Latest news with #ProBowl-level
USA Today
04-06-2025
- Business
- USA Today
Saints rank among the NFL's lowest spenders in undrafted free agency
Saints rank among the NFL's lowest spenders in undrafted free agency For years the New Orleans Saints were seen as an attractive team for undrafted free agents, giving long-shot rookies better odds of making the team than other outfits around the league. It goes back to the early days of the Sean Payton-and-Drew Brees era, when the Saints consistently found diamonds in the rough like running back Pierre Thomas and wide receiver Lance Moore. More recently, the Saints have found Pro Bowl-level talents after the draft like special teams ace J.T. Gray and returns specialist Rashid Shaheed (who has become a dynamite receiver in his own right). But 2025's rookie free agent class doesn't have as much momentum behind them. For one thing, it's one of the smaller classes around the league, with just 11 players. That's tied with four other teams to rank 23rd in the NFL, half the size of the Jacksonville Jaguars' 22-man class. Four more teams each signed 20 or more rookie free agents this spring. For another thing, based on the latest reporting, the Saints guaranteed just $904,000 between those 11 players. Six teams gave out at least $2 million in guarantees, each, while 14 teams got to at least $1 million. The Saints, at best, rank around the league's middle class. Guarantees are a useful yardstick because that's how teams outbid each other to recruit rookies after the draft. If a player was guaranteed a big portion of his contract, the team clearly expects him to win a roster spot, and they had to fight out competitors to get him. Which means other teams weren't banging on the door to get a word in with many of the Saints' rookie free agents. Former South Carolina guard Torriccelli Simpkins III received the highest guarantees on the team, at $259,000, but just two other players broke the $100,000 threshold -- Kansas State tackle Easton Kilty ($240,000) and Delaware running back Marcus Yarns ($120,000). The details aren't in on Hunter Dekkers' contract, but seeing as he only signed after trying out at rookie minicamp, we're guessing the Saints didn't guarantee him much money. Why did this change? When did the Saints go from a powerhouse in undrafted free agency to a team that's fallen behind? The main culprit would be a lack of opportunities in New Orleans. If all things are equal, young pros would rather go somewhere they have a real shot at competing for a roster spot than coming to the Saints, where they would be stuck behind older veterans on the defensive line like Cameron Jordan, Nathan Shepherd, and Davon Godchaux. It's a similar story at other positions. Young guys want to go where they can play, and the Saints don't have as many of those opportunities as other teams. Still, guys beat the odds all the time. Once the pads come on and practice intensity ramps up at training camp, we'll start to find out which of these rookies has a real shot at making the team. Maybe someone surprises us. But for now, it's probably best to keep expectations muted.
USA Today
31-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders?
Where do Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave rank among Saints' all-time receiving leaders? Our top-20 countdown rolls on with the most electrifying pass catchers in Saints history Over the course of time, New Orleans Saints pass catchers have played a vital role in some of the most glorious passing seasons ever. With countless All-Pro and Pro Bowl-level talents, many have cemented themselves in the history books as cornerstones of one of the league's most dynamic aerial attacks. From clutch playoff performances to record-setting regular seasons, these players helped elevated their respective offenses for decades. Whether it was stretching the field, making contested catches, or as security blanket for their quarterback, each of these players contributed mightily to the evolution of offense in New Orleans. Here's a look at the top 20 all-time receiving yardage leaders in New Orleans Saints history: 20. TE Dave Parks (1968-1972): 2,254 receiving yards 19. WR Michael Haynes (1994-1996): 2,368 receiving yards 18. WR Chris Olave (2022-present): 2,565 receiving yards 17. RB Pierre Thomas (2007-2014): 2,608 receiving yards 16. WR Robert Meachem (2008-2014): 2,707 receiving yards 15. WR Donte' Stallworth (2002-2005): 2,791 receiving yards 14. WR Wes Chandler (1978-1981): 2,801 receiving yards 13. WR Brandin Cooks (2014-2016): 2,861 receiving yards 12. TE Henry Childs (1974-1980): 3,224 receiving yards 11. WR Quinn Early (1991-1995): 3,758 receiving yards 10. TE Hoby Brenner (1981-1993): 3,849 receiving yards 9. WR Lance Moore (2006-2013): 4,281 receiving yards 8. WR Devery Henderson (2004-2012): 4,377 receiving yards 7. RB Alvin Kamara (2017-present): 4,762 receiving yards 6. TE Jimmy Graham (2010-2023): 4,791 receiving yards 5. WR Danny Abramowicz (1967-1973): 4,875 receiving yards 4. WR Michael Thomas (2016-2023): 6,569 receiving yards 3. WR Joe Horn (2000-2006): 7,622 receiving yards 2. WR Eric Martin (1985-1993): 7,854 receiving yards 1. WR Marques Colston (2006-2015): 9,759 receiving yards
