Not only is the 2023 NFL Draft quickly approaching, but NFL free agency continues on. The Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson situations are still developing, and we could see movement at any minute. We’re also closely monitoring the latest news on star receivers Odell Beckham Jr. and DeAndre Hopkins.
We’re covering the latest NFL draft and free agency news and rumors, including all pro day news that’s related to Monday’s action. Be sure to bookmark our NFL Pro Day schedule and check back daily for the most important takeaways.
NFL News and Rumors: Bryce Young Is in Play for Carolina at No. 1
We’ve seen a rotating list of quarterbacks who the Carolina Panthers are considering at No. 1, including Ohio State’s C.J. Stroud, Alabama’s Bryce Young, and Florida’s Anthony Richardson. Stroud’s name has consistently been in that mix, with Young and Richardson swapping spots. However, we’re seeing Young emerge as a real option with weeks remaining before the first round begins.
According to NBC Sports’ Peter King, Panthers quarterbacks coach Josh McCown loves Young’s game, and head coach Frank Reich isn’t the type of person to force want he wants with the top pick. If the organization feels stronger about Young, despite his size concerns, then Reich is unlikely to stand in the way even if he prefers someone else. This is a considerable factor.
Because Stroud — who is the betting favorite to go No. 1 — and Young play such a different style of games, it’s hard to imagine the Panthers just being okay with either one. Their decision will have a massive impact on how they structure their offense.
Could DeAndre Hopkins Be Released?
The Arizona Cardinals haven’t found any luck when it comes to trading star receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Turning 31 this summer and carrying a $30 million cap hit in 2023 and a $25.4 million cap hit in 2024, acquiring Hopkins will be incredibly expensive for any team.
If he moves to a new team, Hopkins wants a contract extension and to play for a winning organization, according to Armando Salguero of Outkick.
MORE: PFN’s FREE NFL Mock Draft Simulator (With Trades)
Plus, there’s the draft pick compensation Arizona will justifiably request. With the lack of movement in a trade, new Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon said, “Right now, I’m operating under the premise Hop is our starting X (receiver), and people are going to have to defend him.” However, another opportunity exists.
According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated and Greg Bedard of the Boston Sports Journal, the Cardinals could release Hopkins. A June 1 designation would save the Cardinals $19.45 million of his massive 2023 cap number, though it would be a painful blow to lose such a talented player for nothing. This outcome seems unlikely given Gannon’s comments and the fact Arizona doesn’t need more cap space at this point in the offseason.
Odell Beckham Jr. Has His Choice of Offers
The Beckham saga has been ongoing for what feels like forever. According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Beckham made his plea to Cleveland Browns head coach Kevin Stefanski and Los Angeles Rams general manager Les Snead at the owner’s meetings last week. Snead said the Rams are interested but only at a certain price, which seems to echo the league’s sentiment on Beckham as he returns from a torn ACL.
Beckham does have offers on the table, per Dan Graziano of ESPN. One of those offers may be from the New York Jets, whom Graziano says is the most likely destination for OBJ. Meanwhile, the Baltimore Ravens have also “made a push” for Beckham.
According to Fowler, Beckham’s eventual contract will likely be worth $8 million annually, while incentives could bring it to the $10 million range.