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NFL News and Notes: Tag Deadline Changed

This week has already seen a ton of news in the NFL realm, and we still haven’t even hit free agency or the draft yet. With teams making decisions on their own players, trades being considered, and a new collective bargaining agreement in the works, there has been plenty to talk about around the league.

With that in mind, let’s take a look at some of the news from around the NFL from this past week.

NFL Moves Franchise Tag Deadline

In an interesting bit of news, the NFL has decided to move the deadline to assign Franchise Tags to players to Monday. The purpose of this is to ensure that the league has more clarity in terms of where the Collective Bargaining Agreement stands.

The owners have submitted an offer to the players that the player’s union is expected to vote on by Saturday. If the union does not agree to the proposed deal, the league would head into the final year under the current agreement.

One of the biggest reasons for the pushback of the franchise tag deadline is a loophole that was created in the current agreement. It stated that in the last year of the agreement that teams could use both the franchise tag and the transition tag.

That would allow teams to essentially hold onto two players that they do not want to see go but do not have a deal done with. If the player’s union approves the new collective bargaining agreement, that loophole would essentially go away.

Thus, it seems prudent that the league would wait to get clarity on the new CBA before having teams make those types of decisions.

On an interesting an related note, the union has chosen its new player president. The NFLPA has decided to elect J.C. Tretter (offensive lineman for the Cleveland Browns) as their new president.

Noteworthy, he is seemingly in favor of the new CBA, making it more likely (although not guaranteed) that the CBA will likely pass.

Ekeler, Chargers Agree To Deal

Despite being undrafted out of college, Austin Ekeler has spent his short time in the NFL proving himself, and now it is paying off. The Los Angeles Chargers and Ekeler have agreed to a four-year deal worth just under $25 million ($15 million guaranteed).

Going into this offseason, Ekeler was a restricted free agent but now has security for the next several seasons.
Last season, at age 24, Ekeler rushed 132 times over 16 games for 557 yards and three touchdowns. He also had 92 receptions for 993 yards and another eight touchdowns.

With Ekeler signed, it now means that the Chargers other free agent running back, Melvin Gordon, is likely out the door. After holding out for the start of the season, Gordon ended up playing in 12 games.

The 26-year-old finished with 612 rushing yards and eight touchdowns on 162 rushes. He also had 42 receptions for 296 yards and another touchdown. Still, after holding out for more money to start the season, Gordon was going to be a much more expensive option than Ekeler.

Norman To Buffalo

After a rough season last year, Josh Norman has already found a new team and will be reunited with defensive coordinator Sean McDermott. Norman agreed to a one-year deal with the Buffalo Bills that could add another $2 million in incentives.

Last season, with the Washington Redskins, Norman played in 12 games, amassing 40 tackles, one sack, and one interception. Norman’s best season came back in 2015 with the Carolina Panthers when he had 56 tackles, four interceptions (two for a touchdown), three forced fumbles, and two fumble recoveries.

While he may no longer be elite, the Buffalo Bills will hope that he can be a big upgrade for their secondary

Williams To Seek Trade

It has been a battle between the Washington Redskins and Trent Williams, but it appears that both sides may be close to moving on. The Redskins gave Williams and his agent permission to seek a trade this week.

After not playing last season, there was some hope that a new coach in Ron Rivera might be able to right the ship, but apparently, the team and Williams have decided that moving on is the best avenue.

After battling injuries in recent years and now at 32 entering the 2020 season, it is hard to imagine Williams being quite as dominant as he once was. Still, though, tackles come at a premium, and with just $12.5 million (non-guaranteed) being left on the final year of his contract, teams will likely be interested.

For Ron Rivera and the Redskins, it could be a good opportunity to get some draft compensation in return.

Jets Will Release Cornerback Johnson

With his $11 million base salary due to become guaranteed later this month, the New York Jets have decided to part ways with cornerback Trumaine Johnson. Given that he was signed to a five-year, $72.5 million deal just a couple of years ago, there is still some dead money and ramifications for the Jets, but it was still probably the right move to make.

Last season, Johnson played in just seven games and had 25 tackles and one interception. In fact, since joining the Jets, he has played in just 17 games in two seasons.

Johnson’s best season came back in 2015 when he had 71 tackles, seven interceptions (1 returned for a touchdown), and one fumble recovery for the then St. Louis Rams. With him being 30 next season, Johnson will hope to bounce back, but it will be with someone other than the Jets.

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