DETROIT

PK MICHAEL BADGLEY is back for another year of watching the Lions go for it on fourth down.  Nick Shook of NFL.com:

The kicker known as the Money Badger has found his way to another paycheck in the NFL.

Michael Badgley is headed back to the Detroit Lions on a one-year deal, according to his agent, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported on Thursday. The team later confirmed the signing.

Badgley appeared in four games for the Lions in 2023, but only after he spent most of the regular season on the practice squad, stuck behind Riley Patterson. When Patterson missed two extra points in three games, Detroit decided to make the change to Badgley, who converted all four of his field goal attempts (and 13 of 15 extra points) in the final month of the regular season.

Badgley went a perfect 3 for 3 on field goals and 11 for 11 on point-after attempts in a postseason run that saw the Lions reach the NFC Championship Game. He saw the most attention, though, when roped into the debate over coach Dan Campbell’s decisions to go for it on fourth down on a couple of occasions in the Lions’ loss to the 49ers in the conference title game.

Historically, Badgley has made 37 of 48 attempts from 40-49 yards out, the range in which he would have been asked to attempt both field goals in that game. His relative unreliability from that distance was used by many to justify Campbell’s decisions in those situations, drawing negative attention toward a kicker who didn’t miss a field goal in seven games.

Detroit has ignored this detail, accepted the repercussions of their coach’s decision and acknowledged Badgley’s production during a time of need. He’ll now get the first chance to own the starting job for a Lions team that is expected to battle among the elites in 2024.

GREEN BAY

Chip Kelly isn’t the only NCAA head coach who stepped away from that job to be an assistant elsewhere.  Back on January 31, Jeff Hafley left Boston College to be the DC of the Packers.  Myles Simmons of ProFootballTalk.com on why he was hired.

The Packers went off the board a bit to hire their newest defensive coordinator, Jeff Hafley.

While Hafley has spent plenty of time in the NFL coaching defensive backs, he was Boston College’s head coach for the last four seasons.

Now, he’ll scheme up the defensive for a Packers team that will have higher expectations in 2024.

On Thursday, head coach Matt LaFleur addressed moving on from former coordinator Joe Barry to hire Hafley.

“You guys know how I feel about Joe Barry and I’m so thankful for our time together,” LaFleur said in his press conference. “I’ve got so much respect for him as a man, as a coach, and what he was able to do for us. Those are tough decisions. But I think as the head football coach, sometimes you’ve got to make tough decisions in terms of what you think you need to do moving forward to put your team in the best possible position.

“[We] just felt really good about what Jeff Hafley is going to bring to us in terms of his ability to lead, his ability to connect. Certainly have always had respect for him from afar as a football coach. He’s worked with my brother at two different stops, he’s worked with Kyle Shanahan at two different stops — Cleveland and San Francisco. I how those guys, how much respect they have for him as a person first and a coach second. But just really excited [about] what he’s going to bring. Certainly, it will be a different scheme. But I think it’s one that will be easy to adjust to with the personnel that we have.”

Teams don’t use their base defensive personnel much any longer, but the Packers will be switching from a 3-4 to a 4-3 style. But LaFleur doesn’t see that change being all that tough.

“I wanted to get what I thought was the best for us,” LaFleur said. “And that’s not to discredit anybody else, it’s just that every situation is a little bit different. I equate putting a coaching staff together, it’s like putting a puzzle together. And how does each piece fit? That’s an important part of it, is the fit. And he just happens to run more of a 4-3.

“But I felt comfortable with, again, what we had — because the last thing you want to do is just scrap everything that you’ve got going for you, especially when you have some pretty good players that have performed at a high level and guys under contract and all this. ‘Gutey’ [G.M. Brian Gutekunst] was a part of the process when we were interviewing these guys, I certainly wanted to make him feel on board with it. He was pretty comfortable with it. So, we went out and got Hafley.”

LaFleur added that he wants the defense “to be fast and physical and attack the ball. We will be a little bit more vision-based on the backend and I think that’s [a] great opportunity to be able to go out there and generate takeaways.”

The Packers finished No. 10 in points allowed and No. 17 in yards allowed in 2023.

ARIZONA

What can we expect from the Cardinals in free agency?  Charean Williams ofProFootballTalk.com:

The Cardinals have $41 million in projected cap space and a roster in need of help. So, just how active will the team be in free agency?

General Manager Monti Ossenfort made clear in an interview with Arizona Sports 98.7 on Thursday that the Cardinals plan on building their roster through the draft. The Cardinals have the third overall choice, which they could trade or use to draft the best non-quarterback.

The Cardinals select again at No. 27 and No. 35 and have three picks in the third round. They have 11 picks overall.

“We are definitely going to be active in free agency. What does that mean? I can’t spell that out for you right now,” Ossenfort said, via Darren Urban of the team website. “I don’t know what that means because we don’t completely control that. There is a market and players we think are going to be available right now that two weeks from now are not going to be available. Free agency is full of unknowns in that respect, and there are dangers in free agency.

“The nature of free agency, you end up overpaying. That’s how it works. It’s full of mistakes. That’s not to say there are not things you can fix there. We will take our chances and there will be times we will find ways to supplement our roster, but ultimately we are going to build this team, and what we are going to be moving forward, through the draft.”

Hollywood Brown is the biggest name the Cardinals have hitting free agent, leaving the team with an even bigger need at the position if it is unable to re-sign him. The Cardinals appear in position to draft Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 3 overall.

Ossenfort was asked about the top prospects at wideout, but he acknowledged the Cardinals have holes all over their roster.

