After an incredible draft last weekend, which saw Bryce Young go first overall to the Carolina Panthers, teams around the National Football League are now shifting gears towards filling in holes in their roster ahead of the season.
With so much movement going on around the NFL, let’s take a look at some of the biggest stories around the league after the draft.
Packers Agree To Small Extension With Jordan Love
Prior to the NFL Draft, Green Bay Packers moved on from a future Hall-of-Famer as they traded Aaron Rodgers to the New York Jets. With Jordan Love now getting ready to start the season under center, he has a bit more certainty in his contract.
On Wednesday, the Packers and Love agreed to a one-year extension that will keep him in Green Bay through 2024. The deal could be worth as much as $22.5 million, but it gives Love and the Packers a bit more security as they no longer have to worry about picking up his fifth-year option.
The 24-year-old Love played in four games last season, throwing for 195 yards and a touchdown in 21 attempts.
With Rodgers out of the way, the former 2020 first rounder has the opportunity to cement his name as the next great quarterback for Green Bay.
Currently, the Packers have the second-best odds of winning the NFC North at +330.
Rodgers Gets His Old Wide Receiver Back
To help appease quarterback Aaron Rodgers, the New York Jets had already signed Allen Lazard to a deal. Now, they have signed another of Rodgers’ wide receiver friends to a deal as Randall Cobb is signing with the club.
Along with Lazard and Cobb will be star youngster Garrett Wilson, as well as Mecole Hardman, Corey Davis, and Denzel Mims.
Last season, the Jets’ offense ranked 15th in passing yards per game (219), but the Jets are hoping to improve on those stats this upcoming season.
There are high hopes in New York, and the Jets currently have the second-best odds of winning the AFC East at +250, trailing only the Buffalo Bills (+130).
Bills Bring In Veteran Running Back
Speaking of the Bills, they officially brought in a veteran running back on Thursday as they signed Latavius Murray to a one-year deal worth just under $1.2 million.
At 33-years-old, Murray has played for five different teams. Last season, in 13 games between the Broncos and the Saints, Murray rushed 171 times for 760 yards and six touchdowns. He also had 27 receptions for 132 yards.
Murray will more than likely serve as a depth piece as the team also has Damien Harris, Nyheim Hines, and James Cook, but he could still bring a ton of value for a team with big expectations.
The Bills have the third-best odds of winning Super Bowl LVIII at +900.
Jackson’s Deal Becomes Official
Even though it was agreed on in principle earlier, the deal between the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson has become official. The star quarterback has signed a five-year extension worth $260 million. The $52 million average makes him the highest paid player in the NFL.
Still just 26, Jackson had a bit of a disappointing season last year. In 12 games, he threw for 2,242 yards, 17 touchdowns, and 7 interceptions. He also rushed 112 times for 764 yards and another three scores.
There was speculation Jackson could be traded this offseason, but the Ravens were able to work out a deal with their franchise quarterback. Currently, they have the eighth-best odds of winning it all next season at +1800.
