Tag: Smith

Oct 29, 2023; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) reacts as he takes the field prior to the game against the New England Patriots at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

Reports: Steelers, Dolphins swap Jalen Ramsey, Minkah Fitzpatrick

Posted on | by Field Level Media

The Pittsburgh Steelers acquired All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey from the Miami Dolphins, multiple news outlets reported Monday.

Ramsey confirmed the development on X, posting: “Break my own news! #HereWeGo @steelers.”

The Steelers also will receive tight end Jonnu Smith, ESPN reported. Pittsburgh is sending All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick and an unspecified late-round draft pick to Miami to complete the blockbuster trade, per ESPN.

Ramsey, 30, did not attend Miami’s mandatory minicamp earlier this month while the team attempted to secure a trade partner. The Steelers and Los Angeles Rams were considered the most likely destinations.

Dolphins general manager Chris Grier said prior to the 2025 NFL Draft that Ramsey didn’t request a trade, but they came to the joint realization that a potential move made sense following several conversations about his contract.

Ramsey signed a three-year contract extension in September 2024 and started all 17 games for Miami, posting two interceptions, 11 passes defensed and 60 tackles last season.

ESPN reported that the Steelers are giving Ramsey a $1.5 million raise in 2025 as part of the agreement, bumping his compensation to $26.6 million.

Ramsey went to Miami in March 2023 in a trade with the Rams for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long. Ramsey missed the first seven games that season with a knee injury, but he still made the Pro Bowl for the seventh time.

Ramsey has tallied 24 interceptions, 108 passes defensed and 534 tackles in 135 career games (134 starts) with the Jacksonville Jaguars (2016-19), Rams (2019-22) and Dolphins. The Jaguars drafted him with the No. 5 overall pick in the 2016 draft.

Ramsey joins a loaded Steelers secondary that includes incumbent starter Joey Porter Jr. and offseason signee Darius Slay Jr.

Fitzpatrick, 28, is a five-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro selection who launched his career in Miami as a first-round pick (11th overall) in the 2018 NFL Draft.

Fitzpatrick recorded 96 tackles and one interception in 17 starts last season. He has 20 picks, 54 passes defensed and 608 tackles in 106 career games (101 starts) with the Dolphins (2018-19) and Steelers. Miami traded him to Pittsburgh in September 2019.

He signed a four-year, $73.6 million deal with the Steelers in June 2022 and is set to earn $15.5 million in 2025 and $17.6 million in 2026.

Smith, 29, was selected in the third round of the 2017 draft by the Tennessee Titans and spent his first four seasons there, followed by two seasons with the New England Patriots and one each with the Atlanta Falcons and Dolphins.

In 17 games (six starts) last season, he caught 88 passes for 884 yards with eight touchdowns. He was selected to his first Pro Bowl. In 124 career games (84 starts), he has 307 receptions for 3,307 yards and 28 scores.

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2023; College Park, Maryland, USA; Detailed view of a Maryland Terrapins helmet during the game between the Maryland Terrapins and the Virginia Cavaliers at SECU Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Reggie Hildred-Imagn Images

Former Braves VP James E. Smith named Maryland AD

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Maryland named former Atlanta Braves executive James E. Smith as its new athletic director on Thursday.

Smith had been the Braves’ senior vice president of business strategy for the past five years.

Smith previously served as president and CEO of the Ohio State University Alumni Association.

“We are proud of the athletics tradition here at the University of Maryland and of the accomplishments of our coaches and student-athletes who represent the red, black, white and gold,” Maryland president Darryll J. Pines said in a release. “As college athletics rapidly evolves, Jim brings valuable administrative and business experience, plus the energy, vision and passion to lead our athletics program to new levels of success and impact.”

Smith’s background also includes a series of executive positions at Arthur M. Blank Sports & Entertainment, where he was in charge of revenue and marketing for the NFL’s Atlanta Falcons and MLS club Atlanta United.

“It is a great honor to be chosen to lead the athletics department at the University of Maryland and to guide UMD’s storied programs into the next era,” Smith said. “I am highly motivated to build upon excellence and lead Maryland forward in a dynamic and pivotal time for intercollegiate athletics, with a sharp focus on student-athlete health, well-being and academic success.”

