Locals in the NFL 2023 offseason blog: Packers extend QB Jordan Love's deal through 2024

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AROUND THE SHIELD — The NFL's 2022 season wrapped up Feb. 12 with former BYU offensive lineman and graduate assistant Andy Reid winning his second Super Bowl title with the Kansas City Chiefs' 38-35 win over the Philadelphia Eagles.

But football never stops.

Here's a look at several key offseason dates, including the NFL scouting combine Feb. 28 through March 6 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianpolis and the 2023 NFL draft beginning April 27-29 in Kansas City.

Check back regularly on any news related to former Utah high school and college football players now playing in the NFL.

Tuesday, 04:37 pm

AP source: Packers extend QB Jordan Love's deal through 2024

The Green Bay Packers and quarterback Jordan Love have agreed to terms on a one-year contract extension that makes his deal run through 2024, according to a person familiar with the situation.The person spoke to The Associated Press on the condition of anonymity because the extension hasn't been announced.Although the person didn't reveal terms, ESPN and NFL Network reported that the extension included $13.5 million in guaranteed money and could be worth up to $22.5 million.The extension comes as Love prepares for his first season as the Packers' starting quarterback following last week's trade of four-time MVP Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets.

Tuesday marked the deadline day for teams to decide whether to pick up the fifth-year options on contracts for their 2020 first-round draft picks. The fifth-year option on Love's deal would have been worth about $20.3 million.Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst had been asked Saturday after the draft about the option and that coming deadline."It's a lot of money for a guy who hasn't played, but at the same time, obviously we're moving forward with him," Gutekunst said at the time. "So we'll figure that out by Tuesday."The two sides instead agreed on this extension.Love has made one career start while backing up Rodgers over the past three seasons. He has completed 60.2% of his passes (50 of 83) for 606 yards with three touchdowns and three interceptions. The Packers traded up four spots in the first round to select Love out of Utah State with the 26th overall draft pick in 2020.— Steve Megargee, Associated Press

It's a one-year extension that can be worth up to .5 million, including .5 million guaranteed, source said. A bridge deal that can pay him more than the roughly M option. https://t.co/mY7vV7DV81

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) May 2, 2023

Monday, 02:17 pm

Ravens sign Tyler Huntley to restricted free agent tender

Tyler Huntley's time with Baltimore may not be over just yet.The former University of Utah quarterback who backed up Lamar Jackson a year ago and made a Pro Bowl appearance has signed a restricted free-agent tender with the Baltimore Ravens, the team announced Monday.Huntley signed a one-year deal worth $2.67 million, according to Over The Cap. The 25-year-old signal caller who went undrafted in 2020 has spent the past three seasons in Baltimore, including throwing for 658 yards and two touchdowns with three interceptions in four regular-season games that Jackson missed with an ankle injury.He added a 226-yard, two-touchdowns, one-interception performance during the Ravens' 24-17 Wild Card loss to the Cincinnati Bengals — though he may be most remembered for his extension near the goal for a potential go-ahead touchdown that was fumbled and returned 98 yards to help clinch the Bengals' victory.Each of the NFL's 32 franchises were allowed to sign 13 players this offseason to restricted free-agent tenders, giving the teams exclusive rights to a player who has not yet accrued enough NFL seasons to qualify for unrestricted free agency (like Huntley).The tender also gives each team the right-of-first-refusal to match any competitive offer that may come in for the player for the remainder of the year.

QB Tyler Huntley has signed his restricted free agent tender❗️

Welcome back, @_SNOOP1 ❗️ pic.twitter.com/lGAAQJgpHh

— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) April 24, 2023

Monday, 02:40 pm

Former Utah DL John Penisini signs with Panthers out of retirement

Retirement can wait for John Penisini.The 25-year-old former Utah defensive lineman has signed a contract with the Carolina Panthers, the organization announced Monday.Penisini, a former sixth-round draft pick of the Detroit Lions who played in all 12 games as a rookie, retired last summer after dealing with a number of shoulder injuries. But the agent of the 6-foot-2, 335-pounder tweeted last week that Penisini will soon sign a new deal with the Panthers.The West Jordan High graduate who also played one year at Snow College last played in the NFL in 2021, his second season with the Lions. Penisini, a two-time All-Pac-12 honoree, has 46 tackles, a sack, a fumble recovery and a pass deflection in his two seasons in the league.

