Tag: 2024 NFL offseason

Russell Wilson describes his decision to sign with Pittsburgh Steelers

Russell Wilson credits a shared vision with Coach Tomlin and meetings with Steelers stars for his decision to join Pittsburgh in 2024.

You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take, and QB Russell Wilson didn’t miss his chance to join the Pittsburgh Steelers after his exit from Denver, ultimately driven by a shared vision with Pittsburgh. Wilson sat down with ESPN’s Hannah Storm and discussed his decision-making process in choosing to come to the Steel City.

Wilson described several prominent Steelers players who made sales pitches during the 2024 offseason, including fellow Walter Payton Man of the Year Award winner Cam Heyward, fellow Wisconsin alumnus T.J. Watt, and former All-Pro Minkah Fitzpatrick.

While playing with such elite talent seems like an offer too good to pass up, Wilson stated that his decision to sign with Pittsburgh stemmed from a shared vision with the team’s philosophy, including a similar football belief system: “I think Coach Tomlin and I share the same vision, love for the game, passion behind it, and obsession with it.”

While the success in the early chapters of the 2024 season can be credited to QB Justin Fields, no one can deny that Wilson helped make the Pittsburgh Steelers potential Super Bowl contenders.

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Why Commanders were the ideal choice for ‘Hard Knocks’ offseason

Why the Commanders would’ve been a good choice for “Hard Knocks.”

In May, the NFL announced that the New York Giants would be the first team to be featured in its newest version of “Hard Knocks”—the offseason version.

But honestly, couldn’t the NFL figure out the Commanders were naturally a much better offseason story?

Of course, the NFL realized this offseason would be the first offseason for the Josh Harris ownership group, seeing it was the NFL who did not permit the Harris Ownership group to begin their tenure until July 2023.

Daniel Snyder had owned the Washington franchise since taking over in 1999. The NFL didn’t see this new offseason “Hard Knocks” as an opportunity to investigate and tell some of that story?

Harris declared immediately after the close of the 2023 season, “We didn’t get it done on the field, so we have decided to go in a new direction.”

That new direction was hiring Adam Peters as the Commanders new general manager. Did anyone at the NFL know that Ron Rivera had strangely proclaimed that if the 2024 team made it to the Super Bowl, give him a ring? Wasn’t that in itself a good video for the inaugural episode?

Dan Quinn getting his second chance in the NFL to be a head coach was not a good enough story for “Hard Knocks?” And how about all of these established assistant coaches Quinn was able to bring onto his staff? Did the NFL actually think the Giants were a better offseason story?

How could they possibly have thought that was the case?

As soon as the 2024 free agency period began, Peters was the busiest general manager. He signed Bobby Wagner, Frankie Luvu, Dorrance Armstrong, Dante Fowler Jr., Brandon McManus, Jeremy Chinn, Marcus Mariota, Nick Allegretti, Tyler Biadasz, Tyler Ott, Austin Ekeler, Clelin Ferrell, Michael Davis, Noah Igbinoghene, James Pierre, Michael Deiter, Jeff Driskel, Jeremy McNichols, Olamide Zaccheaus, Mykal Walker, and Haggai Ndubuisi.

Then, he surprised everyone by trading last year’s starting quarterback, Sam Howell, to the Seahawks and moving up in the draft with two new picks.

In the draft, Peters orchestrated a trade with the Eagles, helping the Commanders rebuild a roster that, for some reason, Rivera was convinced would be a playoff roster if Howell developed last year. “Growth and development,” remember?

Oh, what an offseason “Hard Knocks” this would have been!

Too bad the NFL missed out, and now, so will NFL fans everywhere.

 

49ers star WR Brandon Aiyuk responds to Commanders’ reported interest

Aiyuk responds to 49ers reportedly discussing trading him to the Commanders.

On Tuesday, it was another day on the Brandon Aiyuk watch.

The San Francisco 49ers star has been at odds with the 49ers on a new contract that he believes should make him one of the NFL’s highest-paid wide receivers. Aiyuk recently told Washington rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels that the 49ers told him they didn’t want him.

