Tag: NFL Free Agency

Watch: Former New York Jets center Connor McGovern is putting in offseason work

Connor McGovern, former New York Jets offensive lineman, is putting in offseason work.

Connor McGovern is putting in some offseason work, with the former New York Jets offensive lineman continuing to wait on NFL free agency to play out.

Having been in the NFL since 2015, McGovern has spent the last four seasons with the Jets. He has made 55 appearances – all starts – since joining the Jets in 2020.

He made just seven appearances last season before his season ended with a dislocated knee.

A fifth-round pick in the 2016 NFL draft, McGovern spent the first four seasons of his NFL career with the Denver Broncos.

Given the rebuilding of the Jets offensive line, there is likely no spot for McGovern in the first-team. But given the depth concerns for the Jets along the offensive line, McGovern could be a very enticing signing to bolster a unit that has the potential to be improved this year:

 

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The rebuilding of the Jets offensive line is headlined by the free agent signing of Pro Bowl offensive tackle Tyron Smith.

 

Could the Commanders reunite with a familiar face before training camp?

Could the Commanders look to reunite with a familiar face?

Everyone on the outside believes the Washington Commanders must still address the offensive tackle position.

Ahead of this offseason, the Commanders released veteran left tackle Charles Leno Jr. — their left tackle for the past three seasons. Washington already needed help at the position, so releasing Leno ensured that the new general manager, Adam Peters, would be busy adding a new starter through free agency or the NFL draft.

Peters was busy in free agency, including adding new starters at center and left guard. However, Washington’s only free-agent move at offensive tackle was re-signing veteran Cornelius Lucas. Lucas has been with Washington since 2020 and has been a reliable swing tackle for the past four seasons, often filling in at both tackle positions.

Surely, the Lucas signing was to retain him for depth purposes.

In the 2024 NFL draft, Washington selected quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall. No surprise there. Many assumed the Commanders would use some of their draft capital to move back into the first round to select an offensive tackle. They tried but to no avail.

Instead of reaching on a tackle in the second round, the Commanders stuck to their board and selected TCU’s Brandon Coleman with the No. 67 overall pick.

Both Coleman and Lucas worked with the first team throughout the offseason program. Washington believes Coleman has big-time potential at offensive tackle.

With a rookie quarterback, though, do the Commanders have enough?

Lorenzo Reyna of Pro Football Network recently named one free-agent signing every team should make before training camp. Reyna said the Commanders should re-sign Leno.

Like the Tennessee Titans, the Washington Commanders have a young passer to keep intact in Jayden Daniels. Charles Leno Jr. can be brought back for experience and depth reasons, having spent the last three years in D.C., starting in 47 total games.

On paper, this sounds plausible. But, remember, one week after he was released, Leno underwent hip surgery. How is Leno these days? Does he still want to play? He will be 33 in October.

Washington’s offensive line struggled in recent seasons, and Leno often received too much blame. He was much more solid than some fans realized. However, a reunion doesn’t appear to be in the cards. The Commanders seem content to head into camp and see how the current roster shapes up before adding another veteran.

Bold prediction for Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu

Everyone believes Commanders linebacker Frankie Luvu will have a big year.

How good can Frankie Luvu be for the Washington Commanders in 2024? Luvu has a lot of fans from across the NFL, with many calling him one of the offseason’s best free-agent signings, regardless of the team.

Earlier this offseason, Touchdown Wire’s Doug Farrar — a noted film guru — ranked Luvu as the NFL’s second linebacker heading into 2024, behind only 49ers star Fred Warner.

Here is some of what Farrar said about Luvu:

The former Panthers star signed a three-year, $31 million deal with the Commanders that includes $14,625 in guarantees, and he’s earned that after a year in which he had seven sacks, 20 total pressures, 84 solo tackles, 10 tackles for loss, 47 stops, and two forced fumbles. In coverage, Luvu allowed 38 catches on 51 targets for 371 yards, 240 yards after the catch, two touchdowns, no interceptions, five pass breakups, and an opponent passer rating of 107.6. Luvu did all of this on a defense that didn’t present a ton of star power around him. Now that he’s with Dan Quinn in the nation’s capital, we could see a higher level from Luvu.

As much as anybody on this list, Luvu brings a fully-realized skill set in which he’s at or near the top at so many things. He attacks from the line of scrimmage like a legitimate edge defender, and he’s a real pain when covering opposing receivers all over the field.

How can Washington fans not be excited about Luvu?

Farrar isn’t the only one who sees big things for the versatile 27-year-old star.

Conor Orr of Sports Illustrated recently made 100 bold predictions for the 2024 NFL season. He sees Luvu making the Pro Bowl.

