MONDAY MORNING QUARTERBACK

They negotiated a one-year extension that maxes out at $22.5 million in new money—which tops the $20.27 million Green Bay would’ve given Love by picking up the option. He gets $13.5 million fully guaranteed as part of the deal, so, in all likelihood, getting the full freight will mean he’ll have to play well enough to be the Packers’ starter again in 2024.

As for the functional value for the Packers here, the franchise tag at quarterback next year projects at more than $38 million. So if you’re willing to gamble on Love being, well, a good starter—and the Packers are—then you could save more than $16 million even if Love maxes the deal out. Plus, you keep the three tags you have over Love’s career—which can be sources of leverage in negotiations—in your back pocket.

The downside, of course, is that he crashes and burns, and you’re on the hook for that number next year.

Per/SI in regards to Love's contract

 

Bengals sign Trevor Siemian



The Bengals have found a new backup quarterback.

Trevor Siemian has signed with Cincinnati, the QB told multiple reporters.

Siemian spent last season with the Bears, appearing in two games with one start. He completed 15-of-26 passes for 184 yards with a touchdown and an interception.

Chicago released Siemian in March.

PFT

 

Burrow better not miss any time.

 

Kirk Cousins: I want to be with the Vikings, so hopefully I can earn the right to do that



While quarterback Kirk Cousins is entering the last year of his contract with the Vikings, he’s hoping it won’t be the last season he’s with the club.

General Manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah said over the weekend that the door is not closed on a potential extension for Cousins — though at this point that seems unlikely.

On Wednesday, Cousins said that his mindset hasn’t changed even with his contract situation and that he’d still like to finish his career with the Vikings.

“I want to be in Minnesota. That’s kind of a no-brainer, so hopefully we can earn the right to do that,” Cousins said in his press conference. “I’ve always said that, when I say I would like to be in Minnesota, there’s a lot of things I’d like to have — you’ve got to go earn it. So that’s kind of where I’m at with that.”

When asked about the Vikings looking at quarterbacks in the draft, Cousins said teams always have to do their due diligence. But he’s looking forward to playing at the highest level he can, even without a new deal entering 2023.

“I think in this league, there should never be entitlement. You’ve always got to go play,” Cousins said. “And teams can do whatever they want to do, that’s their prerogative. So, you just go to work, do the best you can. And I’m, again, encouraged and excited because I do think I have a lot of good football ahead of me. So, got to go out there and earn that.

“But I feel positive about the future looking forward. And I go back to how this has kind of been a part of my story.”

Cousins mentioned how he didn’t have any scholarship offers toward the end of his final high school season. And then in college, there was uncertainty about where he’d go entering the draft before Washington selected him in the third round back in 2012.

So, Cousins said, what he’s learned is that he has to just focus on winning games.

“This is my fourth time in this league going into a season with free agency on the horizon — my fourth year of my rookie contract, the two years in Washington after that, and now this. I would just say that to say, it’s more the norm than the exception.

“I think the exception is that you have something penciled in for future years. Most of our locker room has no idea what’s coming in three or four months — let alone three or four years or next year. So, I feel like I’m one of the guys, if you will. We’re all in this together and that’s the way this league works.”

The Vikings didn’t select a quarterback until BYU’s Jaren Hall in the fifth round, so Cousins’ starting job appears safe at least heading into the coming season. But at this point, things are up in the air for everyone beyond that.

In five seasons with Minnesota, Cousins has compiled a 46-33-1 record as a starter. He’s completed 68 percent of his pass for 20,934 yards with 153 touchdowns and 50 interceptions. In 2022, Cousins threw for 4,547 yards with 29 TDs and 14 picks.

PFT

 

What Cousins failed to mention was he has stated in the past that he would NOT take a pay cut, so as much as he 'wants to stay in Minnesota', he better lower himself a tad and do something team friendly or he cant stay in Minnesota, in my opinion.

 

FTR - Im a huge fan of Kurk... real good not great QB, but if they work something out to his and the teams liking, I wouldnt have a problem with that.

Some day, he just might win a primetime, big, Playoff game or something... thats a must this year or I and the Vikings brass just might change our tune.

 

Matthew Stafford was the only quarterback on the Rams’ roster at the position until Saturday. That’s when the Rams drafted Georgia quarterback Stetson Bennett in the fourth round.

The team added UT-Martin quarterback Dresser Winn as a college free agent as soon as the draft ended.

On Wednesday, the Rams agreed to terms with veteran Brett Rypien on a one-year deal, Mike Klis of 9News reports.

 

Ima break it down...



Inside the Lamar Jackson deal

It was signed and sealed on Thursday. The details have now been delivered.

Here are the full details of the new five-year contract signed by Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson, per a source with knowledge of the terms.


1. Signing bonus: $72.5 million.

2. 2023 base salary: $7.5 million, fully guaranteed.

3. 2024 option bonus: $17.5 million, fully guaranteed.

4. 2024 offseason roster bonus: $750,000, fully guaranteed.

5. 2024 base salary: $14.25 million, fully guaranteed.