Daniels and Aiyuk are close from their time together at Arizona State. Daniels called Aiyuk his “dream teammate” earlier this offseason, and there has been speculation since the draft about Washington and San Francisco working on a potential trade that would reunite the two.

Most believed it was a fantasy talk or good fodder for social media during a quiet time on the NFL calendar, but ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported on Monday that the two sides did have talks, but the Commanders chose not to make the deal.

“There were some conversations at one point between the 49ers and Commanders,” Schefter said. “Commanders were interested, but they decided not to do that deal.”

Now, Aiyuk has responded via social media.

While Aiyuk said the 49ers didn’t want him, all indications they desperately want to lock him up to a long-term deal.

This talk will likely not go away until San Francisco agrees to a new deal with Aiyuk.

 

Commanders Darrick Forrest enjoying the 2024 offseason

Darrick Forrest thrilled with Washington’s new leadership on and off the field.

Darrick Forrest is thus far enjoying the 2024 offseason.

The Commanders safety, now heading into his fourth NFL season, talked briefly with the Team 980 afternoon host Craig Hoffman after a practice last week.

“It’s been great, getting to know the new coaching staff and learning the new defense”, said Forrest. “Just having fun, getting to know each other.”

To get to know each other, Forrest told Hoffman that they simply got into a room and talked with one another and went over presentations about our lives, and there was boot camp with military coaches, and then as position groups, they also interacted.

“It’s about growing together. If our brotherhood is strong, then I know nothing is going to be able to stop us.”

Hoffman asked Forrest if he could share something he had learned about one of his new teammates. Forrest responded that being around new Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn, has been enjoyable. “Just getting to know his personality, just getting to see his leadership. It’s just great getting to learn from guys that have been able to do it (in the NFL).”

Hoffman asked what Bobby Wagner was like on the field. Forrest responded, “If you could put a gold medal on the field, he’s a gold medal man. He communicates; he sees some things before they happen. And he can get everybody lined up where they need to be. The way he goes about things, they way he gets in here early, the way he takes care of his body, he gets here early in the morning. He goes throughout his day with a routine.”

With new coaches, come new schemes, new emphases. “Now I have a lot more roles, so I am going closer to the line of scrimmage. It’s really about learning the full defense. It’s about knowing how to communicate. I can’t come out here and BS because I know it like the back of my hand. I am still learning things as I am going.”

Forrest also expressed that he is learning from Frankie Luvu. Both Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu were veterans brought in this offseason, and according to everyone, the two linebackers are having a positive effect on the players.

 

Projecting the Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

Projecting the Baltimore Ravens offensive depth chart following the mandatory minicamp

The Ravens are still in the crux of a potential Super Bowl window.

Still, after changing the offensive line, running back, and wide receiver positions, the team will look drastically different on offense. Baltimore seemed to win the first wave of the free agency period after getting Derrick Henry for two years and $16 million. The talented running back could earn $20 million throughout the deal.

All wasn’t perfect, as the Ravens suffered significant free-agent losses. Patrick Queen (Steelers), Geno Stone (Bengals), and Gus Edwards (Chargers) were among eight free agents to sign elsewhere.

Baltimore also traded Morgan Moses to the Jets and released Tyus Bowser in a cost-cutting move.

We’re looking at an updated depth chart with the mandatory minicamp completed.

Starter — Lamar Jackson
2nd–Josh Johnson
3rd-Devin Leary

4th–Emory Jones

Tyler Huntley moved on in free agency, and Baltimore brought back Josh Johnson, while Malik Cunningham will continue to develop at the wide receiver position. Devin Leary was selected late in the draft and looks to be the backup for the future. Emory Jones offers potential as a developmental quarterback.

Starter-Derrick Henry
2nd-Justice Hill/Keaton Mitchell

3rd-Rasheen Ali
4th–Owen Wright

Gus Edwards and J.K. Dobbins are replaced by the legendary Derrick ‘King’ Henry. One of the biggest signings of the early free agency period, Henry gives Baltimore a star at the position.

Starter–Patrick Ricard

Starter–Nelson Agholor
2nd–Sean Ryan

Agholor re-signed with Baltimore on a 1-year deal prior to the start of free agency.