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Raiders Considering Bringing Back Former Pro Bowl Defender: Report
The Las Vegas Raiders are currently holding their rookie minicamps in Henderson, Nevada, but it's not just rookies at practice. This is also a chance for teams to get a closer look at some veteran free agents. Jaylon Smith was once one of the best linebackers in the NFL when he was with the Dallas Cowboys, but injuries derailed his career. The Raiders took a flyer on him back in 2023, but he only played in one game and was eventually released. Advertisement He wasn't able to land with another team for the 2024 season. However, the Raiders have a new coaching staff in place and appear to be interested in him. Former Las Vegas Raiders LB Jaylon Terada-Imagn Images According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, Smith is at the Raiders' rookie minicamp, and it trying out for a roster spot. The former Pro Bowl linebacker has never played for head coach Pete Carroll before, but he does have a decent amount of experience in Patrick Graham's system at this point, having played for him while he was the defensive coordinator for the Giants and Raiders. Smith is going to turn 30 in June, so he should have some juice left in the tank. That said, it's been several years since he was a Pro Bowl-level player. Advertisement There are some concerns about the Raiders' linebacker room, so there's an opportunity for a veteran player like Smith to stand out. Perhaps a year off was what he needed to get back on track. It remains to be seen if the Raiders will end up signing him, but it's clear they're interested in bringing in another veteran linebacker. Related: Raiders Make Major Roster Announcement on Friday Related: Ex-Raiders QB Will Not Tryout With Broncos Despite Previous Report
USA Today
10-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Eagles might be better positioned at a crucial skill position than experts believe.
Eagles might be better positioned at a crucial skill position than experts believe. There's a drop-off in talent at wide receiver after A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith, but the Eagles are in better shape than people are saying. There is no longer a reason to debate. The NFL's best wide receiver duo plays for the Philadelphia Eagles. Yes, the guys in Miami and Cincinnati were considered before making that statement, but A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith have the star power. They have the stats. They win more, perform better in bigger moments, and now have the hardware to validate themselves further. Each NFL franchise has its needs. In a league that bases its model partially on parity and a salary cap, that won't change from one offseason to another. Philly attacked a new league year that began with significant losses by adding low-risk, high-reward signings. They added ten prospects during the NFL Draft, but there are still holes to fill. Might there be a chance that they're in better shape in one area than we give them credit for being? Jahan Dotson might be good enough to stabilize the Eagles' wide receiver corps as a third option (for now). ESPN's Aaron Schatz recently shared his thoughts on each NFL franchise's most glaring need. His theories about the Eagles' most obvious roster deficiency won't shock you. "A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith might be the best starting receiver duo in the NFL, but there's a steep drop after them. The other receivers combined for only 365 receiving yards last season, led by Jahan Dotson's 19 catches for 216 yards. The only newcomer is former Panthers receiver Terrace Marshall Jr., who had just three catches and 41 yards for the Raiders last season." Here's the thing. Two statements that seemingly contradict one another can both be accurate. Scahtz is right about what he is saying, but the Eagles are also in better shape at WR3 than