“We have a lot of needs. We really do. That’s a product of the NFL,” Ossenfort said. “We have plenty of room for improvement.

“We’re never going to turn down good players. Our list of needs is good players that fit us.”

LOS ANGELES RAMS

Sean McVay pledges to defer his game management decisions to a new hire.  Michael David Smith of ProFootballTalk.com:

For all his brilliance at game planning and play calling, Rams head coach Sean McVay has made more than his share of mistakes as a coach, specifically when it comes to clock management. That was particularly notable in the Rams’ playoff loss to the Lions, when McVay blew two timeouts early in the second half of a game that ended with the Lions running out the clock to secure a one-point win.

Recognizing that’s an area where he needs to improve, McVay hired John Streicher as a new addition to the coaching staff with the title of game management coordinator, and McVay cited the timeout mismanagement as the kind of thing Streicher will help him avoid.

“Not use my timeouts in the second half until I need to,” McVay answered when asked what Streicher will help him with.

McVay said Streicher has been very well respected in the NFL for his work with the Titans over the last six years.

“This game management coordinator, there’s a select group of people who have really earned a great reputation around the league,” McVay said. “You look at what this guy’s reputation has been in Tennessee, working closely with Mike Vrabel, and I think from afar I’ve always admired and respected how they handle situations. There’s an innate understanding of the rules and how to be able to use those to your advantage, clock management, some of the situational things that do end up coming up. He’s done a lot of different things for Tennessee, but when they ended up having a transition, he was a guy that came available, and you wanted to be able to jump at the opportunity to get him on board because I think he’s gonna be really valuable. I’ve really enjoyed being around him in a short amount of time and getting some exposure to the passion he has for that specific part of the game, while also having a big-picture capacity for it schematically, and also being able to evaluate personnel. So that’ll be the focus and concentration.”

McVay made two self-deprecating jokes about his timeout usage, saying another time during his meeting with the media on Thursday, “Maybe I won’t burn my timeouts in the second half so early.”

DENVER

Jeff Legwold of ESPN.com tries to figure out how much the Broncos are going to need to shell out to keep CB PATRICK SURTAIN, Jr.

– In what is shaping up to be a busy offseason for the Denver Broncos, the long-term future of cornerback Pat Surtain II is a significant front-burner issue.

His standing among teammates is unquestioned, making his future in Denver all-the-more crucial. Those same teammates will likely watch what happens with great interest.

“He is — we all think it — and you’ve heard me say it, one of our best players, if not our best player,” safety Justin Simmons said.

What the Broncos do with Surtain in the coming months will signal if the organization’s decision-makers agree with the locker room.

By May 2, the Broncos will need to exercise the fifth year of Surtain’s rookie deal and could also enter talks for a long-term extension.

“We’re all big fans of Pat,” Broncos general manager George Paton said at the end of the season. ” … We want Pat here for a long time, but I’m not prepared to make any statements on anything moving forward.”

Since the Broncos have made so many trades in the wake of the turnover among the coaching staff — Sean Payton is the third head coach since the start of 2019 — as well as changes at general manager and ownership over the last three years, the team has not made a first-round pick since Surtain was selected ninth overall in the 2021 draft. He is also the only Broncos’ first-round pick on defense and one of just three of their own first-rounders on the roster.

The Broncos have made three picks inside the top 45 in the last four drafts combined — Surtain, running back Javonte Williams at No. 35 in ’21 and wide receiver Jerry Jeudy at 15th overall in 2020.

Because he has been selected for two Pro Bowls in his first three seasons, Surtain is eligible for a fifth-year option that projects to be a fully guaranteed $18.65 million for the 2025 season. Once the Broncos formally engage that option they could continue to work on a long-term deal.

If for some reason the Broncos chose not to engage the option — as occurred with tackle Garett Bolles before they eventually signed him to a long-term extension in 2020 — Surtain would be scheduled to be a free agent after the 2024 season.

The future use of a franchise tag could loom even as Surtain and his representatives watch how things go with the Broncos, who will have salary-cap restraints over the next two years as well as uncertainty at quarterback if Russell Wilson is released.

“I just focus on what I can control to prepare myself,” Surtain said. “I’m always going to work on my game, work on my techniques, I want to be the best I can at what I do. Accolades are great and I respect them, but I really just want to be the best player I can and everything else comes with that.”

Finding a cornerback to start opposite of Surtain is also going to be key. Paton and Payton met with the coaching staff, scouts and pro personnel evaluators last week to review the depth chart as well as team needs before the scouting combine opens next week in Indianapolis.

Defensive coordinator Vance Joseph benched Damarri Mathis, a fourth-round pick in 2022, after the Broncos’ Week 7 loss to the Kansas City Chiefs and Fabian Moreau started the final 11 games opposite of Surtain. Moreau, who will turn 30 in April and had been a late arrival to the Broncos as an August signing, is scheduled to be an unrestricted free agent.

The Broncos used a third-round pick on cornerback Riley Moss last April, but Moss missed virtually all of training camp with a core muscle injury and played just 23 snaps on defense in the 14 games he played.

Beyond quarterback, that cornerback opening on the depth chart is one of the most glaring as free agency and the draft approach. Joseph is cautious about “the balance of having a player like Pat and the knowledge the quarterbacks are going to avoid him — and they are really going to avoid him if you don’t have a plan about how you play or who you have opposite of him.”

With the 12th pick in the first round this year, the Broncos would be in position to grab one of the top cornerbacks on the board. Alabama’s Terrion Arnold, Toledo’s Quinyon Mitchell, Clemson’s Nate Wiggins and Iowa’s Cooper DeJean are among those defensive backs who project into the top 20 picks.

