Kicker Sebastian Janikowski retires from the NFL

Sebastian Janikowski
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Sebastian Janikowski is calling it a career.

On Sunday ESPN reported that the free agent kicker is retiring after 19 seasons in the league. The 41-year-old Pro Bowler spent last season with the Seahawks after spending the previous 18 with the Raiders.

SeaBass holds several records for field goals and extra points including the longest field attempt at 76 yards.  He retires as the highest paid kicker in NFL history.

Arizona Cardinals trade Josh Rosen to Miami Dolphins

Josh Rosen
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Josh Rosen has a new home for 2019.

On Friday the Cardinals traded the sophomore quarterback to the Dolphins for No. 62 pick in the second round and a fifth round pick in the 2020 draft.

Rosen was the No. 10 pick last season. With the Cardinals drafting Kyler Murray on Thursday night, the writing was on the wall for the end of Rosen's time in Arizona.

Dolphins traded Tannehill to the Titans earlier this offseason and with only Ryan Fitzpatrick under contract, the team was in need of a new QB. Rosen becomes the new face of the franchise.

Rosen had a rough rookie season finishing with a 3-10 record and completing just 55 percent of his passes with 11 touchdowns to 14 interceptions.

Under Dolphins offensive coordinator Jim Caldwell, Rosen has the potential to live up to the hype that surrounded him coming out of UCLA in 2018.

2019 NFL Draft- 2nd and 3rd Round

2nd Round

Arizona Cardinals- Byron Murphy CB Washington

Indianapolis Colts- Rock Ya-Sin CB Temple

Jacksonville Jaguars (from Oakland Raiders)- Jawaan Taylor OT Florida

San Francisco 49ers- Deebo Samuel WR South Carolina

Carolina Panthers (from Seattle Seahawks)- Greg Little OT Ole Miss

Buffalo Bills (from Oakland Raiders)- Cody Ford OT Oklahoma

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Sean Bunting CB Central Michigan

