NFL Week 1 News and Notes
News 9/12/22
Sunday, Sept. 11
Lamar Jackson Turned Down Six-Year Deal
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson did not sign a new deal by his self-imposed Friday, Sept. 9 deadline, but he did turn one down. Jackson turned down the Ravens' offer of six years and $133 million fully guaranteed at signing, ESPN's Chris Mortensen reported. That would've put Jackson ahead of Russell Wilson and Kyler Murray in terms of guaranteed money, but he would've still been way behind Deshaun Watson's $230 million fully guaranteed.
Rams Interested in Jimmy Garoppolo?
If the 49ers were unable to reach a revised contract with the embattled Garoppolo, their division rivals might've been interested in acquiring, ESPN's Adam Schefter reported. The 49ers resigned Garoppolo to a one-year deal worth up to $16 million.
Saturday, Sept. 10
Colts Make Nelson Highest-Paid OG in NFL History
The Indianapolis Colts and Quenton Nelson agreed on a four-year extension late Saturday night. The deal averages $20 million per year with $60 million guaranteed, according to ESPN. It makes the three-time All-Pro the highest-paid guard in NFL history.
Raiders Extend Waller with $51 Million Extension
The Las Vegas Raiders signed tight end Darren Waller to a three-year contract extension, the team announced on Saturday. According to NFL Media, the extension includes $51 million in new money tacked on to the two years that remained on the tight end's deal. Waller, who turns 30 years old, is now one of the highest paid tight ends in NFL history.
This might be a turning point for the league's top tight end, who have been vastly underpaid compared to their wide receiver counterparts, a topic Paul Domowitch wrote about for The 33rd Team earlier this week.
Tight ends deserve the bag too 💰
— The 33rd Team (@The33rdTeamFB) September 6, 2022
Ravens Top Tackle to Sit Against Jets
Baltimore Ravens offensive tackle Ronnie Stanley has been downgraded to OUT against the New York Jets, according to ESPN.
Bills Rework Safety Poyer's Contract to Add Incentives
Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer is hopeful for a contract extension in the near future, and the Bills have added some incentives to his current contract, according to ESPN.
Friday, Sept. 9
Ravens Announce 'No Deal' with QB Lamar Jackson
Earlier this week, Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson set Friday as the deadline for a contract extension. Friday morning, Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta released a statement saying the team could not reach an extension with Jackson. Jackson will now play on the final year of his rookie deal and is currently slated to be a free agent in 2023.
"Despite best efforts on both sides, we were unable to reach a contract extension with Lamar Jackson," GM Eric DeCosta said in the team release. "We greatly appreciate how he has handled this process and we are excited about our team with Lamar leading the way. We will continue to work towards a long-term contract after the season, but for now we are looking forward to a successful 2022 campaign."
The Ravens have the opportunity to apply the franchise tag to Jackson next offseason.
Shaquille Leonard out for Week 1, Others Doubtful
Shaquille Leonard headlined a list of stars and high-profile rookies whose injury statuses were updated Friday, 48 hours ahead of the first Sunday of the regular season. Leonard will not play in Indianapolis' Week 1 contest against Houston, a major loss to the Colts' defense as they face a division rival to begin the year.
A pair of top-10 draft picks this April may have to wait to make their regular season debuts, as well. Kayvon Thibodeaux, picked fifth overall by the New York Giants, is doubtful to play against Tennessee, while Drake London, picked eighth by Atlanta, is among the names listed as questionable.
J.C. Jackson Listed as Doubtful
Los Angeles Chargers cornerback J.C. Jackson was listed as doubtful for the Chargers game against the Las Vegas Raiders in Week 1 Friday afternoon. This is following a minor surgery on Jackson's ankle that kept him out the last couple of weeks.
Diontae Johnson 'Good to Go' for Sunday
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Diontae Johnson suffered a shoulder injury in the Steelers preseason matchup versus the Detroit Lions, and has been limited at practice since. Johnson was a full participant in practice on Friday and told reporters he was "good to go" for Sunday's matchup against the Bengals but reiterated that it was all about pain tolerance for him.
Titans extend S Amani Hooker
The Tennessee Titans and safety Amani Hooker agreed to a three-year extension worth $33 million. A fourth-round pick in the 2019 draft, Hooker has steadily risen to become one of the game's better young safeties, and the Titans lock him up next to Kevin Byard for the next few seasons.