It is the second week of necessary minicamps within the NFL, with the vast majority of groups taking one other vital step towards the beginning line of the 2024 season. Ten groups acquired the necessary ball rolling final week.
ESPN’s NFL reporters shall be discovered at every of the places this week, offering data on place battles, notable appearances from new faces, compelling quotes from coaches and gamers and updates on accidents and holdout conditions.
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Prime NFL information of the day
Jets’ Robert Saleh on ‘very same web page’ with absent Aaron Rodgers
Someday after Aaron Rodgers’ unexcused absence from minicamp sparked a media firestorm, New York Jets coach Robert Saleh downplayed the matter, insisting it hasn’t brought on a distraction or unrest throughout the group. “Aaron and I are on the very same web page,” Saleh stated Wednesday. “There is not any concern between Aaron or his teammates, for that matter. We addressed it yesterday. It is extra of a problem for everybody exterior the constructing than it’s inside. That is about it.”
Lamar Jackson declines to handle forfeiting $750K
Requested why he forfeited a $750,000 exercise bonus this spring, Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson replied, “I by no means talk about my contract up right here. I am not about to begin as we speak.”
Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million deal final 12 months that included bonuses for taking part in 80% of the group’s offseason program. This 12 months, the reigning NFL Most Helpful Participant skipped 4 of Baltimore’s first 5 voluntary organized group actions, which price him $750,000.
O’Connell confirms Sam Darnold will begin at Vikings coaching camp
Sam Darnold will proceed because the Minnesota Vikings’ lead quarterback when coaching camp opens subsequent month, coach Kevin O’Connell stated Wednesday because the group wrapped up its last OTA of the spring. O’Connell stopped in need of projecting something past that, saying he plans for a “aggressive” coaching camp at many positions. The Vikings have three different quarterbacks on their roster, together with rookie J.J. McCarthy in addition to veterans Nick Mullens and Jaren Corridor.
Commanders’ Jayden Daniels: ‘I ain’t a star quarterback but’
Quarterback Jayden Daniels’ new Washington Commanders teammates and coaches have shared, very often, how impressed they’re after his first offseason. The one one that is not shopping for into the hype: Daniels himself.
“I ain’t a star quarterback but,” he stated, responding to a query about getting some perks of a franchise quarterback. “I acquired lengthy option to go. I am a rookie.”
Not like Kelce, Chiefs’ Jones not fascinated by retirement
Chris Jones heard his Kansas Metropolis Chiefs teammate Travis Kelce just lately speak concerning the finish of his enjoying profession being in sight and he cringed. Jones stated there aren’t any ideas of retirement for him.
“As soon as you start to consider issues like that, you are attending to feed the thoughts these sorts of ideas,” Jones stated. “I do not even need my thoughts to even go that far to the R phrase.”
What our NFL Nation reporters noticed as we speak
Outdoors linebacker Khalil Mack advised reporters on the finish of final season that he hadn’t had an opportunity to course of his record-breaking 2023 season, the place he completed with a career-high 17 sacks and eclipsed 100 sacks for his profession.
Mack, getting into his eleventh season within the NFL, talking to reporters for the primary time since then, stated Wednesday that he had time to understand his 12 months, however a few of his critics bothered him.
“I’d look on Twitter, and folks would say, ‘Oh, 17 sacks, however he had six in a single recreation.’ Like, rattling, is {that a} dangerous factor?” Mack stated with a smile. “Perhaps I should not have gotten six? Perhaps I ought to’ve acquired three.
“… In the end it is a type of issues that is like; I wish to win, I wish to win. And yeah, you’ll be able to rejoice sure issues for slightly bit, however I really feel like a Tremendous Bowl will really feel loads higher than that.” — Kris Rhim
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon summed up the second and last day of Seahawks minicamp when he crashed coach Mike Macdonald’s information convention and stated, “Simply inform them we acquired on the offense’s ass as we speak!”
Certainly the protection did, recording not less than 4 and probably 5 interceptions relying on whether or not Riq Woolen acquired each ft in bounds after he got here down with a deep ball from quarterback Geno Smith supposed for receiver DK Metcalf. The No. 1 protection picked off Smith on the primary play of 11-on-11 when linebacker Patrick O’Connell tipped a sideline throw that landed in security Rayshawn Jenkins’ arms. The second-team protection acquired three interceptions off backup QB Sam Howell.
After observe, Macdonald introduced that he is calling off the ultimate day of minicamp, which means the Seahawks’ offseason program is over. Macdonald stated he is proud of the progress they’ve made and famous the additional time they have been at it as a group with a first-year head coach. He additionally cited the chance to complete the spring wholesome. — Brady Henderson
With Mike Evans not taking part and Trey Palmer coping with an undisclosed damage, rookie vast receiver Jalen McMillan, a third-round draft decide, acquired lots of consideration from quarterback Baker Mayfield, catching three passes on three targets. The truth is, he was Mayfield’s first goal in the course of the group interval and caught a landing away from Mayfield throughout pink zone drills Tuesday.
