Tag: free agent

Bills sign defensive tackles Quinton Jefferson, Jordan Phillips

Quinton Jefferson, Jordan Phillips

One key reason why it is so challenging for teams to agree to trades at the deadline is that they have concerns with new players learning their scheme quick enough.

When you bring back old friends, that isn’t much of a problem.

The Bills announced that they signed defensive tackles Quinton Jefferson and Jordan Phillips on Wednesday after standing pat at the trade deadline.

Jefferson was released by the Cleveland Browns and Phillips was released by the Dallas Cowboys. Both releases came this week. Buffalo jumped on the opportunity to get familiarity and depth in the middle of their defensive line.

Jefferson and Phillips have both specialized at pressuring the QB in their long careers.

Jefferson, now in his ninth season, was with the Bills in 2020 when the team went to their first AFC Championship since 1994. He started four games that campaign but was largely misused while trying to fill in for defensive tackle Star Lotulelei who opted out that offseason.

He found much more success over the past three seasons. From 2021 to 2023, he recorded 16 sacks and 42 QB hits across 34 starts with three different teams. Last year with the Jets, he had six sacks and posted a Pro Football Focus pass rush grade of 73.2 which was 32nd-best among all interior defenders.

Jefferson hasn’t performed to that level with the Browns this year, but he hopes to build on what he and the Bills started in 2020.

While Jefferson is back for his second stint in Buffalo, Phillips is looking forward to his third. He was a member of the Bills from 2018-2019 and also from 2022-2023. He is now in his 10th season.

Phillips has had success in the past with the Bills, racking up an impressive 9.5 sacks with the team in 2019. He hasn’t been as productive in recent years, and only appeared in two games while recording one tackle for the Cowboys this year. He started nine games for Buffalo last year, totaling 15 tackles, 2.5 sacks and five passes defensed.

Both Jefferson and Phillips fill a dire need for the Bills after defensive linemen DeWayne Carter and Dawuane Smoot both recently landed on injured reserve.

The two already have a good feel for the defensive scheme in place from their time with the team in the past, and they should be able to get up to speed quickly.

Defensive tackle Eli Ankou has emerged in recent weeks for the Bills after being elevated from the practice squad, but McDermott loves to rotate his defensive linemen and try to keep fresh bodies attacking the opposing QB.

With Ankou, Ed Oliver, Austin Johnson, DaQuan Jones, and Zion Logue, the Bills add a couple veteran interior pass rushers to the mix.

Insider believes Najee Harris is unlikely to re-sign with Steelers

Ray Fittipaldo said that while Najee Harris’ play has been great this season, the odds of him re-signing remain low.

Najee Harris has been one of the best running backs in the NFL this season, ranking seventh in rushing yards with 592 on 4.4 yards per carry.

But in the eyes of Steelers insider Ray Fittipaldo, Harris is unlikely to be back in Pittsburgh next year.

While making an appearance on “The Joe Starkey Show,” Fittipaldo was asked if Harris’ numbers were enough for Pittsburgh to re-sign the running back.

Much to the dismay of Steelers fans, Fittipaldo stated: “The guy is having a great season, but when you decline the option in May, I think, you know, eight, nine times out of 10, you’re not gonna go do business with that guy when the season ends.”

He was, of course, referencing how Pittsburgh declined to pick up Harris’ fifth-year option, which would allow him to hit free agency in 2025.

Could Harris force the Steelers to acknowledge his elite performance in his contract year, ultimately earning himself a big payday with the team? Or will Pittsburgh instead choose to re-sign the potentially cheaper option in RB Jaylen Warren?

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Report: Former Wisconsin Badger to have option declined, become free agent

Report: Former Wisconsin Badger set to have option declined, become free agent

The Washington Wizards are declining to pick up former Wisconsin Badger Johnny Davis’ team option for the 2025-26 season, according to The Athletic’s Josh Robbins.

That means Davis, who joined the Wizards as the 10th overall pick in the 2022 NBA draft, would become an unrestricted free agent.

Related: Big Ten basketball power rankings entering 2024-25 season: A first look at the expanded conference

This news doesn’t come as a huge surprise as Davis continues to struggle to establish his position at the NBA level. The shooting guard is currently playing just 5.3 minutes per game for a Wizards team that again projects to finish near the bottom of the league.

Those 5.3 minutes per game, albeit just three games into the 2024-25 season, also include averages of 0.7 points, 0.3 rebounds and 0.3 assists on 25% shooting. Those numbers are all down from his totals from the 2023-24 season — a year that saw him appear in a career-high 50 games at the NBA level.

Davis is currently listed on the Wizards depth chart behind rookies Carlton Carrington and Kyshawn George, veterans Corey Kispert and Jared Butler, and others. That, again, for a team that currently ranks No. 30 in ESPN’s latest power rankings.

Davis’ career-long NBA averages include 13 minutes per game, 3.9 points, 1.7 rebounds, 0.8 assists and 0.3 steals on 39% shooting and 28% from three. That is in 81 total games over two-plus seasons in the league.

