Caleb Harris
2024 NFL off season keeps rolling, as 31 teams have already started OTAs. This is the first time we’ll see rookies train with veterans, and perhaps the last time we’ll see players like Tua Tagovailoa and Trevor Lawrence playing pigskin before putting pen to paper on what they hope will be profitable, long-term. deadline extensions.
Football is back, so let’s take a look at the league and analyze some notable moments from OTAs.
QBs losing weight
We have some quarterbacks entering 2024 that are a little lighter. According to AtléticoRavens quarterback and reigning NFL MVP Lamar Jackson is now 205 pounds, which is 25 pounds below his 2022 weight and 10 pounds below his 2023 weight. So Lamar 2024 could be the fastest Lamar we’ve ever seen.
By NFL MediaMiami Dolphins quarterback Tua Tagovailoa is down to 220 pounds, which is 10-15 pounds lighter than his 2023 playing weight. He wants to be more agile and better prepared to handle pressure in the spot’s pocket from the point of view of escape.
The Cincinnati Bengals begin OTA practices a week from Tuesday, and one player who is not expected to be in attendance is Higgins. The wide receiver did not sign his franchise proposal, according to ESPN, and is not expected to do so next week. This makes you ineligible to report to organized team activities.
Higgins is the only franchise tagged player this offseason who has not signed a long-term extension.
Bryce Young is ‘fantastic’ in new attack
The #1 overall pick in 2023 NFL Draft It didn’t have a great first season. Young’s 2-14 record as a starter ranked last in the league, as did his 5.5 yards per attempt and 73.7 pass rating. However, he may now have some stability with Dave Canales at the helm.
On Monday, Canales told reporters that Young is really showing potential in Carolina’s new offense.
“He’s doing really well with it,” Canales said, via ESPN. “So for us the formations are quite simple, so we can just teach the concept we want from each route, the depth, the footwork we want.
“As I hope he does, he really mastered that part.”
Canales helped Geno Smith win Comeback Player of the Year in 2022 and helped Baker Mayfield have a career year in 2023. What will he do with Young?
The New England Patriots are truly entering a new era in 2024 that includes a new head coach, a new general manager, and a new quarterback. The Patriots gave us some insight into coach Mayo and Maye on Monday with a mic video.
Daniel Jones participates in 7-on-7 training
The New York Giants rejected drafting a quarterback in 2024 NFL Draft, and will give Jones another chance to prove he is the future of the franchise. Jones injured his neck in Week 5 last year, then returned in Week 9 only to tear his ACL. On Monday he took a step forward in his recovery and participated in 7-on-7 training, according to the Giants’ official website. The hope is that Jones will be 100% ready for training camp in July.
Jones signed a four-year, $160 million contract last offseason and will earn $82 million from 2023-24.
The Atlanta Falcons went out and paid Cousins to be their new franchise quarterback, and with a supporting cast that includes Bijan Robinson, Tyler Allgeier, Drake London and Kyle Pitts, perhaps the Falcons could be a sneaky team in the NFC.
Some are anticipating a big season from former No. 4 overall pick Pitts, who is now playing with the best quarterback he has ever played with. Check out this catch he made on Monday.
Rodgers is back under center as the New York Jets’ quarterback after tearing his Achilles tendon last September, and he’s looking pretty good on the practice field. Imagine what a receiver like Wilson can do to a quarterback like Rodgers. More touchdowns to come in 2024.
Minnesota Vikings star Justin Jefferson is expected to break financial records when he signs his next contract, and he was not present at the start of OTAs this week, by ESPN. The 24-year-old pass catcher skipped most of Minnesota’s voluntary 2023 offseason schedule before reporting for mandatory minicamp and training camp. We’ll see what happens this time.
Kansas City Chiefs forward Rashee Rice is facing multiple charges related to a high-speed car crash, as well as a police investigation into an alleged nightclub attack, but he has been reportedly present in OTAs on Monday. ESPN previously reported that Rice is expected to receive a multi-game suspension due to his actions this offseason. As a rookie, the SMU product caught 79 passes for 938 yards and seven touchdowns as Kansas City won Super Bowl LVIII.
Panthers respond to zero primetime games
The Panthers were the only team in the NFL receiving zero primetime games when the 2024 schedule was released last week. Quarterback Bryce Young was asked if not getting primetime games was a slap in the face.
“It’s out of our control…” Young said, by Steven Taranto. “If someone despises me or us, I don’t hold on to it.”
New Panthers coach Dave Canales was also asked about his reaction to not getting any primetime games, saying, “You have to earn it.”
Brian Thomas Jr. establishing chemistry with Lawrence
The Jacksonville Jaguars may have lost Calvin Ridley this offseason, but they gained a huge upside with potential in Brian Thomas Jr. The LSU product led the FBS with 17 receiving touchdowns last season and was selected by Jacksonville 23rd overall.
Tennessee Titans fans, look away.
The Baltimore Ravens made a splash in free agency this offseason, signing running back Derrick Henry to a two-year contract to pair with Lamar Jackson. On Monday, he took to the field with his new team, rocking the purple shirt.
