It is the second week of necessary minicamps within the NFL, with the vast majority of groups taking one other important step towards the beginning line of the 2024 season. Ten groups bought the necessary ball rolling final week.
ESPN’s NFL reporters shall be discovered at every of the areas 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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High NFL information of the day
Jets’ Robert Saleh on ‘very same web page’ with absent Aaron Rodgers
Sooner or later 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 about a distraction or unrest inside the group. “Aaron and I are on the very same web page,” Saleh mentioned Wednesday. “There is not any situation 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 focus on my contract up right here. I am not about to start out right now.”
Jackson signed a five-year, $260 million deal final 12 months that included bonuses for taking part in 80% of the staff’s offseason program. This 12 months, the reigning NFL Most Helpful Participant skipped 4 of Baltimore’s first 5 voluntary organized staff actions, which value 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 mentioned Wednesday because the staff wrapped up its ultimate 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 who is not shopping for into the hype: Daniels himself.
“I ain’t a star quarterback but,” he mentioned, responding to a query about getting some perks of a franchise quarterback. “I bought 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 not too long ago discuss in regards to the finish of his enjoying profession being in sight and he cringed. Jones mentioned 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 varieties of ideas,” Jones mentioned. “I do not even need my thoughts to even go that far to the R phrase.”
What our NFL Nation reporters noticed right now
Outdoors linebacker Khalil Mack instructed 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, coming into his eleventh season within the NFL, chatting with reporters for the primary time since then, mentioned Wednesday that he had time to understand his 12 months, however a few of his critics bothered him.
“I might look on Twitter, and folks would say, ‘Oh, 17 sacks, however he had six in a single recreation.’ Like, rattling, is {that a} unhealthy factor?” Mack mentioned with a smile. “Perhaps I should not have gotten six? Perhaps I ought to’ve bought three.
“… Finally it is a type of issues that is like; I wish to win, I wish to win. And yeah, you may have fun sure issues for slightly bit, however I really feel like a Tremendous Bowl will really feel so much higher than that.” — Kris Rhim
Cornerback Devon Witherspoon summed up the second and ultimate day of Seahawks minicamp when he crashed coach Mike Macdonald’s press convention and mentioned, “Simply inform ’em we bought on the offense’s ass right now!”
Certainly they did, recording at the least 4 and presumably 5 interceptions relying on whether or not Tariq Woolen bought each toes 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 bought three interceptions off backup QB Sam Howell.
After observe, Macdonald introduced that he is calling off the ultimate day of minicamp, that means the Seahawks’ offseason program is over. Macdonald mentioned he is pleased with the progress they’ve made and famous the additional time they have been at it as a staff 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 harm, rookie vast receiver Jalen McMillan, a third-round draft decide, bought a number of consideration from quarterback Baker Mayfield, catching three passes on three targets. In reality, he was Mayfield’s first goal through the staff interval and caught a landing away from Mayfield throughout red-zone drills Tuesday.
“He is actually pleasant on the high of his routes, assaults the ball, catches together with his arms. Simply explosive, a easy route runner,” Mayfield mentioned. “So simply now, having him put all of it collectively within the offense … I feel 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 staff returns for the beginning of coaching camp in late July?
That was the scenario dealing with rookie QB Drake Maye on the ultimate day of necessary minicamp.
Maye delivered a phenomenal 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 have been available for observe, huddled to find out whether or not Polk had two toes 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 house with,” Maye later mentioned, 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 ultimate 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 mentioned.
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 ought to be a pleasant complement to Wilson. “I may be that massive, bodily receiver who could make performs downfield, catch slants or do no matter it takes,” the previous Chargers star mentioned.
Someplace, Aaron Rodgers is smiling. — Wealthy Cimini
The primary play of the final observe of the spring for the Giants was a slip-screen go 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 staff 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 mentioned. “There’s not a lot that he cannot do from a route-running standpoint. He is dynamic with the ball in his arms and powerful, quick, explosive, catches the ball properly. Yeah, he does so much properly.”
That has been evident all spring, together with within the ultimate 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 12 months, 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 positively on the forefront of my thoughts all the time,” Garrett mentioned. “That is the final style of soccer that all of us had. I am making an attempt to make that obvious to everybody and proceed to maintain it as motivation for myself.”
After successful his first Defensive Participant of the 12 months award, Garrett mentioned 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 mentioned. “That is the place my eyes are solely.” — Daniel Oyefusi
The Packers could not have a longtime No. 1 receiver — they usually could not want one with all of the younger expertise at that spot — but when there is a most dependable amongst that group, it is likely to be 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 among them. The spotlight of his day got here when he snagged a deep cease route over the center, made a fast minimize and turned up the sector.
“We challenged him on a pair issues we thought he may 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 mentioned. “And I feel you have seen that and I feel he is had a number of nice moments. Matter of reality, I am unable to consider a foul day that he is had on the market. He simply, he’s positively bettering.” — Rob Demovsky
The Saints had quarterback Jake Haener working with the third staff 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 focusing 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 mentioned to not learn an excessive amount of into that.
