Tag: free agency

Steelers LB Patrick Queen passed on millions to play for Pittsburgh

Patrick Queen had his pick of more than a dozen teams but never hesitated to sign with the Steelers.

When big-name players hit the free-agent market in the NFL, it is typically a case of them chasing a huge payday for better or worse. Being on a contender isn’t always the top priority if there are millions of dollars on the line.

But this wasn’t the case for new Pittsburgh Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen. He signed with the Steelers from the Baltimore Ravens and said that he passed up several million dollars to do it.

According to Queen, he had 15 teams showing interest in him with some of them offering up to $17 million per year average. But instead, Queen said he wanted to play for a contending team and instead signed a three-year, $41 million contract with Pittsburgh without any hesitation.

Queen has a shot to be the best inside linebacker the Steelers have had since Ryan Shazier. The team overhauled the inside linebacker position last offseason but injuries to Cole Holcomb and Kwon Alexander forced the Steelers to once again rebuild the depth chart with Queen and rookie Payton Wilson.

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Commanders safety Jeremy Reaves ‘itching’ to get back on the field

Jeremy Reaves is ready to get back on the field.

The 2023 NFL season was forgettable on many levels for the Washington Commanders. Washington began the season with a new owner and a head coach entering his fourth season who had yet to have a winning record with the Commanders.

Things went as expected, with Washington going 4-13 and opening the door for massive change this offseason. One thing no one expected was the Commanders going from a top-10 defense to the worst in the NFL.

Then there were the injuries. In Washington’s ugly Thursday Night Football loss to the Bears in Week 5, special teams standout and team captain Jeremy Reaves suffered a knee injury. Unfortunately, Reaves was lost for the season, meaning the Commanders lost one of their best special teams players and one of their leaders.

The injury came at a bad time for Reaves. He was set to enter unrestricted free agency, and with a new regime, there was no guarantee one of the team’s most popular players would return.

Head coach Dan Quinn and general manager Adam Peters quickly saw Reaves’ value and brought him back on a two-year contract. The Commanders allowed most of their free agents to leave.

Washington opened Offseason Training Activities (OTAs) two weeks ago, and Reaves admitted this week that he was itching to get back.

“I’m hungry, I wouldn’t say hungry, I’m starving, and I’m just anxious,” Reaves said. “I’ve been away from football since October, and it’s been itching at me.”

How does Reaves remain so strong after all he’s been through?

“Adversity builds character,” Reaves said. “I firmly believe that. I firmly believe that everything that happens to you builds you to be who you’re supposed to be.”

Reaves remains as positive as ever. One of the reasons Quinn and Peters wanted to retain Reaves is he’s a culture builder. The Commanders are trying to win now, but they’re also trying to develop a system of how to do things. Players like Reaves, Terry McLaurin and Jonathan Allen are ideal examples of the types of players you want to build a foundation with.

Who are the best Chicago Bulls free agency targets?

Who are the best targets in light of where the team is at and what it needs moving forward?

Most fans of the Chicago Bulls are currently doing their best to avoid thinking about the disastrous 2023-24 Chicago campaign, or perhaps the more hardcore Bulls fans are focused on the looming 2024 NBA draft.

But the truly intrepid are hard at work breaking down the team’s cap sheet and thinking about what sort of free agents the Bulls might be able to bring in this offseason. Who are the best Chicago Bulls free agency targets in light of where the team is at and what it needs moving forward? Is a potential star on the table, or are we talking more about rotation players or even mid-level or veteran exception-level players?

The hosts of the “Locked On Bulls” podcast, Haize and Pat the Designer, weighed in on a recent episode of the show.

Take a look at the clip embedded above to hear what they had to say about prospective Bulls free agent targets.

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Report: Warriors showing interest in Malik Beasley

Malik Beasley buried 224 3-pointers with the Bucks during the 2023-24 campaign.

While the Western Conference finals are underway in the NBA playoffs, the Golden State Warriors are already preparing for the offseason. After being eliminated from the play-in tournament, Mike Dunleavy Jr., Steve Kerr and the Warriors have questions to answer, starting with how they will handle free agency.

In the early stages of the offseason, the Warriors are reportedly showing interest in a sharpshooting soon-to-be free agent. According to Kelly Iko of The Athletic, the Warriors are showing an early interest in Milwaukee Bucks wing Malik Beasley. Along with the Warriors, the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic are showing interest in Beasley, per Iko.

Via @KellyIko on X:

https://x.com/KellyIko/status/1792950368441159880

During the 2023-24 campaign, Beasley drilled 224 3-pointers with the Bucks, ranking 11th for made 3-pointers in the NBA. During his only season with the Bucks, the Florida State product average 11.3 points on 44.3% shooting from the floor to go along with 3.7 boards and 1.4 assists in 29.6 minutes per contest.

Beasley has played seven seasons in the NBA, with stops in Denver, Minnesota, Utah, Los Angeles and Milwaukee. The 27-year-old guard has averaged 38.5% from beyond the arc on 5.9 3-point attempts per game over his career.