Smith replaces Damon Evans, who left in March to take the same position at SMU. Evans had been the Maryland athletic director since 2018.

–Field Level Media

Detroit Lions defensive end Aidan Hutchinson (97) talks to principal owner and chair Sheila Ford Hamp, right, and her husband Steve Hamp before the game between Detroit Lions and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Jan. 5, 2025.

Lions exercise options on Aidan Hutchinson, Jameson Williams

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The Detroit Lions exercised their fifth-year options on defensive end Aidan Hutchinson and wide receiver Jameson Williams on Friday.

Also on Friday, the Dallas Cowboys picked up the fifth-year option on offensive tackle Tyler Smith.

Hutchinson, the second overall pick of the 2022 NFL Draft, is in line to pocket $19.872 million, while Williams is set to take home $15.493 million. The wideout was selected by the Lions with the 12th overall pick of the same draft.

Hutchinson, 24, has provided a massive presence on defense in Detroit while also earning a Pro Bowl selection in 2023.

He recorded 28.5 sacks in 39 games (all starts) before sustaining a fractured tibia and fibula in the third quarter of a 47-9 road victory against the Cowboys on Oct. 13.

Williams, 24, hauled in 58 catches for 1,001 yards and seven touchdowns in 15 games (11 starts) in 2024. He has 10 touchdowns in 33 career games (21 starts).

Smith, 24, will receive $23.4 million in 2026. He has started all 47 games in which he has played and been selected to the Pro Bowl twice in his first three years since being selected by the Cowboys with the 24th pick in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Dec 10, 2023; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys offensive tackle Tyron Smith (77) on the field before the game against the Philadelphia Eagles at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-Imagn Images

Report: Longtime Cowboys LT Tyron Smith to retire

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Left tackle Tyron Smith will sign a one-day contract with the Dallas Cowboys and retire after 14 NFL seasons, NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Smith, 34, played 13 seasons in Dallas before spending last year with the New York Jets.

He is an eight-time Pro Bowl and five-time All-Pro selection — two first-team and three second-team choices, including a second-team nod in 2023.

Smith was selected by Dallas with the ninth overall pick of the 2011 NFL Draft out of Southern California.

He has not played more than 13 games in a season since 2015 due to injuries. He played in just two in 2020 (neck surgery), 11 in 2021 (ankle injuries) and four in 2022 (torn hamstring). Smith missed the last seven games in 2024 with a neck injury.

–Field Level Media

Dec 22, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Minnesota Vikings quarterback Sam Darnold (14) rushes against the Seattle Seahawks during the fourth quarter at Lumen Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-Imagn Images

Reports: Seahawks seek Sam Darnold deal after trading Geno Smith

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Free agent Sam Darnold is Seattle’s preferred replacement for Geno Smith, according to reports.

The Seahawks agreed to trade Smith to the Las Vegas Raiders for a third-round pick on Friday. They can begin talking to free agents on Monday, and reportedly have Darnold at the front of the queue of quarterback options.

Darnold, 27, resurrected his career in a Pro Bowl season with the Minnesota Vikings in 2024. He was 14-3 while playing on a one-year deal as the replacement for Kirk Cousins in Minnesota. He was the No. 3 overall pick of the 2018 NFL Draft by the New York Jets.

The season ended with two painful performances in a loss to the Detroit Lions to close the regular season and the wild-card round defeat in Arizona against the Los Angeles Rams, who sacked Darnold nine times.

Head coach Kevin O’Connell said at the NFL Scouting Combine that Minnesota would entertain bringing Darnold back, but the Vikings also have other options. They drafted J.J. McCarthy 10th overall in 2024 and he missed last season following knee surgery. Daniel Jones, a former first-round pick released last November by the New York Giants, spent the final two-plus months on Minnesota’s roster and could come back to compete with McCarthy.

In addition to the pending Smith trade, which can become official March 12, the Seahawks are navigating massive turnover on offense. Wide receiver Tyler Lockett was released and Seattle gave DK Metcalf permission to seek a trade.

