024.

We know it’s a one-year deal, but the financial terms have yet to be revealed. Chances are it’ll be a slight raise from the $1.26 million he made in 2023, which is more than reasonable for the caliber of player he is.

NWI has had no shortage of detractors over the past few years because he seems to always find himself with a bigger role than anticipated, mostly thanks to injuries. That has, in turn, exposed the limitations he has as a receiver, but placing blame on him isn’t warranted.

NWI can’t control the factors that lead to his being thrown into those roles, all he can do is try to answer the bell when it happens, something we have seen him do occasionally during his four years in Nashville.

The reality is, he’s a solid depth piece in the wide receivers room who can block and be a key contributor on special teams, and teams need guys like him.

To be honest, I would have liked to see the Titans add more speed to the back end of their depth chart, but they certainly could do a lot worse than a depth piece like Westbrook-Ikhine, who brings value with the different ways he can contribute.

Grade: B

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Bills’ DaQuan Jones says he couldn’t imagine leaving Buffalo

After signing a two-year deal to come back to the Buffalo Bills, defensive tackle DaQuan Jones spoke to the media about why he’s returning.

Buffalo Bills defensive tackle DaQuan Jones had the chance to leave in free-agency, especially with Buffalo making significant cuts to get under the salary cap for the 2024 NFL league year. However, Jones decided to come back to the Bills by signing a two-year deal with a maximum value of $18 million.

Jones, 32, came to Buffalo two seasons ago during free agency and since then, he has been one of the more disruptive forces along the Bills’ defensive line. After signing his deal to come back to Buffalo, Jones spoke to the media on why he came back to play for the Bills despite probably being able to get more money by signing elsewhere.

In part, Jones said that one of the reasons for him returning was because of how “comfortable” he felt playing in head coach Sean McDermott’s defensive system that has seen him have some of his best seasons in his career.

After spending seven seasons with the Tennessee Titans after being drafted with a fourth-round pick in the 2014 draft and one season with the Carolina Panthers, Jones feels that he is hitting his stride despite now being in his 30’s.

Jones said to the media that he feels that he is “peaking” physically and mentally and that he sees things finally “clicking” for him. While Jones played just seven games last season due to a pectoral injury, the Bills are happy that Jones is coming back to play for the Bills.

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How we graded Michael Pittman Jr. re-signing with the Colts

Here’s how we graded the contract extension for Michael Pittman Jr.

Michael Pittman Jr. and the Indianapolis Colts agreed to a three-year contract extension on Monday. The deal keeps Pittman in Indianapolis through 2026 after the Colts applied the franchise tag earlier in March ahead of free agency.

Per Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report, the contract is worth up to $71.5 million with $46 million guaranteed. At full value, it would pay Pittman just under $24 million per year.

In 2023, Pittman tallied 1,152 yards, 109 receptions and four touchdowns. His 1100-plus yards were good for fourteenth in the NFL, and his 109 receptions placed him fourth among receivers.

One of his best performances of the season came against the Tennesee Titans in Week 13. Pittman ended his day with 11 receptions, 105 yards and a touchdown during Indy’s overtime win.

General manager Chris Ballard made it clear that Michael Pittman was a priority. Applying the franchise tag to Pittman while they actively continued negotiations was a good sign that the Colts were serious about retaining him.

Pittman has endured a lot. He’s had a different quarterback in every season he’s been with the Colts, and despite the quarterback carousel, he’s answered the call nearly every time the Colts have asked him to produce. Per PFF, since 2021, he’s been top-15 or higher in targets and receptions, which is a testament to his bell-cow work ethic.

If the Colts let Pittman truly hit the open market and walk away, it would have looked pretty awful on their brass. Pittman is a franchise staple, and you should pay not only for his production and reliability but also because Anthony Richardson needs weapons around him to succeed.

On the other hand, Pittman deserves stability at the quarterback position because he has yet to hit his full potential. If the Colts can unlock that, the possibilities are infinite.

