With the start of the NFL preseason right around the corner, teams are making decisions about many players on the roster. Monday was the deadline to sign franchise-tagged players to extensions, and that led to big announcements.
There will be many roster moves coming over the next number of weeks, but a particular position tends to get hit hard at this time of year.
Here is a look at some of the biggest NFL betting news over the past few days.
In No Rush
It’s the running-back position that’s always been undervalued by many teams. That’s never been truer than this season, where a trio of very good running backs were franchise-tagged by their respective teams, and none are getting extensions to their contracts.
NFL Saquon Barkley of the New York Giants, Las Vegas Raiders’ Josh Jacobs and Tony Pollard of the Dallas Cowboys will all be “forced” to play under the tag this season. While each player is crucial to their team’s success, they don’t rate long-term deals as of now.
It’;s a $10.091 million salary “given” to each during the 2023 season, provided they play. Pollard is the only one of the trio who signed a deal, though Barkley and Jacobs are expected to get that done at some point. Back to Pollard, as the Cowboys are 14-1 (+1400) to win the title, according to Super Bowl LVIII odds by BetUS Sportsbook.
Barkley and Jacobs are not expected to arrive at training camp on time. They aren’t subjected to fines since they haven’t signed. They will obviously miss paychecks if they sit out games, but that doesn’t figure to happen.
Las Vegas and New York did make attempts to sign their rushers, but those negotiations were not fruitful.
Hopkins to Titans
Wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins has been spending the last few weeks meeting with various teams. He finally made his decision. Hopkins will be signing a two-year pact with the Tennessee Titans, and he could earn $15 million this season.
The 10-year veteran has huge numbers throughout his career and now slides into the number one target in Tennessee. Posing with Derrick Henry sort of ended Hopkins’ new team suspense.
The Arizona Cardinals released Hopkins in late May since he came with a cap hit of more than $30 million. Arizona wasn’t willing to pay that to a player while the team is rebuilding.
Hopkins has some experience with members of the Titans’ staff. Coach Mike Vrabel. Vrabel was the defensive coordinator with the Houston Texans while Hopkins had some of the best seasons.
Tennessee’s second choice (+330) to win the AFC South, as per NFL division odds.
Engram Stays Put
Tight end Evan Engram is remaining with the Jacksonville Jaguars, agreeing to a three-year deal valued at more than $41 million ($24 million in guarantees).
Jacksonville “tagged” Engram after the sides couldn’t come to terms, but the negotiations were continuing, Engram is a huge part of the offense in Jacksonville and will provide stability to a team that’s improving.
Engram had the best season of his career in 2022, setting new career highs in catches (73) and receiving yards (766), also with four touchdowns with the team.
Engram was initially drafted by the New York Giants in the first round back in 2017..
Friedman Suing Commanders
Jason Friedman, a former vice president of the Washington Commanders, has sued the team and one of its attorneys, claiming defamation. Friedman has requested a jury trial, and is seeking over $7.5 million in compensation.
Back in March of 2022, Friedman testified against the Commanders, accusing the team of financial improprieties. Friedman spent 24 years in the organization, beginning in ticket sales. Washington fired Friedman back in 2020.
While this is happening, the league owners meet this week, looking to approve the sale of the club and ending the long, unpleasant tenure of Dan Snyder. It’s a group led by Josh Harris that’s expected to spend $6 billion to buy the team.