#Panthers add defensive lineman John Penisinihttps://t.co/NF1smLdyfs

— Carolina Panthers (@Panthers) April 10, 2023

Friday, 06:59 pm

Former Utah safety Eric Rowe signs with Panthers

The Carolina Panthers agreed to terms with former Utah safety Eric Rowe before the Eastern weekend, the team announced Thursday.Rowe, 30, was a second-round pick by the Eagles and. has played cornerback, safety and nickel in stints with the Patriots (with which he won a couple of Super Bowls from 2016-18) and the Dolphins (2019-22). He's totaled five interceptions and six forced fumbles in 100 career games, including 56 starts.No details were released about the length or compensation of his contract.

Tuesday, 03:01 pm

Packers re-sign Utah State alum Dallin Leavitt

The Green Bay Packers have re-signed former Utah State safety Dallin Leavitt, the team announced Tuesday.Leavitt, who played for the Aggies after transferring from BYU, was a part of the Packers' 2022 training camp before earning playing time in all 17 games in Green Bay. The 5-foot-10, 195-pound defensive back tied for first on the team with a career-high 13 special-teams tackles.After spending most of his rookie season on the Raiders' practice squad as an undrafted free agent, Leavitt earned a spot on the active roster for the final two games and went on to play in 42 games with one start in Oakland/Las Vegas from 2018-21, totaling 32 tackles, four passes defended and a fumble recovery on defense with 24 tackles and a fumble recovery on special teams."He's that guy. He's the Energizer Bunny; he's the Tasmanian devil," Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia said of Leavitt. "He has a great sense of his job, of his role, and what he's being asked to do."He pisses me off a lot, so I"m sure he gets after them a little bit as well."

"He's the Tasmanian devil...he pisses me off a lot."

- Packers special teams coordinator Rich Bisaccia keeps it real on safety Dallin Leavitt 🤣

🎥: @packers pic.twitter.com/P6qxnpZIg2

— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) October 6, 2022

Saturday, 09:46 pm

Bobby Wagner returns to Seattle on 1-year, $7-million deal

Bobby Wagner's free agency didn't last long, but he'll be returning to a familiar environment.Wagner and the Seattle Seahawks announced a reunion Saturday on a one-year contract, with ESPN's Adam Schefter reporting it to be worth $7 million.The 27-year-old Utah State product reacted on his Instagram page with a photo of him signing the contract, saying, "Maaaan! Glad to be back in Seattle! It means a lot to be able to come back ! Let's get to work."A former second-round pick of the Seahawks in 2012, Wagner became the franchise's all-time leading tackler while winning one Super Bowl and playing for another during 10 years in the Emerald City. He played the 2022 season with the Los Angeles Rams, where he totaled 140 tackles and 10 tackles for loss in 17 games.

Back where it all started 😌 @Bwagz pic.twitter.com/Bbf7KWi6Zf

— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) March 26, 2023

Monday, 08:36 pm

Dalton Schultz joins Houston on 1-year deal

Dalton Schultz has found a new team for the first time in his career.The former Bingham High star agreed to a one-year deal worth up to $9 million Monday with the Houston Texans, as first reported by the NFL Network and confirmed by several other outlets.Schultz moves to Houston after former tight end Jordan Akins signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns and fellow tight end O.J. Howard signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The 26-year-old tight end who played collegiately at Stanford played the 2022 season on the Cowboys' franchise tag worth $10.9 million, but the. twosides were unable to come to an accord on a long-term extension.A former fourth-round pick in 2018, Schultz ended the season with 577 yards and five touchdowns, down from his 808-yard, eight-touchdown season in 2021 that followed 615 yards and four touchdowns in 2020.

