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USA Today
a day ago
- Business
- USA Today
Dolphins' Mike McDaniel comments on Jalen Ramsey trade progress
Dolphins' Mike McDaniel comments on Jalen Ramsey trade progress It feels like a matter of when and no longer if the Miami Dolphins will trade seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey. The Super Bowl LVI champion signed a three-year, $72.3 million contract extension in September of last year. But, Dolphins general manager Chris Grier revealed in an April press conference that the organization had decided it was in the best interest of all parties to part ways via a trade. Miami defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver confirmed in late May that a Ramsey trade was still in the works. On Tuesday, Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel was asked from organized team activities if there's been any progress made on the Ramsey trade front. "I don't really check in on a day-to-day. Zero has changed from my end. I let Chris work, and I'm diligently coaching," McDaniel said from OTAs. It's not much of a departure from McDaniel's initial remarks on the Ramsey situation from Miami OTAs. "I'm really worried about the team, the players that will be out on the field today and that's about as much breath as I want to speak into it. "It is quite honestly, irresponsible for me to put down some of the thoughts and focus on the players that we're working now to build a performance for the season and concern myself with that. That's where I should be, I think," McDaniel said earlier on in Dolphins OTAs. The Dolphins currently have $13.8 million in effective cap space per Over The Cap, but a Ramsey trade would free up an additional $5.9 million with the post-June 1 designation per Spotrac. That extra money could be used to shore up the cornerback room or to help finalize a contract extension for tight end Jonnu Smith.
New York Post
29-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Aaron Glenn bringing key area of change — beyond QB — to Jets' extreme roster makeover
When the Jets took the field for OTAs last week, even the most passionate follower of the team would have needed a roster sheet to follow along. The Jets will not only have a different look on the sideline this year with Aaron Glenn in charge. They will look very, very different on the field. The roster has undergone plenty of changes. The Jets only have 58 percent of their players returning who were on the active roster or injured reserve last year, according to Over The Cap. That is the lowest percentage in the NFL. The Titans, who were the worst team in the league in 2024, are next at 59.4 percent. 3 Aaron Glenn is embracing the Jets' youth movement — and an overhauled roster. Christopher Sadowski There are some obvious changes like at quarterback where Aaron Rodgers is gone after being the face of the franchise for two years and Justin Fields is now the latest candidate to be the Jets franchise quarterback.
Chicago Tribune
28-05-2025
- Sport
- Chicago Tribune
Chicago Bears Q&A: Why create cap space with the Joe Thuney extension? Can Terell Smith be a press CB?
As the Chicago Bears take part in their second week of organized team activities at Halas Hall, could they be laying groundwork for another major addition to the roster? The Tribune's Brad Biggs addresses that question and many more in this week's Bears mailbag. What is the upside of lowering this year's cap number for Joe Thuney? If they don't use that cap space this season, wouldn't it be better to take that cap hit now? If they're not using the space for Thuney, does this imply they are looking to add more salary? — @samolianssam The Bears signed Thuney to a two-year, $35 million extension last week that puts the left guard under contract through 2027 at a total of $51 million. Thuney has $33.5 million fully guaranteed through the 2026 season, which effectively makes 2027 a team option at $17.5 million. The way the deal was structured, Thuney's salary-cap hit for this season went from $16 million (in the contract the Bears inherited from the Kansas City Chiefs) to $8 million. While some leaped to a conclusion that the savings hinted at a big move to follow, the Bears were pretty snug against the cap before the Thuney extension. Now they have $14.75 million in operating space, according to Over The Cap, which ranks 24th in the league. That provides the room to make a small addition to the roster and handle the necessary in-season moves due to injuries and such. Yes, the Bears could add more space if required by adjusting other contracts, but I'm skeptical another big move (see: Trey Hendrickson) is coming. One way or another, they needed to free up some space and accomplished that with the Thuney extension. Is Ben Johnson allowed to use the tush push if George McCaskey voted against it and thinks it's dangerous? I'm seriously asking. — @canuckboy670am Johnson was asked for his thoughts on the tush push last week after a bid to outlaw the play reportedly fell two votes shy at the NFL owners meeting. 'Does it become an explosive play ever?' Johnson said. 'Have you ever seen a tush push become an explosive play? I like big plays, so I'm not a big tush push guy myself.' The Philadelphia Eagles, who run the play more successfully than anyone, have had a couple of longer gains built off the play. They have a quarterback in Jalen Hurts with a physical profile and lower-body strength that are unmatched at the position. He can handle the physical dangers of the play and has the strength to push forward for an extra half-yard or yard when needed. Who does what in the Chicago Bears organization? Here's a counter to Johnson's remark is that moving the chains on a fourth-and-1 tush push provides the offense a fresh set of downs and more opportunities for explosive plays. There's also nothing more explosive than a touchdown. I don't know what Johnson will cook up in short-yardage situations. Would he consider a tush push with tight end Cole Kmet, who is strong and potentially could execute the play? Just because the owner voted to outlaw the play doesn't mean Johnson won't consider it. Terell Smith is an under-the-radar cornerback. Does