–Field Level Media

Jan 26, 2025; Kansas City, MO, USA; Kansas City Chiefs guard Trey Smith (65) against the Buffalo Bills in the AFC Championship game at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images

Reports: Chiefs to franchise tag guard Trey Smith

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Trey Smith was informed he will be franchise-tagged by the Chiefs, according to multiple reports, in a move that will make him the NFL’s highest-paid guard while blocking a path to free agency.

NFL teams have until Monday to use the franchise and transition tag designations to retain players scheduled to become free agents next month.

Smith, a Pro Bowl selection at right guard in 2024, would be guaranteed around $23.4 million for the 2025 season under terms of the franchise tender. The Chiefs and Smith would have until July 15 to come to a long-term contract extension to override the one-year deal.

A sixth-round pick in 2021, Smith has started 80 games — 13 in the playoffs — and is only 25 years old.

The tender is higher than the average salary of the NFL’s current highest-paid guard — Landon Dickerson (Eagles) makes $21 million per season. The Chiefs made Creed Humphrey the highest-paid center in the NFL last August with a four-year, $72 million deal.

Chiefs left guard Joe Thuney is entering the final year of his contract and can become a free agent after the 2025 season. Thuney kicked out to left tackle, where he started in Super Bowl LIX, in an attempt to patch the offensive line late in the year.

Head coach Andy Reid said earlier this week Thuney would be back at his natural guard position in 2025 unless the Chiefs can’t find a solution at left tackle.

–Field Level Media

Dec 15, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers offensive coordinator Arthur Smith during warmups against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Reports: Jets’ search heats up with interview requests

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The New York Jets requested interviews with at least a half-dozen coordinators and other assistants as their coaching search intensified Monday, per multiple reports.

Offensive coordinators Arthur Smith (Steelers), Bobby Slowik (Texans) and Joe Brady (Bills), defensive coordinators Aaron Glenn (Lions) and Vance Joseph (Broncos), and quarterbacks coach Brian Griese (49ers) were candidates named in multiple reports.

The Jets (5-12) fired head coach Robert Saleh after a 2-3 start this season and went 3-9 under interim coach Jeff Ulbrich.

In addition, the Jets reportedly completed first interviews with former two-time head coach Ron Rivera and former Tennessee Titans head coach Mike Vrabel.

Smith, 42, is in his first season with Pittsburgh after posting three consecutive 7-10 seasons as head coach of the Atlanta Falcons from 2021-23.

Smith’s Steelers, who will visit the Baltimore Ravens for a wild-card game on Saturday night, finished the regular season ranked 16th in scoring (22.4 points per game) and 23rd in total offense (319.4 yards per game).

Slowik, 37, is in his second season with the Texans after working as an assistant for the 49ers’ Kyle Shanahan from 2017-22. The Texans were 19th in scoring (21.9) and 22nd in total offense (319.7).

Brady, 35, joined the Buffalo staff in 2022 and is in his first full season as the offensive coordinator. The Bills ranked second in scoring (30.9) and 10th in total offense (359.1).

Glenn, 52, has been the Lions’ DC since 2021. Detroit finished seventh in the league this season in scoring defense (20.1) and 20th in total defense (342.4).

Joseph, 52, compiled an 11-21 record in two seasons as head coach of the Broncos from 2017-18. In his second season as head coach Sean Payton’s DC in 2024, Denver finished third in scoring defense (18.3) and seventh in total defense (317.1).

Griese, 49, just finished his third season coaching the San Francisco quarterbacks. He was a QB in the league for 11 seasons with four teams from 1998-2008, earning one Pro Bowl selection.

–Field Level Media

Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo (15) makes a diving catch against the Chicago Bears during the third quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

NFL Trade Deadline: Cowboys acquire WR Jonathan Mingo from Panthers

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Edge rusher Za’Darius Smith is back in the NFC North, acquired by the conference-leading Detroit Lions from the Cleveland Browns on Tuesday for a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft and a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Pushing for a pass rusher since losing Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg, the Lions landed Smith and also receive a seventh-round pick in 2026.

A three-time Pro Bowl selection, Smith has five sacks this season playing opposite Myles Garrett in Cleveland.

He has 65 career sacks, 321 tackles and 10 forced fumbles in 132 career games (89 starts) with the Baltimore Ravens, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings and Browns.