Texans signing ex-Cowboys TE Dalton Schultz to one-year deal worth up to M, per @TomPelissero https://t.co/f6O6gdrS8J pic.twitter.com/EGLKA4WhDP

— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) March 20, 2023

Thursday, 8:24 pm

LB Kaden Elliss signs 3-year deal with Atlanta Falcons

Kaden Elliss is on the move.The Atlanta Falcons announced the signing of the former Judge Memorial linebacker Thursday night, adding the son of former Utah star Luther Elliss from New Orleans along side former Saints defensive tackle David Onyemata.The seventh-round pick who played collegiately at Idaho will make $21.5 million over a three-year deal, with $11 million guaranteed, according to the NFL Network's Ian Rapoport on Monday night.Elliss had a career year. in2022, totaling 78 tackles, seven sacks, 10 quarterback hits, two forced fumbles and two passes defended in 17 games, including 11 starts. The 6-foot-3, 238-pound linebacker joins a corp that includes Troy Andersen and Mykal Walker in Atlanta, with middle linebacker Rashaan Evans an unrestricted free agent.

The #Falcons make another big move on defense, as former #Saints LB Kaden Elliss is headed to Atlanta, sources say. With seven sacks and 78 tackles in 11 starts, he became a hot free agent. He shined in his opportunity, now cashes in.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 14, 2023

Wednesday, 07:23 pm

New Orleans Saints sign Jamaal Williams to 3-year deal

Just one day after the Detroit Lions brought in a high-profile free agent running back, the New Orleans Saints had an offer worked out for Jamaal Williams.BYU's all-time leading rusher agreed to a three-year, $12 million deal Wednesday with the Saints, according to ESPN's Adam Schefter. The new deal reportedly includes $8 million in guaranteed money.Williams, 27, is coming off a career season in Detroit in 2022, breaking Barry Sanders' franchise record for most rushing touchdowns in a season while piling up a career-best 1,066 yards and 17 touchdowns that included an NFL-leading 10 goal-line scores.In six NFL seasons, Williams has rushed for 3,652 yards, caught 160 passes for 1,191 yards, and scored 38 total touchdowns. In New Orleans, he'll reunite with former BYU quarterback Taysom Hill, who has been used as a dynamic utility player under former Saints coach Sean Payton and current coach Dennis Allen.The duo were also briefly teammates with the Green Bay Packers, where Williams was a fourth-round draft pick and Hill an undrafted free agent.Williams took to Twitter on Wednesday to thank Lions fans, presumably confirming his departure from the organization where he was expected to be a high-dollar free agent."I just wanna say thank you to all the Detroit fans and everybody apart of the hidden village of the den," he wrote. "I've grown a lot just from those two years and i appreciate every experience I had with every person I came to encounter while I was there."

I just wanna say thank you to all the Detroit fans and everybody apart of the hidden village of the den 🙏🏾 I've grown a lot just from those two years and i appreciate every experience I had with every person I came to encounter while I was there. pic.twitter.com/bQZT1LAeNh

— Jamaal Williams (@jswaggdaddy) March 15, 2023

Wednesday, 02:10 pm

Former Utah State OL Tyler Larsen agrees to new deal with Commanders

Former Utah State offensive lineman Tyler Larsen has agreed to a new deal with the Washington Commanders, according to ESPN's John Keim.The former second-team All-American and Rimington Trophy finalist with the Aggies who prepped at Jordan High started eight games in 2022 before a knee injury sidelined him Dec. 4. Larsen also suffered an Achilles' injury that took him out of the 2021 season after nine games, his first year in Washington following five seasons with the Carolina Panthers.The 6-foot-4, 310-pound interior lineman has made 29 starts in 86 appearances during his NFL career.