The Wizards can still re-sign the former Badger star once he becomes an unrestricted free agent. Give his diminished role with the organization, it’s hard to see that becoming the case.

A change of scenery could be what’s necessary for the 2022 AP Big Ten Player of the Year and First-Team All-American. This will be a story worth monitoring with few former Badgers currently playing at the NBA level.

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ESPN suggests Saints could move a starter at the NFL trade deadline

If they keep losing, ESPN suggests the New Orleans Saints could move a starter at the NFL trade deadline. But would they trade Chase Young?

If they keep losing, ESPN’s Dan Graziano and Jeremy Fowler suggested the New Orleans Saints could move a starter at the NFL trade deadline. But would they trade Chase Young? That would be the clearest signal Mickey Loomis could send that his team is going in the tank, but you can’t imagine that’s something head coach Dennis Allen would sign off on.

Still, never say never. Teams like the Detroit Lions are desperate for a pass rusher after losing Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg. Here’s the case for dealing Young at the Nov. 5 trade deadline from ESPN:

Graziano: What about Chase Young? The Saints really like the guy and could be interested in signing him to a long-term deal, but if they check in and don’t feel good about their chances of doing that, could he be on the move for the second deadline in a row?

Fowler: That’s not a bad call. Young signed a one-year deal with New Orleans in hopes of parlaying it into a new contract with the team. With the Saints sitting at 2-4, perhaps the organization would listen to offers closer to the deadline. I’d be mildly surprised if anything happens. Young garnered a third-round pick in last year’s trade from Washington to San Francisco, and now that he’s fully healthy and playing productive snaps, I would surmise New Orleans wouldn’t accept anything less in a deal, if it even considers it.

It feels unlikely. While they haven’t reflected it on the weekly depth chart, Young has replaced Cameron Jordan in the starting lineup. Young has taken almost all of the snaps from the right defensive end spot, with Carl Granderson playing ahead of Jordan on the left side. He’s become a critically important player for the Saints up front.

Young may not have the sacks (1.5 in 6 games) but he generates a ton of pressure and demands attention from the offensive line. His 25 quarterback pressures at Pro Football Focus rank ninth-most at defensive end. Granderson has had 26 pressures, which are fourth-most. Jordan ranks 49th with 11.

If you read the writing on the wall and look at the salary cap sheet, it sure looks like the Saints are hoping Young can be the long-term replacement for Jordan. This could be the last year for No. 94 if he chooses to retire and start a full-time career in football media. Jordan’s cap hit next year is over $20 million but just $9 million of it is guaranteed. The math is pretty simple there.

Still, Young will be a free agent in 2025, and the best compensation the Saints could hope for if he leaves is a third-round pick in 2026. It’s certainly possible things deteriorate so badly this season that they decide to trade him, get a third rounder (or better) a year sooner, and then restart the search for Jordan’s replacement. But it sure would be more convenient if that guy were already in the building making plays across from Granderson.

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Veteran free agent running back reportedly will visit the Chiefs on Tuesday

Free Agent running back Kareem Hunt reportedly will visit the Kansas City #Chiefs on Tuesday | @EdEastonJr

The unfortunate news of Kansas City Chiefs running back Isiah Pacheco expected to be sidelined for 6-8 weeks is a significant blow to the team’s offense. In response, general manager Brett Veach could be entertaining the possibility of bringing back a former Chiefs draft pick and Pro Bowler this week.

According to a report from ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Chiefs are bringing in free agent running back Kareem Hunt for a visit on Tuesday. Hunt, who last played for the Cleveland Browns, was unsigned during the offseason and could potentially reunite with the franchise where he saw the most success. The 29-year-old finished the 2023 season with 135 carries for 411 yards and nine touchdowns in 15 games.

Hunt earned All-Rookie and Pro Bowl honors in the 2017 season after being drafted in the third round of the NFL Draft. He won the rushing title that season with 1,327 yards while displaying versatility in the passing game. Since playing for the Browns in recent seasons, he’s served as a third-down running back alongside starter Nick Chubb.

Pacheco’s fibula injury could make this reunion official, as the Chiefs still consider running backs Carson Steele, Samaje Perine, and Clyde Edwards-Helaire (once he’s available from injured reserve) as options.

During his two years in Kansas City, Hunt was believed to be a mainstay of the franchise as a running back. However, due to off-the-field issues, he was released in November of the 2018 season.

Steelers sign TE Pat Freiermuth to huge new contract

The Steelers locked up starting tight end Pat Freiermuth.

According to NFL Network reporter Ian Rapoport, the Pittsburgh Steelers and tight end Pat Freiermuth have agreed to a new four-year contract for the tight end with a total value of $48 million.

The new contract, as reported by Firemeuth’s representation comes just two days before the Steelers first regular-season game and the Steelers personal deadline for negotiating with free agents.