“I’ve always said you can never have enough corners now,” Joseph said at season’s end. “That’s the way the league is, how you affect quarterbacks in the rush and coverage is everything now. Fitting Pat into that is always going to be one of the most important things we do.”

KANSAS CITY

Good for the Chiefs.  P MATT ARAIZA who has sat around, effectively banned from the NFL, for a long time even after it was revealed that an accusation of sexual assault while at San Diego State was hogwash, has been signed.  The Athletic:

The Kansas City Chiefs are signing punter Matt Araiza, his sports agency announced Thursday.

Araiza was a sixth-round pick by the Buffalo Bills in 2022 but was released following the draft after being named in a lawsuit that alleged he and two former San Diego State teammates gang-raped a teenager at an off-campus party in October of 2021.

After a police investigation involving more than 35 witness interviews and evidence from 10 search warrants, the San Diego County District Attorney’s Office in December 2022 decided to not charge Araiza or his teammates.

“Ultimately, prosecutors determined it is clear the evidence does not support the filing of criminal charges and there is no path to a potential criminal conviction,” the DA’s office said in a release at the time. “Prosecutors can only file charges when they ethically believe they can be proven beyond a reasonable doubt.”

The civil lawsuit against Araiza, filed by the woman who alleged the rape, was dropped in December, according to the Associated Press. Araiza also agreed to dismiss a defamation countersuit against the woman, per the AP.

“I am proud and honored to sign a contract with the Chiefs,” Araiza said in a statement via his agency, JL Sports. “I am thrilled to be able to continue my NFL career. I want to thank my family, who have been my rock and my many friends who have been unwavering in their support. I am excited to begin the next phase of my career with the Super Bowl Champs!”

Araiza hasn’t played in the NFL since the suit was filed. He worked out for the New York Jets in May 2023.

Before being released by the Bills, he appeared in two preseason games for the Bills and was named the team’s first-string punter.

At San Deigo State, Araiza won the 2021 Ray Guy Award, which is given to the nation’s top punter, and in his final season with the Aztecs, he set NCAA records in punt average (51.19), 60-yard punts (18) and 50-yard punts (39) in a single season.

Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend is set to be a free agent in March.

He will never get the 2023 season back, even though prosecutors announced last May that he was clearly not even present at the time of the claimed assault.

Warren Sharp on why the Chiefs are making this move:

@SharpFootball

it was a down year for Chiefs punter Tommy Townsend

his ranks the last 3 years on standard punts (60+ yards away from the end zone):

net yds/punt:

2023: #20 of 32

2022: #1

2021: #4

% of punts inside the 20

2023: #24 of 32

2022: #2

2021: #1

– – –

Here’s a crazy stat from Sharp:

Warren Sharp

@SharpFootball

average length of TD passes (air yards):

23.6 – Tyrod Taylor

21.9 – Will Levis

17.2 – Kenny Pickett

16.7 – Nick Mullens

15.5 – Trevor Lawrence

15.3 – Jalen Hurts

15.1 – Derek Carr

14.4 – Justin Fields

13.8 – C.J. Stroud

13.5 – Joe Flacco

13.5 – Aidan O’Connell

13.2 – Tua Tagovailoa

13.1 – Kirk Cousins

12.9 – Deshaun Watson

12.1 – Jared Goff

12.1 – Brock Purdy

11.9 – Lamar Jackson

11.8 – Josh Allen

11.8 – Russell Wilson

11.7 – Baker Mayfield

11.7 – Dak Prescott

11.7 – Joe Burrow

11.6 – Sam Howell

11.5 – Gardner Minshew

  9.6 – Jordan Love

  9.4 – Mac Jones

  9.3 – Bailey Zappe

  9.3 – Geno Smith

  9.3 – Tommy DeVito

  9.2 – Joshua Dobbs

  8.9 – Desmond Ridder

  8.8 – Matthew Stafford

  8.7 – Kyler Murray

  8.3 – Jimmy Garoppolo

  7.9 – Justin Herbert

  6.8 – Jake Browning

  5.2 – Taylor Heinicke

  5.0 – Bryce Young

  4.0 – Zach Wilson

  3.9 – Patrick Mahomes

*2023 reg season, min 5 TD passes

LOS ANGELES CHARGERS

OC Greg Roman believes QB JUSTIN HERBERT will be a better passer if he doesn’t do it as much.  Kris Rhim of ESPN.com:

– Los Angeles Chargers offensive coordinator Greg Roman told reporters Thursday that he is confident the Chargers will establish a consistent running offense, which he expects to elevate quarterback Justin Herbert.

“Can you imagine Justin Herbert with a great running game?” Roman said. “… We don’t know, but I can imagine what it might look like. So that’s kind of the vision.”

The Chargers last had a feared rushing offense over a decade ago, ranking outside the top 10 in rushing yards per game every season since 2007. The Chargers finished 24th in rushing YPG, and running back Austin Ekeler averaged the fewest yards per carry (3.5) of his career.

“I think in this league, you can really, really help dictate the defenses if you have a strong running attack,” Roman said. “If you really talk to most defensive coordinators in this league and got ’em off to the side when they’re playing a really good running team, they’re sweating a little bit. They’re sleeping a little less that week.”

Roman, who was most recently the offensive coordinator with the Ravens in 2022, put together some of the most prolific rushing offenses in sparking quarterback Lamar Jackson to win the second unanimous MVP award in NFL history in 2019. That same season, Roman won the AP Assistant of the Year award.