Larsen has done a good job as a backup; plays with power; health an issue the past two seasons but Washington building up depth/more options inside with Nick Gates as well. Want to retain Roullier (hard to imagine at same cap hit).

— John Keim (@john_keim) March 15, 2023

Tuesday, 08:44 pm

Have Detroit Lions moved on from former BYU RB Jamaal Williams?

Former BYU running back Jamaal Williams' time in a Detroit Lions uniform may have come to an end.Two years after signing with the Lions — and a few months after breaking Barry Sanders' franchise record with 1,066 yards and 17 rushing touchdowns — Williams appears on the way out after Detroit reached an agreement Tuesday night with former Chicago running back David Montgomery to a three-year, $18 million deal, according to the Detroit News, NFL Network and others.Montgomery, 25, was a third-round pick out of Iowa State in 2019, and the dual-threat back ran for more than 3,600 yards and 4,800 yards from scrimmage in 60 games with the Bears. He'll replace Williams, the 27-year-old sixth-year tailback who first signed with the Green Bay Packers in 2017 and had the most productive season of his career last year in just nine starts (while playing all 17 games).Williams has totaled 3,652 rushing yards and 30 touchdowns in his career, with more than 1,600 yards and 20 scores in his two seasons in Detroit. His two-year deal with the Lions was worth $6 million, including $3.25 million guaranteed, according to Over The Cap.

The #Lions now say goodbye to one of their most fun stories of the year, as Jamaal Williams is expected to land elsewhere. https://t.co/VZ2YtXrvXO

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 15, 2023

Monday, 09:51 pm

Matt Gay reportedly strikes historic contract with Colts

The Indianapolis Colts made former Utah kicker Matt Gay an offer he can't refuse.The one-time Utah Valley soccer star who prepped at Orem High is set to sign a four-year, $22.5 million deal in a move from the Los Angeles Rams, according to NFL Network insider Tom Pelissero.The deal, which was first reported by NFL.com's Peter Schrager, would be the biggest deal for a kicker in free agency and the most money over three years for a kicker on a deal, as negotiated by David Canter and Ness Mugrabi of GSE Worldwide, per Pelissero. The $5.62 million per year average is the second-highest figure at the position, behind only the latest extension by Baltimore kicker Justin Tucker.The 28-year-old native of Orem played in 41 games over three years for the Rams, including a Super Bowl championship in 2021. A fifth-round pick by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in 2019, Gay converted 74-of-80 field goals in his three seasons in Los Angeles, in addition to 95-of-97 PATs while also handling kickoff duties.Gay currently ranks as the fifth-most accurate kicker in NFL history.The former Lou Groza Award winner previously spent time on the Colts' practice squad in 2020 before signing with the Rams on Nov. 17, 2020 to replace injured kicker Kai Forbath.

The #Colts are signing kicker Matt Gay to a four-year, .5 million deal. Biggest ever deal for a kicker in free agency and most money over three years for a kicker on the deal negotiated by @davidcanter and @NessMugrabi https://t.co/W9DJIytUWe

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2023

Monday, 06:06 pm

Long-snapper Patrick Scales agrees to 8th year with Bears

Former Utah State defensive lineman and Weber High long snapper Patrick Scales has agreed to a one-year, $1.317 million contract with the Chicago Bears, according to longtime NFL reporter Aaron Wilson.The deal brings back Scales, 35, for an eighth season with the Bears, making him the franchise's longest tenured player. In that time, the 6-foot-4, 228-pound special teams ace will have played with seven kickers, three punters, 12 starting quarterbacks, three head coaches, three special teams coordinators and two general managers.

#Bears Patrick Scales one-year, .317 million, .092 million guaranteed, .165 million salary (0,000 guaranteed), signing bonus 2,500

— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) March 14, 2023

Monday, 03:57 pm

Cody Barton reportedly joining Washington on a 1-year deal

Former Utah linebacker Cody Barton has agreed to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal with the Washington Commanders, as first reported by the NFL Network's Tom Pelissero.A Brighton High product, Barton was a third-round pick (No. 88 overall) in the 2019 NFL draft by the Seattle Seahawks. The 26-year-old Salt Lake City native posted 136 tackles, two sacks and two interceptions for the Seahawks after starting a career-high 11 of 17 games in 2022.