Starter–Rashod Bateman
2nd–DeVontez Walker/Tylan Wallace

Starter–Zay Flowers

2nd–Deonte Harty

Starter–Mark Andrews
2nd-Isaiah Likely
3rd–Charlie Kolar
4th–Scotty Washington

Starter–Ronnie Stanley

2nd–Patrick Mekari

Stanley will return at left tackle after restructuring his contract.

Starter–Sala Aumavae-Laulu/Josh Jones
2nd–Tykeem Doss
3rd–Tashawn Manning

With John Simpson signing with the Jets, Aumavae-Laulu could get the first shot at the starting left guard role.

Starter–Tyler Linderbaum

2nd–Nick Samac

Starter–Andrew Voorhees
2nd–Ben Cleveland

Voorhees missed the entire 2023 NFL season with a torn ACL but could start the season at right guard in place of a departed Kevin Zeitler.

Starter–Roger Rosengarten
2nd–Daniel Faalele

Morgan Moses was traded to the New York Jets. Baltimore could roll with second-round pick Roger Rosengarten or Faalele.

What is Jayden Daniels doing to prepare for training camp?

Jayden Daniels discusses his summer plans before training camp: It’s all work.

Washington Commanders rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels finished minicamp on Thursday and now has six weeks off before reporting to training camp next month.

While players have six weeks off from official work, Daniels will be preparing for his rookie season.

After Washington’s practice this week, Daniels met with the media and discussed his plan for the next several weeks.

“I’ve been in football mode, man,” Daniels said. “Minicamp, OTAs, rookie minicamp, now mandatory minicamp. All I know is I’m going to go back to Southern California, go train with my quarterback coach down in Huntington Beach and get ready for the season. Get ready for training camp and put myself in the best position out there to come out here and just compete with the guys and have fun.”

Daniels’ personal quarterback coach is John Beck. Beck played six NFL seasons, including a stint in Washington. Beck explained ahead of the draft the work Daniels has done to become a top draft pick.

You often see the quarterback get together with the receivers, tight ends, and running backs for a few days in the offseason to have a passing camp. While the work is good, it’s also a bit of a team-bonding experience.

Will Daniels bring the Commanders together?

“I know we talked about it,” he said. “Marcus (Mariota) talked about it a lot, so we’ll figure something out. There’s no fine print, no details on that, but we’ll figure something out.”

It does sound like some players will be together at some point over the summer. Daniels, being a humble rookie, may choose to let the veteran Mariota take the lead.

Commanders rookie OT Brandon Coleman working with the first-team offense

The rookie getting in some work with the first team at left tackle.

On the second day of the Washington Commanders’ minicamp, rookie Brandon Coleman worked with the first-team offense at left tackle.

What does this mean? Well, nothing for now.

When Washington opened minicamp on Tuesday, veteran Cornelius Lucas worked with the first team. Lucas is the presumed starter, but that’s not a given. Head coach Dan Quinn has stressed competition multiple times since taking over. That goes for the left tackle position, too.

Here’s what Zach Selby of commanders.com observed on Wednesday regarding Coleman:

We have more movement on the offensive line. On Tuesday, it was Cornelius Lucas who spent most of his time as the starting left tackle. On Wednesday, it was third-round pick Brandon Coleman’s turn at the position. It’s worth noting that the Commanders have tried multiple players at that spot, so Coleman getting the reps does not mean he is guaranteed to win the job outright. Still, it was a good opportunity for the rookie to see how he stacked up against starting NFL defensive linemen.

Selby is correct; this is an excellent opportunity for Coleman. While the Commanders don’t have an elite edge rusher to practice against, they have multiple veterans who know how to win one-on-one. That’s precisely what Coleman needs to practice against to improve.

The Commanders were criticized for not doing more at offensive tackle. General manager Adam Peters improved the interior of the offensive line by signing center Tyler Biadasz and left guard Nick Allegretti. However, Peters chose to roll with Andrew Wylie at right tackle again and re-sign Lucas to compete with a rookie at left tackle. Lucas is an excellent backup tackle. He has proven that his effectiveness lessens the longer he plays.

If Coleman wins the job and becomes Washington’s long-term starter at left tackle, that would be a massive feather in Peters’ cap.

