Month: April 2024

Dec 10, 2023; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) runs for a touchdown after a catch against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the first half at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Falcons exercise fifth-year option for TE Kyle Pitts

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Atlanta Falcons picked up tight end Kyle Pitts’ fifth-year option on Monday.

The fourth overall pick of the 2021 NFL Draft will stay with Atlanta through at least 2025. The option carries a guaranteed $10.878 million salary for 2025.

Pitts was named to the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2021, when he caught 68 passes for 1,026 yards and one touchdown, but his production had tailed off in the two seasons since, in part due to a torn MCL midway through his sophomore campaign.

Pitts, 23, has totaled 149 receptions for 2,049 yards and six touchdowns over 44 career games (40 starts) while catching passes from Marcus Mariota, Desmond Ridder and Taylor Heinicke in the past two years.

The Falcons signed quarterback Kirk Cousins to a four-year, $180 million contract in free agency before adding QB Michael Penix Jr. with the eighth pick in the draft last week.

Atlanta is also expected to have a new game plan under Raheem Morris, who was hired to replace Arthur Smith as head coach. Speaking at the owners’ meetings last month, Morris indicated he was high on Pitts.

“He’s the mayor of Atlanta,” Morris said. “I think he wants to come back and have a highly productive year. I think he’s excited about his partnership with some of the guys that we brought in.”

–Field Level Media

Mekhi Becton of the Jets coming off the field in the second half during a Dec. 3, 2023 game against the Atlanta Falcons. The Eagles signed Becton to a free agent contract.

Eagles add to OT depth with signing of Mekhi Becton

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The Philadelphia Eagles signed free agent offensive tackle Mekhi Becton, a former first-round pick of the New York Jets, to a one-year contract, the team announced Monday.

Terms of the contract were not disclosed, but it is valued at up to $5.5 million, according to multiple media reports.

The Jets made Becton the 11th overall selection of the 2020 NFL Draft, and the Louisville product started 13 of his 14 games as a rookie. However, a knee injury in Week 1 ended the left tackle’s second season, and Becton moved to right tackle, only to miss all of the 2022 season because of another knee injury.

The 6-foot-7, 363-pound lineman started all 16 games he played in 2023, playing 95 percent of the offensive snaps. The Jets did not pick up the fifth-year option on Becton, who turned 25 on April 18.

The Eagles, who did not select an offensive tackle in last weekend’s draft, add depth to the roster at the position behind starting left tackle Jordan Mailata and right tackle Lane Johnson. Backup Jack Driscoll signed as a free agent with the Miami Dolphins.

–Field Level Media

Feb. 12, 2023: Andy Reid and Travis Kelce celebrate the Kansas City Chiefs' win over the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LVII at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona.

Reports: Chiefs adjust Travis Kelce’s contract; now highest-paid TE

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Travis Kelce and the Kansas City Chiefs agreed to a new two-year deal that makes the nine-time Pro Bowl selection the NFL’s highest-paid tight end, according to multiple reports.

Kelce’s deal was quickly celebrated by Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.

“I told yall I’ll never let him leave!! Congrats my guy! @tkelce,” Mahomes said via X.

The Chiefs signed head coach Andy Reid and general manager Brett Veach to contract extensions prior to the draft. Mahomes signed a 10-year deal in 2020.

Kelce, 34, was set to become a free agent after the 2025 season. The new deal replaces the final two years on his existing contract, a four-year, $57.25 million deal he signed in August 2020.

Kelce led the Chiefs with 93 receptions for 984 yards and five touchdowns in 2023. Kelce sat out Week 17 against the Chargers, forgoing a chance to stretch his streak of consecutive 1,000-yard seasons to eight in order to enter the playoffs healthy.

He was due to be fourth in the NFL in annual salary behind Darren Waller (Giants), T.J. Hockenson (Vikings) and George Kittle (49ers) in 2024.

Kelce has 907 receptions for 11,328 yards and 74 touchdowns in 159 regular-season games with the Chiefs since he was drafted in the third round in 2013.

–Field Level Media

Mar 30, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Former Philadelphia Eagle Jason Kelce reacts before the game between the Philadelphia Phillies and Atlanta Braves at Citizens Bank Park. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports

Jason Kelce joining ESPN’s ‘MNF’ pregame show

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Recently retired Jason Kelce is joining ESPN this fall to be part of its “Monday Night Countdown” pregame show, The Athletic reported Monday.

Kelce announced his retirement early last month after 13 seasons as the center for the Philadelphia Eagles.

Kelce was sought after by CBS, NBC and Amazon, per the report. CBS was interested in Kelce for its “NFL Today” show, per the report.

Drafted in the sixth round (191st overall) in 2011, Kelce became a Super Bowl LII champion and one of the most durable, decorated and respected centers in NFL history — and one of the league’s most passionate players.