his game fit the Dennis Allen scheme? — @djw4177 That's a good question. I think the Bears viewed Smith as more of a zone-coverage cornerback when they selected him in the fifth round out of Minnesota in 2023. That doesn't mean he lacks the tools to be a press corner. He has what you want in terms of a longer frame, reach and the physical strength to aggressively challenge wide receivers at the line of scrimmage. Smith measured 6-foot-0½ with 32 7/8-inch arms at the scouting combine. That doesn't mean you want him locked in press coverage against Ja'Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson, but I think he has the tools to potentially fit the scheme. Don't get carried away thinking we're going to see nothing but in-your-face man coverage by the secondary. Allen will mix in two-deep coverages and Cover-3, but when he wants to play man, you'll see press coverage with aggressive technique by the cornerbacks. Re: The enthusiasm over Ben Johnson. There was hype over Dave Wannstedt, Matt Nagy and even Marc Trestman. Also Flus, to some degree. All failed. Why should we believe Ben will be any better? — Mike W., Arizona One thing Bears fans have a tendency to do — and I'm sure it happens everywhere — is believe that the previous coaches, along with packing their belongings, also took with them everything that ailed the franchise. All of the poor play calls, ineffective schemes, missed challenge opportunities, blown timeouts and failed leadership are tidily packed in a cardboard box and removed from Halas Hall. When a team is stuck in a series of failed rebuilding efforts, the problems never really exit. They repopulate like weeds in your front yard. Should there be hope for Johnson and his new staff? Sure. The Bears landed arguably the most coveted candidate in this hiring cycle. I don't think you can say that about previous hires, but it would be an error to say the other coaches didn't have momentum toward landing a top job. If the roster is more competitive than last year's 5-12 record indicates — and the Bears surely are betting on that — there should be optimism they can field a more successful product in short order. They have a talented offensive mind to work with a talented young quarterback, plenty of skill-position players and an upgraded offensive line. That's where belief should lie in Johnson and what he can bring to the table. How many issues plaguing the organization were actually packed up and shipped out with Matt Eberflus and his staff, we'll have to wait to find out. Do you think the Bills or Dolphins training camp joint practice will be open to the public? — @michael16824439 Photos: What we saw at Chicago Bears OTAsThat's a good question and I don't know the answer because the Bears haven't finalized a training camp schedule. Instinct tells me they will schedule an open day for the public to at least one of the two joint practice sessions and possibly both. Last year the Bears had nine camp practices open to the public, including a joint practice with the Cincinnati Bengals. Inclement weather forced them to cancel fan access that day, so they added an extra open day in an effort to accommodate those who missed out on the opportunity. I'd expect the team to release a camp schedule in June. Remember, a free ticket is required for admission to camp practices. How much of the offense will be the dreaded WR screen pass? I remember when John Lynch as a Buccaneers player called WR screens the 'Bear Pass' and it seems no matter who calls plays for the Bears, it's been called five or more times a game for 40 years. — @themanvic I don't recall Lynch saying that but it's possible he did. The wide receiver screen is part of every NFL, college and high school offense. These days, wide receiver screens often are built into run-pass options (RPOs). That's strictly a numbers thing. If you have numbers on the edge, the quarterback throws it. If the numbers aren't there, hand it off. Like any other play, it still has to be executed. Miss a block at the point of attack — even with numbers — and it can look bad. One pitfall the Bears got into last year, and maybe at times with Justin Fields as quarterback, is they tended to use wide receiver screens as an answer for pressure. They wanted the ball out of the quarterback's hand as quickly as possible. That was a tendency defenses were able to pick up on pretty easily. Wide receiver screens will be a part of just about every package, and the Bears have three talented catch-and-run targets in DJ Moore, Luther Burden and Olamide Zaccheaus. They just can't use the play as an answer for pressure over and over. What year will the Bears play their first game in Arlington Heights? — Jerry F. That's impossible to answer at this point, but I suppose I can hazard a guess without knowing how the team will fare in Springfield in the final week of the spring legislative session. The Bears are seeking megaproject legislation that would allow them to negotiate with local governments over property tax bills, and there's no way of telling how things will go this week. Simply put, the Bears need help from the state to put a move to Arlington Heights in motion. At this point, my blind guess is that the earliest the Bears could play games in Arlington Heights would be the 2029 season. What will happen to the Detroit Lions this year? Big test for Dan Campbell. — @terrydonahoe2 I won't masquerade as an expert on the Lions, but it's still Campbell's team, culture and identity and nothing from that standpoint has changed. He picked new coordinators and assistant coaches who profile and will adapt to his identity. Campbell has been around the league for a long time, and while it's a transition for sure to replace both coordinators, the Lions have something a lot of teams are seeking and that's stability at the top. That's because of Campbell and general manager Brad Holmes. They also have some super-talented players who missed a lot of time because of injuries last season. Defensive end Aidan Hutchinson tops that list. As you know, the Lions just kept winning without them up until the playoff game against the Washington Commanders. The Lions are the pick to win the NFC North until someone beats them.
