When Jason Kelce announced his retirement from the NFL in early March, the longtime Eagles center knew he’d have no shortage of opportunities in his post-playing career. And we could be nearing an answer on what his life after football will look like.
According to a report from The Athletic’s Andrew Marchand, ESPN is pursuing Kelce to serve as an analyst for Monday Night Countdown — the Monday Night Football pregame show. Marchand added that ESPN would likely have Kelce replace Robert Griffin III on the pregame show as ESPN execs think Griffin has “leveled off” since being hired by the network as a “rising star” in 2021.
While Belichick is sought after, Kelce’s decision is viewed as the linchpin of the NFL TV free-agent season. CBS has several openings on “The NFL Today” with Nate Burleson, Bill Cowher, Boomer Esiason and Phil Simms unsigned for next year. James Brown and JJ Watt are inked for the upcoming season, though Watt may continue as a part-timer.
Kelce, who also co-hosts the wildly popular New Heights podcast with his brother Travis, will likely have his pick of the major networks should he decide to go that route. Marchand wrote that CBS and NBC would be conveniently located for Kelce, but ESPN appears aggressive in its pursuit.
The first week of NFL free agency is in the books, and it was certainly an eventful one filled with big signings, releases and trades that will have lasting implications heading into the 2024 season.
The first day of the negotiation period of free agency proved to be one of the more active Mondays that we’ve seen in recent years, where some big-name veterans found new homes and there were some surprising moves around the league. But there were plenty of surprises in store as the week wore on.
Our NFL Wire editors are breaking down the most noteworthy moves made by their respective teams through the first wave of free agency. From signings to trades to moving on from veterans, here’s every NFL team’s biggest move from the first week of free agency:
Saquon Barkley said his final goodbyes to Giants fans on Thursday night in a lengthy post on social media.
Hours after the running back’s introductory press conference took place in Philadelphia, where he’ll be playing with the Eagles for the next three years, Barkley expressed his gratitude to Giants fans in New York and New Jersey who “will forever hold a place in my heart.”
“The last three days have been a whirlwind of emotions, but I wanted to take a minute and acknowledge all the Giant fans that have supported me and my family over the last six years,” Barkley posted.
Philadelphia Eagles running back Saquon Barkley speaks during a press conference after signing with the Eagles. Kyle Ross-USA TODAY Sports
The former first-round pick and the team that drafted him were never able to come to terms on an extension and the Giants opted not to use the franchise tag on him like they had done last year, letting him hit the open market.
“When I was drafted here I wanted my impact off the field to rival the accomplishments we had on it, and I can only hope that I came close to doing that. I’m forever grateful to the Mara and Tisch family and the wonderful people working in the Giants organization. The fans in New York and New Jersey will forever hold a place in my heart.
“Ultimately the NFL is a business, and I hope that everyone can respect my decision.”
Barkley amassed 7,200 all-purpose yards and was named to two Pro Bowls during his time with the Giants, but the Giants had just one winning season during his tenure in the Big Apple.
Saquon Barkley left the Giants after this past season. Robert Sabo for NY Post
Barkley had expressed regret over the way he left and that he never gave Giants fans a proper goodbye when he signed with the Eagles earlier this week.
“I don’t think I really handled it the right way on social media. I think I could’ve gave a proper goodbye,” he said during his introductory press conference.
The former Carolina Panthers edge defender is bringing his star status into the same defensive front as Kayvon Thibodeaux. The Giants inked him to a free-agent contract.
Such a move has to be celebrated immediately properly!
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The Bills have all kinds of cap space issues in the new league year, and it’s going to take some major machinations — primarily with Josh Allen’s contract — just to get the team in line with the NFL’s requirements. That probably leaves veteran Micah Hyde on the outside looking in, as Hyde had great seasons in 2023. Jordan Poyer is a free agent in 2025, and the Bills are hoping for better work in coverage than Poyer had last season.
So re-signing Rapp, who played well on a one-year, 41.77 million deal in 2023, would make a ton of sense. Rapp allowed nine catches on 17 targets for 139 yards, 34 yards after the catch, one touchdown, one interception, one pass breakup, and an opponent passer rating of 75.4 — which was far better than what Hyde or Poyer were able to put up. Rapp did deal with injuries, especially down the stretch, but who wasn’t injured on that defense last season? He brings youth, technique, and energy to a defense in need of all three of those things. — Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire
We’re less than a month away from the start of NFL free agency, which begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 13. But the legal tampering window opens two days before that on March 11 at 12 p.m. ET, where teams will be able to negotiate with free agents before the official start of the new league year.
The 2024 salary cap hasn’t been set yet, but it’s expected to land north of $240 million, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero. A number of NFL teams have some work to do over the next month when it comes to building their 2024 rosters.
Our NFL Wire editors identified one pending free agent (at the time of publication) that each team should sign to help improve their roster. And it seems like Chris Jones, Tee Higgins, Brian Burns and Danielle Hunter will be in high demand.
According to reports, the New York Giants are filling their vacant defensive coordinator position by hiring former Tennessee Titans defensive coordinator Shane Bowen.
Giants are hiring Shane Bowen as their Defensive Coordinator per @JFowlerESPN.
Bowen, 37, began his professional coaching career as a defensive assistant with the Houston Texans back in 2016. He joined the Titans in 2018 as their outside linebackers coach and was promoted to defensive coordinator in 2021. He was not retained by the Titans after they fired head coach Mike Vrabel last month.
