NFL free agency may be trending down from its peak earlier in the week, but it's hardly stopped.
After a flurry of activity on Days 1, 2 and 3 of the pre-free agency negotiation period, Thursday featured several notable deals, including two trades. The Washington Commanders sent QB Sam Howell to the Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles. The Chargers have released WR Keenan Allen to the Chicago Bears. And while most of the big names have already made their destinations, big-money deals are yet to materialize, as evidenced by Arik Armstead's three-year, $51 million deal with the Jacksonville Jaguars. ing.
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Rams add S. Kamren Karl to back end
The Los Angeles Rams continue to rebuild a defense that has become completely unrecognizable outside of DL Aaron Donald since their victory in Super Bowl 56.
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The most recent addition is safety Kamren Karl, who has quietly been a solid player for the Washington Commanders over the past few seasons. He will sign a two-year contract worth up to $13 million, according to NFL Network.
Karl recorded a career-high 115 tackles in 2023.
Who is the best uncontracted player?
Most of the big-name free agents have already arrived at their new destinations, but others have yet to find takers, including notable linemen such as LT Tyron Smith, DE Chase Young and Jadeveon Clowney. USA TODAY Sports' Tyler Dragon listed the top 25 remaining free agents as of Friday morning.
Browns start revamping linebacker corps
The Cleveland Browns lost two of their starting inside linebackers on Monday with the free agency departures of Anthony Walker Jr. and Sione Takitaki. They have already made one change with veteran free agent Jordan Hicks.
Now, the Browns are bringing in another potential replacement. League officials confirmed to the Beacon Journal a report from ESPN that former first-round pick Devin Bush Jr. will sign with the team.
Bush, 25, was originally selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 10th overall pick in the 2019 draft out of the University of Michigan. But after spending four seasons with Pittsburgh, he spent last season with the Seattle Seahawks. The 5-11, 234-pounder played in 13 games for the Seahawks, starting three of them. He had 37 tackles and five tackles for loss.
– Chris Easterling, Akron Beacon Journal
Mac Jones speaks after trade from Patriots to Jags
Jacksonville Jaguars QB Mac Jones has made his first public comments since being traded to the New England Patriots for a sixth-round draft pick.
The move comes ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, where the Patriots are expected to use the No. 3 overall pick to select one of the board's top three quarterbacks. Speaking to members of the media at Thursday's induction press conference, Jones called his departure from New England a “mutual parting of ways.”
“Obviously, we just decided that it was the best decision for both of us to go our separate ways,” Jones said. “For me, it's just about moving on and going back home, and I couldn't be more excited. And for them, it's about moving forward and turning the page. So, really, that's what we're going to do.” It's like a decision I made, and I think, 'That's a great decision. ”
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– Jordy McElroy, Providence Journal
A new speed challenge for Miami's Tyreek Hill?
Surely a 240 pound linebacker is no match for a cheater, right?
Wrong, at least in the eyes of new Miami Dolphins linebacker Jordyn Brooks. At his induction press conference with South Florida reporters on Thursday, he wasn't shy about talking about his speed.
“Personally, I think I'm one of the fastest players in the NFL,” Brooks said.
And just to avoid any misunderstanding, he added, “He's a player, not a linebacker. Period.”
When it was pointed out that he would be joining a team that still wears Dolphins colors, as well as Tyreek Hill, Jaylen Waddle and Raheem Mostert, but doesn't lack speed, Brooks still didn't back down. .
“I'm ready,” he said.
For the record, Brooks ran the 40 in 4.54 seconds at the NFL Combine. Hill has recorded a time of 4.29 seconds.
Either way, it's good for the Dolphins that Brooks says he's ready for whatever challenges come their way. With the loss of defensive tackle Christian Wilkins, Miami's linebackers will likely take on running back roles in 2024 in addition to their normal coverage responsibilities.
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– Hal Habib, Palm Beach Post