Oakland Raiders- Trayvon Mullen CB Clemson

Denver Broncos- Dalton Risner OT Kansas State

Denver Broncos- Drew Lock QB Missouri

Detroit Lions- Jahlani Tavai LB Hawaii

Green Bay Packers- Elgton Jenkins C Mississippi State

New England Patriots (from Los Angeles Rams)- Joejuan Williams CB Vanderbilt

Cleveland Browns (from Indianapolis Colts)- Greedy Williams CB LSU

Seattle Seahawks- Marquise Blair S Utah

New Orleans Saints- Erik McCoy C Texas A and M

Indianapolis Colts- Ben Banogu DE TCU

Minnesota Vikings- Irv Smith Jr. TE Alabama

Tennessee Titans- A.J. Brown WR Ole Miss

Cincinnati Bengals- Drew Sample TE Washington

Philadelphia Eagles- Miles Sanders RB Penn State

Houston Texans- Lonnie Johnson Jr. CB Kentucky

Houston Texans- Max Scharping OT Northern Illinois

Kansas City Chiefs (from Los Angeles Rams)- Mecole Hardman WR Georgia

Philadelphia Eagles- J.J. Arcega-Whiteside WR Stanford

Dallas Cowboys- Trysten Hill DT UCF

Indianapolis Colts- Parris Campbell WR Ohio State

Los Angeles Chargers- Nasir Adderley S Delaware

Los Angleles Rams- Taylor Rapp S Washington

Arizona Cardinals (from Miami Dolphins)- Andy Isabella WR UMass

Kansas City Chiefs- Juan Thornhill S Virginia

Seattle Seahawks (from New England Patriots)- DK Metcalf WR Ole Miss


3rd Round

Arizona Cardinals- Zach Allen DE Boston College

Pittsburgh Steelers- Dionte Johnson WR Toledo

San Francisco 49ers - Jalen Hurd WR Baylor

New York Jets- Jachai Polite DE Florida

Jacksonville Jaguars- Josh Oliver TE San Jose State

Los Angeles Rams (from Tampa Bay Buccaneers)- Darrell Henderson RB Memphis

Denver Broncos- Dre'Mont Jones DT Ohio State

Cincinnati Bengals- Germaine Pratt LB NC State

Chicago Bears (from New England Patriots)- David Montgomery RB Iowa State

Buffalo Bills- Devin Singletary RB Florida Atlantic

Green Bay Packers- Jace Sternberger TE Texas A and M

Washington Redskins- Terry McLaurin WR Ohio State

New England Patriots- Chase Winovich DE Michigan

Miami Dolphins- Michael Deiter G Wisconsin

Los Angeles Rams- David Long CB Michigan

Cleveland Browns- Sione Takitaki LB BYU

Detroit Lions (from Minnesota Vikings)- Will Harris S Boston College

Tennessee Titans- Nate Davis G Charlotte

Pittsburgh Steelers- Justin Layne CB Michigan State

Kansas City Chiefs- Khalen Saunders DT Western Illinois

Baltimore Ravens- Jaylon Ferguson DE Louisiana Tech

Houston Texans- Kahale Warring TE San Diego State

New England Patriots- Damien Harris RB Alabama

Seattle Seahawks (from Minnesota Vikings)- Cody Barton LB Utah

Indianapolis Colts- Bobby Okereke LB Stanford

Dallas Cowboys- Connor McGovern G Penn State

Los Angeles Chargers- Trey Pipkins OT Sioux Falls

New York Jets (from Minnesota Vikings)- Chuma Edoga OT USC

Baltimore Ravens (from Minnesota Vikings)- Miles Boykin WR Notre Dame

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Jamel Dean CB Auburn

New York Giants- Oshane Ximines DE Old Dominion

Buffalo Bills- Dawson Knox TE Ole Miss

Los Angeles Rams- Bobby Evans OT Oklahoma

Jacksonville Jaguars- Quincy Williams LB Murray State

Tampa Bay Buccaneers- Mike Edwards S Kentucky

Carolina Panthers- Will Grier QB West Virginia

New England Patriots- Yodny Cajuste OT West Virginia

Minnesota Vikings- Alexander Mattison RB Boise State

2019 NFL Draft- 1st Round

Arizona Cardinals-  Kyler Murray QB Oklahoma

San Francisco 49ers-  Nick Bosa DE Ohio State 

New York Jets-  Quinnen Williams DT Alabama

Oakland Raiders-  Clelin Ferrell DE Clemson

Tampa Bay Buccaneers-  Devin White LB LSU

New York Giants-  Daniel Jones QB Duke

Jacksonville Jaguars-  Josh Allen DE Kentucky

Detroit Lions-  T.J Hockenson TE Iowa

Buffalo Bills-  Ed Oliver DT Houston

Pittsburgh Steelers (from Denver Broncos)-  Devin Bush LB Michigan

Cincinnati Bengals-  Jonah Williams OT Alabama

Green Bay Packers-  Rashan Gary LB Michigan

Miami Dolphins- Christian Wilkins DT Clemson 

Atlanta Falcons-  Chris Lindstrom G Boston College

Washington Redskins-  Dwayne Haskins QB Ohio State

Carolina Panthers-  Brian Burns DE Florida State

New York Giants-  Dexter Lawrence DT Clemson

Minnesota Vikings-  Garrett Bradbury C NC State

Tennessee Titans-  Jeffery Simmons DT Mississippi State

Denver Broncos (from Pittsburgh Steelers)-  Noah Fant TE Iowa

Green Bay Packers (from Seattle Seahawks)-  Darnell Savage S Maryland 

Philadelphia Eagles (from Baltimore Ravens)-  Andre Dillard OT Washington State

Houston Texans-  Tytus Howard OT Alabama State

Oakland Raiders-  Josh Jenkins RB Alabama 

Baltimore Ravens (from Philadelphia Eagles)-  Marquise "Hollywood" Brown WR Oklahoma

Washington Redskins (from Indianapolis Colts)-  Montez Sweat LB Mississippi State

Oakland Raiders-   Johnathan Abram S Mississippi State

Los Angeles Chargers- Jerry Tillery DT Notre Dame

Seattle Seahawks-  L.J. Collier DE TCU

New York Giants (from Seattle Seahawks)- Deandre Baker CB Georgia   

Atlanta Falcons (from Los Angeles Rams)-  Kaleb McGary OT Washington

New England Patriots-  N'Keal Harry WR Arizona State

Quarterback Ben Roethlisberger signs two-year extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers

Ben Roethlisberger
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Two days before the 2019 NFL Draft, the Steelers have locked down Ben Roethlisberger to a new deal.