The Commanders’ linebacker was awesome for equally terrible Jets and Panthers teams in recent years, posting massive tackle numbers and serving as an apt pass rusher situationally. Now with Dan Quinn and working alongside a block-gobbling Bobby Wagner, Luvu can excel and get the notoriety he deserves.

Luvu has played on some terrible teams, and while Washington was terrible in 2023, playing for Dan Quinn changes everything. Quinn is known for getting the most out of his players. Quinn identifies where each player best fits and turns them loose. Luvu’s versatility could have him on the verge of stardom for the Commanders.

Commanders rookie linebacker named most surprising player during OTAs/minicamp

Washington’s rookie linebacker had an impressive spring.

The Washington Commanders went from having the NFL’s worst linebacking unit in 2023 to one that some consider the best in 2024.

Washington’s fortunes changed in March when it signed Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency. Wagner, a future Hall of Famer, can still play but was also brought to Washington to mentor the younger players. He appreciates this role.

Luvu comes to the Commanders in the prime of his career. Many believe he was one of free agency’s most underrated signings and could become a star playing for Dan Quinn.

So, while all eyes are on Wagner and Luvu, the Commanders also have a rookie linebacker. Washington used a fifth-round pick on Temple linebacker Jordan Magee. While some fifth-round picks are considered projects, there was excitement surrounding Magee.

Magee’s name kept coming up throughout the spring as a player who had impressed coaches. He’s wisely attached himself to Wagner, too.

ESPN recently named one player who surprised from each team throughout the OTAs and minicamp. John Keim chose Magee.

It’s uncertain how much playing time Magee will receive this season. But the fifth-round pick clearly made a strong first impression — enough to where a position of weakness the past several years can now be considered a strength. The Commanders signed starters Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency. They already had Jamin Davis, but because of the newcomers they’re trying him as an edge rusher. Magee is part of the reason for the optimism. They like how he played in coverage this spring; they also believe he showed he can be an effective blitzer. He’s someone they’re excited about for the future. “He doesn’t carry himself like a rookie,” defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. said. “You would not know that with the way he handles himself, the way he absorbs information. He doesn’t [make] a lot of mistakes.”

Magee is in an excellent position. The Commanders do not need him on defense in 2024. Magee can learn under Wagner while helping Washington out on special teams.

The previous staff either ignored the linebacker position or didn’t know how to find one. In the first year under general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn, the Commanders have the best linebackers they’ve had in years and haven’t even stepped on the field yet. You can add Magee to Washington’s reasons for optimism.

ESPN: Carl Lawson should be final Seahawks move before 2024 season

According to Aaron Schatz, the Seahawks should sign Carl Lawson as their final move before the 2024 season begins.

The Seahawks were pretty broke until they restructured the contract for Dre’Mont Jones, freeing up around $7.4 million for the 2024 season. That brings their total cap room to roughly $8.5 million. That’s plenty to sign emergency free agents in the event of injuries during the middle of the seasons, but they also have enough to sign at least one more potential starter before the games begin.

One need they may have is at inside linebacker, where both projected starters (Tyrel Dodson and Jerome Baker) are currently injured. However, they could also use another edge rusher to help out Uchenna Nwosu and Boye Mafe. That’s what ESPN is suggesting they do with exactly one month to go before veterans report for training camp.

According to Aaron Schatz, the Seahawks should sign former Jets and Bengals edge rusher Carl Lawson as their final move before the 2024 season begins.

“The Seahawks could use more camp competition at center for Olu Oluwatimi and Nick Harris, but the remaining free agent centers did not rate well in pressure rate allowed last season. So instead, let me suggest more defensive depth. You can never have too many pass-rushers to rotate in, and while Lawson only played six games last season, he’s still just two seasons removed from his seven-sack year with the Jets. He wouldn’t cost much, and there’s a good upside there.”

Lawson (6-foot-2, 265 pounds) will turn 29 next week. After playing his college ball at Auburn, he was picked by the Bengals in the fourth round of the 2017 NFL draft. Lawson appeared in 51 games over the next four seasons in Cincinnati, then he moved onto the Jets in 2022. After a resurgent 2022 campaign, Lawson only played six games last season before suffering a season-ending Achilles tear. All together, he has played in 74 games, totaling 27 sacks, 107 quarterback hits and 28 tackles for a loss.

Seattle can certainly use more pass-rushing firepower. However, there are better options on the market and we’d prefer they target someone like Emmanuel Ogbah, who’s been more productive getting to the QB, has more experience and isn’t coming off a major injury.

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Free agent offensive tackle David Bakhtiari eager to remind teams how much he has left in the tank

David Bakhtiari claims he’s healthy. Should the Commanders be interested?

