NFL Analysis
3/3/24
8 min read
14 Top Takeaways from 2024 NFL Combine
The NFL Scouting Combine is one of the highlights of the league’s calendar, bringing together executives, coaches, scouts, agents and media for what has become an annual league-wide convention.
Another combine is in the books, so let's delve into some of the buzz from Indianapolis as we face an offseason full of chaos ahead:
14 Takeaways from 2024 NFL Combine
Bears Want to Trade Justin Fields Before Free Agency
The overwhelming belief at the NFL Combine was that the Chicago Bears plan to use the No. 1 overall pick on USC QB Caleb Williams and trade Justin Fields.
Chicago GM Ryan Poles said the team has kept Fields informed about all developments. Trading him before free agency would be preferable if that's the direction the Bears choose. This strategy makes sense because waiting longer could result in other quarterback options being filled, potentially diminishing the return in a trade.
The real question on everyone's mind is how many teams are truly interested in trading for Fields? The acquiring team would need to decide on his $25 million fifth-year option, and Fields is already eligible for an extension. That means a team would get him on the expensive side of his rookie deal.
Chiefs Working Hard To Sign Chris Jones
The Kansas City Chiefs have been diligently working to secure a long-term deal with DT Chris Jones before he becomes a free agent later this month. There is mutual interest on both sides to find common ground, and there is a sense of optimism that they'll reach an agreement.
Chiefs Would Trade L'Jarius Sneed for a Second
The Chiefs placed the franchise tag on CB L'Jarius Sneed intending to trade him if the two sides fail to reach a long-term deal. Talks have not appeared to be close, and Sneed’s agent has permission to seek a trade.
The belief is that a second-round pick would get it done, which is the same compensation Kansas City received in 2019 when it franchise-tagged DE Dee Ford and then traded him to San Francisco.
>>READ: Tag and Trade Spots for Sneed
Bucs Want Baker Mayfield Back, But ..
There's no denying that the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Baker Mayfield had a great first season together and would love to continue their relationship. However, Mayfield finds himself in a strong position as he's set to become a free agent, and the quarterback franchise tag ($38,301,000) is too expensive for Tampa Bay.
Negotiations have been ongoing, but there's still a lot of work to be done. If another team expresses serious interest in Mayfield, things could get quite interesting. That would increase Mayfield leverage..
If no other team is willing to offer a significant deal, similar to how Seattle felt last year with Geno Smith, then Mayfield will need to lower his asking price. That makes it more likely the sides will reach an agreement.
>>READ: Is Baker Mayfield Set for a Huge Payday?
Could Kirk Cousins Move On From Vikings?
Kirk Cousins posted a video just before the start of the combine, showing himself dropping back and throwing, nearly four months after he sustained a ruptured Achilles. The timing of that post wasn't coincidental. Cousins and his agent have done an exceptional job over the years mastering the art of negotiation, securing eight consecutive years of fully guaranteed contracts totaling $230 million.
Cousins is set to become a free agent and there are a couple of teams, including Atlanta and Denver, that could express serious interest in luring him away from the Minnesota Vikings. Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell badly wants to retain Cousins, but there are questions about how aggressively the front office will pursue fully guaranteeing a multi-year deal.
Brian Burns, Tee Higgins Are Tag-and-Trade Candidates
The Carolina Panthers and EDGE Brian Burns have been far apart on a deal for more than a year, and it's difficult to see much changing. Carolina has a new person in charge of negotiations — Brandt Tillis, who came over from Kansas City. But there's still work to be done to bridge the gap.
Meanwhile, WR Tee Higgins has been a player of interest for more than a year, especially with the Cincinnati Bengals already committed to Joe Burrow on a $55 million per year contract and soon needing to negotiate a deal with Ja’Marr Chase worth $30-plus million per year.
I'm not ruling out the possibility of a trade involving either of those players if the right offer arises.
>>READ: Top-100 Free Agents
Christian Wilkins Unlikely To Get Tagged
Several people mentioned to me that the Miami Dolphins are unlikely to use the franchise tag on DT Christian Wilkins. That is a bit surprising considering his impact on the field and in the locker room, as well as the fact the sides have been discussing a long-term deal for more than a year.
This doesn't necessarily mean it's the end for Wilkins in Miami. However, he could become one of the most coveted players on the market unless Miami has a last-minute change of heart regarding the tag.
Pittman, Johnson, Madabuike Contract Talks Ongoing
The Indianapolis Colts and WR Michael Pittman Jr., the Bears and CB Jaylon Johnson, and the Baltimore Ravens and DT Justin Madubuike all have been engaged in active discussions on long-term contracts. The teams want to reach an agreement before the tag deadline on March 5. Expect all three negotiations to go down to the wire.
Michael Onwenu Will Represent Himself
New England Patriots impending free agent offensive lineman Michael Onwenu terminated his agents late last month and informed all 32 teams that he'll represent himself in negotiations.
The former sixth-round pick started 56 games in his four years with New England and is expected to have a strong market. However, it's always interesting to see how a player fares without a certified agent in free agency and how it might impact negotiations.
Will More Players Follow Harrison's Lead?
Ohio State receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. decided not to participate in the combine or his school’s pro day. Instead, he's focusing on training for the NFL and preparing for his rookie year, foregoing drills such as the 40-yard dash that other prospects are prioritizing.
Harrison clearly has the leverage to make this decision because he's considered the top receiver on nearly every draft board. This approach reflects the mindset of the new generation of players, who recognize the business aspect of the NFL, especially with their prior experience with NIL.
Harrison understands that he doesn't necessarily need to go through the traditional draft process, including meetings and combines, only to risk not being in peak football shape for rookie minicamp.
"It might be unconventional, but I guarantee you that once he hits the field with other NFL players, he'll be fully up to speed. He’ll hit the ground running," said one scout.
It wouldn’t surprise me if more players start doing the same in years to come.
>>READ: The 33rd Team's Draft Big Board
Steelers Might Churn Wide Receivers
Allen Robinson is a potential cut candidate due to his cap number exceeding $10 million, but the Pittsburgh Steelers would prefer to retain him at a reduced salary. Team officials met with Robinson’s representation in Indianapolis.
Meanwhile, Diontae Johnson will be an intriguing name to monitor on the trade market this offseason.
Darren Waller's Situation in Flux
A few people mentioned to me that the New York Giants reached out to agents of impending free agent tight ends, which was interesting considering they already have Darren Waller. Then, Ryan Dunleavy of the New York Post reported that Waller is contemplating retirement, a report that Waller later confirmed in a text. That's something worth keeping an eye on.
The Tush Push Is Here To Stay
There has been discussion for more than a year about the future of the "tush push" — or "The Brotherly Shove,” popularized by the Philadelphia Eagles. NFL executive Troy Vincent confirmed that it's likely here to stay.
"Don't penalize a team that strategically executes it well," Vincent said.
Six Free Agents Drawing Big Interest
The 33rd Team will do a deep dive on free agency later this week, but here are some under-the-radar names who should do well on the open market after some conversations with agents and personnel executives:
- Rams G Kevin Dotson
- Texans EDGE Jonathan Greenard
- Broncos C Lloyd Cushenberry
- Ravens LB Patrick Queen
- Commanders S Kamren Curl
- Rams C Coleman Shelton