they are given credit for being. Jahan Dotson's fifth-year option was declined, so Philly likely doesn't see him as a long-term option. That doesn't mean the Birds have reached levels of separation. It would seem the Eagles' offense is one significant injury away from potential disaster, and that's probably true. That's also true about most NFL rosters. The Cincinnati Bengals will be in trouble if they lose Tee Higgins and Ja'Marr Chase for a significant period and are forced to rely on Jermaine Burton, Andrei Iosivas, and Kendric Pryor. The Miami Dolphins will also be in trouble if Jaylen Waddle and Tyreek Hill are injured. That would mean Tua Tagovailoa's best offensive weapons are Malik Washington, Erik Ezukanma, and Nick Westbrook-Ikhine. You can see where this is headed, right? If A.J. Brown and DeVonta Smith aren't available for action, Philadelphia has something to consider. Everyone saw that scenario play out in Tampa vs. the Buccaneers, and the results weren't pretty (a 33-16 loss), but again, name five teams who wouldn't have that same issue. Dotson isn't a Pro Bowl-level player but proved trustworthy when Jalen Hurts looked in his direction. Second-year players Ainias Smith and Johnny Wilson are back and in the mix. Terrace Marshall is the new guy. Philadelphia doesn't need anyone in this WR3 role to be elite. After all, they're, more often than not, probably going to be the fifth option in this Eagles' attack anyway. Nick Sirianni has never shied from saying this offense runs through Jalen Hurts, Saquon Barkley, A.J. Brown, DeVonta Smith, and newly restructured Dallas Goedert. All the WR3 needs to do is make the most of his opportunities when they come. Jahan Dotson can do that. He's better than most NFL teams' third cover cornerback. If Smith, Wilson, and Marshall can step up, the back half of the depth chart at wide receiver becomes one of Philly's biggest strengths, for the time being anyway. We'll see what the plan is in the slot moving forward.
USA Today
09-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Drake Maye named a Top-10 second-year NFL player to watch in 2025-2025 season
Drake Maye named a Top-10 second-year NFL player to watch in 2025-2025 season Will Drake Maye further prove he's the New England Patriots' franchise quarterback in 2025 Drake Maye didn't begin his rookie NFL season as the New England Patriots' starter, but ended his rookie season as a clear-cut franchise quarterback. New England continued to struggle in the post Tom-Brady era during its 2024-2025 campaign: missing the playoffs for a third-straight season, plus finishing 4-13 and in the AFC East cellar for a second-straight year. Jacoby Brissett was largely ineffective in five weeks as the Pats starter, forcing Jerod Mayo to start his rookie from UNC. Maye finished his rookie season with 2,276 passing yards, 15 passing touchdowns and 10 interceptions, plus Maye added 421 rushing yards and two touchdowns on the ground, showcasing his dual-threat ability. Maye's passing numbers aren't Pro Bowl-level by any means, but considering New England's Swiss cheese of an offensive line, Maye played fairly well. The Patriots upgraded their roster big-time in the offseason, highlighted by revamping Maye's receiving corps, adding former Tar Heel Mack Hollins and trading for Pro Bowler Stefon Diggs. New England snagged Maye's protector in the NFL Draft, taking LSU offensive lineman Will Campbell fourth overall. Because of these moves, NFL Network analyst Marc Ross named Maye as one of his Top 10 breakout candidates – amongst second-year players. "The Patriots have made a concerted effort this offseason to build around Maye, who had a highly impressive rookie year, despite working behind a leaky offensive line and with minimal firepower around him," Ross said. "Back in January, New England hired head coach Mike Vrabel, who took the Titans to the playoffs in three of his six seasons in Tennessee – and was inducted into the Patriots' Ring of Honor in 2023. Vrabel brings some stability to the coaching staff. In addition, the return of Josh McDaniels – as offensive coordinator – should help Maye take more ownership at the line of scrimmage and play to his strengths." Barring an injury bug in upstate New York, the Buffalo Bills will run the AFC East with Josh Allen once again. Don't be surprised to see Maye's Patriots shock the league, though, winning plenty more games and possibly sneaking into the playoffs. Follow us @TarHeelsWire on X and like our page on Facebook to follow ongoing coverage of North Carolina Tar Heels news, notes and opinions.