WATCH: Commanders QB Jayden Daniels throwing the deep ball at minicamp

Daniels getting in some work throwing the deep ball at minicamp.

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin spoke to the media after Day 1 of minicamp Tuesday, praising rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels.

McLaurin is entering his sixth NFL season in 2024, but he’s seen a lot. Whether it is multiple name changes, coaching changes, ownership changes, or, most often, quarterback changes, McLaurin has continued to thrive and be among the NFL’s best wide receivers. He acknowledged things haven’t always been easy but smiled when discussing his new quarterback.

One of the things McLaurin praised Daniels for was his deep ball.

During Tuesday’s practice, Daniels worked on that deep ball with multiple wide receivers.

Daniels’ first throw on the above clip was nothing special to Jamison Crowder. His second throw to Kazmeir Allen was a dime.

Daniels was a phenomenal deep-ball thrower at LSU, and he has the weapons in Washington to make an impact early with the long ball. Could Daniels be the quarterback to unlock fourth-year Dyami Brown’s potential?

Chick Hernandez of WUSA 9 offered the following from Tuesday’s practice:

 

 

How many Commanders were among the NFL leaders in officially licensed merchandise sales?

How many Commanders were among the NFL leaders in officially licensed merchandise sold?

The Washington Commanders weren’t marketable over the past few seasons. Whether it was the multiple name changes, fans hating the current jersey lineup, or the lack of a franchise quarterback, the Commanders weren’t at the top of NFLPA’s leaders in jersey sales.

That could change in 2024. Washington drafted quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall, and many fans have already ordered his jersey. If Daniels takes Washington by storm, which ESPN’s Louis Riddick said he would do, Daniels will be one of the NFL’s top jerseys sold around Christmas.

The NFLPA revealed the year-end top 50 list for all officially licensed NFL player merchandise. This doesn’t mean only jersey sales but all officially licensed merchandise of that player.

Two current Washington Commanders made the list — but only one played for Washington last season.

Linebacker Bobby Wagner, who played for the Seahawks, came in at No. 35. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin was No. 46. Could you imagine the merchandise McLaurin could sell if he had consistent quarterback play?

If the Commanders have a surprise season in 2024, multiple players could be on this list one year from now. Daniels is almost a certainty.

What is the biggest question facing the Commanders after OTAs?

What do believe is the biggest question facing Washington after OTAs and ahead of minicamp?

The offseason is almost over for the Washington Commanders. On Friday, Washington just wrapped up its third and final week of Offseason Training Activities (OTAs). Next is the mandatory minicamp next week, and then the Commanders break until training camp later next month.

Rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels has wasted no time in impressing his new teammates. Multiple players have raved about Daniels’ talent, but, more importantly, they’ve noticed his commitment and study habits. Defensive tackle and longtime team captain Jonathan Allen said Daniels even beats him to the facility every day.

What’s next for Daniels?

Some NFL teams have already wrapped up OTAs and minicamp. Therefore, Matt Holder of Bleacher Report recently asked the question: What is the biggest question facing every NFL team after OTAs?

No surprise, but Holder’s question revolved around Daniels:

While most people might not be expecting much from the Commanders this year, the front office brought in several veterans in free agency to suggest the organization feels the team is ready to compete for a playoff spot this fall. But the biggest factor in that equation is if the rookie quarterback is ready to go.

The good news is head coach Dan Quinn seems to be impressed with the work Daniels has put in.

“I think the situation work, we’ve been working really hard on, and so, some of the timing and mechanics are different from college in a two-minute setting than it is in the NFL,” Quinn told reporters.

“So to see, every day, him going through those mechanics out of two minute … at the end of the half working down in a clock situation, where it’s still moving on the first down and that type of urgency. Seeing him being comfortable in that environment, I would say that’s one example of many that shows the work that he’s put in.”

While most on the outside do not believe Washington can compete this season, the team believes differently. With Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr. in charge of the defense, that side will be much better. If Daniels meshes with offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury, the Commanders could be one of the NFL’s surprise teams in 2024.

So far, Daniels has passed every test. The mandatory minicamp will be another important step in his development.