New York Times
27-05-2025
- Business
- New York Times
Packers proposed restructured contract to CB Jaire Alexander: Source
GREEN BAY, Wis. — There has finally been a development in the Jaire Alexander offseason saga, though his contract status with the Packers isn't resolved just yet. According to a source with knowledge of the situation, the Packers have proposed a restructured contract to Alexander, which tangibly demonstrates their interest in retaining the two-time All-Pro cornerback during an offseason in which they have been open to trading him. Advertisement Alexander and his agent, John Thornton of Roc Nation, have not agreed to a restructuring yet. Alexander, 28, wants to remain in Green Bay and has two years remaining on a then-record contract extension he signed in 2022 for $21 million annually. According to Over The Cap, Alexander has the third-highest cap number on the team for 2025 (about $24.6 million) behind quarterback Jordan Love ($29.7 million) and defensive end Rashan Gary ($25.8 million). Alexander has a base salary of $16.15 million, a per-game roster bonus of $650,000 and a workout bonus of $700,000. However, general manager Brian Gutekunst's first draft pick has only played in 16 of a potential 37 games over the last two seasons because of four different injuries and a one-game suspension. Alexander participated in the voluntary first week of the offseason program, but that was virtual because of the draft being held in Green Bay. He has not yet reported to Lambeau Field for in-person voluntary offseason work as his future with the team remains uncertain, but he plans to attend mandatory minicamp on June 10, if not before, even if his contract situation isn't resolved, according to a source. The Packers could still release Alexander before he shows if negotiations for a restructuring reach a dead end. 'We invested a lot in Jaire and want to make sure, if he's not gonna be on our football team helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment,' Gutekunst said earlier this offseason. 'So we'll see where it goes, but again, working with (Thornton) weekly and trying to figure out what's best for both Jaire and the Packers.' If the Packers release Alexander before June 1, they would free up about $7.6 million in cap space for 2025, according to OTC. If they do so after June 1, they would free up about $17.1 million. The Packers aren't strapped for cap, though, ranking 10th in the NFL with about $28.9 million in cap space. Advertisement As it stands, the Packers' top three outside cornerbacks are returning players Keisean Nixon and Carrington Valentine and free-agent signing Nate Hobbs. Both Nixon and Hobbs have primarily played nickel in the NFL, but the Packers plan to play both on the outside, Nixon likely more than Hobbs. If healthy, Alexander would be the team's best option at the position. While his future with the Packers has been in limbo, Alexander has worked out this offseason with safety Xavier McKinney and remained in touch with the team. 'We have contact every morning,' defensive passing game coordinator Derrick Ansley said recently. 'I send him a positive quote. Sometimes it's a scripture. Sometimes it's just something that somebody sends me and I forward it to him, but yeah, we have contact every morning.'