6. 2025 option bonus: $22.5 million, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2024.

7. 2025 offseason roster bonus: $750,000, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2024.

8. 2025 base salary: $20.25 million, guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2024.

9. 2026 offseason roster bonus: $750,000.

10. 2026 base salary: $51.25 million, $29 million of which is guaranteed for injury at signing and fully guaranteed in March 2025.

11. 2027 offseason roster bonus: $750,000.

12. 2027 base salary: $51.25 million.

The deal also includes a no-trade clause, and a no-tag clause. After 2027, he becomes an unrestricted free agent.

The contract contains $112.5 million fully guaranteed at signing. After one season, the full guarantee moves to $156 million. After two years, it becomes $185 million.

It’s a three-year, $156 million deal, with a lingering guarantee of $29 million for the fourth year. The $29 million would be subject to offset.

The cash flow is $80 million in year one, $112.5 million through year two, $156 million through year three, $208 million through year four, and $260 million through year five.

As G.M. Eric DeCosta explained on Wednesday’s #PFTPM, it’s basically the 2022 offer made by the team, with enhancements. And the enhancements get him the highest three-year cash flow of any player in league history — $93 million more than Patrick Mahomes received.

Per/PFT
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_________________________

Lamar Jackson has a new contract, a new offense, and a new goal.

He said during Thursday’s press conference that he wants to throw for more yards than any quarterback has ever generated in a single season.


“I think I told someone like man I wanna throw for like 6,000 yards with the weapons we have,” Jackson said. “And I’m not an individual award-type guy or a stat watcher, I just want to do that because no one’s ever done it and I feel like we have the weapons to do it.”

The single-season record is 5,477 yards, set by Peyton Manning in 2013.

The Ravens have hired offensive coordinator Todd Monken. They’ve added receiver Odell Beckham Jr. and receiver Zay Flowers. They also have former first-round receiver Rashod Bateman, tight ends Mark Andrews and Isaiah Likely, and a great crew of running backs.
_______
_________________

Right, And Im going to date her...

 

I like your chances better than Lamar’s.

 

In my dreams... Lamars too!!!

 

He's got to win in the playoffs he needs to prove he's a winner in the post season,what kind of money are we talking when it comes to money Capt Kirk can be cutthroat

 

The Colts announced they released quarterback Nick Foles on Friday afternoon.

Foles spent the 2022 season as a backup quarterback for the Colts, initially entering the year behind Matt Ryan on the depth chart. The veteran ended up starting two games for Indianapolis, throwing for just 224 yards for one touchdowns and four interceptions in three games.

If Foles signs somewhere else this offseason, it will be his fourth team in five years since signing a big contract with the Jaguars. The 34 year-old is best known for leading the Eagles to a Super Bowl championship after taking over for an injured Carson Wentz in the 2017 NFL season.

The Colts are moving forward with two new quarterbacks this year: No. 4 pick Anthony Richardson and free agent signing Gardner Minshew. Sam Ehlinger, who played in four games for the Colts last year, is also on the team entering training camp.

 

The 49ers are giving XFL quarterback Steven Montez a tryout during their rookie minicamp.

The XFL announced five more workouts of its players by NFL teams, with cornerback Antoine Brooks (Bills), defensive lineman Matthew Gotel (Falcons) and center Michael Menet (Falcons) also getting a look-see by an NFL team.

The 49ers needed a quarterback to play the position for them at their rookie camp. They have Brock Purdy, Trey Lance, Sam Darnold and Brandon Allen at the position, with Purdy continuing his rehab from elbow surgery.

Montez appeared in only one game and threw only two passes this spring season behind Ben DiNucci for the Seattle Sea Dragons.

The Lions cut Montez last May 11, and he didn’t re-sign to their practice squad until Dec. 22 and finished the season there.

Montez went undrafted out of Colorado in 2020 and signed with Washington. He spent most of that season on the practice squad and did not appear in any games when he was bumped up to the active roster during the regular season.

The Lions signed him to their practice squad on Sept. 2, 2021, after he went 22-of-34 for 136 yards with a touchdown and an interception while playing for the Commanders in the preseason.

PFT

 

Bears OC Luke Getsy: QB Justin Fields already 'light-years ahead' of this time last year

Bears quarterback Justin Fields' 2022 season featured flashes of the talents that had enticed the Bears into trading up to draft him No. 11 overall in the 2021 draft.

But while his performance was a great starting point to prove he can be the franchise QB, there's still more to learn. And as Chicago prepares to open offseason workouts with a revamped offense, offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said Fields is already showing growth compared to his last offseason.

"Where he was at this time last year to where he is now, I think he's just light-years ahead of where he was," offensive coordinator Luke Getsy said Saturday, via the Chicago Tribune. "And I feel like he has a ton more to grow going forward. So we're excited to try to get the best out of him moving forward and keep working toward where we think he can go."

The Bears' final 3-14 record may not have reflected it, but Fields made great strides in his sophomore season, most notably in the running game. The 23-year-old broke multiple QB records in rushing on his way to a team-leading 1,143 yards and eight TDs, using his legs to keep his team in games.