This post originally appeared on Warriors Wire! Follow us on Facebook and X! 

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Bucs GM Jason Licht admits letting Jordan Whitehead leave was a mistake

Tampa Bay Buccaneers general manager Jason Licht admits he never should have let safety Jordan Whitehead leave two years ago

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers welcomed back a friendly face to their defensive backfield this offseason, signing veteran safety Jordan Whitehead to a two-year deal in free agency.

Whitehead, a fourth-round pick by the Bucs out of Pitt in the 2018 NFL draft, spent his first four NFL seasons in Tampa Bay, and was a key member of a secondary that helped bring a second Lombardi Trophy to One Buc Place.

But the Bucs didn’t re-sign Whitehead to a contract extension after his rookie deal expired, so he spent the past two seasons with the New York Jets.

Tampa Bay struggled to replace Whitehead’s impact next to Antoine Winfield Jr. on the back end of the defense over the past two years, so when Whitehead hit the open market again this offseason, Bucs general manager Jason Licht jumped at the opportunity to bring him back.

Appearing on the “Loose Cannons” podcast, Licht admitted that it was a mistake to let Whitehead walk in the first place:

Considering his experience in Todd Bowles’ system, Whitehead should have no problem making an immediate impact now that he’s back in Tampa Bay.

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Commanders LB Bobby Wagner named one of the NFL’s best players over 30

Bobby Wagner remains one of the NFL’s best.

The Washington Commanders were busy in March, signing more outside free agents than any other NFL team. It’s not like Washington went on any wild shopping spree; instead, it chose to sign players familiar with the coaching staff and committed to mostly one-year contracts.

The Commanders’ splashiest signing was also their oldest one. Linebacker Bobby Wagner will be 34 next month as he enters his 13th NFL season. However, Wagner remains one of the NFL’s top linebackers. He led the NFL in tackles last season.

While Wagner may not be the same player he was five years ago, he’s still outstanding and represents a monumental upgrade for Washington on and off the field.

Pro Football Focus recently named the 30 best players over 30 years old, and Wagner came in at No. 15.

Wagner remains one of the top linebackers in the NFL, recording a 91.1-plus PFF run-defense grade in each of the past two seasons. His coverage ability has taken a hit, though, as he’s only graded above 70.0 once in the past five seasons in that facet.

Wagner has only missed 10 career games, and it’s reasonable to believe he’ll be in the lineup each week for Washington this season, too.

In case you were wondering, Trent Williams was named the NFL’s best player over 30.

Are the Commanders stuck at offensive tackle?

Are the Commanders stuck with the current group at offensive tackle?

Some of us are checking the NFL transactions daily to see if another offensive tackle becomes available.

Washington general manager Adam Peters has made some moves at offensive tackle. Starter Charles Leno was released early this 2024 offseason. He then re-signed swing tackle Cornelius Lucas to a one-year deal to remain with the Commanders.

During the NFL draft, Peters selected TCU tackle Brandon Coleman with the 67th selection. In addition, the other starting tackle is Andrew Wylie, who is on the right side.

Today, a good friend told me, “I think the Commanders are stuck at tackle.”

There have been some available tackles out there for a while, but most have signed contracts now. In April, some later signings took place: the Dolphins re-signed Kendall Lamm for one year at $2.6M, Former Cowboy La’el Collins was signed by the Bills for one year ($1.8M), Andre Dillard signed with the Packers ($1.1M), the Eagles signed Mekhi Becton to a one-year deal, and A.J. Jackson re-signed with the Rams for one year at $4.9M.

In May, Andrus Peat signed a one-year deal with the Raiders, and Chris Hubbard signed a one-year deal with the 49ers.

So, who are the offensive tackles out there who remain unsigned?

The Chiefs haven’t exactly rushed to re-sign Donovan Smith, so perhaps his penalties might be a good reason for this.

David Bakhtiari has spent 11 seasons with the Packers but will be 33 in September.

D.J. Humphries has been with the Cardinals all his career (2016-2023).

Charles Leno has yet to be signed by anyone, and Geron Christian is also unsigned.

Ok, yes, I threw the last one in there to keep your attention.

Perhaps Peters honestly feels that unless another tackle is released in one of those post-June releases or there is a training camp release that interests him, he is going to stick with the current tackles on this Commanders roster.

In fairness, Peters can’t make all the deals he desires. Remember, he did attempt to trade back into the first round for a tackle and could not agree on compensation with another team.

Panthers named best fit for free-agent CB Stephon Gilmore

ESPN’s Matt Bowen believes the Panthers are the best fit for free-agent CB Stephon Gilmore.

After the first outing of organized team activities, Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn told reporters that there’s “plenty of room” when it comes to potentially adding Stephon Gilmore. Well, ESPN’s Matt Bowen would agree.

Bowen played matchmaker on Monday, finding the best fits for the NFL’s best remaining free agents. He connects Gilmore back to the Panthers—who do, in fact, have room:

Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero has three corners to start in his nickel sets with Jaycee Horn and Dane Jackson on the boundary and Troy Hill in the slot. But there’s a lack of proven depth here, and the availability concerns with Horn are real. He played in six games last season and 22 over his first three pro seasons.

