With NFL free agency right around the corner and the 2022 NFL Combine not too far away, here are the latest news and rumors around the league from our NFL team. Make sure to continue to check back here as we update you with the most recent NFL news and rumors from the Combine on March 2, 2022.
NFL News and Rumors: Raiders hiring Matt Feeney as defensive assistant
INDIANAPOLIS — The Las Vegas Raiders are hiring highly regarded Western Illinois defensive coordinator Matt Feeney as a defensive assistant, according to league sources not authorized to speak publicly.
Feeney, 30, is a former Akron defensive coordinator. Like Raiders coach Josh McDaniels and general manager Dave Ziegler, Feeney is a former John Carroll University football player. He lettered four times and was awarded the Ohio Athletic Conference’s Gene Slaughter Most Outstanding Linebacker award. Additionally, Feeney was an All-Conference selection.
At John Carroll, he was an inside linebackers coach and co-special teams coordinator. He later coached linebackers at Tennessee-Chattanooga. At age 26, Feeney was named defensive coordinator at Akron.
NFL Combine News: Mike McDaniel says Dolphins are looking for a veteran QB
Two weeks from before the start of NFL free agency, new Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel hinted at the NFL Combine the team will pursue a veteran backup.
When asked by PFN if the team will sign a veteran or go young at the position, McDaniel said the following at the NFL Scouting Combine Wednesday:
“I can tell you this much. We are looking for another quarterback. I’ve never seen in the history of the NFL having two on the roster, and that’s very much important to us. You want a player that can help.
“When you’re looking for a No. 2 quarterback, two things: You want him to benefit the starting quarterback while the starting quarterback is the starting quarterback. And empower him with how they approach their daily game-plan responsibilities and how they develop when you’re training in the offseason.
“But you also want a guy who can win games should the starter go down. A veteran backup is definitely in our discussions, but it’s the best player we can find in whatever avenue and move forward from there.
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NFL Combine News and Rumors: Ravens, Lamar Jackson set to work on contract extension?
One of the most dynamic players in the NFL regardless of position, Baltimore Ravens star quarterback Lamar Jackson is ultimately in line for a blockbuster contract extension as one of the highest-paid passers in the league. That time isn’t right now, necessarily, but it is approaching. General manager Eric DeCosta spoke about Jackson’s contract at the 2022 NFL Combine.
Jackson doesn’t have an agent and relies on advisors as well as his mother to consult with, and he does have a good relationship with Ravens general manager Eric DeCosta. DeCosta expressed optimism that something will be worked out at some point.
Perhaps Jackson will command the kind of huge payday that Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes ($45 million annually) and Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen ($43 million annually) have already earned.
“I hope so, at some point we will,” DeCosta said when asked about his hope to strike a deal with Jackson this offseason. “I think we’ve discussed this at length. I said this before, we will work at Lamar’s urgency. He and I have had ongoing discussions, we’ve talked very recently as well.
“He knows how to find me. I know how to find him. I was very happy to see him working out on the West Coast recently with our guys. That’s exciting.”
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Dolphins News and Rumors: Mike McDaniel makes it clear that Mike Gesicki is a tight end
During his first NFL Combine press conference as a head coach, Mike McDaniel indicated that Gesicki has all the tools to be a tight end in his offensive system.
Gesicki was largely used as a receiver in 2021, the final year of his contract. It was a function of the team knowing his skill set presented a difficult coverage matchup for defense. And it was an acknowledgment that Gesicki’s blocking skills, even in Year 4, left something to be desired.
But McDaniel, speaking here at the NFL Combine on Wednesday, expressed confidence in Gesicki’s strength at the point of attack.
“I think there’s multiple ways to use players that have skill sets that can help you do things offensively,” McDaniel said. “We’ve had tight ends in our history that have been featured pass receivers. And we’ve had featured blockers. On both ends of the spectrum, they are expected and will do both things, majoring or minoring in one or the other, depending on their skill set.
This could be a tell that the Dolphins have already decided to keep him in 2022. And, whether intentionally or not, it conveys the team’s belief that Gesicki is indeed a tight end and not a wide receiver.
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Cardinals News: Arizona signing Steve Keim, Kliff Kingsbury to extensions through 2027 season
The Arizona Cardinals’ leadership team is secured. The Cardinals announced new contract extensions for general manager Steve Keim and coach Kliff Kingsbury through the 2027 season.
The Cardinals went 11-6 last year after a strong start and made the playoffs for the first time since 2015. This is a positive indicator about the stability of the Cardinals, who have been in the news lately for their contract disconnect with star quarterback Kyler Murray.
Keim is entering his 10th season with Arizona. Kingsbury is entering his fourth season.
“The leadership of both Steve and Kliff have been key factors in the team’s turnaround over the last three seasons,” Cardinals owner Michael Bidwill said in a statement. “We are all looking forward to continuing that progress and recognize these two individuals will be a big part of achieving our long-term goals as an organization.”
Giants News: New York moving on from Rudolph
The New York Giants are moving on from veteran tight end Kyle Rudolph. Rudolph disclosed he had been informed of his pending release, via his official Twitter account, saying goodbye.
The Giants also cut running back Devontae Booker.
Giants general manager Joe Schoen had pointed out that roster cuts were looming.
“Fans thanks for taking me and my family in this past year!” Rudolph wrote. “Certainly not the year any of us expected, but a year we will never forget. We’re appreciative of the Mara and Tisch Families for giving us the opportunity to be a Giant. Thanks to everyone in the building who took in and helped this old guy who needed to relearn everything about a new organization.
“Finally my teammates, in my 11 years in this league I’m not sure I’ve been around a closer group of guys! We may not have got the results we deserved, but that didn’t keep us from going to work together everyday! Looking forward to what’s next!”
Rudolph, 32, signed a two-year, $14 million contract last year. He had a $7.4 million salary cap figure, and this creates $5 million in salary cap space.
The former Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick from Notre Dame caught 26 passes for 257 yards and 1 touchdown a year after catching 28 passes for 334 yards and 1 score in 2020. He has 479 career receptions for 4,745 yards and 49 touchdowns.
Stay up to date with the latest in NFL free agency
As the league transitions into free agency, there will be plenty of news and rumors from around the NFL regarding your favorite team. That includes chatter about players who will be on the move (or not) in free agency. Stay updated and keep track of Pro Football Network’s Top 75 Free Agent Rankings to better understand the free agent market.