During Roman’s four seasons with the Ravens (2019-2022), they led the league in rushing yards per game (175.2) — a 30-yard difference between the next closest team — in part because of Jackson’s mobility. Roman led a similar rushing offense when he last coached with Harbaugh with the San Francisco 49ers from 2011 to 2014, where the 49ers were second in the NFL over that span in rushing yards per game (139.3).

Herbert isn’t an immobile quarterback; that was evident last season in his 73 rushing yards against the Packers, the second most of his career, or when he scrambled and juked Raiders outside linebacker Maxx Crosby. Herbert, however, isn’t the runner that Colin Kaepernick or Jackson is.

Herbert is at his best when passing, which Roman acknowledged, saying that his offense wouldn’t look the way it has with Jackson and Kaepernick.

“It’s going to be a little different,” Roman said. “I think you’re going to see probably a multiple running game. You’ll probably see the use of motions and shifting, and then you’ll see a pretty diverse passing game.

“… Right now, everybody’s got a blank slate of who we can be or what we can do. Could be anything right now, our principles and whatnot of what we do offensively won’t change, but how they come to life on the field will.”

Still, Roman isn’t dismissing the idea of any designed runs for Herbert next season.

“We’ll give it to anybody that can gain yards,” Roman said. “And then will Justin run the ball? … It’ll probably be more as a scrambler. Will we have some of that other stuff in our back pocket? Remains to be seen.”

NEW YORK JETS

The Jets are determined to have a viable backup available when/if QB AARON RODGERS suffers his 2024 injury.  Rich Cimini of ESPN.com:

With only 11 words, New York Jets owner Woody Johnson delivered a not-so-subtle message to general manager Joe Douglas.

“[We] need a backup quarterback,” Johnson told reporters at the recent NFL Honors in Las Vegas. “We didn’t have one last year.”

Translation: Get rid of Zach Wilson and bring in a new understudy for Aaron Rodgers.

Half the GMs in the league will be in the QB2 market this offseason, setting the stage for a head-spinning carousel of change. The need outweighs the supply, so it will get expensive, but the Jets — entrenched in win-now mode — can’t afford to scrimp.

The challenge is finding the right fit. One veteran quarterback told ESPN it will be difficult to convince a top-tier backup to play for the Jets, knowing there’s no chance to supplant a healthy Rodgers. The only path to playing time is via injury — though the injury factor is real considering his age (40) and what happened Sept. 11 when Rodgers suffered a season-ending Achilles injury in his Jets debut.

With Wilson leading the way, the team won four games in his 11 starts en route to a 7-10 record. Because of salary-cap restraints, the drop off between starter and backup in the NFL is significant. Nevertheless, the Jets would be committing roster-building malpractice if they leave themselves exposed.

“I would say in terms of a veteran backup, that’s a high probability,” Douglas said.

Who’s available? A look at their options:

Free agents (2023 team)

Ryan Tannehill, Tennessee Titans (2023: 1,616 yards, 64.8% completion rate, 35.1 Total QBR)

Tannehill, 35, is the best option because he’s a proven winner (81-70 as a starter) and has a background with Jets passing-game coordinator Todd Downing, formerly the Titans’ offensive coordinator. But he might be able to snag a starting job elsewhere. If that falls through, the Jets should be at the front of the line for his services.

Gardner Minshew, Indianapolis Colts (3,305 yards, 62.2% completion rate, 59.7 QBR)

Minshew fell just short of rallying the Colts to a playoff berth after Anthony Richardson’s season-ending injury. Minshew went 7-6, finishing 13th in QBR among qualified passers and making the Pro Bowl as a replacement. He will be coveted by teams looking for a bridge starter or a QB2 that can push the starter. He made only $3.5 million in 2023 but could at least double that. The Jets had their eye on him in the past.

Jacoby Brissett, Washington Commanders (224 yards, 78.3% completion rate, 95.6 QBR)

He made a strong impression on the Jets after coming off the bench and rallying the Commanders to 21 unanswered points on Christmas Eve, briefly taking the lead in a game. Washington ultimately lost, 30-28.

“He did a great job sparking their offense and getting them going,” coach Robert Saleh said after the game.

Brissett (18-30 as a starter) is a steady player who protects the ball, but he’s not going to generate a lot of big plays. He made $8 million last season, so he won’t come cheaply.

Tyrod Taylor, New York Giants (1,341 yards, 64.4% completion, 47.7 QBR)

The well-traveled Taylor, 34, is a “high-level processor that makes quick decisions,” Jets defensive coordinator Jeff Ulbrich said ahead of the Giants’ game on Oct. 29. Taylor can provide starter-level play in stretches, but his problem is staying healthy. He has dealt with several injuries, including broken ribs last season suffered against the Jets.

Mitch Trubisky, Pittsburgh Steelers (632 yards, 62.6% completion, 34.6 QBR)

Let’s be honest: Trubisky had a rough two years in Pittsburgh, where he was benched multiple times and released Feb. 12. The upside: He’s only 29 and went 29-21 with the Chicago Bears, who selected him No. 2 overall in 2017. He can move around in the pocket, which enhances his value a little.

Other free agents who might fit: Marcus Mariota, Philadelphia Eagles; Sam Darnold, San Francisco 49ers; Drew Lock, Seattle Seahawks; Tyler Huntley, Baltimore Ravens.