In case you haven’t heard, the Washington Commanders could use some help at left tackle. The Commanders released former left tackle Charles Leno Jr. ahead of free agency, but Leno was unlikely to be in the team’s plans in 2024.

Many assumed Washington would be aggressive in landing a left tackle in the 2024 NFL draft. After the Commanders selected quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall, Washington was aggressive in attempting to move back into the first round but was unable to strike a deal.

Instead, the Commanders used the second pick in the third round — No. 67 overall — on TCU offensive tackle Brandon Coleman. While some believe Coleman will be better at guard, the Commanders believe he’s an NFL tackle with an untapped upside.

Even with Coleman, who is no sure thing to start early, the Commanders could use more help. As of now, veteran Cornelius Lucas will start Week 1 at left tackle. While Lucas has proven to be a capable short-term option for years, the Commanders would probably be more comfortable with him in his normal swing tackle role.

However, Washington’s options are limited. One potential option, though, is quite intriguing. Former Green Bay Packers left tackle David Bakhtiari, who has dealt with injuries since 2020, is healthy and ready to return to finish his career on a strong note.

Before he was hit with multiple knee injuries, Bakhtiari was a five-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowler.

“A lot of other people wanted me to just kind of grit through it, but no one experiences what you truly experience,” Bakhtiari told Adam Schefter on his podcast via ESPN. “Look, I’ve been gritting through it for three years. I’m in constant pain. I’m so happy now to be on the other side of it and get the actual surgery that I needed because my knee was not in a good place.”

Bakhtiari isn’t looking to sign with someone in December and help for a playoff push. He wants to play all season and possibly more.

“My goal right now is just to make sure that I not only fully recover but I can withstand and play the game that I want to play but also play and be there for a team no matter what,” Bakhtiari said. “I’m not a reliever guy; I am your cornerstone guy. Someone that’s not only going to play in September but in December and into February and obviously hopefully for another couple of years.”

How does that sound for Washington? We’ve written about the possibility of Washington signing Bakhtiari before but admitted it was unlikely due to his age and health. Now, Bakhtiari doesn’t believe his health will be an issue.

Does this change things for the Commanders?

Bakhtiari said he wants to win a Super Bowl in his short playing window, but that’s unlikely to happen in Washington right now. Still, if the Commanders come calling, Bakhtiari is unlikely to turn down the opportunity if other teams aren’t interested.

 

Report: Commanders had interest in free-agent CB Steven Nelson this offseason

Does this mean the Commanders are still looking for cornerback help?

Cornerback Steven Nelson is retiring from the NFL after nine seasons, according to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 in Houston.

Nelson spent the past two seasons with the Houston Texans and played a key role in their worst-to-first turnaround last season. Nelson, 31, played so well that multiple teams had interest in signing him this offseason.

Wilson said the Texans, Raiders, Commanders, Giants, Rams, and Dolphins all showed interest in Nelson this offseason. Perhaps Nelson was tired of waiting and didn’t want to spend any more time waiting on a contract offer or dealing with the grind of another training camp.

Nelson said he’s proud of his football legacy.

“Retirement, after thinking it over and having some talks with my family, I think it’s time for me to take a step back and spend more time with my family,” Nelson said in a telephone interview. “We’re expecting a newborn this coming month, and I wanted to devote all of my time and energy to that and various business ventures off the field. I’m extremely proud of what I was able to do in the game of football.”

A third-round pick by the Chiefs in the 2015 NFL draft, Nelson spent four seasons in Kansas City, two with the Pittsburgh Steelers, one with the Philadelphia Eagles and the final two years with the Texans.

“Coming from a small town without a lot of resources, having to go to junior college, making it out of there to go to Oregon State, which was across the country from my family, going through a lot of trials and tribulations to get to where I am today and to be able to persevere and make it this far. I’m extremely proud of my legacy and my career.”

Nelson played in every game for Houston last season and has only missed five games over the past six seasons.

Does Washington’s interest in Nelson mean the team isn’t done looking for cornerback help? Had the Commanders signed Nelson, he would’ve immediately jumped to the front of the line as a contender to start. Washington signed multiple veteran cornerbacks this offseason, with Michael Davis expected to start opposite Benjamin St-Juste. The Commanders hope 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes is helped by the new coaching staff and emerges in 2024.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn explains what he wants to see from LB Jamin Davis

Dan Quinn discusses what he wants to see from Jamin Davis.

This is a make-or-break season for Washington Commanders linebacker Jamin Davis. The 2021 first-round pick has had an up-and-down career through three seasons. Davis has shown flashes of solid play but nothing spectacular.

