Tag: OTAs

Report: Courtland Sutton wants to be paid $15M-$16M per season

Broncos WR Courtland Sutton would like to be paid in the $15-$16 million range, according to ESPN. He has a base salary of $13m in 2024.

Denver Broncos wide receiver Courtland Sutton has been skipping the team’s offseason program as he seeks a revised contract.

Sutton is set to have a base salary of $13 million this season with $2 million guaranteed, according to OverTheCap.com. Next year, Sutton’s base salary will increase to $13.5 million, but none of it will be guaranteed.

Entering the final two years of his contract, the 28-year-old receiver wants a raise.

“He’d like to see that get up, maybe in that $15-$16 million range,” ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reported earlier this month (hat tip to Predominantly Orange). “We’ll see if they can find a sweet spot.”

The Broncos took on a $53 million “dead money” cap hit when they released quarterback Russell Wilson in March, so it’s not surprising that the team has been reluctant to give Sutton a raise. Denver currently has about $8.7 million in available cap space, but big extensions for guard Quinn Meinerz and cornerback Pat Surtain are on deck.

All of the workouts and light practices that Sutton has missed so far have been voluntary, and the team has downplayed his absence. If he skips mandatory minicamp next month (June 11-13), Sutton could face up to $101,716 in fines.

Eventually, one side will give in. Either the Broncos will agree to revise his contract or Sutton will report for practice. The second week of organized team activities is set to begin later today.

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Jalen Tolbert’s renewed confidence could lead to Year 3 breakout

Feeling assured he belongs on the big stage, Tolbert be headed for a breakout season in Year 3. | From @BenGrimaldi

The Dallas Cowboys have one of the best wide receivers in the league in All-Pro CeeDee Lamb. They also have one of the better veteran WRs in Brandin Cooks to compliment Lamb in the passing game. After the top two receivers, things get dicey for the passing game.

However, third-year WR Jalen Tolbert appears ready to have his breakout season just when the Cowboys need him. The path for more playing time has never been clearer for Tolbert, who is the clubhouse leader to take over as the team’s third receiving option. With veteran WR Michael Gallup now with the Las Vegas Raiders, Year 3 is Tolbert’s opportunity to make an impact, a timeline that used to be the standard for a breakout at the position.

If the early signs from OTAs are any indication, Tolbert’s ready to make a leap into a big-time contributor in 2024. Tolbert expressed having his confidence back as a big reason for his possible ascension this season.

Tolbert entered the league playing at a smaller school, so there was expected to be a steep learning curve, but his first two years with the Cowboys didn’t go as he hoped. His second season was better than his rookie year, but with just 22 receptions for 268 yards and two scores in the 2023 campaign, the former South Alabama product still didn’t progress enough. Through two years, Tolbert has only 24 catches for 280 and those two scores. That’s not good enough for someone drafted in the third-round.

This needs to be the year where Tolbert proves his worth for the Cowboys and with Lamb out for the recent OTAs, it gave the WR a chance at more reps. The third-year WR took advantage and lined up with the first-team offense during the three-day sessions, along with second-year WR Jalen Brooks.

It looks like Brooks, and fellow third-year receiver KaVontae Turpin, will be Tolbert’s biggest competition for snaps. If Tolbert wants to be third on the depth chart come September, it’s something he’s going to earn. Nothing comes easily and Tolbert will have to fight for his spot in the pecking order.

Tolbert’s case is strengthened since he began working out with Cooks this offseason to help be a better player all-around. The veteran WR also believes that Tolbert is ready to make the most of his chance.

All the signs are pointing to Tolbert having an impact in Dallas in his third season. The work he put in, the opportunity, and the mindset has grown to where Tolbert’s expected to be more than a just special teams player and receiver who adds to the depth chart. Tolbert expects to be a big contributor in the passing game this upcoming season, as do his teammates and coaches.

That renewed confidence from the player and the franchise could make for a breakout year from Jalen Tolbert! One week into team organized practices and that appears to be the case.

You can chat with or follow Ben on twitter @BenGrimaldi

First overall pick Caleb Williams reportedly struggling early on in OTAs

First overall pick Caleb Williams reportedly struggling early on in Chicago Bears OTAs

There haven’t been much higher expectations laid on a rookie in recent memory than those that have been laid upon the Chicago Bears first overall pick. Caleb Williams went into the draft as one of the most hyped up prospects since the likes of Trevor Lawrence and Andrew Luck and has had analysts boldly predict some astronomical success for the young quarterback.