Potential cap cuts

Jimmy Garoppolo, Las Vegas Raiders (1,205 yards, 65.1% completion, 33.9 QBR)

Garoppolo is expected to be released before March 18, when an $11.3 million roster bonus is due, and he’s facing a two-game suspension for violating the league’s performance-enhancing substances policy. Playing on a surgically repaired foot, he lost his starting job to rookie Aidan O’Connell last season. Garoppolo’s star has dimmed since his 49ers days, but he’s an efficient system quarterback with big-game experience. Durability is a concern. Saleh is familiar with him because of their time together in San Francisco, when Saleh was the team’s defensive coordinator.

Cooper Rush, Dallas Cowboys (144 yards, 75% completion, 52.1 QBR)

Rush could shake free because the Cowboys owe fellow backup Trey Lance a $5.3 million guarantee. Rush, 30, hasn’t played a lot of football, which makes him risky, but he did go 4-1 as the starter when Dak Prescott went down in 2022. Due to make $2.3 million, Rush is a cost-effective option.

Taylor Heinicke, Atlanta Falcons (890 yards, 54.4% completion rate, 47.7 QBR)

Heinicke, with a $1.3 million roster bonus due March 18, could be the odd-man out if the new coaching staff remakes the quarterback depth chart. Heinicke (13-15-1) can provide a short-term spark, as he did in Washington at times from 2020 to 2022.

Mike White, Miami Dolphins (74 yards, 83.3%, 0.1 QBR)

Chances are, he’s not going anywhere, but wouldn’t it be interesting if the Dolphins, with major cap issues, cut him free to save $3.5 million? White was a darling among Jets’ fans in 2021 and when he replaced Wilson in 2022, though a rib injury derailed him. Saleh and Douglas like him a lot. Again, it’s a long shot, but never say “never” in the NFL.

Other potential cap cuts: Andy Dalton, Carolina Panthers; Case Keenum, Houston Texans.

THIS AND THAT

COMPETITION COMMITTEE ADDITIONS

The are now eight members of the competition committee per Nick Shook of NFL.com.  Four have last names that start with M, including three with “Mc.”

A handful of coaching changes have prompted some new additions to the NFL’s competition committee.

A couple of Seans — Rams coach Sean McVay and Bills coach Sean McDermott — have joined the committee, the NFL announced on Thursday. Their arrival fills two of the three seats left vacant by Ron Rivera, Frank Reich and Mike Vrabel, who were all fired by their respective teams either during or following the conclusion of the 2023 season.

2024 is shaping up to be another important year for the committee, which will evaluate the latest potential changes to the league’s set of rules regarding competition, player safety and possible further implementation of the latest technologies. The committee’s changes come just one week before the group meets in Indianapolis to continue its annual review of all aspects of the sport.

McDermott’s Bills have already had a role in a rule change that played a pivotal role in the conclusion of Super Bowl LVIII, the league’s second overtime Super Bowl in history and first in which both teams were afforded an opportunity to score regardless on if the first team scored a touchdown. After holding San Francisco to a field goal to start overtime, Kansas City marched down the field to score a walk-off touchdown and secure its second straight Lombardi Trophy.

The overtime rule was adjusted after Buffalo’s heartbreaking defeat at the hands of Kansas City in the 2021 Divisional Round, in which the Chiefs won the toss in overtime and scored a TD, winning the thrilling shootout before the Bills had a chance to possess the ball. With this outcome in mind, the NFL eventually adjusted its overtime rules for postseason games, affording each team an opportunity to score.

With McDermott and McVay now on the committee, its total membership stands at eight. Other current members are Falcons chairman Rich McKay, the Bengals’ Katie Blackburn, the Dolphins’ Chris Grier, the Cowboys’ Stephen Jones, the Giants’ John Mara and the Steelers’ Mike Tomlin, who joins McVay and McDermott as the three head coaches currently on the committee.

TRADE CANDIDATES

If Cody Benjamin of CBSSports.com had his way, here are some stars and semi-stars he would trade:

With 2024 NFL free agency also comes the offseason trade market. Sometimes blockbuster deals are forecast weeks or months in advance, much like the Chicago Bears with quarterback Justin Fields, who’s widely expected to be shopped as the team considers resetting the position atop April’s draft. Other times, big-name moves sent genuine shockwaves around the league.

With that in mind, here are seven notable veterans who probably won’t — or maybe shouldn’t — be dealt but could be floated in trade talks anyway:

Geno Smith

SEA • QB • #7

The Seattle Seahawks have already guaranteed $12.7 million (or 40%) of Smith’s base salary for 2024, but that hardly means he’s locked into place. The team is starting fresh with a new coach, sniffed around top QB draft prospects a year ago and can still save an immediate $13.8 million by dealing him prior to June 1. Smith has been just gutsy and dynamic enough to warrant another ride as the starter, but if another club is desperate for veteran help, it’s hard to envision the Seahawks denying the call.

Alvin Kamara

NO • RB • #41

Running it back with Derek Carr and Dennis Allen suggests the Saints are yet again refusing to rebuild, which bodes well for Kamara entering his age-29 season. Despite a few down years in rushing efficiency, the former Pro Bowler remains an all-purpose weapon, which should also make him appealing to new coordinator Klint Kubiak, who enjoyed Christian McCaffrey’s versatility in San Francisco. But the Saints are also dead-last in 2024 cap space, can save $1.5 million by dealing Kamara, who’s owed a whopping $29 million in 2025; before replenishing the position with an ultra-rich crop of free agent backs.