On Wednesday ESPN announced that Pittsburgh had signed the 37-year-old quarterback to a two-year extension. The new deal is worth $68 million and includes a $37.5 million signing bonus and a $30 million injury guarantee meaning he will make $80 million total over the next three seasons. The 6'5" Ohio native has already earned $5 million towards his new deal.

The 2x Super Bowl Champion is a 6x Pro Bowler, 2x NFL passing yards leader, and the 2004 NFL Rookie of the Year and has amassed 4,616 passes for 56,194 passing yards 363 passing touchdowns along with 469 rushes for 1,350 rushing yards and 19 rushing touchdowns. 

The extension keeps Roethlisberger under contract with the Steelers through the 2021 season.

Running back Chris Johnson retires from the NFL

Chris Johnson
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Once he was the fastest man in the NFL, now he's decided to hang it up.

On Wednesday the Tennessee Titans announced that running back Chris Johnson was signing a one-day contract to retire as a member of the team. Johnson originally announced his retirement in November after no team signed him in the 2018 season.

In his nine year NFL career the 2009 rushing yards leader was a 3x Pro Bowler, First team All Pro and NFL Offensive Player of the Year. He amassed 2,163 rushes for 9,651 rushing yards and 55 rushing touchdowns along with 307 receptions for 2,255 receiving yards and nine touchdowns.

Johnson holds several NFL records including most total scrimmage yards in a single season at 2,509 and the only player in NFL history with six touchdown runs over 80 yards.

Running back Jonathan Stewart retires from the NFL

Jonathan Stewart
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Jonathan Stewart is calling it a career.

On Tuesday the Carolina Panthers announced that the 32-year-old running back was signing a one day contract to retire as a member of the team.

Stewart spent last season on injured reserve with the Giants before deciding to retire this offseason.

In his 11 year NFL career the Pro Bowler amassed 1,705 rushes for 7,335 rushing yards for 51 rushing touchdowns and 162 receptions for 1,295 yards and seven receiving touchdowns.

Seattle Seahawks trade defensive end Frank Clark to Kansas City Chiefs

Frank Clark
Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

The Chiefs made a huge move to improve their defense just ahead of the draft on Thursday.

On Tuesday Adam Schefter reported that the Seattle Seahawks traded defensive end Frank Clark to the Kansas City Chiefs in exchange for 2019 29th pick, exchange third round picks and the lower of their 2020 second round pick.

The Chiefs then agreed to terms with the star pass-rusher on a five-year deal worth $105.5 million with $63.5 million in guaranteed money. Clark will fly to Kansas City to take a physical and finalize the trade.

In his four year NFL career the 25-year-old has amassed 137 tackles, 35 sacks, nine forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and one interception.

Chiefs finished the 2018 season ranked 31st in defense.

Redskins sign Matt Ioannidis to a three-year extension

Matt Ioannidis
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Matt Ionnidis is staying put in Washington for several more years.

On Thursday the 25 year old defensive end signed a three-year contract extension with the Redskins.

The new deal is worth $21.75 million with $14 million in guaranteed money and a max value of $24.75 million with incentives.

In his three year NFL career the 6'3/308 pound Temple graduate has amassed 66 tackles, 12 sacks, two forced fumbles and 1 fumble recovery.

Travis Benjamin signs one year extension with the Chargers

Travis Benjamin
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Travis Benjamin is staying put in Los Angeles for a long time.

On Tuesday ESPN reported that Chargers wide receiver was signing a one-year contract extension with the team. The deal includes a $3 million signing bonus and reduces his 2019 base salary from $5.25 million to $1 million.

In his seven year NFL career the 29-year-old has amassed 202 receptions for 3,113 receiving yards and 19 receiving touchdowns along with 1,674 return yards and four return touchdowns.

The new deal locks Benjamin in with the Chargers through 2020.

Demaryius Thomas signs with the Patriots

Demaryius Thomas
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Demaryius Thomas has finally found a new home for 2019.

On Tuesday Ian Rapoport reported that the 31 year old wide receiver was signing a one-year deal worth up to $6 million with the New England Patriots. The deal includes a $150,000 signing bonus and a base salary of $1.2 million. He has the potential to earn more through incentives and bonuses.

