Broncos signing WR Josh Reynolds to 2-year contract

The Broncos are signing wide receiver Josh Reynolds to a two-year contract worth up to $14 million.

The Denver Broncos are signing wide receiver Josh Reynolds to a two-year contract, NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo first reported Wednesday.

The two-year deal will be worth “up to” $14 million, according to various reports, but the receiver’s base salary is not yet known.

Reynolds (6-3, 194 pounds) entered the league as a fourth-round pick out of Texas A&M with the Los Angeles Rams in 2017. After four years in L.A., Reynolds had a half-year stint with the Tennessee Titans followed by a three-and-a-half-year run with the Detroit Lions.

The 29-year-old receiver totaled 40 receptions for 608 yards and five touchdowns last season. He has hauled in 220 receptions for 2,933 yards and 19 touchdowns in 107 career games (53 starts). Reynolds is now entering his eighth season in the NFL.

After trading Jerry Jeudy to the Cleveland Browns earlier this month, the Broncos now have Courtland Sutton, Marvin Mims, Tim Patrick, Reynolds, Lil’Jordan Humphrey, Jalen Virgil and Brandon Johnson as their top receivers going into the 2024 NFL draft.

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NFL adopts new kickoff rule for 2024

The NFL hopes the new rule will lead to more returns. Who could the Commanders turn to as their kick returner in 2024?

The kickoff was once one of the most exciting plays in the NFL. However, with all the injuries over the years, rules were adopted that minimized the kickoff in recent years.

On Tuesday, the NFL owners approved a new hybrid rule that completely changes the kickoff in hopes of making it an important part of the game again but also keeping it safe.

Here’s this directly from the NFL:

  • By Competition Committee; for one year only, amends Rule 6, to create a new form of a free kick play that is designed to: (1) resemble a typical scrimmage play by aligning players on both teams closer together and restricting movement to reduce space and speed; and (2) promote more returns. Permits the Replay Official automatically review whether a free kick legally touched the ground or a receiving team player in the landing zone.

Essentially, the 2024 season is a trial run for this new rule and the league will reexamine again next March.

NFL.com went more in-depth on the new rule.

Kickoffs will remain at the 35-yard line, but the remaining 10 players on the kicking unit will line up at the opposing team’s 40-yard line. The receiving team lines up with at least seven players in the “set-up zone,” a five-yard area between their own 35- and 30-yard lines, with a maximum of two returners can line up in the landing zone.

After the ball is kicked, the kicker cannot cross the 50-yard line and the 10 kicking team players cannot move until the ball hits the ground or a player in the landing zone or goes into the end zone. The receiving team’s players in the set-up zone also cannot move until the kick has hit the ground or a player in the landing zone or the end zone. The returner(s) may move at any time before or during the kickoff.

Penalties on scoring plays also will not carry over and will be taken on the point after attempt. On any penalty that carries over to kickoffs, the set-up and landing zones will not change, nor will the alignment of the 10 kickoff team players and all the receiving team players — only the kicker’s positioning move.

Kickoff scenarios:

  • Kickoffs that hit the landing zone must be returned.
  • Kickoffs that hit the landing zone and then go into the end zone must be returned or downed by the receiving team. If downed, the receiving team would get the ball at its own 20-yard line.
  • Kickoffs that go into the end zone and stay inbounds that are downed would give the receiving team the ball at their own 30-yard line. Kickoffs that go out of the back of the end zone (in the air or bounces) would also be a touchback at the receiving team’s 30-yard line.
  • Kickoffs short of the landing zone would be treated like a kickoff out of bounds, and the receiving team would get the ball at its own 40-yard line.

The legislation also will lead to a tweak in onside kicks, which can only occur in the fourth quarter and onward when a team trails. The kicking team must declare its intent to onside kick.

On the same day as the NFL approved the kickoff rule, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed one of the NFL’s best returners, Cordarrelle Patterson, to a two-year deal. The 33-year-old is entering his 12th NFL season in 2024 and has 22 career receiving touchdowns, 16 rushing touchdowns and has returned nine kickoffs for touchdowns. When you consider how the league has limited the kickoff in recent years, those nine touchdowns are impressive.

Will Washington Commanders general manager Adam Peters add a dynamic player to the roster in hopes of boosting the team’s kick return game? Antonio Gibson returned kickoff the past two seasons, but he is gone. Veteran wide receiver Jamison Crowder returned punts in 2023, but is unlikely to return kicks.

