Tag: NFL Free Agency

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.

Highlights from Day 2 of Eagles mandatory minicamp

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. Philadelphia has one practice left before breaking until the late July training …

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.

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

Highlights from Day 1 of Eagles mandatory minicamp

After nine weeks of offseason workouts and six OTA sessions, the Eagles hit the practice field at the NovaCare Complex for the first three-day, mandatory minicamp since the 2019 season. Tuesday was the first official day for Kellen Moore and Vic …

After nine weeks of offseason workouts and six OTA sessions, the Eagles hit the practice field at the NovaCare Complex for the first three-day, mandatory minicamp since the 2019 season.

Tuesday was the first official day for Kellen Moore and Vic Fangio to build depth charts for their versatile and explosive units.

It’s the first minicamp of the post-Jason Kelce, Fletcher Cox era, and it featured new faces and players evolving as new leaders. James Bradberry returned to the field after missing all OTAs, while Pro Bowl left guard Landon Dickerson was absent.

With Day 2 scheduled for Wednesday, here are highlights and video from the practice.

Eagles 2024 OTAs: Photos from Day 5 of practice

The Eagles kicked off the next phase of their offseason program this week with OTAs at the NovaCare Complex and we have the best photos from Day 5 of practice

The Philadelphia Eagles kicked off the next phase of their offseason program this week with organized team activities at the NovaCare Complex.

Philadelphia conducted their fifth practice of OTAs on Thursday, which was open to the media and allowed some glimpses at star quarterback Jalen Hurts, wide receiver A.J. Brown, running back Saquon Barkley and the team’s rebuilt defense that made a strong impression.

Here’s a look at some photos from Thursday’s practice:

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DB Patrick Peterson might still be the best FA option for the Steelers

Patrick Peterson thinks he can come in and excel as a nickel cornerabck and the Steelers better be listening.

When it comes to the cornerback position, the Pittsburgh Steelers are set with No. 1 corner Joey Porter Jr. However, after Porter, this depth chart has more questions than answers in terms of who will play where. With the NFL draft in the books, it’s all about who is available in free agency.

But there is still a guy out there, a guy who is going to be in the Pro Football Hall of Fame someday who knows the team pretty well. Patrick Peterson went on his All Things Covered Podcast and talked about what his role could be on an NFL defense this season.

“It don’t necessarily have to be a starting situation because I understand the way the league is going, said Peterson. “As far as a backup role, it would have to be like a nickel position because I feel like I can excel at a nickel position. I feel like I can guard whoever’s number two or three receiver in the slot position of a defense. I feel like over the course of the year I started to get more and more comfortable with the assignments.”

If the Steelers could get Peterson back to play the nickel, it might be the final piece of the puzzle in the secondary. We are still holding out hope that Cory Trice Jr. will be healthy this season and can compete to be the primary backup on the outside to Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson.

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8 free agents still on the market who could help the Steelers

It’s nearly June and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of OTAs. The Steelers have had a very strong free agency period and followed that up with one of the best NFL draft hauls in the league. However, even after all that, there are still …

It’s nearly June and the Pittsburgh Steelers are in the midst of OTAs. The Steelers have had a very strong free agency period and followed that up with one of the best NFL draft hauls in the league. However, even after all that, there are still positions on this roster that need help. Here are eight free agents still on the market who could help the Steelers.

Eagles named the best fit for veteran defensive lineman Calais Campbell

Philadelphia Eagles were named the best fit for defensive tackle Calais Campbell by ESPN

The Eagles are stacked along the defensive line, but with Fletcher Cox announcing his retirement, Vic Fangio could use a versatile veteran to help mentor some talented interior defenders.

ESPN recently ranked the best team fit for some of the top remaining free agents, and Calais Campbell was the player of interest for Philadelphia.

A return to Atlanta is a possibility for Campbell if he decides to play another season at age 38. He tied for the team lead in sacks last season with 6.5. But I’m instead looking at the Eagles. Campbell would fit in Vic Fangio’s 30 front as a rotational end, building more depth. At 6-foot-8 and 282 pounds, he can hold the point against the run game when matched up with offensive tackles, and he was a productive player last season for the Falcons, registering 28 pressures. I see Campbell as a total pro who could help multiple NFL squads.

Campbell started all 17 regular season games for Atlanta and contributed to the Falcons’ defensive turnaround. He finished the 2023 season playing at a high level and could replace Fletcher Cox as a viable mentor to Jalen Carter and Jordan Davis.