“He is actually pleasant on the prime of his routes, assaults the ball, catches along with his arms. Simply explosive, a clean route runner,” Mayfield stated. “So simply now, having him put all of it collectively within the offense … I believe for him, actually the following step is mastering the offense so he can use that bodily expertise that he has.” — Jenna Laine
One second on the clock. Final play of necessary minicamp. Ball on the 5-yard line. Who will get the bragging rights — offense or protection — till the group returns for the beginning of coaching camp in late July?
That was the scenario going through rookie QB Drake Maye on the ultimate day of necessary minicamp.
Maye delivered a stupendous back-shoulder fade to rookie WR Ja’Lynn Polk — with undrafted CB Mikey Victor in protection — and Polk crashed to the bottom close to the again right-hand nook of the tip zone. Officers from Adrian Hill’s crew, who had been available for observe, huddled to find out whether or not Polk had two ft in bounds, they usually in the end thrust their arms into the air to sign landing.
Offensive gamers celebrated. Defensive gamers, some shouting expletives, hit the deck for pushups.
“That is one thing to go dwelling with,” Maye later stated, crediting Polk for making the play. “First OTAs, first minicamp, finish on a catch like that from a fellow rookie — first- and second-rounder. It is fairly cool.” — Mike Reiss
It was a giant vast receiver day for the Jets. Of their last minicamp observe, Garrett Wilson placed on a present, catching two deep passes from Tyrod Taylor. Wilson, coming off back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons, has improved in all areas, in line with cornerback D.J. Reed. “Only a nice soccer participant,” Reed stated.
Mike Williams did not take part in minicamp — he is nonetheless rehabbing from ACL surgical procedure final fall — however confirmed that he expects to be prepared for Week 1. A wholesome Williams needs to be a pleasant complement to Wilson. “I may be that large, bodily receiver who could make performs downfield, catch slants or do no matter it takes,” the previous Chargers star stated.
Someplace, Aaron Rodgers is smiling. — Wealthy Cimini
The primary play of the final observe of the spring for the Giants was a slip-screen cross to rookie vast receiver Malik Nabers.
It goes to point out simply how a lot of an impression the first-round decide has made heading into coaching camp that the group has performs designed only for him. It is as a result of Nabers, the No. 6 choice earlier this 12 months out of LSU, has confirmed out this spring. It has caught the eye of his coaches and teammates.
“I imply, he can do all the things,” quarterback Daniel Jones stated. “There’s not a lot that he cannot do from a route-running standpoint. He is dynamic with the ball in his arms and robust, quick, explosive, catches the ball properly. Yeah, he does loads properly.”
That has been evident all spring, together with within the last on-field exercise of the offseason when he had a pair of grabs throughout a light-weight observe at minicamp. — Jordan Raanan
Malik Nabers’ expertise is particular pic.twitter.com/q1aXrhKZWn
— Jordan Raanan (@JordanRaanan) June 12, 2024
Browns defensive finish Myles Garrett, the reigning Defensive Participant of the Yr, nonetheless has Cleveland’s season-ending loss to the Houston Texans on his thoughts as he prepares for the 2024 season. Cleveland misplaced to Houston 45-14 within the wild-card spherical and the Browns’ protection had its worst efficiency of the 12 months within the defeat.
“It is undoubtedly on the forefront of my thoughts at all times,” Garrett stated. “That is the final style of soccer that all of us had. I am attempting to make that obvious to everybody and proceed to maintain it as motivation for myself.”
After successful his first Defensive Participant of the Yr award, Garrett stated a Lombardi Trophy is the one factor he is fascinated by for an encore efficiency.
“God prepared, I can construct on the success that we had final 12 months, have everybody be wholesome and win a Tremendous Bowl,” he stated. “That is the place my eyes are solely.” — Daniel Oyefusi
The Packers might not have a longtime No. 1 receiver — they usually might not want one with all of the younger expertise at that spot — but when there is a most dependable amongst that group, it is perhaps third-year professional Romeo Doubs. If anybody had one foot out the door Wednesday earlier than the ultimate observe of the offseason, Doubs wasn’t one in every of them. The spotlight of his day got here when he snagged a deep cease route over the center, made a fast lower and turned up the sphere.