–Bengals bolster RB room, trade for Bears’ Khalil Herbert
Displaced by the arrival of free agent D’Andre Swift at the start of the 2024 season, Khalil Herbert could step into an immediate role in the Bengals’ backfield after Cincinnati traded a seventh-round pick to acquire the 26-year-old.

Herbert provides depth in the Bengals’ backfield with Zack Moss dealing with a neck injury and deemed out indefinitely by head coach Zac Taylor on Monday.

Herbert had eight carries for 16 yards and a touchdown with the Bears this season. He has rushed for 1,791 yards and nine touchdowns to go along with 45 catches for 291 yards and two scores in 48 career games (12 starts) with the Bears.

–Cowboys deal fourth-round pick for Panthers WR Jonathan Mingo
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Jonathan Mingo was traded to the Dallas Cowboys for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Adding Mingo, 23, gives backup quarterback Cooper Rush another big, talented target as he steps in for injured starter Dak Prescott. As part of the announced trade, Dallas also nets a seventh-round pick in 2025.

Mingo started 14 games as a rookie last season. The emergence of rookie first-round pick Xavier Legette and undrafted free agent Jalen Coker pushed Mingo down the depth chart in 2024.

Rebuilding Carolina traded wide receiver Diontae Johnson and a 2025 sixth-rounder to the Ravens last week in exchange for a fifth-round pick in 2025.

Drafted 39th overall by the Panthers in the 2023 NFL Draft, Mingo caught 43 passes as a rookie and has 12 receptions this season. During the 2023 draft, Mingo was a receiver the Cowboys “really liked,” according to owner Jerry Jones. Dallas used its second-round pick, 19 spots after Mingo went off the board, to select Michigan tight end Luke Schoonmaker.

–Trades completed prior to Tuesday
Early action from the Kansas City Chiefs to bolster their injury-dinged offense and pass rush brought in Tennessee Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins in exchange for a conditional fifth-round pick, and edge Josh Uche from the New England Patriots for a sixth-round pick 2026.

Hopkins caught two touchdown passes from Patrick Mahomes in Monday’s 30-24 victory over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, helping the Chiefs improve to 8-0.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith clears protocol, available Sunday

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Philadelphia Eagles receivers DeVonta Smith and Johnny Wilson have cleared concussion protocol and are available for Sunday’s game against the visiting Cleveland Browns, per multiple reports Friday.

Smith, 25, was injured during the Eagles’ 15-12 win at New Orleans on Sept. 22 and did not play in the 33-16 loss at Tampa Bay on Sept. 29. Philadelphia (2-2) had a bye last weekend.

Smith caught 21 passes for 239 yards and one touchdown in the first three games. The 2021 first-round pick posted back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons in 2022 and 2023.

He returns along with fellow wide receiver A.J. Brown and right tackle Lane Johnson, giving Philadelphia three key contributors back on offense against the Browns (1-4).

Wilson, 23, has one catch for 9 yards through four games. The 6-foot-6 rookie was a sixth-round pick in the 2024 NFL Draft out of Florida State.

–Field Level Media

Sep 16, 2024; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver DeVonta Smith (6) celebrates his touchdown catch during the second quarter against the Atlanta Falcons at Lincoln Financial Field. Mandatory Credit: Eric Hartline-Imagn Images

Eagles WR DeVonta Smith (concussion) leveled by fierce hit

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Philadelphia Eagles standout receiver DeVonta Smith exited Sunday’s 15-12 victory over New Orleans after sustaining a concussion via a vicious hit from Saints defensive tackle Khristian Boyd.

Smith caught a short pass and his forward progress was stopped. He was being driven backward by two players before Boyd came from behind and blindsided Smith with a fierce helmet-to-helmet hit with 13:45 remaining in the game.

Smith lay prone on the ground for several minutes as his teammates and coaches gathered around. He was eventually able to walk off the field and went to the medical tent for evaluation before later heading to the locker room.

Smith caught seven passes for 79 yards before exiting. He has 21 receptions for 239 yards and one touchdown in three games this season.

Philadelphia also lost star right tackle Lane Johnson to a concussion in the first half. Right guard Mekhi Becton (finger) and returner/receiver Britain Covey (shoulder) also departed with injuries.

–Field Level Media