Reality is apparently hitting hard for those predictors of his immediate success as Williams has reportedly been struggling early on through the live practices during OTAs. Now of course there is little reason to blow this out of proportion, Williams is a rookie quarterback on a new team who all are installing a new offense, plus there’s the matter of the Chicago defense looking quite good towards the end stretch of last season. You stack all those things onto any rookie quarterback and they are bound to struggle.

It would be a foolish bet to doubt or write Caleb Williams off after struggles this early into his pro career. Moments of struggle and battling it out against good defenses are going to sharpen the immense talent that Williams does possess. Keep an eye out as the season progresses as Williams is very likely to overcome what is an early speedbump.

Formal rival coach reportedly visited Patriots’ OTAs

A familiar and unexpected face was reportedly at the Patriots’ OTAs

Pro Football Hall of Fame coach Tony Dungy attended the New England Patriots organized team activities on Thursday, per ESPN’s Mike Reiss.

Dungy, a longtime head coach of the rival Indianapolis Colts, came to address the team. Patriots coach Jerod Mayo has often talked about collaboration and being open to various perspectives that can ultimately help the team improve.

There’s obviously only good that can come from hearing the perspective from one of the all-time greats. Dungy is also said to have a “strong” relationship with Patriots special teams legend Matthew Slater, who has joined the coaching staff as an adviser.

Reiss wrote:

Former NFL head coach and current NBC “Football Night in America” analyst Tony Dungy visited Patriots practice on Thursday, addressing the team. Mayo has said he is open to various perspectives as he embarks on his head-coaching career, and Dungy’s presence is an example of him acting on that. Dungy also has a strong faith-based connection with Matthew Slater, who is serving as a right-hand man to Mayo.

Dungy and former Patriots coach Bill Belichick were often pitted against one another during the epic Peyton Manning-Tom Brady battles.

Who would have ever thought Dungy would be speaking to a new generation of Patriots players looking to rebuild the dynasty that kept his Colts from winning more than one Super Bowl?

WATCH: Bucs HC Todd Bowles talks Baker Mayfield’s encore, OTAs and more

Hear what Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles had to say to the media at OTA’s earlier this week

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ offseason workouts are in full swing, as they prepare to make a fifth straight trip to the postseason and extend their streak of NFC South titles to four in 2024.

After keeping all of their key free agents this offseason, the Bucs are primed to be the team to beat in their division once again, leaning on continuity to win the day.

Watch the video above to see what Bucs head coach Todd Bowles had to say to the media earlier this week about Baker Mayfield’s second season in Tampa Bay, OTAs and much more.

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Commanders LB Bobby Wagner already showing his leadership skills

Bobby Wagner already showing off his leadership.

One of the primary reasons the Washington Commanders signed linebacker Bobby Wagner this offseason was for him to teach other players how to be professionals and winners. Make no mistake, head coach Dan Quinn still wanted Wagner for everything he does on the field, too.

It’s early, as the Commanders are in their second week of Offseason Training Activities (OTAs), but teammates have raved about Wagner. Coaches, too. Quinn can’t say enough good things about the future Pro Football Hall of Famer.

During the first week of OTAs, guard Sam Cosmi gave an example of Wagner’s leadership. After Wednesday’s practice, Wagner displayed more leadership, even in a joking way.

While Wagner was at the podium speaking with reporters, safety Jeremy Reaves, one of Washington’s captains, was having some fun in the background. Wagner briefly stopped his media session to intervene.

Here’s the clip:

“Hey, you gotta grow up,” Wagner said. “At some point, you gotta grow up, OK.”

Wagner quickly turned back to his media session and said, “See, that’s my job, too; you gotta tell people to grow up.”

Wagner was having some fun with Reaves, who is one of the most beloved players on the team, but it’s clear the locker room belongs to him.

WATCH: Commanders TE Zach Ertz still has hops

Zach Ertz already connecting with Jayden Daniels.

The Washington Commanders signed veteran tight end Zach Ertz this offseason because they still believe he can play. Ertz, 33, is coming off back-to-back seasons shortened by injuries but has experience playing for new offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury.

Washington fans know Ertz well from his time with the Philadelphia Eagles. Ertz spent the first 8.5 seasons of his NFL career with the Eagles, where he enjoyed plenty of success against Washington.