The Super Bowl 50 champion is a 6x Pro Bowler and a 2x Second team All Pro. In his nine year NFL career Thomas has amassed 688 receptions for 9,330 yards and 62 touchdowns.

The deal with the Patriots reunites Thomas with Josh McDaniels who Thomas played under in Denver.

Russell Wilson signs four-year extension with Seahawks

Russell Wilson
photo courtesy: Associated Press

It came down to the wire, but Russell Wilson got a new contract extension.

On Monday night the Seahawks reported that the team had signed the 30 year old QB to a four-year $140 million contract extension with a $65 million at signing and a total of $107 million in guaranteed money. Wilson is now under contract with the Seahawks for five-years at $157 million total and a no-trade clause making him the highest paid player in the NFL.

In his seven year NFL career the Super Bowl champion has been a 6x Pro Bowler, Pro Bowl MVP, 2017 passing touchdowns leader and 2012 NFL Rookie of the Year. Wilson led the team to its first Super Bowl title and seven straight winning seasons, six of which saw the Seahawks win 10 or more games while reaching the postseason.

This new deal locks the prolific passer in Seattle until 2023.

Chris Hogan, Benson Mayowa find new homes for 2019

Chris Hogan
photo courtesy: Getty Images

Chris Hogan has found a new home for 2019.

On Friday the Panthers announced the signing of wide receiver Chris Hogan to a one-year deal. In his 6 year NFL career the 30 year old 2x Super Bowl champion has played in 88 games and amassed 194 receptions for 2,610 receiving yards and 18 touchdowns. He’ll be joining a crowded receiving corp with 8 other receivers already on the Panthers roster. He’s been a good slot receiver though under Brady but as with many receivers that leave the Patriots there’s no guarantee that he’ll continue to produce at that level. We’ll see what happens.

Benson Mayowa is back in the silver and black.

On Friday the Raiders signed the 27 year old Super Bowl champion to a one year deal with a max value of $3 million. In his six year NFL career the 6’3/265 pound defensive end has amassed 115 tackles, 13 sacks, 3 forced fumbles and 4 fumble recoveries. This signing comes just days after the Raiders signed former AAF standout Alex Barrett. With the Raiders defense finishing 26th last season these defensive moves should help this team improve dramatically.

Tyeler Davison found his new home for 2019 too.

On Saturday Ian Rapoport reported that the 6’2/309 pound defensive tackle signed a one-year deal with the Falcons. In his four year NFL career the 26 year old has played in 61 games and amassed 95 tackles, 3.5 sacks and 3 forced fumbles. This shores up a need for the team just ahead of the draft in 2 weeks.

Adam Thielen, Patrick Chung sign extensions with Vikings, Patriots

Adam Thielen
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Adam Thielen just got a big payday.

On Friday the Vikings announced that the 28 year old wide receiver had agreed to a four-year contract extension with $35 million in guaranteed money and a max value of $73 million. The 6’2”/200 pound Minnesota native is a 2x Pro Bowler and a Second Team All Pro. In his six year NFL career Thielen has amassed 293 receptions for 3,897 yards and 19 touchdowns. Thielen has been one of the top receivers in the league amassing over 1200 yards receiving in the last 2 seasons. With Kirk Cousins entering his second season with the Vikings, the extension of their top receiver is a smart move by the team. 


Patrick Chung is getting extra time in New England as well.

On Friday the Patriots announced the 31 year old strong safety agreed to a one-year extension through 2021. Chung was set to earn $2.4 million in 2019 but now will make $6 million this season. In his 10 year NFL career the 3x Super Bowl champion has amassed 727 tackles, 4.5 sacks, 54 pass deflections, 11 interceptions, 1 forced fumble and 1 defensive touchdown. Chung suffered a broken forearm during the Super Bowl but is expected be healthy in time for training camp.

Demarcus Lawrence agrees to five year extension with the Cowboys

Demarcus Lawrence
photo courtesy: Associated Press

With the Cowboys facing the loss of two players on their defense for the 2019 season, the team locked down one of their most valuable pass rushers for the long term.

On Friday ESPN reported that defensive end Demarcus Lawrence had agreed to a five-year $105 million contract extension with the team with $65 million in guaranteed money.

