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Yes, we’re back to our daily schedule to keep you updated on the status of every contract, holdout andJoe Burrow haircut. Yesterday, he wentSuper Saiyanmeets summer school:
Today’s NFL update:
- 🔬 Training camp takeaways
- 💰 Christian Darrisaw’s deal
- 📺 Hard Knocks reveals
First, Dianna has an update on three quarterbacks we covered yesterday.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Love, Dak and Tua: The next QB contracts
I expect the Green Bay Packers and Jordan Love to strike a deal over the next few weeks of training camp, as both sides are optimistic. Based on conversations with sources, Love’s expected to become the highest-paid quarterback in the NFL.
However, Love might only hold that title for a few weeks — that’s because the Dallas Cowboys are working hard to get Dak Prescott’s deal done. Prescott could be the first quarterback to break the $60 million-per-year barrier.
Finally, Tua Tagovailoa appears to be the quarterback who might have to wait a little longer. The last time I checked in on the situation, I was told Tagovailoa is looking to cash in with a deal worth more than $50 million per year.
Back to you, Jacob.
Camp Intel: Stafford and Aiyuk arrive. But where’s Reddick?
With training camp underway for all but four teams — the Steelers, Colts, Cowboys and Falcons, who start today — we’ve learned plenty besides just whichWWE star the bleach-blonde Burrow most resembles. A quick summary:
Rams QB Matthew Staffordreported to training campafter his lingering contract issues resolved yesterday morning. Although no details are available yet, he likely saw a slight raise with guarantees added to his current deal, which runs until 2026. Earning around $40 million per year (tied for 12th among QBs), Stafford remains a steal for the Rams. Jourdan Rodrigue exploredwhy the deal got done.
49ers WR Brandon Aiyuk, who requested a trade last week,reported to training camp yesterday. Despite being under contract for 2024, it’s not confirmed whether Aiyuk will practice or “hold-in,” as Packers QB Jordan Love is doing. Rookie WR Ricky Pearsall, a potential heir to Aiyuk, will start camp onthe non-football injury listafter suffering a hamstring strain.
Cowboys WR CeeDee Lambskipped the team’s chartered flight to California and isnot expected to attend camp. Lamb and the Dallas brass are communicating, but nothing has come of it. As Cowboys camp gets underway, the clock is ticking for a 25-year-old receiver expecting numbers similar toJustin Jefferson’s record-setting deal.
Browns WR Amari Cooperhad his 2024,$20 million salary guaranteedand saw Cleveland add an incentive package worth around $5 million for this season, the last on his current deal. It appears that this year could be the 30-year-old’s last in Cleveland. He’s set to become an unrestricted free agent next offseason.
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As for the drama-prone J-E-T-S, the newly acquiredHaason Reddick skipped the first day of training camp, and New York hasno clue when the edge rusher with 50.5 sacks in the past four seasons plans on showing up.No clue!
Subject to a $50,000 fine for each day he misses, the 29-year-old appears unwilling to compromise after the Jets traded a third-round pick (which escalates to a second with specific conditions) for him. Despite being under contract for 2024, I think Reddick has leverage on a GM desperate for a strong season.
To better understand the situation, I went directly toTheAthletic’s Zack Rosenblatt after readinghis article on Reddick’s holdout.
Q: You mentioned the most likely outcome was a restructured deal for Reddick, with guarantees or added money for 2024. Is that both on the table and acceptable, and will the Jets resolve it soon?
Zack: I think it is on the table — but whether it’s acceptable is entirely dependent upon how Reddick handles himself in this situation going forward. The Jets aren’t going to give him anything until (or unless) he shows up to training camp. Reddick, by all accounts, doesn’t plan on showing up without a new deal. So the Jets and Reddick are caught in a game of chicken, an unneeded distraction for a team that has beentrying desperately to avoid them.
Revisiting 2021: Vikings OT Darrisaw gets paid
As Vikings beat reporter Alec Lewis explained inhis article on Christian Darrisaw, many within Minnesota’s draft room were worried during the first round of the 2021 draft.
Why? They had just traded with the Jets, moving down from No. 14 to No. 23 to add extra draft capital, but were keen to draft Darrisaw. Here’s what happened:
- No. 14: Jets OL Alijah Vera-Tucker
- No. 15: Patriots QB Mac Jones
- No. 16: Cardinals LB Zaven Collins
- No. 17: Raiders OL Alex Leatherwood
- No. 18: Dolphins DL Jaelan Phillips
- No. 19: Commanders LB Jamin Davis
- No. 20: Giants WR Kadarius Toney
- No. 21: Colts DL Kwity Paye
- No. 22: Titans DB Caleb Farley
- No. 23: Vikings OL Christian Darrisaw
Notice anything? Out of all nine players selected from No. 14 through 23, not a single one has received a long-term extension. The Vikings were happy aftertheir optimal approach to the draftwas rewarded with an additional pick and Darrisaw,PFF’s eighth-highest rated tacklein 2023 and second-best tackle in 2022.
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Yesterday, they made Darrisawthe highest-paid tackle in the NFL— at a $28.5 million average annual value — when the 25-year-old agreed to terms on a four-year, $113 million contract extension with $77 million guaranteed. Darrisaw passes Penei Sewell in average pay ($28 million per year) but not guarantees (Sewell got $85 million). Still, I expect Buccaneers OT Tristan Wirfs’ deal to succeed both and land closer to $30 million per year.
Yes, the Giants tried to replace their QB
Surprise, surprise. Last night, the fourth edition of “Hard Knocks” proved just how interested the Giants were in trading up from No. 6 to draft a quarterback to replace a rehabbing Daniel Jones.
GM Joe Schoen called the Patriots to offer the “No. 6 pick, a 2025 first-round selection and something more from 2024” to move up for what was likely to be QB Drake Maye.If you’re Daniel Jones, it can’t feel good to see that.
After New England declined, New York drafted Jones an elite weapon in WR Malik Nabers, who gives the Giants’ quarterback the first true No. 1 option of his career. This move also removes any excuses for Jones in 2024, the last year before New York can get out of his contract with just $22 million in dead cap.
Charlotte Carroll shareda full list of takeaways from “Hard Knocks,”which included a meeting in which receivers coach Mike Groh said he’d take Nabers over eventual No. 4 pick Marvin Harrison Jr. 👀
Around the NFL
Chiefs WR Kadarius Toney was spotted taking reps at running back ashe tries to regain a spot in the offenseafter a disastrous 2023. Last offseason, he was projected as their No. 1 receiver. Yikes.
In Baltimore,veteran CB Marlon Humphrey is leaner, healthy andlooking like his Pro Bowl-caliber self. The three-time Pro Bowler said he realized his best seasons came when he played at a lighter weight.
On the first day of Patriots training camp, HC Jerod Mayo made it clear that QB Jacoby Brissett is the team’s No. 1 signal caller. Drake Maye, meanwhile, can win the job “if he goes out there and lights it up.”
Jacob’s Picks
📕As someone who could use 30 more pounds of muscle, I enjoyed David Lombardi’s look into how George Kittle navigated his weight loss following postseason core muscle surgery. (The Athletic)
🎙 Seriously, listen to this Sean McVay episode. If not, you’re doing yourself a disservice. McVay talks greatness, happiness and darkness in this interview where Robert Mays didn’t miss. (The Athletic Football Show)
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