The first day of the NFL Combine is a bit anti-climactic as there are no prospects, workouts or interviews with the league’s future stars. Instead, Tuesday was a day for the media to talk with NFL head coaches and general managers to get an update heading into the annual player evaluation extravaganza in Indianapolis.
With a slew of meetings between teams, agents and play personnel folks happening all over town, rumblings of who might go where in free agency, what player a team covets in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft, and who could be franchise tagged or traded was what was trending on Tuesday. Here’s a look at top storylines from the NFL Combine on Tuesday.
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New York Giants could still franchise tag Saquon Barkley
Right out of the gate Tuesday morning, we had a surprise as New York Giants general manager Joe Schoen said he would not rule out franchise tagging running back Saquon Barkley for a second-straight year. Although Schoen went on to say he feels good about hammering out a deal, Barkley’s tag would be $11.951 million, according to OverTheCap.com and news they could tag him again went counter to recent reports the Giants were not considering using the tag on Barkley.
Phone isn’t ringing at the NFL Combine for the Arizona Cardinals
With a quarterback-heavy NFL Draft on tap, the Arizona Cardinals, who are slated to select fourth overall, aren’t exactly getting a lot of attention from teams at the NFL Combine who may want to trade up. At least, not yet. Arizona general manager Monti Ossenfort said the team hasn’t received any interest as of Tuesday’s meetings.
Ossenfort did say he believes those calls will come as the draft inches closer and that he and his team will also be active closer to that April timeframe. The Cardinals, who have recently recommitted to their starting quarterback Kyler Murray, are thought to be targeting Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison, Jr. with the fourth pick.
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Could the Cincinnati Bengals be “teeing” up a trade of Tee Higgins?
Just this week, the Cincinnati Bengals announced they would franchise tag wide receiver Tee Higgins meaning their talented veteran wideout would not hit the open market. But on Tuesday at the NFL Combine, Bengals GM Duke Tobin said a trade of Higgins sometime this offseason is a possibility.
We’re better Higgins has been quiet since the Bengals announced they would exercise the franchise tag but it’s an ominous sign for the gang in the jungle. Chatter on the floor of the Indiana Convention Center was the Bengals are frustrated with Higgins’ agentDavid Mulugheta of Athletes First.
Geno Smith to remain the starting QB in Seattle “until he’s not”
Seattle Seahawks general manager John Schneider was asked about the status of Geno Smith under new head coach Mike Macdonald — particularly if Smith will be the starter entering training camp. “Yeah, I mean, I would think — yes, he’s the starter until he’s not,” he said at the NFL Combine Tuesday. After signing a lucrative contract following the 2022 season, Smith struggled at times and dealt with injuries in 2023.
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Worst kept secret: Las Vegas Raiders aren’t trading Davante Adams
As rumors of a possible trade persisted during the offseason, mostly by over zealous New York media and fans, regarding a reunification of former Green Bay Packers Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams, new Las Vegas Raiders GM Tom Telesco slammed the door on the Gotham gabfest. “He’s a Raider,” Telesco said when asked what he’d say if he received calls about acquiring the All-Pro wideout. Update on Josh Jacobs: Telesco also added the Raiders will not use their franchise tag on running back Josh Jacobs and said he was hopeful they could bring Jacobs back in 2024.
Denver Broncos plan to exercise fifth-year option on Patrick Surtain II
Denver Broncos general manager George Paton said the team will exercise Patrick Surtain II’s fifth-year option by the May 2nd deadline. “We’ll work on that, I would say it’s pretty close, an easy one, that’s one of the easier decisions we’ll make,” Paton said. Surtain would receive $6.7 million in his fifth year in Denver. The Broncos will be focusing on a quarterback amongst other needs in the NFL Combine but look to secure their talented corner for one more season.
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Chicago Bears say they’ll be transparent with Justin Fields
With the Chicago Bears holding the number one overall pick in the draft, most expect them to take USC quarterback Caleb Williams leaving them with a quandary over former first-rounder Justin Fields, who started for the team the past two seasons. GM Ryan Poles said the team will do its best, no matter what direction it goes.
“It just depends on what opportunities pop up,” Poles said. “I will say this, I think you guys know me well enough now, if we go down that road, I want to do right by Justin as well. No one wants to live in gray, I know that’s uncomfortable. I wouldn’t want to be in that situation either. So, we will gather the information — we will move as quickly as possible, [but] we are not going to be in a rush — and see what presents itself and what’s best for the organization.”