NFL News and Notes

A New Home

After getting released by the Texans, it didn’t take J.J. Watt long to find a new home. Watt reportedly had multiple offers on the table, ultimately signing a two-year, $31 million deal with the Arizona Cardinals. The move reunites Watt with former Houston wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. Perhaps more importantly, Watt will join Chandler Jones on the Arizona defense. Since 2012, Watt and Jones rank first and second in the NFL in sacks, potentially giving the Cardinals the best pass rush in the league.

Staying in the Steel City

Ben Roethlisberger isn’t retiring just yet, nor are the Steelers going to release him. The Steelers and Roethlisberger have agreed to a new contract that will lower the quarterback’s salary for the 2021 season, giving Pittsburgh a little more financial flexibility this offseason while retaining the aging quarterback. The terms of the deal were not made official, but reports indicate the 39-year-old will make $14 million this year rather than $19 million.

Willing to Listen

The New York Jets aren’t making plans to trade quarterback Sam Darnold, although they are willing to listen to offers. GM Joe Douglas conveyed that message during a video call with reporters on Wednesday. Douglas and the Jets are planning on evaluating the quarterbacks available in this year’s draft before making a decision about Darnold’s future in New York. With the no. 2 overall pick in this year’s draft, taking a quarterback is on the table for the Jets. In the meantime, Douglas pledged to “answer the call” if other teams inquire about Darnold.

On the Mend

Following Kansas City’s loss in Super Bowl 55, Patrick Mahomes was no doubt hurting both physically and emotionally. However, Mahomes is on track to be fine physically after undergoing toe surgery. GM Brett Veach believes Mahomes will be ready for the team’s minicamp in June following his February 10 surgery for turf toe. Mahomes played through the toe problem in both the AFC Championship Game and the Super Bowl.

On the Lamb

The list of players being released seems to be growing by the day. Thus far, Miami’s Kyle Van Noy, Minnesota’s Kyle Rudolph, Golden Tate of the Giants, and New Orleans punter Thomas Morstead are among the most prominent players to be released other than Watt. It’s expected that many more players will be cut moving forward as teams adjust to a lower-than-expected salary cap.

Still Miller Time

Denver’s Von Miller is one player with a big salary who won’t be cut this offseason. GM George Paton says that Broncos want Miller back in 2021 despite his high salary and Miller missing 2020 because of an ankle injury. However, both Miller and the Broncos are awaiting word on whether Miller will be charged with an undisclosed crime following an ongoing investigation in a Denver suburb. Miller’s status could change based on the conclusion of that investigation.