The #Commanders are signing former #Seahawks LB Cody Barton to a one-year, fully guaranteed deal, per source.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 13, 2023

Monday, 03:22 pm

Report: Former BYU LB Sione Takitaki close to deal with Browns

Sione Takitaki is sticking around northern Ohio.The former BYU linebacker is set to agree to terms on a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Cleveland Browns in the coming days, according to the Cleveland Plain-Dealer and Cleveland.com.Takitaki, 27, was a third-round pick by the Browns in 2019 and has started 29 of 57 games at middle linebacker over the past four seasons, totaling 203 tackles, 11 tackles for loss and two sacks. Takitaki tore his ACL last December, but his recovery is on track to return to a linebacker group that current includes Anthony Walker Jr., Jacob Phillips and Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.Still, he's been open about "open" to a return to Cleveland for a while, including from a report from OBR's Brad Stainbrook over the weekend.And now it looks like that will be the case, at least for the short term.

When LB Sione Takitaki agrees to terms with the #Browns over the next few days, it will likely be a one-year deal worth about .5 million. He's coming off of a nice year, but also late-season ACL surgery.

— Mary Kay Cabot (@MaryKayCabot) March 13, 2023

Sunday, 08:21 pm

Multi-sport athlete: Blake Freeland turns heads at NFL Combine

Blake Freeland has been more than an athlete for a long time.But the former Herriman High quarterback, defensive end, tight end, all-state basketball player, state record-holder in the javelin and shot put put on a show with the offensive linemen at the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Indiana.Freeland was perhaps the most impressive in the vertical leap, where he set a Combine record among linemen with a jump of 37 inches. The 6-foot-8, 302-pound offensive tackle also ran a 4.98-second 40-yard dash — tied for the second-fast among linemen and just .01 seconds behind the top mark set by Georgia's Broderick Jones — and scored a 10-foot broad jump to lead all big men.It's the highest vertical leap by an NFL prospect at offensive line since the league began tracking the data in 2003. That's a fancy way of saying Freeland set an NFL Combine record for vertical jump, at least among linemen.His leap compared favorably to a handful of notable wide receivers in years past, even, including AJBrown (36.5), Michael Pittman (36.5), De'Andre Hopkins (36.0) and CeeDee Lamb (34.5). His overall numbers, in fact, compare similarly to Eagles lineman Lane Johnson — another former quarterback who was a standout lineman at Oklahoma.

.@FreelandBlake being compared to Eagles OL @LaneJohnson65 🤩

📱: Players Only Combine streaming on NFL+ https://t.co/fK7vaWjfxI pic.twitter.com/CyNHIhseDW
— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023

His 7.46 three-cone drill ranked fourth among linemen, and he just missed the top 10 in the shuttle run with a 4.71-second spurt.In all those drills, Freeland's background as a multi-sport athlete — even though he focused exclusively on football while starting 41 of 44 games in four years in Provo — aided his breakout performance at the league's annual "Underwear Olympics.""My basketball background, offensive line is the same idea playing defense," Freeland told reporters in Indianapolis. "I think it's helped my team a lot. Same thing with track and field; all those events are footwork-focused, and I think that's helped me a lot."Of course, all those intangibles mean little if a guy can't play football. So what would an NFL team get in Blake Freeland?"They're going to get someone who works hard and competes every day," he said. "I'm coming in every day, whether in practice or in meetings, to get better and improve myself. I'll be someone who is competing to be the best."

