By Jacob Robinson and Dianna Russini
May 20, 2024
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It’s never too early to add NFL games to the calendar, right? That’s whyThe Athletic’s beat writers put togetherthe must-watch games for each team. Until then, we have a busy offseason. Inside today’s newsletter:
- 🎥 What towatch at OTAs
- 🐬 Tua Tagovailoa’sstatus
- 👥 Skipping offseason workouts?
- ⚖ Marvin Harrison Jr.sued
NFL OTA Preview: Seven storylines to watch for during OTAs
For many, today marks the start of 10-day organized team activities, the first opportunity we get to see full rosters — rookies, free agents and returning vets — together in live drills.
There is no live contact, but we’ll get our first look at position battles, returning vets and faces in new places. Here’s what we’re watching closely:
Brock Purdy’s zip.The Niners QB finally has an offseason in which he can fully focus on improving as a pro. As a rookie, he was starting with the playbook. When OTAs began in year two, he hadn’t even attempted to throw a football as he’d been recovering from a torn UCL.
This year, hesaidhis priority is on improving his arm strength, even after leading the NFL in passes of 20+ yards, per TruMedia. Another step towarda potential nine-figure extensionfor the former Mr. Irrelevant.
The next Randall Cobb.During last year’s “Hard Knocks,”the then-Jets WR simplified the importance of trust: “If [Aaron Rodgers] don’t trust you, he not gonna throw you the ball.”
New York’s battle to replace Cobb in the slot will be between a 2023 UDFA whom the Jets coaching staff is high on (Xavier Gipson) and Malachi Corley, a second-round rookie whom the Jets traded up for. Corley seems favored, but Gipson’s had more time to earn Rodgers’ trust. Zack Rosenblatt coversother roster battles in New York.
Detroit’s revamped secondary.Last year, Detroit allowed 257 passing yards per game (second worst, ahead of only Washington).
This offseason, they transformed three picks into three potential Day 1 starters. They sent their third-round pick to the Buccaneers for CB Carlton Davis III, who challenges receivers at the line. The Lions then used their first two picks on corners, trading up for CB Terrion Arnold at 24 and CB Ennis Rakestraw Jr. at No. 61. Colton Pouncy hasmore on OTA players to watch in Detroit.
Is Trey Lance a future starter in Dallas? Anywhere?Cowboys QB coach Scott Tolzien praised the 24-year-old Lance, 2021’s No. 3 pick who’s two months younger than 2024 first-round QB Bo Nix: “Trey is super coachable, so it’s been awesome working with him. It’s not just hearsay for him, he works at it, whether he’s with us or on his own time.”
If Dak Prescott reaches free agency next March, Lance’s development could prove critical. Jon Machota hasmore on Lance in Dallas.
Who is blocking for Lamar Jackson and DerrickHenry?Depth was integral to last year’s fifth-ranked offensive line (perPFF), as nine linemen played at least 160 snaps each. That depth will be tested this year, with three starting spots available.
Baltimore lost both starting guards, Kevin Zeitler and John Simpson. They also traded starting right tackle Morgan Moses. Who fills these holes is the biggest storyline forRavens OTAs, a subject Jeff Zrebiec examines.
Does Bryce Young bounce back?New HC Dave Canales, considered a QB whisperer for his work in Seattle (Geno Smith) and Tampa (Baker Mayfield), looks to turn around the NFL’s lowest-ranked offense.
To assist, he’s brought in an elite separator in WR Diontae Johnson, drafted first-round WR Xavier Legette and revamped the offensive line. Joe Personhas more on Carolina’s OTA storylines.
Colts WR3: Alec Pierce or Adonai Mitchell?Michael Pittman Jr. remains the WR1, with 2023 third-rounder Josh Downs emerging as a strong WR2 in the slot. That leaves two second-round picks (Pierce in 2022, Mitchell in 2024) battling to be Anthony Richardson’s deep threat. In this role last year, Pierce ranked ninth in the NFL with 604 routes run, per TruMedia. James Boyd looks at this andtwo other position battles in Indy.
Now, let’s head to Miami for an update from Dianna.
What Dianna’s Hearing: Tuain Miami amid negotiations
Miami QB Tua Tagovailoa is in the building for the start of OTAs, per source. He is slated to become the next quarterback to receive a big payday, but the sides remain in negotiations, with Tagovailoa skipping much of the voluntary offseason work in protest of the stalled contract discussions.
The 26-year-old quarterback is under contract through next season and is set to play under a $23.17 million, fifth-year option if the two sides can’t come to an extension.
Just a few weeks ago, he told local media he was planning on attending the workouts, where he was a regular in seasons past. He said, “Just letting my agent deal with that and talk to the team about that. For me, my focus is when OTAs come, go to OTAs, show up and be the best teammate I can be.”
