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. This could also include Packers quarterback Jordan Love, who was present at the beginning of Green Bay’s OTA sessions. In addition to waiting for potential extensions, the OTAs are a fascinating window to see some familiar faces in new uniforms after free agency, including new Ravens running back Derrick Henry.
Football is back, so let’s take a look at the league and analyze some notable moments, updates and highlights from the OTAs.
Bijan Robinson could be available for Falcons minicamp
As Atlanta navigates the early stages of OTAs, they are currently without star running back Bijan Robinson, who is dealing with an ankle injury. Falcons coach Raheem Morris told reporters Tuesday, however, that he is hopeful the second-year defenseman will be available for mandatory minicamp.
“I hope – very, very positive too – that the veteran minicamp gets a chance to see something, some movements, things of that nature,” Morris said, via Professional football talk. “But he’s progressing well. He’s out there. He’s in great spirits.
“He’s definitely learning the game above the neck. He’s the first person to want to talk about it, so you know it’s coming. But you can’t help but smile when you see Bijan. That’s who he is, that’s what he is and I have a lot of confidence that he’ll be ready to go to our senior minicamp. It’ll give him a nice break in the middle of this, and when we get to training camp, I’d love to see him rolling.”
Micah Parsons will participate in Week 2 of Cowboys OTAs
The Dallas pass rusher is not with the team at the start of OTAs, but said NFL Media that he plans to be there in the second week of the program, which starts next Wednesday. Parsons also said he would be at the Cowboys’ minicamp. He currently has two years remaining on his rookie contract after Dallas picked up his fifth-year option.
Brandon Aiyuk is not in OTAs amid contract negotiations
The offseason was filled with speculation about Aiyuk’s future with the 49ers. With free agency and the NFL Draft in the rearview mirror, however, the star is still on San Francisco’s roster. While he may still be employed by the Niners, Aiyuk is not with the organization as it opens OTAs while it searches for a new contract. Aiyuk is set to earn $14.124 million on his fifth-year option in 2024.
Bryce Young getting rave reviews in Panthers OTAs
Bryce Young had a forgotten rookie season, but the former No. 1 overall pick is looking for a bounce-back campaign in his sophomore season. So far, it appears that Young is taking some quality steps in that direction, judging by the comments made by his teammates.
“He’s throwing the ball with confidence,” tight end Tommy Tremble said, via ESPN. “He’s not worried about a thousand things like he was last year. … So you can see that confidence. It’s exciting, man.”
“He’s a great defender,” added new winger Diontae Johnson. “Accurate. Smart. He knows how to get his men into position. Whenever we’re out there, you can count on him to put us in the right place and make sure everyone knows what they’re doing.”
The Los Angeles Rams’ star running back has a foot issue and will not participate in the offseason program this spring, Sean McVay told reporters, via NFL Media. However, he should be back in training camp. Last season, Williams rushed for 1,144 yards and 12 touchdowns in just 12 games played. He became the first player to finish in the top three in rushing yards despite missing four or more games since Bull Karcis for the 1937 Pittsburgh Pirates. Williams also became the third Rams player in Super Bowl was to lead the NFL in rushing yards per game at 95.3.
Calvin Ridley looking fast
The Titans have a new attack that includes several new weapons. One of those weapons is former Jaguars player Calvin Ridley, who is seen as one of the best runners in the league. You can see why on Tuesday.
Two-time All-Pro and three-time Pro Bowl left tackle Tristan Wirfs of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers has not reported to the OTAs and does not plan to do so as of now. by ESPN. Why? Wirfs wants a long-term contract and doesn’t want to risk injuries. The two sides have reportedly made no progress on a new agreement.
The Bucs took care of themselves this offseason, giving quarterback Baker Mayfield, wide receiver Mike Evans and safety Antoine Winfield Jr. new contracts.
CJ Stroud picking up right where he left off
The Houston Texans may have found a star in Stroud, who won NFL 2023 Offensive Rookie of the Year. The Ohio State product appears to have different handshakes with all of his running backs and also threw a pretty nasty pass to veteran Robert Woods on Tuesday.
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.
