Nov 20, 2022; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Texans offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil (78) on the field before the game against the Washington Commanders at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Texans trade Brandin Cooks, re-sign Laremy Tunsil

The Houston Texans are trading wide receiver Brandin Cooks to the Dallas Cowboys for draft picks, NFL Network and ESPN reported Sunday.

The Texans will receive a fifth-round pick in this year’s draft and a sixth-round selection in 2024, per the reports. The Texans also are expected to pay $6 million of Cooks’ $18 million guaranteed contract to facilitate the trade, per KPRC2 in Houston.

Houston also re-signed Laremy Tunsil to a three-year, $75 million deal that once again makes him the highest-paid left tackle in NFL history, according to NFL Network.

Tunsil, 28, who represented himself, secured a contract that includes a $30 million signing bonus, $50 million fully guaranteed and $60 million in total guarantees, per the report.

Tunsil earned his third Pro Bowl selection in 2022 and started all 17 games. He has 94 starts in seven seasons with Houston and the Miami Dolphins (2016-18), who drafted him 13th overall in 2016.

Cooks, 29, caught 57 passes for 699 yards and three touchdowns in 13 starts with the Texans in 2022.

A six-time 1,000-yard receiver, Cooks has 630 career receptions for 8,616 yards and 49 touchdowns in 132 games (120 starts) with the New Orleans Saints (2014-16), New England Patriots (2017), Los Angeles Rams (2018-19) and Texans. The Saints drafted him with the 20th pick in 2014.

Cooks replaces Noah Brown in Dallas. Brown, who agreed to a one-year deal with the Texans earlier this week, had 43 catches for 555 yards and three touchdowns in 16 games (13 starts) in 2022.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA;  Indianapolis Colts cornerback Stephon Gilmore (5) returns an interception as linebacker E.J. Speed (45) looks to make a block in the second quarter against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Cowboys acquire CB Stephon Gilmore from Colts

The Dallas Cowboys traded a 2023 fifth-round compensatory pick to the Indianapolis Colts to acquire veteran cornerback Stephon Gilmore, ESPN and NFL Network reported Tuesday.

Gilmore, 32, is a five-time Pro Bowler and just four years removed from being named NFL Defensive Player of the Year in 2019.

Gilmore will also play on his fourth team in four years. After spending 2017-20 with the New England Patriots, Gilmore held out in 2021 and was traded to the Carolina Panthers in October.

He spent 2022 with the Colts after signing a two-year contract worth up to $23 million last April. He started 16 games for Indianapolis and grabbed two interceptions to go with 66 tackles and 11 pass breakups.

In 11 years with the Buffalo Bills (2012-16), Patriots, Panthers and Colts, Gilmore has recorded 493 tackles, 127 pass breakups and 29 interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Aaron Rodgers and the Packers had a brutal showing against the Jets at legendary Lambeau Field.

Nfl New York Jets At Green Bay Packers

Report: Deal sending Aaron Rodgers to Jets is ‘done’

When the NFL’s new league year begins Wednesday afternoon, it appears likelier than ever that Aaron Rodgers will be traded to the New York Jets.

While Rodgers has remained coy about his own decision-making timeline, Pro Football Network reported Monday that “Rodgers to the Jets is done.”

Jets wide receiver Garrett Wilson, who won NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year while catching passes from Zach Wilson, Joe Flacco and Mike White, chimed in shortly afterward.

“I can finally enjoy my vacay now,” he tweeted from the island of Saint Barthelemy, following that up with, “Y’all (should) see this smile on me (right now).”

Other media outlets were more conservative Monday, with ESPN reporting the Jets were “cautiously optimistic” that Rodgers would agree to be traded.

Talks between the two parties have been ongoing for days. Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy confirmed Friday that the team granted Rodgers permission to speak with the Jets about a deal that would put the four-time NFL MVP in Gotham Green.

The Jets visited Rodgers, 39, in California last week, and reports Wednesday indicated there was optimism New York was “on the verge” of acquiring Rodgers.

The Jets then restructured the contracts of cornerback DJ Reed, guard Laken Tomlinson and tight end Tyler Conklin to save $15.2 million of cap space in 2023. Rodgers’ cap charge for 2023 nearly matches that amount: $15.74 million.

No trades for players under contract can be made official until the first day of the NFL league year.

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) acknowledges the fans after he broke Brett Favre's team record for touchdown passes Sunday.