Grade: A

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Zulgad: Trade with Texans helps to reveal true intentions of Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah when it comes to drafting a quarterback

A day after not committing to taking a QB in the NFL Draft, Minnesota Vikings GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah trades for a second first round pick.

Kwesi Adofo-Mensah’s actions Friday morning spoke far louder than his words on Thursday afternoon and, for that, Minnesota Vikings fans should be thankful.

A day after the Vikings general manager said the loss of Kirk Cousins to Atlanta in free agency did not mean he had to select a quarterback in the opening round of the draft, Adofo-Mensah acquired a first-round pick from Houston for second- and sixth-round selections in next month’s draft, along with a second-rounder in 2025. The Vikings also got back a 2024 seventh-round pick from the Texans.

That gives the Vikings picks 11 and 23 in next month’s draft and, most importantly, puts them in position to make a significant move up the board in order to grab a quarterback on April 25.

There was some immediate speculation that the Vikings could keep both selections and take a QB, perhaps Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. at 23. But that seems as far-fetched as the idea that the Vikings are comfortable placing all their eggs in the Sam Darnold basket for next season.

It’s logical to assume the Bears will grab USC’s Caleb Williams with the first pick but after that the Vikings now have enough ammunition to make a pitch for a Top 3 selection. Washington has the second pick, New England is third and Arizona and the Chargers round out the top five.

What we don’t know is which quarterback Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell covets. North Carolina’s Drake Maye, LSU’s Jayden Daniels and Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy follow Williams in most projections and the expectation of many is that Maye and Daniels will go second and third, although it’s unclear in what order.

Both Washington and New England need a quarterback, so the price to get either to move off their pick would be substantial. Washington’s selection carries a 717-point value, according to Rich Hill’s trade chart. The two first-round picks the Vikings’ own carry a value of 603 points, meaning Adofo-Mensah likely would have to include at least one future first-rounder to get Washington to even consider an offer.

The Patriots might be a more willing trade partner, given the fact that new coach Jerod Mayo is taking over a roster that needs significant work and could use additional draft picks to start building up what once was a dynasty. The Patriots pick is valued at 514 points, meaning the Vikings’ two selections in the opening round already signify an overpay if it’s just a 2-for-1 swap. But there are going to be a few teams that call the Patriots, so the reality is Adofo-Mensah also might have to sweeten the offer.

One of the most important things for the Vikings is making sure they don’t get jumped by another quarterback-needy team, such as the New York Giants (if they move off of Daniel Jones) or the Denver Broncos. The Giants and Broncos are set to pick at Nos. 6 and 12, respectively.

While there are differing opinions about where McCarthy might go, the worst case would be for the Bears, Commanders and Patriots to all take quarterbacks and then for a team, such as the Broncos, to swoop in and make a trade with the Cardinals at No. 4 in order to grab McCarthy.

What Adofo-Mensah did on Friday was take a step toward assuring the Vikings are positioned to not get outbid and, thus, are in the driver’s seat when the jockeying for better draft position begins.

Oh, and about that part where Adofo-Mensah was less than truthful about his intentions at the quarterback position? We understand. This time of year, true intentions and telling the truth don’t mix well.

Judd Zulgad is co-host of the Purple Daily Podcast and Mackey & Judd podcast at www.skornorth.com.

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AFC North news: Steelers improving their roster thanks to Russell Wilson’s modest contract

Russell Wilson will cost the Steelers just $1.2 million this year, giving them room to improve the rest of the roster.

Quarterback Russell Wilson will cost the Pittsburgh Steelers the veteran minimum of $1.2 million next season, leaving room for the team to sign Pro Bowl linebacker Patrick Queen to a $41 million deal this week.

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Wilson isn’t short on cash, however, because the Denver Broncos are still required to pay him $39 million in 2024 as part of the $242 million contract he signed two years ago.

Spending so little at quarterback has freed up Pittsburgh to splurge elsewhere. In addition to signing Queen, the Steelers have shipped wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers for defensive back Donte Jackson and re-signed safety Miles Killebrew to a two-year, $6.5 million deal.