Davante Adams

LV • WR • #17

The Las Vegas Raiders will never say they’re shopping Adams, who just two years ago inked a five-year, $140 million deal to headline their offense. But with a new coach and general manager, plus a respectable Jakobi Meyers under contract out wide, there might not be a better time to sell. Dealing his contract would net only $1.8 million in immediate savings, but considering Adams is owed more than $44 million per year from 2025-2026, why wouldn’t they court offers from win-now contenders?

Stefon Diggs

BUF • WR • #14

A general rule of thumb for Super Bowl contenders is to keep, not sell all-star playmakers, especially when said players have a proven, steady rapport with a highly paid star QB. But Diggs’ personal frustrations led to his landing in Buffalo from the Minnesota Vikings years ago, and he’s since struggled to fight the perception that he’s unhappy with the Bills’ late-year direction. Fellow wideout Gabe Davis is an impending free agent, so obviously Buffalo would need a serious plan to restock the position if it dealt the 30-year-old Diggs, but a trade would save an instant $9.7 million, helping get the club back under the 2024 cap.

Brandon Aiyuk

SF • WR • #11

Do the San Francisco 49ers plan to pay Aiyuk what the market says he’s worth? Fresh off a career year as Brock Purdy’s top downfield target, he figures to command top dollar on a future deal, which has come due with 2024 marking the final year of his rookie contract. There’s a case to be made fellow wideout Deebo Samuel is the more logical trade chip as an older, more injury-riddled starter, and certainly the 49ers would rather keep both coming off a Super Bowl bid. But dealing the ascending star would save them an immediate $14 million, allowing the front office to reallocate money to the trenches and defense.

Khalil Mack

LAC • OLB • #52

The former Chicago Bears stud returned to All-Pro form in 2023, logging a career-high 17 sacks as the Los Angeles Chargers’ top edge presence. And new coach Jim Harbaugh probably prefers to win sooner rather than later, with Justin Herbert already locked up as the franchise signal-caller. But Mack is 33, and L.A. would save a whopping $23.3 million by trading him before June 1, clearing most of the $35.5 million the Chargers are projected to be over the 2024 cap.

Justin Simmons

DEN • FS • #31

An eight-year veteran of the Denver Broncos, Simmons is arguably the heart and soul of a perennially tough defense, and he hasn’t lost his ability to track the ball at age 30, totaling 30 interceptions in his career. But he’s entering the final year of his contract, and Denver — which is projected to be $24 million over the cap — could save an immediate $14.5 million by sending him elsewhere. With other stalwarts like Patrick Surtain II already in the secondary, perhaps now is the time the two sides will consider a split.

2024 DRAFT

A new Mock Drafter for the DB – Gennaro Filice of NFL.com:

Publishing a mock draft just days before the NFL Scouting Combine is kind of like buying clothes without trying them on: They seem like a fit, but you’re skipping an important step in the process.

Alas, the content machine MUST be fed, so I’m here to supply today’s meal.

The following trip down the Round 1 rabbit hole underscores this prospect pool’s strongest positions, as 21 of the 32 players listed below play wide receiver, offensive tackle or cornerback. That said, four of the first seven picks man the position that makes the football world go round: quarterback.

Alright, enough preamble: Here’s my best guess as to how the 2024 NFL Draft’s opening round will transpire, with three trades mixed in for a little extra spice.

1  Chicago Bears (via CAR)

Caleb Williams                                 USC · QB · Junior

Yup, just like nearly every other mock drafter in the known universe, I have Williams going No. 1 overall. And yup, I’m also operating under the assumption the Bears will trade Justin Fields and reset the financial clock on the game’s most important — and expensive — position.

2  Washington Commanders

Drake Maye                                      North Carolina · QB · Sophomore (RS)

The QB2 question is fertile ground in this pre-draft process, and I expect several twists and turns as the debate rages on over the next two months. In the moment, it feels like Jayden Daniels is gaining steam in some draftnik circles, but I still suspect this is at least partially because the reigning Heisman Trophy winner is the shiny new object to evaluate after his breakthrough season at LSU. Essentially, Maye has become old hat. Which is funny, given that he’s actually two years younger than Daniels.

3  New England Patriots

Jayden Daniels                                LSU · QB · Senior

Bill Belichick The Coach and Bill Belichick The GM are gone. With Jerod Mayo taking the HC reins and Eliot Wolf now heading the personnel department, it’s a brand new day in Foxborough. So how about a brand new experience in quarterbacking?

4  Arizona Cardinals

Marvin Harrison Jr.                            Ohio State · WR · Junior

If popular opinion ultimately comes to fruition and the first three players off the board are indeed quarterbacks, this could be the easiest pick of the draft. Michael Wilson provided positive returns as a rookie wideout this past season, but Harrison is the kind of extraordinary talent who changes his NFL team’s receiver room overnight.

5  Los Angeles Chargers

Brock Bowers                                     Georgia · TE · Junior

NEWS FLASH: Jim Harbaugh likes tight ends. Frankly, though, Bowers is more accurately described as an offensive weapon, and I envision Justin Herbert taking full advantage of his multi-faceted abilities.

6  New York Giants

Malik Nabers                                  LSU · WR · Junior

Ten years ago, the Giants drafted a playmaking receiver out of LSU who checked in right around 6 feet tall and 200 pounds. Asking the eerily similar Nabers to replicate Odell Beckham Jr.’s spectacular burst onto the NFL scene (SEE: 1,300-plus yards and double-digit touchdowns in each of his first three seasons) is a tall order, but the 20-year-old would undoubtedly give Brian Daboll’s passing attack a necessary jolt of electricity.