A name to watch is Kazmeir Allen. Undrafted out of UCLA last season, Allen remained on Washington’s practice squad all of last season. He re-signed with the Commanders this offseason. During his time at UCLA, Allen returned 39 kickoffs at an average of 27 yards per return and had one touchdown.

Washington’s new special teams coach, Larry Izzo, is one of the NFL’s best and will certainly look to prioritize the return game in 2024.

Chargers get best player available, fill holes in Chad Reuter’s latest 4-round mock draft

Breaking down the Chargers’ picks in Chad Reuter’s latest four-round mock draft.

The Chargers have a smidge bit of leeway heading into the NFL draft after addressing a few positional needs in free agency, but there are still some critical spots on the roster that need to be filled next month.

In NFL Media’s Chad Reuter’s latest four-round mock draft, he sees Los Angeles taking the best player available at a glaring position of need in the first round and building out the depth chart the rest of the way out.

In Round 1, wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. falls in their lap.

The Cardinals, who have the No. 4 overall pick, trade back with the Vikings in this scenario. Minnesota takes their quarterback of the future in J.J. McCarthy, leaving Harrison for the taking.

With Keenan Allen and Mike Williams gone, the Bolts must add to the wideout room in the worst way.

Harrison is a bonafide star skill player with athleticism, speed, route-running savvy and elite ball skills. He would quickly develop close chemistry with Justin Herbert and boost the offense significantly.

In Round 2, L.A. takes defensive tackle Braden Fiske.

Fiske, the 6-foot-4 and 292-pounder, was a standout at the NFL Scouting Combine. He led all defensive tackles in the vertical (33.5″), broad jump (9’9), and 40-yard dash (4.78 seconds).

That immense athleticism shows up on the football field, as Fiske plays with good movement skills and quickness. While he possesses below-average length, Fiske is crafty with his hands and is strong at the point of attack.

The Chargers signed Poona Ford last week, but they still need to fill out the interior part of the defensive line depth chart.

In Round 3, the Chargers select cornerback DJ James.

James has a lot of experience, having spent his final two seasons at Auburn after three with Oregon. He is a great athlete with the desired coverage skills and knack for the football, as evidenced by leading the SEC in forced incompletions (15) in 2023.

With their first pick in the fourth round, Los Angeles selects running back Will Shipley.

Shipley shows the burst, decisiveness, and receiving ability to be a rotational back, which are all traits that the Bolts could use in the backfield as they look to finish building out the group.

With the additional fourth-round pick they got from the Bears in return for Keenan Allen, L.A. takes offensive lineman Sataoa Laumea.

Jim Harbaugh wants to be more physical up front to aid the running game and that means bolstering the offensive line with his guys. Laumea is an experienced player who logged 44 straight games between right tackle and right guard. He is a fleet-footed mover with a nasty streak.

Jim Harbaugh expresses excitement for Alohi Gilman re-signing with Chargers

Jim Harbaugh had nothing but great things to say about Alohi Gilman’s return.

Jim Harbaugh had nothing but great things to say about Alohi Gilman’s return. Harbaugh’s excitement echoed the sentiments of Chargers fans, who were eager to have Gilman back on the first day of free agency. 

“Super excited about our safeties. Alohi, Derwin … it doesn’t get any better than that,” Harbaugh said.

Gilman earned his starting spot with spectacular and solid performances last year. He has become a key member of the Bolts’ defense. 

Gilman is the ball hawk the Chargers defense needs as he finished his 2023 campaign with three forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries to go along with two interceptions and 10 passes defended. 

Across four seasons, Gilman has 180 tackles, 14 passes defended and four interceptions.

Gilman and James are set to be the duo on the back end next season, but Harbaugh’s affinity for the safety began before his time in the NFL. 

“Long been a fan of Alohi from his Notre Dame days and Navy days,” Harbaugh said. “Just getting the chance to be around him and the interactions I’ve had, he’s just who I thought he was.”

Gilman is one of the most exciting players to watch in the powder blues and the Chargers front office made sure to secure him early in free agency.