Here are some quick things to know about Bowen from CBSSports’ Dan Schneier.
The things I like the most about the #Giants hiring Shane Bowen as DC: 1. He has DC experience; has called the plays 2. He disguises his coverages well, @nickfalato has done some great work on this – 2021 film a good EX 3. He’ll bring an odd front to base 4. Younger coach
The Falcons chartered one of team owner Arthur Blank’s private planes to fly Belichick to Atlanta, where he is set to have a second interview this weekend for their head coaching vacancy, according to The Athletic’s Dianna Russini.
Belichick, who agreed to part ways with the Patriots after 24 seasons together on Jan. 11, reportedly had dinner with Blank on Thursday and is Atlanta’s “top candidate” as they continue conversations with the future Hall of Fame coach.
The six-time Super Bowl winner will meet with Falcons CEO Rich McKay and general manager Terry Fontenot sometime this weekend, according to Sports Illustrated, which reported that Belichick is the only candidate the Falcons have interviewed twice.
Belichick, 71, was also the only candidate to interview in person for the head coach job in Atlanta, while the other interviews were conducted virtually, per The Athletic.
Bill Belichick’s final press conference as head coach of the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Getty Images
The Falcons have also interviewed Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, Ravens assistant head coach/defensive line coach Anthony Weaver, Philadelphia Eagles offensive coordinator Brian Johnson, Baltimore Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald, Cincinnati Bengals offensive coordinator Brian Callahan, San Francisco 49ers defensive coordinator Steve Wilks and Carolina Panthers defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero.
Blank and McKay reportedly are confident the Falcons can win with their current roster but think they need help at quarterback.
Atlanta Falcons owner Arthur Blank discusses the decision to dismiss head coach Arthur Smith during a news conference Monday, Jan. 8, 2024, in Atlanta. AP
CBS NFL insider Josina Anderson reported Thursday that she’s “expecting Belichick to become the Falcons’ next head coach … barring a snag in negotiations or a future development.”
The Falcons fired head coach Arthur Smith just hours after the team’s embarrassing 48-17 loss to the New Orleans Saints in the season finale on Jan. 7.
Smith had a 21-30 record over three seasons with zero playoff appearances.
The next week, Fontenot was named GM, and McKay said he expected him to retain a 50 percent power share in the organization, “depending on the coach,” according to The Athletic.
It’ll be interesting to see what comes out of Belichick’s second meeting with Atlanta.
New England Patriots head coach Bill Belichick looks on in the first half at Gillette Stadium on January 7, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. Getty ImagesBill Belichick’s final press conference as head coach of the New England Patriots with team owner Robert Kraft at Gillette Stadium on January 11, 2024 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. AP
The 71-year-old coach had complete control over personnel and the roster during his entire 24-year tenure with the Patriots.
The Patriots finished this season at the bottom of the AFC East with a 4-13 record, the franchise’s worst since 1992.
Saquon Barkley isn’t sure where he will be playing next season, but he was quick to point out that he has “a lot left in the tank” and wants to continue the pursuit of his career goals – including winning “some” Super Bowls.
The running back, who has spent the first six years of his career with Big Blue, recently discussed a wide range of topics, including his Giants legacy, with USA TODAY Sports’ Mackenzie Salmon.
Barkley indicated his return to the team is “out of my control,” but also mentioned that the key thing he wants to be remembered for is his positive activities in the local community.
The two-time Pro Bowler and second overall pick in the 2018 draft was also sure to thank the Mara and Tisch families, as well as the fans.
Mackenzie asked Barkley to reflect on a few of the biggest storylines from the season – specifically, the disappointing record, whether Daniel Jones can rebound from injury, and the future of arguably the biggest highlight of the year, Tommy DeVito.
While the G-Men posted a sub-par 6-11 record, Barkley praised the fact they stayed together through the toughest times of the year.
He also feels that success wasn’t too far off for the 2023 team.
“The reality of it is, (there were just) about five to eight plays that we left out there on the football field that really could have changed the season,” said Barkley. “The year prior, we made those plays and that’s why we were able to make the playoffs.”
After signing a huge contract, the Giants expected a huge season from QB Daniel Jones. He got injured, but Barkley thinks “he’s gonna be straight.”
Jones’ replacement was Tommy DeVito, who suddenly attained cult status.
“I love the story,” said Barkley reflecting on the signal caller who threw for eight touchdowns with just three interceptions.
“He’s got the swagger,” said Barkley. “He’s definitely a starting quarterback in this league.”
Hear Mackenzie’s full interview with Saquon Barkley in the video above.
The New York Giants have begun searching for their next defensive coordinator following their split with Wink Martindale. According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Giants recently interviewed Ravens secondary coach Dennard Wilson for their defensive coordinator opening.
Wilson has been a coach in the NFL since 2012, spending time with the Rams, Jets and Eagles before taking over as the Ravens’ defensive backs coach in 2023. He was the Eagles’ passing game coordinator and DBs coach the year prior, and also coached the secondary in Philadelphia in 2021.
Wilson, 41, is from Maryland and was a defensive back for the Terrapins from 200-2003.
The #Giants recently interviewed #Ravens secondary coach Dennard Wilson for their vacant defensive coordinator job, source said. One of the NFL’s top pass-game coordinators, Wilson was previously with the #Eagles.
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