Syndication Packersnews

Reports: Jets’ restructures save $15.2M; Aaron Rodgers trade cap number is $15.74M

With signs pointing to a deal for Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets reportedly restructured three contracts to save a total of $15.2 million under the 2023 salary cap.

ESPN reported that accounting tweaks to the contracts of cornerback DJ Reed, offensive guard Laken Tomlinson and tight end Tyler Conklin would save nearly the same amount the Jets would be charged if acquiring Rodgers via trade: $15.74 million.

Multiple reports Saturday pointed to the deal nearing the finish line and needing only the final approval of Rodgers.

The 39-year-old, four-time NFL MVP has contemplated retirement or relocation since the end of the regular season in what has become an offseason tradition for the Green Bay quarterback.

The Jets visited with Rodgers in California this week after the Packers signed off on their direct talks.

Attempting to draft and develop a quarterback has been an unsuccessful approach for the Jets. They drafted Sam Darnold third overall in 2018, only to trade Darnold to the Carolina Panthers. New York selected Zach Wilson second overall in 2021, but Wilson was benched last season while teammates questioned his maturity and leadership.

That opened the door for a change at offensive coordinator in the offseason. The Jets fired Mike LaFleur and hired Nathaniel Hackett, who coordinated the Packers’ offense for three seasons and has a tight bond with Rodgers.

Owner Woody Johnson was vocal about the need for a veteran quarterback while also endorsing the continued development of Wilson, who is only 23 years old.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Scouting Combine that Rodgers’ backup, 2020 first-round pick Jordan Love, is ready to start.

On Friday, team president Mark Murphy confirmed for the first time Rodgers had permission to speak with the Jets — and only the Jets — about a trade while discussing his tenure with the franchise in the past tense.

The Packers traded three-time NFL MVP Brett Favre to the Jets in August 2008 after he reversed a March decision to retire and reported to Green Bay. Favre, who played for the Packers from 1992-2007, spent one season with the Jets before joining the Minnesota Vikings for the 2009 and 2010 seasons.

–Field Level Media

Jan 31, 2023; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers head coach Frank Reich speaks at his introductory press conference at Bank of America Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Griffin Zetterberg-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: Panthers acquire No. 1 pick from Bears in blockbuster

Carolina is on the clock after the Panthers traded two first-round picks, second-rounders in 2023 and 2025 and wide receiver DJ Moore to the Chicago Bears for the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, several reports said Friday night.

The Panthers are in position to draft the quarterback of their choice, owning the top pick for the first time since selecting Auburn quarterback Cam Newton in 2011.

Chicago general manager Ryan Poles made his intentions clear at the NFL Scouting Combine — he intended to trade the pick to the highest bidder while committing to Justin Fields at quarterback.

The Bears stand to lose out on several top-ranked prospects in the deal by taking Carolina’s first-round pick in the 2023 draft, No. 9 overall, and the Panthers’ second-rounder (61st). But Poles made it clear in Indianapolis that the Bears felt they would get a “great player” regardless of the deal, which sets the franchise up with multiple first-round picks for the 2024 draft and multiple second-rounders in the 2025 draft.

Carolina hired Frank Reich as head coach after Matt Rhule was let go during the 2022 season. The Panthers made multiple trades in an attempt to fill the quarterback spot under Rhule.

But former No. 1 pick Baker Mayfield didn’t pan out last season and Sam Darnold, originally drafted third overall by the New York Jets in 2018, failed to secure the position.

Other quarterback-needy teams who had hoped to move up in a trade with the Bears included the Indianapolis Colts (fourth overall) and Las Vegas Raiders (seventh overall).

–Field Level Media

Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12) runs out on to the field as he is announced against the Detroit Lions during their football game Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at Lambeau Field in Green Bay, Wis.

Apc Packvsdetroit 0108230308djpa

Packers president confirms Jets-Aaron Rodgers talks

Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy confirmed quarterback Aaron Rodgers was granted permission to discuss a potential trade with the New York Jets.

Murphy, speaking during the Wisconsin girls high school state championship games, said only the Jets received the green light to meet with Rodgers. No other teams are in the picture at this time, he said.

Rodgers said all parties are hopeful a resolution to the Rodgers situation can be reached before March 15, the official start of free agency.

Murphy said the Packers are willing to oblige Rodgers’ request for a trade “if he wants it.” He was also asked if there’s a scenario under which Rodgers returns to the Packers as the team’s starting quarterback.

“Yeah, I mean unless, if things don’t work out the way we want them, yeah, we would,” Murphy said. “He is obviously a great player.”