The six-time All-Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection started 205 games for the Eagles, including the postseason.

Kelce, 36, is the older brother of Kansas City Chiefs star tight end Travis Kelce. The siblings have a popular podcast called “New Heights.”

–Field Level Media

Apr 26, 2024; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears number one draft choice Caleb Williams at a press conference at Halas Hall. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams’ OROY odds strengthen, Michael Penix’s plummet

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The NFL draft is when talent and opportunity combine to immediately change the short- and long-term opportunities presented to prospects.

That was at the forefront of this year’s first round, when Caleb Williams was selected No. 1 overall by Chicago. The former Southern California star is expected to walk in the door as the Bears’ starting quarterback.

Seven picks later, the biggest shock of the first round took place when the Atlanta Falcons selected their own quarterback in Washington’s Michael Penix Jr. That was despite having recently given Kirk Cousins a four-year, $180 million deal that includes $100 million guaranteed.

That was also despite Penix’s lengthy injury history and that he’s already an “older” rookie as he enters the league at 23 years old.

Oddsmakers quickly shortened Williams’ odds of winning Offensive Rookie of the Year honors. That includes at DraftKings, where he went from +250 pre-draft to +200 on Monday. By contrast, Penix’s OROY odds plummeted from +1800 to +6000 as he’s expected to spend at least the 2024 season mentoring behind Cousins.

Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. remained the second favorite behind Williams, but saw his odds lengthen slightly from +550 to +600 after going fourth overall to Arizona as many analysts projected.

LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels was another player to see his odds impacted, shortening to +650 after going No. 2 overall to Washington. He separated from his former teammate, wide receiver Malik Nabers, after both entered the draft at +800.

Meanwhile, Texas wide receiver Xavier Worthy saw his odds skyrocket from +3500 to +1600 after Kansas City traded up in the first round to grab the speedster at No. 28. Many view his pairing with Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes and coach Andy Reid as an ideal fit in the mold of Tyreek Hill.

OFFENSIVE ROY ODDS (Pre-Draft, Post-Draft)*
Caleb Williams, QB, Southern Cal (+250, +200)
Marvin Harrison Jr., WR, Ohio State (+550, +600)
Jayden Daniels, QB, LSU (+800, +650)
J.J. McCarthy, QB, Michigan (+1600, +800)
Malik Nabers, WR, LSU (+800, +1200)
Drake Maye, QB, North Carolina (+1100, +1600)
Xavier Worthy, WR, Texas (+3500, +1600)
Bo Nix, QB, Oregon (+3500, +1600)
Rome Odunze, WR, Washington (+1100, +2200)
Brian Thomas Jr., WR, LSU (+2500, +2500)
Brock Bowers, TE, Georgia (+2200, +3500)
Adonai Mitchell, WR, Texas (+3500, +3500)
Michael Penix Jr., QB, Washington (+1800, +6000)
*DraftKings

Alabama pass rusher Dallas Turner was the third defensive player off the board at No. 17 to Minnesota, but he leads the Defensive Rookie of the Year odds at +400. That’s ahead of UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu (+700), who went two picks ahead of Turner to Indianapolis.

The other top names on the defensive side are cornerback Quinyon Mitchell (Philadelphia, +1000) and pass rushers Jared Verse (Los Angeles Rams, +1100) and Chop Robinson (Miami, +1300).

–Field Level Media

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills defensive end Greg Rousseau (50) against the Kansas City Chiefs in the 2024 AFC divisional round game at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Bills picking up option on DE Greg Rousseau

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The Buffalo Bills are picking up the fifth-year option on defensive end Greg Rousseau, Fox Sports reported Monday.

NFL teams have until Thursday to exercise the 2025 options on their 2021 first-round draft picks.

Rousseau, the 30th overall selection in 2021, will earn a fully guaranteed salary of $13.387 million in 2025.

Rousseau, 24, registered five sacks, 18 quarterback hits and 42 tackles while starting 16 games last season.

His career totals include 17 sacks, 42 QB hits, 129 tackles and three forced fumbles in 46 games (all starts).

–Field Level Media

Jan 1, 2023; Foxborough, Massachusetts, USA; New England Patriots defensive tackle Christian Barmore (90) reacts after a sack against the Miami Dolphins during the second half at Gillette Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brian Fluharty-USA TODAY Sports

Patriots sign DT Christian Barmore to $92M extension

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The New England Patriots reached agreement with defensive tackle Christian Barmore on a four-year extension with a maximum value of $92 million.

Agent Nicole Lynn confirmed the figures Monday with ESPN, which also reported that the deal includes $41.8 million guaranteed for the 2021 second-round pick.