But there were still things to improve upon, as Fields led the league in fumbles (16) and struggled with the passing game at times, including throwing 11 interceptions and averaging under 150 passing yards per game.


Though the offseason is still in its early phases, Fields is already putting in the hours to improve those numbers, with head coach Matt Eberflus seconding his OC's assertion that Fields is showing visible improvement in key areas.

"Part of that (needed improvement) is rhythm and timing. That's the footwork with Justin," Eberflus said. "He's been working on that really, really good in terms of the quick pass, dropback pass, movement pass, and he's really made some big strides in that area coming in so far -- on his own and now coming into the phase two (of the offseason), that first week."

The Bears should be excited if Fields can unlock his potential in the passing game, and the offensive acquisitions Chicago has made this offseason will certainly help lay the groundwork for a significant jump in production.

In addition to bolstering the running back and offensive line positions to support Fields, the Bears have also shored up their pass-catching unit, extending WR Equanimeous St. Brown, signing tight end Robert Tonyan and drafting WR Tyler Scott of Cincinnati.

But the most important addition came through the Bears' deal with the Panthers to trade away the No. 1 pick, in which they received WR D.J. Moore as part of the monster haul. Moore has proven himself a reliable and explosive No. 1 receiver, collecting 1,100-plus yards in three of his five seasons and finishing with 888 receiving yards in 2022 even with the Panthers' QB chaos.

Considering that no player on the Bears' 2022 roster finished with more than 550 receiving yards, adding depth and a certified WR1 at the position was an area of need heading into 2023, and it looks like Chicago has done so.

With rookie minicamps underway and veterans set to report to organized team activities within the next few weeks, there hasn't been much opportunity as of yet for Fields to work with with his new receivers. But Getsy believes that once Fields and Moore get that chance to build a camaraderie, everything will flow from there.

"As great of a quarterback as you can be or as great as a receiver can be, if there's not a relationship and a connection between the two of them, then it doesn't really matter," Getsy said. "What's cool is DJ's experiences that he's had, he's had to play with a few different quarterbacks and a few different systems. So you can tell he doesn't really get fazed by the new, which is going to be really good. Once those two can communicate with each other -- body language, quick communication verbally and stuff -- all that will get better as we get going."


There's still months of work ahead before the Bears will be able to see whether their offseason moves will translate into much-needed wins. But based on the growth they've already seen and expect to see from their quarterback, things could be looking up in the Windy City.


NFL.com

 

Two things I mentioned elsewhere that also fit here....

Not counting Jordan Love (who extended), all three of the other 2020 first round QBs had their fifth year options exercised by their teams. Four out of five eligible WRs were exercised. Three out of six eligible offensive linemen were exercised. Only two other players were exercised. In particular 9 of 11 eligible defensive players had their options declined by their teams. And that's not counting Jeff Okudah, who almost certainly would have been declined but whose fifth year option became void with Detroit paying a portion of his 2023 base salary after trading him.

This adds weight to the reports that the Titans were trying to trade back into the tail end of the first round. In the end they got Will Levis for a bargain of a trade, but they weren't able to get that fifth year option on him.



Also... Nick Foles being released made me think of the 2012 QB class and just how deep of a class that was. At the top of the class, Andrew Luck and RGIII had their careers shortened by injuries while Ryan Tannehill continues to play. But what makes that year remarkable is that outside of the top five QBs taken (and outside of the first and second rounds), there were four other quarterbacks (Russell Wilson, Nick Foles, Kirk Cousins, and undrafted Case Keenum) who were still playing in 2022 - the 11th season after their draft.

By contrast, as strong as the 2020 QB class has been at the top, once you get past those first five there are only three other QBs from that class that are still on NFL rosters. It's a similar story with other draft years.

 

The tweet mentioned Vick's 2006 season as the first time a QB rushed for 1000 yards. Yes, he was a human highlight reel and generated a lot of merchandise sales. But consider this: he was Atlanta's leading rusher in 7 games that season...

... and the Falcons went 0-7 in those games.

 

The only thing that makes me question Fields is that he couldn’t earn the starting job for Georgia, and they aren’t QBU. Bennet wasn’t highly sought through he won back to back championships.

 

He was just a freshman and was backup to Fromm who had just led Georgia to the CFP national title game... of course he was going to be the backup and not get hardly any PT. The little he played he did well. He was also subjected to racial slurs and between that and not getting any PT behind Fromm, he decided to transfer.... the rest is history.

 

Burrow couldnt beat out JT Barret and Dwayne Haskins at OSU

 

Fields will be fine, and I really like that Chicago got him a top level receiver in the process of trading down rather than a rookie who will go through growing pains.

The one thing I'm not crazy about is that the Bears already wasted his first two seasons by blowing up the rest of the roster around him. They're working to rebuild that defense now, but is it going to be an instant success in 2023? That part doesn't seem likely.

By the time the team as a whole gets it together to become a postseason threat, they'll be at the point where they're having to fork out the big bucks to hang on to Fields.