With Gilmore, the Panthers would be adding an established veteran who can play outside or at the nickel spot. And even though he will turn 34 years old this season, Gilmore still has the physical coverage traits and savvy technique to find the ball. Last season in Dallas, Gilmore had two interceptions and 10 pass breakups.

The latest development regarding a reunion between the former Defensive Player of the Year and the Panthers wasn’t a necessarily a positive one. Joe Person of The Athletic reported a few weeks back that there has been “no movement” towards a deal.

Gilmore, who turns 34 in September, would later tell NFL insider Josina Anderson that he’s waiting on a situation that works for him.

“I’m still focused on playing, but it has to be the right opportunity,” he stated. “I feel like it’s the age thing with some of these teams. If I was 28, I would already have been signed by now; at the same time, I know the value I still bring. If you watch the tape, I feel like I played well the last two years, and literally almost played every snap last year. So I’m staying patient, while watching my son who’s a wide receiver and cornerback lock people up on the field with his defensive back skills too.”

In addition to Horn, Jackson and Hill, the Panthers may be entering the 2024 campaign with D’Shawn Jamison, Dicaprio Bootle and/or fifth-round pick Chau Smith-Wade at the cornerback position.

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Panthers CB Jaycee Horn speaks on Xavier Legette’s growth from college

Panthers CB Jaycee Horn is already pretty familiar with the team’s 2024 first-round pick Xavier Legette.

The Gamecocks have flocked to Charlotte.

Carolina Panthers cornerback Jaycee Horn has been joined by a trio of fellow University of South Carolina players this offseason. He was asked about the additions following the first session of team organized activities on Monday.

“It is crazy having Gamecocks on the team,” he said. “I was in school with D.J. [Wonnum]. So I’m closer to him than [Jadeveon] Clowney because he was gone when I got there. But me and D.J. was there for two years. And it’s good having Clowney here.”

Wonnum, who played in Columbia, S.C. from 2016 to 2019, was the first Gamecock to sign on with the Panthers this spring. Clowney followed up two weeks later—inking a two-year deal worth up to $24 million.

But the Panthers weren’t done there. They’d go on to trade up into the 2024 draft’s 32nd overall slot to select wide receiver Xaiver Legette, who Horn is also pretty familiar with.

“I was there two years with X,” he said. “So we got a chance to have some practice battles and he’s a hell of a player. Now, we’re still gonna be competing every day. I’ma just be trying to help him a lot more and try to go as hard as I can against him so when he gets out there on Sunday, it’ll be a lot easier for him.”

Horn was then asked if he’s seen any growth out of Legette since their South Carolina days.

“Oh yeah,” he replied. “He’s a different receiver than when I was going against him in college. He got way more technical with his routes. Just works at a different speed. So I’m excited to see him this year.”

Legette broke out for the Gamecocks in 2023. He recorded 71 receptions for 1,255 yards and seven touchdowns en route to a second-team All-SEC selection.

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Mickey Loomis says Saints made several attempts to re-sign Andrus Peat

Mickey Loomis says the Saints made several attempts to re-sign Andrus Peat. But the former Pro Bowler wanted to go somewhere he’s valued:

Every NFL team hopes to draft good prospects and develop them into great pros, and to see them play out their careers in the same uniform — so it’s disappointing when that doesn’t end up as planned. That’s the place the New Orleans Saints found themselves when Andrus Peat, a three-time Pro Bowl alternate left guard, left in free agency to sign with the Las Vegas Raiders.

General manager Mickey Loomis spoke about Peat’s situation at the Saints Hall of Fame golf tournament on Monday. He says the Saints tried to retain Peat once his contract expired, but the two sides couldn’t reach a deal.

“We made attempts to get him re-signed and he chose to go someplace else. Which, that’s what free agency is about,” Loomis reflected. “Andrus was a good pick for us, played for us for a long time, I’m excited for him. I know he’s got a new chapter he’s probably excited about a new team. I wish him nothing but the best of luck.”

It’s easy to understand things from Peat’s perspective. Last year he was asked to take a steep pay cut, and then he was benched to start the season — only to save Loomis and Allen’s skin when they needed him to play left tackle. He stepped into his college position for the first time in years after their handpicked choice, Trevor Penning, became a turnstile. And all offseason Loomis and Allen have spoken about Peat as if he were expendable.

So even if the Raiders aren’t paying him highly or guaranteeing him a starting job, at least they wanted him. The Saints already tried to get rid of him last year and they were willing to take on $13 million in dead money by letting him walk away. Those actions speak louder than their words. With Peat leaving town, the Saints have had to sign a number of veteran free agents like Oli Udoh, Shane Lemieux, and Lucas Patrick. We’ll see if any of them can fill in for him at left guard, and whether Peat is in the lineup when the Raiders visit New Orleans late in 2024.

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