Washington turned down Davis’ fifth-year option for 2025 this spring, which meant Davis would need a strong 2024 season to earn a new contract from the Commanders. The bad news for Davis is that Washington signed linebackers Bobby Wagner and Frankie Luvu in free agency. That means an altered role for Davis in 2024, which is something he is looking forward to.

Davis is excited about playing for head coach Dan Quinn and defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. His altered role could be more in the role of situational pass rusher.

Last week, Quinn spoke of what he wanted to see from Davis.

“Yeah, I think that’s a natural question,” Quinn told reporters last week. “At the end of a contract, or you’re in a contract year and what does that look like? But more important, even more than that is like this improvement. And we’re trying to really push him specifically on the versatility. So you’ll see him working some with the defensive line, you’ll see him working with (pass rush specialist) Ryan Kerrigan on the side, and we’re adding parts to his game that maybe we didn’t use and we’re certainly trying to explore that. And so, if that’s something that he can add value for himself and for the team, then we’ll dig in and that’ll take a while as well. That’s not something that’s in one practice or in one week to say, ‘OK, it’s there.’ Let’s take the time and work through it. I’ve been very impressed by his work ethic.”

Those are certainly some positive comments from Quinn. He sees something in Davis, and this goes back to his previous comments about finding the things players do well and putting them in positions to succeed. Davis is athletic and could thrive as a situational pass rusher.

 

Commanders safety Jeremy Chinn says the Steelers offered him more money

Chinn wanted to play for Dan Quinn.

The Washington Commanders signed safety Jeremy Chinn to a one-year deal worth $3.95 million in March, in the early stages of free agency. Chinn, 26, played the first four years of his NFL career with the Carolina Panthers.

Chinn was viewed as the ultimate Dan Quinn chess piece for Washington’s rebuilding defense. At 6-foot-3, 225 pounds, Chinn is listed as a safety but can also play in the box. That versatility excited the new Commanders head coach and general manager, Adam Peters.

Chinn burst onto the scene as a rookie in 2020, finishing second in the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year voting behind Chase Young. Unfortunately for Chinn, constant turnover in Carolina and injuries stymied his growth over the past three years, making him a potential bargain for Washington.

As it turns out, the Commanders weren’t the only team interested in Chinn’s services. In an interview on SiriusXM NFL Radio, Chinn said the Pittsburgh Steelers actually offered him more money, but thinking about who could best help his development, he chose Washington.

“I can’t remember if it was a multi-year deal, but I did get another offer,” Chinn said via Steelers Depot. “I think Pittsburgh was probably a little bit more money. But just the situation here with Dan Quinn (defensive coordinator), Joe Whitt (Jr.), and (defensive pass game coordinator (Jason Simmons) and TD (secondary coach Tom Donatell), this is where I’m supposed to be, man. I know this is where I’m supposed to be,”

Nothing offensive there. Steelers linebacker Patrick Queen, who also signed as a free agent this offseason, had an interesting reaction.

Not sure what Queen was referring to, but just like Queen made the best decision for him, Chinn made the one that was best for him and his long-term future.

Takeaways and observations from Day 2 of Eagles’ mandatory minicamp

Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training camp, and the Eagles are implementing a new offensive and defensive system. Wednesday was Day 2 of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp, and a familiar face was back at the …

Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training camp, and the Eagles are implementing a new offensive and defensive system.

Wednesday was Day 2 of the Eagles’ mandatory minicamp, and a familiar face was back at the NovaCare Complex, as Fletcher Cox appeared amid his retirement adjustment.

There are battles for the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay and at middle linebacker, where Nakobe Dean will work to hold off Zack Baum alongside Devin White.

With the second day completed, we’re looking at takeaways and observations from the session.

It’s only an early preview, but Quinyon Mitchell, Kelee Ringo, and Isaiah Rodgers are set to have an intense battle for the cornerback spot opposite Darius Slay.

Don’t look now, but Ross could easily land Philadelphia’s third or fourth wide receiver spot. The speedy former first-round pick took first-team snaps on Wednesday and has been active during two days of practice.

Devin White appears to be the only lock as a starter, while Nakobe Dean and Zack Baun will continue to battle for the inside linebacker job.

The future Hall of Famer appeared at the NovaCare Complex in street clothes for the first time since retiring.

With Landon Dickerson absent and Trevor Keegan injured, Mekhi Becton logged first-team snaps at left guard.

Kellen Moore is installing a new offensive system, and Wednesday presents some frustrations for Jalen Hurts and company.

The former Georgia running back has fresh legs and is starting to emerge as a training camp dark horse to watch in the running back competition.