Barmore, 24, was entering the final year of his rookie contract in 2024 and was scheduled to earn a base salary of $1.82 million. The extension runs through the 2028 season.

Patriots head coach Jerod Mayo said at the NFL league meetings in March that contract talks were active and likely to lead to a new deal following Barmore’s breakout season in 2023.

“Three years ago, Christian and I sat in the greenroom at the NFL Draft on night 1 and his names was not called,” Lynn posted Monday on X. “He would eventually slide to round 2, and that became one of the hardest nights of my career. Fast forward and now he is one of the highest paid DTs. God is always faithful!”

The 6-foot-5, 315-pound Barmore paced the Patriots with a career-high 8.5 sacks in 17 games (six starts) last season, also setting career highs in tackles (64), quarterback hits (16) and pass breakups (six).

Barmore has recorded 12.5 sacks, 32 QB hits and 133 tackles in 44 career games (11 starts).

–Field Level Media

John Franklin-Myers of the Jets knocks the ball from Patriots quarterback Mac Jones as the New England Patriots defeated the NY Jets 25-6 at MetLife Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ on September 19, 2021. The New England Patriots Came To Play The Ny Jets At Metlife Stadium In East Rutherford Nj On September 19 2021

Broncos acquire DE John Franklin-Myers from Jets

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The Denver Broncos acquired defensive end John Franklin-Myers from the New York Jets in exchange for a 2026 sixth-round pick, both teams confirmed Monday.

Franklin-Myers, 27, recorded 3.5 sacks, 14 quarterback hits, 33 tackles and three passes defensed in 17 starts with the Jets last season.

“It is something we have been working on the past couple of weeks,” Broncos general manager George Paton said. “He is a player that we have always respected. He is durable. For three straight years he has not missed a game, and four straight years of 54-plus pressures. He can play all down the line of scrimmage. The one thing that sticks out on tape is the relentless motor this guy plays with. We are excited to get him. … He is going to help our defensive line.”

A fourth-round pick by the Los Angeles Rams in 2018, Franklin-Myers has recorded 19.5 sacks, 61 QB hits, 135 tackles, three fumble recoveries and one interception in 81 games (52 starts) with L.A. (2018) and New York (2020-23).

–Field Level Media

Feb 6, 2024; Las Vegas, NV, USA; The CBS Sports on-air broadcast team including Sean McManus, David Berson, Jim Nantz, Tony Romo, Tracy Wolfson, Evan Washburn, Jay Feely, Gene Steratore, Nate Burleson, Dylan Gilmer (Young Dylan), JJ Watt, Bill Cowher, Jonathan Jones, James Brown, Phil Simms and Boomer Esiason pose at press conference at the Super Bowl 58 Media Center at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Boomer Esiason, Phil Simms sacked at ‘NFL Today’

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Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms are out at CBS Sports as analysts on the network’s Sunday pregame show “The NFL Today.”

Both former NFL quarterbacks announced Monday that they were leaving the network; The Athletic reported that Matt Ryan is in. J.J. Watt will remain and could have an expanded role this season.

The moves come in the aftermath of the announced retirement of CBS Sports chairman Sean McManus, with David Berson replacing him as boss of CBS Sports.

“More their decision than maybe mine,” Esiason said of CBS Sports. “I had been there for 22 years. The guy who hired me back in 2001 was a guy by the name of Sean McManus, who was the CBS Sports Chairman … I never in my wildest dreams (thought) it would have lasted 22 years.”

Simms was there for 26 years, first as the in-booth No. 1 analyst alongside Jim Nantz before shifting to the studio in 2017 when the network inked Tony Romo.

“Great 26 yrs run with CBS SPORTS. Even though that part of my career is over I look forward to what is next,” Simms posted to X.

–Field Level Media

Dec 5, 2022; Tampa, Florida, USA; New Orleans Saints wide receiver Jarvis Landry (5) makes a reception against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers during the third quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Douglas DeFelice-USA TODAY Sports

WR Jarvis Landry attempts NFL return in Jacksonville

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Five-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Jarvis Landry agreed to participate in rookie minicamp with the Jacksonville Jaguars in a bid to return to the NFL after sitting out the 2023 season.

Landry, 31, sent a warning shot about his comeback bid prior to the NFL draft with a video of his on-field workouts and the words “Rent due.”

Landry was released by the Cleveland Browns in 2022 after they traded for Amari Cooper. Landry played for the New Orleans Saints in 2022 but was limited to nine games due to multiple injuries. He caught 25 passes for 272 yards and one touchdown.

Injuries were a hurdle for Landry in his final two seasons with Cleveland and he previously played for the Miami Dolphins.

Landry has 713 catches for 7,870 yards with 38 touchdowns in his career.

–Field Level Media