“That factor goes to battle out all all through coaching camp,” Allen mentioned. “And I do not suppose that place is exclusive. There’s going to be a number of positions the place you will see just a few lineup modifications alongside the way in which.” — Katherine Terrell
Within the quite massive shadow thrown by the staff’s three-man quarterback competitors is likely one of the Broncos’ different important 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,” mentioned defensive coordinator Vance Joseph of the competitors.
” … When you’re enjoying reverse of Patrick you are going to get a lot of the targets. That is a part of it, so having a man who’s resilient and who can work by adversity in video games and sort of invite being attacked.”
Because the Broncos wrapped up their offseason program Wednesday, Riley Moss, Damarri Mathis, rookie Kris Abrams-Draine and Levi Wallace have been all poised to push for the job as soon as coaching camp begins, with Moss probably having made the a lot 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 go deflection off QB Joe Burrow in drills.
Cornerback DJ Turner and Dax Hill, who’re combating for the surface cornerback place, every had a very good day Wednesday. Turner and Hill every had a few go deflections throughout 7-on-7 drills. Turner broke up a go 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 have been a flag.
Hill bought a very good snigger out of the bit but in addition believed he made the play cleanly. — Ben Child
Zay Flowers is trying 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 am unable to actually describe our chemistry — I consider it is nice; I can say that,” quarterback Lamar Jackson mentioned. “It is higher than final 12 months. Simply being round him down in Florida, operating each route on the route tree and simply making an attempt to construct. It is figuring out for us.”
Flowers’ landing catch got here after a scary second. Flowers collided with security Marcus Williams whereas making an attempt to drag in a go over the center of the sector. After getting up gingerly, Flowers lined up just a few performs later and made that leaping reception in the long run zone. Final season, Flowers set Ravens rookie information 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 massive go performs. They bought one towards the tip of observe when Patrick Mahomes beat the blitz and threw an extended landing go 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 facet. However it does not take a lot from the Chiefs to think about what the chances are when Brown and Worthy are within the lineup. “These guys are blazers,” vast receiver Justin Watson mentioned. “They’re at a special degree of velocity and defenses are going to must 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, could be forward of the offense, there’s a rising concern over how a lot the protection is dominating and the way shaky the offense appears to be like. 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 among his personal to finish observe. Briefly, the offense wants coaching camp to type itself out whereas the protection effective tunes itself.
“I imply, what’s it referred to as that we simply did on the market?” requested receiver Davante Adams, after an extended post-practice discuss with new GM Tom Telesco. When instructed, “Follow,” Adams smiled. “That is it, proper?” he mentioned. “The chance to get all of that stuff ironed out. It should be a number of errors … However this time of the 12 months offers us the chance to get forward of it and study 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 referred to as it a “non-public matter.” Requested if it was associated to his contract, he declined to remark. When he was instructed Baltimore Ravens kicker Justin Tucker makes $6 million a 12 months, Pineiro responded,”Oh, wow! That is superior … Hopefully, I can get there sooner or later.”
Pineiro makes $2 million a 12 months, however ranks third on the NFL’s all-time subject objective proportion record at 89%, behind Tucker (90.18%) and Harrison Butker (89.14%) of the Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Pineiro would not describe his “non-public 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, exhibiting why he could possibly be a giant assist in the secondary this season. Quarterback Marcus Mariota lofted a go down the left facet 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 so much alongside veteran Jeremy Chinn with the primary group.
One criticism the defensive backs confronted final season was poor communication, stemming partially from a protection that too usually left them confused. Their chatter to date 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 may develop into 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, mentioned Wednesday he is been mixing in work from the slot, one thing he hasn’t achieved since he performed in school.
“It’s nice,” Pickens mentioned. “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.
“Nicely, linebackers, it is simply being smarter than them,” Pickens mentioned. “They bought just a few keys, they sort of crash dummies, so it is simply being smarter than them, catching the ball, get down if you’re alleged to, catching the ball, scoring if you’re alleged to.”
The key weapon to creating massive performs from the slot, he mentioned, is easy.
“Velocity,” he mentioned. “Break up defenders, that is a greatest factor. Slot, in the event you bought tremendous, tremendous good velocity you may cut up defenders. Simply sort of [makes it] straightforward to attain.” — Brooke Pryor
Head coach Doug Pederson mentioned on the final day of minicamp that the staff plans to exercise receiver Hakeem Butler, who was the United Soccer League’s Offensive Participant of the 12 months in 2024 after main the league with 652 yards receiving and 14.5 yards per catch. The 28-year-old Butler can 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 in addition 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 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 staff’s offseason program, and that prolonged to Wednesday. The receiver was matched up towards cornerback Rasul Douglas usually, and his spotlight catch of the observe was a leaping seize on a go from quarterback Josh Allen with Douglas in protection.
It was additionally a giant day for Coleman — taken thirty third general this spring — as he turned the ultimate member of the staff’s rookie class to signal his contract.
“I have never seen an excessive amount of of [Coleman]. He made some performs,” Douglas mentioned. “He is younger. He is nonetheless making an attempt to study. I feel that is the factor that helps him one of the best is simply be a learner. And he is a cool man off the sector. He is a joker. He is humorous. He is chill.”
Douglas didn’t attend the staff’s voluntary a part of the offseason program, one thing that he mentioned he all the time 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