Rodgers, 39, signed a three-year, $150 million contract before the 2022 season. He considered retirement and relocation at that time, but played for the Packers.

A four-time NFL MVP, Rodgers met with the Packers two days after the end of the regular season in January. General manager Brian Gutekunst said at the NFL Scouting Combine that he hasn’t had a chance to continue conversations with Rodgers.

Since those comments, the Jets visited Rodgers in California on Monday and reports Wednesday indicated there was optimism New York was “on the verge” of acquiring Rodgers.

No trades for players under contract can be made official until March 15, the first day of the NFL league year.

Gutekunst said Rodgers’ backup, Jordan Love, is “ready to play, needs to play.”

The Packers drafted Love in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

–Field Level Media

Feb 9, 2023; Phoenix, Ariz., U.S.; Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Darius Slay answers a question during media availability at Sheraton Grand at Wild Horse Pass. Mandatory Credit: Michael Chow-Arizona Republic

Report: Eagles allow CB Darius Slay to seek trade

The Philadelphia Eagles are allowing veteran cornerback Darius Slay’s agent to seek a trade, ESPN reported Friday.

The five-time Pro Bowl selection did not request a trade and the team hopes to keep him in Philly, per the report.

Slay, 32, is entering the final season of a three-year, $50 million deal signed in March 2020.

He is due a base salary of $17 million with a cap hit of $26.1 million in 2023, according to Spotrac.

Slay started all 17 games in 2022 and registered 14 passes defensed and three interceptions for a unit that led the league in pass defense (179.8 yards per game).

He added 12 tackles in the postseason for the NFC champs, who lost 38-35 to the Kansas City Chiefs in Super Bowl LVII.

Slay, who is represented by Drew Rosenhaus, recently discussed his contract situation and his desire to remain in Philadelphia on the “Montgomery & Co.” podcast.

“Of course I want an extension with the Eagles. I love the Eagles. They took another chance on me trading for me, and I panned out very well of course. But yeah, I love that money, so of course I’m going to be talking about it this offseason,” Slay said. “That’s everyone, that’s what we all do when we’ve got one year left on our deal. We try to get the extension because it makes the cap low and then you get to start building around the team because once you’re cap’s too high, you can’t add more players.

“So with me, with my cap that high, I’m sure they probably want to get it down, and the best way to get it down is to give me some money.”

Slay has 26 interceptions and 513 tackles in 151 games (141 starts) with the Detroit Lions (2013-19) and Eagles.

–Field Level Media

(File photo) The Jets are working to acquire Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers (12), pictured in a joint training camp as New York head coach Robert Saleh (center) looks on.

Report: Jets believe they’re close to landing Aaron Rodgers

If the Jets find the answer to the $59.5 million question, Aaron Rodgers will be the next quarterback for the franchise.

According to ESPN and the New York Post, the Jets returned home from their visit with Rodgers optimistic his next stop will be New York.

All that stands in the way of a trade that could become official no earlier than March 15 at 4 p.m. ET is a trade amenable to the Green Bay Packers and a contract workable for the Jets.

Rodgers signed a three-year, $150 million deal prior to the 2022 season, ending aggressive flirtation with retirement. That contract calls for a fully guaranteed $59.5 million in 2023, with $58.3 million as an option bonus.

Rodgers said in February he would expect to restructure the deal if he played another season for the Packers.

Green Bay would take a cap hit of $40.3 million if Rodgers is traded without adjusting the deal, or pushing the bonus to a split structure.

If he’s traded to any team, including the Jets, under terms of his current deal, Rodgers would count only $15.8 million against his new team’s cap in 2023 and $32.5 million in 2024.

A trade for Rodgers could be executed on the first day of the NFL league year, March 15. Similar deals in recent years involving Matthew Stafford (Detroit Lions to Los Angeles Rams), Russell Wilson (Seattle Seahawks to Denver Broncos) and Deshaun Watson (Houston Texans to Cleveland Browns) brought significant draft capital in return.

Rodgers was named NFL MVP in 2011, 2014, 2020 and 2021, but his 2022 numbers weren’t up to his own standards as the Packers rebuilt his receiving corps and dealt with injuries on the offensive line. He completed 64.6 percent of his passes for 3,695 yards and 26 touchdowns while tossing 12 interceptions.

Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst said last week at the NFL Scouting Combine that the team was waiting to hear from Rodgers about his 2023 plans. He also said the Packers knew backup Jordan Love was “ready to play and needs to play.”

Love is entering the final year of his four-year rookie contract with the Packers facing a May deadline to pick up his fifth-year option for the 2024 season.