7  Minnesota Vikings  PROJECTED TRADE WITH TENNESSEE TITANS

J.J. McCarthy                            Michigan · QB · Junior

Much to the dismay of a large portion of Draft Twitter (sorry, Elon — Draft X sounds weird), McCarthy appears destined to be a top-10 pick. Skeptics understandably bemoan the relative scarcity of pure pocket passing J.J. put on display in Michigan’s run-first offense, but the 21-year-old did showcase the kind of athleticism that could play quite well in Kevin O’Connell’s play-action/bootleg scheme.

8 Atlanta Falcons

Terrion Arnold                            Alabama · CB · Sophomore (RS)

Having originally arrived at Alabama as a five-star safety recruit, Arnold’s still relatively new to the cornerback position, but he checks all of the trait boxes with size, speed, physicality and ball skills. Now he just needs a little polish. Who better to provide that than new Falcons head man Raheem Morris and defensive coordinator Jimmy Lake, two coaches with a wealth of experience developing cover men?

9  Chicago Bears

Rome Odunze                             Washington · WR · Senior

In the fictional world of this mock draft, QB Caleb Williams joins a Bears team that already has a YAC monster to pepper with easy targets (DJ Moore). But that’s not all! How would the new franchise face like a power forward with polished route-running skills and elite contested-catch ability?

10  New York Jets

Joe Alt                                         Notre Dame · OT · Junior

The Aaron Rodgers replacements caught plenty of deserved flak for shoddy quarterback play last season, but to be fair, they weren’t given much of a chance by the porous offensive line. With Rodgers back under center, GM Joe Douglas is thrilled to get his pick of a talented tackle litter here. The towering Alt feels like one of the cleanest prospect evals in this class.

11  Tennessee Titans      PROJECTED TRADE WITH MINNESOTA VIKINGS

Olumuyiwa Fashanu                  Penn State · OT · Junior (RS)

After gaining extra draft currency by trading down, Titans GM Ran Carthon still lands a proverbial dancing bear in pass protection. This left tackle’s run blocking leaves something to be desired, but Mike Vrabel isn’t walking through that door any more. Tennessee’s offense will look completely different under new head coach Brian Callahan.

12  Cincinnati Bengals          PROJECTED TRADE WITH DENVER BRONCOS

Taliese Fuaga                                Oregon State · OT · Senior

TACKLE RUN!!! With bookends flying off the board, Cincinnati does the unthinkable. A wild maneuver first conjured up by daring colleague Dan Parr: Trading up in the first round for the first time since 1995. In this space, the Bengals grab one of the hottest prospects in draft punditry, giving Joe Burrow a feisty presence on the front side to complement LT Orlando Brown Jr.

13 Las Vegas Raiders

Jared Verse                                Florida State · Edge · Senior

I enjoy watching Maxx Crosby’s relentless game-wrecking so much that I’m giving him a rampaging running mate who’s cut from the same cloth. Something tells me Antonio Pierce would be quite happy doubling down on edge brutality.

14  New Orleans Saints

Dallas Turner                             Alabama · Edge · Junior

Cam Jordan reliably carried New Orleans’ pass rush for years, but the soon-to-be 35-year-old just posted his lowest totals in sacks (two) and QB hits (six) since his rookie campaign back in 2011. Turner could test like a freak in Indianapolis and ultimately be long gone by the time the Saints are on the clock in April. But in this exercise, Dennis Allen fills a dire need.

15  Indianapolis Colts

Quinyon Mitchell                        Toledo · CB · Senior

Arguably the most impressive player at the Senior Bowl, Mitchell isn’t as long as last year’s second-round selection, JuJu Brents, but he offers ample size to go with explosive speed and supreme ball skills. There is a world where this Toledo prospect is the first cornerback selected.

16  Houston Texans  (via CLE)        PROJECTED TRADE WITH SEATTLE SEAHAWKS

JC Latham                                       Alabama · OT · Junior

There’s an argument to be made that C.J. Stroud is the most valuable team-building piece this side of Patrick Mahomes. Houston knows this, and inherently trades up for a colossal right tackle to line up across the formation from Pro Bowl LT Laremy Tunsil. Protect the franchise-changing QB at all costs!

17  Jacksonville Jaguars

Brian Thomas Jr.                             LSU · WR · Junior

If Calvin Ridley leaves in free agency, Jacksonville will need to replenish Trevor Lawrence’s weaponry in the passing game. How about a tall touchdown maker (led the nation with 17 TD grabs this past season) with deep speed that purportedly could light the Lucas Oil Stadium track on fire next week.

18  Denver Broncos                      PROJECTED TRADE WITH CINCINNATI BENGALS

Laiatu Latu                                    UCLA · Edge · Senior

Moving down six slots in this simulation, Denver nets additional draft currency that could be used to select a quarterback like Bo Nix or Michael Penix Jr. on Day 2. At No. 18, though, the Broncos pounce on the most technically refined pass rusher in this draft class.

One important note: Latu’s combine medicals will be crucial, as the edge rusher was forced to temporarily retire from the sport in college due to a serious neck issue.

19  Los Angeles Rams

Cooper DeJean                                Iowa · CB · Junior

Is he a corner? Is he a nickel? Is he a safety? Um … yes. Frankly, I believe DeJean has the ability to be a pure CB in the NFL, but as a freak athlete with plus size, elite playmaking skills and versatility, he could also allow the Rams to fully revive the “star” position previously mastered by Jalen Ramsey.

20  Pittsburgh Steelers

Kool-Aid McKinstry                          Alabama · CB · Junior

Pittsburgh successfully shored up one cornerback spot with last year’s selection of Joey Porter Jr. Now it’s time to address the other. With all due respect to future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson, he’s no longer the same player in his mid-30s and feels like a prime cut candidate.