BIG DAY for our guy @FreelandBlake 🤙#NFLCombine on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/t4OX3LmS5s
— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 5, 2023

Sunday, 07:42 pm

Other future locals in the NFL standouts

Here are a few other (future) locals in the NFL who broke out during the NFL Combine, with their measurement:Dalton Kincaid, TE, Utah

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 246 lbs

Arm: 32 5/8"

Hand: 10 1/4"

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: N/A

Bench press: N/A

From NFL Now: Dalton Kincaid, perhaps the top TE, won't participate in drills at the Combine. pic.twitter.com/UK09rhxT4U

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) March 3, 2023Clark Phillips III, CB, Utah

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 184 lbs

Arm: 29 1/8"

Hand: 9 1/8"

40-yard dash: 4.51

10-yard split: 1.51

Vertical jump: 33"

Broad jump: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: 4.32 seconds

Bench press: 18 reps

Tavion Thomas, RB, Utah

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 237 lbs

Arm: 31 1/8"

Hand: 9 1/4"

40-yard dash: 4.74

10-yard split: 1.62

Vertical jump: 30"

Broad jump: 9'10"

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: N/A

Bench press: N/A

NFL combine video press conference with Tavion Thomas RB Utah pic.twitter.com/2ZVvjQQG9C

— J.B. Ellis (@JB_ThePROgram) March 4, 2023Braeden Daniels, OT, Utah

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 294 lbs

Arm: 33"

Hand: 9 3/8"

40-yard dash: 4.99v

10-yard split: 1.71

Vertical jump: 30.5"

Broad jump: 9'1"

3-cone drill: 7.53

20-yard shuttle: 4.6

.@Utah_Football's @B_Daniels71 runs a 5.00u, the fastest among OL so far today.

📺: #NFLCombine on @nflnetwork
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/4QPgDLdBDs

— NFL (@NFL) March 5, 2023Puka Nacua, WR, BYU/Orem HS

Height: 6'2"

Weight: 201 lbs

Arm: 31 1/2"

Hand: 9 1/2"

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: N/A

Bench press: N/A

BYU receiver Puka Nacua has met with the Patriots at the combine (his first interview here) and also spoke with them at the Senior Bowl.

"I'd love to go play out there. I'm from Utah, so being out there in the cold and snow is something I'm used to." pic.twitter.com/kCozrBkLGN

— Dakota Randall (@DakRandallNESN) March 3, 2023Jaren Hall, QB, BYU/Maple Mountain HS

Height: 6'0"

Weight: 207 lbs

Arm: 29 3/4"

Hand: 9 1/2"

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: N/A

Bench press: N/A

Brotherhood 🤞 pic.twitter.com/yawFO0JWs4

— BYU FOOTBALL (@BYUfootball) March 6, 2023Siaki "Apu" Ika, DT, Baylor/East HS (Salt Lake City)

Height: 6'3"

Weight: 335 lbs

Arm: 32 3/8"

Hand: 10 1/4"

40-yard dash: 5.39

10-yard split: 1.88

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

3-cone drill: 7.8

20-yard shuttle: 4.99

Bench press: N/A

Siaki Ika had the cutest guest join him after his combine workout down with @kimmichex 🥲

📺: #NFLCombine on NFL Network
📱: Stream on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/PuOjPE4KJz

— NFL GameDay (@NFLGameDay) March 2, 2023Noah Sewell, LB, Oregon/Orem HS (Orem, Utah)

Height: 6'1 1/2"

Weight: 246 lbs

Arm: 31 5/8"

Hand: 10"

40-yard dash: 4.64

10-yard split: 1.57

Vertical jump: 33"

Broad jump: 9'7"

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: N/A

Bench press: 27 reps

LB Noah Sewell posted an official 4.64 40 at 6-1 246

What round does the former Oregon Duck get drafted?

pic.twitter.com/C1QioSLjGo

— WestCoastCFB (@WestCoastCFB) March 3, 2023Cameron Latu, TE, Alabama/Olympus HS (Salt Łake City)

Height: 6'4"

Weight: 242 lbs

Arm: 32 3/8"

Hand: 9 1/2"

40-yard dash: N/A

10-yard split: N/A

Vertical jump: N/A

Broad jump: N/A

3-cone drill: N/A

20-yard shuttle: N/A

Bench press: N/A

Thursday, 09:28 pm

Moving on up: Is Dalton Kincaid a lock for a 1st round pick in upcoming NFL draft?