However, another reason GM Adam Peters, coach Dan Quinn and Kingsbury wanted Ertz is for his veteran leadership. Ertz has spoken about being a leader for the Commanders but made it clear he still plans on being on the field.

Ertz will be counted on to help rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels this season. During Wednesday’s OTAs, Ertz was already helping his young quarterback.

Here’s the play:

Ertz proves he still has hops.

The Commanders are counting on Ertz this season to make plays on the field and help transition Daniels and rookie tight end Ben Sinnott to the NFL.

Dan Campbell provides encouraging update on Brian Branch’s injury

Coach Dan Campbell provides an encouraging update on Brian Branch’s injury ahead of OTAs

The Detroit Lions’ 2023 draft yielded several impactful players, including Brian Branch, whose promising performance in his rookie year hinted at a bright future on the defensive side. However, when Branch was spotted in a walking boot, fans grew concerned about his health and potential impact for the upcoming season. Coach Dan Campbell addressed the situation ahead of OTAs, offering reassurance and alleviating the worries among fans.

“He had a little cleanup there. Something that, coming out of last year, thought he might heal, and then it just ended up being, ‘We better get this thing done.’ So that’s where he’s at. That and I think he likes riding scooters. But we feel like he’s progressing well. We feel like he’ll be ready to go in camp. If not, early enough it’ll be certainly he’ll get enough reps to be ready for the season. That’s how we feel right now.”

Last season, Branch emerged as one of the Lions’ standout defensive players, excelling primarily in the nickel corner role. Whether disrupting passing plays or making crucial stops against the run, he showcased versatility and toughness that became a cornerstone of the Lions’ defense. His adaptability as a defensive “swiss army knife” offers the team various options for defensive schemes, keeping opponents guessing about coverage assignments and blitz packages.

With limited changes in the safety position, it appears the Lions will rely more on Branch to fulfill additional roles, further enhancing the defensive playbook.

During Branch’s absence from OTAs due to recovery, the Lions will have the opportunity to evaluate other players for the nickel position, such as rookie Ennis Rakestraw. With a depth of options at cornerback, the team can experiment and identify potential fits for this key role, maximizing practice opportunities and roster flexibility.

Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes on Marquise Brown: ‘He’s a good addition to the offense’

Patrick Mahomes told the media that WR Marquise Brown is “a good addition” to the Chiefs’ offense.

The Kansas City Chiefs are continuing their offseason programs with organized team activities. Wednesday marked the third day of OTAs, and the Chiefs are in the early process of defending their back-to-back Super Bowls.

Quarterback Patrick Mahomes spoke to the media after Wednesday’s practice and shared his thoughts on what he has seen from Marquise Brown this offseason.

“I’ve seen it the entire offseason from working in Texas to here,” Mahomes explained. “I remember the first day I told guys like Drue [Tranquill], he [Marquise Brown] tracks the ball well and he can really go. I’m giving him chances down the field, and he’s making the plays happen. The more plays he makes, the more we’ll continue to give him those chances. [He’s] a good addition to our offense.”

Head coach Andy Reid stated that Mahomes and Brown are developing chemistry through the early days of OTAs, and that the pair have stood out in offensive drills.

Xavier Woods named Panthers’ ‘best-kept secret’

Sshhhh . . . don’t tell opposing offenses about Xavier Woods.

Xavier Woods deserves his flowers.

In a recent league-wide rundown by Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, the Carolina Panthers safety was named the team’s “best-kept secret” heading into this year’s team organized activities. Holder writes of the 28-yeaar-old defender:

Carolina hasn’t done a lot of winning since Woods got there two years ago, which is probably part of the reason why he’s under the radar. But the safety is a versatile player who can line up in the box and protect the back end of the defense.

He’s also good against the run and pass, logging nine interceptions and PBUs combined with four tackles for loss in addition to earning an 81.7 coverage grade and 73.7 run defense grade from Pro Football Focus last season.

Woods signed with Carolina on a three-year, $15 million deal back in 2022. Since then, he’s amassed 147 combined tackles (four for a loss), three fumble recoveries, two interceptions and 13 passes defensed.

Dave Canales will be Woods’ third different full-time head coach since joining the organization. So even with the constant winds of change, he’s proven to be quite the constant—albeit a secret one.

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