–Field Level Media

Aug 13, 2022; Chicago, Illinois, USA;  Chicago Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, left, and general manager Ryan Poles walk off the field after the Bears defeated the Kansas City Chiefs 19-14 at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Bears GM: Bidding for No. 1 pick begins at two first-rounders

No general manager cheered top quarterback performances at the NFL Scouting Combine more than Ryan Poles and the Chicago Bears.

Chicago owns the No. 1 pick in the draft for the first time since 1947 but Poles, in his second season with the franchise, has no intention of drafting any of the quarterbacks who are in high demand atop the 2023 draft in April.

Any team can have the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and Poles made the asking price crystal clear over the past week.

“I’m blessed to be able to read people,” Poles said in an interview with NBC Sports. “I can feel it. There’s urgency out there. There’s pressure.”

Reports indicate at least three teams have offers on the table to the Bears: the Houston Texans, who pick second and 12th overall in 2023; the Indianapolis Colts, who pick at No. 4 and No. 35; and the Seattle Seahawks. Seattle has a bonus first-round pick, No. 5, as a result of the Russell Wilson trade last year, as well as the No. 20 pick.

Poles, 37, doesn’t need to act with any urgency. Picks in the next three drafts can be used in trades only after the 2023 league year begins March 15. If Poles waits until draft day, 2026 draft picks can also be included.

The Bears are comfortable at quarterback with developing 2021 first-rounder Justin Fields. And with $100 million in salary cap space, the Bears are in position to assure the rebuild under way has some staying power. Moving lower than the No. 2 pick in a trade with the Texans would bring the risk for Poles that his preferred player is picked by the Arizona Cardinals at No. 3. Like Chicago, the Cardinals aren’t in this QB market.

“No one’s gonna rush me,” Poles said. “I know I can get a ‘24 one and a ‘25 one. You’re telling me for the next two years I’ll have two ones? That’s either four really good players, or if we’re cruising, we can still trade back.”

Poles is operating without a second-round pick in 2023. The Bears traded theirs, which turned out to be No. 32 overall, to the Pittsburgh Steelers at the October deadline for wide receiver Chase Claypool. When Miami forfeited its first-round pick due to tampering, the first pick of the second round became No. 32.

That intel might be good news for the Colts, who could offer No. 4 and No. 35 for No. 1.

The Texans have trump cards at nearly every turn with capital returned from the Cleveland Browns and the Deshaun Watson trade last year. In addition to the second pick and No. 12 from Cleveland, Houston has an extra third-round pick from the Browns and five of the top 73 selections in this draft.

Should Seattle veer to make a move out of general manager John Schneider’s typical lane of moving back and collecting value, this could be the year. Schneider and head coach Pete Carroll chirped of the rare opportunity and decided interest in quarterbacks in this class, which might also be calculated public discourse to entice a trade offer from another QB-needy team.

But Seattle picks fifth, 20th and 37th, with five total picks in the top 83.

The Raiders (seventh) and Panthers (ninth) are also known to be in the QB market.

“The interesting part is having a conversation with one team, and then one hour later another team texts you wanting in on the trade and they’re not afraid of what the floor of what you’re asking for is,” Poles said.

–Field Level Media

Jan 8, 2023; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills running back Nyheim Hines (20) breaks through the New England Patriots special team to score a touchdown  on the opening kickoff at Highmark Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Report: Colts get fifth-round pick in Nyheim Hines trade

The Indianapolis Colts reportedly will receive Buffalo’s fifth-round pick in the 2023 NFL Draft to complete the Nov. 1 trade of running back Nyheim Hines to the Bills.

At the time of the deal, it was announced that the Bills were sending running back Zack Moss and a conditional sixth-round pick to the Colts.

The undisclosed conditions required for that pick to increase to a fifth-rounder were met, The Athletic reported on Thursday.

Hines, 26, played mostly on special teams for Buffalo. He rushed six times for minus-3 yards and caught five passes for 53 yards and one touchdown in nine regular-season games for the Bills. He also averaged 29.2 yards per kickoff return and 9.6 yards per punt return after the trade.

In a memorable Week 18 performance against New England — Buffalo’s first action since Damar Hamlin went into cardiac arrest on the field — Hines returned the opening kickoff and a third-quarter kickoff for touchdowns in a 35-23 win.

A fourth-round pick by the Colts in 2018, Hines has accumulated 4,823 all-purpose yards with 22 touchdowns in 81 games (17 starts) for Indianapolis and Buffalo.

–Field Level Media