Dalton Kincaid wasn't a finalist for the John Mackay Award this fall, but that hasn't stopped the former University of Utah tight end from having a productive lead-up to the 2023 NFL draft.And as the attention shifts to this weekend's NFL scouting combine, which will take place March 2-5 in Indianapolis, Kincaid's name has been repeatedly mentioned as the potential No. 1 tight end in a loaded class for this year's draft, which includes John Mackay Award finalists Michael Mayer (Notre Dame) and Sam LaPorta (Iowa).Kincaid is not expected to take part in the on-field drills for tight ends during Saturday's combine as he recovers from a serious injury he sustained at the end of the 2022 season that kept him out of the Rose Bowl, but he will take part in the week's interviews and other aspects of the scouting combine.Read more on the Utah tight end's path to the draft here.

Wednesday, 02:13 pm

Rams make statement on departing LB Bobby Wagner

How beloved is former Utah State star Bobby Wagner in his hometown of Los Angeles?The Rams thanked the NFL veteran after a formally announcement that the two sides have mutually agreed to part ways. The deal won't become official until the start of the new league year March 15."Bobby is an outstanding competitor and a leader that elevates everyone around him," Rams coach Sean McVay said in a statement. "His perspective, steadiness, and consistency set an example for our players, coaches and staff. We are grateful for Bobby and his contributions to our organization during his time with the Rams."A team captain in his lone season in Los Angeles, Wagner was one of six players to start every game for the Rams in 2022 and finished with a team-high 140 tackles, a career-best six sacks, two interceptions and five passes defended en route to second-team All-Pro honors from the Associated Press.The nine-time All-Pro also blocked a field goal on special teams.Wagner's departure, along with the likely trade of cornerback Jalen Ramsey, reportedly signals an upcoming rebuild for the Rams, who finished 5-12 and third in the NFC West in 2022.

Tuesday, 06:23 pm

Former Utah QB star Brian Johnson promoted to Eagles OC

Brian Johnson's next step in his NFL career didn't require much change in scenery.The former University of Utah star quarterback was promoted to offensive coordinator for the Philadelphia Eagles on Tuesday, replacing Shane Steichen, who left to become the next head coach of the Indianapolis Colts.Johnson, 36, has been a fast riser in the coaching profession since he led the Utes to an undefeated season and a Sugar Bowl championship over Alabama in 2009. The program's all-time winningest quarterback at the time has worked especially well with Philadelphia quarterback Jalen Hurts since the Baytown, Texas, native arrived in Philly, helping the third-year signal caller to be named a finalist for the NFL Most Valuable Player award in 2022."I'm really, really grateful for the University of Utah," Johnson told the Pac-12 Network during Super Bowl week. "I've learned so much from that institution, and particularly from Coach (Kyle) Whittingham. I've known him since I was 16 years old."A lot of the lessons that I've learned, both as a player and as a coach, have come from him. It's been great for me to follow them from afar."Fresh off a Super Bowl run, the Eagles also hired Sean Desai as defensive coordinator, replacing new Arizona Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon. Alex Tanney replaces Johnson as quarterbacks coach, and Marcus Brady and T.J. Paganetti were also hired as new offensive assistants, the team announced."Coaches have to have two things," Eagles head coach Nick Sirianni said in a team release. "They have to be able to – position coaches, first and foremost, have to be able to get their players better as players. They have to be able to take them a level here to a higher level that they can't reach without the coaching of that individual. And that happens through fundamentals and being able to explain the plan, being able to explain the offense to make it easier for that player to understand and to execute. Brian does a great job of that. And Brian is also very gifted in the sense of helping be able to scheme, even though he wasn't the offensive coordinator last year, he still helps a great deal with our schemes and the way we're attacking defenses in the run game, in the pass game, in the protection world, in situationals."So, yeah, he's been a great influence, obviously, for Jalen. And Jalen's done a nice job, obviously. But it's a good relationship of those two guys because I do believe that's helped Jalen become a better player."