Under the franchise tag, Lawrence would have made $20.5 million for the 2019 season but with this new deal the star athlete will make $21 million per year, making him the second highest paid defensive end in the league behind Khalil Mack.

In his five year NFL career the 27-year-old has amassed 200 tackles, 34 sacks, nine forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries and one interception. He is a two time Pro Bowler and second team All Pro. He finished the 2018 season with 10.5 sacks, 64 total tackles, 23 quarterback hits, one interception, and two forced fumbles making him one of the most consistent and prolific pass rushers in the league.

Alfred Blue, C.J. Anderson, Benny Cunningham find new homes for 2019

C.J. Anderson
Photo Courtesy: Associated Press

Three more players found new homes for the 2019 season.

On Monday running back C.J. Anderson agreed to a one-year deal with the Lions. 

Anderson spent last season bouncing from the Panthers to the Raiders to the Rams before catching on in Los Angeles. Anderson rushed for 299 yards and two touchdowns over the final two weeks of the regular season and 123 yards and two touchdowns in the Rams win over the Cowboys.

In his six year NFL career Anderson has amassed 760 rushes for 3,454 yards and 22 touchdowns along with 108 receptions for 900 yards and five touchdowns. 

Anderson will be the backup to Kerryon Johnson, the 21-year-old running back who broke the Lions 70 game streak of Lions running backs rushing for less than 100 yards last season. This improves Johnson's fantasy draft stock as well.

On Tuesday running back Alfred Blue agreed to a one-year deal with the Jaguars. 

Blue has spent his first five seasons in the league with the Texans. He has played key roles in the backfield and on special teams. 

In his five year NFL career Blue has amassed 673 rushes for 2,407 yards and eight touchdowns along with 69 receptions for 470 yards and two touchdowns.

Blue will be the backup to Leonard Fournette who struggled in Jacksonville last season with injuries and a one game suspension but should bounce back this season with a more reliable backup and new quarterback this season. 

Jacksonville also scooped another running back to shore up their backfield.

On Tuesday running back Benny Cunningham agreed to a deal with the Jaguars.

Cunningham spent the last two years with the Bears after spending his first four years with the Rams.

In his six year NFL career Cunningham has amassed 185 rushes for 784 yards and four touchdowns along with 114 receptions for 1,001 yards and three touchdowns. Cunningham has also returned 110 kickoffs for 2,895 yards.

Blue and Cunningham join Fournette, Thomas Rawls, Dave Williams, and Dimitri Flowers as the current running backs on the Jaguars roster.

Texans safety Andre Hal retires from the NFL

Andre Hal
photo courtesy: Associated Press

Houston Texans safety Andre Hal is calling it a career.

On Tuesday the 26-year-old took to his Twitter to announce his retirement from the NFL:

"One thing I've learned in life is that change is inevitable and life goes through seasons," Hal tweeted. "This season of my life has come to an end. I will be retiring from the NFL. My health did not have anything to do with my decision. "I am completely healthy. Thank you to the Houston Texans organization for giving me the opportunity to live my childhood dream. I also want to thank my family and and friends for all their support. I truly appreciate it."

Hal battled lymphoma last year, but stated his decision to step away from the game now has nothing to do with health issues.

Hal was a seventh round pick by the Texans out of Vanderbilt where he was a second team all SEC.

In his five year NFL career Hal amassed 189 tackles, one sack, two forced fumbles, 31 pass deflections, 12 interceptions and one defensive touchdown.

On June 6, 2018 Hal was diagnosed with Hodgkin's Lymphoma. He was placed on the Texans reserved/non-football injuries list on September 1. Hal's cancer went into remission on September 26 and he was placed on the active roster on October 20. He made his first start of the season in Week 7.
His teammates awarded him the Ed Block Courage Award for overcoming his illness and returning to the field.

Texans head coach Bill O'Brien released a statement via Texans Twitter after Hal's announcement:

 “Andre Hal is the epitome of what it means to be a Houston Texans player. What he overcame last season is nothing short of incredible and is an inspiration to every single person in this building. Over the last five years, Andre’s leadership, infectious personality in the locker room and play-making skills on the field were instrumental to our success. He’s what this place is all about. Although Andre will be missed, I have no doubt that he will be extremely successful in the next chapter of his life.”