As we keep an eye on Miami, Jacob has more on other cities to watch for notable absences.
OTA Absences: Which NFL players are skipping optional activities?
Like your workplace holiday party, many things areoptional yet encouraged. In the NFL, voluntary workouts are no different. Players do not have to participate in most of the offseason schedule, with June’s mandatory minicamps being the only portion of this phase that requires all players on the field together.
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Still, many players attend. Some have financial incentives in the form of workout bonuses. Others want to learn or make strong impressions.
At the same time, skipping voluntary programs allows a player to send a message to the front office without being fined. Here are players we’re monitoring. And since players don’t have to show up to anything for now, don’t call any of these holdouts.
- Justin Jefferson, CeeDee Lamb, Courtland Sutton and Micah Parsonswere absent from their teams’ voluntary workouts this offseason, with Parsons the only one whose absence wasnot contract-related.
- Darius Slaytonskipped the opening portion of the Giants’ voluntary workouts while seeking a contract extension, but hassaidhe’s hopeful for a resolution soon.
- Cameron Heywardplans to sit outvoluntary workouts in Pittsburgh. The team captain and Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year is in the final year of his contract. The team may be waiting to see whether the 35-year-old has fully recovered from last season’s torn groin.
- Brandon Aiyukprobably won’t be on the 49ers’ premisesfor voluntary sessions as extension discussions continue. Deebo Samuel was in a similar situation two years ago, skipping OTAs before joining the mandatory minicamp in June and signing a three-year extension in August.
- The franchise-taggedTee Higginshas saidhe’ll play for the Bengals in 2024— despite requesting a trade earlier this offseason. Higgins, like Ja’Marr Chase, skipped recent voluntary workouts but has beenconducting his own. He has yet to sign the franchise tag.
- Trey Hendrickson(59.5 career sacks) should be present for Bengals activities after he was spotted working out with the team on May 13. “When you get a group of guys like this that selflessly play for each other, it’s special,” Hendrickson told Cincinnati Bengals Talk a day later.
Fanatics sues Marvin Harrison Jr.
On Satuday,Fanatics filed a lawsuitagainst rookie WRMarvin Harrison Jr.for allegedly breaching a 2023 contract with the sports apparel and collectibles company. Harrison’s team argues it has no contract, while Fanatics claims the two sides have a signed an autograph agreement.
How it works:Fanatics signs contracts with big-name college football players that allows the company to use their names and likenesses. This contract extends into the first two years of NFL careers, which typically gives Fanatics a larger cut of jersey sales after the prospect got a payday in college.
What happened:Per court documents filed by the company, after “extensive negotiations,” the parties finalized a binding term sheet on May 16, 2023. Whilemost of the info is redacted, Marvin Harrison Sr. allegedly requested a copy of the term sheet from Fanatics days prior to the draft. Per the suit, when Fanatics provided it and asked for a conversation, Harrison Sr. informed the company that they did not have a deal. Hmmm.
Why it matters: In 2022, the NFL wasthe largest investor($320 million) in a $1.5 billion fundraising round for Fanatics. I’d expect that that the parties will reach a settlement, as a dispute between the league’s emerging star and Fanatics could have larger ramifications.
Around the NFL
On Sunday, Hall of Fame centerJim Ottodied at 86. This quote epitomizes the Raiders great: “You would break your hand, spit on it, rub it on your pants and go back out.” Vic Tafur sharesthe story of the man who never missed a game in 15 years.
“With our combined talents, I think the sky’s the limit. We can really do anything. And we’re all young, so hopefully this is years to come,”saidnewGiantspass rusher Brian Burnswhen asked about fellow edge Kayvon Thibodeaux and DT Dexter Lawrence.
FalconsTE Kyle Pitts considers himself asuper rookieas he learns under new OC Zac Robinson. Still only 23, Pitts is younger than many rookies, including his teammate Michael Penix Jr., whom wesaw in a Falcons uniformfor the first time this weekend.
Former Cardinals RBDavid Johnsonretiredafter playing eight seasons. At his peak, he was one of the best running backs. Infamously traded in a package for DeAndre Hopkins, Johnson has not played a snap since 2022.
Jacob’s Picks
📕Why drafting a first-round QB is worse than a coin flip, unless you’re the Bears. Mike Sando looked at the number of multi-year extensions for the 77 first-round quarterbacks since 1993, which shows startlingly low figures for those who weren’t their class’ first QB picked. (The Athletic)
🎙Hey coach, let’s talk.In case you missed it, Robert Mays recorded an insightful interview with new Titans HC Brian Callahan on Joe Burrow, Will Levis and draft philosophy. (The Athletic Football Show)
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