Thursday, 05:36 pm

Bobby Wagner, Rams agree to mutual separation

Bobby Wagner's time with his hometown Los Angeles Rams has come to a close.Wagner and the Rams mutually agreed to a parting of ways after just one season, as first reported Thursday, Feb. 23 by ESPN.com and confirmed by several other outlets from the Associated Press to the NFL Network.The nine-time All-Pro linebacker who played collegiately at Utah State signed a five-year contract with the Rams last March after being released by the Seattle Seahawks. Wagner, 32, started all 17 games in Los Angeles and had another stellar campaign, tallying a career-high six sacks, 140 tackles and two interceptions.The move will save the Rams $1.5 million in salary cap space, while also adding a dead-money charge of $7.5 million. If the Rams put Wagner on the post-June 1 release, the team's salary cap savings would jump to $8 million, according to ESPN.com.Los Angeles is approximately $13.7 million over the cap.The release will not be official until after the start of the new league year next month.

Breaking: The Rams and nine-time All-Pro LB Bobby Wagner have mutually agreed to part ways, sources told @AdamSchefter. pic.twitter.com/Y9QsNk2FFa
— NFL on ESPN (@ESPNNFL) February 23, 2023

Monday, 05:51 pm

BYU alums Anderson, Tonga sign on with Bills, Vikings

Khyiris Tonga is sticking with Minnesota, while fellow BYU alum Zayne Anderson is headed to Buffalo.Tonga, a former Granger High standout drafted in the seventh round of the 2021 NFL Draft, signed with the Vikings in October and appeared in 11 games with two starts during the 2022 regular season, as well as appearing in the Wild Card game, before adding on to his time as an exclusive rights free agent this offseason.The 6-foot-4, 337-pound interior defensive lineman brought strength and versatility to Minnesota's defensive line, totaling a career-high 28 tackles, four pass breakups, two quarterback hits and 0.5 sacks.He'll also turn 27 in July, a product of serving a two-year mission for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, as well as a full career at BYU.

Vikings Re-Sign Blake Brandel & Khyiris Tonga. Za'Darius Smith Selling His Home. #VikingsVideo #VikingsNation #VikingsFans #SKOL #VikingsFan https://t.co/IZX91FAYgH

— Vikings Fans (@VikingsViews) February 17, 2023Anderson, who also prepped at Stansbury High School in the Tooele Valley, spent the past two seasons with the Kansas City Chiefs, primarily on the practice squad. The 6-foot-2, 206-pound safety who went undrafted in 2021 out of BYU began his career at linebacker before moving to defensive back, and finding a home with fellow BYU alum Andy Reid in Kansas City.Anderson totaled 162 tackles, three interceptions and three forced fumbles during his collegiate career before earning a Super Bowl ring for the Chiefs last season.

Signed S Zayne Anderson to a two-year contract. pic.twitter.com/rvgnBqtxAg

— Buffalo Bills PR (@BuffaloBillsPR) February 17, 2023

Locals in the NFL 2023 offseason blog: Packers extend QB Jordan Love's deal through 2024

Updated - May 2, 2023 at 4:37 p.m. | Posted - Feb. 23, 2023 at 8:24 p.m.

AP source: Packers extend QB Jordan Love's deal through 2024

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Bobby Wagner returns to Seattle on 1-year, $7-million deal

Dalton Schultz joins Houston on 1-year deal

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Former Utah State OL Tyler Larsen agrees to new deal with Commanders

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Locals in the NFL 2023 offseason blog: Packers extend QB Jordan Love's deal through 2024

Updated - May 2, 2023 at 4:37 p.m. | Posted - Feb. 23, 2023 at 8:24 p.m.

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