The Pittsburgh Steelers were active with moves on the first “official” day of the new NFL year. The Steelers placed the franchise tag on outside linebacker Bud Dupree. Dupree had a career season in 2019, with 11-1/2 sacks, four forced fumbles and 16 tackles for a loss. The tag means the former #1-draft choice will make at least $16 million for the coming season.
The Steelers also released linebackers Mark Barron and Anthony Chickillo, along with wide receiver Johnny Holton.
Long-time left guard Ramon Foster announced his retirement at the age of 34. Foster was an undrafted free agent who worked his way into an 11-year career.
The three cuts along with Foster’s retirement will save the Steelers nearly $15 million. The team also reworked contracts with tight end Vance McDonald and kicker Chris Boswell.
The Steelers also lost defensive lineman Javon Hargrave, who signed a three-year $39 million deal with the Philadelphia Eagles. $26 million of the contract is guaranteed. The former third-round pick of the Steelers in 2016, played in 63 games for the black and gold – making 52 starts.
The Arizona Cardinals traded for Houston wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. The Texans get running back David Johnson along with a second-round pick this year and a fourth-round pick next year. Arizona also gets a fourth-round pick. The three-time Pro Bowl receiver has three years remaining on a five-year $81 million contract. The 28-year old Johnson was an All-Pro in 2016, but has battled injures since that season.
Buffalo acquired Minnesota receiver Stefon Diggs in exchange for four draft picks – including a first-round selection.
Prior to the trade, Minnesota announced a two-year contract extension for quarterback Kirk Cousins.
The Las Vegas Raiders have agreed to a contract with free agent quarterback Marcus Mariota, formerly of Tennessee.
The Cleveland Browns have signed free agent right tackle Jake Conklin to a three-year $42 million deal. The former first-round pick has played the past four seasons with Tennessee. The Browns also signed two-time Pro Bowl tight end Austin Hooper, who has been with the Atlanta Falcons.
After the signing of Hooper, the Falcons sent two draft picks to the Baltimore Ravens for tight end Hayden Hurst.
Other top players who received a franchise tag Monday: Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott, Tennessee running back Derrick Henry, Cincinnati wide receiver A.J. Green, Kansas City defensive tackle Chris Jones and Tampa Bay linebacker Shaq Barrett – the league leader in sacks for 2019. The move means that Buccaneers quarterback Jameis Winston is heading into free agency and likely to another team. In total, 14 tags were made by teams Monday.
The NFL will hold its draft in April – but will do so without public events. The event, set for April 23rd thru 25th will be using a modified format yet to be finalized. It will still be televised.
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