15 biggest salary cap hits for the Eagles in 2024 after first wave of NFL free agency

We’re looking at the 15 biggest cap hits for the Philadelphia Eagles in 2024 after the first wave of NFL free agency

Change is always good for the soul, and after losing six of their final seven games, including a wild-card loss to the Buccaneers, Philadelphia has undergone a dramatic reconstruction that could pay off with championship dividends.

Offensive coordinators Brian Johnson (Commanders) and Sean Desai (Rams) have left, replaced by Vic Fangio (DC) and Kellen Moore (OC).

The Eagles have retooled their roster on both sides of the football after inking DE Bryce Huff, RB Saquon Barkley, OLB Zach Baun, OL Matt Hennessy, WR DeVante Parker, S/CB C.J. Gardner-Johnson, LB Devin White, LB Oren Burks, DT PJ Mustipher, WR Parris Campbell, and CB Tyler Hall to deals during the first wave.

Philadelphia then traded for quarterback Kenny Pickett while extending Landon Dickerson and Jake Elliott. 

Philadelphia currently has about  $33,657,986 in cap space per Over The Cap, and they’re spending about $100+ million plus on both sides of the football.

The Eagles also have a Haason Reddick dilemma that’ll be resolved in the next week or more.

The biggest salary cap hits have changed, with Jason Kelce and Fletcher Cox counting until they’re officially released on June 1.

With the first wave of free agency completed, we’re taking an updated look at the 15 biggest salary cap hits for the Eagles, according to Over The Cap.

NFL Power Rankings: Where do the Chargers land after free agency?

With free agency in the rearview, here’s a look at where the Chargers stand in the power rankings after free agency.

NFL free agency has begun to slow down. After the frenzy, Jim Harbaugh’s Chargers are in decent shape, even after moving away from Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. They retained Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack and have made a slew of acquisitions, especially to bolster the running game.

Here is what the national media thinks of Los Angeles after free agency and ahead of the draft.

NFL.com: 16

“This is where I’m bracing for impact. No, you haven’t read this placement wrong — and I’m prepared for the worst. When I last ranked the Chargers, the hiring of Jim Harbaugh was still relatively fresh, and their slot at that time (No. 25) was more about 2023 than the future. The more I think about it, the clearer it is to me that the most difference-making move of any team so far this offseason was Harbaugh joining the Bolts. The guy wins. I don’t know how he’ll do that exactly, but he’ll definitely make this team more mentally tough and disciplined in Year 1. Everywhere he’s been, he’s done that. So prepare yourselves for some narrative-breaking. The Chargers have weathered a tough salary-trimming period, but they came out of it in decent enough shape. And very quietly, they’ve added some Harbaugh-ish signings (Gus Edwards, Will Dissly, Hayden Hurst) to beef up his run game and versatility. Sleep on them at your own peril.”

Sporting News: 16

“The Chargers’ offensive transition to be run-heavy and more efficient with Justin Herbert is in full swing under Jim Harbaugh and Greg Roman. They wisely chose to preserve defense (Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa) over offense (Keenan Allen, Mike Williams).”

Pro Football Network: 17

“What a weird offseason for the Chargers. Still riding high from the hiring of Jim Harbaugh, Chargers fans got a reality check when the franchise released Mike Williams and traded Keenan Allen in a pair of cost-cutting moves.”

For The Win: 27

“2024 is a gap year while Jim Harbaugh and general manager Joe Hortiz untangle the mess left behind by the previous regime. An untenable cap situation meant Los Angeles not only had to mostly sit out the start of free agency but also had to say goodbye to Keenan Allen and Mike Williams. Oh well. Biting the financial bullet now should ensure a more fruitful future for Justin Herbert.”

The Athletic: 26

“Jim Harbaugh’s first offseason with the Chargers involved cutting a lot of salary, which is why Allen and Williams are gone and Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack restructured their contracts. Edwards is an interesting addition and plays the power back role Harbaugh prefers better than Ekeler, but the exits outweigh the entrances on the roster so far, and Harbaugh’s first year might not be stellar.”

Chargers HC Jim Harbaugh on Keenan Allen trade: ‘It’s the business part of the NFL’

This marked the first time Jim Harbaugh spoke after Keenan Allen was traded.

Jim Harbaugh spoke to the media at the NFL’s annual owners meetings for the first time since Keenan Allen was traded to the Bears.

It’s the business part of the NFL. Everybody does what’s best for them. Joe [Hortiz] talked about it last week. It’s very transparent. It’s the buisness part of it. Everybody does what’s in their best intesrest. And Keenan? Make $23 million a year, play in Chicago. You know? Who’s got it better?

