Mandatory Minicamps Kick Off
The NFL offseason is in its final week before the summer break. Over 20 teams are holding mandatory minicamps this week. On Monday, the Atlanta Falcons, Jacksonville Jaguars, Los Angeles Rams, and New England Patriots began their sessions. Key questions include Kirk Cousins‘ rehab and his adaptation to Zac Robinson‘s offense, and the evaluation of rookie cornerbacks Jarrion Jones and Deantre Prince in Jacksonville. The Rams are assessing first-year players like Jared Verse and Braden Fiske, while the Patriots are observing Drake Maye’s progress against Jacoby Brissett for the starting QB role.
Tuesday Minicamps and Key Questions
Tuesday saw a larger group of teams, including the Arizona Cardinals, Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, and Carolina Panthers, among others, begin their minicamps. In Arizona, the focus is on building chemistry between Kyler Murray and rookie receiver Marvin Harrison Jr.. The Ravens are determining their offensive line starters beyond Ronnie Stanley and Tyler Linderbaum. The Bills are sorting out their WR depth chart after moving on from Stefon Diggs and Gabe Davis. The Panthers are monitoring Xavier Legette’s hamstring injury and its impact on building chemistry with Bryce Young.
Player Trades and Team Strategies
The Chicago Bears traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers for a 2025 sixth-round pick that could become a fourth-round pick based on playing time. The Steelers now have both Fields and Russell Wilson as quarterbacks for the 2024 season. The Bears, holding the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, are expected to draft a new quarterback, likely Caleb Williams. The Steelers traded quarterback Kenny Pickett to the Philadelphia Eagles as part of a pick swap, giving them options at quarterback with Fields as a backup.
Injury Updates and Player Performances
The Los Angeles Rams improved their playoff chances with a win over the New Orleans Saints. Matthew Stafford led the Rams with 328 passing yards and two touchdowns, while rookie Puka Nacua had nine catches for a career-high 164 yards and a touchdown. The Cincinnati Bengals ruled out star wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase due to a right shoulder injury, increasing the target share for WR Tee Higgins and rookie WR Andrei Iosivas. Trevor Lawrence of the Jacksonville Jaguars practiced but remains in concussion protocol, making him a game-time decision against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Notable Signings and Contracts
The Seattle Seahawks plan to sign linebacker Jerome Baker on a one-year deal worth $7 million after he was released by the Miami Dolphins. The New York Jets agreed to terms with left tackle Tyron Smith from the Dallas Cowboys, providing a significant upgrade if he stays healthy. The Denver Broncos signed veteran linebacker Cody Barton on a one-year deal. The Cleveland Browns hired former Titans head coach Mike Vrabel as a consultant, raising questions about the potential impact on current head coach Kevin Stefanski’s position.
Controversial Comments and NFL Response
Kansas City Chiefs kicker Harrison Butker delivered a controversial commencement speech at Benedictine College, criticizing Pride month and President Biden’s leadership during the COVID-19 pandemic. The NFL distanced itself from Butker’s comments, clarifying that his views do not represent those of the organization. Jonathan Beane, NFL senior vice president and chief diversity and inclusion officer, reiterated the league’s commitment to inclusion.
Tragic Loss of NFL Prospect
NFL prospect Amitral “AJ” Simon died one week before the draft. Simon, a college football player who transferred to the University of Albany, played as a defensive lineman with the Great Danes in 2022 and 2023. The University of Albany announced his death on social media, stating he will be “profoundly missed.” Simon was eligible for next week’s NFL draft and had recently visited New England. He was named by the Coastal Athletic Association in February as one of the student-athletes who made the Commissioner’s Academic Honor Roll.
Top Performers from Super Wild Card Weekend
The top 15 highest-graded players from the NFL Super Wild Card Weekend include Romeo Doubs of the Green Bay Packers, who secured all six targets for 151 yards on 16 routes, and Puka Nacua of the Rams, who had a career-high receiving grade of 93.1. Jordan Love of the Packers had the highest passing grade of the wild-card round, while Darnell Savage of the Packers had the highest coverage grade, including a game-changing interception return for a touchdown.
In summary, the past week in the NFL has been eventful with mandatory minicamps, player trades, injury updates, notable signings, and top performances. The league continues to evolve as teams prepare for the upcoming season, making strategic moves and addressing key questions.