“We challenged him on a pair issues we thought he might actually do a greater job of with, and simply persevering with to emphasize the significance of opening up his stride and he is embraced that,” Packers coach Matt LaFleur stated. “And I believe you have seen that and I believe he is had lots of nice moments. Matter of truth, I can not consider a foul day that he is had on the market. He simply, he’s undoubtedly bettering.” — Rob Demovsky
The Saints had quarterback Jake Haener working with the third group for the primary time, permitting rookie Spencer Rattler to take second-team reps. Rattler was picked off in 11-on-11 drills by beginning cornerback Marshon Lattimore whereas concentrating on rookie Bub Means.
Haener additionally threw his first interception of practices open to the media this summer time when he was picked off by rookie security Millard Bradford. Saints coach Dennis Allen stated to not learn an excessive amount of into that.
“That factor goes to battle out all all through coaching camp,” Allen stated. “And I do not assume that place is exclusive. There’s going to be a number of positions the place you may see a couple of lineup adjustments alongside the way in which.” — Katherine Terrell
Within the reasonably giant shadow thrown by the group’s three-man quarterback competitors is among the Broncos’ different vital place battles — the beginning cornerback job reverse of all-everything cornerback Pat Surtain II. A job that can require not solely the expertise to do the job, however the psychological toughness to outlive the eye as quarterbacks keep away from Surtain. “It is wholesome,” stated defensive coordinator Vance Joseph of the competitors.
” … When you’re enjoying reverse of Patrick you are going to get many of the targets. That is a part of it, so having a man who’s resilient and who can work by way of adversity in video games and type of invite being attacked.”
Because the Broncos wrapped up their offseason program Wednesday, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, rookie Kris Abrams-Draine and Levi Wallace had been all poised to push for the job as soon as coaching camp begins, with Moss possible having made the many of the snaps in OTAs and two days of minicamp. — Jeff Legwold
Bengals linebacker Germaine Pratt had one other good day in 7-on-7 drills. For the second time in two days, he registered a cross deflection off QB Joe Burrow in drills.
Cornerback DJ Turner and Dax Hill, who’re combating for the surface cornerback place, every had a superb day Wednesday. Turner and Hill every had a few cross deflections throughout 7-on-7 drills. Turner broke up a cross off back-up quarterback Jake Browning that popped up into the air and was intercepted. Hill additionally had a deflection on an in-breaking route that prompted Burrow to throw his towel as if it had been a flag.
Hill acquired a superb snort out of the bit but in addition believed he made the play cleanly. — Ben Child
Zay Flowers is wanting like a No. 1 vast receiver in necessary minicamp. He’s solely 5-foot-9, however he made the play of the day when he elevated over cornerback Trayvon Mullen for a landing seize.
“I can not actually describe our chemistry — I consider it is nice; I can say that,” quarterback Lamar Jackson stated. “It is higher than final 12 months. Simply being round him down in Florida, operating each route on the route tree and simply attempting to construct. It is understanding for us.”
Flowers’ landing catch got here after a scary second. Flowers collided with security Marcus Williams whereas attempting to tug in a cross over the center of the sphere. After getting up gingerly, Flowers lined up a couple of performs later and made that leaping reception in the long run zone. Final season, Flowers set Ravens rookie data with 77 catches and 858 receiving yards. — Jamison Hensley
The concept behind bringing in velocity at vast receiver within the individuals of Marquise Brown and Xavier Worthy was for the Chiefs to have the ability to get extra large cross performs. They acquired one towards the tip of observe when Patrick Mahomes beat the blitz and threw an extended landing cross to Brown. Worthy hasn’t practiced a lot since being drafted within the first spherical due to a sore hamstring. He did not work in Wednesday’s observe, as an alternative watching from the aspect. But it surely does not take a lot from the Chiefs to think about what the probabilities are when Brown and Worthy are within the lineup. “These guys are blazers,” vast receiver Justin Watson stated. “They’re at a distinct stage of velocity and defenses are going to should again up.” — Adam Teicher
Whereas it is pure that the Raiders protection, enjoying in the identical scheme for the third straight 12 months with 10 starters returning, can be forward of the offense, there’s a rising concern over how a lot the protection is dominating and the way shaky the offense seems to be. Particularly with a brand new scheme being put in by new offensive coordinator Luke Getsy and a quarterback battle underway between Aidan O’Connell, who threw two interceptions Wednesday, and Gardner Minshew, who threw one in every of his personal to finish observe. In brief, the offense wants coaching camp to type itself out whereas the protection superb tunes itself.
“I imply, what’s it known as that we simply did on the market?” requested receiver Davante Adams, after an extended post-practice speak with new GM Tom Telesco. When advised, “Apply,” Adams smiled. “That is it, proper?” he stated. “The chance to get all of that stuff ironed out. It will be lots of errors … However this time of the 12 months provides us the chance to get forward of it and be taught the system.” — Paul Gutierrez
Kickers do not usually get mentions throughout necessary camps, however Eddy Pineiro is noteworthy. After lacking all of voluntary OTAs as a result of, in line with a league supply, he needs a brand new contract, and never kicking on the primary day of the necessary camp, Pineiro kicked Wednesday. He was solely 2-of-4.