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The Steelers are rebuilding meticulously and frugally. The Ravens split the season series with Pittsburgh last season and, after their rivals’ additions this offseason, should expect very competitive matchups with them this fall. Wilson and the Steelers may make a deep playoff run in 2024 if they continue building on this success throughout the offseason.

Ravens agree to deal with DE Brent Urban

The Baltimore Ravens are re-signing Brent Urban to a one-year deal at the start of NFL free agency

The Ravens retained another one of their free agents, agreeing to a deal with defensive end Brent Urban.

Urban, 32, was originally a Ravens fourth-round pick in 2014.

He played his first four seasons in Baltimore before stops with Tennessee, Chicago, and Dallas before returning to the Ravens in 2022.

Urban played in all 17 games last season and made three starts, logging 22 tackles, a career-high three sacks, and two passes batted down.

Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen to sign a three-year, $41M deal with rival Steelers

The Pittsburgh Steelers are taking Patrick Queen away from the Baltimore Ravens with a three-year, $41 million deal in free agency

According to ESPN’s Marcus Spears, Patrick Queen is following Geno Stone’s path, taking his talents to another AFC North city after agreeing to a 3-year, $41 million deal.

The running mate for Roquan Smith, Queen made his first Pro Bowl this season after logging 125 tackles (78 solos) and matching a career-high with six passes defended. He also added 3.5 sacks, nine tackles for loss, one interception, one forced fumble, and one fumble recovery for the best defense in the league.

Queen is the only NFL defender to have produced at least 400 tackles (445), ten sacks (13.5), and ten takeaways (four interceptions and six fumble recoveries) since entering the league in 2020.

He’ll pair with T.J. Watt to help stop the newest Ravens running back, Derrick Henry.

Mitch Morse pens heartfelt goodbye message to Buffalo Bills

Goodbye from Mitch:

Mitch Morse is no longer a member of the Buffalo Bills. Last week, he was released by the team as a salary cap casualty.

Since his departure, Morse has found a new home with the Jacksonville Jaguars. He inked a two-year deal there.

Before leaving heading and off to Jacksonville, Morse made sure to say a proper goodbye to Buffalo.

Morse posted on both Twitter (now X) and Instagram. On the latter account, the 31-year-old went deep.

“Nothing will compare to the sadness no longer being part of that locker room,” he wrote.

Morse’s messages after being released can be found below:

https://www.instagram.com/p/C4NuDj8AQr9/?hl=en

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Grade for Titans’ expected signing of RB Tony Pollard

How we graded the Titans’ expected signing of RB Tony Pollard.

The Tennessee Titans wasted no time in adding to their running backs room in free agency after the team reportedly agreed to terms with former Dallas Cowboys rusher, Tony Pollard, which was their first move.

Tennessee is giving Pollard a three-year deal worth $24 million, which works out to an annual average of $8 million.

That is more than I expected the Titans to spend on the position considering they already have Tyjae Spears on the roster, but I’m going to assume there’s at least a mostly clean out in Year 3 of the deal. Pollard is just 26, so his age isn’t a concern here.

As far as the fit goes, it’s a good one.

Pollard isn’t the prototypical power back we expected the Titans to sign, but he’s still a strong runner, as evidenced by his gaining 819 yards after contact in 2023, the third-most in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats.

That should also make him an asset in short-yardage situations, but even if he struggles in that area, Spears was elite when it came to converting on 3rd- and 4th-and-short situations in 2023 among backs with 100 attempts.

The best thing about Pollard is he brings the kind of versatility Spears does. Pollard is an explosive runner who can break big ones to the outside and catch passes out of the backfield. He’s also good in pass protection.

Having two backs who are similar in those ways will prevent the Titans from telegraphing what they’re going to do based on who is on the field, which was often an issue with Derrick Henry.

I don’t love the money the Titans spent on Pollard, but I do love the 1-2 punch he creates with Spears. Overall, this was a solid signing.

Grade: B

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