New York Times
16-04-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
How Jaire Alexander's future impacts the Packers' draft plans at cornerback
Jaire Alexander is still a Green Bay Packer eight days before the NFL Draft. General manager Brian Gutekunst addressed the matter at the NFL owners' meetings last month. While the Packers don't absolutely need Alexander's future resolved by the draft, it would be helpful, presumably, for the team to have more clarity on its cornerback group entering the first round. Advertisement The Packers have been open to trading their two-time All-Pro cornerback, but Gutekunst left the door open for Alexander to remain a Packer if a trade doesn't materialize. So far, it hasn't. If it stays that way for the next eight days, it's possible a team that doesn't get their desired cornerback(s) in the draft is then willing to pony up for Alexander afterward. But if Alexander remains on the roster through the draft, Gutekunst might give up on trading him since any draft compensation he'd recoup would be for 2026. At that point, it would make sense to move forward with Alexander on the team and hope he stays healthy, which has been a challenge for the 28-year-old who has missed 20 games combined over the last two seasons because of four different injuries. There's no denying he's elite when healthy, though, and the Packers would have to cross their fingers while making sure there's no rift between player and team after the latter's public willingness to trade the former. 'We invested a lot in Jaire and want to make sure, if he's not gonna be on our football team helping us win games, that we get something back for that investment,' Gutekunst said at the owners' meetings. 'So we'll see where it goes.' That doesn't sound like a general manager willing to release Alexander if a trade doesn't happen. There are multiple reasons I think there's a legitimate chance the Packers take a wide receiver in the first round for the first time in 23 years. Story: — Matt Schneidman (@mattschneidman) April 14, 2025 According to Over The Cap, both releasing and trading Alexander before June 1 would free up about $7.6 million in cap space. Doing either after June 1 would free up about $17.1 million. Alexander, who the Packers made the highest-paid cornerback in NFL history in 2022 with a $21 million average annual salary (he's now fifth-highest-paid), has the third-highest cap hit on the team for 2025 behind quarterback Jordan Love and defensive end Rashan Gary. He's arguably being paid too much for how often he's been available, but the Packers' best option may be just to keep him at that salary if Alexander isn't willing to take a pay cut, and the team doesn't want to release him for only more cap space in return. Advertisement If the Packers trade him before next Thursday, cornerback might become a need as early as Round 1. Parting with Alexander would leave the Packers with three returning players at the position with regular season NFL experience on defense — Keisean Nixon, Nate Hobbs and Carrington Valentine. Nixon has one season of outside cornerback experience, though Gutekunst said Nixon played 'really, really well' on the outside in 2024. Hobbs is more of a nickel who the Packers think can play outside. 'Whenever we can get versatile players on our team, I think that's a huge advantage for us because it gives you a lot of flexibility,' head coach Matt LaFleur said of Hobbs at the owners' meetings. 'Injuries are part of our game and how you pivot and adjust, I think, is a big deal. I just know that a lot of people just view him as a nickel. Well, we think he can play on the outside and play on the perimeter. I just love the guy's mentality. I love how he plays the game. He plays it the right way. He's tough, he's competitive and he brings an edge.' Valentine has shown promise on the outside over sporadic playing time in his first two seasons, too. Alexander didn't start right away after the Packers drafted him No. 18 in 2018, so a first-round cornerback isn't off the table even if it seems Nixon and Hobbs will start on the outside. Competition is never bad, especially when Nixon and Hobbs aren't exactly superstars at outside cornerback, so maybe a rookie first-rounder pushes them to be better or even unseats one himself. There are likely to be injuries, too, so depth at a position the Packers currently have very little of is paramount. And all three of the aforementioned players essentially have two years remaining on their contracts (Nixon and Valentine literally do, while Hobbs' four-year deal is basically a two-year contract with an out before Year 3), so now might be a good time to start backloading the group. The Beast is here! The 2025 NFL Draft Guide – new and — Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) April 9, 2025 If the Packers don't trade Alexander before draft day and Gutekunst decides the deadline to do so has passed, cornerback remains a need but probably not as early as the first round. The backloading aspect from the first scenario still stands, since Alexander likely wouldn't be a Packer for the long term if he stays. It still probably wouldn't be wise for a team trying to win now to spend a first-round pick at a group featuring Nixon, Hobbs, Valentine and one of the best in the game when he's healthy. Advertisement That would narrow down the Packers' most likely first-round targets to defensive line and wide receiver. Cornerback would still be a need as early as Day 2, not only for the backloading aspect if more than one of the aforementioned four leave in the next year or two, but also because of who the Packers lost from their 2024 cornerback group. Eric Stokes, Robert Rochell and Corey Ballentine all signed elsewhere in free agency, so the Packers' depth at the position features Isaiah Dunn, Kamal Hadden, Kaleb Hayes and Kalen King. Dunn played 114 defensive snaps as a rookie for the Jets in 2021 but has been out of the league for the last two seasons. None of the other three have played a defensive snap in their careers. So as the NFL Draft descends on Green Bay next week, Alexander's future remains cloudy. The Packers are likely going to draft a cornerback, but when they do might depend on what transpires over the next eight days with one of their most accomplished players.