21  Miami Dolphins

Jackson Powers-Johnson                Oregon · IOL · Junior

While the aerial acrobatics of Tua Tagovailoa, Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle get much of the attention, Mike McDaniel’s offense is rooted in a potent ground attack. With Connor Williams, Robert Hunt and Isaiah Wynn — basically the entire starting interior offensive line — ticketed for free agency, Miami grabs an agile road grader who can thrive in McDaniel’s wide-zone run scheme.

22  Philadelphia Eagles

Amarius Mims                                      Georgia · OT · Junior

Eagles GM Howie Roseman clearly loves drafting two things:

Offensive linemen.

Georgia Bulldogs.

Two birds/one stone, baby! A rare physical specimen with just eight college starts under his belt, Mims can marinate in Philly before eventually taking over for aging RT Lane Johnson.

23  Seattle Seahawks         PROJECTED TRADE WITH HOUSTON TEXANS

Byron Murphy II                              Texas · DT · Junior

The Seahawks broke the bank for Dre’Mont Jones last offseason, but the splashy free-agent signing didn’t produce the kind of interior disruption they were hoping for. In the first pick of the Mike Macdonald regime, Seattle nabs an ascending 3-technique whose explosive athleticism and relentless motor more than make up for his substandard height.

24  Dallas Cowboys

Tyler Guyton                                   Oklahoma · OT · Senior

Betting on the upside of a developmental offensive lineman named Tyler at No. 24 overall? Worked out pretty well for the Cowboys two years ago, as Tyler Smith just made his first Pro Bowl. Back to the well!

25  Green Bay Packers

Kingsley Suamataia                        BYU · OT · Sophomore (RS)

A five-star recruit out of high school, Suamataia has a lot in common with his cousin, Penei Sewell. No, the BYU product isn’t nearly as polished as the former No. 7 overall pick was when he entered the NFL, but he combines an alluring mix of athleticism and violence with documented ability to thrive at left and right tackle. With longtime stalwart David Bakhtiari seemingly on his way out of Green Bay, Suamataia could initially serve as a swing tackle behind Zach Tom and Rasheed Walker before developing into a full-time starter.

26  Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Keon Coleman                                Florida State · WR · Junior

In a loaded receiver class, this big-bodied, contested-catch wizard has a lot riding on how swiftly he travels 40 yards in Lucas Oil Stadium next week. A time in the 4.4s could make his availability at this draft slot a pipe dream. But in this hypothetical, the Bucs land a similarly skilled replacement for pending free agent Mike Evans.

27  Arizona Cardinals(via HOU)

Nate Wiggins                                Clemson · CB · Junior

After adding a long, lean, fluid athlete to catch passes at No. 4 overall (Marvin Harrison Jr.), the Cardinals scoop up a long, lean, fluid athlete to defend passes at No. 27. Two major needs filled with two impressive physical specimens.

28  Buffalo Bills

Adonai Mitchell                              Texas · WR · Junior

With Gabe Davis heading into free agency, Buffalo needs to restock Josh Allen’s receiving corps. This above-the-rim scorer would nicely complement route artisan Stefon Diggs and emerging slot weapon Khalil Shakir.

29  Detroit Lions

Ennis Rakestraw Jr.                        Missouri · CB · Junior (RS)

Rakestraw is a physical, competitive corner who plays with the kind of edge Dan Campbell adores while excelling in the press-man coverage Aaron Glenn typically prefers. Next week’s Indy expedition looms LARGE for this combine participant, both on the field (SEE: 40-yard dash, with questions about his long speed) and off (medicals, with concerns about his injury history).

30  Baltimore Ravens                   

Darius Robinson                             Missouri · DL · Senior

A lengthy power player with “first guy off the bus” physique and inside-outside versatility, Robinson boosted his draft stock with a head-turning week at the Senior Bowl. Given the potential free agency attrition across Baltimore’s front seven, newly promoted DC Zach Orr could certainly use this kind of defensive chameleon if he aims to continue Mike Macdonald’s amoeba scheme.

31  San Francisco 49ers

Troy Fautanu                                 Washington · OT · Senior

It’s a tale of two bookends in San Francisco. At left tackle, Trent Williams is first-team All-Pro. At right tackle, Colton McKivitz is first-team All-WHOA. SEE: Nine sacks (tied for the most among RTs, per PFF) and 47 pressures (fifth) allowed. Some project Fautanu as a guard in the NFL. I’d try him out at right tackle, and if he falters, well, the 49ers need help on the interior O-line, too.

32  Kansas City Chiefs

Xavier Worthy                                 Texas · WR · Junior

If you’re a regular reader of the mock drafts on this website, you might have noticed a trend in this round-ending slot. Daniel Jeremiah just projected Oregon WR Troy Franklin to Kansas City, with that coming on the heels of Dan Parr (North Carolina’s Devontez Walker) and Lance Zierlein (Michigan’s Roman Wilson) sending two other receivers to the Chiefs at Pick No. 32. Oh, and Chad Reuter had K.C. trading up for Florida State WR Keon Coleman.

So, allow me to add a new name to the potpourri of pass catchers. Worthy hasn’t been a mock mainstay to this point. Some are worried about the concentration drops, which may be an understandable concern for the Chiefs in particular, but if he runs as fast as many anticipate in Indianapolis, that could change real quick. And yes, I enjoy giving the best quarterback on the planet a pure field stretcher in the DeSean Jackson mold. He could use it.