Freiermuth figures to be a huge part of the Steelers passing offense this season under new offensive coordinator Arthur Smith. Friermuth has been underutilized throughout his career so this payday might be the sign the team is planning to make him a focal point of the passing game.

Earlier in the week the Steelers agreed to a new massive contract with defensive tackle Cam Heyward. Heyward and Freiermuth were the team’s top priorities but there are still several guys set to hit free agency in 2025 who don’t have new deals.

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Former Saints DB signs with Panthers, says ‘I got smoke’ for the front office

Former Saints DB Lonnie Johnson Jr. signed with the Carolina Panthers, and he’s eager for Week 1. He says ‘I got smoke’ for the Saints front office:

It’s safe to say former New Orleans Saints defensive back Lonnie Johnson Jr. is eager for Week 1. Johnson aired his grievances with the Saints front office after signing with the Carolina Panthers on Wednesday, saying that he’s ready to prove them wrong for not re-signing him.

This comes after Johnson completed a one-year stint with the Saints in 2023 in which a knee injury limited him to playing 12 of 17 games. He wound up not re-signing with the Saints this offseason, instead opting to return to his former team, the Houston Texans. But Houston opted to release him before the roster cut-down deadline. This led to Johnson signing with the Panthers Wednesday, the Saints’ rival and Week 1 opponent.

Johnson and the Saints seemed to have a mutual interest in him returning at one point, based on his tweet before signing with the Texans stating;

Johnson will now be trying to catch on with the Panthers’ roster, and if he ends up sticking in the lineup come Week 1, may have his chance to play the Saints in New Orleans and prove they should have signed him when they had the chance.

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Vikings add defensive help after signing LB Jordan Kunaszyk

The Minnesota Vikings signed LB Jordan Kunaszyk on Tuesdsay.

Minnesota Vikings fans have been patiently waiting for their team to sign cornerback Stephon Gilmore — or any sort of cornerback help. Instead, the Vikings made a different signing on Tuesday.

Minnesota signed free agent linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk and waived linebacker Jabril Cox.

Kunaszyk spent the last two seasons with the Browns and appeared in 20 games. He had 31 tackles and a forced fumble, but he spent most of his playing time on special teams.

Following the 2019 NFL Draft, Kunaszyk was an undrafted free agent. He spent one season with Carolina and two seasons with Washington before he played with the Browns.

It’s unclear what Kunaszyk’s role may be with the Vikings. Minnesota signed him to its 90-man roster, and he will get a chance to show what he can do as a special teams player.

Chase Young earned $450,000 workout bonus after speedy recovery

ESPN’s Katherine Terrell reports that Chase Young earned a hefty workout bonus after a quick recovery from neck surgery. He’s off to a good start with the New Orleans Saints:

Shout-out to Chase Young. The New Orleans Saints defensive end earned a hefty workout bonus after his quick recovery from offseason neck surgery, per ESPN’s Katherine Terrell, totaling $450,000. He needed to participate in at least 84.3% of the offseason program and Terrell says that “obviously he earned it at this point.”

Young may not have been on the field for organized team activities and minicamp practices earlier this spring, but he was in the facility every day working through his rehab, and that counts towards his bonus incentives. Dennis Allen noted his presence a few times and complimented his work ethic in getting right after that neck procedure. That aggressive approach allowed Young to return ahead of schedule and hit the practice field at the first day of Saints training camp.

Now he’s cashing in. Young’s contract is one of the more unique deals you’ll find in the NFL this year. While it’s technically a fully-guaranteed $13 million contract, Young’s deal is made up of a $2.7 million base and a $1.86 million signing bonus, with $7.99 million available through per-game roster bonuses (on top of this workout bonus). If he misses any time after Week 1 the Saints will receive a credit on the 2025 salary cap valued at about $470,000 per game. But it’s looking like he’ll earn every penny.

Good for him. Young has worked very hard to get to this point, and if all goes as well as hoped he could earn a life-changing contract next offseason — either as an extension with New Orleans or as a new deal in free agency. He just needs to keep it up.

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New Orleans Saints sign offensive lineman Chandler Brewer

The Saints are adding some offensive line depth after multiple injuries at training camp. The team signed Chandler Brewer, per his agency:

After a couple of early training camp injuries, the New Orleans Saints have brought in some much-needed offensive line depth. The Saints are signing veteran Chandler Brewer per his agency Exclusive Sports Group.

Brewer played for four years at Middle Tennessee State, where he appeared in 53 games. He wasn’t drafted in 2019 but signed with the Los Angeles Rams, with whom he won a Super Bowl ring. Pro Football Focus gave him a 55.6 grade for his 228 snaps at right guard during the 2022 season. He wasn’t re-signed in 2023, at which point he signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars and remained there until his release in June.

Besides Erik McCoy, Cesar Ruiz, and Taliese Fuaga in the starting lineup, there are a lot of spots open for grabs. This gives Brewer a chance to come in right away and compete. At the very least it’s good to have another veteran adding more competition in the locker room.

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