Contract commotion in Cincinnati
It is no coincidence that Joe Burrow has been so public about his need for the Bengals to increase each Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins. Take into account it a pointed message to the entrance workplace. Chase, as I’ve reported, was very, very near getting a deal completed earlier than final season started. In actual fact, a number of sources acquainted with the negotiations say that the 2024 triple crown winner was even prepared to sit down out the staff’s first couple of video games. Finally, Chase selected to play and now Cincinnati is staring on the league’s first $40 million huge receiver. That is proper: Chase will command a minimum of $40 million per season.
In the meantime, league sources consider that Higgins, whom the Bengals are predictably tagging, might have gotten upwards of $30 million on the open market. A rising star who would certainly be the No. 1 possibility on most groups, Higgins is simply 26 years previous and saved his greatest soccer to shut the season. He additionally occurs to be represented by Alliance Sports activities, the identical company representing Chase, which suggests all of the leverage is on their facet. The Bengals not often break precedent on contracts, with Burrow inking $55 million a 12 months as probably the most outstanding exception (they offered naming rights for Paycor Stadium in the identical 12 months).
Tremendous GM in Jacksonville?
The Jaguars stay the NFL’s solely staff with no basic supervisor after the late and surprising firing of Trent Baalke. With the Mix subsequent week, Jacksonville is in an uncommon spot, and league sources observe that even after they rent a GM, constructing a full employees in time for Indianapolis will probably be a problem. My sense all alongside has been that that is Ian Cunningham’s job to lose. The Bears assistant GM, a two-time finalist for the Titans‘ position, has received Tremendous Bowls with each Baltimore and Philadelphia. One league supply described Cunningham as having “precisely the kind of temperament and scouting background groups need as of late.”
How does that match with Shad Khan and a Jaguars franchise nonetheless trying to find its first Tremendous Bowl look? “I believe each Tony and Shad consider he is the man. He interviewed effectively just about, and the expectation is he’ll do the identical in individual on Wednesday.”
Position Reversal in New Orleans
As I reported final week, Kellen Moore is predicted to rent Brandon Staley because the Saints‘ defensive coordinator. Moore, in fact, served as Staley’s offensive coordinator for a 12 months in Los Angeles, and whereas Staley’s tenure as Chargers head coach did not pan out, he beforehand excelled as a defensive coordinator. In 2020, he led the Rams to the NFL’s No. 1 protection, rating first in complete protection, sacks (53), move protection, and factors allowed. For a Saints protection that struggled throughout the board final season — rating thirtieth in complete protection, twenty seventh in opposition to the move, and thirty first in opposition to the run — Staley would symbolize a much-needed change.
Jordan Schultz is an NFL insider who beforehand held roles at ESPN and Bleacher Report. He additionally co-hosts the “Why Is Draymond Inexperienced Speaking About Soccer?” present. You’ll be able to observe him on X at @Scultz_Report.
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