Harbaugh stated that Joe Hortiz and Allen’s agent, Joby Branion, primarily facilitated the deal to send Allen to the Bears. Harbaugh mentioned Allen doing what was right for his family.

With Mike Williams leaving to the Jets on a one-year, $15 million, Harbaugh also mentioned that he did what was in his best interest. With Joey Bosa and Khalil Mack staying for 2024, Harbaugh said he’s “thrilled” to have those two return.

Asked about plans for the wide receiver room, Harbaugh said that he’s “excited” about Quentin Johnston, Josh Palmer, and Derius Davis in the wide receiver room. Like Hortiz said in his press conference last week, Harbaugh was quick to point out free agency as a source for talent in addition to the draft.

The Chargers could end up addressing their receiver room with one of the class’ top talents like Marvin Harrison Jr., Malik Nabers, or Rome Odunze. However, Hortiz did note the depth of the wide receiver class back at his combine presser. Free agents like Odell Beckham Jr. and Michael Gallup remain on the market.

Whatever combination of options the Chargers choose, I’d be willing to bet this is far from their final depth chart at the wide receiver position.

Joe Hortiz speaks on Chargers’ free agency additions with ties to Ravens

Almost half of the free agents the Chargers added to their roster for the 2024 season have come from the Ravens.

Almost half of the free agents the Chargers added to their roster for the 2024 season have come from the Ravens. General manager Joe Hortiz recruited running back Gus Edwards, center Bradley Bozeman, and tight end Hayden Hurst, all of whom played under him during his tenure with Baltimore. 

“All three of those guys, I know what we’re getting with them,” Hortiz said.

They were inevitably ‘a natural fit,’ according to Hortiz. 

Edwards is slated to be the Bolts’ top running back. He’s a physical addition to the offense. In 2023, he ran for 810 yards and scored 13 touchdowns. 

“I think specifically with Gus, l’ve seen him deal with the adversity of the [ACL] injury two years ago and come back from it,” Hortiz said. “Grind, be physical, continue to play the same brand of football he’s always played. Really excited to have him.

“He’s the bell cow, the goal line [guy], the finisher,” Hortiz added. “The right mentality for what we’re looking to do here. I told you we wanted to be bigger, play a physical style of football on both sides of the ball and he helps us do that.”

The connections to the Ravens continue with the Chargers acquiring Hurst and Bozeman who were part of the same 2018 draft class in Baltimore.

“Bradley and Hayden are the same way [as Edwards],” Hortiz said. “I do my best to get to know the players and those are two I knew pretty well from my time in Baltimore.

“Feel very fortunate that the situation presented itself to get both those guys,” Hortiz added. “You get two quality players that know our scheme, that fit our scheme and that fit the mentality.”

National reaction to NFL banning the hip drop tackle

We’re looking at the player and media reaction to the NFL banning the hip drop tackle at the NFL owners meetings

Defensive coaches around the league will have to do their job even more efficiently after the NFL formally voted to make the hip drop tackle illegal and a 15-yard penalty.

Here are the detailed rules for how it will be enforced.

The NFLPA has been a significant opponent of the rule, and defensive players around the league are starting to react.

NFL defenders will now have to run through the tackle or aim for an even lower target when approaching an offensive player in the open field.

With the move now official, here’s the reaction from players and media.

2024 NFL draft: Chargers hosted USC WR Brenden Rice on top-30 visit

The Chargers are looking at a middle-round wide receiver.

According to The Draft Network’s Justin Melo, the Chargers hosted USC wide receiver Brenden Rice on a top-30 visit.

Brenden, the son of Hall of Fame NFL receiver Jerry Rice, caught for 791 yards and a team-leading 12 touchdowns during the 2023 regular season.

Before his two seasons with the Trojans, Rice played for Colorado. For his four-year collegiate career between the Buffalos and USC, Rice had 1,812 yards receiving and 21 touchdowns.

At 6-foot-2 and 208 pounds, Rice is a big-bodied wideout with decent route-running skills, but his game is predicated on physicality and using his strong hands to engulf passes thrown to him.

Rice was a Reese’s Senior Bowl attendee.

If the Chargers are looking to address the positional group in the middle rounds, Rice could be a potential option.