However when requested why he hasn’t been at camp, Pineiro known as it a “personal matter.” Requested if it was associated to his contract, he declined to remark. When he was advised Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker makes $6 million a 12 months, Pineiro responded,”Oh, wow! That is superior … Hopefully, I can get there someday.”
Pineiro makes $2 million a 12 months, however ranks third on the NFL’s all-time discipline aim share record at 89%, behind Tucker (90.18%) and Harrison Butker (89.14%) of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Pineiro would not describe his “personal matter” as confrontational, including he would report back to coaching camp on time “able to kick.” — David Newton
Second-year security Quan Martin made the play of the day, displaying why he might be a giant assist in the secondary this season. Quarterback Marcus Mariota lofted a cross down the left aspect to operating again Chris Rodriguez. However Martin tipped the ball within the air and caught it behind his again as he ran down the sidelines. Washington’s secondary faces quite a few questions after a subpar 2023 season, however Martin, a second-round decide final season, has been working loads alongside veteran Jeremy Chinn with the primary group.
One criticism the defensive backs confronted final season was poor communication, stemming partly from a protection that too typically left them confused. Their chatter thus far this spring has been a stark distinction. Martin is taken into account a heady, versatile participant who communicates properly and who can play security or within the slot in numerous packages. He might grow to be a mainstay.– John Keim
George Pickens is getting again to his roots. The third-year receiver, who spent most of his first two seasons enjoying on the surface, stated Wednesday he is been mixing in work from the slot, one thing he hasn’t accomplished since he performed in school.
“It’s nice,” Pickens stated. “I am a complete receiver, so I like working within the slot simply as a lot as I like working at exterior receiver.”
Transferring Pickens to the slot is one other wrinkle in Arthur Smith’s versatile offense and matches Pickens up extra with safeties and linebackers, a problem the bodily vast receiver likes tackling.
“Properly, linebackers, it is simply being smarter than them,” Pickens stated. “They acquired a couple of keys, they type of crash dummies, so it is simply being smarter than them, catching the ball, get down once you’re presupposed to, catching the ball, scoring once you’re presupposed to.”
The key weapon to creating large performs from the slot, he stated, is easy.
“Pace,” he stated. “Break up defenders, that is a largest factor. Slot, in case you acquired tremendous, tremendous good velocity you’ll be able to break up defenders. Simply type of [makes it] straightforward to attain.” — Brooke Pryor
Head coach Doug Pederson stated on the final day of minicamp that the group plans to exercise receiver Hakeem Butler, who was the United Soccer League’s Offensive Participant of the Yr in 2024 after main the league with 652 yards receiving and 14.5 yards per catch. The 28-year-old Butler can also be scheduled to exercise with the Carolina Panthers.
He spent 4 months of the 2023 offseason with the Pittsburgh Steelers earlier than being launched in late August and likewise has frolicked on the Panthers’ observe squad and the Philadelphia Eagles’ energetic roster and observe squad. That got here in 2020 when Pederson was the Eagles’ head coach. Arizona drafted him within the fourth spherical of the 2019 NFL draft out of Iowa State. If Butler indicators, he’ll be a part of a bunch of six different receivers combating for the No. 6 receiver spot behind Gabe Davis, Christian Kirk, Brian Thomas Jr., Devin Duvernay and Parker Washington. — Michael DiRocco
Payments rookie vast receiver Keon Coleman has gotten within the combine all through the group’s offseason program, and that prolonged to Wednesday. The receiver was matched up in opposition to cornerback Rasul Douglas typically, and his spotlight catch of the observe was a leaping seize on a cross from quarterback Josh Allen with Douglas in protection.
It was additionally a giant day for Coleman — taken thirty third general this spring — as he grew to become the ultimate member of the group’s rookie class to signal his contract.
“I have not seen an excessive amount of of [Coleman]. He made some performs,” Douglas stated. “He is younger. He is nonetheless attempting to be taught. I believe that is the factor that helps him the most effective is simply be a learner. And he is a cool man off the sphere. He is a joker. He is humorous. He is chill.”
Douglas didn’t attend the group’s voluntary a part of the offseason program, one thing that he stated he at all times does. He famous how athletes are additionally human beings and the significance for himself to have the ability to take a step away and “simply take a deep breath and to be grateful for what God blessed you with, the household that you just with, and simply to spend time with them.” — Alaina Getzenberg
